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.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life. Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I usually run with a theme.This week is a bit of a hotch potch. I have again been out just after first light. Winter is definitely on its way.
And in the garden there was also evidence of the coming chilly months.
The anemone bulbs (which are coming up months too early) had a delicate tracing of frost.
The next photo comes from one of our local shopping centres. For months now (yay) they have had a community library. A library where people can pick up or drop off books. Of course I do both. People in my city like everywhere else are doing it tough. So the community library has been joined by a community pantry - again where people can pick up or drop off goods. I think both are wonderful additions.
I am going to finish with photos of Batty and Odie. Batty still has come healing to do, and is reluctant to jump. He and Odie are mostly getting on quite well, though Batty is reluctant to play still and shrieks for assistance if Odie chases him. They do curl up together though. Despite being full brothers they look quite different. Batty is the black beauty and has troubles with his weight (he LOVES his food).
The community library and pantry is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteBatty is quite a bit bigger. Both look really good though.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: We are trying (with limited success) to get Batty's weight down - not least because it will be kinder on his joints.
Delete"I hope you can all find or give assistance this week."
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful hope!
"And a very happy Mothers' Day to those celebrating today."
TY 😃
Sandi: Thank you. It was a heartfelt hope.
DeleteIt is so unusual to see frost in your blog, EC. I hope you can enjoy the cooler weather. The community library is a great idea. We have a community pantry here too. The library will be next I hope.
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: I hope that we get some much harder frosts so I can freeze bubbles again. If it happens it will be a few months away. Community libraries have been around for a while. The pantries are spreading too - which is lovely.
DeleteMe gusta tus preciosos gatos. Por aquí, ya entrado el calor y hemos tenido que sacar del armario, la ropa de verano.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Miradas desde mi lente: Welcome and thank you. We love our cats and are very glad that summer is gone here. Stay cool, stay safe.
Deletethecontemplativecat here. Love the frosted leaves. Has a beauty hard to describe. We walked around our son's neighbor hood and sound some children books kiosks.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: I adore the delicate etchings of frost. We have several community libraries nearby, but I haven't seen them limited to children's books. The one at the shopping centre includes them (which is great) but there are books for most ages and tastes.
DeleteSo very glad to hear the news about the cats. And they are gorgeous! I do hope you will have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for the frosty pics, as we are in the midst of a heat wave. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: They are beautiful boys - and are currently quiet because they are having breakfast. I hope your heatwave doesn't last long and isn't too severe. I know that you, like me, prefer cooler temperatures.
DeleteYour frosty photos are amazing. It is steaming here, so I am in awe of your chilly ones. You have such amazing views from your veranda.
ReplyDeleteGREAT photos of Batty and Odie. At first, I couldn't tell that Batty was overweight. Then you showed him next to Odie and I can see he does like food. Just like Squiggles. Bleubeard gains weight in about October when the cold weather sets in. However, in late February or early March, he slims down again and is at an ideal weight by the time summer arrives.
Happy Mother's Day to you, even though your country doesn't celebrate it today.
I guess I have no choice but to give assistance to my friend's cats, since she has (is eligible for) at least 15 more days of rehab in a facility where she is staying.
Why do I ALWAYS get a "failed to publish" when I visit you?
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you. I am so glad that we have left summer behind and will relish the cooler months. I hope you can find somewhere cool and comfortable. Not only does Batty love his food he is much less active - possibly partly related to his surgery.
DeleteOur country does celebrate Mothers' Day today. I am glad that you are able to support your friend and her cats.
When I get the failed to publish message I have found that swapping to a different browser solves the problem - until the next time.
Your cats are beautiful, lovely EC.
ReplyDeletebob: They will be glad to hear that - though they already know.
DeleteThe cats are so cute.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the library/community pantry.
Mary Kirkland: Batty and Odie thank you. I am really impressed with the community library and pantry too.
DeleteI love your cats!
ReplyDeleteJenn Jilks: We do too.
DeleteRiver Fairchild - I’m glad the cooler temperatures have arrived for you. I’m currently broiling in what should be August weather. Your too early blooms further point out the crazy weather patterns.
