Crikey! I think I've done it If they don't use it there will be *scenes*

The other, very different, book I really enjoyed recently on the reality of rural life was this - in case you haven't seen it already

She looks a lot less worried than I'm sure you've been Did the monthly weigh-in on ours yesterday (probably about 7 months old, so keeping tabs on their growth). Predictably, nobody really wanted to sit in the mixing bowl on the kitchen scales. So I had to give up my place on the sofa afterwards

Just to redress the balance please enjoy this absolutely rubbish video of Mr S recreating the Craggy Island "Spinning Cat" exhibit with one of our new recruits

Sheba had a major impact on demand for grey cats as seen in the ads, to the extent it became boom time for kitten farmers for a whike I won't buy it for ours because I object in the strongest terms to the tragic AI generated cat illustration on the packaging

Enjoying this plant that's decided to make an effort and produce one hell of a flower A sempervivum or, as we are now calling it, a Screaming Beaker

Seven consecutive nights of both cats consenting to come in from their bandit hideout behind the shed - the first such run since we started letting them out 2 months ago Celebrating with a massive play fight, enjoyed by both participants and spectators

See also this plaque on the way into Galashiels Have endured a number of pathetic journeys in my time, none involving Italy to date

Yes, quite Perhaps some of them have covert flamboyance, let's hope Still irked on behalf of Matt in S6 for not winning with this, still possibly my favourite garment of all time

Cats, so naturally graceful and elegant #caturday

Our smaller new cat's been out in/ near the garden for 7 nights, mewing sadly but never getting near us or the door. Been terrified she was leaving us, only had her 8 weeks Finally, last night I lured her in We've moved to a new level. Name migration: from Lulu to Pat Bedford/ Gloria Gaynor

She kept saying she was going to get the neighbour's kid to bring his air rifle round but fortunately for the deer it was all talk By the time she was carted off to the care home it was clear who had won that little game

Or practising for your melodica recital down the social club

Well, this was splendid. Not my usual fare (includes a fantasy element) but such a good read Think you might like it @sparklyfellelf.bsky.social

Day 10 with new cat #1 It seems to be going okay...

New arrivals chez StovesEyes Picked one up from the rescue centre a week ago, other one yesterday. Feral litter sisters but caught separately, so hadn't been together for a couple of months Coalition has been formed. Objective: world domination

Also, why have they made it look like an Edwardian governess wearing a boater and a black tie?

I made a shirt in the same fabric and it's had numerous compliments due to the chickens, although it has been pointed out that there might be some guinea fowl hiding amongst them It is very cheering to wear!

Mr S was 65 last week and as a joke his nurse sisters sent him one of these dosette trays to put your various tablets in for every day I am seriously contemplating using it, maybe for holidays, one strip = 4 day's worth

Primary: Red. Others were Yellow, Blue and Green. Not sure our headmaster was really fully committed to the concept Secondary: Mallory. Others: Livingstone, Scott, Grenfell. Was thrilled years later to see this picture of George Mallory (right) on an Everest expedition.

Ponchos: I could copy you any of these patterns. None ultra Clintish, but you could adapt? From a couple of late 70s books on my shelf. The Aran one comes in adult sizes too

I see your Jim and I raise you Uncle Shady off of Man Like Mobeen Both equally terrifying prospects behind the wheel

Apparently not... He lasted at least 10 years longer, despite looking like this. I guess there was always the opportunity to get the mourning gear out for some relative or other. Get the wear out of it and all that

Ooh I've got one of those too! 1880s, my GG grandmother, aged about 55 (younger than I am now FFS)

I have, earlier today, reshelved the entire archive of our village Tufty Club (which my mother ran, inevitably). Including several of these cards And here is the 1970 gang including me, my cousin, my good friend Tufty Club Paul, and at least 6 others I am still in contact with ...

I mean, here's the book about them. How can you not want to read on with a title like this?? <Hurries off to amend library list>

More importantly, and sadly, Joe Keppel of Wilson Keppel and Betty does not seem to be part of the family Worth a thread in their own right one day, if only on account of the number of Bettys they got through?

Time for another outing of my favourite Saxon coffins, round the side by the wheelie bins, St Mary's in Wareham (which also features the fanciest lead font in England - lead content may explain a lot about those christened there, myself excepted obvs)

Eleven days on (and the first day with any sun) and this brave little soldier is Doing Its Best #rhododendron #christmascheer