A Cute New Kitten

Don't you just love kittens? Not only are they adorable but they're so much fun. I visited my sister recently and I was especially excited because she'd adopted a new kitten. I'd seen a photo or two and heard a lot about her but that still didn't prepare me for the moment I first set eyes on her. It's been a few years since I had a kitten a home, they're all grown up now, but within a heart beat I remembered just how tiny and excitable they are.

Marnie putting on her cute innocent face

The new kitten's name is Marnie and she is full of beans! The instant I set down my bag she came galloping over, bounding up the couple of steps into the room, eager to meet the newcomer. I picked her up and held her close and already she was nipping at my hands, trying to catch my fingers with her paws. Next she jumped onto the seat which she'd already claimed as her bed and I tickled her tummy as she rolled round and around. Now I could remember why I never used to get much writing down when I had kittens at home. Their energy and playfulness is addictive, you just want to stay and play all day.

My sister tells me Marnie is a real mischief maker and likes getting into everything, I certainly remember that being the case with my own kittens as well, so she smiled when half a hour later Marnie fell fast asleep, worn out by playtime. I stroked a finger across her head as she began to dream and smiled as her toes twitched, wondering what games she was playing behind her closed eyes. I began to wish over my stay, that I could adopt a new kitten like Marnie, and her little antics would me smile everyday, but then, thinking sensibly, I knew I already had enough on my plate. I have a family of fur-legged friends at home already and although they may not be quite so tiny and energetic as they once were, I wouldn't change them for the world.

Catherine Walker is the author of The True Story of a Not So Crazy Cat Lady, available in paperback and eBook.

A Very French Cat

I don't know what your cats make of cheese, but my cats love it...well most of the time.

I was having a sandwich yesterday when Teddy appeared out of the long grass beyond the garden. He yawned and stretched his legs as though he'd been asleep all morning but considering how hot it was no one could blame him. Seeing me he wandered over, sniffing the air, trying to detect what was on the menu. I know he's a fan of cheese and so breaking a bit off, I offered it to him, but to my great surprise he turned up his nose. He begrudgingly sniffed it a second time as I tried to encourage him, but still he looked up at me as though to say, is that all you've got? I'd prefer something a little more mature.
I had no idea Teddy was such a cheese connoisseur but when I offered him a small chunk of the other cheese on the table, his frown disappeared. Within seconds it was gone and he looked back up wondering if I had anymore. I know we're in France and everything but I had no idea that even the cats here were picky about their cheeses! Just in case I'd forgotten he was there, Teddy reached up and prodded me with his paw. More please, he meowed and naturally I obliged.

Catherine Walker is the author of The True Story of a Not So Crazy Cat Lady, available in paperback and eBook.

An Unfortunate Fall

It has been a while since my last post and a couple of difficult weeks it has been too. Unfortunately during a horse riding session, the horse I was riding tripped and fell from under me. I was whisked off to hospital and told by a very grim faced doctor that I'd not only broken my collarbone, but that it was broken very badly. By the middle of the following week I had to go in for surgery and the break was pinned together with a metal bracket. It has been painful and unpleasant but everyone has been great and supportive. Unfortunately it means the writing has taken a back seat but once I'm back to fighting strength I'll be getting back into it. For now I'm taking it easy. Not sure when I'll be getting back on a horse though...we'll have to wait and see.

Catherine Walker is the author of The True Story of a Not So Crazy Cat Lady available in paperback and ebook.

Horse Rally

My muscles are still complaining today following a very exciting and exhausting day on Sunday in which I took part in a horse riding rally. One of approximately thirty riders of all ages, we took on the challenge of a 30 kilometer ride through the green French countryside, navigating a wide range of terrain and speeds. I was on a horse called Jazz who belongs to the riding school I have attended for almost two years and although she can be a little stroppy at times, on Sunday she was mainly well behaved. I particularly loved galloping around the lakes and through the almost tunnel like paths we took through the trees. If you ride yourself you will know what a thrill it is when your horse picks up the speed and carries you like the wind, if you've never done it then I certainly recommend giving it a go. I will be back on a horse again before long, perhaps jumping which is my favourite exercise, but until then my muscles would just like a couple of days off.

Say hello Jazz.

Some of the horses tethered up as everyone has a short break.

A Sad Day

Today's post is a very difficult one to write and so I will have to keep it brief. Sadly Dolly never recovered from her illness and she passed away Wednesday on a warm evening beneath a beautiful red sunset. The world feels emptier now she has gone and I only hope that with time it will become easier for all who miss her. She certainly won't be forgotten.

A Loyal Friend

It has been a very long, hard and emotional week, and I imagine many of you out there who share your lives with pets know exactly how I have been feeling.
Last weekend my dog, Dolly, fell ill and for 24 hours I thought my loyal friend was going to pass away. I have lost cats before and it breaks when heart when I remember them and those final moments we shared, and so I stroked Dolly's head thinking that this was it, she was ready to go her own way, somewhere I couldn't follow, but I am relived to say that she has been so strong and pulled through.
She's had me in tears so often over this last week I'm surprised I haven't run out of them, but she's curled up in her bed now as though nothing had ever happened. Finally I will be able to sleep soundly again with the knowledge that she's okay and I hope one day soon we will be walking together across the fields once more.

Catherine Walker is the author of The True Story of a Not So Crazy Cat Lady, available in paperback and eBook.

A Cute Surprise

Well this week I have been treated to a very rare surprise. Late one afternoon I was delighted to find that a baby owl was taking a nap in a tree in my back garden! I got out my camera and almost filled the SD card with photos. It was so fantastic to see such a shy creature in daylight and at close range and he looked so comfy just perched on that branch. He stayed there until nightfall when his mummy and daddy came to fetch him. He looks so fluffy!

I'm also so thrilled at the moment to see The True Story of a Not So Crazy Cat Lady at the NUMBER 8 SPOT on the cat care bestsellers chart for kindle books on amazon.co.uk

Thank you everyone, you've made my day!