Vivian’s View From Here: Kilmory Getaway

024 (1280x856) Welcome back, my peeps and pets, to Vivian’s View From Here.
Today we take a page from my Summer Travel Diary.

074 (1280x837)Our “staff” took a break from St. John’s this past week
to spend three nights at Kilmory Resort near Swift Current.

034 (1280x867)It was beautiful and secluded there in our pine log chalet,
which, of course, was right up our alley.

026 (1280x852)Maisie and I especially loved the loft, because we like perching up high.
001 (1280x613)So peaceful, so cozy…
019 (1280x800)We weren’t particularly fond of the noise from the jacuzzi jets, however.
012 (1280x897)But we appreciated the bird’s-eye view of our beloved staff.
006 (1280x779)Here I am practising my “lumbersexual” poses. That’s a thing!
010 (1280x853)If you never heard of it, go google it! I’ll wait. 🙂
002 (1280x894)As nice and comfy as it was, after a while
we grew weary of having to staying indoors.

021 (797x1280)“Hey, I hear lots of birds and squirrels!”
Maisie meows. “Can you please let us out?”
085 (1280x954)After all, we’re used to going out all the time on Perry’s Point.
087 (1280x815)And look how beautiful and sunny it is out there!
086 (1280x819)Please???
147 (1280x908)Begging works! Our staff fashioned makeshift leashes,
so we could explore outdoors for a bit.

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Thanks for dropping by, everyone!
~ head bumps & nose kisses,
Vivian
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Kilmory Resort

Forces of Nature

Once again, iceberg season has arrived in Newfoundland.

Icebergs are beautiful to photograph and are a huge Force of Nature ( we only have to think of the Titanic disaster ) but the pack ice that often accompanies them can wreak their own special havoc. In our part of the world, these masses of moving ice interfere with fishing and sometimes even trap whales and dolphins.

In the area of Bonavista Bay North where I live, the water is too shallow to allow the big icebergs to get very close, but we do see plenty of pack ice and bergy bits.

Enter the seagulls. These hardy scavenger birds are so well-adapted to this rugged environment, I am in awe. Their ability to not only survive, but to thrive here, may well be called another force of nature.

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Like all of our feathered friends in the northern hemisphere, seagulls mate in spring. This is the time of year in Newfoundland we see them answer to their instinct and pair off to procreate. They are monogamous, usually with one mate for life.

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On the evening I took these photos, the setting sun cast interesting shadows and hues upon the ice and the water.

Of course, speaking of a force of nature, our Vivian needed to be a part of it all.blogw (15)

What Forces of Nature do you have in your backyard?

Vivian’s View From Here: Centre of Attention

0121-e1363317083865 (556x450)Good afternoon, all of you precious peeps out there!

Whether you’re of the furry variety of friend or not, welcome back to Jennifer’s Journal. Maisie and I LOVE when you drop by for a visit, and even more so when we are allowed to be front and centre.

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Jennifer woke up with a pesky migraine this morning and couldn’t concentrate on writing, so I suggested she relax, look at some pretty pictures of us, and let me do the talking. So here I am.

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As many of you already know, my sister and I have enjoyed being the centre of attention in Jennifer’s “animal-loving world” since 2007, when she and our “dad” rescued us as kittens from the pound. Are we spoiled? Nah. How can one be spoiled by too much love?004 (640x358)

And guess what? She hardly misses an opportunity to tell us how she adores being woken up each morning by our soft nudges and warm cuddles, and how much happiness we bring to her life in general.IMG_0189 (640x516)

When she leaves us to go in town for nine or ten days at the end of this week, I know for certain she will miss our fluffy, friendly, purring cuteness more than she’s willing to admit.003 (640x299)

We, on the other hand, will muddle through somehow until she gets back.
At least our “dad” will be here with us most of the time.

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Jennifer will have to make do with these other critters for animal companionship at her daughter’s house…

Can you imagine? Such a profound sacrifice!

Ginger & Nico
Ginger & Nico

Something tells me, however, that she kind of likes that other cat — and stranger still, that big, curly, doggie creature. Go figure. And I’ll bet you dollars to dentabone treats she’s going to smell like him too, when she comes home. (Ugh!)

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But that’s par for the course when you own a human who loves all animals, not just her own. She knows we understand. And she knows we will be waiting here with eager purrs and sandpaper smooches when she returns.

Signing off now, so until next time, thanks for reading, everyone!
~ head bumps & nose kisses,
Vivian

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“You know, sometimes the world seems like a pretty mean place. That’s why animals are so soft and huggy.” – Bill Watterson

This has been our contribution to Ailsa’s photo theme: Centre
at wheresmybackpack.com
and
this week’s entry in:weeklypets

Do you ever have to go away and leave your fur babies behind?
Do you miss them when you do?

