Tuesdays With Tag - Update...

Artwork by Mary Sparrow - Herdin' Corgi

 Hi, Everybody!
I thought you might like a health update today, as I saw the vet again yesterday. 

If you've been followin' me on Mom's Facebook page, I've been havin' a few little issues that concerned Mom, so she figured she'd better get me to a professional. I'm sharin' this picture, because the vet tech decided she needed to take my temperature while I was there. Good times. Not!

After a checkup and some bloodwork analysis, the vet said he thinks I might be havin' intermittent, little seizures. Mom's supposed to journal any new occurrences, and she'll be keepin' in touch with the vet. I haven't had any more episodes since last week, so that's a good thing.

I have a kitty update for you, too...

Remember the cats that Mom took to Critter Junction in Fond du Lac? I'm talkin' about Crystal and her six babies, and Mrs. Katz...the sweetest cat in the whole, wide world, and Claudette's four kittens. Mom got a text from the lady at the shelter to let us know how they're all doin'.

Mrs. Katz was adopted by a couple yesterday who will shower her with love and affection for the rest of her life. Crystal and her babies have all gone to new homes. Two of Claudette's boys found homes already, but two of her boys are still at the shelter.

Renee said that she'll be really sad when those two boys leave. Apparently, they're really sweet, and they're "training" cats. When unsocialized kittens come in to the shelter, it's the job of the two little kittens to acclimate them to kennel life, and get them socialized. It's important work.

Mom and I were really happy to hear all about all our cats and kittens. She hasn't said anythin' about them lately, but I could tell they were all weighin' heavy on her mind. She's so happy to know that all those beautiful cats and kittens have found their forever homes. We're glad they're happy and loved. They deserve it. We can sleep better at night now.

 I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"

Claudette Update...

Brynwood Needleworks - Claudette's Trip Home

 

I spent most of yesterday making sure Crystal was safely ensconced in her crate with her babies, and that Mrs. Katz was staying close to home. The weather drizzled and rained on and off, which perfectly reflected my somber mood. I just couldn't whip up any enthusiasm for my late-day task.

 

By mid-afternoon, I was resigned to my trip, planning how I would get my charges safely to the rescue, and exchange them for Claudette. I hoped the rescue had the logistics figured out because I was a bit stumped. Then, I got a message, telling me the transport was going to be coming in early, so I could bring the ladies and babies an hour earlier to avoid the chaos that occurred with all the people there to pick up their newly spayed/neutered pets. 

 

I went outside, closed the gate on Crystal's crate and then went to get Mrs. Katz, who'd been in the barn all day. She wasn't there! I stood outside calling for her, and nothin'! I told Handsome it would just be Crystal and her kittens on this trip and left. 

 

Crystal was not happy. She kept trying to bust out of the crate and she meowed the entire trip. The only time she'd quiet down was when I sang my silly kitty song to her. I told her that she and her babies would be safe, and they'd all end up in nice homes.

 

I got to the rescue and we took Crystal into her new accommodations. She was a bit stressed, so they turned off the lights and closed the door to let her calm down. I told her I loved her and walked away before the tears might start falling. Then, I went to my car to wait for the transport to arrive with Claudette.

 

They told me I could just keep her in her transport crate to take her home, and bring it back when I came with Mrs. Katz. 

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Claudette's Baby Boys!

Claudette's kittens turned out to be all boys! They're all adopted and will be picked up tomorrow by their new owners. They already have names, too! Left to right: Maxim, Jacques, Pierre, and Quincy. They're so cute!

Claudette rode home without making a peep. I sang the song she knows so well, and she flopped right onto her side so I could put my fingers inside the gate and she could feel my touch. Now, I started thinking about Mrs. Katz and how I was going to deal with them encountering each other for the first time. (Mrs. Katz didn't show up until after Claudette left.)

Of course, Katz was in the barn when I came home. I fed her and explained that Crystal was away now, but her mama was back. I kept Claudette in her kennel for the night (because of the spay surgery), and took a little food to her. Katz followed me, and when their eyes met, the hissing ensued. Swell! 

I took Katz to the bench on the other side of my potting shed and fed her, all the while reminding her that this was a Demilitarized Zone, and stood petting her for a long time. I finally went inside, knowing that they couldn't do more than talk smack to each other from opposite sides of the gate on the kennel.

