Early Evening

The sun was disappearing behind the woods with the last glow of light reflected toward the sky in the east.

I used the 'night' setting on the camera for these outdoor shots.

The moon was just visible through the tree branches though it doesn't show well here.

The day began with bright sun and calm blue skies over frost-sparkled grass.

Birds were busy at the feeders when I pulled back the heavy curtain over the sliding door.

The cats had a quick airing before I shut the door and went to poke up the fire.

By noon the temperature stood at 64 F with a light wind that billowed the wash on the lines.

I made a quick run to the junction to Wal Mart for cat litter [!] to keep us decent until we can do our larger monthly shopping.

I indulged in a hot rotisserie chicken, a loaf of fresh garlic bread and tomatoes for slicing.

It doesn't do to shop too near meal time!

It was a good choice as J. was out and about on his own errands and it is difficult to plan a

hot dinner at such times.

I made a batch of my favorite chocolate chip brownies and put the kettle on for tea.

I pulled the brownies from the oven just as I heard the distinctive bellow of old

Snort'n Nort'n coming up the drive.

I sliced bread and tomatoes, set out homemade pickles and mayo while J. sliced the still warm chicken, over-seen by Raisin the Cat.

After supper J. fired up the Troybilt tiller and had another session in the upper garden, while

I brought in laundry that smelled of sun and wind.

I

My last trip from the clothesline coincided with the rising of the moon in the soft evening sky.

The cool damp scent of awakened earth quickly takes over when the warmth of the sun has gone.

I had noticed this particular daffodil with it tumble of frilled petals.

Almost too dark for a good photo.

I was playing with the macro setting in an attempt to thwart Sally-cat who wanted to stick her

tail into the photo.

Willis sat alert at the edge of the area planted with daffs and iris.

Following his intent gaze I saw that the Marmalade Tom was paying another visit.

Marmalade is rather a splendid creature who sturts and calls in an imperious way.

Thankfully, he hasn't seemed to molest Willis and the tortie sisters.

Willis under the sweet-gum tree, still watchful in the gathering dusk.

This clump of daffs is naturalized beyond the clothesline.

The flowers have a distinct green tinge this year.

I'm wondering if its due to the cold blowy weather just as they began to open.

Inside to my desk, with the company of five cats behind me on the bed.

We've endured naughty feline behaviors in the week since Maisie was put down.

The tornado watches came along shortly after her death and I believe this has added

to the distress which occurs within a group of animals when one of their number goes away.

Cats know things.

Mrs. Beasley, who is getting on a bit, has behaved quite erratically in the past week.

She has long been the lowest cat in the established pecking order.

Now she menances Willow and Wilbur--the only ones who

respect her presence.

Willow is given to loud 'blue-murder' shrieks whether Mrs B.'s paw connects with her or not.

The camera flash rouses the sleeping group.

Eggnog in back, Mima on the right and

Teasel [aka Mamma's Darling] glowering in front.

Chester has returned to roll and stretch prompting a group exercise of face washing.

Outside the wind is stirring the branches of the trees;

not a wind to worry about, but one that makes me glad for the snug house, the wood fire and the

kettle always ready for a mug of tea.