ReplyDeleteIt’s wonderful that Batty and Odie are having their snuggle moments again. I did snicker at the thought of Batty yelling for help while being chased. Perhaps Odie is enjoying a bit of turnaround is fair play for the times Batty was the aggressor?
Hugs to you and hope for a good and pleasant week ahead.
River Fairchild: You might be right about Odie thinking it is his turn. Batty is a dobber and sometimes starts to shriek for protection before Odie has done anything. Crazy weather patterns indeed. Today is starting off cool but the sun is shining. I will head into the garden before long..
DeleteHappy Mother's Day to you too. the cats are really adorable
ReplyDeleteroentare: Thank you - on both counts, though I am only the mother of the cats.
DeleteI love the photos of Batty and Odie! Tell Batty I have troubles with my weight too, and so does one of my cats. It seems we treat food like there won't be any to eat tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThe combination library and pantry is an excellent idea, and both look well-stocked. I hope they continue to get lots of donations and that the folks who most need them feel comfortable taking what they need.
It's another cold spring day here. We had a long thunderstorm here with lots of rain. I hope tomorrow is fine; I am driving an hour away to visit my mother-in-law. She had three sons; now only one is still alive and he is in a nursing home with early dementia. It has to be a hard day for her.
Happy Mother's Day, EC - you are a wonderful kitty mother and I count that as definitely a qualification. I hope you get along well at Batty's vet visit and his cough is easily treated.
Big hugs from across the sea.
jenny_o: Your poor mother in law. That is a very big burden she is carrying. Thank you for going to see her. I have issues with my weight too.
DeleteWe are asked to add food to the pantry that doesn't require refrigeration or freezing and it is just outside a supermarket so it is easy enough to add an item or two to the shopping. I think that both are brilliant ideas - and they seem to be well used.
Hugs to you too sister across the seas.
It's wonderful to see Batty and Odie cuddled up together. It's five and a half months since I lost Remy. And it took five months for Shama to cease her crying out loudly and at length, and for her to stop over-eating. She felt she had to eat for two, I think,and she put on loads of weight. But she has stopped do so now, too. She stays up close to me...my shadow, the dear girl. And, I have no complaints about her sticking close.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week ahead, EC...take good care...cuddles to your two furry little mates. :)
Lee: Poor Shama. It must have hit her as hard as it did you. I am not surprised she is your shadow now - she no doubt fears another loss. I hope that we can wean Batty from his overeating. It isn't good for him and I really don't want to have to go down the surgery path again (I am sure he doesn't either). Have a great week.
DeleteYour cat boys are lovely, especially curled up together. They look so healthy. They have both come a long way since you adopted them. Batty will probably loose his extra weight once he gets more mobile.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love the photo of the frost kissed leaves, I'm enjoying the new leaves that are emerging everywhere and the flowering trees bursting in blooms right now. There's greenery everywhere. I love this time of year when plants starts to grow from the cool soil.
The community library and pantry is such a great thing.
Take care and be well.
Hugs,
Julia
Julia: Thank you. I hope you are right about Batty's weight. He certainly started to put on condition when his knee began to dislocate. Spring is a gorgeous time of year and I am happy you are enjoying yours.
DeleteThe free community facilities are great aren't they? I hope they spread (and grow).
So good to see your lovely cats looking well! Batty is a very handsome fellow, and I love Odie's beautiful stripey markings. I'm sure they will give you a lot of pleasure, and heaps of laughs.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you enjoy your cooler weather (not too cool, though!) It's nice to see the tracing of frost on the leaves. Look after yourself and enjoy your furry family...
Alexia: Thank you. They are giving us immense pleasure and fun. And, of course, a little aggravation too. I am hoping for MUCH cooler days to come - so I can freeze bubbles again. I am alone in that wish in this house.
DeleteIt is so nice seeing them together like that.
ReplyDeleteLon Anderson: It is very nice to see them together. Glad you are back in the blogosphere.
DeleteOdie and Batty are so cute! Poor Batty has been through so much; it's no wonder he's still a little anxious. I hope he's soon running and playing normally.
ReplyDeleteYour frost tracings are lovely. We had +32C today, with the next three days predicted to be above 30, too. That's unusually hot for May - too bad we can't just 'average' our temperatures between places!