Later, it occurred to me that Claudette might need to air out, so I went to the barn to try to puzzle out the best plan of action. As I was walking across the yard, two eyes glinted in the reflection from my headlamp, and...what the heck? It was Claudette! I apparently hadn't closed the door securely, and I'm sure she'd taken care of business while loose. Vet's instructions said restricted activity for 48 hours. Apparently, Claudette can pick locks, but she can't read. sigh

I met her back inside, where she jumped onto the workbench, rolled over, and wanted petting - which she promptly got. She looked toward the barn door, and I saw another set of eyes. I called to Katz, but when the cat came into the barn, I realized it wasn't her. Leo's back! Dang it! 

Well, Claudette wasn't having anything to do with him either. Before I could stop her, she was all puffed up, jumped off the bench, and went into the main part of the barn to square off with her son. I opened a can of food, which got her attention, and she came back to the bench. I covered her with a handy beach towel so she couldn't scratch me, and took her back to her kennel. This time I made sure the gate was securely fastened. I didn't see Katz at all.

I'm hoping Katz will reappear for breakfast, when I'll love her up and then take her into town. I can't have the girls injure each other, and now that Leo's showing his face again, I'll have my hands full with him and his mother. I admit, I'm not very good with the kitty drama. More is definitely not merrier!

 

So, wish me luck today. I hope the jail break didn't result in Mrs. Katz being driven off or injured. Once she's safe at the rescue, I'll release Claudette from her confinement (assuming her incision looks okay.) We'll see.

When I Wasn't Outside...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Farmhouse Block for the "Everlasting" Quilt

Handsome and I mowed our lawn yesterday. It typically takes a couple of hours (even using two riding mowers!), so we had some nice time enjoying the outdoors. 

Of course, I spent time with Crystal and her kittens, making sure Crystal has plenty of food and fresh milk to support her babies. They're nicely situated in the dog crate, so it will be easier to transport them later today without too much disruption. (Don't get me started or I'll start crying again.) I also got in some great cuddle time with Mrs. Katz. She's such a sweetheart. She loves the attention.

When I finally came back inside late yesterday, I started stitching on my Farmhouse block. I'm finished except for the porch rails and a little stonework. I'm just contemplating how I want to stitch them. I'll figure it out later today.

The kitties all go to the rescue at 6:30 tonight, when Claudette will be back from the Madison vet who provides the spay and neuter services for their rescue facility. I'll be babying her to make sure she heals well, and it will help keep my mind off the two girls (and kittens) leaving. Wish me luck with that, okay?

Once my farmhouse block is finished, I only have one flower block to go. Maybe I'll show you all the blocks together tomorrow! We'll see...

Seems Like Just Yesterday...

Brynwood Needleworks - Crystal Kitten - Winter 2020

 

Last New Year's weekend, we were celebrating a late Christmas with our younger son and his family. We looked outside to see the Claudette had brought her two kittens onto our porch to play in the sun and snow. I took photos of the kittens, instantly smitten with this sweet girl. You see, I didn't know she was a she, but her face looked like a beautiful, little girl to me. 

She stayed around the farm with her brother (that scamp!), and her mama all winter, and I took care of all of them. Claudette went to The Home For Wayward Cats* last month, so she could safely care for her litter of kittens. Crystal and her brother, Leo stayed here. Leo has been off sowing his wild oats (again, that scamp!), but Crystal has stayed close.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Crystal - Spring 2021

 

She was the most shy of all the cats, so with Claudette away, and Leo on walkabout, I've had the opportunity to work my "Snow White" magic on Crystal. She's become friendlier and friendlier with me, and often comes running down from the wood shed when I sing my little, "Meow, Meow, Kitty, Kitty..." song to her at feeding time. It seems she feels safer in the wood shed, rather than being alone in the Compass Barn.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Crystal - Asking For Cuddles

As soon as she gets to the barn, she jumps up onto the workbench (where I feed the cats), and flops down for a massage session. It's during these sessions that I noticed she was getting bigger and bigger - and realized that LEO is the father (that bloody scamp!). Doesn't he know he's not supposed to do that with his sister?!!!

 

Well, when I realized she was in a family way, I again contacted The Home For Wayward Cats to see if they had room for this little lady. They said they were full due to kitten season, but when I pick up a newly spayed Claudette to come back to the farm, I could drop off Crystal. 

