The New Blogger In Town

Hello, all!

It is six weeks since I first set foot in this lovely house, but I really feel at home - despite the chaos. I have recovered from the seemingly never-ending flight, but shall never fly again! I've enjoyed some shopping trips for furniture, etc. Now have a workable kitchen, everything  had to be changed so I could work in there to suit my mobility problems. The guest bedroom and lounge are complete, my bedroom should be finished soon. The bookshelves are still under construction in my study, but I have found a carpenter to finish them for me. In the meantime my tabby kittens, Thyme and Tansy, love attacking each other through the books piled up on the floor, think shall have to sort them out into the right order again - once the bookshelves are ready. And am working with the carpenter on some special toys for the kittens after the books are well out of reach! 

I found a super guy to make a special structure to keep the kittens safe in the back yard, protect them from sun, keep other cats, etc, out. It covers about a third of the garden, includes a shelter with food, toys, water and catlit tray, and is accessible from the utility room. The cage is movable so we don't damage only one part of the grass - it is moved every three days. The kittens don't understand about the pool yet, try to follow me when I go out for a swim in the evening or early morning. They aren't allowed out overnight, and are nearly at the stage of sleeping all night, thank goodness!! They enjoy visitors, too, really love playing with Alicia's children, who visit us often. I'm glad they find it easier to relate to people than Bracken and Juniper did, and even Alicia has been their love victim when she brings me coffee! And they cope quite well with the heat - which is too much for me and summer is still a while away!! Thank goodness for air conditioning and the shaded part of the pool! And very cool clothing - which is okay for now, goodness knows what I'll be wearing in the summer!!!

Although had Broadband available soon after arriving, decided to wait until everything was nearly sorted and I had recovered from the long flight, acclimatised a little, and was nearly ready for visits from Bloggers from other parts of Oz. Without Alicia and her family I wouldn't be as far along as I am. Without their help and information about shops, etc, I would probably be sleeping, etc, in the lounge and trying to find things taken out from the crates and left in piles in the bedroom! Thank you very much, you are so sweet!! And, of course, they found me the cutest tabby kittens I have ever seen!! 

Really pleased to let you know that my first guest is coming very soon for a few days, am both nervous and excited in equal measures! The spunky blogger - Peggy, known as cake crumbs & beach sand - will be the very first person staying over. Have other Bloggers on my 'guest list'! Lisa, Two Point Five Kids, and Sonia, life love & hiccups, will arrive separately - Sonia first, with Lisa a day or two later. Should be great fun - and of course Alicia will pop over when she can! Stocking the larder with vodka, wine and other drinks, lots of coffee for me. Apart from just my meeting these lovely people, it will give Thyme and Tansy lots of socialising experience

Virginia Kop/Kop's Kattery

5 November 2013

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UNPACKING!!!!

With thanks to CG who keeps giving me titles to build a story around!

I arrived at my house in Cairns yesterday, and was so pleased to just close the door and try out my new beds! All the travelling had left me exhausted and I needed a good night's sleep. Thank goodness I have come at a cool time of year!! 

Now I start the task of unpacking the crates I sent over from the UK some time ago. The outsides aren't damaged and I hope all the packing materials kept breakages at bay. I think I'll start with the items to go in the kitchen - oh, good, no china breakages! Was worried a little about the crockery, especially as I think it will be used more often here. Luckily, I have a week before the shipping agent comes to collect the empty crates. May need most of the time to sort out the books, especially as I need to make bookshelves - my router will finally be used as I intended when I first bought it, and the assortment of bits may give interesting finishes to the woodwork. However, as long as I do not have books lying around everywhere, I shall be happy to build the basic shelves and add fancy touches later.

Yippee! No breakages of my ornaments and pictures!! Although I gave lots away to charity shops before they were packed, I think there will be a few to go to an op shop [charity shops in Oz!] soon. Part of the packing protection of these items was cat accessories. I didn't want to get rid of the triangular-ish catlit tray, and know the cat carrier will be very useful. Shall have to read all the notes Alicia kindly prepared on local shopping areas, especially those selling cat food, etc, and, as soon as the tabby kittens come here and have settled in, they will be registered with the best veterinary surgeon and a timeline worked out for shots and neutering. The carrier is large enough to transport both of them for several months, so it will be a while before I have to buy a second. Shall see how life is with two feline companions for a while before I decide whether or not I take on any more kittens. Would love a houseful, but have to talk to the immediate neighbours to see how they feel about several cats allowed outside during the day. It doesn't take long for cats to adjust to human hours, and I shall have to make sure they do not roam during the day, and are safely indoors overnight.

