All About Lacocoon Dante

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: MAMA'S NEW DESKTOP BACKGROUND!

2012-02-01T18:53:00.000+05:30

(Biggify for full effect!)

DANTE'S REALLY DIGGING IT!

2012-01-26T21:11:00.002+05:30

Yesterday, we showed you Dante racing to get back inside. Today we will show you what he did just before his triumphant return.

Dante first surveys the vast expanse of white before choosing a destination.

He then embarks on a long trek through the snow!

Suddenly, he gets wind of something ...

... and he's really digging it!

Ah! That's a relief!

Can't a mancat get any PURRivacy?

Might as well just go with the flow! Tinkle, tinkle ...

And then there's the cover-up oPURRation!

Dante has a motto ...

"LEAF nothing behind ...

... even when your behind has just been reLEAFed!"

Dig it?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: IT'S A HOME RUN!

2012-01-25T19:21:00.000+05:30

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: CHAIRMAN OF THE BORED!

2012-01-22T19:30:00.000+05:30

It's a milder day today, and Dante is taking it sitting down.

There's not much going on out there.

In fact it's kind of boring!

(Biggify for the awe factor)

But boring is just as easy as snoring -- so it's PURRfect for a Sunday morning!

DANTE TURNS THE BIG ONE-OH!

2012-01-15T10:19:00.005+05:30

Today is a most auspicious occasion, because our beloved Lacocoon Dante turns 10 years old! He is just as sprightly and handsome as ever.

Dante was born at the Lacocoon Cattery in Lacolle, Quebec. And look who is on their home page! Dante is also one of their Ambassadors. Scroll down the page until you find him by name.

Here is Dante soon after birth, having a snack at the lunch counter with his siblings -- courtesy of his cat mama, Lacocoon Eleanor Rigby.

You can see that little red sucker right at the bottom.

I first met Dante when he was 4 weeks old, but didn't bring him home until he was 11 weeks.

This is shortly after he came to live with us. Doesn't he look just like a little PURRince?

Dante met his sister Domino and took to her right away. In this picture Domino is about two years old, and Dante is around six months.

Here is Dante at a little over a year old. He is babysitting his nephew Boomer who also shared his January 15th birthday. Dante loves other cats ...

... and woofies, too!

Dante is also a big fan of his younger brother, Dylan.

Dante has many interests including shopping ...

... modelling for big-name brands ...

... and most of all, hunting!

Dante is also famous (some would say infamous) on the popular "Cute with Chris" website. If you click on this link you will see a Dante hunting episode in full detail. Just keep clicking on the red links to see the entire story.

Dante had so many of his pictures on "Cute with Chris" over the years, that Chris actually made a banner of Dante and titled his last web video "Dante, Dante, Dante".

(NOTE: Chris Leavins has since gone on to bigger and better things. He is an actor, currently starring in "Todd and the Book of Pure Evil" on the Space Network.)

When I asked Dante what he wanted to do for his 10th birthday, he said "A Treasure Hunt"! So, I have accumulated several treasures which you -- all of his guests -- are invited to plunder. On the buffet table are:

... an entire tank of fresh fish of all different varieties.

Hope you like sushi!

There's a cage full of multi-coloured birdies (mmmm, tastes like chick-hen!) ...

... a basket full of garter snakes (apPETizer size)!

The fun thing about the snakes is that you can play with them before you eat them!

And for dessert, there's that MOUSEwatering deliCATcy -- MICECREAM (who needs cake?).

This is one occasion where it's okay to play with your food. So come on over to the party and join the hunt. We're going to let them all loose so you can have a game of 'hide and seek' before having a nosh. We'll be waiting for you with BAITed breath!

Happy 10th Birthday, King Dante --

May the sun shine on you FUReFUR!

DANTE: THE EYES HAVE IT!

2012-01-12T20:06:00.002+05:30

If any of you read our "Wendys 3-D Cats" blog you'll know that we have recently been infested with all kinds of beasties. Our yard has been trampled, leaving footprints of various sizes, going to and coming from our front walk.

See!

So far none of the culPURRits have been PAWSitively identified, but now Dante's on the case.

"I spies wif mai little eye ...

... an introoder!!!

Dante settles down on the bench to keep watch.

"Da wily little fing is makin' himself rite at home!", says Dante.

The introoder just stares right back at Dante through the bushes.

"I has mai liddle eye on yoo, too!", taunts the tiny black terrorist.

So, it's a stand-off -- and a stare-off! They're both maintaining a comfortable distance from each other ...

... but keeping their eyes tightly locked -- which begs the question ...

Who is gonna blink first?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: DANTE'S A STAND-UP GUY!

2012-01-11T19:26:00.000+05:30

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!

2012-01-08T20:12:00.001+05:30

With the temPURRatures going up and down (more down than up), Dante is taking the opportunity to get some fresh air on a mild day. Most days, he doesn't even want to stick his nose outside.

Dante hops up onto the basket chair on the front porch, thus avoiding any snow or ice on his tender tootsies.

I've included this 'tock shot for those of you who are 'tock afficiandos, although Dante's back end tends to look more like "Cousin Itt" (of the Adams Family). I dare you to find an actual buttock in there anywhere!

It doesn't take him long to settle down.

Ah, there's nothing like being outdoors on a winter Sunday if you truly want to chill!

Curling up with that big Coon tail does keep the edge off, though.

"Life is good", says Dante, inhaling the crisp, cool air.

Why not do like Dante? Just breathe and relax. The simplest things in life are the best.

Have a great Sunday, efurryone!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: DANTE'S BEST SNOW-PIX

2012-01-04T20:00:00.000+05:30

DAPURR DANTE'S NEW YEAR'S WISHES!

2011-12-31T22:44:00.000+05:30

Dante is dashing and daPURR with his top hat and tail, as he wishes all of you good health and good fortune in 2012. "To quote Mr. Spock", he says, "May yoo live long and prosPURR!"

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: AFT-FUR-GLOW!

2011-12-28T20:02:00.000+05:30

DANTE: FELINE SANTAMENTAL!

2011-12-24T20:43:00.000+05:30

Santa's on his way ...

... and Dante's waiting on the front doorstep to greet him!

"This time of year, I'm always feline Santamental!"

Hugs & Kisses from Dante

xoxoxoxoxox

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS PAST!

2011-12-21T19:34:00.003+05:30

DANTE: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!

2011-12-18T20:09:00.001+05:30

Dante has made himself comfortable under the Christmas tree. I truly believe that this is where he belongs at this time of year, because to me he is the greatest gift of all. He is the kind of gift that keeps on giving every day, all year long.

Every kitty creature that we keep in our homes is a unique gift. They are bundles of furry love that come complete with their own wrapping.

"Wait, mama! Befor yoo go, I has a PURResent fur yoo. I made it maiself an' I putted ribbon on it, too!"

I told you cats are the gifts that keep on giving! This is the biggest one I've ever seen -- just over 8 inches long. Dante -- you rock! I'll cherish this furever.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: O CHRISTMAS TREE!

2011-12-14T19:11:00.000+05:30

DANTE OVERLOAD!

2011-12-08T20:08:00.000+05:30

This post is dedicated to Connie who wanted more.

"So how are yoo likin' me so far, Connie?"

