Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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Daily Photo: Deck Rail Surveillance

black cat on railing
Mimi scrutinizes her domain.

We know Mimi belongs on the catwalk, meowdel that she is, but it’s not always to display her looks and grace. She regularly patrols the deck railing to survey her domain. We won’t say that’s because Mimi is short and things in the yard are tall, though that is true. Surely any deer or groundhog or—other cat?!—would see her majesty high up on the deck rail and understand that she owns this place. I wish the deer and groundhogs would listen to her, because they surely don’t listen to me. I’m not sure if she checks for aesthetic quality, that’s my place, and I still have some work to do.

black cat on railing
Mimi on the catwalk.

~~~

From Instagram

It’s been a long few days full of cat things, making things, and Farmers Market Sunday, but being able to come home, sit down and look at these two who hurried over to settle down with me makes it all worth it.

Lot of cuddling going on since the weather got cooler. In the shadows here.

From the garden and beyond

Now that’s a beautiful morning bouquet, and a yummy salad at lunch time.


Update: the next day, some time in the afternoon, something ate nearly all of it, along with the leaves off of most of my bean plants. The beans may have been the groundhog, though I think I’ve got her blocked, but the way the lettuce was eaten it was probably a deer. Guess I’m going to have to upgrade my fencing.

 

From around this date in past years

Mimi Through the Rhododendron, 2020

black cat under rhododendron
Mimi looking.

Typical Mimi expression. I love it.

Mimi did not read my mind this time, or really she did, but didn’t really care for my idea. That’s okay. I spent about 20 minutes photographing her while waiting for her to walk under the rhododendron branches on the stone wall. I thought it would be a cool shot. Apparently she wasn’t interested, possibly because the sun was just too delicious on her back. Instead, she gave me a range of expressions that are typically Mimi and I’m glad I caught. Like the one below. Telling me to quit with the camera already? Or yawning at the warmth of the sun?

black cat under rhododendron
Mimi yawning.

Guessing from the next few photos it was a yawn and she had a little bath and looked pretty drowsy, but never laid down.

Well, there was just too much more to watch in the neighborhood. Not compelling enough to explore, but just to sit and watch. Although, at the end, the another nap was coming on. It’s a joy to share this time with Mimi, and watch her be happy.

~~~

From Instagram

Welcome Kitty greets you with the last of the daylilies.

Welcome Kitty with daylilies.
Welcome Kitty with daylilies.

 

~~~

Carnegie’s gaggle of geese are hanging near the PNC ATM. Looking for a wealthy benefactor? Or should those humans worry they are greatly outnumbered? Also, occupying the parking lot, then slowly heading for the creek. I counted at least 75.

I did not realize this was around the time we joined Instagram in 2015! Five years, and who is the star? Scroll down to find out.

 

 

From around this date in past years

Cuddling, Not, 2019

Mr. Sunshine decides to cuddle with mom.
Mr. Sunshine decides to cuddle with mom.

Maybe your mom doesn’t want to cuddle with you right now, Mr. Sunshine. Did you ever think of that? It’s hot and she had a nice breeze from the window until you came along.

Made no difference. Mimi understands.

From Instagram

Swirled patterns.

Swirled patterns.
Swirled patterns.

 

Photos shared in past years

Tangled, 2018

Bella tangled legs.
Bella tangled legs.

It’s easy to get your legs all tangled when they are as long as Bella’s. But she’s napping so it doesn’t really matter right now.

~~~

From Instagram

This is the life.
(I finally sorted and cleared away a bunch of stuff I had stored on the deck, now we can hang out.) July 8

Mimi on the deck.

The heatwave is over.
They wiil be 11 at the end of this month and they still have to sleep in a heap like kittens at least once a day. July 8.

Four on the rocker.

If I had to lose my biggest and favoritest tree two years ago at least it’s good to see my butterfly garden/rain garden planted 25 years ago return with such joy. Spring bloom is over, summer bloom is happening, autumn bloom is getting ready.

The rain garden.
The rain garden.
Welcome home, walking toward the back yard.
Welcome home, walking toward the back yard.

~~~

From Previous Years

Wordless Wednesday: What Cats Think of Your Exciting Trip to the Farm Market, 2017

Really? No mousies at the market?
Really? No mousies at the market?

