Friendly Neighbourhood Loo!

Prior to building this house..... the land was a plush carpet of green grass, flourishing shrubs of various sorts, flowering weeds and a forest of towering pines and spruce. Last April when we broke ground, I'm sure nature's little creatures wondered what on earth was happening to their homeland... they likely felt like the people of the war torn country's - devastating earthquakes, bombs and fire threatening their very being.

The one solitary creature that seemed to harbour no resentment or show the least amount of fear was the neighbourhood cat. I call him Morris. Dirt everywhere - mounds of new earth, dirt and gravel - ripe for depositing his waste around every corner.

Now that the house is built, the grass is in and work continues in the back gardens ... Morris still thinks this is his paradise... Each morning I sit with my coffee and book on the deck and watch begrudgingly as he saunters through the yard - glancing at me as if to say, "thanks for your hospitality" ... he is plotting his next dropping spot...

Part of my morning ritual is a stroll around my new front garden - watching the shrubs and blooms settle into their new home... and each morning my blood pressure rises ever so slightly when I come across a dozen or so neat little paw prints weaved through the freshly groomed flower beds... hrrmmph... what to do... I cant catch him in the middle of the night with a quick spray of the hose...

The web search begins...and within minutes, EUREKA!! ... my Gardening Idol - Mark Cullen has the solution! - A recipe to end Morris' foray into my garden - or rather, the local Kitty Loo!

Simple... normal ingredients... quick and easy - Thank you Mark Cullen!

I'm off to the kitchen to seek out my blender!

Mark Cullen's cat repellent recipe *
· one garlic bulb
· one onion (smelly)
· one tablespoon of Tabasco sauce
· one litre of water

Mix the ingredients in a blender and pour it on. Repeat after heavy rain.

Be warned Morris... your lavatory is soon to be demolished!

*http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/home-garden/blog/markcullen/

I will let you know if there are any kitty prints in my garden tomorrow morning!

Not ready yet...!

It has been a little over 3 months since Buddy left this earth...and admittedly not a day goes by that I don't think of him - sometimes along with a few tears. A space has been dedicated in my yard where he will be remembered... between the three lilacs that grace the side of the yard with a peaceful view of the lake...it is comfortable there, and I know he appreciates the view.

It seems that every other day a puppy will cross my path - a news story, a small child walking with his friend in the park, or a fuzzy friend flailing out of a truck that rumbles down the country road....ears flopping, tongue wagging and that look on his face that tells you... this is the life!

Sunday evening, while dining at the Golf Course, "Tent Style", I could hear a dog announcing his presence out the back of the tent - I did not pay too close attention until I went to leave - I caught sight of her through the back of the tent...and what a beautiful sight she was! A lovely golden retriever about 3 years old... I had to stop. Just gorgeous...the right size, soft and loving... she licked my hand (she could probably taste the chocolate dessert I dared to have! (busted!) She cuddled up beside me as if to say "I'm so happy you stopped to say hello.... let me lean on you awhile!" and she did.

Reluctantly I left... knowing her master would be along shortly to take her home...I am still thinking of her - I think I'm ready.

I continue to peruse the websites that appeal to the weak at heart... Rescue Shelters, and tacky want ads - I frequent YouTube, specifically for "funny dogs" videos, just to get my fix.

Some of the shelter ads are quite amusing - people desperately trying to convince you that this dog would be perfect for you, and you and you! It appears they have hired marketing guru's to assist in their efforts to "get rid of their puppies"

Well the owner of this little fellow almost has me hooked... his name is Rosco... but that can be changed....

It would mean a trip to Pennsylvania... what a coincidence, I will be there in 4 weeks...

no, no, no... not yet...I'm not ready... or am I?