"So have yoo had enuff of me yet?"

Dante's locked and loaded with good looks, charm and most of all, fur. If this doesn't qualify as a Dante oFURload, I don't know what does!

But all good things must come to an end ...

"Dat's all fur now, folks!", says he.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: ZOOM IN, ZOOM OUT X3!

2011-12-07T19:24:00.000+05:30

DANTE IN THE HOOD

2011-12-01T22:09:00.001+05:30

It's December FURst and Dante's getting ramped up for Christmas. He has even donned his Santa suit to really get into the spirit of the season.

"If yoor eFUR in the naypurrHOOD ...

... drop by an' say hello. I'll be here to greet yoo."

Season's Greetings, efurryone!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: SIMPLY TREEMENDOUS!

2011-11-30T20:38:00.000+05:30

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: TIPS TO LIVE BY!

2011-11-27T19:47:00.001+05:30

Here's Dante on the back deck enjoying some unusually warm weather for late November.

"It's Sunday and yoor supposta take it easeh", says Dante from his PURRch.

"So, I'm gonna giff yoo some yoosfull tips."

"First of all, there are da lynx tips on mai ears. They help me to know which way da wind blows."

"But dat's beside da point. Onna Sunday, if yoo reely wanna chill, yoo gotta keep your head down ...

... an' yoor nose clean -- which is hardah dan yoo fink if yoo has post-nasal dwip! So make shur yoo hassa hankie."

Have an easy Sunday efurryone!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: WHEN FURIENDS COME TO VISIT, YOU BEND OVER BACKWARDS!

2011-11-23T19:53:00.000+05:30

LACOCOON DANTE: LION OR MISSING LYNX?

2011-11-21T20:43:00.002+05:30

I noticed another development in Dante's facial appearance just the other day. The fur flowing from his cheek area was becoming more pronounced and pointed. Take a look.

It's like these points of fur were separating from the rest of his mane and now he looked much more lynx than lion!

So, I did some comparison shots.

Maine Coons evolved from European cats that were brought over by early settlers, but there has been a long held myth (apparently genetically impossible) that they mated with wildcats, like the lynx. However, between the cheek tufts and the ear tufts, it's otherwise tuft to explain.

Now, most folks think Dante looks like a lion, and I would agree there are significant similarities there, too.

So what do you think? Is Dante a lion, a lynx or something in-between? Perhaps even the 'missing lynx' of the feline variety?

Leonine Dante

Lynxified Dante

Maybe Dante's a whole new species.
A 'lynxion' PURRhaps?

What say you?

DANTE: MORE OR LESS?

2011-10-27T18:16:00.000+05:30

This is Dante more or less. I tend to think more of Dante is always a good thing, but he doesn't necessarily agree.

Dante in full coat is a sight to behold. He's definitely ready for winter.

"Yoo try luggin' around all dis fur!", exclaims Dante. "I kin hardly wait 'til Spring."

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: PROFILE IN PULCHRITUDE!

2011-10-26T18:56:00.001+05:30

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: FALL IS ALL AROUND

2011-10-20T18:30:00.007+05:30

Dante is out in the back yard doing his autumn inspection. He likes to make note of all the changes as they occur.

"Heer I am on da patio wif leafs scattered all around me", says Dante.

"An' heer is my fafurite furtilizin' spot between the crabappull and mapull trees near da fence. Sum of da leafs is yellow, sum is red and sum is brown."

"Dis is da sunset mapull tree. It's verreh late turnin' colour dis yeer. Yoo can see that it's still mostly green, but dere are definitely hints of red."

So, Dante thought he would shake things up, and help the mapull leaves to fall.

"Sumtimes yoo hasta help naychur along a liddle", says he. "I'm gonna go an' check out da udder side of da yard now."

So Dante saunters over to "the other side". He's too busy inspecting the grass to notice the beautiful red Manitoba maple behind him.

"Hmmm, grasses! Dey is pretty tall and green still. Dey do look tasty, I mus' say."

"Dey shur smell good, too! Wait, is dat a bug I see?"

Dante is so bugged out he can't focus on anything else right now.

Then finally, he starts to take a look around.

"Wow!", he says. When yoo steps back an' reely takes a good look ...

... Fall is all around!!!"

We live in an area that backs on a wooded ravine, so not only do we get to enjoy the beauty of the trees in our own yard, but we get a full autumn panorama! But, of course, no panorama is complete without Dante right smack dab in the middle.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: 'TOCK IT TO YA!

2011-10-19T18:20:00.001+05:30

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: EASY ON THE EYES!

2011-10-16T19:01:00.000+05:30

Dante's out on the back deck, just chillin'! Of course, it's a little easier to chill now that the weather is so much cooler.

One thing for sure, Dante is always 'easy on the eyes', so looking at him shouldn't be too difficult. Let's take a close look at the big guy -- all 21 lbs. of him. Like New Orleans, Dante is just one "Big Easy". So relax and enjoy!

Dante says "Has a good Sunday, effuryone!"

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: IN THE AUTUMN SUN

2011-10-12T18:39:00.000+05:30

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: SPACE INVADERS

2011-09-29T19:49:00.003+05:30

Today is more drama than garden, but it takes place in the front garden nonetheless. The changes in the garden are a backdrop to the developing suspense.

The colder nights have nipped the impatience in their pots and the leaves are drooping, though the flowers themselves are doing their best to stay upright and in bloom.

There is evidence of fall everywhere in the yellow and brown leaves strewn about the front lawn and onto the walkway. The grass isn't as green and lush anymore.

And so, we find Dante -- positioned beside the now-empty container of squirrel food. Mama had filled the container at least three-quarters of the way full, but one of the little black beasties decided to climb into it and spilled the entire contents onto the grass and the walkway.

Dante immediately hustled over to sniff out the remaining evidence of alien invasion. He stuck his own nose in the dish and breathed in every inch of squirrelly essence.

And then suddenly, it appears as if by magic, only to find the Guardian of the Garden guarding the goodies!

"Maybe if I look de udder way he'll disappear!" thinks the squirrel, ever-hopefully.

Dante seems to be thinking the very same thing.

But no! A quick check back confirms the squirrel's deepest fears.

Then, they both hunker down for a face-off, but neither will concede a millimeter!

In another instant, the squirrel just dashes away, as Dante stares after him.

"He sure is fast!", remarks Dante.

And in yet another instant, the wily little creature appears on the opposite side. He has circled completely around, hoping to catch The Guardian off-guard.

But Dante's ready for him this time. Did the silly squirrel really think he'd just disappear from his own garden? "This is MY SPACE!", declares Dante in no uncertain terms, as the squirrel dashes off.

Dante follows him and repositions himself at the bottom of the tree.

"I see yoo up dere!", he shouts.

"And dis is MY SPACE!" the squirrel retorts.

"I guess dat's fair", admits Dante, as the two amicably arrive at a Peace TREEty!

And they both lived happily eFUR after...

... but only in your dreams!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: AN OLD FAVE!

2011-09-28T18:22:00.001+05:30

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: PREPARE TO BE ENLIGHTENED!

2011-09-22T19:54:00.000+05:30

It's Thursday and Dante's in the back yard doing one of his favourite things -- FURTILIZING! Some of you may recall that Dante's official position in the Society of Feline Gardeners is indeed the Secretary of Furtilization. "If yoo gots it, flaunts it!", says Dante.