~~~

Catnip Brownies, 2016

"Did you hide the recipe for the catnip brownies?" Apparently Bella fell asleep looking through the cookbook.
“Did you hide the recipe for the catnip brownies?” Apparently Bella fell asleep looking through the cookbook.

So, why does Mimi want to know about the catnip brownie recipe?

Really, I think Bella found it, made some, and is sleeping it off.

And now I am caught up from last week’s photos! And now a couple from today. Look at Hamlet!

Look in the back to see who wanted to join the Boys' Club for breakfast today. I usually keep Hamlet and Ophelia in the bathroom for breakfast but I didn't latch the door and he let himself out, and her too. They ate a little in the kitchen, but finished back up in their room. Not the clearest photo, my kitchen has window light in the morning because it's a more restful way to start the day, but makes photographing five black cats a real challenge.
Look in the back to see who wanted to join the Boys’ Club for breakfast today. I usually keep Hamlet and Ophelia in the bathroom for breakfast but I didn’t latch the door and he let himself out, and her too. They ate a little in the kitchen, but finished back up in their room. Not the clearest photo, my kitchen has window light in the morning because it’s a more restful way to start the day, but makes photographing five black cats a real challenge.
Mimi, I know Mewsette's belly is extra soft and purr-fect for curling up for a nap, but isn't it kind of hot for cuddling? These two have been inseparable today in all combinations of cuddle that could fit on the top of that plastic bin.
Mimi, I know Mewsette’s belly is extra soft and purr-fect for curling up for a nap, but isn’t it kind of hot for cuddling? These two have been inseparable today in all combinations of cuddle that could fit on the top of that plastic bin.
Basil worked very hard this week and he's relieved to know it's Friday. I'm feeling about the same but not showing my fangs
Basil worked very hard this week and he’s relieved to know it’s Friday. I’m feeling about the same but not showing my fangs

. . . . . . .

Wordless Wednesday: Rain Again, 2015

Rain Again
Rain Again

. . . . . . .

Mimi is on Instagram, 2015
Mimi is on Instagram!
Mimi is on Instagram!

Mimi is on Instagram, because that’s where all the other cats are.

One of the things taking extra time from my schedule this week is that Mimi insisted on setting up a profile on Instagram so she could go gramming it up out there with all the other cats. Oh, what an indignity, when other cats’ photos are all over the place and Mimi is nowhere to be found! Plus, her human wanted to learn about it to help customers use it and give it a try herself. So on Monday Mimi became the first post on our Instagram account, and our profile image. I was working on a portrait on the deck, took a photo of Mimi supervising me and looking lovely with all the pink begonias and geraniums around her, set up my account, and that was my first photo post. You can find and follow us at bernadettee.kazmarski, and this is what we’ll look like:

Mimi is on Instagram!
Mimi is on Instagram!
Daily Photo: Alvin! 2015
Alvin performing.
Alvin performing.

Little foster kitten Alvin practicing for the Cuteness Award. He was the most timid of the three but is turning into a real character–after he’s named after a certain chipmunk! He’ll be ready for adoption soon.

Of course, when “Alvin” started showing me “his” belly I saw his spay scar. Surprise, Alvina!

I feel bad I’ve had very little time to share kitten photos, and they are getting to be so cute! More friendly and purring every day. Alvin was the most shy of the guys and always hid when I came in the room, frightened of my every move. But I always touched him, regardless, gently, with flower essences, and just enough not to threaten him. Then finally he started purring when I reached for him, then looked at me guardedly, then finally he began to come out for his pets—and to entertain us with his rolling around, the first time he’d every done anything like this. I’ll have more soon, I promise! If we ever get enough sunlight between the storms.

. . . . . . .

Foster Kittens: All About Theodore! 2015
Yes?
Yes?

We had a week of yucky weather, cloudy, rainy, humid, dark. I like my share of dark and rainy days, good for concentration, but not good for photos. Those days coincided with the days the kittens were still pretty timid, however, so I had no chance to miss a good photo because there was no light to capture it. Here and there as it’s brightened up, I’ve captured a few, and mostly that’s been Theodore, who was pretty relaxed from the beginning, so I have the most photos. Therefore, he gets featured first!

Theodore is solid gray and medium-haired, kind of shaggy with a lot of ear hair. I’m not sure how long his fur will grow, but it will be thick with that wonderful silvery sheen that gray kitties have. He has medium green eyes and a soft charcoal nose.

