Sunday, 19 July 2015

Sunday Selections #233

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 
Like River I usually run with a theme.  This week I am going to start with a mystery.  Hopefully someone will have an answer for me.  

Is this an insect nest, or a home for eggs?  And what type of beastie built it?  It is two or three inches long.  The strands move in the breeze.



And, because I know that insects give some people the squicks, a portrait of Jazz.  Hogging himself's part of the sofa and daring him to try and sit down.  

Jazz stretched out on the carpet - he is a big boy isn't he?


And Jewel, who is nearly as camera shy as I am, curled up tight as a ball on top of her cat cave.  She only gets into it when it is reeeeeally cold.  


 And some more not quite frozen bubbles.  They lose their irridescence, turn white and partially freeze in the temperatures we have been getting.  The weather, while not precisely balmy, hasn't been cold enough for a little while.  I am hoping for a minus eight or nine (C).  I am probably the only person hoping for a minus eight or nine.







 
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145 comments:

  1. DJan19 July 2015 at 05:38

    Jazz is definitely a full sized cat! And I love your bubbles, and I'm looking forward to some taken in colder weather, too. I think it's making me feel cooler to look at those frozen bubbles. :-)

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:10

      DJan: I am pretty certain that when we next go to the vet they will talk about 'fat pads'. I am also certain that none of us will enjoy cutting his food back.

      Delete
  2. Strayer19 July 2015 at 05:43

    I'm going to blow bubbles this winter and see if they'll freeze, if we get that cold. We didn't last winter, but the winter before we sure did. I can't wait to try it! Jewel is almost invisible curled in her cozy.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:11

      Strayer: Jewel likes being invisible. She is a supreme hider, and tucks herself away well. Jazz is more into sprawling...
      I am looking forward to your frozen bubbles. Good luck.

      Delete
  3. Joanne Noragon19 July 2015 at 07:01

    Is that branch of stuff on the sidewalk or hanging from the side of a building? In either case, no idea.
    If there are to be any bubbles in the northern hemisphere next winter, they won't be mine.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:12

      Joanne Noragon: The branch of stuff (great description) hangs beside our front door. And has done for a while.
      Perhaps you could coerce a young thing to freeze bubbles for you.

      Delete
  4. Lee19 July 2015 at 07:05

    The bubbles are great. We've not had the temps as low as yours but it's been pretty cold up here over the past few days, but I've just rugged up and kept snuggled up inside with my two furry mates. If I've no reason to go out...I don't. Simple! lol

    Great to see pics of Jazz and Jewel. Jazz, like my Remy is a big fellow...while Jewel, like my Shama is the smaller-framed. Remy was like a little furry brick when he was a kitten.

    I hope the week ahead treats you and the Skinny One kindly, EC...cuddles to the two furry celebrities. :)

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:15

      Lee: The skinny one's Brisbane family has retired to bed to wait out the cold snap. It isn't as cold as here, but the houses are not well adapted to cooler weather either.
      When Jazz first came to live with us he was an adolescent and was rather like a giraffe. All legs. And appetite.
      A great week to the three of you.

      Delete
    2. Lee19 July 2015 at 09:35

      Friday was our coldest day here...and I could see no point freezing my butt off, so I, too, like the Skinny One's Brisbane family, crawled back into bed...surrounded by magazines, books, my two furry mates who were also feeling the nip in the air and there we stayed with no feelings of guilt whatsoever. Feeling eventually returned to my fingers and toes...and to their paws! :) The day was spent reading and watching recorded shows and movies on TV....and it was just great! lol

      Delete
    3. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:36

      Lee: I suspect lots of Queensland families have been enjoying doona days. Luxury.

      Delete
  5. Author R. Mac Wheeler19 July 2015 at 07:10

    I have a question (from a dog person). Do cats roll in disgusting things too? Always wondered.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:16

      Author R. Mac Wheeler: Yes and no. I have never (fortunately) known a cat that liked to roll in dead things. However, one of our cats humiliated a house guest by doing her very best to crawl into the guest's sweaty shoes. The cat was purring and dribbling and obviously loved it. The guest went out the next day and bought new ones...

      Delete
    2. jenny_o20 July 2015 at 03:54

      One of our cats delights in doing the same thing. It's embarrassing!