And flaunt it, he does! There's an art to this, you know. Notice his PURRfect form.

"Let me enliten yoo", says Dante. "Sumtimes yoo hasta furtilize da most in da darkest places."

"It makes it much more deliteful!"

"Yoo mus' be careful, doe! If yoo lite up any gasses, dey kin explode! An' den it wud all be fur not."

"Troo enlitenmint cums frum above!"

"So let dere be lite in even da darkest corners!", says Dante.

"An' I tells ya. Dere's nuttin' like a good dump to make yoo feel liter, too!"

CATch ya LIGHTER, efurryone!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: MY MANE MAN!

2011-09-21T17:55:00.001+05:30

DANTE AS "THE PURRPLE PEOPLE-EATER"!

2011-09-20T18:43:00.001+05:30

It's my husband Walter's birthday today, and I always like to make some sort of theme. This year I lavished him with purple presents. He got a purple fountain pen (a fine writing instrument), a purple ring (a large amethyst in gold) and a new purple shirt to dress up in.

I also make up my own birthday cards to fit in with said theme. Dante assisted by being the PURRple PURRpetrator. These are the pictures I manipulated:

It says: THIS IS A CAUTIONARY TAIL ...
IF YOU'RE GOING TO WEAR PURPLE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, THEN ...

WATCH OUT FOR THE PURRPLE PEOPLE-EATER!

I also added in my own handwriting: "May your birthday be JUST GRAPE, and I hope you don't meet with any VIOLETS!"

Dante is so happy he could take part in making his Daddy's birthday special. He's looking forward to giving Daddy a big wet birthday kiss when he comes home tonight. He thinks his Daddy has really grape 'taste'. Yum!

DANTE LOVES PIE RATS!

2011-09-19T19:04:00.000+05:30

"I JUST LOVES PIE RATS -- MEE YOW!"

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: THE FALLEN GOES BEFORE THE FALL

2011-09-15T18:07:00.001+05:30

Dante is on the front lawn, and what he sees does not make him very happy. No, not happy at all!

The neighpurrs have cut down the spruce tree that borders our property. The mighty tree has fallen, and with it a home for many of our squirrel friends.

"I cant beleefs it!", says Dante sadly.

"Its a time fur refleckshun. Dat tree an' I has many good memories."

"Dis is da gool ole days, wen skwirrels liffed rite next door an' came ta visit efurry day."

"But now dat's all in da past."

"An' we hasta move forwahd. At leest mai gardin's still in bloom, even doe da leefs is stawtin' ta fall."

"An' fur dat, I am verreh fankful!"

"Goodbye sweet spruce, FIRever more."

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: DEVIL-MAY-CARE DANTE!

2011-09-14T05:37:00.000+05:30

DANTE AIRS HIS DIRTY LAUNDRY!

2011-09-08T18:48:00.004+05:30

Dante's outside on the deck bench. There's an ever-so-slight drizzle in the air -- almost like a fine mist, which plumps up his already generous fur coat.

"It's a good day to do my laundry", says Dante.

Not one to PURRocrastinate, Dante gets right down to it!

"I hate it when the furs get caught in my mouth!"

"Although, they can be rather tasty."

Dante's uses the 'gentle cycle' for his dainty (?) paws.

"I treats them like kid gloves", says he.

"Then there's that delectable stuff between the toes. Toe jam's always good for a snack if you gets a little peckish."

On another note, sometimes Dante gets downright PAW-LICK-TICKLE. He tends to be DemoCATic, but it doesn't really count 'cause he's Canadian.

"Tee hee", he says.

Once Dante has finished washing the FURont, he allows it to air dry. You can see the ruffled fur on his head from all that intense scrubbing.

Then he 'spins' around and attacks the other end.

"Laundry can be a PURRsonal thing", he says. "So back off, willya?"

So we did, as he attended to his nether regions.

"Whew!", Dante says. "Doing your laundry can be a real workout!"

"But the results are worth it, don't you think?"

"Suddenly, I feels all washed up!", says Dante as he prepares to snooze.

But Dante has one last trick up his furry sleeve. As an extra added bonus, he has made an action video for your viewing pleasure. He calls it "Dante Does His Duds".

"Next time, I'm gonna steam clean", he says. "It's better for my self-esteam."

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: HANGING LOOSE!

2011-09-07T18:36:00.001+05:30

(Biggify to see entire picture)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: REDS!

2011-08-31T17:40:00.002+05:30

(Biggify for the "Wow" factor)

NOT SO EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: HAUNTED AND TAUNTED!

2011-08-28T20:39:00.003+05:30

It's Sunday, and it's a beautiful day! Dante is relaxing on the front lawn in the shade just watching what's going on in and around his own haunts. He's not in the mood to move at all. Just taking it easy is the order of the day.

Ah, it's so quiet and peaceful here under the trees!

But all too soon Dante's reverie is interrupted!

Dante does his very best to ignore IT ...

... but IT definitely doesn't want to be ignored!

"Tee hee hee! I kin haunt yoo all day long", IT taunts.

It seems the roles are reversed as the hunter becomes the haunted!

IT even gets right up in Dante's face! Dante is not imPURRessed.

As IT dashes off, Dante doesn't move a muscle. It's Sunday and he's trying to take it easy.

The pesky thing isn't finished with it's taunting yet!

Dante just turns up his nose and doesn't give IT the time of day!

"I cant beleafs it!", IT says. I did mai worst and still he didunt budge!"

A mancat can show his strengths in many ways, and today Dante's demonstrating restraint ...

... and dignity under duress!

"I mai not have budged", says Dante, "but I got da MOVES!"

Do like Dante and just chill, efurryone!

(Note: These pictures are posted in the order in which they were taken. I couldn't believe how this squirrel insisted on taunting Dante, but Dante was just having none of it!)

DANTE: A DIAMOND IN THE RUFF!

2011-08-25T17:54:00.001+05:30

Dante's winter coat has really maxed out! It's the floofiest that I've ever seen, that's fur sure.

"It's gonna be a RUFF wintah!", exclaims Dante.

"It's a good fing I'mma RUFFIAN cuz I kin make it fru any kinda wedder. Maine Coons is bilt fur da cold."

As this full frontal shot will show, it's difficult to tell where Dante's ruff leaves off and his undercoat begins.

The back end is just as FURious!

"I is RUFF an' tuff!", declares Dante.

With his robust winter coat and his sparkling PURRsonality, Dante is truly a DIAMOND IN THE RUFF!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: MAINE MANCAT MANE!

2011-08-24T18:31:00.005+05:30

Ah-Mane!

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: FRONT TO BACK!

2011-08-18T19:33:00.000+05:30

Dante's been keeping an eye on things in both the front yard and the back. For the most part, there's not much new, but he has noticed a few subtle changes. And while he was at it, he took the opportunity for some ornamental posing.

Here's Dante on the front walk between the planter on the porch and the bushes in Bush Gardens, with blue calico kitties looking on.

Dante's keen eye has spotted the second coming of the red wiegelas this season! It must be due to all the hot, humid and wet weather. Generally, they only bloom in June, but given the right conditions the flowers come back in late summer.

