Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Summer Wishes
As winter drags on and spring seems out of reach I’m already wishing for summer so I can revel in the garden
soak in the sunshine
and rest in the shade by the stream.
For Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge, Summer Scenes.
~ Susanne
Moments with Benji
I heard him singing from the landing this morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed.
“What are you doing up there Benji?” I asked.
“I’m bored, Sue. There’s nothing to do.”
“Why don’t you go outside and play?”
“Too cold, Sue.”
“But you had a great time yesterday and it’s no colder now than then.”
“But remember I didn’t stay out long. When’s the weather going to get better anyway? I’m tired of it.”
“I know the feeling Benji. But we just have to wait. Springtime is coming. In the meantime you can join me in my office but stay off the keys please.”
“Of course, Sue.”
~ Susanne and Benji
Winter Clouds and Fragrant Blooms
I was working on another post when I looked out my office window and saw clouds exploding against the blue sky. There were birds singing and a sweetness in the air as I walked to the end of the street to enjoy the show.
Even as I watched, the clouds seemed to soften and subtly change their form.
Upon my return I found the source of the sweet scent – Sarcococca – Sweet Box.
This hearty shrub, neglected by me all year long, emits the most wonderful fragrance from its tiny blossoms.
A sweet foretaste of spring.
~ Susanne
Chihuly Bridge of Glass and Union Station
Wow, who knew?? Yesterday we went to the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, but I’ll save that museum for another post. Because right next door were beautiful works of Chihuly glass and I’d like to share that with you first.
The pedestrian Bridge of Glass connects the State History Museum and Union Station to the Museum of Glass, and is decorated with artworks by Tacoma native and internationally renowned artist, Dale Chihuly.
The striking Crystal Towers – actually made of plastics – dominate the bridge but there are plenty of other artworks to be seen from the walkway, including the Seafoam Pavilion overhead,
and the Venetian Wall, displaying 109 Chihuly sculptures.
All are free to the public. (The Museum of Glass, where you can witness live glassmaking and even make your own glass is not.)
I decided to head next to historic Union Station – opened in 1911 and now a federal courthouse – for a look inside,
and was surprised to find more Chihuly glass including a magnificent chandelier hanging from the dome.
I trust it was safely secured and took this picture from underneath, looking straight up.
And in case you didn’t know there’s another Chihuly Museum, in Seattle near the base of the Space Needle Chihuly Garden and Glass. I intend to visit that one sometime this year; the same time as I go up in the newly remodeled Space Needle, yes the one with the glass floor. When I do, I have no doubt you’ll hear all about it.
~ Susanne
Snowy Days
WordPress tells me I’m on a roll – posting three days in a row – why not go for four? 🙂
We had the promised snow this week though not much accumulation at our place – the tiny beads of powder didn’t rise above one inch.
The streets were clear so we bundled up and headed out for a walk on the Cedar River Trail. This was the view from the car as we pulled out of the driveway.
There was still lots of color with the red twig dogwood and the gold of the weeping willows.
There were more ducks than people out so I went to say hello and startled them. Sorry boys.
It was cold and windy and snowy but we made it to the end of the trail and back home again where we warmed up by the fire.
Later on that day I captured the turbulent sky at sunset.
I think the worst is over as I see blue skies ahead today.
~ Susanne
Fern Fronds Unfurling
Is there anything that heralds spring in the Pacific Northwest more than fern fronds unfurling?
After a week of cold and snowy weather I’m ready.
Halfway there! 🙂
For Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge, Spring Scenes.
~ Susanne
The Changing Color of the Anna’s Hummingbird
I replenished the feeders yesterday so the nectar was fresh and plentiful during this week of snowy weather.
I watched the first hummingbird hover nearby – apparently for a good look at me – before swooping in dressed in camouflage of green and black. (Not the best picture but I wanted to show you how he looks incognito.)
And then a flash of color,
and a drink.
Heads up, another glance, and a color change to brilliant pink – or is it fuchsia?
Time for another drink and he’s mostly green and black again.
Heads down, heads up,
The beautiful Anna’s Hummingbird – I never get tired of watching him.
~ Susanne
The Unexpected Joy of Getting Outside
It’s true isn’t? There’s nothing like getting outside to give you a fresh perspective and yes, even fill you with joy! We chose to do just that before the next snow was expected to arrive, walking the lakeshore trail at Coulon Park, where there was still much color to be seen.
There were birds and ducks of all persuasions out and about
including bald eagles high overhead.
That’s the thing about getting outside – you never know what special thing awaits you.
For Cee’s New Photo Challenge, On the hunt for Joy, Get Outside.
~ Susanne
Benji’s Portfolio
“Hey Benji. Now that you’ve made it into your first calendar, I need to put a portfolio together for you. We need to be ready.”
“What’s a portfolio Sue? And ready for what?”
“Ready for the next calendar. Or contest. All models keep a portfolio of their best headshots. You’re quite the handsome cat you know.”
“You’re just saying that Sue. Who wants a picture of a cat with a cropped ear.”
“Are you kidding me Benji? You’re the most handsome cat I’ve ever had! Don’t tell Tiger I said so.”
“Really Sue? Okay then, I’ll put my best ear forward. Something like this perhaps?”
“That’s it Benji! You’re a natural!”
~ Susanne and Benji
Winter Scenes in the Pacific Northwest
Just last week I was walking along the Cedar River Trail, enjoying temperatures close to 60 degrees.
Today we have our first snow of the year. I like both.
Wet, sloppy snowflakes have already stopped falling and the thin layer that covered the ground is melting.
Snowdrops cling to aptly named snowberries
while I wait for them to drop.
Such is winter in the Great Northwest.
For Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge, Winter Scenes.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 