Wanderlost
Texas Hill Country
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Joined: 10/29/2004
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Yesterday and the day before, we watched Spot doing the Fosbury Flop, as he chased butterflies. He's becoming positively athletic, a huge change from his tom cat style stroll. He even ran up a tree!
A doe came up yesterday and I fed her. Then I realized it's not Mama Doe Lassie, but a doe who looks and acts very much like her -- might be siblings or MDL raised her. When she didn't nuzzle me as MDL does, and was very leery of Spot and I, I should have figured it out. But I didn't, until MDL walked around the corner. Luckily, only MDL was here for today's feeding. We're not going into the herd feeding business.
Back to handing lights up to WLToo on the roof. Later, y'all.
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." -- Mahatma Gandhi
Czarny, black cat
Rainbow Bridge: Spotacus, Alexander the Grrreat, and so very many more
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Wanderlost
Texas Hill Country
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Gallop! Gallop! Skitter, skitter, blomp! Gallop! Gallop! Leap! Blomp! Leap! Ruuuunnnnnn!!!!
Spot treated us to more Fosbury Flops the last week, as he chased butterflies and pretty much anything that moved. He's in serious dashing about mode. Nice to see him working off all the food he eats.
Unfortunately, Alex is not so happy with Spot's energy. Alex can play about a minute or two, then needs to rest. Spot doesn't understand that, so a lot of human intervention is necessary.
The weather's so nice, though, that Spot can play outside as long as he likes, while Alex naps in the music room.
One of the hummingbirds hovered in the open door a little while ago, so I made more sugar water. We're due for a couple nights in the 30s early next week; I wonder if they'll take the hint and migrate, or if they'll tough it out and stay, since the weather will warm back up the rest of the week. Be interesting to see.
Mama Doe Lassie may be figuring out that we'll only feed her out of sight of any other deer. We'll watch her actions over the next few days to confirm or refute my theory.
Meanwhile, the herd has lost interest in the newly built keyhole garden plot. Next up is the deer fence around it, then we'll be ready to search out heritage vegetables and fruits with which to feed ourselves next year. We've already started putting all our compostable stuff in the garden's compost chute, as opposed to the old cement culvert on the west side of the garage. I'm sure that's made a few critters unhappy - no more treats out there.
Well, Army is playing Navy. Time to pay attention. Later, y'all.
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Wanderlost
Texas Hill Country
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We have a late season fawn showing up with Mama Doe Lassie for the corn now. He's even coming up without her. We're not inclined to feed him, though, as we don't want a buck hanging around the porch. If MDL shares her food with him, fine.
Spot is sleeping on the Christmas tree skirt, even moving packages so he can lay in his favorite spot. He's also found a few favorite ornaments for toys, which is fine. We've always reserved the lower 18" for cat-safe ornaments. But he's been standing up on his hind legs and reaching high for the more delicate ornaments, which requires a water bottle correction. Stubborn, silly boy.
I thought the cold snap would drive the three hummingbirds into migration, but no, they're still here. It's warming back up now. I think unless we get a serious cold snap in January, they'll just stay. I do still see bugs out there, so I guess the little birdies are finding enough to eat.
We dropped two deer licks near the water trough, and that little buck has tasted both. Haven't seen the others taste them yet.
It's dark, I'm tired, and Alex' body heat is burning up my leg. Gotta go.
Later, y'all.
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RTompkins3
Jefferson, MD
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Joined: 02/24/2005
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Wow! Almost 2 years since Spot entered your life! A lot of water under the bridge. I still get visions of Data from STNG when I read your posts, which I have been following since the beginning. Thank you for the glimpses into life in your part of Texas, and I hope it continues for many years to come.
Wanderlost wrote:On 18 Dec, a very large cat showed up at our house. It was late and cold, and he looked in the door and made it clear he wanted inside. Well, since we have two cats already and he was a stranger, we could not let him in the house. WLToo walked out and the cat ran to him, so he walked the cat into the garage and into the climate controlled room out there.
He was extremely hungry and thirsty, but in otherwise good condition and very clean. We fixed up a bed for him, set up the feeding and elimination stations, and went to bed.
Next day, we worked in the garage all day, while the big guy slept or supervised. We found him to be an intact male, no sign he's ever worn a collar, and he has a strong need to be in the general vicinity of humans. For an intact male, he's remarkably mellow - I don't think he was the alpha cat in his previous home.
Have had zero responses to the "found cat" notices around the area and online, so we'll be working with the local rescues to get him neutered and all his shots, then find him a home. We can't keep him because he's just too big for our two cats to share our small house. Alex would have another emotional meltdown, and I don't want to go through that mess again (long, ugly story).
For now, we're calling him Spot, not that he answers to it (does answer to "Kitty, Kitty"). No idea how he travels; we'll find out when we take him to the vet on Tuesday.
If anyone knows of someone who would like a large (about 15-18 pounds) cat who needs to be with people, please let me know. No cat novices, please; this cat needs someone who knows exactly how to handle an adult cat of this size, especially when he's feeling frisky.
![[image]](http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l188/Expatriate9666/FoundCat3.jpg)
![[image]](http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l188/Expatriate9666/FoundCat.jpg)
We're at Canyon Lake, TX, so if there are any Winter Texans nearby who would like to meet him and maybe give him a home, that would be great.
