Purrfect Haven

Boys can do Pink

2012-01-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

On the colour PINK

It should be noted that as late as 1950's, it was still considered a "boy" colour.

So let us see ...

... Mr Bingley ...

... Mr Darcy ...

... and the two going pink together...

In this household pink is for the boys in 2012!

(we know it doesn't look like it in these shots, but Mrs H actually loves green best!)

Easy like Sunday

2012-01-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

"Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired" ~ Jules Renard

Darcy

Thursday in the garden ~ and no further

2012-01-19T00:46:00.000-08:00

Twice when under a year old, Darcy wondered off and lost himself. Then he settled and for two years, as a shy little boy, he stayed near the back of the house. He is only let out when we are home and never at night. But then one unusual morning over Christmas he had a scatty turn and went walk about which involved dashing with tail held high, across a main road! Mrs H witnessed this (in her dressing gown from a window) and was nauseous for days and days afterwards. She kept him inside and fixed up a fence. She is exploring the possibility of a freedom fence if Mr Darcy looks like he might consider doing that again...

Darcy

... the unpredictable explorer who is risking all.

Bingley

... and the brother who just potters, give him a wall and a view and why want for more?

The rubber sensor frog! (from the pound shop).. croaks at Darcy who runs away from the access to the escape point, for the time being, anyway.

(someone or something has since chewed froggies foot but he still croaks)

... the plastic wire is on top of the fence where Darcy jumps over; a mere deterrent perhaps, but the first 'health and safety' measure.

Darcy

... if you can't go outwards, go upwards!

And then to end on a positive note, there is our Winter Daphne outside our front door!

Positively pungent, it feels like it grabs your face in its petal hands and covers you in its fragrance. Wonderful. And why shouldn't our lovely Postman have joy at our door!

We recommend it.

for the love of a rug

2012-01-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Bingley

Darcy

"snug as a bug in a rug"

Bingley plays 'peek-a-boo'

Darcy and Bingley say ...

"hug a rug today"

Darcy’s New Year resolution

2012-01-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

So the New Year has arrived, and perhaps moderation is now the key?

This is my approach... my own special 'Mr Darcy' one ...

"work a certain amount of time and then take a certain amount of time off..."

irrefutable Darcy at work

... try it dear friends....

siamese twins

2012-01-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

Not double trouble, but twice blessed!

The Merry Year is Born

2012-01-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

"The merry year is born

Like the bright berry from the naked thorn" ~ Hartley Coleridge

2012 Greetings to you all dear bloggers...

We have been up to SO much... how about you?

.. the 'afterwards' of celebrating Christmas!

... the important job of warming our dear visitors bed linen.. (why have a hot water bottle, eh?)

.. visiting Saville Gardens in Windsor, with friends and family ..

Then travelling to Bath to celebate New Year eve lunch eating at Tilleys Bistro

Darcy (disrupting play)

Board games at home with the Haven Seniors...

(Mrs H came last, but let us not dwell on that)

.. introducing the attic to Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley

sniff, sniff... poke.. poke

.. 2 hours later...

... food, festivities and champagne to welcome in 2012!

New Year Day

Stepping out into the garden..

sniffing in abundance

(these shots don't capture all, because Mr Bingley ended up plunging inadvertently into the pond and required immediate towel attention and cuddles and extra time by the fire)

A new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within.”

We can't wait to visit you all again.... cheers to 2012

the greatest gift

2011-12-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Haven household, headed up by

Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley

wish to thank you all for the greatest of gifts, those impossible to wrap - your time and your attention.

Have a happy, healthy and love filled festive time...

Darcy Bingley

... just checking the decorations one more time...

window of opportunity

2011-12-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Bingley in the kitchen

.. if you are outside, I wanna be outside ...

Christmas... is it here yet?

2011-12-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling" ~ Edna Ferber

Darcy

Bingley

.. Can we open our presents yet?

paw talk at 7.30am

2011-12-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Bingley

... what yah mean... you have to go to work..?

You're only young once but you can be immature forever

.... let us play....

heat wave French style

2011-12-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

The senior Havens pitched up and we headed off to Nice.

The furry lads were left to care for the Seniors.
We flew and landed to a climate that hit 27 degrees..

and the South of France welcomed us...

“France has neither winter nor summer nor morals. Apart from these drawbacks it is a fine country” - Mark Twain

Bring it on....

