Thoughts of Spring

The sun is warming up. It won't be too long before we are planning our gardens. 

The days are longer and you can smell Spring in the air.

But here in Ontario, we still have lots of snow.

And when the land is white, the wood-stove works over-time.

It's job is extremely important.  I see Ed has left his Lily so ...one more box comin' up.

I'm joining Cats on Tuesday at  http://gattinamycats.blogspot.ca/

hugs, Deb

Monday Monday

It's been one of those dull, dreary, cold Monday mornings around here. The cats were all snoozin' when the cat-sitter, that would be me, went off to finish up with two of my kitty clients, Zoie and Annie.

This is Zoie...

and her sibling, Annie

They have been a joy to care for, and for two sisters, they sure get along fine. After popping in on two tabby boys and giving them a good brushing,  it was off to the country to fill bird feeders after making sure the resident cat was pampered. I'm also caring for an 'empty' house, no cats to be found anywhere. It's too quiet there for my liking. Then I finished up with Ebony.

Easter bunnies are popping up everywhere on posts, now. It is so great to see the gorgeous Spring decorations coming out. The sun is now making an appearance and the temperature is climbing. It really does feel like the end of a long winter.

Time to take the doggy out.

hugs, Deb

an apple a day

I spent half my day on the look-out for my reading glasses. I have many pairs, but let's face it, there is always one that you favor. I found myself opening drawers and lifting lids off dishes thinking I just may find them in there. Not likely!

Then as the day wore on and I took a drive over to feed the ferals,  I stepped out of the car and saw something sticking out of the snow next to their feeding spot. 

Well, I'm sure you guessed right.

I wondered how many wild creatures were baffled as to what this was and wondering could they eat it. Can you picture the raccoons with their human-like fingers trying them on just for a laugh.

I expect they were in my pocket when I leaned over to place the food down.

Now,  I don't want anyone to tell me I should have them on a chain around my neck like some 'older' women. It's not going to happen. Nope, don't go there, nuh uh, no way. 

On to apples

When I turned 40 I suddenly became allergic to apples.
 I imagine it was the spray that was being used at that time that would cause my throat to feel like I was being strangled from behind. Nasty stuff.  I tried peeling the apple but it didn't help. For 15 years I would have to bake the apple to eat it. I wanted so badly to bite into a crisp, red Mac or a sweet Granny apple.  I would try another bite once in awhile but instantly I knew that was a mistake. Apples were everywhere and just the sight of one would frustrate me to no end.

Much like this little guy.


Then, just as suddenly, it was over. I picked up an apple one day to see if I would feel that very strange sensation in my throat and I didn't. The apple-eating marathon began. I have been eating an apple a day since.

This week I plan to bake with apples.

If you have one hour to spare, bake this cake.

It is scrumpdillyishus and you can add a dollop of whipping cream and a pinch of cinnamon on top to make it your new favorite apple cake.

Deep Dish Apple Cake
2 eggs
1 1/4c white sugar
1/2 c oil (I use olive)
1 tsp. vanilla
6 Tbsp orange juice
1 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
12 apples, pealed and sliced
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Sprinkle apples in bottom of a casserole dish with 1/4 c of cinnamon and sugar. In a bowl, beat eggs, 1 c sugar & the vanilla.
Add oil, orange juice alternately with dry ingredients.
Beat until smooth. Spoon batter all over the apples.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

When cooled, slice and serve with a dollop of whipping cream and a pinch of cinnamon on top.

hugs, Deb

The granite cup

I am anxious to see flowers blooming in the gardens again. Our little town has many amazing gardens in the summer months and daily dog walks give me a chance to enjoy them. It will be awhile before the flowers bloom in Ontario but until then the local flower shops will be kept busy.

While Audrey sleeps I can take in the beauty of this little addition to the dining-room.

When I hold this granite cup, beaten up over years of use, I am transferred back to my childhood. This cup sat at my grandmother's well for all the years I can remember.

It may be 100 years old, for all I know. The cold, clean well water would freshen you up in an instant after playing hard in the fields. It is a treasure,  mostly, because it is all that I have of hers.

  That, and her love of family, sharing tea, baking and cats.

My maternal grandmother, Mary on her 90th birthday.

I'm off to cat-sit and then relax on this dull, cold Sunday. Not a bit of sunshine in sight. It's a good day to watch a movie.

Oh, someone's up.
                                                              "I spy with my little eye....."

Have a good one.

(my grandmother's home burned many years ago. She was at her daughter's at the time. She lost everything in that fire but the granite cup sat at the well and survived.)

hugs, Deb

More bunnies

More Easter bunnies are out and about but they fear for their lives here.

I know what is safe from frisky, grey paws but a birds' nest is asking a little too much of her.

I'm just sitting things around to see what grabs her interest most.

Mmmmmm...tasty!

I think you may be safe, little bunny

Mr. Rabbit is ready to run,  if he needs to.

I expect my Easter tree this year will have to either hang from the ceiling or be on the front porch again.

 Remember last year? I tried, I really tried. I ended up gathering all the decorations and dressing up two little Easter trees at the front porch. They were kind of cute out there. Audrey was livid.;-)

The cold winds are still blowing here but that isn't going to stop me from loving the fact that March is now here. After a very busy week with cat-sitting and being Friday night, we had dinner at the Irish pub. Fish and chips for me (the best by far) and a big hunk of meat of some sort smothered in mushrooms for the retired-guy. He had a salad, too. I thought I should have one but fries won out. They always do.

Rosie's mom is home today. I think a few more days and we may have become friends but alas time ran out. So, this morning I pampered her one more time and waved good-bye as she sat and stared from her safety zone on the stairs. I hope I get another chance to care for her just to see if I can win her over.

:O) + =^..^=  = friends

hugs, Deb

a dream life

A black cat, found in a shelter many years ago, is now living a dream life.

A princess bed, only feet from the fire-place, has fresh sheets applied when needed and a basket of trinkets laid out within reach.

A window of birds to be entertained by when the lure of the comfy bed is ignored.

A feast is laid out twice daily and warmed to satisfaction.

An evening massage and cuddle-time a daily ritual.

It's a dream life for most cats.  From rags to riches.

Oh, yes... and a loving cat-sitter that spoils her even more.

Ebony

I'm joining http://camera-critters.blogspot.ca/

hugs, Deb

Welcome March

Good Morning, March. Although you are here like a lion, it will be wonderful to watch you leave like a lamb.

What do you think, Audrey?

Is it time to show off a pretty spring tea-cup and brighten up the dining-room?

(belonged to my mother) 

Of course, your beautiful eyes will brighten up any room.

"You got that right."

                                             

                                                             

Should I tell the folks you had me up at 3am because you wanted a treat? Should I tell them I didn't get up for you so you stood on my dresser and pushed off a box of earrings? I know you enjoyed that.

The weather is calm and the week has drawn to an end. I'm happy for that. I've been so busy this week. I'll be caring for a few cats this weekend but my own need some care, too so I'll be clipping nails, brushing coats and hopefully bathing a stinky dog.

It has been a fun week though getting to know new cats. To brighten it even more, Rosie joined me in her kitchen this morning.

She would meow and then hiss, meow and then hiss. I just laughed and told her she was the most beautiful black cat on the planet. She seemed to like that.

hugs, Deb