Tuesday, September 8, 2020

The Ferals

Getting used to this lonely life and I am doing OK.

We are not allowed to have dinner parties anymore so, for company, I invited the Feral family. No fancy dinnerware needed and no fine glasses; melamine will do fine.  MissTea is waiting on the grill and she brought her grumpy face with her.  She doesn’t like to wait. The lovely Marilyn has chosen her seat and their patient Ma Bucks, will eat their scraps when they are done.

Yes, quarantine is playing with my mind. 



62 comments:

  1. I miss my ferals. Used to feed them every day out my kitchen window. Now they they are building in the lot next door the ferals can no longer get there. This lonely life is driving me nuts. I miss my friends and my family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, Mary, we all feel the same way. Everyday, I force myself to try to stay positive, and sometimes it works. I don’t miss things; I don’t miss going out and about; I just miss people I love.

      Delete
  2. Loving your blooms - and your ferals. It doesn't take much to mess with my mind these days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My mind is very delicate these days also, Sue. The virus, this crazier than ever world and all the sadness is so hard to take in day after day. My cats comfort me and sooth my nerves. I am so grateful to have them. Petting an animal does more good than taking a pill.

      Delete
    2. MUCH more good. The garden and the cat keep me sane(ish).
      Hugs to you.

      Delete
  3. Hi, Arleen!

    It's great to see an update from you, dear friend!

    You have a lovely deck with handsome containerized plants and flowers, outdoor furnishings and lush wooded surroundings. I admire you for sharing your space with those three ferals. All cats wear a grumpy face. Perhaps to them a grumpy expression is their way of smiling. I am sure they appreciate the food and comfort you provide. Mrs. Shady and I have a stray living on our screened lanai. The poor thing tested positive for feline HIV and therefore must remain separated from other cats. I named our feral pet Tuxedo because he is black with a white vest and white feet that look like dressy white shoes. He is a well mannered kitty and we love him.

    Arleen, I am experiencing the same thoughts and feelings as we grind our way through this incredibly difficult period of prolonged isolation and uncertainty. With the ongoing pandemic threat and the tense, volatile state of the union leading up to the most crucial election in modern times, 2020 is by far the most challenging year I have ever known. Let us hope that by year's end we can all breathe a little easier..... for more reasons than one.

    Stay safe and well and enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Arleen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Shady, most cats look indifferent and/or grouchy. We know that is just the way they are made, but not who they are. I love my ferals
      and I love that they picked me and my home to hang out.

      I wonder now what next year at this time will look like. The world is forever changed and what will happen in November will matter more than anything since 1776.

      Delete
  4. How lovely all the flowers make your porch. How sweet the three "strangers" have their own bit of territory and wait for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not quite strangers, but friends. Every morning their noses are pressed against the window waiting for us to feed them.

      Delete
  5. Good to see you posting. That looks a lovely spot to be in Lockdown with the felines around you. I love your pot plants. Goodness knows when this is all going to end. I know we are so lucky down here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are very fortunate to live in your lovely country, Susan. It has been a very difficult year for us on many fronts.

      Delete
  6. I miss having a cat around. Since our Freddy died I couldn't bring myself to get another. I love the way they just mooch around waiting for the next meal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, they are mooches, but they give us something to do and care for, and we are suckers for creatures in need. You have your lovely Billy and I am so happy that he has given you much joy.

      Delete
  7. Your video is so cute!!! Those kitties look well fed. I hope they keep the mice aways as well. I'm envious of your flowers--Gorgeous with a capital G! I went a little less dramatic this year as I got a late start. Less to clean up as we get colder!!

    My daughter has a lot of feral cats in the alley behind her house. One of the neighbors built a small shelter for them, which is nice given our cold weather. They do okay without scraps which would probably attract much worse!

