Happy Birthday Bootsie & Chester (a day late)

   I've had computer trouble the past day or two, so this annual tribute to my departed darlings is a day late.  They came into the world on March 26, 1991. I already told the story of their early days in last year's birthday post. So this time, I'll just post some pictures and include some short memories.

 

Here's Bootsie--This is after his Mom Willamina moved them from under the rabbit hutch to this dugout next to one of the cellar windows. I think the black blob next to him is Priscilla. When it started raining, I brought the kittens in the house, forcing Willamina, who was feral, to come inside for a few months (she of course went outside, but up until that point was afraid to come in.

Not sure how old they were here, but they were just starting to eat solid food. It was a nice day, so we brought them outside. This cage was originally for a rabbit we inherited. Chester is on the far left, next to him is Bootsie, the two gray and white ones are next, and Priscilla. You can't see the other adorable kitten I named Mandy.

Here's Bootsie. he hasn't grown into his ears yet!

I always loved the way he folded his paws under. So cute!!

Here's Chester-he loved to tuck his legs under too. For some reason I can't enlarge the pix, but you can still see how handsome he was!

This was one of the few times I used a prop in my pictures. Since the ceramic cat was black and white also, I showed it to Priscilla, and she came through. We wanted to keep her too, but they didn't get along (she and Grace hated eachother). We gave her to someone at my Mom's work at the time.

I just love this picture--Prissy is gorgeous, and Bootsie is adorable!

Here's Chester when he was older. He was a real ham!

One thing I loved about the Tiger Boys was that they hung out together alot!

Here's the last picture I have of Bootsiehewent to kitty heaven. I sure miss him. I was lucky the bright sun made an interesting shot on the stairs.

This is the last picture I took of Chester. He was an indoor cat, but in his later years, we let him go outside.

 

 

Well, I hope you enjoyed seeing my boys. They were a part of my life for fifteen years, and I cherish the memories of them.

Enjoy the time you have with your pets!

 

MARCHING INTO SPRING

   I can hardly believe spring is almost here, like next week!  I usually write a post about daylight savings, which started this past Sunday. I was working the weekend, so I really did lose an hour of sleep (it seemed like more!) 

    Regaining the hour of light seems to signal that spring is really going to happen.  The weather was fairly warm for a few days, but it's been chilly this week. We're supposed to be getting another snow storm tomorrow, but even if we do, at least it doesn't last too long!
      I'll tell you one thing, the winter leaves behind a big mess (no pun intended).  The yard is a disaster area, between the dead leaves, broken tree branches, sunflower seed shells from birdseed, litter blown around from other people's trash, etc. 
    Now that it stays light out until after 7 pm, it's a lot easier to spend time cleaning up after work. Getting a little bit done each day is a good strategy, since it's such a big project. 
    Last year I planted a bunch of mini daffodils, and they're starting to sprout. I really have to plant more bulbs in the yard. It makes winter seem worthwhile when you have a beautiful flowery spring to look forward to.
    I'm going to start putting my thistle seed out now, so I'll get my goldfinches established earlier in the season. They aren't easy to get a picture of, because they move so fast.
     I've been talking about getting more "stuff" for the yard for years, but maybe this year it'll happen. I would love a fountain that cascades water. They recirculate the water, so it's not wasting water.  Not only are they beautiful, they attract birds. I love watching my birds drink and bathe. We have a huge puddle in my parking lot at work (well, only when it rains, or if the sprinklers were on in the AM).  I have to get a movie of the little birdies splashing around in the water, it's so cute!
   I also would like to get a nice bench, and an archway where I can plant my favorite morning glories, heavenly blue.  Ocean State Job Lot sells really nice planter pots at reasonable prices, of heavy glazed ceramic. I plan on treating myself to a few of those. I definitely want a rain barrel, too. 
   The other thing we really need is a table/chair/umbrella set for the yard. For years I wanted a picnic table, but I think I'd rather have a more comfortable set with chair cushions, and a huge umbrella.  If we can keep the mosquitoes  away, it'll be grand to eat outside on hot nights, and enjoy breakfast in the morning before it gets too hot.  I'd also like a fire pit, to stay warm on the chilly nights, and toast marshmallows.  
   We already have at least two brand new BBQ grills, we just have to set one of them up. I can't wait for some barbecued food, even if it is a pain sometimes.

 HERE'S A FLOWER THAT'S BEEN ON OUR PROPERTY FOR DECADES-DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE, BUT THEY SURE ARE PRETTY!

THESE ROSES ARE ANCIENT, TOO.  THEY NEED SOME SERIOUS TLC.  I'D HATE FOR THEM TO DIE WHEN THEY'VE BEEN AROUND SINCE THE LAST CENTURY!

THIS IS MY CLEMATIS VINE WHEN IT WAS DOING MUCH BETTER.  IT NEEDS FERTILIZER AND I SHOULD PROBABLY GET ANOTHER COUPLE OF NEW VINES TO PLANT NEXT TO IT.  IT GOT GOBBLED UP BY  POISON IVY VINES.

I'M HAPPY WITH MY LILAC BUSH- I'D LIKE TO ADD MORE OF THOSE TO THE YARD, ESPECIALLY NOW THAT THEY HAVE  RE-BLOOMING  VARIETIES

THIS IS ONE OF THE LAST ORIGINAL IRIS' FROM THE 1960'S OR MAYBE EARLIER.  I LOVE THE OLDER VARIETIES OF IRIS-AND THEY SMELL SO GOOD, TOO!

    For some reason, I fantasize about what I'd like to do in the yard, and most of it doesn't get done.  Not from lack of hard work, mind you.  Keeping up  with the yard is a full time job in itself, not even counting planting a garden.  Maybe people who can afford a landscaper have the right idea.  But I prefer to do the work myself. Maybe I'd better schedule another vacation soon, so I can get started on it and finish the job!
    Enjoy the final days of winter!