I took the time to empty the luggage brought with me, travelled light as I knew a lot of my clothes would be too warm for life in Cairns, while I had a welcome coffee and snack lunch. Am still missing Bracken a great deal, was looking for her to share my lunch, at least she had a long and good life and passed peacefully in her sleep. 

Day three - penultimate crate - bedlinen, curtains, etc. I left all the duvets and pillows behind, think duvets won't be needed here, although I brought all of my crocheted blankets. Need new pillows, like to have four on each double bed, two memory foam and two thinner foam pillows. Love the linen cupboard here, oodles of shelves and space! Shall store pictures and ornaments in here whilst deciding what goes where.

Day five - last crate - books. For the time being I have put some in the second bedroom and most of the rest in the linen cupboard. Books I want to hand are in the living room, on a small bookcase Alicia provided. If it wasn't for Alicia and her family, I would not have such a lovely home. They found all the basic items I required, including a dishwasher, and gave me several surprise items I hadn't thought about, including some small shrubs in planters, and arranged for a gardener to come regularly to mow the grass, etc, and he brings his own equipment!!

Thank you very much, Alicia and your lovely family for everything you have done for me!!!

Virginia Kop/Kop's Kattery

29 October 2013

I Have A Dream!

I often plan unattainable events - designing property to live in if I had £mega-millions. What charities to give chunks of that money to, etc, etc. I don't try to win that kind of money nowadays, too scary! Recently I started another dream - going to Oz, meeting most of my lovely Bloggers, then settling down near one of them. This dream is crazier than any others! For the simple reason that I cannot travel more than 2-3 miles!

Where to start? Having the money safely in a Bank Account (or three), the next step is to arrange for my very first passport at age 63. That means a journey to another county!! After discussing my plans with Australia House, I am given the appropriate visa. The next step is consulting a Blogger in the area where I'd like to have my 'forever home', and arranging to buy a property there with basic furniture, not taking what I have already - except for some crockery, cutlery and cookware. cushion covers, bedlinen, curtains, lots of books, electronics, dvds, cds, cassette tapes, videotapes, cat bits & pieces, photos, pictures and special ornaments. They will not travel with me, have a very busy time before emptying the boxes at my new home.

I didn't want to fly to Oz, know there will be lots of flying once there, so planned to take a liner. Easy, no! No current direct liners from the UK, could go to America, transit that country then board another liner to Oz! Don't really want to go by freight carrier, but am not a cruise person so that may be the only option. As long as I can get to Perth! There eventually and after grillings by Customs and Immigration, my first port of call is an hotel, where I regain my land-legs for several days before contacting a special Blogger - Peggy of cake crumbs & beach sand. After a few meetings over several days as and when convenient - marvellous coffee and cakes, cute lunches - we take our leave of each other, and I 'jump on a plane' and visit with another Blogger. Then, back to Perth, for the last time. Goodbye Perth!

Off to Sydney, thank goodness the wildfires are over, it is terrible to see the damage they have made as the plane approaches Sydney airport. Still have the palaver of getting through Customs and Immigration, especially because I am not carrying lots of clothing, etc! No quick meetings with Bloggers here, flying is still a new form of travel for me - and I shall be very happy when I alight from the final plane in a few weeks' time! I contact some family whom I've never met before, but 'know' from Facebook. Making the most of the shops in Sydney, meet up with with a special Blogger - Sonia of Life, Love and Hiccups! We are both nervous, so it takes a while to get past the initial pleasantries and 'warm up' to each other. There is another Blogger, who is a very busy woman, to meet, but I decide to go to Melbourne first where more lovely Bloggers await my call from the Hotel once I've recovered. Am shown some lovely parts of the city, and I'm so happy I decided to spend more than a week here! Back to Sydney - gosh I've put a lot of flying behind me, and pleased I only have one more flight! Decide I must take the opportunity to visit Bondi Beach! Have seen it so often on tv it is all very familiar. I'm not swimming, surfing or paddling - just enjoying the vibes from this iconic place. Also visit that other icon - Sydney Opera House, nothing on the programme I'd like to see though. 

