Cats-a-howling

 Image from freedigitalphotos.net

Picture this...
1.33am......in a deep and restful sleep.
I was suddenly awakened by the worse howling an animal can make.  Scared the bajeepers outta me I tell you.  For a split second, I thought maybe Brownie was ill and in pain, but as the noise filtered through to my senses, I realised that what I was hearing was the blood curdling howling of cats defending their territory.  The worse YOWLING that I have ever heard.
The two of these male "tom cats" had decided to carry out this exhibition on my wall just outside my bedroom window. What a commotion.
I didn't appreciate these two "breaking up my night's sleep."
I rolled over and tried to block the noise out with a pillow over my head, but to no avail.  It seemed as if they were right in my room.
The decibels became louder and louder, until I could take it no more.
I got up and went outside, and tried shooing them away....they totally ignored me, so engrossed were they in not admitting defeat to the other.

Of course by now, you know who is barking up a storm and going crazy at my feet.
I clapped my hands loudly to distract them and frighten them.....didn't even phase those two.
Next, I threw my shoe at the two yowlers, and they gave me a look like "Really? Is that all you've got?" 
In the glint of the moon, I saw the garden hose.  Cruised over to it like a thief in the night and picked it up.   I was now in warfare mode.  Turned it on and hit them full blast.  They scampered away still howling at each other.
By then I was wide awake, and knew I wouldn't get back to sleep in any hurry.
Time for some tv infomercial viewing....my credit card safely in my purse.

Did I mention it was 1.33 in the flipping morning?????

July 4th

Today, for my friends and family in the US, it's Independence Day, a holiday to celebrate with outdoor barbeques and picnics, followed by displays of fireworks in the evening.
Some of them were off at the beach enjoying themselves as well, leaving the family dog at home (you know who you are).  It was nice to know that they spent their day in a meaningful way frolicking in the sun and the waves.
My advice to you....Enjoy life while you can.

It was also the birthday of one of my dear friends with whom I had a lovely chat  earlier this morning, after singing her "Happy Birthday."

However, today holds a ton of other memories for me.  Today is the day that my Mum departed this life, and is now at rest. A date that has left an indelible mark in my life.

Image from all-free download.com

It is not a day that I cherish at all but I had to make the most of it.

Yesterday my girlfriend had dropped off a package of mangoes for me, therefore Mr. Brown Berts and I had fresh mango slices for breakfast.

He finished his in two seconds flat, and looked around for more.

I on the other hand, took my time to savour the sweet juicy flesh.
I also had my first cup of moringa tea.  It wasn't bad.... it actually didn't have much of a taste at all.
I honestly felt perked up after drinking it all down.

Beast was in need of a new battery. I had made an appointment with my battery guy for yesterday, but he couldn't fit me in until today.

He pulled up, and installed a new battery in my beloved Beast in no time.

A very pleasant chap who takes care of his customers like his own family.
I know I could go to the store and purchase a new battery, but why should I?  I've got the best of both worlds so to speak.  I get a new battery delivered and installed (same price as in the store). It is carefully tested after installation, and a service certificate/warranty (12 month free replacement guarantee) is issued.  If I have any problems at all (and I never have), they stand behind their products. They're manufactured right here on the island.
Today he found that the terminal leads on Beast were damaged, and new ones were installed efficiently, with no hint of "attitude"....... just "plain and simple" good service.
I also received a bottle opener key ring for being a loyal customer of many years.

Yes, July 4th, what a day.......

I spy with my little eye...

....something beginning with "M"

Something beginning with "BM"

Oh darn, those blasted monkeys are a real PITA.

 The monkeys were up to mischief this evening. Running along the wall and swinging on the tree limbs, then the gazebo and then the trellis. Deliberately sitting on the wall for a lengthy period, making sure that BrownBerts saw them....they were just taunting him.
Poor Brownie was very agitated because he could not have a go at them.
It was safer to lock him on the patio than have him chasing after them and hurting his foot again.
He was NOT pleased.

SSssssssshhhh!

Can you tell what I'm up to???
We need to make all preparations as quietly as possible......it has to be a surprise.

-One pretty bath towel

-One bar of coconut soap

-Hose with water warmed from the brilliant sunshine

Now let's find the main character in this script....nowhere to be found...how does he know?

I'll have to bide my time and wait until he shows his face again.

Later on in this story:

The sun came out in full force today....a perfect day for a B-A-T-H for you know who. The entire morning went by, and it was almost lunch time....still no sign of Mr. Brown Berts.

Finally, he came to investigate the reason why I was sitting on the porch step, and I told him I was waiting on him so I could give him a bath.  Not a foot did he budge, but stood quite calmly and had a nice warm bath. After the final rinse, he was ready to run and roll in the dirt. I had to be vigilant to keep him from doing so.

"Shake!" I cried, and immediately I was showered almost from head to toe.

"Shake again!" This he did with such exuberance that I had to dry myself with his towel.

"Last time, shake!"  He obediently did so.

A good rub down with the towel, and he was oh-so-happy with himself.

Dogs are the happiest creatures on earth after a bath.

  Every single plant on the patio had to be rubbed up against

Toes and feet had to be licked meticulously

 

Afterwards, it was time for lunch....

.......and a play date with some friends.

Followed by an afternoon siesta for both of us.

I am thankful for any day that is graced with sunshine....no matter how little....I'll take it!!

A picture can tell a thousand words

What does it tell you?
Clues: A neat clean little house.
        :Clipped hedges and a lovely ground cover.
        :Nicely painted stone wall.
        :A well-tended garden.

No need for the elementary deduction of Sherlock Holmes.

Definitely a neat and tidy gardener lives here.