I can only say it feels weird to be warm and without a coat when you peruse Christmas trees (but we loved it)

Monaco

We ate in the park ...

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Visited Ephrussi de Rothschild villa and gardens in Cap Ferrat and then ate a meal to die for in Villefranche (watched over by a dog)

local birdies... (eat your hearts out Bingley and Darcy)

bon appetite in Cannes, a favourite haunt of ours..

from the days when we liked to tan..

David Niven once lived here... who does now, I wonder?

so much to see... but can you see me?

wish we could grow these at home..

and then have time to sit beneath them.

Then we wondered how many antiques could be squeezed in a bag

(and not break in transit)

gave up and toured (all along the coast on buses for one euro),

listened to jazz, soaked up the sunshine, ate more delicious food...

.. and yes, dreamed a little of home ....

Bingley

Darcy

Home coming is sweet when these boys await, afterall.

cupboard love

2011-11-25T01:08:00.000-08:00

Bingley Darcy

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” Etty Hillesum

the visit

2011-11-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

We went down to Cornwall earlier in the month and here is a little of what we got up to.

It was fabulous weather for Autumn - blue skies and balmy days...

... a mix of napping and play for Bingley and Darcy.

When the window steamed up, Mr Haven said "lets each draw a cat'"..

This was his effort... (looks more like a chimp?)

... and this one is mine (electric shock kitty)

We visited Fowey and basked on the veranda of the Fowey Hotel

.. gazed at the view..

.. admired the local knockers ..!

... indulged ...

.. fantasied about living by Readymoney Bay..

.. watched the boats.... and the sea ..

.. and, most important of all, visited Auntie.

(some of you know that she is in a dementia unit, which is the main reason for going down to Cornwall.

She is still going strong, but has begun repetitive movements, in this instance, the art of blanket folding.

Dear Aunt)

ALERT: we had all the oil stolen from the Cornish house (near Liskeard) while down there, so if you run on oil... it might be an idea to check on your security.

bed head

2011-11-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

Official: Even cats get bed head fur in the morning!

I bring you...

Mr Bingley

Before After

stuck for Christmas gifts - a solution

2011-11-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

Winter blues?

No worries... a little gem has arrived from Amazon to fill those dark, damp evenings.

Kaori Tsutaya has created this wonderful little book - 'Crafting with Cat Fur'.

Yep, I wish I had thought of it first.

I fancy making this hat and scarf adorned with miniature Darcy and Bingley icons

Bingley

So, first, take one excessively fluffy and willing cat...

Darcy

.. and if possible, maybe a second one (in this case less willing)

... introduce them to the delights of the book... in any which way..

commence fur collection...

... and sew accordingly.

(watch this space for the result but please make allowances for my rubbish abilities in the crafting department)

Fancy a go?

wherever I lay my paw

2011-11-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

"... one paw

two paw

~~three~~ twist paw

... or more... ?"

Bingley (paws) Darcy (head)

rich pickings gone wrong

2011-11-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Mr Postman came on Saturday.

Bingley

Mrs H shared with me what she opened because I was disturbed by much hilarity on the part of Mr and Mrs H (I took interest but you can see Darcy didn’t – administration bores him).

The little spare cash the Havens have they try to make work for ~~them~~ us (to ensure a plentiful bounty of treats).

Yes, the financial markets are unpredictable!

Yes, they are constantly in a state of uncertainty and flux, going up as much as down!

... but look closely at this dividend! See, it is for...... drum roll.... 1 pence, YES, you read that correctly, 1 PENCE to share between us (not even one single tiny pathetic tuna treats worth)

Bingley

People say ‘money can't buy you happiness’ ... JUST AS WELL! And we ARE happy, and wish you all happiness too.

Bingley

Note: I bit the dividend - if you can't Bank it.. chew it!

(Darcy has finished yawning and is now bum licking - about sums this debacle up!)

window shopping

2011-11-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

Can we come outside too..?

S-P-O-O-K-E-D

2011-10-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

We both feel a bit weird today...

a sudden strangeness crept over us like a haunting chill...

Bingley

Darcy

"At first cock-crow the ghosts must go

Back to their quiet graves below" ~Theodosia Garrison

Come over to Hansel's and see us both there along with lots of other spooked out felines!

... if you dare...

paws for thought

2011-10-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

Darcy

"Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself" ~ Hermann Hesse

Thursday in the garden ~ wall

2011-10-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

Mr Frost visited last night.

