Herding the cat

I am still learning Bode’s ways. Last night I returned from visiting the neighbors and fed Bode and Ling Ling and was about to turn in when I remembered I had left my pajamas and some shirts hanging on the clothes line out back. I turned on the back porch light and told Bode to “stay” then went out and took them down. When I opened the storm door, found Ling and Bode both curled up waiting for me. Bode stayed in but Ling Ling slipped out and went down the steps into the yard. He is feeling better, but I didn’t want him out after dark. Although it was clear, it was pretty cold.

I tried to call Ling, but no results. I then put the clothes away and tried to call him again, still wouldn’t come. Inspiration! I told Bode to bring the cat in and opened the door. He went right out and herded Ling Ling to the porch and into the door then followed him in. Wow! That Bode has talent!

It is sunny and cold today, but no snow. I resolved the St. Pat’s day menu issue (corned beef vs. fish) by making some chowder with a haddock filet. Put in potatoes in honor of the Irish.
Yesterday morning I was kind of groggy but made a cup of tea and looked out the front window after feeding the four paw companions. There was a flock of robins, half on the lawn by the mailbox and half decorating the birch tree.

As I watched, they were joined by red wing black birds, chickadees, a lone junco, doves, and the first pair of cardinals I have seen in the yard.

My south window is a bit much for the impatiens but the geranium plant my mom brought here from her porch last fall is blooming.

I am finding that is a nice place to sit in the sun. It is quite cozy, even when it is cold outside. Bode and Ling Ling both love to curl up on the floor in the sun.

I brushed Bode, then sat in a chair a while enjoying the sun too. I resisted the urge to curl up between them and nap. At one point Ling Ling got up and decided to take a shortcut across Bode’s back. It woke the dog up, but no problems, he just moved and Ling Ling went on his way.

Wednesday I baked three loaves of whole wheat bread to take to the lenten supper before the service. It is a favorite (whole grain plus bread from Joy of Cooking) I hadn’t made for ages because unlike when Geoff was little, have a hard time consuming that much and I don’t like frozen bread. We had snow squalls much of the day, so was a good time to stay in and bake.

Guess a blog entry is not complete without a sunset photo. This was the evening of Monday, March 13.