 

I was actually contacted yesterday morning to let me know that Claudette will be spayed on Friday, and I can pick her up that evening - and take Crystal to move into Claudette's previous room.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Crystal, The Mama - May 19, 2021

 

I didn't see Mrs. Katz yesterday morning, and Crystal didn't run down from the wood shed either, so after I put out their food and milk, I walked up to the wood shed to check on my little girl.

 

Anticipating that she'd be giving birth soon, I'd taken Claudette's straw-filled kennel up to the wood shed and placed it next to her favorite perch on the wood pile. I covered the vents and door with a nice, big towel so she'd be warm and secure and hoped she'd move in.

 

That's where I looked for her this morning, and sure enough, she'd made a nice, secluded nest in the back of the crate. She was in there, meowing to me, but with no interest in leaving her spot to eat or cuddle. From what I know about dogs giving birth, I know that they frequently go off their food. I assumed it's the same for cats, so I talked to her for a while and told her I'd be back later to check on her. 

When I went back mid-morning, there were four kittens - still wet - and being cared for by their mama. When I returned at 5:00 pm, there was a fifth kitten. Mama was stretched out, and when I peeked in through the kennel vents, talking softly to her, she actually rolled on her side so I could see all her babies. She had her front legs extended and she was "kneading" them and pulling them close. It was very sweet.

I'm so happy she did well, but I'm also a little sad. I know she and her babies will be safe at the rescue. They'll be placed in loving, forever homes - including Crystal, if they determine she'd be a good candidate as an indoor cat - but I've grown so fond of her. She was actually the one I fell for when I first saw her. So, it's because I love this little cat, that I'm willing to let her go to a new home. 

Being a "community cat" in the country isn't always an easy life. I've made these cats more comfortable, but it's not the same as living in a cushy home. I want that for all of them. They won't have to worry about farm machinery, too-fast cars, coyotes, or hawks and owls. They'll sleep on beds at night, and have warm places to sleep when it's cold and wintry outside. That's what I want for them.

So, I'll take her to the rescue on Friday - and bring Claudette home (she's been an outdoor cat for too long to adjust to indoor life, and if she ever got out, she'd try to make the dangerous trip back to the farm. I'll continue to take care of her here.). 

Equally sad for me, is that I'll be taking Mrs. Katz, too. I really don't think Claudette will get along with her as a newcomer, and I'm certain she was a house cat before she showed up here. She cuddles right into me when I hold her, and she's actually tried to follow me into the house, not knowing that the black dogs that chase her live inside. I want her to find a new home where she'll have all the comforts, too. It's going to be a difficult day for this caretaker, but I know I'm doing what's best for all of these sweet souls. Please tell me I'm doing the right thing.

*The Home For Wayward Cats is actually Critter Junction Pet Rescue in Fond du Lac, WI. It's a 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter. They place every single pet needing a loving home.

 

Taking Care Of Mama Cat & Kittens...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama's Kittens

 

I made some tough, but unselfish, decisions yesterday...and it was pretty emotional for me. I made a phone call in the morning, based on recommendations from local cat people. I contacted Critter Junction Pet Rescue and had a conversation with one of their volunteers, Renee.

I had lots of questions about how I might get help for Mama cat. I'd actually written a post on FaceBook for our local town group, and Renee had been tagged by someone else, hoping she could help me. By the time I called, she said she'd seen my inquiry - and Mama kitty had already been the topic of conversation prior to my call.

She told me, 1) If the foot was broken, it could cost me upward of $2,000 to have surgery/casting/care (I gasped.); or 2) with her being a feral/full time outdoor cat, if her foot is broken, the likely option would be amputation. (I gasped again.). Neither option was palatable to me (cost or possibility of amputation), and I told them so. Then, Renee told me that there was one more option.

I could take Mama and her kittens to the rescue. They would get her vetted and get the best treatment for whatever is going on with her foot, let her stay with her kittens until they're weaned, and then place the kittens with loving homes. Mama would then be spayed, vaccinated, treated for fleas/ticks...and returned to me, because the farm property is her home. I've heard that if the adults are moved and manage to get out, they'll do their best to return to their original home (which would put her at risk of injury from any number of hazards). 

Understand that I was doing my best to keep my composure during the telephone conversation, but I had already considered the fact that as the kittens got bigger and started to explore their surroundings (outside the Compass Barn), they could be at risk of injury from predators - or curiosity from the dogs. More importantly, I needed to get Mama checked and treated for her paw injury. My voice broke numerous times, and toward the end of the conversation, the tears freely flowed.

