Sunshine & Shadow

It's a little cloudy and cooler today.  Nice for a morning stroll and a little meandering around the backyard.  The wind whipped through here last night, the evidence of which I found brought down the badminton net, one wasp trap, and the yard waste can, partially dumping all the tree branches we trimmed over the weekend.    No real harm done though.  Checking in here on the enchanted garden, everything looks fine.  The pincushion flowers and the clematis have recovered after a deer intruded and nipped all their heads off.   Including some of the roses.  How it managed to get in here is beyond me.  What I thought was safe temporary fencing, turned out not to be so deer-proof after all.  Quelle supris!  Considering my options again before another raid.    The Corsican mint has filled in it's little square plot nicely.  I like to run my hand over it to release the strong scent which is like no other.   It not only looks and smells wonderful but it also keeps the clematis roots damp and cool.  And of coarse, makes a wonderful carpet for frolicking fairies.

The blue spirea is sending out lovely long spires that harmonize well with the pink roses which really don't get enough sun in this corner, so whatever bloom they manage to produce makes me happy.  And at least one of us is happy.

Oh dear.

Just look at this sad face.  This rag-tag fellow has been visiting for a couple of weeks now, with little encouragement from us, other than a friendly pat and a kind word, but still I think he's decided to stay.  He's taken to sleeping on the porch now.  I'm not sure where he belongs, if his family is on vacation or if he was just dropped off in the middle of the night, but he doesn't appear to be hungry or suffering although his eyes look a little runny which has me concerned.  No collar, no tags.  We've walked up and down the street inquiring on his behalf without any luck. 

He's a mellow fellow, quite gentle and good mannered.  Seems well taken care of.   

But Miss Lily is NOT happy about this at all.  She's been in a huff ever since he showed up.   

He wants to come in, and sit on laps.  She wants to come out, and box his ears. 

Lily's strictly an indoor cat so I'm not sure how this situation is going to play out but in the meantime, she's keeping a close eye on him.   

A very close eye.

Comments

[sherry]

Great prose about the cats, so very cat-like. I hope your visitor's owners are only on vacation. He reminds me of our Smokey (who insists on being indoor/outdoor instead of a house cat.) We had an unreliable cat-sitter last year while we were on vacation--we returned to an empty food bowl and cats who had gone bumming around the neighborhood. I'll have to try the Corsican Mint around the clematis. No deer in our neighborhood, but either my husband or my son have WEEDED it three years running!

[MrsAngelena]

I just discovered your blog. Great Job!! I love it. I will be back to visit you often. The redwork patterns are beautiful. When I get finished with my sons quilt (if I ever get finished lol) I am going to try some redwork.

By the way the grey cat is beautiful! And so is Miss Lily

[Michelle]

So you dont think he's her "gentleman caller"?

[Amy]

The Corsican mint is just amazing. I'll have to add that to my plant wish list. I love the story about the cats - so cute!

[lunarteal]

"Through sunshine and shadow." Is part of my vows to my husband. We have it engraved in our rings.

Even though it's right there at our fingertips, I havent thought about it in a while. Thanks for the sweet reminder.

By the way, the garden looks lovely.

[Mrs. Staggs]

Oh dear, Miss Lilly does look a trifle bit put out doesn't she? He is a handsome fellow, perhaps he will grow on her!
I love the smell of Corsican mint and have planted some out by the pond.

[joanna]

The mint really does look like a lush, green carpet - hasn't it filled the square beautifully? I hope the owners of the grey pussy-cat return home soon - Miss Lily looks none too pleased to see him!!

[Marie]

Poor Miss Lily! I hope the handsome grey fellow grows on her. I hope he has a home or will have one with you too. :)
The Corsican mint look absolutely divine. I wonder if it does well in containers...I love it when little plants form a lush green carpet.

[Bronwen]

When aat adopts you there is nothing you can do! Welcome him to the family.

[sadira]

OH...I had the sweetest porch cat once, I named him Sweetie. He left me this last April, after quite a happy life with me (and believe it or not, my other kitties) Sometimes when they hang about, they slowly get used to each other...I hope this will be the case, as he is a handsome kitty...and they do make a lovely pair!

[victoria]

What can you do when someone adopts you? He's there for a reason and lucky to find you with your sweet yard and kind heart!
aren't you loving this weather???? I just wish the tomatoes would redden faster...

[Mama Urchin]

I love that photo of Lily in the window. You can see she's giving the invader the evil eye.

[Alicia P.]

Ooo -- new kitters -- are things any better?

[Stacey]

What a great photo of Miss Lily. I can just read her little kitty thoughts. I love the grey kitty's coat. Hopefully he meets Miss Lily's approval and they can become friends.