    Hang in there. I'm trying to keep my grocery shopping and errands down. We only socialize (as in having them up to the lake for the past three summer holidays) with our kids and grands, but I still keep a good distance away. I know its very easy for them to have the virus and perhaps not even know it. We have friends who continue to go out to restaurants, I just don't feel it's the right time. Actually, with my asthma, I'll probably be cautious forever! I'm going to need a few hobbies!

    Take care, my friend!

    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They gift us w with mice every now and then. I have tried to save them also.

      Because of the cold spring, I planted late also. We had plenty of rain so everything grew large. Nice now, but more difficult next month when it will be time to remove them. I will take many cuttings and root them for next years gardens.

      We get to see family at a distance and take very few chances outside our bubble. People tell us we are too strict but in order to see loved ones, even at a distance, we must stay as safe as possible. I don’t want to put anyone in danger. I know of a case where that happened.

      Delete
  8. No worries, hmmm? I was adopted by a feral cat about 5 years ago ... He showed up and I was there and he chose me and the rest is history. His name is Theo. He still is terribly shy with anyone else. But he trusts me to many more degrees and I love him so. Always, cat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that, cat. Being adopted is joyful. Having someone and something to love, keeps the world going. Theo and you are lucky to have found each other.

      Delete
  9. How beautiful your party looks with all of the gorgeous flowers.
    I see that your guests wore their finest furs for the event...even Miss Attitude.
    Sweet video 🐈

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They dress to impress and thet are always well groomed.
      These are classy cats.

      Delete
  10. My daughter calls me "The Crazy Hummingbird Lady," because I have three feeders and watch them for hours. I always loved them, but COVID has me lacking alternatives. Sadly, my hummers are about to fly south for the season. Then what?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I know how you feel Liza. I always feel honored and excited when I see a hummingbird. They are always a welcome visitor.

      I do worry what I will do in the fall when gardens and outside life are minimal. I started my seedlings when Covid started and it has taken me through spring and summer. What now?

      Delete
  11. Replies
    1. They are, Jules.

      My world this year has not gone much further than my back yard so I am stretching to find something to talk/write about.

      Delete
  12. You have good taste - we have the same table and chairs out on the deck. That was so cute with your ferals. I know this Covid is playing with everyone's minds. You know what I do have - mama squirrel went into our grill and had three babies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love, love, love this comment, Sandi. You are doting on baby squirrels and I am caring for feral cats and trying to save the creatures they bring to me. It just shows that no matter how dark this world looks now, love, caring, and empathy is still going strong.


      My dining set is from Costco. We bought it about five years ago, and lord knows how I got it out on my deck. It weighs a ton. Unfortunately, even though it is covered up in the winter, some of the tiles have broken. Costco will take it back but there is no way we will ever be able to to get it off the deck to return it. Doesn't really matter now since it is just us and the cats.

      Delete
  13. I'm glad to see you Posting even tho' Quarantine is messing with ya my Friend. I think it messes with us all to varying degrees. We Adopted some Ferals the last Acreage we had owned in a Historic Neighborhood where strays abounded. I had a place that would spay/neuter them if I could catch them and then release after sterilization. Then we let them live out their lives on our Property which had several Outbuildings and they kept the Rodent Population down as well as supplemental feedings. They got along with our Pet Quality Cats, but sadly, in Arizona a lot of the Wild ones spread the Feline Leukemia, which isn't curable. I do miss all those Fur Babies who Adopted us, but am glad we now live on Acreage again in a Community that takes care of their Animals and doesn't abandon them to the Streets. Too many Alley Cats started out as Pets, too many Ferals are then born to those Cats, it's a tough way of Life for the poor things and hard on the local Wildlife too as they hunt and kill a lot of Indigenous animals. So I am conflicted about the populations of unfortunate Pets people have discarded... they have a right to Life, but it's so irresponsible of the Humans that created their situation. They really rely upon kind Souls such as yourself to help them survive now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The ladies have been living on my deck and under my deck for six years. We have only lost one, the lovely Circle, last year when she chocked on something and when we tried to help her, she ran into the woods, never to be seen again. It was very sad. All were checked for feline leukemia and were negative. They will probably outlive us. My neighbor promised us that, if necessary, she would take over their care.