      Delete
  6. Anonymous19 July 2015 at 07:36

    It looks like a caterpillar case that has decayed. Frozen bubbles! I don't think I have seen any here, and I don't really want to.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:18

      Andrew: I hadn't even thought of a caterpillar case. I don't think so, because I have never seen it 'joined together', but it is a thought.

      Delete
  7. Ellie Foster19 July 2015 at 08:00

    Dear EC
    What an interesting mystery. Your cats are beautiful and very photogenic. The frozen bubble experiments are fascinating too - who knew that you could do that? Minus eight or nine? Brrrr! We're enjoying 21 degrees centigrade in the UK, which is positively balmy for us...
    Enjoy your experiments (and mysteries)
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:19

      Ellie Foster: 21 C is pleasant. My sweet spot (where I am happiest) is around 14, but 21 is fine. Sadly our summer will soar past that very quickly. For the moment I am revelling into the crisp, cool days that are our winter.

      Delete
  8. Linda Starr19 July 2015 at 08:13

    you are really on a roll with those frozen bubbles; no idea about the insect, your cat has it all under control.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:20

      Linda Starr: What the cats have under control is me. Both of them.

      Delete
  9. Stephanie Faris19 July 2015 at 08:41

    My dog does that with the carpet, too! We moved from a house with no carpet to one that is almost all carpet. I keep finding her rolling around on it!

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:37

      Stephanie Faris: They do appreciate a bit of luxury don't they? And Jazz demands it.

      Delete
  10. Merlesworld19 July 2015 at 08:59

    It's cold everywhere at the moment, usually no real look forward to spring but this year it will be good for summer and warm days to come.
    Merle..............

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:38

      Merlesworld: Not me. Summer can wait. Even spring can wait - particularly because I have spring flowers in bloom.

      Delete
  11. mshatch19 July 2015 at 09:00

    Your cats remind me of my Jim cat. He's a big boy and almost all black except for a bit of white under his chin.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:39

      mshatch: I have a huge weakness for black cats. Well all cats, but at least one black cat has shared my life for as long as I can remember. Jazz is completely black (inside and out) and Jewel has about five white hairs between her legs.

      Delete
  12. Alexia19 July 2015 at 09:12

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. Alexia19 July 2015 at 09:14

    The bubbles in the first three pics look almost perfect! I hope you get your heavy frost (and that we don't).
    Jazz is so self-assured. He knows he's beautiful, doesn't he?

    The mystery stuff looks like a nest to me. Hope it's not going to hatch something nasty! Happy Sunday to the four of you.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:41

      Alexia: As I expected and hoped my mystery has been identified. Not once, but several times. Which is lovely.
      I will happily take your heavy frost. Please.

      Delete
  14. Cindi19 July 2015 at 09:22

    look here: http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/discovery-centre-news/2009-archive/case-moths/ or here http://museumvictoria.com.au/caughtandcoloured/collectiondetail.aspx?strCat=insect&IRN=1091609&mIRN=212996 for your stick cocoon

    and i love your cats. miss mine so much.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:43

      Things Are Looking U.P: Thank you. Andrew was righter than I was, and you have nailed it. My confidence in the blogosphere was not misplaced.
      Of course you miss Oreo. There are cats who still yank on my heart strings.

      Delete
  15. carol in cairns19 July 2015 at 10:12

    The beastie thing is a bit ugly isn't it? What were we saying about nature not always being beautiful? I am still cheering for those bubbles!

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:44

      carolincairns: I was intrigued by it. I suppose it isn't precisely beautiful - but fascinating.
      And keep cheering for the bubbles. I will perfect it. Perhaps not this year but I will get a perfect bubble of ice.

      Delete
  16. Vicki19 July 2015 at 10:53

    I see them from time to time here and often wonder if it's a moth caterpillar, or similar, that's made a camouflage home until it emerges safely, perhaps?

    Jazz is so glossy and beautiful, as is lovely Jewel. So nice to see them :)

    Those ice bubbles are so cool! Our bird baths were completely frozen over this morning - and that's saying something, as we live in a forested mini micro climate here on the mountain...
    I'm relishing these moments, because summer will be upon us soon enough. Ugh.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:45

      Vicki: Ugh to Summer indeed. We already have spring bulbs in bloom which worries me.
      Clever people have identified that case as a case moth or bag worm. It has done an Elvis and left the building but I will look out for more.

