nature – Site Title

The Walk

It was windy today and I was bundled up in my down jacket, a scarf, and my feet were shod in winter boots. I had decided that I was going to go further than the 30 minutes yesterday and even though it wasn’t the greatest weather, I was going to do it come hell or high water!

I made it up the hill and as usual there was no one around. Deciding to take the rock-strewn pathway I usually take I made it to the apple trees. The apples had been harvested and the trees looked sad as they stood there bracing against the wind. Just then, a neighbor came walking up with her dog, a rescue from the shelter. We stopped, exchanged pleasantries, and talked about our children. She had twins, a boy and a girl and they are the same age as my son. After catching up for a while, we went our separate ways.

Just then, the wind started picking up speed and it was strong. The yellow leaves on the trees were spiraling down forming a carpet under my feet as I walked crunching underfoot. My mind was filled with negative thoughts again and I wasn’t happy with myself for some reason. Then a blast of cold wind sped by my face and it did a mighty fine job of clearing my head. It almost seemed like it had swept out all the negatives and my head was free again.

Pulling my jacket closer around me, I walked up the hill and once there, I stood and watched the panoramic scene before me. It was beautiful. There were trees still covered in their fall colors and on the other side the mountains stood tall and majestic in hazy shades of purple and grey. It wasn’t a spectacular kind of day but it had something that captured my attention and kept it there.

By then, I had walked 40 minutes and the slight twinge on my left side told me that I had done enough. It was time to make my way back and I took my time doing that. A thought crossed my mind. Fall had definitely arrived and it was busy making way for winter to show up. The ducks and geese had flown south, the colors had done their mesmerizing job of keeping us caught in their magic, and now nature was on the march. The year is coming to an end and it was time to make way for peace and rest.

Soon it will be dark and grey, cold and nasty, windy and barren, but nature has a way of doing its job no matter what. It doesn’t wait around, it is always on the move but perhaps, it will take a break once the leaves have all fallen and winter moves in slowly.

It was time to head on back. A cup of warm green tea sounds good about now and a slice of cheesecake to go with it will definitely make my day.

Have an amazing day.

A Gorgeous Day!

I finally made it to the fields yesterday and it was gorgeous! This is the beginning of my fourth week after the operation and things seem to be going fine except for a headache now and then. That bothers me as I never get headaches so I’m wondering if something could be wrong or I’m just a worrywart? I think it could be the worrywart part.

Anyway, I made it to the top of the hill and the view was spectacular. The sky was a bright blue with streaks of white and the mountains were visible in the distance. The trees were holding their own in colors of gold and yellows but the reds were nowhere to be seen. It didn’t matter as I was simply glad to be out there and if I spread my arms like wings, I would fly away! Exactly how I felt. Nature gives me the freedom to fly and my mind clears up from all the clutter that I carry around with me.

As usual, it was quiet there. The apples have been harvested, the crops too. The field was barren and the new haircut seemed to suit it well. I could see for miles around with nothing blocking my view, exactly the way I like it. It was cold but I had my Sherpa-lined jacket on and a scarf around my neck but I forgot my gloves so I shoved my hands in my pockets and that was enough to keep me warm.

I didn’t need the warmth as my heart was singing again and there was a glow surrounding me. I walked to the top of the hill and I didn’t feel any twinges, meaning the pain in the side where I have the wound that is still healing, so I crossed my fingers and hoped it would stay that way. At the top of the hill, I decided not to push my luck and turned back down. It was enough for today and I was happy to see my old friend, “the fields” again.

Tomorrow is another day and if the weather holds, I plan to go further, just a tad further, to see if the herons have gone into hiding. I wonder if the geese and ducks have flown south because it was awfully quiet where I was. There were no V formations flying overhead and no noise to catch my attention. Maybe I’ve missed their annual flight out of here before the cold arrives.

Oh well, I’m grateful that I got to make it out there yesterday and to take a deep breath of whatever nature puts out when the seasons change. Each season has a distinct scent and fall is filled with pumpkins, hay, and apples. A wonderful scent of good things to come.