      Many animals are “dropped off” in the farmland around me. Many do not make it on these country roads.

      Delete
  14. I'm fortunate, I guess, in that my normal day to day routines haven't changed. I live a very quiet, private, hermit-like lifestyle...by choice...just me and my two furry best mates.

    Take good care, Arleen...enjoy your four-legged furry ladies. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The goal is to be content with one’s life. You always seem very satisfied with your choices, Lee.

      I hope you have a beautiful spring weekend.

      Delete
  15. My problem is keeping the feral cats and foxes away from my array of bird feeders!
    Sometimes, in the mornings, there are bird feathers spread across the lawn...
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s never knowingly novaturient Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I know that can be a problem. Our cats are so well fed that they don’t seem to go after birds. They are seldom off our deck or front porch. We occasionally find the left over head of a mouse.

      Delete
  16. Arleen, Your beautiful deck and garden should be featured in a magazine! You have exquisite taste from your lovely flowering plants, greenery, and furniture complete with a plush outdoor rug. No wonder your devoted ferals never want to leave you in your private paradise. I'm sorry it's been such a sad time for you. We can't give up hope that things will get better in November.

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Julie. The rug is not so plush as it is made out or recycled plastic bottles. They are called Mad Mats. They are perfect for outside and so easy to clean.

      I worry everyday about November and what will become of os as a country. I will be sending my vote in on the same day that I receive it and then trace it to make sure it is counted.

      Delete
  17. I love your garden and elegant deck. A grand place to spend summer and when the cat family comes to visit it gets even more interesting. We all miss close contact with family and friends but animals can go a long way towards making us less unhappy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Friko. I do love my outdoor and indoor pets and I am thankful to them for the comfort that they give me. I know adoptions of pets has gone up substantially since Covid and I recommend it highly. Caring for a cat is very easy and they “are usually” very loving creatures.

      Delete
  18. Dear Arleen, what a lovely porch with so many flowers to lighten your heart and brighten your eyes. As to your mind--well, I think anyone who sees the personality of cats is someone who appreciates the great variety of life and the wonder of all who enter within our being. How fortunate the three of them are to have you! Peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so enjoy growing plants and flowers. I was helped and hurt by Mother Nature, but that is always the case. No matter what was heaped upon the gardens, they hung on and produced. Some didn’t look as pretty with scared foliage and now, as the summer ends, they seem to be showing their best blooms and smiling into the sun. I often see the ferals sleeping among them and enjoying the shade that they give them.

      Delete
  19. dear Arleen your porch is such a perfect and beautiful place to enjoy view and weather :)))
    thank you so much for sharing the glimpse so now i can imagine when you sip your coffee :)

    the way your cute cats choose place to sit made me smile :)
    more blessing to you and family my friend !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bali. You alway post such lovely and interesting pictures of your home also.

      Delete
  20. It's kinda hard being a "people person" when we can't spend much time with people, isn't it? Since Mike went into the hospital, I've spent an inordinate amount of time on the telephone. In the past, I was never much of a fan of yakking on the phone, but it's been an absolute Godsend for me these days. Even talking and laughing with someone on the phone beats the heck out of not talking to anyone at all. Plus, my daughter and her hubby have been visiting every week. They've been awesome, and spending time with them helps keep me sane.

    And my cats. They've been even cuddlier than usual, and having them crawl all over me while purring and licking keeps a smile on my face. They will NOT be denied. If they wanta be cuddled, they WILL be cuddled. (Thank God!)