      Delete
  17. Unknown19 July 2015 at 12:15

    You are indeed the only person who hopes for minus eight or nine. Possibly in the world.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:47

      Michael G D'Agostino: Surely not the world. I hope you didn't suffer too much when you were in my city. And now you are safely home again, cross your fingers for my cool day. One or two of them so I can be sure to catch the moment.

      Delete
    2. Unknown20 July 2015 at 09:38

      You know what, I preferred the weather in Canberra. In Adelaide it's so windy that it becomes bitter.

      Delete
    3. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 15:13

      Michael G D'Agostino: The lazy winds - the ones which go through you, rather than round you. We get them in Spring.

      Delete
  18. klahanie19 July 2015 at 13:09

    Hi Sue,

    Jazz and Jewel are two of Penny's favourite Australian cats. Then again, Penny doesn't know any other Australian cats. Strewth!

    I hope you get the most frozen bubbles ever! How cool that would be.

    Right then, time for me to actually get some sleep. Yes, time zones!

    Gary

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:48

      klahanie: I hope you do get some sleep. Have had some sleep. Insomnia and fatigue live together too often.

      Delete
  19. Sonya Ann19 July 2015 at 13:27

    I have to say that the frozen bubbles do it for me.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:49

      Sonya Ann: I am fascinated by them - and more than a little peeved as well. So close, and not quite there. Damnit.

      Delete
  20. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe19 July 2015 at 14:08

    Because you have such a different environment than I, there is no way that I could guess what those first few pictures show. However, I do recognize the cat species; I had a cat like Jazz and he was a black shorthair.

    I have always loved bubbles. They are a joy in life.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:50

      Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Bubbles, rainbows and balloons. I hope I am never ever too jaded to enjoy them.

      Delete
  21. Karen19 July 2015 at 14:47

    Love the bubbles...and wishing it was cold here. Temp is 41C here right now.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:50

      Karen: 41??? That is obscene. I hope you get some relief soon. Very soon.

      Delete
  22. Kim19 July 2015 at 15:33

    It's a case moth EC, the grubs stick their front parts out of the top and drag the 'case' around with them while they eat. Well found! I come across them sometimes but not as often as I'd like to.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:54

      Kim: So I have learnt. Thank you. I gather they are partial to wattle and I will go and check ours tomorrow. Fascinating critters.

      Delete
  23. dinahmow19 July 2015 at 15:48

    Yes, a case moth, or "bagworm." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagworm_moth has more info.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:56

      dinahmow: Reading the links that helpful people have given me I gather that the pupae are high in protein and eaten in some parts of the world as well. Live and learn. The moth has flown in this case.

      Delete
  24. J Cosmo Newbery19 July 2015 at 15:50

    I love the idea of photographs of frozen bubbles. Photographs, you understand, viewed from the warmth of my study. None of this -8 stuff!

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:57

      J Cosmo Newbery: Wimp. It is invigorating to be out in the frost at first light juggling with soap bubbles and a camera. Really it is. And one morning I gave up because it was getting too warm - and discovered we were still in the negatives when I came inside. The dread disease has its advantages...

      Delete
  25. The Cranky19 July 2015 at 16:03

    It does look like a bagworm cocoon; you might want to get rid of it whilst it's singular and before it infects your trees. Once established they are extremely difficult to get rid of. I can remember my grandfather having bagworm burning days... he'd cut the 'bags', which can get rather large, out of the trees, douse them with petrol and set them alight. Pretty awful really.
    I'm enjoying your ice bubble endeavours; please don't stop showing them.

    My daughter had a ginger cat named Sir Thomas Munchalot; I'd say he and Jazz were of a size.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:59

      Jacquelineand...: The moth has flown. I will double check the wattle tree (which I have learnt they prefer) in the morning.
      I really, really hope that I do get a perfect ice bubble. If not this year, next.
      And Jazz could be subtitled Sir Thomas Munchalot. He is a very, very food oriented cat.

      Delete
  26. Margaret Birding For Pleasure19 July 2015 at 16:56

    I like your cats and your bubble experiments.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 17:00

      Margaret Adamson: Thank you. I am fond of them myself.

      Delete
  27. Anonymous19 July 2015 at 16:56

    Just got back from my nephew's 60th birthday party where we wore
    Groucho glasses & blew bubbles--what fun!!







































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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 17:03

      fishducky: That sounds like a heap of fun. And I am sure it was.

