Jellicoe surveys
It has rained so much recently, that one thinks the skies must surely be empty by now, but no, the drops continue to drip or pour or lash down with depressing regularity. When there is an occasional lull in the downpour and even a hint of blue sky and sunshine, the cats like to stroll into the garden to check out their territory, sniff the flowers and indulge in a little ornithology.
Jellicoe was surprised to see the new structure and naturally had to examine it more closely. With three bounds he reached the top, stayed a short while to survey the world from his elevated position, then, curiosity satisfied, descended.
It will be more interesting when it is covered with flowers and foliage and their attendant world of insects, beetles and spiders large and small. Then he, and Herschel, will be able to practise their catch and kill skills.
Eventually – such a useful, all-encompassing word! – eventually, there will be two further arches, to replace the tatterdemalion edifices being supported by plants, rather than the more usual way round.
‘Eventually’ refers to a circumstance that may be achieved at an indefinable point in the future, rather like our proposed replacement front door, about which discussions have been ongoing for some several years now.
The site from which the new arch was sourced has been visited – online, of course! – but the arch bought from there is now no longer available. It won’t matter, once they’re clothed in vines!
I bet the cats will really enjoy that!
ReplyDeleteThey enjoy climbing high and looking down on the world.
DeleteIt's a beautiful arch. Why so long to debate a new front door?
ReplyDeleteIt's not just the door - it's the surrounding panels and glass that need to be replaced. 'Just a door' would be simple! We'll get there . . . eventually;-)
DeleteI do like the word tatterdemalion. Jellicoe seems to approve of the new arch. I hope you soon have blue skies and sunshine.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great word, isn't it? It trips off the tongue so beautifully.
DeleteIt looks sturdy and nicely shaped. Good work.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite heavy, too. I suppose that's a good thing, so long as it's securely fixed . . .
DeleteI wish I could climb a pagoda as need eg when the ground is flooded, covered in mud or covered in dog poo etc. But mostly I would grow passionfruit up there, easily reached via the timber sides.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure passion fruit would ripen properly in UK. The flowers are very pretty, though.
DeleteHe looks a fine cat.
ReplyDeleteHe is, considering we nearly lost him to illness a couple of years ago, through hard to control diabetes. He's very affectionate.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how agile cats can be. P watched one take a mighty leap up onto the top of our 8 ft garden fence a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be even a little agile :-((
ReplyDeleteOh, how I can dream of how this will look cloaked in vines and leaves and flowers! I have always wanted an arch with grape vines or wisteria or trumpet vine! Never happen in this life, lol. Conflict of what is simpler and better by the spouse. Jellicoe, Precious is now using her catio again starting this unbelievable hot week. She is currently sitting on her rug watching birds land close while waiting for the sun to rise.
ReplyDeleteOur garden is certainly not simple to maintain, which seemed a good idea when we developed it! As the spouse was exceptionally keen, it went ahead . . .
DeleteGlad to hear that Precious is now enjoying some fresh air and being entertained by the birds.
Hi Janice - lovely to see ... happy memories of my brother's pergola and home with their cats - variety of 'normal' cats not of the posh Jellicoe sort! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteCats are cats, no matter the breed, and always entertaining.
DeleteWhat is the site, please? I am still thinking about an arch. Your garden sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteOur garden is selectively lovely - photographs and videos are carefully edited to maintain the illusion!
DeleteThere are lots of online sites for arches, both wooden and metal., You'll be spoilt for choice. I would say, though, 'buy cheap, buy twice' , but some are ridiculously expensive.
We all choose our photos carefully! It's what social media is all about. Thank you for the advice.
DeleteI believe it's called 'curating' ;-)
DeleteThe cat knows how to take advantage of lovely weather and a new toy to explore.
ReplyDeleteThat's very true.
DeleteSo kind of you to provide a climbing frame for them.
ReplyDeleteJellicoe appears to be enjoying his surveying duties. He is a handsome cat.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll share the arch once the plants are growing.
Judging by previous experience, it will soon be lost to view!
DeleteJellicoe seems to approve of the new arch.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing your photographs.
Tatterdemalion, I do like this word.
I looked more into it and apparently it dates back to the 17thCentury.
All the best Jan
We have a rich vocabulary and it's such a shame that it's so often reduced to acronyms and phrases that become meaningless through over-use.
DeleteThey are also remarkably easy to build! I like them once they are covered in flowers. What are you planting on them?
ReplyDeleteWe've got honeysuckle and jasmine, as we like to grow for perfume. Actually, jasmine can be a bit of a garden thug, but no matter :-)
DeleteTatterdemalion is a wonderful word! And eventually is a useful word indeed. We have the word "eventueel" in Flemish, which has a related, although slightly different meaning: possibly!
ReplyDeleteThe arch is lovely, and seems to meet Jellicoe's approval, even without the foliage and flowers which will eventually cover it! xxx
I think cats must have a wonderful sense of accomplishment and superiority when they have scaled the heights.
DeleteA beautiful arch and it will look so pretty when the flowers bloom. Jellicoe is quite the handsome dude and agile, too.
ReplyDeleteWe mus try this time to control the growth a little more than we have in the past;-)
DeleteA lovely new arch which will look lovely covered in climbers. Jellicoe seems to have given cats approval :-)
ReplyDelete