The Cat Retreat

They don't know it yet, but today we take the cats to their holiday home. It will probably be a bit emotional leaving them but they will be in safe caring hands I know. Rueben will take things in his stride as he always does even if he is a bit perplexed by what's going on. Fergus will probably be quite upset and we know Sasha will be spare for at least a couple of days, hiding under her blanket. I think they know something is going on because they keep creeping into the room where our suitcases are. Leaving on holiday is so exciting and my second trip to the UK,  I can't wait to get on the plane. There is something liberating about leaving responsibilities at home, no meals to cook, no cats to feed, no house to clean, oh yes !

Echidna not a cat !

Just a couple of days ago I spotted this little critter on the edge of the carpark when we pulled in. It's the first time I've seen one not in captivity. Those sharp spines are the only thing he has to defend himself with and yet he let me get very close and even touch him gently on the back. The Echidna is one of Australia's native animals and features on our 5¢ coins. He appeared to be in good health and it was thrilling to get this picture to add to my collection of animal photographs.

Brave Women

Just a few days ago I ran into a friend I haven't seen in a long time. Only weeks ago I'd heard that her husband had died which was quite shocking since he was only in his 60's. I knew he'd gone to hospital for surgery and when I couldn't make contact I knew instinctively something was wrong. Childhood sweethearts they'd been together 47 years. She told me she'd struggled to nurse him at home to the end after a diagnosis of cancer in his bladder and lymph nodes. Life can seem so cruel at times and listening to her story I was struck by how brave she was in the face of overwhelming sadness, and wondered not for the first time about the incredible spirit some people have. We laughed and joked and made irreverent fun while she told me what had happened and I found myself amazed at her capacity to still have a sense of humour after the loss  she and her family had endured. She has battled cancer herself on and off for at least 25 years. Where I wonder do they get the strength to go on ? She says she can't fall apart because she doesn't want to burden her family. Now she lives with her daughter and son in law who have supported her through this ordeal and she is getting back into her art once again, a therapy I guess. I salute all those brave women out there.