      Delete
  28. River19 July 2015 at 17:03

    At first glance I saw a skeletal hand and wrist, but closer inspection proved me wrong. Bag worms ? Never heard of them, I'll have to keep an eye out in case we get them here.
    Love the bubbles and of course Jazz and Jewel.
    My devilish Angel seems to love the cold, insisting on going into the back porch several times before I turn out the lights at night.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 17:48

      River: Both Jazz n Jewel demand that I let them out in the morning, and they last less than half an hour most days at the moment. To be fair frost on bare pads would be cold.

      Delete
  29. Margaret D19 July 2015 at 18:04

    What a beautiful black cat & I bet it's so well loved...
    I guess you might be the only person hoping for a - deg night...but I see fun for you coming with the camera...hope you get your wish..

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 18:49

      whiteangel: Both of the black cats are very well loved. And yes, I do know that most people don't want the negative temperatures.

      Delete
  30. Carol19 July 2015 at 19:07

    We call them case moths here in Sydney and I've known them all my life but never heard or seen that they become a problem. Just a caterpillar that makes a nice silken case covered with sticks, twigs and other interesting bits, that hangs itself up when not busy eating and eventually turns into a moth. Quite rare these days and greeted with great joy when we find on in the garden. I think you've had a lovely visitation, EC!

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 20:01

      Carol: I found it fascinating even before I knew what it was - and am even more intrigued now. Getting rarer? Pesticides, climate or something else?

      Delete
  31. River Fairchild19 July 2015 at 21:37

    Ick. I hope it's for caterpillars as some have said, and not for chomping or stinging creatures. Thank you for the cat chasers to wash away the things I imagined. :)

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:41

      River Fairchild: It is caterpillars. A caterpillar with a moveable house, who sticks its head out and munches as it moves. I am sure that you could create a truly scary story from that concept. One that even cats couldn't wash away...

      Delete
  32. Granny Annie19 July 2015 at 21:45

    Bubbles and cats make me happy. Do you follow kenju on Just Ask Judy? She has new cats and it's quite a story.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:42

      Grannie Annie: How lovely to see you here. I hope you are feeling much, much better. I don't know that blog - and will have to explore.

      Delete
  33. Jennifer Richardson19 July 2015 at 23:52

    the squicks:) I love that word! New one for me.....thanks for that:)
    Those bubbles.....swoon:)
    That was a sweet inspire; another thank you:)
    -Jennifer

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:43

      Jennifer Richardson: I hope the squicks have no place in your life. Just bubbles. And colour. And joy.

      Delete
  34. DeniseinVA20 July 2015 at 03:01

    Jazz and Jewel are the prettiest cats, and love their comfort just like I do :) Your insect photo is fascinating and how I love blowing bubbles. I have enjoyed your frozen ones but the light caught in the non-frozen ones is very beautiful.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:43

      DeniseinVA: Bubbles are a childhood joy that I hope to never, ever lose. Frozen ones are still a work in progress.

      Delete
  35. Craig20 July 2015 at 03:27

    Lovely cats and clearly loving their pampered lives! Your frozen bubbles are getting very good. You'll perfect the art just in time for spring and summer!

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:48

      Craig: Spring is fine, but don't mention summer. Please. And hopefully I will perfect the bubbles by then.
      Jazz n Jewel would tell you that they are underprivileged. They are strangers to the truth.

      Delete
  36. Anonymous20 July 2015 at 03:48

    Ah, to be Jazz! Cats always look like they are leading the most marvelous life :). Hope you are having a great weekend.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:49

      totallycaroline: In my next life I would like to be a cat. Preferably one of my own so I can be suitably indulged. Difficult that.

      Delete
  37. Bookie20 July 2015 at 03:57

    I definitely enjoyed pic of Jazz more than the bugs! Ha, ha.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:49

      Bookie: Oh good. There should be enjoyment in every day. Lots of enjoyment.

      Delete
  38. My Inner Chick20 July 2015 at 04:27

    Okay,
    JAZZ is the KING of CATS.
    Just sayin' xxxx

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:50

      My Inner Chick: Jazz would agree with you. Jewel says that she is pretty special too. And she is right.
      Hugs.