Dante has infinite patience, unlike some others in this picture.

I have always wondered why these long-lasting blooms are called "impatience" when they clearly have such stamina. It's obvious from Dante's face that he is wondering, too!

Now Dante has moved to the back. Here he is sitting on the deck with the crabapple tree in the background. You can see how much his mane has thickened up in recent days.

Under the crabapple tree you can see that it is already shedding it's summer bounty. There are yellow leaves and little red crabapples strewn about on the ground.

It's kind of sad to see the beginnings of fall, but it's perfect for posing and Dante doesn't give it a second thought. He certainly can fill up any space!

Here's Dante in his favourite 'yawn' chair where he likes to take his outdoor naps. "Behine me, I has sumfing ta show yoo!", he says.

"Dis is da last of Mama's roses. She cut dis wun and putted it in a pretty bowl made jus' fur roses."

"An' heer is one of dose wild Himalayin' Orkids! Dey reely gets outta control."

And finally, Dante poses for a close-up as he bids you farewell for the nonce. He prides himself on making sense out of nonce-sense, and I think he has succeeded yet again.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: RUFFLED!

2011-08-17T17:36:00.002+05:30

(Biggify for the "Awe" factor!)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: THE POOF IS IN THE PUDDIN'!

2011-08-10T17:49:00.001+05:30

DANTE: WOOFIE IN CAT'S CLOTHING?

2011-08-04T23:47:00.002+05:30

A few folks thought the close-up of Dante's tail looked like a flower, which is nice since he's in the garden. However, all I see is a woofie! Just look.

What do you think now?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: ORANGE SECTIONS

2011-08-03T05:27:00.000+05:30

MANCAT MONDAY: DANTE'S INFURNO!

2011-08-01T19:14:00.000+05:30

These pictures are 'hot' off the PURRess this morning. Dante was standing under the crabapple tree in the shade with the sun catching his fur here and there and lighting it up like fire.

He's not called Dante's InFURno for nothing!

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: UNSEASONAL CHANGES, ETC.

2011-07-28T19:39:00.001+05:30

:: 3 paw taps ::

Dante is out in the jungle we call our back yard. Even though it's only the end of July, there have already been some changes that one would normally associate with autumn.

"Yes", says Dante. "Da cwabappull twee has cwabappulls now, an' sum of da leefs is turnin' yellow!!!"

"See!"

"Jus' look at all da yellow leefs on da gwound alreddy, too!", exclaims Dante.

"I finks I bettah doo sum furtilizin' before itz too late!"

And as the camera hones in on Dante doing his thing, it's impossible not to notice yet another unseasonal change. Dante's getting his winter coat already!!! Just look at how his mane and underbelly furs have thickened!!!

And look at that tail all poofed out!

It's still only July and there's lots more hot weather to come. Why has Mother Nature made his fur coat swell to such proportions so early?

Is Dante foretelling a harsh and early winter??? I sure hope not.

"Da pwoof is in da floof!", declares Dante. "Oh, an' wun last fing ...."

"Duz yoo wemembah da willow bush dat taked Daddy ovah a monf ta twim, an' we fawt it wuz deaded?"

"Jus' look at it now!"

Like Dante's fur, the willow bush has gone wild. Who would have thunk it?

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: HANGING OUT!

2011-07-24T19:24:00.002+05:30

It's Sunday, and today is a little cooler, so Dante is taking advantage of this respite to lounge in one of the patio chairs.

"Jus' let it all hang out", he says, "an' relax."

Have an Easy Sunday efurryone!

DANTE: DEEP-FREEZE FRIDAY

2011-07-22T18:35:00.003+05:30

The weather is excruciatingly hot and humid right now in southern Canada and just about all of the United States.

Dante wants to do whatever he can to help, so he asked me to post some of his coolest winter pictures to help efurryone to chill.

Welcome to the frozen tundra of the Arctic ...

Just imagine the ice all around you.

And the cold wind blowing ...

... and whipping through your hair!

Think what it would be like to immerse yourself in a snowbank...

... surrounded by tall, frosty, white drifts.

And if that doesn't do it for you, then fantasize about standing on ice until your feet are just about frozen.

Eating homemade PAWpsicles is very effective in cooling down your core temPURRature. And they're tasty, too!

Dante and I hope we have been of some service to you during this sweltering heat-wave. Any time you think you just can't stand it, PAWp on over and chill out with us!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: CELADON EYES

2011-07-20T17:29:00.000+05:30

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: BEE WARE!

2011-07-17T17:56:00.002+05:30

It's Sunday, and it's such a beautiful day. Dante has a day off from all of his various garden duties. For a change, he just gets to enjoy his surroundings passively.

It's a sight to behold -- Dante beholding his garden!

"HOLD all yoo BEES", declares Dante, "at leest wilst I'm relaxin'. Go away an' cum again anudder day."

"In udder words BUZZ OFF!", says he in no uncertain terms.

Now Dante is free to stop and smell the flowers without fear of rePURRcussions from the Muhammed Alis of the insect world.

Even when he's in passive mode, a cautious pussycat is always A-ware and BEE-ware of his surroundings. It makes for a peaceful and relaxing Sunday in the garden.

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: GARDENS ROCK!

2011-07-14T18:38:00.002+05:30

:: 3 paw taps ::

As you know, Dante knows no boundaries when it comes to gardens. Point in case is the "rock garden" that belongs to our neighbour, although half of it spills onto our proPURRty. This is where the huge blue spruce took root lo twenty years ago. The ground is covered with rocks, through which various ground covers sprout, and there is a bush at the end of the garden which displays snowballs only in summer. Go figure!

This is where we find Dante today.

Dante is dreaming of squirrels and salivating at the thought. He saw one come this way earlier, so it's a good oppurrtunity to explore the rock garden.

There's lots of rocks here.

They're kinda hard on the tootsies!

Smells like something tasty came this way!

Dante's pupils widen as he spots one of those tasty morsels dashing away!

It's best to go undercover and keep on high alert.

Looking this way and that!

While he's waiting, Dante strikes one of his ornamental poses. Even rocks can look good with Dante on top!

Quick as lightning, not one but two tasty morsels make their escape. Dante was distracted by the camera.

"Dat's da last time I poses fur yoo!", he exclaims in disgust.

"Even if dis gardin rocks, I'm outta heer! Gotta find a bettah place to prey."

The hunt is on.

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: LION IN THE GRASS!

2011-07-10T18:30:00.002+05:30

The comment I get more often than any other is that Dante resembles a lion. There are certain poses that reinforce this idea, and today, Dante is such a poser.

He is giving a lesson in how to Relax and be Regal at the same time -- a little R&R, Dante-style!

Some of you may have seen these before, but here again are some 'Lookalikes' for comparison PURRposes.

His Royal Highness, King of His Jungle, wishes you all some well-deserved R&R in your own style, this Sunday. Time for a snooze!

THURSDAY IN THE GARDENS WITH DANTE: MINE, ALL MINE!

2011-07-07T18:21:00.000+05:30

Well, it's Thursday again and Dante is out in the front. Not too much has changed, except the spireas are now blooming, and all of the potted plants have filled out to overflowing.

"Heer I yam on da front lawn. It's verreh shadeh, as yoo kin see."