So, I made the decision before I hung up with Renee to release Mama and her kittens to the rescue. When the call was finished, I blew my nose, told Handsome what I was going to do, and then I went to the barn.

Mama's been caring for her kittens in one of our dog kennels that I'd filled with straw before she had them. I originally had it in a south window so the winter sun could keep her and last season's kittens, Crystal and Leo (thanks for reminding me, Shelly) warm. I had taken the kennel door off, as it wasn't needed.

 

Once the kittens started opening their eyes, I moved that kennel down onto the barn floor, on top of and surrounded by more straw to insulate them from the cold floor. So, when I went outside, I gave Mama some warm milk to drink, and when she'd had her fill, I picked her up and put her in my lap. She let me cuddle her as I explained the plan.

I took the kennel door off the hook on the wall, moved some of the straw out of the way, and reinstalled the door. When I was finished, I picked Mama up and gently placed her inside with her babies. I spoke softly to her the entire time, and then placed the towel (that's been over the vents all winter) in front of the door to calm her as I put her into our truck for the trip to town.

When we arrived at the shelter, I went inside without them, and after introducing myself, asked more questions. She'd be able to stay with her kittens until they are weaned, right? (yes) She'll get the veterinary care for her paw, right? (yes) ...and if it's just a thorn in her paw or a laceration, should I come back and get her and her babies? (no. They'll still take care of her, placing her babies, and spaying her for me) Did I say they'll do all that at no charge whatsoever to me? That's right. And I'll still get her back to bring her home after all that. Then I asked if I could see where she'd be while in their care. 

 

They showed me the enclosure that was already waiting for her. A nice bi-level with towels that they change every day, fresh water, self feed dry food, plus daily wet food, and a nice litter box for her personal needs. Being satisfied that she and her babies would receive the best care, I agreed to go out and get her.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama and Kittens

I didn't uncover the kennel until we were in front of her new, temporary home. It was suggested that I hold her kennel in front of the "apartment" and the lady helping me would open the door to the kennel so Mama could go right in the upper level. Once she was in, we got all the babies out, to put them in the bottom so Mom would know there's a second floor when she went to her babies.

 

Before putting the kittens in with her, I asked for a photo with them, which is the first picture in this post. I left my glasses on so you can't see the tears in my eyes. Her babies are beautiful, and upon re-inspection, there are two boys and two girls. (I'm glad they're in care now. I was already thinking of names for them.)

 

By the time the babies were ready to go into the lower level of the enclosure, Mama was already there, waiting for them. She stayed on the lower level shelf as her kittens were placed on the bottom below her. I told her she'd be getting the best of care, and that I'd be back for her soon.

 

Before I left, the ladies recorded my name and phone number so they could contact me to come get her in a few weeks. Then they asked me Mama's name. Well, because she has that sweet moustache marking on her face, I'd originally called her "Poirot" after the PBS detective series. (I thought she was a boy until her belly started to swell.) I then learned that Shelly was calling her "Groucho". Today, I decided this sweet Mama deserved a more fitting name, so I told them, "I'm going to call her "Claudette"...a nod to the French name I originally gave her. "

 

And so, with tears falling down my cheeks - a sniveling, sniffling mess, I told her I was leaving her behind so they could help her paw, and I'd see her soon; asked them to take really good care of her; and that I'd soon be making a donation to their rescue, I went out to my vehicle and cried a little more before coming back home to the farm.

I took food out to Leo and Crystal tonight. I put Claudette's kennel back up on the south workbench where they like it, in front of the window where the sun shines in during the day. I told them their mama would be gone for a little while, but she'd be back soon. Leo meowed at me. I cried a little more, and went back inside.

 

Call me a soft touch, but I like taking care of these tough, little cats. I like that I was able to earn their trust enough to be able to cuddle them instead of only catching glimpses of them as they'd run and hide from me. I went to sleep knowing I'd done the best thing for Claudette and her sore paw, and that her kittens would be loved and safe in forever homes, instead of living a rough outdoor life. I'm grateful that I could find a place that was willing to help.