Friday Bouquet #17

I’m shaking things up for Friday Bouquet this morning. Usually I award it to a fellow blogger found doing something wonderful in the blogosphere, but this time I am throwing the bouquet to my sister and the therapy dog program.

Lynn is an assistant professor and nursing instructor at the Memorial School of Nursing in St. John’s, but her contribution to health care and humankind hasn’t stopped there. Please click on the link below – wouldn’t you know it, a WordPress blog by Eastern Health Story Line – to find out what she and her little dog Abbey have been up to, and be sure to look for their photos. All of my animal lover friends are sure to enjoy it. 🙂

http://storyline.easternhealth.ca/2015/03/19/canine-therapy-a-warm-and-fuzzy-feeling/

Have you had any experience with canine therapy?
What about the health benefits of spending time with other animals?

Here are two other sisters wishing you a warm and wonderful weekend. ❤

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zzzz…
Maisie & Vivian
Maisie & Vivian

A Newer Perspective by Vivian K. Perry

vivHappy 2015, lovely readers, bloggers, and my feline friends and fans. 

Vivian’s the name, for you newbies who haven’t had the pleasure of my sparkling company as of yet. I’ve returned to brighten things up in the blogosphere with another guest-host spot on Jennifer’s Journal. So take a break from struggling with your (ugh) resolutions for a few moments, and join me, won’t you?
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My sister Maisie and I agreed to help show what is new and different in our world, specifically a nifty new camera to pose for since St. Nick dropped by last month. Jennifer hasn’t had time to learn all its functions yet, so she took these photos with the autofocus feature, just for a little test run.

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Maisie hogged the limelight most of the time…

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…but she did pose admirably and didn’t shy away, as she is wont to do.

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Okay already! Now, what about moi??

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Scenery? Is that necessary? Granted, the new camera does take nice shots – even through the kitchen window…

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And naturally, Jennifer wants to show off her granddaughter’s new artwork, another of her treasured Christmas gifts.
(Yes, it’s her grandgirl’s birthday today too, so Happy Birthday, young lady! xox)

But what about me, and my joie de “Viv”?

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Oh, come on, woman!
In what universe are a couple of ol’ ducks more photogenic than two purry Perrys?

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Finally! { sigh} That’s a bit of an improvement.
But I know we can do better…

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There! That’s it. Pixel Perfection.

Toodles, my darlings. Until we meet again…meow!

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~This has been Vivian’s entry for The Daily Post Photo Challenge: “New”~

What’s “new” in your little corner of the world?  Maisie and Viv are all ears!

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Cat Dreams

Good day, my friends and fellow felines. Vivian K. Perry here, returning as guest host on Jennifer’s Journal.

Jennifer caught me unawares one morning last week, indulging in a wonderfully delicious cat nap. These pics she took make me wonder: do humans dream the same as I do?

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Jennifer says I get twitchy at times when I sleep, where my paws seem to act out the dream-movie playing in my head. In the dream-movie, I might be chasing a shrew or a mouse, or I could be trying to catch up to Paul on a walk.

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I wonder, is it the cat version of REM sleep? Except it’s RPM sleep – short for “Rapid Paw Movement”?

 I think the camera captured me here resting up for another night of fun and frolic. While the weather is still mild, Maisie and I enjoy napping for most of the day, so we can return to our wild, nocturnal adventures as the moon rises and darkness descends…

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 …then we pad back home at the break of dawn to stir the house with urgent meows and vibrating purrs.
Time to get up and fill our bowls, humans!

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“How nice it is to think that feline dreams, like our own, are painted with creative brush strokes from time to time. Perhaps my cats and I even share the same dream…where every cat has a safe, warm place to sleep.” ~ Barbara L. Diamond

“I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can play together all night.” ~ Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes)

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Before I sign off of course, Jennifer insists I include a sleeping Maisie in my post:

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Baby Maisie
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Grown-up Maisie

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Wishing you all – and my dear sister – the sweetest of dreams! ♥

 

Further Reading:

Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Dreamy

I Dream – a poem by Jennifer 

Do Cats Dream When They Sleep?

Friday Bouquet #8

I have been a loyal follower of The Mad Hooligan Chronicles for nearly as long as I’ve been blogging. It went through a metamorphosis last year, and changed its name from the original, The Howling Mad Cat.

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HMC

When HMC (Howling Mad Cat) departed for Kitty Cat Heaven at the ripe old age of 21, shortly after Ellie adopted two new cats by the names of Kobi and Bobo, and the Mad Hooligans blog was born.

Along with the adorably candid photos, Ellie treats us with three quotes to ponder, which relate to the topic of each of her posts.

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Bo & Kobi

From their profile:

“Verily I say unto you: Ye shall have two cats, and they will cause havoc amongst the household.”
At http://howlingmadcat.wordpress.com/.

A light-hearted read to brighten your day, I suggest you take a look at yesterday’s entry. You just may hit the follow button too:

The Life of Riley

Comments are closed here in hopes you will comment on their site.

