A rainy day in January

Thought I'd include a more "current" entry, showing our front garden on a typically rainy west coast day. Although the sunshine is beautiful (of course!) there is much to be said for the misty, damp, drizzle that embraces the garden for the cooler half of the year. It goes without saying that the garden requires a certain amount of precipitation in order to support the old growth forest behind the house. However, I find our rainy weather both refreshing and relaxing - the moisture laden air producing a dreamy almost surreal effect in the garden. I notice the colour green becomes more intense, time seems to slow down a little, and the familiar views blend and soften in the rain.

This isn't a particularly good photograph (too much tree in the foreground!), though it does show that the front garden is in a state of transition. The heather is in flower as always at this time of year, but we have experienced repeated flooding in the corner by the green garden bench - caused by the clearing of the lot beside us, and the reulting berm along the fence where the builders are attempting to put in a driveway. The pavers in the front form a square pad still awaiting the greenhouse that didn't get built last year - oh well, there's always this year! I love the lichen and moss which grows on the tree bark, and the raindrops which hang from the branches. Truth be told, this garden is a special place throughout the year - each season has its own special moments. Thanks to the rain, our winter days are more green and grey than brown - a gentle misty pallete that bathes the garden while it rests awaiting springtime.

The arrival of Hannah

Following the passing of our boss cat Percy several months ago, it was decided that we should offer a place to another kitty in need of a good home. So many cats and kittens to choose from - not at all easyy to decide which was "the one". With ginger marmelade and blue/grey smoke already established - the obvious choice seemed to be another tuxedo buddy. Hannah had been hanging out at Victoria animal control services for several months since she was discovered wandering the vicinity of Douglas and Finlayson. By now, she was enjoying the luxury of care, comfort, and most important - food, provided at ACS. She was quite a favourite of the staff, too - as she had been there for many months. Her engaging personality and sleek looks should have resulted in a quick adoption, but unfortunately Hannah has an old injury to her mouth which has left her with a gaping disfigurement to her face. Not that this bothers her particularly - Hannah has no problem making her needs known!

3 months later, and our Hannah is completely at home. She is Shoe shoe's buddy, and loves having "mad cat" moments charging through the house, up the stairs, chasing anything in her path. Hannah loves her food - actually begs for it, and likes nothing more than curling up on her window seat following a good meal. She does indeed have a sweet (though assertive) personality, and is the perfect match for our other 4 legged family members. Hannah does appear to have a hearing disability as well (it's a little bit more than the classic case of cat ignoring stupid human). We have all had to become a bit creative in order to avoid startling the poor girl by sneaking up on her unwittingly. Hannah is a happy and contented cat and a wonderful addition to our home. Stay tuned for more news on this lovely feline.

Christmas Shopping - "in the bag"

Shoe shoe up to mischief again - this time she found a shopping bag that had yet to make it to the recycling bin, and decided to put it to good use!

Early Christmas morning 2010

If you look very carefully, you may be able to see Shoe shoe curled up under the Christmas tree in her favourite hiding spot.

Curiosity - Shoe shoe hiding under the Christmas tree

Christmas morning 2010 was remarkably peaceful. Even with the unwelcome event of a "call-out" late on Christmas Eve (considerably more difficult for those personally involved of course), our family rose to the occasion and 3 of us even made it to midnight Mass. As usual, the dogs and cats insisted on being right in the middle of the action - lapping up rashers of bacon for breakfast, and eagerly checking out the presents under the tree. The usual "holiday greetings" phone calls were placed to friends and relatives, followed by the grand family ritual of gathering downstairs around the Christmas tree to open our gifts. Jesse and Hannah joined in, chasing tissue and wrapping paper, jumping in gift bags, and creating their own joyful havoc. Shoe shoe (who had previously surveyed the scene under the Christmas tree), kept her distance with an air of distinct superiority. Luna and Ozzie were overjoyed (as usual), tails wagging - careful not to miss a moment of celebration (nor the chance to consume some tasty treat from an unsuspecting family member).

Last summer - constructing the koi pond

Looking back to last summer, the construction of our koi pond was one of the highlights. We had asked for a medium size pond - at least 4 ft. deep, and suitable for overwintering koi in our mild (most of the time) coastal climate.

The guys from Garden Culture did an amazing job. We had also requested that they attempt to save as many of the plants in situ as possible (out of respect to my Mum who wanted the site minimally disturbed). Not an easy feat given our heavy clay soil. They even successfully re-located a tree (parotia I believe).

The koi and various goldfish provided visual entertainment all summer, and the koi pond quickly became the favourite place in the garden to sit and relax. The cats were curious, but did not venture out beyond the edge of the pond to enjoy a cool drink. Ozzie mistakenly trod on a lilly pad and took a dip one morning, but emerged none the worse for wear, and a little wiser! We kept the herons and raccoons at bay with a clever layout of pavers and boulders, and the koi appeared to sense when there was danger (causing them to dive to the bottom and hide).

Now it is January, and all is quiet. The koi are sleeping out of our sight, sheltered by the pavers, waiting for longer daylight hours, and warmer weather. As the rain drives against the window panes and the wind howls,we dream of those leisurely summer days relaxing on the patio by the koi pond. Winter gardening has its moments, but few can compare to the sweet sound of the tiny waterfall on a hot summer evening aerating our pond - full of koi, colour, pond plants, and dragonflys, water boatmen, hummingbirds, and teeming with life. Can't wait!