We knew he was coming because Mr and Mrs H came back from work and dashed outside to begin lugging pot plants into the greenhouse and wrapping up the wormery in the shed.

They were even doing this in the dark. No lights by the greenhouse, so they must have wished they had our night vision!

Darcy and Bingley on patrol

Bingley

This morning I pondered what to do in the garden...

I decided the wall was the place to be ...

... it is impawtant to oversee ones territory...

... AND be seen by potential impostors.

I am King and this is my garden!

then I sat contemplating for some time..

(my thoughts were so impawtant that I didn't even blink)

Bingley Darcy

and we both showed Mrs H the bum of disdain when she called us to come inside

Bingley

You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt

Bingley's work ethic

2011-10-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

When people go to work, they shouldn't have to leave their ~~hearts~~ cats at home.

This is why my brother and I advocate that our humans work from home whenever possible!

Angel Bingley (feline work guru)

Working from home enables us to mentor them...

... in the art of stress busting and some simple tools for mental stimulation ...

... take note of my toes and that pesky little business card, for example...

... I can ease it off the table even when ~~sleeping~~ deliberating on business strategy!

My motto is this....

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - Les Brown

When Mr and Mrs H adopt this motto too, my work will be done.

Don't over do it dear friends, it is nearly Friday.

the two of us

2011-10-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

I love spending time with my brother.

But today I have searched high and low.

He has vanished.

The Mr Darcy search party

eventually, nose tactics were deployed

Bingley

aha! - no where is safe from Mr Darcy!

Bingley

but who couldn't love a brother like this?!

[Mrs H has made the bed now]

M-I-A Memoir ~ one of my own

2011-10-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

We are purring for Mr Tigger and all missing cats in Cats-Land. Reading of this today over at ‘Life from a Cats Perspective’ and then again on 'Cats Blogosphere’ triggered something grave and long hidden in me. Before Darcy and Bingley came to live here, we used to be visited by a fluffy black cat. He came virtually every day for at least 6 years and probably more. Often, when I drew back the curtains in the morning, he would be curled up in the middle of the lawn. Initially, he would just watch us from afar, but slowly we became friends and cuddled. We nicknamed him Breezy (because of the way he breezed in and out of the garden). Breezy seemed to be groomed and fed. We got the impression someone cared for him, yet he could hardly have ever been around them because he was with us so much. We didn’t feed him and he never asked. He just cuddled. He was totally undemanding, just a dark, quiet, sweet natured, companion.

Then, one day when I came back from work I noticed he had a small wound on his back. I hoped that when he returned home his owner would notice it and have it treated. Over some days his wound gradually grew worse and then one evening when I came home from London it was looked worringly sore. I immediately began to search for where he lived. Breezy always came over the wall in the same place. I expected to be able to locate his base fairly easily, how wrong I was. I knocked on doors for over 2 hours. No one knew of him. (I met some interesting and at times slightly odd people but there-by hangs another tale). Eventually I came home and cuddled Breezy. For the first time he came inside the house (his choice) and toured the entire place before sitting quietly on the sofa. I knew he felt safe. I rang my neighbour and asked if he would assist me in driving us to the Vet. I sorted out a box in the garage. But when I came back Breezy was gone. I searched the garden. Nothing.

I never saw him again, though I looked for him every day. I have been unable to reconcile my feelings. Did he make it home? Was he ever treated and if so why didn’t he reappear? My feelings at the time are too complex for me to analyse, but there is much sadness and guilt – could I have done more? I say this with a touch of hesitancy but I always wonder if I should have taken him in properly earlier. I held back because he was clearly groomed and fed. Anyway, I shall never know and time has mixed its sedative and so now, with this post I shall imagine Breezy in ‘Cats-Land’ with Mr Tigger et al.

the one and only shot we have of Breezy

filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light

2011-10-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

The welcome party...

(for the workers)

Bingley and Darcy

It is (supposedly) .. early Autumn here in Oxfordshire, in dare I say, dear old foggy damp Britain...?!!

...But something quite wonderful has occurred!

A most unseasonable warmth and sunshine and HEAT... through morning to night.

... indeed weather record books have been broken!

We all stayed outside till late...

... a glass of wine ...

... some eating ...

... a squeezing of every last drop from a most lovely and surprisingly barmy October eveining..