"In dis wide shot, yoo kin see the spyreas is bloomin'. Dey has bootiful deep pink flowahs", says Dante.

"I wontid ta show yoo a closah vyoo of Kitty Buddah, too. I finks he's kinda kyoot -- he shur likes ta smile. We has a big Kitty Buddah and a little Kitty Buddah. Dey is bof mai Buddah Buddies!"

"Dese is da pots on one side of da walk ...

... an' dese are da wuns on da udder side. See how dey is spillin' rite out ovah da top?"

"I has sum serious bizness to attend to", declares Dante.

"Domino, yoo stand gard wiles I checks fings out. Dere has defunitely bin sum introoders heer. Dey nocked ovah sum of da garden kittehs an' leeved a trail of peenuts as a cloo!"

"I is gonna hasta step up mai vigilance, dat's fur shur. By da way, look at dese lovely pots. Wif all da rain an' da hi heats, dey has growed like crazy!"

"Heer I yam doin' mai ornamental duty. Itz jus' wun of da many fings I doo in da garden."

"Speekin' of dat, dere's anudder garden dat needs mai help efun more!"

"Mommeh says dis garden belongs to our nayPURRs, but I says itz MINE!"

"If it wuzn't MINE, cud I lie heer like dis?"

"Or like dis?"

"Since it's MINE, I'm gonna pose in it to makes it more bootiful ...

... cuz dat's wot I doo!"

"I jus' wontid to point out dat dere's still lotsa work to be dun heer. It's a garden-in-PURRogress!"

"I hope I has made mai point. What's MINE is MINE, and what's dere's is MINE!"

"See ya next week!"

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: SUNKISSED!

2011-07-06T18:55:00.001+05:30

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: WHO GOES THERE?

2011-06-29T18:05:00.000+05:30

MANCAT MONDAY WITH DANTE: SERENE IN GREEN

2011-06-27T23:16:00.000+05:30

There's nowhere that Dante would rather be than in the garden, surrounded by all kinds of greenery. He seems totally unaware that the bold lush background serves as a purrfect foil for his orange abundance!

Serenity is the order of the day.

Who says it's not easy being green?

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: THE LAYABOUT!

2011-06-27T00:43:00.004+05:30

Dante is usually a very busy boy when he's in his garden, but on Sunday, he just likes to be a layabout.

Whether it's in the sun ...

... or under cover!

That -- my dear furiends, is what it's all about!

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: PERIWINKLE-POO!

2011-06-23T20:16:00.001+05:30

Dante was quite disappointed with the PURRogress of the PURRiwinkle (or should I say lack of PURRogress?) since last week. So he decided to give it a little help!

"I isn't da Secretary of FURtilizashun fur nuttin'!, says he.

THE END (or so we would hope!)

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: PURRIWINKLE BLUES!

2011-06-16T17:37:00.000+05:30

Today, Dante is in the back yard because Daddy did some planting AND he cut the grass! There are also a couple of other new things such as ...

... the deck has been refinished in a lighter green colour, and Mommy planted her herbs. You can see them in the background. There's some basil, rosemary, and thyme. There was some oregano, too, but it died.

"Aside frum dat, Daddy planted sum 'vinca' wich is also called 'PURRIWINKLE'!"

"Heer's wot it looks like. Mommy wontid it fur grownd covah ...

... ta fill in da bare patches undaneaf da twees. Grasses jus' woan grow dere becuz dere's no sun. Da PURRiwinkle grows in full shade or full sun! It shud sPURRead itself arownd cuz it likes ta do dat sort of fing."

"Heer's me posin' wif da PURRiwinkle ...

... it has such PURRty blue flowahs, doan yoo fink?"

"An' wile I'm heer, I fawt I'd do a liddle FURtilizin' by da fence. Itza big job butt sumbutty's gotta doos it!"

And just when Dante thought he could take time to relax and have a bath ...

... he spied an introoder on the fence! Who would dare to enter his Kingdom?

Why, it's none other than the Queen herself, the royal Domino! At our place, the Queen trumps the King efurry time.

See you next time!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: HIS ASS IS GRASS!

2011-06-15T05:14:00.000+05:30

(In this case bigger is better, so biggify if you will!)

DANTE GOES SHOPPING!

2011-06-10T06:17:00.004+05:30

I am making this post at the special request of Admiral Hestorb who asked if I had pictures of Dante shopping at Petsmart! Is the Admiral psychic, or did someone purrhaps tip her off?

Admittedly, Dante hasn't been to the Petsmart in a couple of years, but I did take him from the time he was about one year old until he was around 7 years old, on a regular basis (i.e., at least once a month). He always drew a crowd and I would end up answering the same questions over and over: How old is he? How much does he weigh? What kind of cat is that, I thought it was a dog? Etc.

Dante would always howl in the car on the way to the petstore, but amazingly, was completely quiet on the way home. Dante knows what the word "home" means. In fact, if we said we were going home, Dante would jump into the back seat of the car all by himself -- completely without prompting from us. Of course, we always had him on a leash, but he was happy to get in the car knowing where it was headed.

I would routinely take Dante on a tour of the store, stopping at the bird cages, the mouse cages and, of course, the fish tanks. Most of the time he was content to sit in the child seat of the shopping cart on his own purrsonal pillow, but sometimes he wanted to get out. He enjoyed standing on the checkout counter while all the catfood was being scanned into the computer.

Dante was also a very good sport, because he would allow people to pick him up. If the person looked trustworthy and they were sufficiently piqued by Dante's uniqueness, I would give them purrmission to hold him for a minute. I credit these visits to the petstore with socializing Dante so he is not afraid of people he doesn't know, and he even grew to love little dogs from coming face-to-face with them in these situations.

Speaking of that, here's an example of Dante's comfort level with little dogs.

He's made himself totally vulnerable to the woofie, and even lets him sniff his nether regions.

Dante truly is a Gentle Giant!

But I digress. Let's go shopping with Dante ...

Looking at all those birdies!

Lounging in a cat tree! Dante is very good adFURtising.

Snoozing on a shelf! Can you get any more relaxed?

Playing Go Fish!

Being carted around!

Petsmart Lady giving hugs!

Then another Petsmart Lady wanted her turn, too!

One of the customers wanted a turn, too!

Notice customer smiling, Dante not.

Staring at all the kitties in cages! What the?????

Dante likes to go to the Petsmart so he can stare at all the people, too. It's even better than a zoo!

"I is reddy fur mai CATSCAN now, lady!"

Trying to smooch the pooch!

All done! We're going HOME now!!! Yay!

Dante has STORED up enough shopping experience to last him a lifetime. How do you like that, Admiral?

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES!

2011-06-09T18:46:00.001+05:30

Dante's in the front garden again this week because there have been some significant changes since his last post. It has been rather hot, and then we've also had lots of rain, so all the plants have plumped right up.

This time we are starting from the other side of the house.

Dante is sitting next to the neighbour's porch.

"Dey has bin busy doin' sum plantin'", says Dante. "Dey seems to be parshull ta hostas."

"Dey's still got a long way ta go befor dey's finished. Let's take a luk see how mai gardin is doin'."

"Dis potted plant is fillin' owt kwite nicely", he says. "Dose spiky fings aren't lookin' so good, doe. I fink dey is gonna dry rite up. I'll hafta tell Mom to get rid of dem."