Theo in his little observation post.
Theo in his little observation post.

He has that chunky feel about his face that I always associate with gray cats: round cheeks, rounded whisker pads, softened triangular nose.

I'm looking good in the sink!
I’m looking good in the sink!

He’s quite playful, but very gentle, still kind of cautious.

I've got that!
I’ve got that!

He knows how to model his good looks though!

I can model purr-fectly.
I can model purr-fectly.

Now you get to see his profile.

Now look at my profile!
Now look at my profile!

This was one of the first photos I posted of him, still a little scared, but it shows one of his constant habits, draping paws and curling tail.

Theodore, looking grand.
Theodore, looking grand.

. . . . . . .

Daily Photo: A Day (Mostly) Outside, 2015
Good morning from the backyard. Mimi is on her improvised throne, two old chairs that someday I may do something with but for now are a trellis for vines, and an observation post for Mimi.
Mimi on her improvised throne.

I practiced a little on Instagram on Tuesday, plus I was able to work on artwork out on my deck for most of the day, so I didn’t want to come back into the (boring) computer, and neither did Mimi.

Good morning from the backyard. Mimi is on her improvised throne, two old chairs that someday I may do something with but for now are a trellis for vines, and an observation post for Mimi.

This photo gave me a few ideas for paintings too, once I get caught up!

Later Mimi supervised my work and napped on the deck, and Mewsette joined us too. While it took her a while to stop rolling around to rub the harness off her back she eventually forgot about it, especially once she found the basil.

It even happens when you're working outside. I stood up from my worktable and Mimi stepped on my chair and settled down as if she'd been there all day.
Mimi steals my chair, even outdoors!

It even happens when you’re working outside. I stood up from my worktable and Mimi stepped on my chair and settled down as if she’d been there all day.

I made her move to the rocker, and you can see what she thinks of that.
Mimi gives me the hairy eyeball.

I made her move to the rocker, and you can see what she thinks of that.

Mewsette has joined us this afternoon and of all things has found the parsley and basil--she already ate all the plants I used to have in the house.
Mewsette discovers the basil.

Mewsette has joined us this afternoon and of all things has found the parsley and basil–she already ate all the plants I used to have in the house.

What else did we enjoy on a day outside?

This is why I love to work out on my deck!

Storms have been moving through and then the sun comes out, over and over. I saw so many rainbows!

Sign of the Times.
Sign of the Times.

My phlox are blooming finally, and I could get a good closeup of drops on the petals. My smartphone doesn’t take the most balanced or accurate photos, but they are what they are.

Fresh.
Fresh.

Orange on green! Who could miss that! And the bright sunlight cast such a clear shadow of the deeply serrated edge of a strawberry leaf, and all the ribs and details. For all the details here, it’s really a very simple composition, and I really like it.

Journeys.
Journeys.
You can see more of my “other” photos on my photo blog, “Today”.

. . . . . . .

Color Consultant, 2014
black cat with pastels
My color consultant, Mimi.

“You’re using way too much green,” says Mimi as she watches me on my latest painting. “Look, you’ve got it all over your hands, and now it’s on your face, and you’re not even trying to lick it off. Humans are so messy, I don’t know how they can live with themselves. Cats would never put up with that sort of thing coating our fur like that.” I can be quite a mess after I’ve been painting for a while, I admit. With all the dark greens in this landscape painting I look rather bruised when I’m done with a painting session. I guess I don’t realize how often I touch my face, push up my glasses, push hair out of my eyes, scratch my cheek, but Mimi will let me know.

Mimi has an especially withering quality to her feline disdain, far more than Cookie or Namir or Peaches ever did, possibly because she was a mom and often treats me like an errant kitten. Aside from that she adores being in my studio. We missed the two weeks when I had no computer in there and had to work downstairs aside from the times I was specifically painting or creating something, which was coincidentally rare. Now she is waiting for me before I even lay out all the boxes of pastels.


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AfterDinnerNap-Etsy

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The art print and greeting card design.
The art print and greeting card design.

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Bernadette

From health and welfare to rescue and adoption stories, advocacy and art, factual articles and fictional stories, "The Creative Cat" offers both visual and verbal education and entertainment about cats for people who love cats, pets and animals of all species.

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