Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Back from NYC – A Conversation with the Cats
“We really missed you, Sue.”
“I know you did, Benji. I can tell. I missed you too.”
“You did, Sue? Honest?”
“Well, sure I did, Benji. I don’t think I saw a single cat in New York City. Lots of dogs though.”
“You’re kidding, Sue. Not a single cat?”
“Well none that I can remember. I don’t think cats like strolling in Central Park like the dogs do. And even if there was a cat, it wouldn’t have been you, Benji. You’re the best.”
“Aww, thanks, Sue.”
“What about me, Sue? Did you miss me too?”
“Of course I did, Tiger! You’re the best, too!”
“Thanks, Sue. Appreciate it.”
Back in the Pacific Northwest where despite the drizzle and gray skies, all is well.
~ from the office of Susanne and Benji and Tiger
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More Reflections, this time from NYC
Winding down from an amazing, whirlwind trip to New York City! I will have much to share in bite-sized portions in the coming days, but until bags are unpacked and memories jelled, here are a couple photos from the oasis of Central Park to tide you over.
New York, New York, it’s a wonderful town!
Susanne
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Reflecting on Still Waters
And closer to home, last week at Anthony’s Homeport in Des Moines, where we celebrated our 42nd Anniversary. Yes, a time for reflection.
For #Wordless Wednesday
~ Susanne
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Oo-la-la! A Fall Trip to Mt Rainier
On our last sunny Saturday we headed to Mt Rainier for a fall hike, and we took the Stevens Canyon entrance on the east side of the park and avoided the crowds.
The mountain was out and glorious,
and interesting clouds filled the sky. (Exactly what is that approaching the mountain with laughter proceeding from his mouth??)
We took the road less traveled through tunnels, quiet and deserted, to Box Canyon.
We had the trail mostly to ourselves.
Box Canyon is a narrow slot canyon carved by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River and the river can be seen some 180 feet below the bridge. More on that, here.
After our walk, we continued up the road, enjoying the fall color and more interesting views of the mountain,
on our way to Reflection Lakes, for one of the best photo ops in the park. (It didn’t disappoint.)
Then it was up to Paradise where the crowds were thick, and the parking was full, so we didn’t stop. No need, we’d already had our fill of awesome views.
We headed back down the mountain and left the park around 4 pm. exiting at the Nisqually entrance where the cars extended for almost 2 miles to get in!
We had lucked out.
~ Susanne
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A Riot of Color at Coulon Park
Yes, indeed, it’s that time of year.
Every few days, I’ve been visiting the park waiting for peak color to arrive. Arrive it did, yesterday.
And yes, I dressed for the occasion.
Can you guess what this week’s Sunday Stills Challenge is?
Yep, Leaves and Trees.
~ Susanne
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Happy Sunday Flowers – and my Ketchup and Mustard Rose
I recently showed you pictures of a little rosebud that overcame being planted in the wrong place in the spring, then being cut back and transplanted at the wrong time, in the middle of summer.
You may remember I was so happy to see it budding in October.
I’ve been watching it slowly unfurl revealing mustard yellow petals on the outside, and red ketchup inside.
Today I decided to cut it and add it to a vase with a few other flowers,
flowers that I extracted from a lovely bouquet my husband surprised me with earlier this week.
We are all happy together.
~ Susanne
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Let Sleeping Cats Lie
My sweet Benji.
~ Susanne
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Raindrops on Roses
This afternoon I went out to survey the garden and found little to celebrate.
Except. for. this. one. little. rosebud.
With raindrops hiding in its petals.
And that was enough.
I planted the ketchup and mustard rose earlier this spring but as sometimes happens, selected the wrong location. I cut it back and moved it later in the heat of summer.
Apparently, it has forgiven me.
We shall see.
~ Susanne
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Wild, Wild Webs and Their Inhabitants
For this week’s Sunday Stills challenge, I’m remembering the morning I went outside and saw this.
And this, as if some teenage spiders had entered for sport and tp’d* the entire yard.
I take less offense when they paper the trees with their webs, where I won’t run into them.
unlike the poor dismembered creature below, who I found in a web near my front door.
Eeek!
Sorry (not sorry) to share these images, but it is that time of year.
~ Susanne
(*Tp, as in toilet paper, a juvenile prank from long ago.)
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Seven Years Ago – First Cruise to Alaska
Facebook has been reminding me all week that it was seven years ago, the last week of September, when we went on our very first cruise, and it was to the great state of Alaska!
So for Becky’s Challenge #SevenforSeptember I went back and squared some of my favorite photos from that cruise, starting with our departure from my hometown and favorite city, Seattle.
We sailed out of the Strait of Juan de Fuca as the sun was beginning to set, and honestly it was magical.
My favorite part of the ship was the Promenade Deck where I walked alone every morning, enjoying the fresh air,
and looking for any signs of this:
The highlight of our trip was sailing though Glacier Bay.
Even though it was rainy and overcast, we loved seeing the many glaciers and baby seals resting on ice floes.
I’m hoping to go back earlier in the season and see Glacier Bay on a clear day, to catch the mountain ranges surrounding the bay, just like in the pictures, here.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 