Bingley (too dark for Mrs H's camera)

"Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....

Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape

Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood"

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

the art of tolerance

2011-09-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Otis, Ellwood and Mr Bingley

Toleration is my favourite word at the moment.

I deploy it each time these two neighbouring boys come visiting (which is daily).

They follow me around, thinking they are stalking (but they have much to learn)

They steal my sticks.

Drink my water.

Sit on my wormery.

AND... pooh in my shrubbery!

Hum.

I do my hard stare but mainly I ignore them (passive aggressive is my preferred style)

This is becoming white cat city.

peep hole boy

2011-09-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Darcy

Holly fetish

2011-09-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

So WHAT is attractive about the sharp leaves of a Holly that Darcy should SO love to chew them?

Each and every day.

And Bingley? Does he care? Nope, sharpening claws is more his thing (poor old birdie table).

putting fluff back in its place

2011-09-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Bingley

big head, small body

2011-09-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

Darcy in fairground spirit

Mrs H visited Beer in Devon, a most favourite place. There were many joyful activities – walks across the cliff, pebble beach foraging, deckchairs, cream teas and Pimms in the garden...

... and, of course, a visit to the bendy mirrors!

The Dolphin Hotel

Nothing more fun and laughable than looking at yourself in a fairground mirror

Look taller, thinner, fatter, have a big head and small body... the list is endless!

A whole array of looks and so funny to see oneself and others in a different shape!

... the novelty is infectious.

Brolly love

2011-09-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

It might look colourful and bright here in these photos... but believe me, of late we have suffered gusty rain, torrential at times, cool nippy winds and clouds in abundance.

We formally announce that Summer in Oxfordshire must be over!

(especially as Mrs H is packing the sun umbrella away)

Darcy

No!.. ROooarrR ..No! I MEeowwwWWWW don't do it..!

...STAY brolly, STAY! I can't wish Summer good bye ... not quite yet!

.. but the packing away has begun..!

Bingley's tail

Bing begins to iron out the creases...

... hoover up the trapped insects...

moreover, he goes forth to the VERY ends..

(nerves of steel)

"Departing summer hath assumed

An aspect tenderly illumed,

The gentlest look of spring;

That calls from yonder leafy shade

Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,

A timely carolling".

~ William Wordsworth, September

Thursday in the garden ~ at a loose end

2011-09-08T01:56:00.000-07:00

::Meowwww::

Darcy

... I look down on him ...

Darcy

... at his ~~water butt~~ personal watering hole

Darcy

... preparing to snoop on the neighbours and a pigeon

(not necessarily in that order)

Darcy

mousie, mousie.. where ARE you?

Darcy

Dreaming of tomorrow (and that pigeon)

Bingley

in front

... and behind

If she don't chase you when you walk away, keep walking.

hiding places are innumerable, escape only one

2011-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Darcy at play

Hiding places?

baffled Bingley

Eh?..was he here..? sure he WAS in here...?!

.. just in there..

.. that dasterdly escapee brother of mine!

What has a tail and yet no body?

2011-08-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

.. escaped ferret..?

... a discarded old duster? The ones that come with handles

(now that could still be useful..!?)

Nah!

Tis ME!, Your Darcy and my trusty old fluffiness of a tail, all intact and ready for PLAY!

How about it?!!

a face to a name

2011-08-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

We have returned from our Cornish holidays and are still thinking about the good times we had.

We stayed at Aunties and the Havens visited her in her Care Home all they could.

Darcy and Bingley hiding out under Aunt's dressing table

... we (the fluffy duo) both thought about her too...

.. and looked at happy times recorded in photo albums.

Mrs Haven decided she would post up a picture of Aunty, privacy considered, because in so many ways Aunty is 'unseen' now she is in Care, unable to move independently or chat or choose who sees her and hears what she has to say (and what she has to say is not what it was, more a shout or cry).

But she always loved the camera. So let us see her.

Here she is.

.. and before..

wedding day bliss

.. their much loved dear old Jess, near Damar Bay

.. and later, naughty little Honey when she arrived first and then as she grew up.. on the beach at Looe..

Once met never forgotten (how could you in those hats!)

.. and their beloved Cornwall has been a wonderful place to get to know.

Note: Re. Darcy and spraying. He is still doing it a bit in his litter tray, but with the lid on the litter box it is contained and so OK on that front.

