☀Sunlit Sunday: Week 2

It's round two for this fourth season of ☀Sunlit Sunday. It was wonderful to see many returning participants last week as well as welcome some new people. It's been quite some time since I've blogged regularly; meeting you here will ensure I come by and get back into this lovely habit.

The sun was making the lake twinkle and I enjoyed seeing how the rocks show off their colours with greater intensity when wet. This year, I need to get outside more and soak up the winter weather. I was listening to someone being interviewed on TV. He was talking about cycling in Toronto during this season and mentioned that there was a saying in Copenhagen, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." With that in mind, some warm long underwear is in order. I wonder who makes it in tall sizes. Snow pants are a bit much for some days, a pair of jeans or cords just not enough for a long walk and I love getting into the fresh, crisp air! It helps keep the cobwebs at bay and is good for the body and soul.

Cameo, my foster, comes with a built-in warm coat and spends her time indoors. My first foster, (Claire) was with me about 5 months, the second (Hope) for under 2. We'll have to see about this pretty and friendly 9 year old. She's off to a local pet store tomorrow to be showcased for a few hours. I must say, the group I volunteer with is pretty picky about who adopts the cats and dogs in their care.

Fortunately, Cameo hasn't been tempted to nibble on the Christmas cactus. I'd be very pleased to see a profusion of blooms one day, but it has yet to produce more than a few in any given year. I should read more about how to care for it. I think I said that last year. And the year before. Any tips?

Thank you for your visit. All are welcome to join in this week; your posts are a treat to read!

Here we go!

 

An InLinkz Link-up

☀Sunlit Sunday Link-Up: Season 4, Week 1

Welcome to the first week of ☀Sunlit Sunday, Season 4. The idea for this gathering came from wanting to have a spot where people could share the "sunny" side of winter. Every season has its own beauty and this one is no exception.

If you're a blogger, you're welcome to join in and link a post each weekend from now through March. The guidelines are explained in detail below. In short, we don't gripe about the season here, we celebrate it. Of course, if it isn't winter in your hemisphere, you are still welcome to participate and share your own season. If you don't have a blog of your own, I hope you'll still come by and enjoy the posts linked each week.

Should the skies be grey, there's no need to worry. Your post could feature something that shows the sunny side of life and brings a smile to your face. That covers a host of possibilities!

Keep your eyes peeled and let's have some fun with this.

Cameo, my current foster cat, has a knack for seeking out life's bright spots. Let's see if the rest of can as well.

Whether you've joined in before or this is your first time, I'm glad you're here at ☀Sunlit Sunday.

Let's get things rolling!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Time Between (& ☀Sunlit Sunday Soon)

The rugelach didn't get prepared for Christmas this year, but Boxing Day baking ensured it was made in time for lunch guests on the 27th.

There is something I like about the time between Christmas and the new year. It's a bit of a break from the usual routine; the tree is still up and lit (with dropping fir needles beneath it) and the outdoor lights in the neighbourhood still brighten the dark nights. As one year winds down, I get a sense of optimism and promise for the one just about ready to dawn.

My new foster, Cameo, carries on as she has for the past several weeks (oblivious to the close of 2014), claiming my house and all it contains as her own. The snazzy cat bed I bought? Ignored. There are too many other cozy spots to enjoy.

Something I do need to do is pull together our little wintertime gathering place.
For those would care to join in, ☀Sunlit Sunday will resume for the 4th season beginning this coming weekend. The idea is to create a post on the following theme: "sunlit". You may choose to include photos and/or words that illustrate a sunlit place or thing, a "sunny disposition", a sunny thought, or any other sunlit-related idea. Have fun with this! Be literal or figurative; be you!

For the early birds, or those on the other side of the planet for whom Sunday arrives a day sooner, you may link your post beginning at 8 pm on Saturday (Eastern Standard Time). All previous contributors, as well as new ones, are welcome to join each week for the first 3 months of 2015. Together, we'll find the sunny side of winter to celebrate.

Till next time,
Karen

Merry Christmas, a Bit of Knitting and Cameo

I've missed being here, on my blog and reading yours. I've picked up a little bit more volunteering, working on a Facebook page for an animal rescue group, and have found myself on the computer for longer periods of time than I anticipated. All self-induced hours, by the way, as I sort out what I want my contribution to be in the interest of getting some cats and dogs adopted.

It's all a matter of knitting together the different parts of life and attempting to turn the fragments into something useful and lovely. Or fun, so here I am again and thank you for stopping by today!

Speaking of knitting, these teeny tiny mittens were a gift for a friend's tree, although I think her plans were to hang them on her mantle with some tiny stockings I made last year.

The mitts are only  a couple of inches long. Should you be interested in making some, I found the pattern here: http://www.favecrafts.com/Knitting-for-Christmas/Knit-Mitten-Ornaments-from-Red-Heart-Yarn

I used bits of baby sport yarn that I had on hand.

I think I'll make some more next year. They're quick, easy and fun.

Also fun was adding a hat to this girl. It's just a photo-editing trick. I can't imagine this beauty would be agreeable to mussing her fur with a real one! Her name is Cameo and she is my new foster cat, having moved in earlier this month. For those who followed the story of black and white Hope, I get updates and she is doing beautifully in her new home. Here's hoping Cameo finds an equally wonderful person to adopt her.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, well wishes to all!

For those interested, we'll give Sunlit Sunday a go come January.

-Karen

A Little Foster Cat Miracle

A little miracle happened a few days ago when my foster cat, Hope, had her adoption finalized. She is with an incredibly kind woman, one who was not deterred by Hope's age (11 or 12) or health issues. 

Rather, she was determined to adopt a cat who was older, one that she felt would be more likely to be passed over by others. She has cared for other animals with health concerns, both cats and dogs, and wants to do the same for Hope.

I've been amazed at all the plans she had to ensure a successful integration of Hope into her household, which included two dogs. Even before this puss crossed her threshold for an extended visit (which always happens prior to an adoption), she declared that the only reason she wouldn't keep Hope would be if she felt the cat wouldn't be safe with her dogs. Fortunately, all is well.

I'll miss my Hope-in-a-Box but am thrilled that she found such a wonderful home, after only about 7 weeks as a foster.

If you have ever considered fostering a cat or dog, I encourage you to look into it in your area. I've fostered cats just twice, so far, and each experience has been a gratifying one.

I'm pleased to linking with Judith for "Mosaic Monday" and sending her dog, Topaz, a scratch behind the ears.

Thank you for visiting. Have a lovely week.
-Karen