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?

Easter Week with the Kids

This week is a definite departure from the usual routine at our house.
My daughter and her family came to visit on Good Friday, and we had a fun weekend together. Denise and Dave went back to town on Sunday, leaving the children with us for their entire Easter holidays. Here are a few photos.

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“Who cares if we have snow for Easter? Perfect for a snowman, by.”
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nearly finished
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“We always have fun with our Dad…
…and our Nan.”
skinniest snowman ever
Scrawniest snowman ever!
our boy
our boy
Saturday was alright! Nico had fun too.
Saturday was alright! Nico had fun too.
My beautiful daughter <3 - missing her babies big-time right about now
beautiful daughter ❤ – probably missing the children terribly about now!
First attempt at bunny pancakes
Nanny’s first attempt at bunny pancakes
Just listenin' to my iPod
just listenin’ to my iPad
Pop's treasures
Pop’s treasures
Some love for Vivian
As always, a little love for Vivian is well-received.
Another picture, Nan?
Another picture, Nanny?

Needless to say, my time and energy have been devoted mostly to our little guests.
How was your Easter?

In my next post, I will be sharing some news. Stay tuned!

Ephemeral

To trace the remote in the immediate; the eternal in the ephemeral; the past in the present; the infinite in the finite; these are to me the springs of delight and beauty. ~ H. P. Lovecraft

Captured from our doorstep last weekend…

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…and a few minutes later.
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Photo Challenge: Ephemeral

Winter’s Glaze

A Chilly Welcome ;)
A Chilly Greeting?

A couple of weeks ago, we weathered yet another “lovely” ice storm. The freezing rain painted every surface with sleet, resulting in slippery walks, treacherous roads, and a thick coat of glittering rime on just about everything. Oh Joy!

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Our neighbour’s view of our point of land, with the ocean view lost in the fog beyond

151 (1280x1008)If you’ve never heard about the phenomenon of “ice-fog”, this is what it looks like.

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A ghostly mist hangs in the air, glazing everything in a sheet of ice.

I hoped to capture some shots of sunshine on the glitter, but the forecast wasn’t cooperating. Not one to miss an opportunity, however, I headed outside to see what artistry I might find under the heavy grey overcast of gloom.

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026 (1194x1280)The scene is still, frozen in windless silence. I find a stalk encased in a shell of ice.

181 (1280x853)174 (1280x779) Abandoned clothespins encapsulated on our summer neighbour’s line.
Who knew they would prove useful for this shutterbug?

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My Clothesline
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A Frozen Bud

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Fences are crusted with frost, and icicles trickle in abundance.075 (1280x852)147 (1280x853)118 (1280x853)

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A Twig in its Icy Tomb

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The fog begins to clear…

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 …and the clouds lift a little, allowing a few thin milky rays to shine through.

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All at once, everything glows with a sparkly sheen…

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…and the “batty catters” take on a cold blue tint at the ocean’s edge.
A wide band of slobby ice meanders in the water near the coastline.

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Grass that reminds me of  glass straws

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The opening sky colours our sea blue once again.

So far, we’ve enjoyed countless sunny days and not too much of the white stuff.
But that may be about to change; a winter storm alert is issued for the weekend.

How are you braving the winter?
Are you longing to put this season behind you?
Or are you finding beauty in unexpected places?

January Blue

It’s a blue winter day on Perry’s Point.

It isn’t a sad and lonely day, but one painted with the hues of a brilliant blue sky and a blanket of sunshine, the kind of day where the sun and snow merge to design graceful shadows in the hollows of the landscape.

IMG_0056 (800x521)Sun on the newly fallen and drifted snow creates a tapestry of shadowy forms,
from the palest baby blue to the deepest of indigo.

IMG_0067The slanting afternoon rays of sunlight hold little heat,
but warm the heart of this nature-lover nonetheless.

IMG_0075 (800x519)The surface of the snow waves and crests,
while most of the bay lies still under a layer of slush and ice.

IMG_0076 (800x475)Dunes of scalloped white surround me…

IMG_0123 (800x541)…and the only hint of sound is the faint exhale of a frigid breeze.

IMG_0089 (800x533)Certain feathered creatures have already been here.

IMG_0114 (800x518)At the end of the Point I reach the icy blue coastline…

IMG_0096 (800x533)…where the water is still full of movement in spite of the sub-zero air.