Diane Henders: Over 30 is too hot for me. I hope you get some relief and it isn't a foretaste of a long hot summer.
DeleteBatty has been through a lot. Hopefully he has had his last surgery. He is getting better but it is slower than I would like.
The cats are adorable, just love black ones.
ReplyDeleteSnow, oh gosh, haven't seen any on the mountains down here as yet.
Fabulous idea regarding the books.
Have a good week EC.
Margaret D: I have only seen snow on the mountains on one morning. So far. I love black cats too, and we often share our lives with at least one of them.
DeleteThe frosted leaves are beautiful. It's nice seeing the cats curled up together so at least they aren't enemies all the time. Is it possible to give the cats just slightly less food so that Batty doesn't gain too much? Perhaps just to keep his weight stable. Lola never cleans her plate the way your boys do. Every day I throw out so much uneaten food, because once it dries out a bit she often won't touch it.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Feeding the cats is a challenge. Batty needs to lose weight, not just not gain any. They have very different eating habits. Batty puts his head down and goes for it, while Odie likes to eat a bit and come back to it. Sometimes over a couple of hours, which makes feeding them separately a challenge. If Batty comes across food that Odie is waiting to go back to, he scoffs it. A work in progress.
DeleteI loved the frosted leaves too.
Brrr just looking at those frost pictures gave me goosebumps! Lovely to see Batty and Odie looking so happy and healthy.
ReplyDeleteKim: It was a very mild frost. We will (I hope) get much harder ones yet. It is lovely to see the kittens together again. They are having breakfast now and are very happy.
DeleteHi EC - it's so good to see you around and showing us pictures of the B & O!! I'm glad they're happy together again - despite the food challenges. It does look cold - we have had a northerly wind recently - which I could do without ... it doesn't feel much like early summer. Still it is lighter and life goes on ... I love the photos you've given us - it's always so interesting to see the names - in this case the Brindabella range - I don't think I'd picked that up before. Cheers - always good to be here and thanks for your support ... Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: As a child we spent a lot of time in the Brindebellas - often when my father was fishing. It is a truly beautiful area. I hadn't notice the B & O link before - and since both of them are chronic farters it is entirely appropriate. Odie has been called odiferous more than once.
DeleteIt appears that everyone is feeling better.... Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteBill: We are - which is lovely. I at least am enjoying the cool nights and mornings.
DeleteI'm glad you both and the cats are feeling better. Happy Sunday. I'm sorry I've not been around much.
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. You are welcome whenever you stop by - and there is no need to apologise. None.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to see Batty and Odie. I hope the recovery continues to go well - for all of you. The community library and pantry are such worthwhile projects.
Have a peaceful week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I really like the community library and pantry. I am in the middle of a much needed book cull and have already earmarked some books for that library. I will top up the pantry too.
DeleteVery pretty post.
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Thank you.
DeleteWinter is indeed on its way where you are, Sue, and I am looking forward to bubble blowing time. I will make it a point to give assistance today, but yesterday I led an all-day outing for a group of enthusiastic birders and we had a fantastic time together. One was a young student who was trying to broaden his knowledge and we all rallied round him to help as much as we could. Might that count in a pinch?
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: In a pinch, nothing. The gift of knowledge is always assistance. Particularly when it is given to a knowledge seeker.
DeleteLovely post. Cute kitties
ReplyDeleteashok: They (and we) think so.
DeleteBeautiful post
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: Thank you.
DeleteThe kitties are very cute! ♥
ReplyDeleteRain: They are aren't they? I hope Jack is continuing to do well.
DeleteI have just learned a new word - dobber- same as tattletale or snitch? Pictures of B & O (an appealing acronym) are heartwarming. You will be relieved to hear that I am not one bit worried about Batty being zoftig - just more to love.
ReplyDeleteFrances: You are right. I hadn't realise that dobbing and dobber were Australian and New Zealand slang. Dobbers are NOT highly regarded here. B & O are often little stinkers (how appropriate) but much loved.
DeleteYour black cat looks just like Ziggy, my two year old male.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: Ziggy is a little older than our boys. I have a huge soft spot for black cats and have done for as long as I can remember.