Ralph (W1KDK) and Cathy
2015 LifeStyle LS38RS 5th Wheel
HMC USN(Ret)
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Wanderlost
Texas Hill Country
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We celebrated Spot's 2-year-adopted-his-humans anniversary with a potluck dinner for our writers' group. The weather was soooo much nicer than it was the night he arrived and announced that he was cold and really, really wanted inside. The doors were open, so he and Alex got to wander in and out until the late evening. So many legs to rub against, so many guys for Spot to enjoy their company. After the party, WLToo and I cleaned up and then had to move the boys off the bed so we could get into it. We all slept like rocks.
Wednesday was somewhat cooler, but Spot still enjoyed a long patrol, returning to the house with three little bucks in tow, two born this year and the third was Solo. Not sure what was up with that, but they're still hanging around. In fact, the tiniest buck hangs around with Mama Doe Lassie so much that it's hard to feed her any corn, since she'll just let the buck have it. We don't need a buck unafraid of us or willing to walk up on the porch, so no food until she's alone.
The weather turned very windy and cold at night. I actually put on a sweatshirt yesterday; today was just a long-sleeved shirt. Tonight we have a nice fire going, then we'll warm back up and turn the heater off again. I do love winter here, where I wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts more often than not.
The hummingbirds are still here, so after the high winds yesterday required us to take the feeder down, I put it back up late last night, and there they were this morning. Stalwart little birds, the three of them. Hope they survive.
I hear some cocoa calling me. Later, y'all.
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Wanderlost
Texas Hill Country
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Back to the short sleeves and shorts. I love it here.
The hummingbirds survived the short cold snap easily, as we found out when all three buzzed us as we worked in the yard near the feeder. We do still have a variety of bugs, so they do have food.
WLToo started the annual meadow mowing. We leave it as a wildscape, mowing only once a year to scatter the wildflower seeds. It will take a few more days to get it finished, but what's done looks pretty nice. The gaps are filling in nicely. Amazing what happens when you leave Mother Nature alone. WLToo found the roadrunner's nest and avoided it, leaving some high grass and wildflowers for cover. The roadrunner stayed close to the nest and jumped back in it when the mower moved on.
No deer in the meadow today. I guess they don't like the mower. Mama Doe Lassie will probably give us the evil eye when she shows up again, since we're messing with her meadow.
The boys are being fairly lazy today, after zooming wildly most of yesterday. Alex shared my cheese for lunch, after eating his own lunch, then crashed next to me on the porch loveseat. He's eating supper now, which Spot didn't care for, so Spot got treats and headed back outside.
It's too warm to be inside. I'm going back out. Later, y'all.
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Wanderlost
Texas Hill Country
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Christmas Eve already, and we're wearing shorts still. Supposed to be chilly, windy, and if we're really, really lucky, wet tomorrow, so the hot cocoa while unwrapping presents tradition will continue.
Spot's asleep on the Christmas tree skirt, after finding two of his toys and going crazy for a while. Alex went outside on patrol for a good part of the morning, and is now asleep in my lap.
The hummingbirds are right lively today, coming to the feeder fairly frequently.
The deer are still hacked at WLToo for mowing even more of the meadow. Haven't seen anyone all day. Another couple days of mowing, and that will be done, except for the weed whacking in the spots we can't mow.
Sister, nephew, and ex-brother-in-law will all arrive in the next hour or so, and we'll break out the Glühwein, even though it's awful warm to be drinking hot mulled wine. But I love the stuff. Nephew, 14, will have hot spiced apple cider, if he wants it.
I hear a car coming up the drive. Later, y'all, and Merry Christmas!
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kokosfriend
Nashville, TN
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Joined: 09/06/2004
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Merry Christmas from the gang here!!
Barb
Barb and the 4 chocolates
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Wanderlost
Texas Hill Country
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Today both cats got their annual exam, shots, etc. They were thrilled to get back to the house. Since it's a cold and windy day, they're sticking to warm laps and beds. Test results were all fine. Alex has a slight heart murmur, but at his age, we're not going to subject him to any medical interventions. He's happy and active, so whatever he wants to do is fine.
Solo and Notch (a late season fawn with a big nick in his ear) came up to the south porch and looked in. We didn't feed them. When they figured it out, they went straight to the mineral block and chowed down, but were spooked away by a FedEx truck coming up the drive.
Our three hummingbirds are still here, still using the feeder. Boy, are they tough little birds.
We got just enough moisture in the last few days that we did not have to be on fire watch New Year's Eve for a change. The fog was so thick that most folks held off on the fireworks until New Year's Night.
Wow. Didn't realize how late it is. Got to run down to the mailbox before it gets too much darker and the temps drop even more. Later, y'all.
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Wanderlost
Texas Hill Country
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WLToo is watching his university play for the championship. Down 15 at the moment. I rarely watch college football anymore, because they never show the bands. I was a band nerd/geek, and have always felt there was no need for a football game if there was no band performing. But this one catches my eye occasionally. Good game.
When we came back from our Harley Owners Group meeting, a four-point buck was inside the fence. He ran from us, then realized the gate was open and dashed out. Mama Doe Lassie came by way too early this morning, with Notch in tow, so we didn't feed her.
Two days ago, about half of the young buck herd was in our meadow. No idea why, since we've no more grass available than outside our fence. Made wandering about outside a bit more challenging than usual, but we managed. The cats stayed inside -- they're not considered part of the buck herd.
After several gray and moist days, today's a beautiful sunny and clear day. I see boats on the lake. Would love to be out and about, but the humidity of several days attacked my sinuses, so I'm taking antihistimines and trying to stay awake.
Spot's having a snack, after going on a long midday patrol. Alex is asleep in my lap, his favorite place from late November through February.
Well, I'm dozing off again. Later, y'all.
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