Felix Domesticus

Felix Domesticus, the book, is now available on Lulu.com. Published in US Letter size 11”x8.5” it has 79 pages with over 90 full colour photographs. The book is taken from the stories and images found on this blog. The cost is $18.88 + P&P for the paperback. If you wish, you may preview the book here

So, if you want to help replenish Longrider’s depleted coffers and enjoy a coffee table book into the bargain, then click on the button and order a copy today…

Softback US$18.88

Hardback US$31.36

 Update: Someone has bought one already. Whoever you are, thank you and I hope you enjoy it.

Summer; that season when the air is redolent with the heady scent of flowers; the borders resplendent with the colour of geraniums, delphiniums, Canterbury bells and clematis. Summer; languid, mellow and indolent; a time for watching the world pass by under hazy blue skies, with fluffy white clouds and vapour trials. Summer is a time to reflect, while doing nothing in particular; a time for just being. Summer; the sound of far off lawn mowers mingle with the buzzing of the frenetic bumble bee as it works from one fragrant bloom to another. Summer; a time for idly watching the dancing dragonflies in their mating ritual, their jewelled colours flashing red, blue and green in warm dappled sunlight, reflecting on the still water of the garden pond.

An English garden in all its summer splendour is a haven for felines. The borders provide shade as does the bay tree and the shed. The lawn is a place to sprawl and be admired.

With summer comes the outdoors, garden furniture and gatherings, the smells of outdoor cooking – and the odd piece of stolen chicken may be had. During the hot afternoons, cats will find shady cool spots to pass the listless hours.

It is the early evening when crepuscular creatures gather. This is a time to watch what other cats are up to, a time to ensure that the territory remains unsullied by invaders. And, sometimes, a time for Thutmose to come along and see how his daughters are growing up.

Then there are the bugs. Bugs that buzz about in the warm evening air, dancing hither and thither, just begging to be chased and caught. Bugs make interesting things to chase – and there’s good eating to be had on a bug once it’s been caught. A bit crunchy sometimes, but tasty, nonetheless.

A black bear got a bit of a surprise when it wandered into a garden in New Jersey.

The unwelcome intruder was forced up a tree - twice - by the family pet, a tabby cat called Jack.

The terrified bear was only able to make its escape when owner Donna Dickey called the hissing cat into the house.

Ms Dickey said Jack liked to keep a close watch on his territory and often chased away small animals, but one of this size was a first.

I should say so, but we cats are always game for a challenge.

Tortoises are of limited interest to cats. They don’t do much that can keep us watching for long. Younger cats still have to learn this. So Berenike decided to spend a few minutes supervising them. My, don’t they move when they want to?

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