Much love and reassurance is being administered to the little lad.

We go on from here.

Thursday in the garden ~ finale

2011-08-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

This post shows us in the cornish garden but it is the last excursion because there has been an unfortunate development.

Bingley and Darcy

Bingley

Darcy

Bingley

Darcy spots him first...

... the neighbours Tom called Bonkers.

There are 3 Toms around, all spraying this garden.

All of them pursue Darcy and Bingley.

Now Darcy has begun spraying in his litter tray in the kitchen (and its messy).

Mrs H is having to clean a lot (with special stuff from the pet shop) but is worried that he will continue this habit when he goes home.

All daily excursions have ceased and he has been shampooed in case he has Tom spray on him.

To no avail at the moment. Any suggestions or pointers about what can be done to reassure him and break the habit most gratefully requested.

Help

to eat and to see

2011-08-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

We have a glut of fruit, especially plums! We can't pick enough, the trees are laden. We have made many new friends by giving bowls of these delicious things away!

Darcy

Bingley

Mrs H has been baking and made these plum puffs after watching a video on YouTube by 'My Daddy Cooks' - a Dad cooking with his 4 year old, Archie - very sweet!

She followed it up with a stew from the Cranks recipe book.

We also went to a magical outdoor theatre on the moor just outside Liskeard called Sterts.

We saw 'Guys and Dolls' and it was so professional despite being performed by amateurs.

It had an awning, but we all still needed blankets (and a drop of something to warm the cockles).

PS. If you have any favourite plum recipe's or ideas for storing, please can you tell us?!

the floral paw

2011-08-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Darcy

bookends

2011-08-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

Bingley and Darcy

... the bookless garage ...

going potty

2011-08-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

When someone surprises you with a kindness it is extra special, isn't it.

I could have one of these to use to pot-up my plants...

But no! my dear friend Mr C who lives here in Cornwall and helps me to look after my Aunt's home instead made me one like this!

It was originally an industrial Singer sewing machine and he stripped it out, rejuvenated the base and made a 'potting' top for it.

I love it and will treasure it..

potting bench or new cat bed?

A labour of love.

What unusual things have you had made for you...?

the smell of seaweed

2011-08-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

When they go out (and sometimes they do),

we know just what to do...

prepare ourselves for a kip (and wait)!

The Havens visited a friend in Helford

It was misty and damp but still wonderful..

they went for a walk and met this dog...

Mrs Haven threw him lots of sticks and he crouched in readiness...

and never grew bored

.. he looked sad when she finally had to go..

... there were secret little cottages hidden away (this one can apparently be rented from the National Trust)

they walked for miles..

... and visited a gallery and garden (Mrs H can't recall the name of it nor find it on the web but it is being developed by the ex-wife of someone in the 'Who' band and is in Helford)

The trip was topped off with homemade cake and clotted cream.

Bliss!

They smelt of seaweed when they got home.

follow my leader

2011-07-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Bingley

Daily my brother and I 'walk-about' our new territory.

It must always be that 'She' follows.... (shadow woman).

The lead must ALWAYS be slack...

I must not be disturbed by being followed (even when I go deep under a bush under which She cannot follow!).

.. wherever it may be... I must be free to go..

.. whatever I pause to investigate...

...sniff...

.. or lick...

I am free to do so (harness? pah! I ignore it!)

Darcy

.. every shrub is our domain.

She must wait as mere onlooker.

arrival

2011-07-28T03:10:00.000-07:00

the corn in the field running along our garden is golden

Cornwall has welcomed us.

We have Internet access but only just and have to crouch in the corner of the garden to get a sufficiently strong signal (but it IS a signal). Our vision of sitting on the sofa and visiting you all at leisure is to be modified but visit we certainly will because where there is a Will there is a way!

A trip to St Ives last Wednesday. We spent the day there because it was Mr Haven's Birthday!

Coffee at Carbis Bay Hotel and a walk across the cliff into St Ives for lunch and shopping and just to enjoy the beauty of the place.

Bingley

... a daily walk-about ...

Darcy

and a full inspection of each and every cupboard almost complete.

ever at ease

2011-07-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Darcy

“There is more to life than increasing its speed.” Gandhi

For the first time, our holiday in Cornwall will not be an Internet black hole because Mrs H believes she has organised it so we can be online!?

If we do go silent it is all her fault (but we love her anyway -

I am hoping I can live up to expectation - Mrs H x).