I'm taking my time in Sydney, need to get furniture and other items for my new home, and love shopping with Sonia, an avid home-maker, who shows me lots of  lovely shops. Once we've finished shopping, and I have met up with the busy Blogger - another special person, as they all are! -  it is time to say goodbye to Sydney and head off, by plane, to Brisbane. Last airport, thank goodness! A bit too old to get used to all of this, glad I decided to hire car and chauffeur for the last part of my journey!  The penultimate Blogger is just as lovely as the rest, and I'm so very happy I've taken the opportunity to meet so many! Final shopping, including food for the drive to Cairns, and for my new home. Yes, I could have flown instead of taking two days - no more planes, too fast for me really. Want to savour the countryside at a decent speed!

At Cairns I receive a very big, warm greeting from Alicia, of 365 Moments of Gratitude Project and her lovely family. We have been in regular contact for some time now, she even assisted me in finding a suitable property nearby, acting as my Agent, and arranged some basic furniture, plus every item I need in the kitchen - good, a dishwasher! which I am delighted to see - although not as nice as finally meeting this remarkable woman and her family. There is even the opportunity to foster-to-adopt a kitten in the near future. Luckily I kept some of the items I had in England, and had them shipped here. Once all the purchases in Sydney have been delivered and unpacked and I'm feeling very much at home I shall go to see the kitten - the perfect way to meet the new feline in my life! No doubt there will be others - I'll be the Pommie Crazy Cat Lady in Cairns! It has been an incredible journey and I am so very happy I was given the opportunity to enjoy the rest of my life in this beautiful country.


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Virginia Kop/Kop's Kattery

26 October 2013
My Mother's Birthday 1925

MOON

The Blogfast Club

MOON

Silvie woke with a start, not knowing how or why. Her room was much darker than normal as the window was boarded up to stop her looking at the Moon - much closer than normal and brightly blue - the Harvest Moon!

The Elders and villagers had warned all the girls who were between 11 and 16 years of age to keep to their darkened rooms for the week the Moon visited every 13 years. Whilst crops flourished under this Moon, any maiden looking at it was instantly transfixed and became shells of their former selves. These poor souls were taken to a special part of the forest to live their lives out with no recollection of how they had been before looking at the Moon. They could not speak, sing, dance, or do anything except eat one meal a day which was provided for them.

Whilst Silvie loved life too much to want to be one of those people, she knew she had to see the Moon very soon, before it went away again. If caught trying to remove any part of the boarding, she would be locked in a windowless room for the rest of the Moon's visit. That she didn't want either, as her only human contact would come from her Mother pushing food and drink though a small hole in the door until it was safe for her to be released. "I wonder why I feel that I MUST see the Moon?", she mused quietly to herself. During the time before the Moon's arrival, she had experimented with as many tools as she could find and had selected a pointed file as being the quietest and quickest one to make a hole in the boards. She was aware that two of the floorboards had been adapted to make a noise if she trod on them, but she had discovered that her chair could straddle them safely if carefully positioned.

Checking the time on her clock, she decided that there was sufficient time to make the hole before the household started to wake. Carefully moving the chair, Silvie started using the pointed file to make a start on a portion of the board which seemed to be the best place to start. It was a really slow business, seemed to take hours just to get the hole started, but when she looked at the clock she was relieved to see that mere minutes had passed. "Keep going, Silvie, there is ample time", she said, listening in case there was any noise in the house at all. As the file bit through the wood, she could see a little blue colour behind it - "nearly there, So close, so very, very close to the Moon. Surely it cannot be much longer now until I know why I must see it?" 

As the hole grew larger, and the blue streamed into her room, Silvie was transfixed, but then she saw the spirit of the Moon, holding out his hand, saying "Silvie, you were promised to me many years ago. Come, take my hand and we shall leave a message for your family so they do not wonder where you have gone. I have waited for you for aeons and now we are together there will be no more maidens lost each time the Harvest Moon appears. From now on, the maidens are safe and we shall come every year to enhance the crops." Hand in hand, the pair walked to the Blue Moon and disappeared into it.

After several years passed, the villagers were so thankful for the safety of their maidens and the regularly fruitful crops that they held a festival on the first day of the Harvest Moon and were sure they could see Silvie with the spirit of the Moon dancing amongst them, along with several smaller shapes signifying their offspring.

Virginia Kop/Kop's Kattery
12 October 2013

The new challenge is a story - about whatever you like! Enjoy!