      Delete
  39. Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer20 July 2015 at 04:36

    In our winters, you can have all sorts of frozen bubbles. Your creatures are so different, no idea what your mystery is.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:58

      Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Mystery solved. A case moth cocoon. And I do envy you your winters.

      Delete
  40. Myrna R.20 July 2015 at 05:39

    I know nothing to clear up your mystery. Hope it's not termites or something destructive. I love Jazz and Jewel. They must keep you quite entertained throughout the day. I love bubbles too, but I know I'll never make a frozen bubble. I don't like the cold.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:59

      Myrna R.: It is the heat I hate, so freezing bubbles is less challenging for me that for lots of people. If only the weather co-operates.
      Jazz n Jewel are both rescue cats and have given us at least as much (more) than we give them.

      Delete
  41. Alex J. Cavanaugh20 July 2015 at 07:08

    The frozen bubbles are wild.
    No idea on the insect. Rather creepy though.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:54

      Alex J. Cavanaugh: I hope your holiday was wonderful. I found the insect fascinating - and even more so as I learned about it. The bubbles are a fun obsession too. Not quite cold enough this morning or I would be outside playing again.

      Delete
  42. New Release Books20 July 2015 at 07:13

    Loving all your photos...so adorable!

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  43. Bob Bushell20 July 2015 at 07:36

    Tell me, what kind of the insect EC, please?

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 07:47

      Bob Bushell: Clever people have told me it is a case moth cocoon. You can find more pictures HERE

      Delete
    2. Bob Bushell22 July 2015 at 07:16

      Lovely, thanks EC.

      Delete
  44. Cloudia20 July 2015 at 10:33

    Jazz, Jewel and you bubble experiments are delightful!

    Wasp condo?

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 15:15

      Cloudia: Caterpillar cocoon. Not one I knew, and one I will now look out for.
      Jazz n jewel and I thank you.

      Delete
  45. John Wiswell20 July 2015 at 14:10

    Wow, those bubbles look like amoebae! And the nesty thing looks like the world's creepiest skeleton hand. Nice eye as always, EC.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2015 at 15:17

      John Wiswell: A few of you have seen the skeleton hand. It escaped me, and now it is all I see.
      And the amoebae is also a simile I hadn't thought of. You are right though.

      Delete
  46. Mason Canyon20 July 2015 at 19:55

    The bubbles amaze me. I would have never thought to try that. Love the photos of the cats. They are both adorable.

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 07:21

      Mason Canyon: Until a friend sent me an email about frozen bubbles it had never crossed my mind either. I am so glad it did. Frustrated - but glad. Hooray for cat lovers.

      Delete
  47. mail4rosey20 July 2015 at 20:07

    Those bubbles photographed nicely. And your cats are definitely beauties. :)

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  48. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com21 July 2015 at 01:03

    The combination of Jazzy and frozen bubbles almost erased the insect nests.

    Have a peaceful week, EC.

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 07:23

      Rawknrobyn: Only almost? I can see I will need to put up more antidotes next time I launch into insects...

      Delete
  49. Anonymous21 July 2015 at 01:22

    Jazz is such a beautiful cat, he looks so much like my cat Windwalker.

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 07:24

      Lon Anderson: Windwalker is a WONDERFUL name for a cat.

      Delete
  50. Susan 21 July 2015 at 02:14

    I had never heard of a case moth or a bag worm- but I am glad you have readers who could identify your mystery as such! Your cats are so beautiful - as are the frozen bubbles!!

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 07:24

      Susan F.: Isn't the education we find in the blogosphere wonderful? I am so grateful.

      Delete
  51. Anonymous21 July 2015 at 02:23

    I'm thinking it's some sort of worm? I've never seen anything like that before! Beautiful cats and glad to see you're still trying to freeze those bubbles :)

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 07:26

      Madilyn Quinn: I am determined to freeze a complete bubble. This year or next. You are nearly right about my mystery. A case moth cocoon - also known as a bag worm.

      Delete
  52. jenny_o21 July 2015 at 09:13

    So I've read the links left by a kind reader and the comments of other readers and I have to say I'd be a bit worried about those case moths taking over the yard! Hopefully they are just a delightful one-off for you. I never know what the best thing is to do when the bugs are eating the plants and I feel sorry for both.

    I would love as many pictures of your cats as you want to post, by the way.