I'm going to be making donations to Critter Junction. In the event that you might like to contribute a little something, HERE is a link to their website. They have a "Donate" button, but I know that many rescues also accept gifts purchased and shipped through Amazon to their door. A list of their "needs" also appears on the site. If you choose to contribute, I'd love it if you mention your donation is to help their rescue because of their care for Claudette and her kittens, with my thanks.

One more thing, they'll update their Facebook and website with pictures of Claudette and her babies soon, plus they said I can contact them to find out what Claudette's paw diagnosis is, or anything else I want to know. As they give me updates, I'll share those with you, too. She never made a peep before I left. I think she knows she and her babies are safe. Because she's okay with that, I am, too. I still have tears in my eyes as I write this, though. Happy tears.

 

Kitty Update...

Brynwood Needleworks  - Two of the Little Girl Kittens

 

I kept this image just a bit smaller because the resolution was too blurry when I enlarged it. The back of the kennel that the mama and her kittens are bedded into is pretty dark toward the back, and I didn't want to bother them with a flash, and a grainier image is the result. Sorry.

I go into the barn at least twice a day to feed Mama (currently named "Groucho" because she has a moustache in the coloring of her fur); and her two offspring from last year (Crystal and ... Dang it, Shelly! I forgot his name again!...Crystal's brother with all-black fuzzy fur). I always check on the kittens, too, and they're starting to get active, now that their eyes are open.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama With Her Kittens

 

After I fed Mama and the youngsters their late day meals, I saw down in a chair across from the kennel, but far enough away so I didn't alarm Mama. When she was finished eating, she walked up to me, to let me pat her head, and then she strolled in to lie down with her babies to feed them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama's Sore Paw

 

Mama has a sore paw and a limp right now. I'm not sure how it happened. I don't know if she got into a scuffle with another cat (there are others that usually hang around at Shelly's, but they may come down the hill to our barn at night. Mama wouldn't want them anywhere near her kids.). Or perhaps she just pulled a muscle?

 

I know feral cats are tough, but I still worry about any animal that's hurt, and I've been taking care of these guys since mid-winter. I care about them. I tried to make a few contacts yesterday for a possibility of getting a vet to look at her, but I don't want her traumatized while she's nursing her kittens. I may look into a remedy that would salve her paw without harming her or her babies. Of course, any advice from cat owners would be welcomed.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Those Wee Faces!

I stayed and just watched the little family for a bit longer last night, and then finally said good night to all my charges before going inside. Perhaps she'll feel better throughout today. I'll keep track of her, and do whatever I can to help. 

 

Warm milk and fresh food are on their way in a little while. I'll keep taking her nourishment so she doesn't have to work overtime to be able to feed her babies. They all trust me now, and she appreciates every time I walk in to feed and pet them. We've come a long way together already.

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Well, Bless My Soul...

Brynwood Needleworks - His Royal Highness, Taggart

Hi, Everybody!

Boy, am I excited to talk with you today. You're never gonna believe the kind of weekend we had. Funny how things can change in the blink of an eye.

Remember how Mom told you that she's been takin' care of the barn cats since our last really big snow storm? Well, she did such a bang up job, they're still hangin' around in our barn. She feeds them twice a day, makes sure they have fresh water, and even an occasional bowl of milk, too. (She actually warmed it up for them when the snow was still on the ground.) She's been makin' sure nobody went hungry while they were squattin' here! Apparently, they really got used to her comin' out and feedin' them.

Mom's been noticin' some changes lately and we thought you might like to see one of the most recent.  Spring has definitely sprung at the farmhouse!

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama Cat

Mom put out big boxes and a dog kennel for the cats over the winter. She filled 'em with straw so they'd offer extra warmth, and she even put the dog kennel up onto the workbench in front of the south window in the Compass Barn so it would get some extra warmth from the sunshine. Mama cat (named "Groucho"- see the moustache?), and her two, almost-one-year-old kittens quickly moved into the new accommodations. She even covered the kennel with an old towel (to keep out any cold draft, and give the cats a cozy perch when the sun came out.

Miss Shelly loaned us a heated water bowl so their water wouldn't freeze when it was so dang cold outside, and Mom gave 'em hard (and soft) cat food twice a day. The black dogs and I aren't allowed in the barn at all.

When Mom goes out to feed them now, all three cats jump up onto her pottin' bench on the opposite wall from that kennel, as Mom puts out their food and fills their water bowl. Mama and her fuzzy, black-furred son always rub against her hands, purrin' and wantin' to be petted. The female kitten, while she will get onto the table, prefers to be left alone. Mom honors her wishes.