I walked back feeling elated and nature does that. It gives me a sense of peace but more than that clarity and it was no different yesterday.

Have an amazing day.

A Nasty Day!

It is absolutely awful outside. Rain has moved in and it is gloomy, wet, and enough to make your mood dip if you let it.

I took the trash out because it needed taking out and dashed back in because the rain was picking up speed. It’s a day for cozying up with Chachi, the cat, but it looks like he has other plans. The Little Buttercup is curled up in his basket by the window. He complained that his TV wasn’t working right this morning because it was still dark outside when we got up and he couldn’t see a thing. After it righted itself out, he stared outside for a little while and then decided that it was time to catch up on his sleep since he kept me up most of the night with his antics!

The thing is even the nastiest of days have something of beauty within them. Instead of diving into my everything is bad mode, I decided to look at what I can be grateful for and there is plenty to be thankful for.

My warm bed with the thick soft blankets is one thing.

The new pillow that cradles my head and neck perfectly and has been a godsent after the surgery. I don’t get up with a backache anymore so thank you.

Thank you for the warmth in the room. The heater seems to be working fine and that is a good thing.

The TV that keeps me occupied when I have nothing better to do.

Food that nourishes my body and soul and is getting me back on my way to being fit and healthy again.

Of course, my body, the incredible body that has taken a beating and is fighting back. It is resilient and I am thankful for that.

It is raining outside but I’m in a warm, dry, place and I have love, Chachi, by my side, coffee to keep me going, and a positive mindset that will take me through this day and for that I am truly thankful.

There is always something to be thankful for and you don’t have to look far either. It’s there if you look with a positive mindset. I hope you find plenty to be thankful for.

“It’s up to you to find the beauty in the ugliest days.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.

Human Nature

What is human nature? One explanation refers to “the fundamental characteristics, ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that are generally considered to be inherent to human beings.” One can say we are pre-programmed to act in a certain way when faced with certain situations but nurture and social experiences do play a part in shaping individual behaviors as to how we react to certain outside stimuli.

Here are some quotes that speak to the heart of the matter.

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity and I ‘m not sure about the universe.” Albert Einstein

“It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.” Anatole France

I totally agree with this assumption. Been there and done that many times over!

“Human nature is deeply ingrained despite our best efforts difficult to change.” Unknown

This one shines the spotlight on the problem itself. Stupidity and stubbornness sometimes or often go hand-in-hand making it a lose-lose situation.

“It’s human nature to remember only what you want to remember and forget what you want to forget, or transform it into a different story.” Unknown

We are all good storytellers so I definitely agree with the transformation part so much so to our own detriment.

“I hate it when people argue in public and I’ve missed the beginning so I don’t know whose side I’m on.” Unknown

This too is human nature.

“People will question all the good things they hear about you but believe all the bad without a second thought.” Unknown

Human nature at its best?

“I chose the road less traveled and now I don’t know where I am.” Unknown

ME TOO!

“Even if you give them everything that they ask for, it’ll never be enough.” Unknown

Are we talking about men here?

Finally….

THE LAWS OF HUMAN NATURE

“You are not a pawn in a game controlled by others; you are an active player who can move the pieces at will and even rewrite the rules.” Robert Greene

There you go. You are not stuck where you are and you have the ability to change your life. You just need to start moving in the right direction. What about human nature? Tell it to take a hike!

Have an amazing day.

I Miss the Fields!

Photo by Sıla Deniz Göktaş on Pexels.com

If you’ve been reading my posts, you will know that one of my favorite things to do is to go for a walk in what I call the fields. It is a stone’s throw away from where I live and my spirit flies when I am there.

It has open spaces for as far as you can see with the mountains on one side and the forest on the other. Most days I am alone there and I love walking my usual route all the way up to the apple trees and back. Often I see deer, rabbits, and herons when the season is right.