DeleteI love the pictures of the sib kitties. Glad Batty is better. Your surroundings are beautiful. You got some great shots. What a wonderful idea of a community library and pantry. Purrfect. Have a special day. Hugs Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Thank you. I really, really like the community library and pantry and will continue to support them both.
DeleteWow! what absolutely wonderful mountains. I am just a bit envious of that view! Communal library and sundry sounds like a great idea.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): As mountains go, these are not very high - they would be hills in many countries but I love them and the way they define our horizon.
DeleteLovely shots of your boys and the contrast in colouring is incredible for brothers. I had a big black boy one time by the name of Walter. Tough dude and it was the hardest thing in the world to deny him his food. He would yell all day. So I can relate.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: Given half a chance Batty will bulldoze Odie off his food. A work in progress.
DeleteThat's nice about the food pantry at the library. As you say, times are tough, with inflation so bad around the world. Batty does look much larger than his brother. The cats in a litter can all have different fathers so not surprising they look different with different body types. Looks like you are edging towards winter for sure.
ReplyDeleteStrayer; Definitely edging towards winter. Not only do our boys look different they have very different characters. Both have claimed a place in our heart.
DeleteMy son's cat Giorgio is 20 years old. Tara (13) and Bart (12) don't try to play with him much anymore. They seem to sense that he's more delicate than he used to be.
ReplyDeleteI did another fish Haiga today.
https://poetryofthenetherworld.blogspot.com/2023/05/what-color-is-hope.html
I don't know if veterinarians are as short-sighted as doctors for humans when it comes to animals and weight. All dieting does for most humans is result in a deprivation-rebound eating (because you're literally starving)-repeat cycle which, ironically, tends to result in more weight gain and the eventual inability to lose weight altogether. I do know that one time when I took my chonky guy Raymond (RIP) to the vet, she spent the whole time lecturing me about his weight and missed the fact that he had cancer. I was not impressed.
Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost: Giorgio has reached an excellent age. I am glad that the others realise that he is more delicate.
DeleteOrdinarily I would agree with you on the weight front. However, extra weight puts extra strain on Battie's joints which we want to avoid. One surgery was more than enough and he has a congenital weakness in them to be considered. I am off to read your haiga now. Thank you for joining us.
Late autumn into winter is a beautiful time of year, although some don't see it.
ReplyDeleteHaving a food bank with the library is a brilliant idea.
I'm glad Batty is doing better and hope he is fully recovered soon.
messymimi: There are so many beautiful times of year... I really like the community pantry and library and hope (so much) that Batty makes a full recovery.
DeleteI like that the bros. do sleep together, at least. My boys, not sibs, tolerate each other at best.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love both the community library and pantry. Such a wonderful support for folk in need.
Bea: There are still some relationship difficulties but it is lovely when they cuddle up together. Other cats we have had like yours exercised tolerance (on a good day). Isn't the library/pantry brilliant?
DeleteWhat precious pictures! Enjoy the cats.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: Thank you. We do.
DeleteIt was along way down to here!
ReplyDeleteI like the community library idea. I may bring that up for our community center.
Mike: I do hope your community centre comes on board. I think the library is brilliant and I am always pleased to see them pop up.
DeleteOne day Batty will forget his sore leg and jump around like a kitten. That will be a good day.
ReplyDeleteThey are super cute together.
I hope you have a good week
kylie: It will be a VERY good day when he jumps around like a kitten. Hopefully soon. You have a good week too.
DeleteA community library sounds incredible. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: I agree, and there are quite a number of them springing up in my city.
DeleteOh my! The view from your terrace is magnificent!
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: We are lucky aren't we? I love looking at those hills at any time of the day or year.
DeleteAww I do like the photographs you've shared of Batty and Odie.
ReplyDeleteI think Community Libraries and Pantry's are an excellent idea, and are appreciated by so many.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. How I wish that community pantries were not necessary but they are. And I love that our community is stepping up to meet that need.
Delete"Dusting of snow." A totally foreign concept for us here in Florida!
ReplyDeleteThe community support efforts around the planet have always made a difference to someone. Precisely why they are important to continue.
The cats look contented. Hope there health continues to improve.
Gini and I are doing great for a couple of "age challenged" folks! We hope your new week is filled with peace.