    Hang in there, kiddo. We're gonna make it through all of this mess. I'm sending a great big virtual hug your way. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that Covid has brought back “phoning” again. Phonesnare the #1 item that people have, but the one feature that they use the least is actually talking to each other. We live in a world of thumb connection and texting is how we communicating. I have to admit, I use it often for quick answers. Since March, I have gone “old school”, and am talking much more on the phone because the sound of another’s voice is so needed now. I can hear sadness, fear, joy and, empathy in a person’s voice that no emoji could replace.

      I know you carry around a great deal of pain, dear Susan, and am so glad to read that your daughter is a frequent visitor. Mother-daughter talks are healers. Your attitude and the positive way that you look at life will help get you through the tough times. You are very special to me and others who write in this land of blog.

      Delete
  21. I love your feral cats! They are beautiful and I know they love you. Cats are such special creatures and I love them all so much. You are so sweet to take care of them.

    This pandemic is difficult in many different ways. I know we didn't expect it to last this long at first. Now I wonder when it will end. I do think all the many kind bloggers help a lot especially since we don't see many people these days. You take care and enjoy those cats!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh yes, Bonnie, I have met many wonderful, kind bloggers and I know I can always come here for support. We are all going through the same horrible thing and many have lost so much. I try not to complain too much because my life is not that bad. I have been blessed with much love and that is all I really need.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you for your sweet words Laurie. I never left Blogger, but cut down my writing to once a month but I do read other’s posts and comment most days (except weekends). I do not ever want to give up my connection with the kind and encouraging people I have met here.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Quarantine is playing with all of our minds. I've been writing about Pep and Nessie getting married and no one thinks that's odd. Of course, people may think it's odd, but are too gracious to tell me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so funny, Carol. As our lives have become smaller during Covid times, there is less to talk about. As I look out the window, I see the squirrels running up and down the trees. How do I make that into a post?

      Delete
  25. Yes, we love our ferals too. Having been here since 1985, we have watched generations of ferals (cats, possums, raccoons, etc.)grow up in our yard. There was a time that we would take the kitty mamas to be fixed and the babies to be adopted, but that was when we were younger. Now, we simply make sure that the ones that end up in our yard have food, water, and a safe place to rest. Our kids and grandkids have grown up being entertained by the backyard wildlife.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that is close to what we have done also, Rian. Our wildlife is very important to us and give us joy. We look forward every spring to all the new life that appear. We have made sure, though, that there won’t be any more kittens.

      Delete
  26. True..... quarantine is playing with everyone's mind.

    ReplyDelete
  27. It is not just you. Ferals would not survive coyotes here.

    My gr-daughter and I sorted through stuff that had been tossed into the second brm. She is 14.5 yrs, freshman in HS. I have kept the door closed for ages and cleaning it was therapeutic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have cars that drive at 60+MPH in our winding country road (35 MPH) that get many of the animals around here. My feral family seldom leave my yard, woods or deck and have been able to have the good life for 6 years.

      That is funny that I received your comment right after I came up from the basement after doing some cleaning out myself. It has been an ongoing job for about 15 years.

      Delete
  28. Sometimes the neighborhood cats are the only other "people" I talk to during the day except for my husband... Thanksfully I do get out (part time job, grocery shopping), but I do miss my friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have all found out during this pandemic that it is the people in our lives that is most important. Loneliness is so very hard.

      Delete
  29. I was glad to see you had stopped by....it's always so nice to hear from you, love to get your comments! Thank you for your clothesline story. I loved hearing everybody's stories! Hope you are doing great.

    ReplyDelete
  30. At least it is playing with your mind and not torturing it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Cute post. Your patio garden is beautiful. I'm sure the feral cats enjoyed the dinner ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Yes, the feral cats and kittens entertain us also. The kittens love the pumpkin out front and climb in and out of it as well as sit on the top. Life in nature goes on... despite covid (thank goodness).

    ReplyDelete
  33. I had to laugh ! I also thought your garden looks absolutely beautiful - so elegant. I imagine you having a lovely view from that deck.

    ReplyDelete