I know there is work going on there now and preparations are being made to meet the next season rolling in. Yes, the farmers do part of the job but nature does the rest. It is like clockwork and before you know it, the harvesting has been done and the fields prepared for what is to come next. Soon the trees will lose their summer foliage not before they wear their brilliant colors of fall. The apples would have been harvested and the trees will be bare again bracing for the cooler temperatures to step in and stay for a month or two before the cold sets in. The rabbits will find their hiding places below ground as they prepare for mother nature to do her thing.

It has been exactly two weeks since my operation and my orders are to rest, do small walks of about 7 minutes each time and the rest of the time to put my feet up and to relax. My heart, however, wants something different. I want to be out there walking until I am tired and to take in all that nature has to offer.

“Not possible,” says the doctor. I want to buck those orders but I know what will happen if I do. Sitting here in the office and looking out the window, I can see the fields in the distance. It looks beautiful and I can hear it calling. Yes, we know each other well. I am a constant visitor and I revel in its glory and my soul finds respite when I am in its presence. I can’t say the same for being cooped up in the house!

Four weeks seems like a lifetime away and perhaps a week or two afterwards for the wound to heal before I get an okay to pick up my regular routine. I HOPE! Until then, I will have to bide my time, look longingly out the window, and perhaps dream of walking out there again.

What will it look like the next time around? Perhaps it will be well into fall and maybe, fingers crossed, I will get to see the beautiful colors and experience the beautiful music that the trees make when the wind rustles through their leaves.

I hope it will be sooner than later!

Have an amazing day.

The Time is Nearing

It is getting close. Shiro, the white Persian, and Gallahad, the British-long hair, will be leaving on the 9th of August. I’ve had them here for almost three months. Funny, how time flies.

No, I wasn’t having fun. It was WORK and at times more work than I wanted to deal with. There was also the problem of trying to get all three to work together as a unit. Unity is not what cats are about! They have their own characters and they want what they want just like I do!

Shiro wanted her daddy back. She had to deal with me and her spoiled ways had to be curbed because the nice lady wasn’t putting up with her antics. She learned that quickly. She loves meowing and she learned to curb that as well. I must say, she is a well-behaved little girl now! I will miss her.

Gallahad is looking healthy and active as well. However, food is still at the top of his list. He has lost some weight but his butt still waddles when he walks. The little guy is a sweetheart and has grown close to my heart.

Chachi is learning to share although it has been hard on him. Unfortunately, they will be leaving and he will be on his own again. I have a toy box filled with his favorite toys and the two, Shiro and Galli, have been playing with the toys. I decided to get them their own toy box as a going away present. I got an identical box and filled it with some of Chachi’s old toys, the ones he doesn’t play with, and some new ones. He walked in, took one look and looked at me. I left the room and when I walked back in, the toys were on my bed and pillow! It was his way of saying, “I would rather you have them!” He still has a hard time sharing but he is not so much of a macho now. I guess Shiro has him whipped!

It will be hard to see them go. I won’t miss the work and getting up at 5 in the mornings because Shiro and Gallahad have decided that they are hungry and the “food lady” needs to get moving!

It’s funny how the things you are against are the very things you will miss. Life has a way of changing things. I know that my son, their daddy, will be over the moon to see them again. So, that is a good thing but I will miss “the two” and their personalities.

I’m sure there will be a next time but not too soon please! I need a break.

The Three Update

They are still here. Shiro, the white Persian, and her big brother Gallahad. I think they love it here. They have everything they need and throw in a maid at their beck and call, and life couldn’t be better for them. I’m learning about their personalities as well.

Shiro is the princess or so she thinks! She loves anything that smells sweet and wonderful but that doesn’t stop her from cavorting in the litter box! She uses that box about 10 times a day! A little much? Tell me about it. I’m the one with the scooper keeping things clean and some days it is exhausting. She is also the ringleader. The “macho” pants are on, she got them off Chachi and is wearing them with pride. The little Shiro is also a drama queen. If she doesn’t like something, she lets it be known. The meows kick in and she doesn’t stop until I say, “Enough!” Most days, she is my companion. What happened to Chachi? Well, he not only gave up his macho pants, he is content sleeping the day away and keeping his distance from her!