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 13:55

      jenny_o: There is no sign of them invading the yard. None. I will watch for them though, as the more I read, the more intrigued I become.
      I will post more of the furry tyrants. They rule the house - and my heart.

      Delete
  53. Carola Bartz21 July 2015 at 13:05

    I'm not sure what it is - if it's insects it's totally interesting. Well, it is interesting, insects or not. Period. I like Jazz's "bored" look while lounging on the sofa. So, what's wrong with minus eight or nine? It's winter for you after all, isn't it?

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 13:57

      Carola Bartz: I am perfectly happy with winter, and don't mind how cold it gets. I seem to be in the minority. On the other hand I often wish summer away.
      My mystery was identified as a case moth cocoon, built and decorated with things from the yard. Fascinating. I have never seen one - and will watch out for them.

      Delete
  54. orvokki21 July 2015 at 15:58

    Nice photos.
    Wih you happy wintertime...
    Hugs

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 17:30

      orvokki: I am loving our winter - and hope you are revelling in your summer. Hugs.

      Delete
  55. Linda Starr21 July 2015 at 22:29

    I have no idea what that nest is - strange indeed, your cats are sweet, I once had a black cat named Poncho, your's reminds me of him.

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    1. Elephant's Child22 July 2015 at 08:43

      Linda Starr: I have had many, many black cats in my life. All much loved.

      Delete
  56. Anonymous22 July 2015 at 00:09

    That is a strange nest. And your cat is adorable!

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    1. Elephant's Child22 July 2015 at 08:44

      ladyfi: It is a fascinating cocoon. I will keep my eye out for more now.

      Delete
  57. All Consuming22 July 2015 at 04:53

    Awesome bubbles!! Though I don't want the weather that comes with them. I asked hubby what he thought the mystery nest thing was and he said "Is it in Australia? " I nodded yes. He said "It could be anything then." Hahahahaha, watch out for that Jabberwocky you love coming back for it's eggs eh?!

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    1. Elephant's Child22 July 2015 at 08:42

      All Consuming: The Jabberwocky would lay MUCH bigger eggs than that. And guard them well.

      Delete
  58. Anonymous22 July 2015 at 07:12

    I came here on Sunday, forgot what I was going to say, and went back
    home again. Sorry!

    Anyway, the pics of your cats are adorable, by the way. And the bubbles ... oh, my. Love those :)

    Hope things are good in your little corner of the world?

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    1. Elephant's Child22 July 2015 at 08:45

      Wendy: Lovely to see you out and about in the blogosphere. How is your writing going? Have you killed any publishers or agents yet?
      Things are muddling along here. Which is as much as we can hope for.

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    2. Anonymous23 July 2015 at 06:35

      Thanks. No, not killed any agents/publishers (yet), but kidnapping has often sprung to mind .. This writing lark is getting more and more tedious by the day.

      Glad to hear things are muddling along. It's the best we can hope for I guess ... sadly.

      Delete
    3. Elephant's Child23 July 2015 at 06:46

      Wendy: Not the writing lark but the lack of recognition. I hope. Writers are my heroes. I need them/you all.

      Delete
  59. 21 Wits22 July 2015 at 07:22

    I'm back, so very curious if you got the correct answer to that very curious nest of sorts. A great mystery indeed! I do like to figure out things like that. Of course your kitty antics are always sweet and still amazed at your bubbles!

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    1. 21 Wits22 July 2015 at 07:27

      Closest I could find was a moth cocoon. See image here. Slightly similar. https://www.flickr.com/photos/40132175@N06/4704397597

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    2. Elephant's Child22 July 2015 at 08:47

      Karen S.: It does indeed seem to be a case moth cocoon. As far as I can see they will use whatever comes to hand - and no two will be the same. Fascinating. Amazing. And I am so grateful for the education.

      Delete
    3. 21 Wits24 July 2015 at 03:01

      Oh me too, thanks for sharing this photo, it's something I enjoy to do too! I'm still a library person, but I do enjoy having Google at my fingertips instantly!

      Delete
  60. Mimsie22 July 2015 at 14:36

    Glad your mystery was solved. I've not seen anything like that ever.
    Your cats are just being cats as cats will be for all time and they are both so beautiful.
    Your frozen bubbles amaze me. I'd not have thought of such an experiment and of course it is never cold enough in Perth although of late the temps have been quite low at night. I am so loving this winter weather but as the days lengthen I begin to feel the threat of another hot summer.