"Last week I only showed yoo sum of our gardin cats. Heer are two moar -- Stoned Kitteh an' Stoned Kitten, I calls dem."

"Dis is reely excitin' cuz wun of da weigelas is startin' ta bloom!"

"Look at da bootiful red buds. Dey will be efun moar speCATular wunce dey open up."

"Dis is a vyoo of da front gardin facin' west."

"Heer's moar gardin cats. Da free kittehs on liddle bench are supposta rePURResent me, Domino and Dylan."

"De flowahs in de urns has expandid, too! And liddle wite flowahs has cum out since last week. O, an' dere's a cuppla Mexican cats makin' sum kinda statemint."

"Dere is green kitteh on da steps. He matches da pot he's standin' next to."

"Dis is da garage wall wif da hangin' plant. An' undahneath is wun of Mommy's newest treasures. She gottid does free singin' cats fur Crismouse. She tot dey were kinda neat cuz dere's a liddle wun, a big wun an' a medium size wun -- jus' like Dommy, Dylan an' me!"

"Uh-oh! Daddy says is enuff fur today! It's hot owt heer an' he wants to go inside ware dere's air conditionin'."

"Daddy needs ta stick owt his tung wen he carries me -- cuz I is so heaveh! Sumhow it helps.

Silly Daddy!"

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: THE CATS ARE OUT!

2011-06-02T18:52:00.003+05:30

Dante is in the front yard today.

He is PURRusing the proPURRty. The grass is long and lush and green.

"Reeleh, I likes it dis way", says he. "But we hasta keep up appearances in da neighPURRhood. Dis is goin' on Daddy's PURRiority list -- to cut da fwont lawn."

"An' now to da gardin. Yoo see dese flowahs? Well, mama is finally gonna plants dem in pots."

"Dat's de only kinda plantin' dat Mama does -- in pots. She says it's cuz weeds cant grow in dere an' its low MAINEtenance. I gess I mus' be low MAINEtenance, too -- cuz I is a MAINE Coon and I'm sittin' down LOW. It's da verreh best pawsition for snooPURRvisin'!"

This is a view from the front porch on one side. The freshly potted flowers will take a little while to fill out.

And this is the view from the other side. All of the pots have been planted with impatience and petunias in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. The big iron urns on the front steps contain some stunning deep pink double impatience and some other stuff that trails over the side. If anybody knows what it is, please let us know.

This is a wider view of the front walkway. We could finally put out all of our garden cats!

This is our little garden cat family. They have tuxies and red and cream tabbies, just like us! Also, please note the little kitty pot hanger on the plant pot.

And this is our pride and joy (aside from our real kitties, of course!). It is our Jim Shore Birdbath. We've had it now for about 6 years and have never seen a bird in it. Dante, Dylan and Domino do like to use it as a big water glass, though! They get up on their tippy-toes to drink out of it.

Here are some of my favourite garden cats. First, on the little garden bench are two Buddha cats, Senior and Junior, along with a Japanese Lucky Cat waving hello. Next come two porcelain hand-painted beauties who are PURRfect to adorn any garden. Then we have two blue calico cats who are basically mirror images of each other.

"Mama finely finished plantin' in da front gardin, but dere's still some flowahs left ovah. She says we kin put dem in pots in da back yard, but I fink dey looks pretty jus' sittin' on da chair. Domino mite fink udderwise", says Dante.

"Dat's all fur dis week. I fink I deserves a snooze. All dat snooPURRvisin' is verreh hard work!"

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: KUNG FU PUSSYCAT!

2011-06-01T17:44:00.002+05:30

DANTE SAYS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMPA!

2011-05-27T17:14:00.001+05:30

Grampa is my husband's father, Walter Sr. He was born in Poland and came to Canada after World War II. "Walter" is an anglicized version of the grand old Polish name "Wladyslaw" (which my husband also shares).

Grampa is a WWII veteran and fought at the battle of Montecasino in Italy. He tends to remember his early days with more clarity, as he now has Alzheimer's. Grampa currently lives in a luxury retirement home near us. He thinks it's a hotel.

Dante and Grampa have a very special bond, though. Grampa lights up every time he sees Dante, and Dante offers him kisses and a pawshake at will. Dante knows who "Grampa" is, by name, and although Grampa forgets Dante's name, he doesn't forget Dante.

Here is Grampa eating his birthday dinner. He had homemade zucchini-oregano soup, followed by prime rib roast beef and all the fixings. Dante joined us on one of the sidechairs and sampled some of the sour cream from a spoon.

After dinner, we retired to the living room to await Grampa's birthday cake.

Here's Dante and Grampa having one of their famous "pawshakes". In this case, I guess it should actually be called a "Grampawshake"!

And then, the birthday cake arrived! Just look at that smile on Grampa's face! He is 88 years old and still ticking, despite the Alzheimer's and prostate cancer (which he has had for many years and chose not to treat).

Grampa was so proud that he blew out both "8's" at the same time!

After the cake, it was time for a little chin scratch!

Happeh, Happeh Birfday, Grampa! I luvs yoo!

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: SCENT FROM HEAVEN!

2011-05-26T19:05:00.003+05:30

Dante is lying on the patio in the back yard, surrounded by white petals from the apple blossoms.

They are scattered virtually everywhere in this part of the yard.

"Poor cwabappull twee", says Dante sympathetically. "Last week yoo wuz absolootly gloryus an' dis week yoo is jus' ordinary."

"So, I giffs yoo a hug to let yoo noes dat I luvs yoo anyways! Wemembah, dere's always next yeer."

Even though the sweet fragrance of the apple blossoms died on the wind that carried them away, Dante detects a stronger, more heavenly scent on the other side of the yard.

The lilacs are blooming!

This is a common lilac bush with lavender blooms. It can grow to 10 feet or more, and it's best to keep it trimmed (yeah, right!).

Here is another variety called a French Lilac, which can grow 10 to 15 feet tall. It's blooms are a much more vibrant purple.

This is a picture of the northeast corner of the yard. There are forget-me-nots growing under the maple bush. Dante is hoping they will spread around the entire garden base as ground cover.

"Well, if dey kin doos it, so kin I", declares Dante. "I kin LIE LIKE a LILAC any day of the week, but unfortunately I just doan smell as good."

Right after Mommy took these pictures, Daddy finally mowed the back yard. He still needs to do whipPURR snipping on the patio and elsewhere, but we're worried he just might cut the cord instead!

I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next time ...

MANCAT MONDAY WITH DANTE: RUMPLED

2011-05-23T17:28:00.000+05:30

Dante is lounging in the patio chair getting some well-deserved R&R.

He is doing one of his best COONtortions!

Even one of the big lawn chairs isn't large enough to contain all of that floof if he's not curled up!

(Biggify for the Awe factor)

Just call me "Rumpled Furryskin", says Dante. That's me!

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE AND FURIENDS

2011-05-19T18:11:00.008+05:30

Another week has come and gone so quickly. This week we are in the back yard where there have been some pretty miraculous changes. There has been lots and lots of rain, so most everything is pretty lush.

"Dere has bin sum good changes an' sum bad wuns", says Dante.