We all leave this Sunday.

The dear Haven Seniors and brother Haven (he is not a Monk) will be driving up to stay at our home, enjoying a 'home from home' holiday.

Paws crossed we can join you while we are away.. but if not we will so relish our return.

Love Darcy and his brother Bingley

xxxx

reach for the stars

2011-07-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Bingley

...but

.. try it lying down...

sky high yet still grounded

... I may not reach them, but I can look up and imagine

beneath the sheets

2011-07-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Every great dream begins with a dreamer....

Darcy

snooping

2011-07-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

What do you mean... a little eye contact would be nice?!

We have snoopervising to do and it doesn't involve you (until dinner time) ...

Darcy

Bingley

double trouble

Thursday in the garden ~ cat dash

2011-06-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

This week we wanted to show you some of our ~~horse~~ cat play!

::3 paw taps::

Darcy

Bingley

We find our cat dash skills are at their best when Mrs H is trying to get us inside!

More fool her!

PS. The new kit at the bottom of our garden, Ellwood, has been hit by a car and broken his leg. He is going to be OK. Even though we don't like him coming into our garden, we kind of miss him.

land and sky

2011-06-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

On one of, if not THE hottest day of the year so far, we went on a charity walk - the Red Kite Ramble in the Chilterns (in aid of Deafax working to support deaf children and young people). It was beautiful even at over 30 degrees!

We did see some Red Kites but I was never quick enough with the camera. We grow used to them because they are always overhead in our garden

checking out the cats (luckily Red Kites are carrion eaters).

through fields....

passed flowers ...

and expanse of country ...

We saw 'Pyramidal Orchids' and so many butterflies ...

Teasel, a colleague's dog even grew tired!

Great cause, great day.

Note: thanks to Neil Rees who did the walk too and took some of these lovely photos

Thursday in the garden ~ all to play for

2011-06-23T01:16:00.000-07:00

If I can't see you... you can't see me, right?!

This is one of my MANY special talents!

Coupled with careful positioning near birdy food stations (why put in effort when they can fly to you)

::3 paw taps::

Darcy

... this is our cat mint, grown especially for us...

(but between you and us, Mrs H would be gutted to learn this... we are just NOT interested .. the stuff leaves us cold)

We all have high hopes for the plums this year but for different reasons...

we want to bat them about, the Havens want to eat them (how could they?!)

.. oh.. and a little more of those dastardly crab apples...

We have had many big spots of rain fall here, and about time too..

we don't go out in it but we like the smell afterwards

(and Mrs H smiles a lot cos she doesn't have to hose)

What has your weather been like..?

the tail has it

2011-06-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

Darcy

"I gave an order to my cat, and my cat gave it to its tail" - Chinese Proverb

Thursday in the garden ~ apple

2011-06-09T02:41:00.000-07:00

::3 paw taps::

Who needs cat nip, birdies, mice.... when the crab apples fall...

Bingley

...give it here!

... sign me up for the Premier League?

new kid on the block

2011-06-06T03:01:00.000-07:00

And here he is. Allow me to introduce you to Ellwood, he is a Burmilla. He is one of two, his brother is called Otis but is too shy to come visiting. They live in the house at the bottom of our garden.

This is the first time he visited and Bingley and Darcy were in the garden

he clocked them

but was not to be deterred

Bingley seemed to be OK.

But Darcy was frightened and ran inside even though it is HIS garden.

we couldn't get over his skinny tail

We drew the line at letting him inside!

I wonder how it will all go with him and our boys...

PS. Thanks for the advice about the posting issue I had, I did as suggested and it seems to have fixed it!

Thursday in the garden ~ nesting

2011-06-02T01:19:00.000-07:00

::3 paw taps::

the perils of too much birdie watching

Darcy

not hatching eggs

PS. just wanted to say that I am having problems leaving comments for some of you, I keep being asked to sign in to blogger but before I can leave my comment I am taken back round to log in again. I am visiting your posts but frustrated not to be able to show you I am. Any ideas to solve this welcomed.

Love Mrs H

with an hour to spend...

2011-05-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

Snoopervising in the garden.

How else is a self respecting feline to spend some of the weekend....?

Darcy

... lounging on a rug in the garden cannot be turned down...

... breathing in that fresh Spring air a tonic....

... remembering to keep hydrated ...