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    1. Elephant's Child23 July 2015 at 06:47

      Mimsie: I am not looking forward to summer either. At all. And fear we are heading for another scorcher.

      Delete
  61. Lynn23 July 2015 at 02:29

    A moth cocoon - I'd have never guessed! I was mystified.

    Love the frozen bubbles and your cats! So funny that Jazz wants to sit where himself sits. :) I love cats.

    I'm camera shy, too. I do not like to be photographed either.

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    1. Elephant's Child23 July 2015 at 06:48

      Lynn: Mystified sums up exactly how I felt. I am really grateful to be educated. There are more photos of camera shy Jewel than there are of me. Which is a good thing.

      Delete
  62. Yolanda Renée23 July 2015 at 06:12

    I had no guess, so it's amazing to learn it's a moth cocoon. How inventive, but the insect world is. Those bubbles are cool, I can imagine the iridescence. Cats seem to love the camera, me, not at all. For some reason I always look like me. :)

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    1. Elephant's Child23 July 2015 at 06:49

      Yolanda Renee: Welcome. You have summed up why I avoid cameras beautifully.
      The insect world is indeed endlessly inventive. Architects and builders. Marvels.

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  63. Denise Covey 23 July 2015 at 09:03

    These photos are absolutely amazing. Shows just how intriguing the insect world can be when seen in close up especially. You don't see things like this every day. :-)

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    1. Elephant's Child23 July 2015 at 17:02

      Denise Covey: Thank you. I have never seen a cocoon like this before - and will keep my eyes open better in future.

      Delete
  64. SpacerGuy24 July 2015 at 02:48

    I like cats that are friendly. I remember visiting a friends house recently, she invited me in and we sat down at the kitchen table. She made the most amazing biscuits which I ate greedily, lol. Eventually we moved to the couch and thats when Ginger came in, LOL. Ginger circled my legs continuously, purring, growling almost. The cat was jealous!

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    1. Elephant's Child24 July 2015 at 05:45

      Spacerguy: Cats do indeed get jealous. Some of them very jealous. If I kiss himself goodnight while Jazz is sitting with him Jazz complains. Loudly. You are lucky that Ginger wasn't quite growling. Jazz would have been. And his claws belong on a spectacular and evil space monster.

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  65. Riot Kitty24 July 2015 at 04:00

    How patient were you to get the bubble shots? Impressive!

    Jazz and Vasil have GOT to be siblings.

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    1. Elephant's Child24 July 2015 at 05:47

      Riot Kitty: Much as I love Jazz, the thought that he has relatives is more than a little scary. Some aspects of his character are less than stellar. His heart is as black as his fur.

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  66. Susan Flett Swiderski25 July 2015 at 03:57

    I'm glad some very smart bloggers were able to solve your mystery for you. (And for the rest of us, too... that cocoon is very interesting-looking.)

    Your cats are beauties, and I really like that cat cave. The way our girls like to burrow under covers and into bags and boxes, I think they'd love it. I'll have to see if I can find a couple of them.

    Happy weekend!

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    1. Elephant's Child25 July 2015 at 05:49

      Susan: Jewel loves her cat cave. Jazz not so much. Which, since he is much bigger and meaner, is a good thing. Otherwise he would hog it. Instead he hogs chairs. And the bed.
      I was so very grateful to have the mystery solved. And fascinated.

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  67. BECKY25 July 2015 at 22:29

    Your freezing, almost frozen bubbles are magical! I may steal your idea when winter comes around to my side of the world! Your kitties are beautiful....especially Jazz!

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    1. Elephant's Child26 July 2015 at 06:13

      BECKY: You have much more hope than I do of freezing bubbles. I may remind you when your summer finishes. Jewel says that Jazz is a show off, and that she is every bit as beautiful. She is right. On both counts.

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  68. DMS29 July 2015 at 04:31

    The bubbles look beautiful and magical- even if you still want it to be colder out for them. :)

    Love the kitty pictures- they make me want to stretch out for a nap.

    Fascinating to learn the first pictures are of a moth cocoon. I learn something new every day. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. Elephant's Child29 July 2015 at 08:25

      DMS ~ Jess: I too learn every day. Which is wonderful.

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