"Daddy finally stawted to trim da willow bushes dat had grown outta contwol!"

"But aftah he got finished, it looks like most of da bush is deaded. I am purrin' verreh hard fur it to survive."

"Dere is a verreh funneh story abowt dis, but I'm gonna let Mommy tell yoo cuz she wonts to."

Mommy here! Daddy took just about forever to trim that one bush. You see the first time he got started, he was using an electric hedgetrimmer with a long cord, and after only a few minutes it stopped working! I couldn't help but laugh as I saw the cut cord dangling and Daddy was totally clueless until I told him.

So, Daddy went out to buy a new and even longer electric cord, but was too tired to do any more trimming after that.

The next time, Daddy made an attempt to trim the bush, he used a long, manual snipper like in the picture above. He said the branches were too thick for the electric trimmer. And wouldn't you know it, the cord that you pull to manipulate the snipper snapped off, and Daddy couldn't reattach it!

Many moons later, I begged Daddy to finish trimming the willow bush, so he got out the brand new electric cord -- this one was even longer -- and began his assigned task. A couple of minutes into it, the trimmer seemed to jam. Daddy was getting very exasPURRated.

Would you believe it? He cut the cord AGAIN!

It took over one month, two snipped electric cords and a busted manual trimmer, but Daddy finally completed his task -- only to realize that the bush was mostly dead!

Methinks there are other, subconscious forces at work here because Daddy doesn't like to do gardening work. What do you think? I think we're going to hire someone next time -- it would be a whole lot cheaper!

And now, back to Dante ...

"I did a liddle moar furtilizin' cuz dat's wun of mai main doodies!", says Dante.

"An' it's workin', too! Last time I furtilized heer, it wuz bare, and now dere's sum bootifull, gween gwound covah gwowin'."

"See how lush it is behine me?"

"Dere's bin udder stuff goin' on arownd heer, too!", exclaims Dante.

"An' its name is SOX! Wenefur I'm outside, he's alwais wachin' me fru da scween door."

"Yoo see, he is mai nephew -- Mommy's sonbean's kitty. Sox an' his sisfur Missy has bin stayin' wif us fur ovah a week now becuz Ryan is gettin' renovashuns dun at his howse."

"Sox is a good kid, but he's not supposta go outside. He has alreddy escaped two times into da back gawden."

"Da furst time he chased mai furiend Furnando up a twee befor we cot him, and da secund time Mommy hadta go runnin' arownd in da rain aftah him, but she cotted his tail and hauled him back inside!"

This is what Sox looks like when he's not looking through the screen door. Isn't he a cutie?

"Anyways -- back to moar impawtant fings -- like da gawdin!", says Dante.

This is the crabapple tree earlier this week. The blossoms were just starting to open.

This is the crabapple tree today. The blossoms are fully open.

"Yoo mite even say dey's at dere PEEK", says Dante. "An' yoo bettah peek now cuz dey wont last long! Isn't dey bootifull?"

That's all until next time ...

THURSDAY IN BUSH GARDEN WITH DANTE

2011-05-12T17:41:00.000+05:30

Well, it's Thursday and Dante's in the front yard ready to report.

"Do yoo remembah last week wen I said our nayburrs was digging up dere gardin? Well, heer's wot it looks like now!"

"Dey digged up dere driveway, too, and dey's redoin' da whole fing!"

"An' back heer at home, mama's startin' ta plant her pots. See da pritty purpull flowahs?"

"Mama got dis big pot o' flowahs fur Mudder's Day frum mai brotherbean, Ryan. He hung it up fur her cuz she's too short to reech."

"Dis is our enclosed gardin. I calls it "Bush Gardin" cuz it has 3 bushes -- a spyrea (dat is good fur spying fru), an' 2 weigelas -- wun dat gets pink flowahs an' de udder wun gets red flowahs."

"Bush Gardin is a wunnerful B&B ware you kin go fur sum R&R. As yoo kin see, it has a big comfy bed dat I is lyin' on."

"Yoo kin be in da sun an' da shade at da same time!"

"It's also a great spot fur bathin'!"

"Dat's why we calls it a B&B -- fur Bed an' Bath."

"Bush Gardins is also a verreh secure locashun. Yoo kin spy fru da spyreas to detect pawsible frets -- an' heer cums wun now!"

"Halt tresPUSSer! Dis is PURRivate proPURRty!"

Dante gives chase, but is limited by the length of his leash.

Nonetheless, he has been effective in vanquishing the introoder. Just another job that feline gardeners must PURRform to keep their gardens free of pests.

Dante returns to his station in Bush Garden -- ever on alert. "Dere's only wun fing dat dis B&B duzn't has", says Dante.

"Dey doan serve brekfist! Dey expects yoo to catch it yoorself!"

Well at least they put out a buffet for the breakfast birdie to fatten him up. Now it's up to Dante to do the rest. See you next week in the garden.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: DADDY'S BOY

2011-05-11T17:53:00.000+05:30

MOTHER'S DAY: TAKING IT EASY WITH DANTE

2011-05-08T19:39:00.000+05:30

It's Mother's Day here and it's a beautiful sunny day in Ottawa, Ontario Canada. After wishing me a Happy Mother's Day and giving me many kitty kisses, Dante shows me how to relax. He's the best coach when it comes to chillaxing.

(Biggify for best view)

And, of course, it makes it easier for me to know that Dante's at the end of his leash, and I'm at the other. I guess that's one umbilical cord that will never be cut!

Dante and I wish all you mothers, of kitties and otherwise, a very happy and relaxed Mother's Day! You deserve it.

DANTE: A CURIOUS CATURDAY

2011-05-07T07:15:00.000+05:30

Dante doesn't just confine his curiosity to our own yard -- he likes to snoop in the neighbour's yard next door, too! Kitties don't like changes in their immediate environment, so everytime something untoward happens, they must check it out very carefully.

It appears that the neighbours are digging up their entire front garden! This is more than a little distressing since this is one of Dante's favourite haunts. This just gets curiouser and curiouser!

Dante has always had a prefurence for the ground cover under the large tree in the neighbour's front yard.

Right now, it's quite thin. Dante likes it best when it's totally filled out.

Dante is the nosiest of neighbours, and doesn't make any bones about it!

"I doan wont any bones, I want da gween stuff!", proclaims Dante.

This particular bit of greenery has some effect on Dante. He opens his mouth -- perhaps to inhale its' scent more deeply -- and then makes small mewling noises.

"Wot is dis stuff anyway?", asks Dante -- as do I. Does anyone know what this green stuff could be? Biggify if you want to enlarge the leaves.

Dante regains his composure ...

... and his curiosity!

As much fun as that was, it's time to look elsewhere.

At least it looks like the neighbours left a few of the bushes.

"But I still need to know why they digged up all the rest!", says Dante. And he doesn't want to ask the neighbours in case they think he's nosey or something. It just gets curiouser and curiouser.

Oh well, only time will tell.

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: THE FRUITS OF HIS LAPURR!

2011-04-28T18:13:00.002+05:30

If you recall, last week Dante was busy giving hugs and encouragement to the trees in our yard. It's rather late in the season, and due to cold weather, there was no visible progress.

Here's Dante in the back garden, today. From a distance it doesn't look like anything has changed.

