Frank BetaMax saga continues

The good news is that Frank BetaMax is being fed - confirmed by a neighbor who has been looking out for him for some time. The more interesting news is that Frank has not accepted the new terms at Nick's house. Nick's Mom explicitly told Frank he is feline non grata at their home, that his behavior (swatting at a wobbly dog) is unacceptable, and he is not welcome in these parts. Frank's response:

 Flopping down on the porch at the front door. The NERVE.

Cats in sticky situations

Frank Betamax has returned to put up his regal nose at the food offering. We're guessing he's receiving better fare elsewhere, though that doesn't explain his slim to skinny physique.

He apparently drops by just to hang out and make people feel guilty that they haven't figured out what he wants from us other than pets and attention (albeit briefly). However, on his last visit, he made a HUGE mistake. He took a swipe at Nick, who is now called Mr. Wobbles because he's none too steady on his four paws. Nick fell over, traumatized his Mom, and is now officially banned - that is, until he can apologize profusely and charm his way back.

On another sad note, a friend in Washington state sent this picture of a neighbor's beautiful cat who is now in search of a home along with other siblings. The tragedy of the death of a family member is too often compounded when the fur friends are then left without a planned family to take them. Fortunately my friend goes over and makes sure all is well while looking for another home for this gorgeous creature. Let's hope she's successful soon.

Now this nuttiness I can get behind

We have multiple Little Libraries in our neighborhood, and as has been posted before, some have wonderful decorations. This new one is quite the eye-popper and clearly the person responsible likes squirrels as much as I do (even though they are destructive little creatures, they do steal your heart with their cuteness). As an avid reader, and one who has had a career in encouraging reading, it's always good to see this type of community engagement.

Butterflies work too.

 

Our Vet has a very special greeter

I can't say enough good things about the veterinarian Nellie and Rascal have the privilege to visit. They receive excellent care from everyone associated with the practice. More importantly, however, is the proper and joyful greeting they get when they visit. Meet Dolly:

Frankly, I find excuses to visit just to see her. 💗

BetaMax to the max

While Nellie and I have made a cat friend on our walks, it's a bit unusual for cats to warm up to people with dogs by their side. Yesterday was a bit different. A cat came up to Nick's Mom, K, meowing and running between her ankles. He not only allowed himself to be stroked, but insisted upon it. OK - right there - a bit odd. He looked thin, so K and I were worried and discussed how we could help him. Being dog folks, we had no ready cat food or treats at hand. We were a bit relieved to learn that other people in the neighborhood did put out food for the roaming cats, but no one could point to a guardian. No collar, so K immediately named him BetaMax. Sounded good to me. 

After securing Nellie to the fence, I walked over to this beautiful boy and he happily allowed me to stroke and scratch him. Worried about him roaming in a coyote friendly neighborhood, K and I discussed having me take him home. Long suffering partner is actually a cat person. The whole rescuing dogs thing was foisted on to him by me. Not that cats aren't wonderful, but allergies to them are no fun. Our worry for taking him in is the road by our house we call killer alley. Let's just say that drivers have not improved their habits. In fact, it's gotten worse. 

In spite of her better judgment, K found some food later and put it out for BetaMax. He was so appreciative, he flopped down outside her door and stared in. Alas, that sent poor Nick into peeing on the floor mode and so BetaMax had to be left to his own devices. But don't worry, both K and I will be keeping an eye out, and will make sure he's doing well.

 

The never-ending chore

Don't misunderstand, I love my trees. They provide shade in our hot summers, nesting areas, food for wild critters, and are just beautiful to have around. BUT, (and you knew that was coming), there can be too much of a good thing. Our Carob trees this year are going insane. We sweep faithfully every evening, only to wake up to what looks like the same mess. We could stand out with a broom 24/7, and not keep up with the deluge. Sometimes it's squirrels or parrots creating havoc by landing in the trees and trying to snack. Other times it's a hefty breeze. And other times it just seems like the tree is performing willful mischief. Whatever it is, it keeps us busy with the debris we've never had in this amount before. My worry is that the tree is sending off as many babies as possible because it is dying - slowly over a period of years, but not feeling well. On the flip side, the tree may just be feeling very chipper and fruitful. Let's hope for that. But behold our daily task. And this is just a preview of the usual mess:

Clearing the sidewalk is the primary objective, though eventually we'll be raking the parkway and under the tree too.

In the meantime, the pile is getting bigger because the Carobs are so heavy, we can't fill the bins too full or the truck won't be able to lift it come trash day. As it is, it's hard to wheel the yard waste bin to the curb. Yup, you gotta love nature.

Storybook and what the hey?!?

Hidden behind at tall hedge is a charming storybook house. It's along a stretch of the street we rarely go because the sidewalk ends and there's a busy street to cross with zero pedestrian consideration. I suspect it was built in the 1920s because that's when the neighborhood started thriving, but I would love to know the history - not just what Zillow and the like have to offer. That round turret has a story to tell....

Just two houses down, this dwelling is in the process of remodeling. I suspect they decided on a more fireproof facade, and perhaps were going for something arty, but this doesn't do it for me. Not that they asked for my opinion of course.