IMG_0084 (800x402)Cold, but fluid…

IMG_0085 (800x383)…clear and beautiful.

IMG_0145 (800x623)Other shadows dapple a weather-worn barn…

IMG_0149 (800x428)…and sun-bleached fences.

IMG_0152 (800x533)Hidden in shade, a bird house waits for spring, and a new tenant…

IMG_0130 (800x522)…while our neighbour’s fishing boat awaits a new summer.

IMG_0163 (800x574)Ben Perry’s shed is called a “store” around these parts.

IMG_0159 (800x472)Still more shadows hide in furrows of snow and last summer’s grasses. I wade in.

IMG_0068 (800x533)My toes are like ice cubes inside my boots at this point. I hop over the fence to home.

IMG_0155 (800x571)Time to put the kettle on…

IMG_0183 (800x533)…and thaw myself out with a cup of tea.

IMG_0182 (800x533)And my world changes from blue to green.

How is your January going? What is the colour of your winter? 

Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Shadowed

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!

weeklypets

Free Spirit

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“Freedom means you are unobstructed in living your life as you choose.
Anything else is a form of slavery.”  ~  
Wayne Dyer

How do you picture freedom?

My “Backyard” – Pt. 2: The Beach

As the last tranquil days of summer disappear, I am drawn to the warmth of the sandy beaches that encircle Perry’s Point.

For a few moments, I can almost forget colder days are approaching…

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This stretch of sand is begging for bare feet.

“To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower,
         hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.”
~ William Blake

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It’s good to see that the beach birds are still around.
The sandpipers and plovers seem to be in no hurry to wing their way south for the winter.

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Among the strands and clumps of kelp, there must be lots of yummy tidbits for them to eat.
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Notice how some like to stand on one leg.
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The different species get along fairly well, sharing nature’s bounty.
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Flight!
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Due to global warming, many species of birds in North America are dwindling in numbers, and the numbers on protected and endangered lists are increasing.
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I hope you never face extinction, my precious feathered friends.
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This one appears to have something to say about it all.
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I love their plump little bodies…
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…and their long beaks!

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Vivian doesn’t go down to the beach unless she has company…
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…Good thing for the beach birds!

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“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” ~ Charles Darwin

Thank you for stopping by to enjoy the beach with me, and Summer’s last hurrah. 🙂

Has Fall arrived where you live?

My “Backyard” – Part 1

“If one really loves nature, one can find beauty everywhere.”
~ Vincent van Gogh

There is something about this time of year, before the advent of autumn, that I love about life on Perry’s Point.

Unconventional to say the least, my backyard here in Newfoundland has no fences, save for one side shared with our neighbour.

One day last week I got out early with my camera, hoping to capture the soft morning light.

The grass is still glistening with dew.
The grass still glistens with dew.
It's shaping up to be a splendid September day.
It’s shaping up to be another splendid September day.
View from the back door.
View of the islands from the back door
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Neighbour Ben’s boat
Vivian is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Vivian joins me, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

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Maisie is looking for a belly rub.
Maisie begs shamelessly for a belly rub.
The outermost point of land on Perry's Point
View from our deck of the outermost point of land on Perry’s Point
Walking toward the brink
Walking toward the brink. Around here they call it a “beel”, which I believe to be a slang version of “bill”, or small peninsula.
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This morning the bay is calm and serene.

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The inukshuk my husband made this summer
The Inukshuk my husband made this summer
The "Rock Cove", where rainwater collects
The “Rock Cove”, where rainwater collects
An ideal source of drinking water for our feathered friends. We've seen a few indulge in birdbaths here too.
It’s an ideal source of fresh drinking water for our feathered friends. We’ve seen a few indulge in bird baths here too.
The patridgeberries are ripening, on schedule for picking next month.
The partridgeberries are ripening, on schedule for picking next month.
I don't know what kind these are. Do you?
I don’t know what kind these are. Do you?

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Neighbour Ben's buoys and bobbers
Neighbour Ben’s fishing buoys and bobbers

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“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
~ Albert Einstein

Join me next Monday for:  My “Backyard”- Part 2: The Beach

Is There Room* in Your Book for Me?

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I thought it funny the book is called “Our Mutual Friend”!

Is your pet as clingy as ours? Please share your story!

*Weekly Photo Challenge: Room No. 2