Galahad is the guy who is all about the food. His life revolves around food. The minute he sees me, his high-octane purring takes off. It is not because he is happy to see me or that he loves me, maybe a little of both, but because he sees “food” flashing past his eyes. You wouldn’t believe the number of kisses I get from Mr. Roly Poly. It stops when he has achieved his goal. Yes, he plays me like a well-worn fiddle! He has grown close to my heart and I will miss him royally.

Chachi is getting used to them. His world revolves around them now. Some days he has a hissy fit and on other days he watches them like a hawk. Galli is his best buddy. Shiro is his arch rival. He still shows his tiny teeth whenever he walks past her. Lately, he is reeling that in. Shiro is the smart one. She wants to take his place so she PRETENDS to like him. My poor little guy doesn’t stand a chance but I know that it will never happen. Replacing him is an impossible thing to do but he doesn’t know it. So he watches her and when she snuggles up to me, I hear a growl coming from the little guy.

Here’s the thing. They were supposed to go back to daddy, my son, at the end of this month. My son has moved in to his new apartment. It was a stressful time. It still is. He is doing his business trips as well. After the move, he was off to a city in Germany for a week. He is back now but off again next week for another week. I asked, “What happens when the cats get there and you have to be gone for a week or more?” He says, “I’ll ask a colleague to look after them.” Not sure about that but we’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. Now, I find out that the cats can only be there on the 15th of August because his dad has more important things to do!

I don’t mind watching over them. They are sweet and cute albeit a handful at times. Chachi loves the company and I’m getting used to their ways. However, I need a break so they need to go. I know that Chachi will miss them as well and he will be back to being the ONE and ONLY!

That’s one way of looking at it.

Have an amazing day.

The Three Update!

I haven’t written much lately because I’ve been up to my neck with the three that take up my time and my energy!

Shiro, Galli, and Chachi are a handful. They run the roost and although Chachi, my guy, started out as the boss, he has turned it over to the other two. He is happy spending his days under the stairwell and sleeping his day away. Shiro, the white Persian is the ma’am and she dictates how everything goes. Galli, the long-haired British cat, is the observer and the thinker.

Together, they are a team. A brother and sister twosome. They look out for each other, they are very close and it shows. Unfortunately, this doesn’t set too well with Chachi, the little macho. Shiro has shown Chachi who wears the pants around here and even though he hates it, he has given up and keeps out of her way. She, Shiro, spends most of her time in my bedroom pretending to be asleep but in actuality she is watching everything I do! She loves it when I spray some scent on her. She is a GIRL and there is no mistaking it. Galli is the food guy. He waits around and whenever I head to the kitchen, he is right behind me with the Oliver Twist line, “Please, sir, I want some more.” It was driven by unbearable hunger but in Galli’s case, it doesn’t matter if he is hungry or not, he just wants food!

Lately, I’ve been observing the two and it is amazing how they interact with each other. Every time Shiro meows, Galli comes running to see what is going on. He is her knight in shining armor. This morning, she wasn’t feeling too well so when she finally got up and went to get some food, Galli came walking up to her and gave her a small kiss on her cheek and she returned it. I wanted to gather the little guy in my arms and to smother him with kisses! He is a sweetheart.

They will be gone in a month’s time and I must say, I will miss them. I won’t miss the work and the early morning meowing but I will miss having them around. I bet Chachi will too.

I am learning that I LOVE cats! They are beautiful creatures and there is much you can learn from them if you open your mind to them.

A Sad Day

It started out as usual. Running around like a chicken with its head off is normal here now that the other two cats have moved in. Mornings are not mine anymore. The meowing starts around 5 in the morning and doesn’t stop until I open my bedroom door and see the two, Shiro and Galli looking at me expectantly. They know the “food lady” is up and they can relax.

My little guy, Chachi, hates this ritual. He used to be the one and only but now finds himself sharing everything with the other two and it is not setting too well with him. He is quieter than usual, keeps to himself, and growls a lot. I put it down to territorial behavior but things escalated this morning.

