Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Scenes from the Oregon Coast
I woke up this morning in Florence on the Oregon Coast, arguably one of the most beautiful and accessible coastlines in America, if not the world. The past few days were overcast but the amazing sunrise over the Siuslaw River heralded a change in weather for the remaining days of our trip.
Next up were the Oregon Dunes which run from Florence to Coos Bay along the central coast. We stopped to admire the mountains of ancient golden sand and breathe in the fresh ocean air scented with forest.
And now onward to Bandon under sunny skies. I will share more pictures of the beautiful Pacific coast beaches in the next post. Until then here is a picture of Cannon Beach from a few days ago just before it was swallowed up in clouds.
The dog (not ours) didn’t seem to mind.
Susanne
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Still Brothers
This is Tiger and today is human Father’s Day. Even though I don’t know where my father is, and I am not a father, still I am a big brother to Benji. I think it is important to remember what we have instead of being sad about what we don’t have. Sometimes I complain about Benji but he is playful and full of vigor and reminds me how wonderful youth is. I am doing my best to mentor the little boy and I think he is coming along. I am pleased.
This is Benji and someday I want to be just like Tiger. He is very smart and patient with me and even though he is bigger he doesn’t beat me up when I sometimes jump on him. Also he has two good ears.
We are brothers.
~Tiger and Benji
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Soos Creek Botanical Garden
After the rain showers this week, I visited the lovely Soos Creek Botanical Garden today. It was a rather spontaneous decision, made while drinking my latte at the Starbucks next to the gym where I was supposedly headed next. But the rain had stopped. Fresh air and a walk would be better than the treadmill, wouldn’t it? Of course it would! And I’d only been to the Soos Creek Garden once before, even though it’s only a thirty minute drive down the road. Time for another visit.
A few volunteers were the only ones I saw as I walked through the Carlmas Long Borders promenade, the centerpiece of the garden. The grass was still wet and the flowers fresh with raindrops from the day before. Beautiful color exploded on each side.
Afterwards I wandered on paths through native woods, including a cedar grove and alder grove, and made my way down to the creek.
I headed back up to where I started, to the top of the expansive lawn where the Schaefer Pond Garden was peaceful and serene.
Soos Creek Botanical Garden is 22 acres of garden and woodlands, exactly the size of the Tiffany Park Woods that are currently being destroyed in my neighborhood. I guess it’s some consolation to know I can visit the lovely Botanical Garden for a safe and scenic walk in the woods.
Before leaving, I bought some plants, dropping my money in the donation box, and went home to find a place for them in my yard.
Much better than the gym I have to admit.
~ Susanne
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Snoqualmie Close Up
We took a day trip yesterday to one of our favorite local attractions: Snoqualmie Falls.
Up the road we found the river flowing deep and wide, silently through the little town of Carnation.
We stopped at Tolt MacDonald Park where the foot bridge is the best place to watch the river flow and also frames the farmland and Cascade Mountains nearby.
~ Susanne
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The Woodpecker
Today they arrived behind our house and I stood watching as the claw gripped the tree where it was thick and full of life and the saw ate through its girth and the claw hoisted it upward into the air and downward where it smashed to the ground where others lay and while I was watching I saw the bird land on the tree nearby and maybe I only imagined the panic of the small and fragile red-headed woodpecker as he climbed upward hoping this one would not come down, but I don’t think so.
~ Susanne
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Urban Logging
After years of wrangling and delays, the logging of the Tiffany Park Woods is underway. It was only last week that I took this picture after being awakened by the chain saws.
This is the same location today.
The woods are no match for the heavy equipment assembled against them. I am over it. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m pleased to see many trees around the perimeter still standing. I wonder if the select few marvel that they were chosen while those on the ash heap wonder what they did wrong.
I assume all the displaced animals have been welcomed to new homes. Refugees of sorts. It will be interesting to watch as houses go up.
Progress I guess.
~ Susanne
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The Most Interesting Cats in the World
This is Tiger, the mature one in the house. I don’t always pose like this; but when I do it will be on the most luxurious blanket I can find.
This is Benji and I agree you’re looking good for your age Tiger. But you can’t overcome youth.
~ Tiger and Benji, the most interesting cats in the world
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Rhapsody in the Clouds
Clouds. If you live in the Pacific Northwest it is likely that you have seen them, perhaps more often than you wish. But have you really seen them? Tonight I looked up and found them awesome and full of splendor.
So the next time you go outside, look up. And marvel.
~ Susanne
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Awakened by Chain Saws
It’s the beginning of the end for the Tiffany Park Woods. The logging has begun.
Honestly I didn’t venture into the woods often though others did: neighbors, dog walkers, and boys playing army. I suspect most of these grew up in the neighborhood and knew the woods like an old friend. Still, I loved knowing they were there and enjoyed the peaceful backdrop they provided to my home and others. And I appreciated the visiting birds and deer who lived there.
For the past few years many tried to have the woods preserved but to no avail. The twenty-two acres were sold and a large housing development would take their place. So we have been waiting.
Finally this morning we woke to the hum of the chain saws telling us the work had begun. The distant whine of the saws will grow louder each day until most of the woods are gone.
We’ve been promised that the trees in back of us will be retained as part of a wide buffer against the houses that will be built. We’re thankful for whatever trees remain.
But we will miss the full loveliness of the woods we once enjoyed.
~ Susanne
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Happy Monday from Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Cats
After waking up all groggy and sleepy-eyed I ended up in my office with my morning coffee for a quiet time. Tiger joined me and appreciated having the prime real estate to himself since Benji was outside. He asked for nothing more than a little love and attention which I gladly gave.
Soon contented, he sprawled out among his toys for a morning nap without fear of the little one’s harassment.
Trails
After I was revived Bob and I went for a morning walk at our favorite local park where all was cool yet sunny, vibrant, and clear.
Garden
After our walk, I visit the garden. It’s early but the herbs are already cheerful and bright and loads of strawberries have set on and should ripen soon.
Cats Revisited
As I write this it’s now Benji’s turn in the office but he prefers sleeping in the chair and that puts a big smile on my face..
and his too.
Happy Monday from Cats and Trails and Garden Tales!
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 