Friday, June 15, 2018

Guests in the Garden


Now that I understand how the code works, I've officially joined with Sandee of Comedy Plus and other cat lovers for Feline Friday. You can check out other kitty images at the bottom of my post. Meanwhile, here was my original post before Sandee kindly linked me up...

It has become our tradition this season to go out early in the morning while it’s cooler to tend vegetable planters and garden plots. Today no exception, I urged that we venture outside before full sunrise. And I’m glad I did.

Before sunlight heated me up I managed to rip out a huge load of weeds. Early on in the process, a praying mantis appeared. Knowing my husband wasn’t going to slog through crabapple tree branches like I did to see the little creature, I picked it up with care. Here you can see the tiny hunter, about an inch long, in the southeast garden patch.

A Favorite Insect
We also have flying neighbors. The vultures roost together in what’s called a ‘wake’. Once warmed by the sun they take off in so-called kettle formations (like a swirl of bubbles in boiling water) before dispersing. Today I didn’t experience large numbers as in past, but still appreciate seeing them.

Parting Ways
To be honest, the above photo of vultures and below of this hummingbird were taken a little later, after my breakfast. In fact, I photographed them in the process of writing this blog post. It’s behooved me to keep my camera handy. I liked how the sun shone on this little flyer.

Pit Stop
But I am still not done. Back to earlier, near the end of my weeding goal, I heard insistent meowing and spied a little tangerine colored tabby seeming just out of kitten-hood. With stinging sweat and the rising sun in my eyes, I didn’t recognize the feline’s undernourished condition.

DH did, and fetched a large disposable cup full of kibble and a paper plate. He even went back for a water bowl at my request. Left in charge of serving the animal, I poured about a third of the cupful on the plate.

About to Dig In
Then I poured another third, and finally the entire rest of what we had. Here is what’s left:

Maybe a Sixth of What I Served
And below is another shot of the friendly, desperate fellow. This pose (I saw some male bits when he rolled around at my feet later) really shows off how thin the poor guy is. After eating, he didn’t want to leave my side. Following me to a patio chair he either rubbed himself up and down my legs and feet or lolled between them. He also let me pick him up for a minute. I’m happy to report no visible sign of fleas or any injury.

Hungry Fellow
When at last he settled on the welcome mat, I rose to go inside for some much needed breakfast. He followed me into the garage. It would seem I have a new friend, and was told that I’m no longer allowed to garden. ~grin~ The cat looked ready to dash through the front door at one point but, sad to say, we couldn’t let him inside for fear of any infection or a fight with our old female cats.

The guy wandered off before I brought my plate of food outside. If he had not, he might be in my laundry room by now. My hope is to wrangle the cat for a checkup and neuter. Maybe he could fit into our little family. I don’t know.

Of course, my husband has said for years that he gets to choose the next cat (which he repeated, tongue in cheek, today) but I know he would accept this addition. Besides, we agree that God has put each of our three kitties into my path. If we were non-believers, we’d be saying that you don’t choose a cat, a cat chooses you. My big brother can attest.

How is your day shaping up?

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15 comments:

  1. I know that kitty will be back. You'll end up with this little fellow and you'll both love him to pieces.

    I linked this post to Feline Friday.

    Have a fabulous day and weekend, my friend. ♥

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    1. Awww... You're sweet. So far I haven't seen him again. He's probably crashed under a bush snoozing through the heat and digesting. ~grin~ You know, I thought about linking and wasn't sure how to use the code. ~blush~ Be well, my dear!

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  2. What a cutie and so very ginger heheh!

    I have a feeling your both hoping he does make another appearance :-)

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    1. I sure am. ~grin~ Thanks for stopping by. I really liked your image for Feline Friday.

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  3. He's a real beauty! I had a faded orange tom once, and he was the friendliest cat I've even had. Make sure to have the vet scan him for a microchip, in case he's just lost. A lot of people don't neuter like they should. When I was a little girl all we got were boy kittens, so we didn't have to "worry" about kittens, or the cost of spaying. We were part of the problem!
    All but one of my cats, as an adult, just showed up. They know where to go, we're identified somehow, like a sign on Bilbo's door! You don't often get to "choose" the next cat! It's an anniversary cat!

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    1. I agree about his beauty. And his eyes are bright yellow like Luna's, the stray mother kitty who started this whole cat adoption process in our lives. ~grin~ Miss that girl, still. I would definitely request a microchip scan. ~nods~ Thanks for mentioning it, though I so far haven't seen him again. I'm reminding myself he ate a lot and it's very hot. He's probably dozing in the shade somewhere, digesting. I understand your family's thinking back in the day. It wasn't long ago that I learned how rough unfixed cats have it in the wild, fighting and passing along disease with injury. Sad. Be well, my happy gardener!

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  4. Oh I hope that cat comes back. I bet he does. That would be so great to get him neutered. And just gradually work him into your family. Your older cats will let him know who is in charge. Please keep us posted. Most of my cats appeared out of no where.

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    1. Thanks for the boost. SO is worried the girls won't accept him. We shall see. ~fingers crossed~ Be well, my dear!

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  5. I sure hope he comes back too, orange kitties are just filled with goodness!

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    1. Thanks! I'll keep my fingers crossed we can get him a health check-up and neutered at the very least.

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  6. i hope you are able to make him a part of your family! And i love praying mantises too!

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  7. When a cat appears, you must take it in. That's how my father ends up with his cats. (He's without cat at the moment, though.)

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  8. Oh I have a feeling that chance encounter was meant to be! Such a pretty orange color. Love all your pics, you had an eventful day for sure.

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  9. I am glad you are helping this cutie. I do feel that God sends us the cats that need us.
    We used to like praying mantis because they eat a lot of insects, but I read recently that they will kill a hummingbird- sounds unbelievable, but there were photos.

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  10. I love people who help out strays or lost kitties. Thank you for giving him a good meal and water.

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