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.

Today could've started better but there were three rays of sunshine

Waking up with a pounding heart and feeling like you're about to pass out if you try to stand is not the most peaceful way to start any day. But yup, that's what happened. Long suffering partner tried to convince me to call 911 but of course I was just gonna ride it out. Then he did convince me to call Nick's Mom and dear friend K, who is very good at convincing (bullying) stubborn old ladies to do what's good for them. So, off in the ambulance I go. It was a little scary that we bypassed three other gurneys waiting in the entrance to be ensconced in a room ASAP. Next came all the wires and drips and other things to make your day very interesting in a scary sort of way. K showed up while long suffering partner stayed home to deal with our dogs. To keep my mind off any impending doom, K provided great companionship and kept the conversation riveting while constantly monitoring all the monitoring going on. It was the perfect setup. Then, it got even more perfect. K spotted a therapy dog in the hallway and went out to see if she would be allowed in the emergency room. The answer was a heartwarming yes, and in walked Maisie. Maisie is a 13 year old Goldendoodle who can bring anyone's blood pressure down just with a glance. She's beautiful, calm, and so cuddly. She came right up to the bed, put her head next to me, and allowed pets and scratches. Maggie, her handler (and Mom) was just as delightful without the petting and scratches of course. The good news is, that after Maisie's magic, I am safely home. Meet Maisie for yourself and see her healing power energy.

This is her story:

So to sum up: the three rays of sunshine were long suffering partner, Nick's Mom K, and Maisie the wonder dog.

 

One bundle of cuteness after another

Yesterday's post featured Toots being all cute and fancy. Today, she has competition. This adorable Samoyed puppy (still waiting to inform his folks of his name), has come to enchant the neighborhood. My vote for his name is Cloud (because yes, petting him is like petting a cloud), or, if they want to create intrigue, the Japanese word for cloud, Kumo. No matter what his name ultimately turns out to be, he will always be Sweetie.

Ahhh. Spa day

There's nothing better than a day at the spa. Or at least a bath, a good clip and brush out, and then putting on the fancy bow. Life's good when you're a pampered pup. Toots LilMaMa is the size of a tiny bunny, and oh so cute. That's not a puppy beside her.... Just sayin'.

  And now looking very fancy:

Finally a place that welcomes people like me

As a seriously lazy person, I felt so welcomed, I very nearly just walked up and knocked on the door. But better sense prevailed.