Brynwood Needlework - Mama Cat, Guarding Against Intruders

So, it was no surprise when Mom went out on Saturday and saw Groucho gettin' out of the dog kennel. Sleepin' late, perhaps? Mama jumped off the south table and ran to greet Mom at feedin' time. (Now that the weather is gettin' nicer, Her two teenage kittens are usually out roamin' around the property, so they may or may not be present for breakfast or dinner).

Mama immediately ran across the barn to get in a little pettin' action while Mom was fillin' dishes. Mom always takes the time to give Grouch a little lovin', but Saturday mornin', she heard tiny "mews" comin' from the kennel. She finished puttin' down food for all three grown cats, and then went in the direction of the 'mews" while the bigger cats were distracted.

So, guess what?

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama's Newest Miracles

On the 20th, Mama cat gave birth to four wee kittens! They're all girls. (Mom checked when Groucho was distracted.) Mama cat doesn't want anyone gettin' close to her babies, so we're gonna honor her demand for now. No one wants to get scratched or bitten, and we don't want Mama bothered.

(My) Mom's goin' to keep close track of the babies, too. It's warm in front of the window, but the crate is on top of a work bench. We don't want the kittens gettin' up and explorin' while it's still up high. The problem is that I also don't want any "toddlers" fallin' off the bench either. So, by the weekend, this crate will be on a lower base (to keep it off the cold floor), but we're gonna make sure nobody gets hurt from fallin' out of the crate while it's on the bench.

Mom's decided she's goin' to do her best to socialize these kittens as they get older, and then she's gonna try to find lovin' homes for them. I say, "Anywhere but here is good for me.". She's also gonna make sure that Groucho and her older two kids get spayed or neutered pretty darn quick. While they're cute as buttons, we don't want a population explosion around here. Enough already!!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"

Tuesdays With Tag - Sweet Sunday...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Little Girl Is Growing Up

  Hi, Everybody!

Boy, did I have a fun weekend. Our girls came to visit on Sunday, and I was over the moon. I've written about my granddaughters before, and how I'm more than a little partial to the redhead. We have that in common. (I do love my other granddaughter, too.) Click HERE to read another post about the little redhead from 2013, when she and I were both puppersnappers.

Brynwood Needleworks - Opening Presents

 

Mom said I was lookin' at her with attitude in this picture. Maybe I was. Maybe I wasn't. I was just happy as a clam sittin' where I was, and Mom was laughin' at me because I was lookin' so "smitten". That is always a "yes". I spent the day followin' Granddaughter #2 around. It was great.

Brynwood Needleworks - Miss Shelly's Kittens

The weather was really nice on Sunday, and we had other visitors, too. Our granddaughters were takin' pictures of them, and Dad was beside himself. He's not a fan of these visitors at all. Neither is Bella, but the visitors didn't have any idea about that. They just hung around, playin' and enjoyin' our porch!

 

This spring, Miss Shelly started takin' care of a feral cat after she had kittens. Three of them. Two of them are still with her, and Miss Shelly thinks the third one was adopted by another mama cat. Now, Mama and her kittens show up in our barn during the day, and then go to Miss Shelly's the rest of the time. They were all here on Sunday.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - We Love This One

 

Cat's don't bother me a bit. When I was a wee lad, the lady who owned my bio mom and dad also had lots of cats hangin' around their farm. I kinda like them, even now.

 

Mom is kinda partial to this pretty face. The kittens are shy with us, so Mom doesn't know if this is a boy or girl, but she said she'd guess it's a girl. Isn't she pretty?

Brynwood Needleworks - Black Kitten

Her litter mate is a black cat. He's really handsome, too. There's an adult black cat that is spendin' the winter sleepin' in our wood shed. He shows up in the trail cam photos down at the Habitat, so Mom thinks he's eatin' the food she leaves out for the opossums. She's nicknamed him "Soot". Maybe he's related to this little guy?

 

The kittens and their mama hung around for at least an hour before heading back up the hill to go home. Luckily, Bella never saw them, so they didn't get chased today. 

So, that was how our Sunday went. All in all, it was really nice, and I always look forward to the next time I'll see our girls. I think Mom and Dad are lookin' forward to it, too.

 
I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"