I got up, fed the two, cleaned the litter boxes, all before breakfast! Then, I brought Little Macho (my guy) his food. He grunted and walked to the window and ignored me. That was the first sign and I should have paid attention but instead I picked him up and whispered to him telling him that I know it is hard for him. He glanced over with hooded eyes and it happened. He slapped me with his paws on both side of my face and I went, “Ouch!” It hurt. I couldn’t believe that he had done what he did. I rushed downstairs and looked for the disinfectant. Yes, I’m a germaphobe! I proceeded to disinfect the sides of my face and luckily it wasn’t that bad. He did break skin in a few places but I’m sure it will heal. What hurt more than that was the fact that my “little sweetheart” was capable of hurting me.

I Googled and it said that it is normal behavior for a resident cat to feel like his safe space has been invaded by strangers and it is also normal for him to direct his aggression towards me as well. The solution or rather suggestion was to keep them separated for a few days. Keep everything separate, litter boxes, food and sleeping space including play area. I had thought they were getting along but I was wrong and now I am sad. The article also went on to say that I should wash my hands after touching the other two so that he doesn’t smell them on me! It seems they need time to adjust and to do it slowly.

SAD? Absolutely. I love my little guy and I am sad that he is feeling left out. I like the other two as well and they are growing on me like barnacles on a rock! The little white one loves hanging around me and this morning I sprayed on some scent after my shower and she watched me and then started sniffing the air like she approved. So I let her smell my wrist and Chachi started growling! Gallahad is learning to play with a tennis ball. His idea of playtime is to let me do all the work! He hits the ball down the stairs and waits till I get it for him. Exactly why he is overweight and loving it!

Now, I have to work at getting all three to play together. It is going to take a few days of separation and I’m not sure how I am going to go about it but I will keep you posted. I have to get Chachi happy again and that is a priority. If there is a will, there is a way as they say.

Fingers and toes crossed and hopefully the scratches heal with no dire consequences!

Have an amazing day.

A Picturesque Day

I haven’t been walking for about a week now and since the sun was on full display this morning, I decided to put on my walking shoes and take myself out there. It should be a gorgeous morning and it turned out to be more than that.

It was nice to get out in nature again and to see what was awaiting me. The leaves were rustling in the trees and the wind was a little chilly. I was out early and as usual there was no one around. I took the forest way and as I walked the color gold caught my eyes. They were quite a distance away but there was no mistaking their beauty. The rapeseed plants were in full bloom and against the Cerulean blue of the sky, they were a breathtaking sight to behold. I stopped and stared for a while as I usually do when something breathtaking catches my eye. This one deserved my full attention.

Moving on, I walked on in silence. There were the usual sounds of people working in their garden plots preparing their little slice of nature for what was to come. It could be tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, salad leaves, or just about anything. The village folk take great pride in their gardens and like the fields, everything is spruced up and watched over with eagle eyes! Most people don’t have much to do around here and for the old folk, it is a time to gather at their garden plots and to socialize as well. I walked on enjoying the trilling of the birds in the trees, a squirrel dashing across the path and the sound of a woodpecker playing loudly on a tree trunk!

Deciding to take a break, I sat on one of the wooden benches strategically placed along the way, turning my attention to the cloudless blue sky. It is going to be a gorgeous day, not too hot and not too cold. That spells “perfect” as far as I am concerned. The grass is an emerald green and here and there blooming trees parade their beauty as only they know how. It is a picturesque view and one that captures my imagination as I let out a sigh of relief after the stressful morning. Whatever is waiting for me back home is all but forgotten here, nature can calm the frazzled nerve and it can do much much more.

A cup of hot coffee was missing to complete the picture but it will come soon enough. Closing my eyes, I breathed in the fresh air and let the silence work on me. I needed a break from the three, Larry, Curly and Moe! Just kidding. Chachi, Shiro, and Galli (the three cats) are waiting for me to show up again so that they can pound me with their demands, it will come soon enough. This right now, is my slice of heaven and I’m glad I decided to get out and to let nature soothe me. It worked.

Time for that cup of coffee and to see what the three marauders are up to.

Have an amazing day.