Finding the Cat Zen in Gardening
There’s been a lot of change since this picture… We had to remove all the hedges behind the trash bags because they were infected with white flies and could not be saved.
Hey everyone! I know I’ve been a bit sparse with blogging, visiting other blogs, and commenting lately and I’m sorry about that! Dan and I were hit with unexpected news that we needed to complete certain landscaping issues in order to be compliant with city codes and it’s taken every free minute of time (and then some) I’ve had!
It’s going to be a major project – the whole city was hit – and we’ve still got a long way to go to reach our deadline goals, but I must admit there’s been a silver lining to it all. Much as I love blogging, I’ve been spending far too much time camped out at my computer and it’s been really nice being outdoors with Dan and connecting with nature again.
Not only have I made new bird and squirrel friends (I even have one particular squirrel that landscapes with us, as he knows I will reward him frequently with peanuts) I’ve also made friends with dozens of butterflies and lizards who are thrilled with all the new plantings. We have one lizard that is so curious he actually stays near us to watch what we are doing step by step!
I’m a sucker for a squirrel looking deep into my eyes – I find them 100% irresistible and this little guy knows he has my number!
We love butterflies and are purposely planting foliage that will attract them.
The most glorious find of all – this exquisite plant not only attracts beautiful butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, but it’s called “Cat Whiskers” which I love.
Lizards have been coming out the woodwork since we’ve been landscaping. I know it sounds silly, but they actually look happy with what were doing!
The best news, it seems to have cleared my muddled head a bit of the cobwebs that have taken near permanent residency and opened doors to my creative mind that has been seriously MIA. Out of nowhere, I’ve been bitten with the urge to write and have finally begun the first step toward writing my next book. I don’t want to reveal the particulars yet, but let’s just say it’s not like anything else I’ve ever written and at some point, I will be reaching out for some help from all of you!!
The cats have been glued to the window in the guest bedroom as it allows them to see everything Dan and I have been doing in the front yard.
So thank you for your understanding – I’ve missed you all and hope everyone is well. In keeping with the outdoor theme, I thought I’d share some rare pictures of each of my kitties in an outdoor setting. We rarely let them venture out, and when we do, it’s completely supervised in our fenced in backyard. For now, their adventures have to suffice by watching the world via the wonderful view of window TV.
Mia is such a petite and graceful creature that I felt she was perfect for this quote! She loves nothing more than a palm leaf to play with!
Handsome Zee surveying the land from atop our waterfall.
Bengal cats descend from the Asian Leopard Cat and Zoey looks every bit the wild cat of the jungle in this picture!
Kizmet looking both relaxed and pensive.
Peanut and Jazmine sharing a moment together!
Rolz looks like an old soul cat in this picture…
Good luck on that project! I’m sure the city gave you plenty of $$$ to meet their mandates MOL! Great photos!!!
Good luck with your garden ! We’re looking forward to seeing the result ! Purrs
It’s odd how things can work to our advantage when, where and how we least expect it. So wonderful that you found that silver lining! Just the thought of you and Dan working side by side…in what I think an already amazing yard…makes me smile. And the photos as always, amazing!! (love the squirrel!)
I too spend way to much time in front of this computer and look so forward to the warmer weather so that I can get out and work in the yard….we both know that Mark will be on the golf course. ha!
Can’t wait to see what you’re writing….. ♥
Beautiful photos as always. I am waiting for the ground to dry out a bit so I can prepare the garden for the bedding plants. Flynn is always out there with me supervising.
Hope things are goin’ well and you get everything up to snuff in no time. Everypawdy looks gweat. Have a pawsum weekend.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Such a big undertaking…but we bet it will be beautiful when done. The flowers are so pretty!
FYI, we subscribe to your blog via email and for some reason lately, the email goes to our spam folder. Even though we mark them as not spam, they continue to go there. Don’t know why this is happening.
Your landscaping looks marvelous – we love the cat’s whiskers too!
LOVE the beautiful colors, and all the green. And the fact the cats have a wonderfully beautiful safe place to be outside!
Those are great pictures. I too, love to work outside. I have been doing some myself. It is so nice to be outside rather than shut up in the house.. Have a great Sunday.
I love the photo of the Cat Whiskers plant because I’ve never seen one! Actually, the lizard, butterfly and squirrel photo are also especially beautiful. Nothing surpasses the kitties themselves though! Enjoyed this post–you are so right–we need to re-connect with nature and get away from the technology. It can serve a purpose but there is nothing like being with Mother Earth.
Hope that you meet your deadline and that the outdoor critters are happy with their newly landscaped home!
I had to look up whiteflies, and they sound like a terrible pest. So sorry you had to lose a whole hedge to them! I admire how you can look at what some people would simply see as a onerous task as an opportunity to spend time outside with Dan. There’s always a silver lining (not to be confused with a white fly!).
So beautiful. What a lovely space for you, and for the cats, too!
Wonderful photos. I am glad you are finding zen in the garden. I would find it pure torture, I would much rather be inside with the kitties.
guys…yur mom doez knot knead ta apolgize….stuff iz & sum times itz
even mor…..& even we due knot understand THAT ree mark…..itz grate
ta get out doorz & see snax a plentee { lizardz } N joy sum fresh airz & sun
shines & we hope yur mom & dad iz happee with de new look….conga ratz
two her on findin her writn muze again !!! we iz lookin for werd ta heerin mor
bout it !! ♥♥♥
Those photo’s are absolutely gorgeous! You already know how much I love your cats. You’re so lucky to be able to see those magnificent outdoor creatures and connect with them. The new flowers are the best. It’s good you’re getting ones that attracts butterflies and the rest. Be sure and never run out of peanuts for your squirrel buddy, he’ll be upset! lol Being able to work with Dan and connect with nature is very healing. Computers sometime seem like they take hold and don’t let go! Can’t wait to see more of your progress.