Gobbolino

June 10th, 2008 -- Posted in Musings, animals | 3 Comments »

Yes, it is a weird name for a cat… unless you have come across the book Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat (Kingfisher Classics), and its sequels.

I thought I should introduce him, as he has been and will be mentioned here from time to time. And so, here is my cat - variously known as Gob, Gobby, Goblin, Goblitino - ( I could go on but it would probably get embarrassing…) in one of his favourite spots on the balcony. And in one of his most *ahem* dignified poses.

My cat - Gobbolino

He is currently snuggled up to me on the bed, making it rather awkward to type; but any of you who have a cat will know the dilemma - awww, he’s so sleepy and cute, how can I disturb him?

Ah, the sacrifices we make for our pets :)

But, seriously, my cat has brought happiness and entertainment into my life more times than I can count. There is just some need in us humans to have these animal companions, a warm little creature who depends on us for food, shelter, love and attention. It’s nice to know that whatever else is happening - especially in our relationships with other human beings - that there is always that little trusting critter at home ready to sit on your lap or wag its tail.

Spraying for freedom!

May 18th, 2008 -- Posted in The Rental, garden | 5 Comments »

I had lots of plans for the garden today, but unfortunately we are being assaulted by fierce cold winds at the moment. We managed to re-pot our lovely new trees, and also to spray some possum deterrent around some sacrificial basil and tomato plants. We already have ‘the cage’, and we were going to build another one as we need more room for our ever-expanding potted vege garden, but I suggested we try this first, as it will be a lot less hassle than building another cage and having to get into it every time we want to harvest anything.

So, we shall see how our sacrificial plants fare over the next week, and if the possum gives them a miss, we’ll go crazy potting out all our poor tomato seedlings that are getting sick of their little pots. I’m hopeful that it will work, as my poor cat, Gobbolino, who usually loves the balcony (where we sprayed today) was hesitant to even go out there at all.