.. check out my elastic tongue ...

... a spot of 'claw care'
... how did you spend yours?
xxx

paw

2011-05-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

Talk to the paw, the face ain't listening...

Bingley

cat on hot tin roof (not quite)

2011-05-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

"Do one thing every day that scares you" ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Bingley watched by Darcy

I agree with Eleanor and think it is impawtant to go out of ones comfort zone.

I take pride in personally helping Mrs H to experience this too.

I think I succeeded with the roof walk because I heard her make a small scream when she looked out and saw me.

... I can't understand why she hasn't thought to come out here herself?!

... not really scary at all!

brother bashing

2011-05-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

Bingley has a favourite cupboard.

Bingley above

Darcy below

... and do you know why?

... because it provides him with the perfect brother bashing opportunity!

Bingley

... winner takes it all!

forever home for Valentine

2011-05-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here a most loving welcome to 'Valentine'!

Thank you to a very talented Nicky over at Vintage Magpie for making beautiful Valentine for the Haven family.

Allow me to introduce him....

Valentine

(named after the day on which Darcy and Bingley were born)

... his arrival

... and unveiling

... in and around home

places to be...

bedtime ...

in the garden...

... amongst friends. We all love Valentine!

Thank you Nicky x

a bit of 'us' and 'them'

2011-05-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

We wanted to share our Cornish trip with you, or at least a little bit of it - fluff and all...

OUR TIME

brothers together - a loving moment (but unsustainable)

Bingley

lounging

Darcy

top desk

Bingley

box supervision

Darcy

Belfast sink ...... monitoring

Bingley

Pedicure...?

Darcy

top tower

Bingley

... walk about.....

THEIR TIME

need we say more..?

orchard

mowing, digging, clearing...

... burning...

..more burning..

.. even more burning ..

...and then amongst this all.. some hidden treasures..

...blue gems - and a complete cessation of burning or clearing!

Instead - stop, stare and enjoy!

follow the leader

2011-05-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

What weather we had over Easter - glorious.

We all went to Cornwall to visit Auntie in her care home.
Then we stayed for a holiday down there and did some work on her garden.

Because it was so lovely we wanted to join the Havens outside!

After much debate we were let out under supervision but were over taken by the sounds and smells and bolted (Mrs H freaked out).

This led to us being rugby tackled to the ground!

Despite this, we wanted to go outside even more!

We glued ourselves to the windows and doors each time we were in and they were out...

Bingley

Finally Mrs H got the message and bought us both harnesses!

Darcy

We deliberately defied the odds and walked happily in our harnesses immediately.

We like surprising Mrs H whenever we can.

Darcy rolling

Result!

We missed you and can't wait to visit you all again soon.

painting techniques

2011-04-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

There is a wonderful little shop - Country Mouse, not far from me which supplies beautiful painted furniture, vintage items for the home and it is where I buy my Annie Sloan chalk paint!

I attended a furniture painting workshop there yesterday and learnt such a lot!

I picked up the shelf from a junk shop and the little drawers are part of a table top chest my friend Kate found at a Sue Ryder Sale.

... and the paint? Who else but Annie Sloan, of course!

Amongst so many opened pots of colour, I was in heaven.

... there were 5 lovely people painting and it was super getting to know them over the paint brushes.

I loved this contraption - a paint brush drier - you fasten in the wet clean brush and then spin the handle and the brush whirls round and dries (like lettuce leaf spinners) ...

distressed Old Violet

Provence with black wax in the grain.

I have pots of paint which I bought including Scalet Empress and big plans to paint, paint and paint!

Bonjour - Ca va?

2011-04-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

We have been visiting friends in S.W France.

Darcy and Bingley stayed at home and we missed them, especially when we met other cats.

We missed visiting you all too.

'Bernadou' and some of it's occupants ...

Mr Haven walking out with Misty and Casi

Casi

She has a brother called 'Ino' their names derive from the supermarket 'Cas-ino' in France. They were dumped in the car park when they were kittens, but found by our friends and given their forever home at Bernadou.

Boris

cuddles with Casi

This is a close up of Casi's tail - it is not short from injury, she is believed to have been born like it and still wiggles it effectively!