"But sumfing mahvelus has happined!", exclaims Dante. "Jus' look closah!"

There are red buds on the Sunset Maple and they're beginning to open!

And the Crabapple is showing signs of PURRogress, too. Just look at those tiny green buds! It seems that Dante's gentle, loving ways have had an effect in coaxing these trees to life.

"So next on de agenda is to doos a liddle furtilizin'!", says Dante aka The Secretary of Fertilization for the Society of Feline Gardeners.

Dante picks a spot near the Sunset Maple to conduct this serious business.

And, of course, he tidies up after himself.

"I has wun more stop ta make befor mai wurk is dun", says Mister Secretary.

"I hasta giffs eekwal attenshun to mai belovid Crabappull."

Dante is pleased with his efforts, and can't wait to see what further developments his laPURRS will PURRoduce.

"It's so satisfyin' to ackshully see da froots of yoor laPURR, even if da froots are reely jus' buds. An' sumtimes bein' a gardenah is dirty wurk, but sumbuddy's gotta doos it! Dat sumbuddy is me."

"See yoo next time!"

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: DANCES WITH TREES

2011-04-21T18:02:00.000+05:30

Dante has been very busy in both the front and back yards this week. He's had to contend with a lot of colder weather and some rain, but there were a few nice days when the sun came out, so he took advantage while he could.

There are some very important Spring rituals which Dante must PURRform in order for the trees and bushes to do well during the growing season. In general, I refer to this ritual as "Dances with Trees". Some people dance with stars, and some with wolves, but Dante dances with trees.

Dante feels it is important to love your trees by giving them extra attention and affection. They like it when you talk to them, and give them a hug. Dante is a very "paws on" kind of gardener. And everything grows better when it has a good self-esteem.

Here is Dante giving a hug to his favourite tree in the front yard.

And then he "PAWSes" to have a little chat.

"How's it goin' aftah such a hard wintah?", asks he.

Then Dante turns his attention to the bushes in the front garden bed.

"Did I MUNCHion dat I likes ta doos a taste-test? It helps me ta judge da healf of da plant."

"Dey likes ta be nibbled", says Dante. "Dey're kwite tickled by it -- an' it's fun fur me, too!"

"Dere's nuffin' like a liddle interactif play wif yoor bushes to stimulates dere growf!", declares Dante.

"My werk heer is done."

So, Dante takes a little break, then turns his attention to the crabapple tree in the back yard.

"I missed yoo so much durin' da wintah", says Dante. "Cum an' giffs me a big hug!"

"Duz yoo has any problems yoo'd like ta talk about?", asks Dante.

But he is reassured that everything is A-OK! So, he just gives the crabapple a little pat for good measure.

Dante then takes a look at the side yard which leads down to the garden gate.

"Da grass is growin' verreh nicely heer", says he, "doe it reely duz need a gud rakin'! I will put in my recommendashuns to Daddy (but I feers dey may be ignored).

There's a lot of ground to cover, but Dante isn't one to lollygag (except when he's on Mommy's LOL-Spot).

(Biggify for the "Awe" factor")

"Well, dat's all fur dis week!", says Dante. "I hopes yoo has lerned sumfing about how to luff up yoor trees. An' maibe a dance step or two, too!"

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: STICKTOITIVENESS!

2011-04-20T06:55:00.000+05:30

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: BORED MEETING

2011-04-14T18:24:00.004+05:30

Dante has decided that it's time to hold a meeting with everyone involved in gardening activities at our house. However, first he does his own inspection so he can make a list of "to-do" items that need to be addressed.

First, Dante inspected the area around the lilac bushes.

"Dere's lots to clean up, heer, and all of da lilac bushes needs ta be trimmed", notes Dante.

He moves on to the summersweet bushes at the back of the house. They, too, are in great need of extrication from old growth, and a good trim.

Dante moves to one of his favourite spots in the back yard -- under the maple tree.

"Dere's so many old leefs heer dat Daddy nevah raked in da fall. Now he needs ta mulch dem wif da lawnmowah. An' den we needs moar grass seed undah heer cuz itz verreh patchy."

Dante takes his place at the head of the outdoor boardroom table. He looks around and makes further notes. Daddy started to trim the willow bushes behind him, but never finished, and the cuttings are still lying there waiting to be picked up.

"Ahem!" Dante clears his throat. The other board members are now officially late.

Dante is more than a little annoyed. "I tole dem 10 o'clock on da dot!", he exclaims.

"De only wun who's heer is mama cuz she's alwais takin' pickshurs."

"Maybe I is only da Secretary of Furtilization, but I is still da highest rankin' offisah heer -- an' I gets absolootly no respeckt! I'm gonna make notes in dere files to dis effeckt. So Daddy, Dylan, Domino and Furnando -- yoor all on notice!"

"Wot a travesty!"

Meanwhile, Dylan and Furnando have been waiting patiently in the front yard.

(Biggify to see Furnando pouting)

"Wot kinda leedah is yoo Dante, wen yoo doan show up!", pouts Furnando!

Something tells me, this meeting is adjourned!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: THE PROOF IS IN THE FLOOF!

2011-04-13T17:17:00.001+05:30

EASY ON SUNDAY WITH DANTE: HANGING OUT!

2011-04-10T17:25:00.004+05:30

It's Sunday and Dante is hanging out on the patio. This is particularly remarkable because up until quite recently, that was impossible to do. Snow is now a thing of the past and the future, but not of the present. And now is what matters most to Dante.

"Welcum to mai pati-yo", says Dante.

"Dis is ware I likes ta hang owt."

"See!"

"Yoo is invited ta join me anytime", says Dante as he blows you kisses.

"Efun doe it's gettin' warmah, dis is still da bestest place to chill."

Do like Dante and have an easy, breezy Sunday efurryone!

THURSDAY IN THE GARDEN WITH DANTE: MAY I HAVE THE FIRST DANCE?

2011-04-07T18:02:00.001+05:30

Today Dante is very excited! All of the snow in the back yard has melted, and it's time for him to PURRform a very important rite of Spring -- the first Potty Dance of the season!

Just to remind you, this is all part of Dante's official 'doodies' as Secretary of Fertilization for the Society of Feline Gardeners. Dante just loves to do his 'doody'!

"I is heer in da back cornah of da gardin. Now dat da snow is meltid, dere's lotsa leafs an' udder dead stuff dat needs ta be cleened up", says Dante.

"Dere is also a big patch of bare erf undah da twees. It's a PURRfect place fur me to PURRform mai FURtilization ritual."

First Dante sniffs things out to make sure he's got a good spot. "Da kwality of da erf is verreh impawtant", says he. As a bonus, you all get a great view of those floofy 'tocks -- be still your hearts!

Dante likes to get right down to business.

The look of concentration on Dante's face is very intense! (Butt then, so is the aroma which suddenly wafts our way.)

"Is a dirty job, butt sumbuddy hasta doos it!", exclaims Dante.

Dante makes short work of da cover-up 'doody', however.

"I gets such satisfaction in a job well done!", says Dante.

Dante takes a well-deserved rest. "Dose FURtility dances kin be kwite exhaustin'! Dats all fur now -- see yoo next week", says he, in closing.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DANTE: GROW GRASS, GROW!

2011-04-06T17:43:00.000+05:30