Wally Jones: We often get a dusting of snow though it rarely sticks in my city. Age challenged? Pfft. Keep on doing just what you are, and revelling in the beauty of nature.
DeleteThose early frosts are so pretty - hope your plants hang on for a little longer!
ReplyDeleteJemi Fraser: Thank you. Most of our plants will survive our fairly wimpy winter.
DeleteI'm so glad Batty and Oldie are better, they look handsome! The view from your veranda is to die for too. I love your wish - what a beautiful sentiment to take away with me, I shall hold it close. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: Thank you - on all counts. The kittens are very different but we think they are both appealing.
DeleteWe also love our view and my wish encapsulates kindness - which we all need.
I hope you're having a great new week. Batty and Odie are adorable. I wish all the best for Batty. They are like my brother and sister Freddie is black and white and Morticia is my true black beauty.
ReplyDeleteRasma Sandra: Thank you. It has been a good week though cool. Freddie and Morticia sound lovely. I do love black cats.
DeleteWhat a wonderful thing to have the community library and even more so the community pantry. I really love the idea of the pantry and I actually saw a few people in my town who do this instead of the little libraries. There is a little library right across the street which my neighbor put up, and I both put books in there as well as take one if I think it's interesting. I love the little libraries that I find during my walks.
ReplyDeleteYour cats are so pretty and I hope they will be doing well. They are so adorable how they cuddle up together. I sometimes wonder why some cats have more trouble with their weight than their siblings. Sounds almost like humans... The black cat from across the street often comes here - he wants Kibeau's food. He is quite the heavy boy, and I wonder whether as a kitten he was starving before he was rescued and now eats whenever he sees food. He is a very sweet boy, but I really don't want him to eat more.
Carola Bartz: I am really chuffed that the library and the pantry have found a home in one of our local shopping centres. I think they are both a great idea and will be adding to both of them.
DeleteI think that Batty put on a lot of weight while moving was a problem for him. Sadly his extra weight isn't good for his healing. Equally sadly he loves food and is resisting attempts to get his weight down. And yes, I do think that some cats are, like people, prone to put on weight.
Love the idea of the pantry. Wish there was something like that here. We do have a neighborhood book box. I used it once. Guess I dont like to read the same things as my neighbors. LOL Anyway, it still seems odd, even though I know and understand, that you are entering winter's chill, and here we are roasting and it isnt even summer yet! We've had a terrible drought. And the gulf waters are getting warmer and warmer. Hurricanes like warm weather. Scares me. Take care my friend.
ReplyDeleteJ C: For a while we had a street library in my street. I couldn't find books I wanted to read very often and the books I left in it weren't to people's taste. The one at the shopping centre is much broader in its collections. The pantry is great isn't it? We are definitely getting cooler here - it is minus 3 as I type. I prefer to the heat though. Stay cool - and safe.
DeleteGood morning, what sweet kitties, Batty and Odie are joys I'm sure and gorgeous greenery and views, of your lovely city. Enjoy what is left of your weekend and into next week! take care!
ReplyDelete21 Wits: They are very sweet - when it suits. I hope you have a wonderful weekend (and week to come as well).
DeleteYou have such beautiful kitties, Sue! I would love to have a kitty, but Terry doesn't want to have one in the house. Your photos of frost on the anemone bulbs' leaves are lovely. My students used to tease me because I always had a difficult time pronouncing "anemone." I hope Batty is 100% soon. The book and pantry exchanges are great ideas.
ReplyDeleteLast weekend the US Post Office Workers Union had its annual food drive. The mail carriers deliver a big paper bag to each address. You fill it with nonperishable, healthy foods and put it out by your mailbox. The mail carriers pick the bags of food up, and then the food is distributed to food banks in the area. I think that is an awesome project, and I always stuff the bag.
All the best to you. You do important work and make a contribution to those in need. Hugs to you!
Fundy Blue: When I first took up with himself (forty five years ago) he came from a cat hating family. The cats have converted him and he indulges them even more than I do. Poor Batty has had a rough start to life. I really hope this is his last episode - at least for a while.
DeleteI love the idea of an annual food drive. Perhaps one (or more) will start up here. The panty is a good start.
And thank you.