Have a good weekend, everyone. ❤

Endearing

Happy Monday, everyone. Here are a few images that made me smile with affection last week:

161When she can’t be in her master’s lap, Vivian will take possession of an article of clothing or anything that smells like him – even his sandal. Nice fit.

1209_54646295394_5546_nMy grandchildren, captured in slumber about six years ago.

171Nico before his haircut
photo 1 (5)…and after.  He is like a different dog!

What endearing images have caught your attention recently?

Friday Bouquet #3

 

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I found the Kindness Blog only yesterday, and am now a follower. I love the types of stories they find and share with the world. Some are heartbreaking to begin with, yes. But when you read on, you find out how someone’s kindness made a difference.

It is uplifting to know there are such compassionate souls out there!

In their own words:

Sharing media featuring kindness in all its varied forms.

Since the Kindness Blog started, the response received from you lovely folk out there has been literally overwhelming. We’re truly honored and touched by your support and encouragement. In this regard, we’re also very conscious that any congratulation received, is due solely to the kind people whose stories we share.

These are the people who freely give help, that lend a listening ear to a sad soul’s tragic tale, that share what resources they have, that tolerate, that understand another person’s plight and actively work to uplift others from poverty, oppression and loss.  This blog celebrates the angels of kindness that walk among us every day.

From the simplest acts of charity through to grand, life-changing gestures of kindness, we publish images, videos, real-life-stories, personal reflections, quotes and other various media which all have one special thing in common…Kindness.

  I have selected two of their posts for you to check out. The first one tells of an act of kindness to an animal.

After Being Rescued From 50 Years Of Abuse, This Old Elephant Actually Cried.

This one tells of a stranger’s kindness to a little girl with autism.

Dear ‘Daddy’ in Seat 16C

 

I have closed comments in the hope you will visit and comment on their blog. Be “kind” and let them know Jennifer sent you.  🙂

Cats in Contrast

Happy Monday, my darling peeps!

Vivian here again, returning to guest host on Jennifer’s Journal.

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 Today’s update is actually in answer to the Photo Challenge: “Contrasts” over at the Daily Post. Yes, we know it’s a tad late, but Jennifer was busy blogging about other stuff.

Hmmm…which makes me wonder: what could be more important than CATS?

Particularly, Moi?

Even my sister Maisie is somewhat miffed that we were put on hold for other posts.

Never mind I was centre stage in three of the last seven journal entries; everybody would rather hear from Adorable Me than yet another post about boring writing, appreciation, and now, bouquets… blah, blah, blah. Am I right?

You’re nodding, aren’t you?

Now, on to the Challenge. Maisie and I are a study in contrasts, that is a given. Yes, we are cats, yes, we are sisters, and yes, we both love Perry’s Point. But our personalities differ greatly. I don’t like bananas, Maisie loves them. I stand on my hind legs to please my daddy master, Maisie wouldn’t dream of it. I love licking Maisie and cuddling with her, she merely tolerates me. If we were human, you would probably surmise that I’m an extrovert and Maisie is an introvert, and you would be correct.

But this is a “Photo Challenge”. I haven’t figured out how to use a camera – yet – so Jennifer took the following shots (and the shot above) and tweaked them a bit using lots of contrast in her photo editor to achieve these results.

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This one shows my dreamy, romantic side.

 

Jennifer says she's going to paint this one someday. (rolls eyes) Since I'm her muse. Whatever!
Jennifer says she’s going to paint this one someday, since I’m her MUSE, she tells me. (rolls eyes) Whatever!

 

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I was on the Hunt here, too preoccupied to pose prettily. “Here, Mickey…here, Tweety…wait! I think I see a flutterby!”

 

Maisie playing with the camera strap. Get a load of those talons. Yeesh, overdue for a mani-pedi?
Maisie playing with the camera strap. Get a load of those talons, will ya? Yeesh, someone overdue for a MANI-PEDI?

 

Ooh, even I have to admit this one was quite a capture. Sis looks like she sees something lipsmackingly delish. Did someone open a BANANA?
Ooh, even I have to admit this one was quite a capture. Sis looks like she sees something lipsmackingly delish. Did someone peel a BANANA?

 

My staff caught me unawares in this one...zzzzzzzzzzzz
Jennifer caught me unawares in this one….zzzzzz….but she let sleeping cats lie.

Jennifer says she thinks she’s onto something with the heavy contrast. She says the greater definition may help her draw or paint images from photos done this way. I’m iffy about it, but what do you think?

That’s it for me today. Vivian here signing off, but I leave you with my favourite quote:

“Of all God’s creatures there is only one that
cannot be made the slave of the lash,
that one is the cat. If man could be crossed
with the cat, it would improve man, but it
would deteriorate the cat.”

~ Mark Twain