Gizzy in Heaven!

Gizzy in Heaven!
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Friday, September 23, 2011

Small daily adventures

A couple of days ago, I saw my very first live snake whilst walking around the lake.


I was spying on this Great Blue Heron as he was fishing for his breakfast when I encountered this oak snake that I was later told is harmless.



I was hiding behind a tree in order to get closer to the bird and that's when I noticed the snake in the grass (no pun intended.)


 (my friend Sandi looking at the snake)

I always keep my distance with wild (and unfamiliar) animals...unless they're incredibly cute like this little green tree frog that was clinging to my Ginger Lily out on the front porch this afternoon.


After the first flash of my camera, he quickly retreated inside the leaves and was sleepily peeking up at me. You can't tell from looking at it here, but this little fella was only about an inch or so big.... clearly a baby!


I wanted to reach for him and hold him, but I knew it would only scare him away.

My Ginger Lily is blooming again (for the third or second time this year) and the fragrant blossoms have a scent similar to Gardenias. 


I cut one blossom off today (for the first time) and put it in a vase inside my apartment. It's sitting on my computer desk so that I can enjoy its aroma whilst typing.


Today, the little kindergartners had their annual autumn walk around the lake, so Gizzy and I stayed and watched all the little ones walk by, carrying their plastic baggies full of collectibles, i.e. leaves, sticks, etc. 


One of my friend's grand daughter and her mommy were there too. Haley is such an adorable little four-year old girl.


She kind of reminds me of a young Drew Barrymore....look at that adorable cookie dough commercial:



Here's another precious face belonging to one of Haley's little friends:


I enjoyed watching the little ones march by waving hello to me and Gizzy. "Hello, doggy!" they would say and I just answered back in Gizzy's behalf.

My neighbor Terri came walking to the lake with Patches and Gizzy had to sniff hello.



Patches is a young Jack Russell Terrier mix that belongs to another elderly neighbor. 

Here's Gizzy and his friends Tuffy and Sophie, the two Shih-Tzus that belong to my friend Sandi.


Our morning walks are leisurely and unhurried. We love to let the dogs explore and get their fill while we look at everything and often stop and rest for a while to soak up nature and offer the dogs some refreshments (i.e. water, snacks)  Not a  high-energy type of activity, but most enjoyable and a great way for us to start the day. Oftentimes that's the only socializing we do with other people as I and Sandi pretty much stay to ourselves for the rest of the day.


Yesterday I spied a White Egret perched in one of the swamp cypress trees and I actually managed to get a close up. They normally fly away just before I get a chance to come any closer.


The trees used to be full of those white, majestic looking birds, but now I only see one or two flying around. It really is an impressive sight to see a tree full of those big, white birds ... as if it snowed Egrets.

The cats are getting fat and sassy, seeking me out if I'm running a wee bit late for their morning and evening feedings. I have two spaces reserved for our upcoming spay/neuter day next Tuesday. I have two traps and hope and pray that I get at least one.

Here are a few random photos of our "resident" strays:


Here's Papa Leggs, a handsome and fearless warrior tomcat responsible for all the kittens around here. I'm afraid he's too smart than to be trapped by me.


I love to watch the young ones run. They're such goof balls. I can't help but smile watching them in action.



They all run when they see me at feeding times and almost fall all over themselves. I so wish I could pet them and despite myself, I end up loving them as if they were my own.


I think he's so handsome, but he's seen some very bloodied battles - poor thing!


I have a soft spot for this little black one. He (or she) has a habit of wrapping his (or her) tail around things like a little monkey.

I miss you Mr. Bloomers, my blue prince!

He loved doing the roly-poly. He felt like spun silk and was so special to me.

Lastly, a couple more pictures of my silly boy around the house:


I call this his "gator impression" 


Here's your cigar (ahem) Pup-Peroni, Gizzy!



I want to wish you all a most wonderful First Day of Autumn.... a day I've been yearning for all summer long. Here's a little poem that I read on my friend Ginny's blog of Let Your Light Shine I want to pass it on simply because I enjoy the poetry of Dr. Seuss:


How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flewn!
How did it get so late so soon?
Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)


Happy weekend - happy Autumn!