The weather was beautiful and we had a most happy time.

mystery of the alibaba

2011-04-04T01:32:00.000-07:00

We both appreciate fine pots ...

they have so much to offer ...

this is Bingley with his wayward fluff ...

he loves discovering his fluff ...

and goes to great lengths to find it ...

and this provides me with hijacking opportunities

Darcy

I know he is in there!

yep, he just can't hide that fluffy tail

its like a serpent

I am going in too!

birdie hunting the easy way

2011-03-28T05:06:00.000-07:00

Bingley

[Note: Mrs H would like it to be known that this here birdie box is due to be fixed to the wall out of reach]

Thursday in the garden ~ going potty

2011-03-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for potting up! I have had so much snoopervising to do!

Darcy

First I had to 'botty' warm the potting up tray.

We chose to plant tomatoes - Black Cherry and Purple Russian sent from a friend in Cornwall. Small black with a really delicious kick.

This is one of my old litter trays!

Mrs H used it cos its the perfect size. The seeds are being started off in the conservatory not the greenhouse because it is warmer.

Another job was checking on the compost

(actually I chewed some - a sign of my dedication).

.. then I sat in some of the garden items as part of the sizing process.

Bingley

My brother did very little to assist

(he snoopervised the neighbours instead).

We love Spring.

knock knock

2011-03-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this beautiful door and its floral display when I saw it in Kingsand, Cornwall recently.

Who lives inside I wonder?

paint reveal

2011-03-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

Mrs H didn't get outside much this weekend because she suffered a crazy spell over Annie Sloan chalk paint and spent hours, literally HOURS, painting the cupboards.

She didn't even take out her clothes, just taped up black bin liners!

(slapdash comes to mind)

Darcy ~ toe warmer

... nor did she use a ladder, but this meant that I could keep her feet warm while she painted!

it wasn't all plain sailing especially with all the slats

(at one point she even appeared to regret starting, I heard her moaning...)

... to top it all she ran out of paint with only a small bit left to cover and so she had to change all her plans the next day so she could go get more paint!

(poor planning comes to mind)

You can see how she tried to make it spread by rubbing an almost dry brush! It is a good job it isn't her main job around here.

Eventually it was done. She used Old Ochre.

Then she went outside to look at the flowers!

night stalker

2011-03-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

Here am I. Little Darcy.

Last night I stayed out late! apparently causing considerable angst to my family and even my brother! But I reckon he loved initially monopolising MY most loved inside spots before he decided he did quite miss me.

Darcy as Spring evenings beckon

I love the scent and birdie preparations for the most lovely period of Nature and am quite distracted and madly excited at this time. When I came out in the afternoon I just had to dash and do a somersault!

I was on the wall chilling as dinner time came... went.... and....dusk began!

Mrs H tried to tease me inside with my most favourite stick.

But I didn't care. The secrets of dusk are everything.

Then I went forth ..... and was gone... only to return at 11.00pm (an hour after Mrs H is usually asleep but she loves me SO much she was there in the garden to escort me home when I came back (to finish my tea).

one way to spend a lovely weekend

2011-03-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

... When we woke up it wasn't raining! We went out to stalk

... in the absence of ready birdies a brother makes a useful enough target.

Darcy

I spent some time sat in the tree as the Great Overseer of all birdies garden-wide

Bingley ~ was a mere baby brother watcher below

Darcy - deputy gardener

.. as Mrs H got gardening underway I kept check on progress

(got to help cos she leaves forks and things in the bags)

Then it did rain.

Mrs H took the most special chalk paint in the world (seriously) ...

... and covered the bright blue bookcase in it (with Country Grey).

On Sunday we stayed at home but Mr and Mrs H went to The Vyne, a National Trust property open extra early, they enjoyed soup and some air. Mrs H says it is such good news that the NT are opening up earlier this year; conservation and work on houses and lands can surely be witnessed and appreciated, ... she says

the wetland Hide (along with willow birds?)

and some real ones (just need binoculars)

and then the most amazing old root - a perfect star on a perfect weekend.

hot dog

2011-02-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

This is Teasel. She comes to work with her owner.

We all adore her. Taking turns to walk her in the woods at lunch times.

But she does HOG our little leg heaters!

"Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself"

~ Shakespeare

.... one of us needs to tell her.

Bingley's stretch manual

2011-02-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

the upside down Super~~man~~cat pose

the horizontal paw stand

the eye rest pose

the eye open (you still there?) pose

valentine birthday boys ~ hip hip hoorah!

2011-02-14T01:55:00.000-08:00