12 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

Great Blue Herons, lots of cats, scary snakes, baby frogs, parades, White Egrets, and blooming flowers - you are a lucky gal and you have a very interesting life! Love your life and your pictures.

So I bought a book in cats, birds, pigs, and the other one - looking forward to getting the puppets soon. Hey I paid for the puppets - did I pay you for the shipping? If not - I'll send it to you.

I am so excited.

Love,
sandie

Angela said...

Yikes to the snake! There is a way to tell if one is poisonous or not from the eyes and the shape of the head. If they have cat shaped eyes they are poisonous and if their heads are shaped like diamonds they are poisonous. If they have round eyes they are safe. At least that is what I've always heard.

Cute little frog!

Your friends grand daughter does look like her!

There sure are a lot of cats in your area! My dogs would go crazy. They don't like cats.

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

DearestDoris,

Ah, what a wildlife you got around you! Great photos and quite adventurous too. Oh, your friend Sandi you could hint this blog for: http://kerrihouston.blogspot.com/ as she has Shih Tzu.
Poor felines, left to fend for themselves. I hate the people who abandon them! Wish they would once re-incarnate as such an abandoned pet!!!
Your blue prince had some persian blood it looks like, sad story. And also sad for most other ones. They would love to play and have a happy life without worries, with a shelter and no more fights. Wish you all the luck in the world for trapping the right ones!
Love to you,

Mariette

Karin said...

That was a leisurely walk with you after the hectic day I've had! Thanks for taking me along! Not sure I'd thrill to the sight of a snake, but everything else was just lovely! Have a fabulous fall - first week-end!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Thanks for mentioning my name! I think my favoriteon your blog today is the cute little frog!! Also the beautiful egret, I have never seen one of those.

Krafty Max Originals said...

What a wonderful day! I hope that you catch 2 for your 'visit' this month. Your photos, as always, are beautiful and remind me of our visit! We will try to come soon! ~KM

AkasaWolfSong said...

What a lovely morning walk with you Doris and Gizz, although I could do without the snake, lol!

Here's wishing you can trap two of the feline's this month...I'd love to own the little black kitty! So Sweet!

Happy Autumn My Sweet Friend and give the Gizz a hug from Auntie Akasa...

Much Love Dear Heart!
xoxoxo

San-Dee said...

hi, Doris,
I've been absent from blogland for a while-lots of eldercare issues out of state. I had to comment on your egret pictures-absolutely beautiful! They are one of my favorite birds. When we lived in CA, it was such fun to watch the parents teaching the babies to fly in the open tomato fields.

Robin said...

Fantastic post Doris! I am one of the *odd* ones who likes snakes! The one you *met* is wonderful...what a beautiful skin he has! (However, I do keep my distance when encountering one on the *wild*!)

The Heron, the Egret....sigh.... gorgeous! The little frog.... hmm..perhaps a *Prince* in disguise?

The kitties! Wow - you do have a lot of furry ferals.... (and I thought my six were a handful)!

I love the photo of "Der Blaue Prinz"....I know you miss him...
he was a special little one!

Love Gizzy doing his *gator impression*! ADORABLE!

I think of you often and send many hugs and much love,

♥ Robin ♥

Ann said...

I don't care how harmless the snakes are I don't like them and avoid them at all costs :)
Those two little girls are so adorable but they can't beat Gizzy especially with his gator impression.

marilyn said...

A great post, so much happening there. I had two Garter snakes that spent the spring and early summer in a shrub close to the back porch. I talked to them every day and took many pictures. I have always said ,"a snake in the yard is better than a mouse in the house" And of course Gizzy's gator impression should win him an 'idol" spot on some show.

Marion said...

Liebe Doris,
Danke für die wundervollen Fotos... einfach traumhaft und ich habe sie sehr genossen!
Ich schicke Dir und Gizzy viele sonnige Grüße aus Mallorca und wünsche euch eine schöne Zeit,
Marion