    

Bracken - Full Steam Ahead!

Bracken has fully adjusted to being an 'only' cat with arthritis to slow her down at times, which seems to be under control with her daily dose of medicine. The manufacturers did extremely well to get the taste suited to particular palates - on the sweet side - and it mixes well with the Ocean Fish Pate she gets every morning. We changed up from evenings so she could be more lithe during the day and I think that has worked well. 

She gets annoyed when I breathe at times while she lies beside me. And, boy, she hates me texting then as well. At times she wants my hand touching her, two minutes later she has changed her mind! Then I get the love times - her head on my hand, then one leg lies over my arm [albeit an occasional claw is misplaced and jabs straight into my arm!]!!! Bliss, but arthritis in MY fingers/hand often make this a much shorter time than she is willing to give - the left hand would be better, but she won't lie there, has to be on my right side. So, I let her lie as long as I can manage before disturbing her with apologies as the hand HAS to move away before I want to scream with the pain. Of course I tell her why I am moving my hand away, does she understand? I do know she understands a lot of what I tell her - can stop her chasing birds, give her a time limit for last time outside of an evening [she often comes in early and feels resigned to being locked up for the night at a time when she would dearly love to frolic in the moonlight], still need to work on getting her to stay still when I want to move past/over - 'don't move' is currently the best command. Cats are notorious in moving the wrong way - a wheelchair-bound friend said that no matter how often they nearly ended up under the wheels her cats just didn't realise what was the right way to move. I even hired a wheelchair for a week while I was in London to test this out for myself - it is true, unfortunately, all four cats decided the wheels were interesting!!

Cats are a bit like humans - people stop to speak on the narrowest part of pavement, not worried about how others cannot get past or they'll block a shop's doorway - Bracken often lies in doorways or thereabouts, then when she decides to move, which way? - yes, straight into my feet!

RIP - The Blogfast Club???

Is it alive

or is it dead?

Is it worthwhile 

or a lost cause?

Do we beat our heads against a brick wall

or walk away from it all?

We enjoyed the challenges

They kept the brain busy

But there must be an easier way

To have a club that works well

Even thought the leader left temporarily - or not

The other members could have carried on!

New to blogging
with limited skills
We try to learn all we need
but it isn't easy at all
So people do we call a halt to the club or do we
start a new group for those who wish to write can go?

MERRY

The Blogfast Club

23 September 2013

Fictional 

Merry was playing with friends when she heard the noise coming from her home - the sound of heavy furniture being thrown around with no concern for it. Merry longed to go to see what was happening, but she had been told not to return home unless her Mother came to see her in person.

She didn't like the sounds, nor the sound of her friends laughing as they played with their flower-balls. When David, her best friend, asked what was happening at her home, she had to tell him the truth - she didn't know and wasn't allowed to go there. They decided to sit by the old oak in the centre of the meadow, it was their special place where they spoke of joys and sorrows, and sometimes of their future - they were nearing the time when they were expected to speak of their intentions towards each other, or other people. Merry and David had discussed this often, and decided that they wanted to live together for the rest of their lives. There could be some opposition to their plans as a newcomer to the area, Jessica, was obviously infatuated with David  and had made her feelings known at several social events.

Unfortunately, Jessica was of a higher echelon who were normally allowed to have what they wanted and it was clear she wanted to have David as her life-partner. After several meetings with the sage, David had been told that he really should be taking Jessica as his life-partner, but there were precedents for him to refuse her and choose Merry. That way would mean problems for them both, and they may have to leave this community until amnesty was forthcoming. There had been many meetings of Merry and David with their parents and it was finally agreed that they would go with their hearts and, if necessary, both families would leave this village and make a new life for them all. They knew of several hamlets which were suitable for their needs and were not bound by the same restrictions. However, all knew it would be difficult to leave this community where the families had lived for centuries. Even those families not affected by Jessica were talking of leaving too if Merry and David did, for both they and their families were held in high esteem, and no-one wanted to lose their favourite couple.

Suddenly, the noises from the house stopped and Merry's mother came rushing over to the meadow, a wide grin on her face. 'Oh, Merry, my darling Merry, and David, we may be without some furniture for a while, but none of us has to leave! In fact, Jessica's papers were fake and she must go to the Kraken! Your union is the very best news for us all. On the day you accept each other your true forms will be revealed - as happens every time.  It has been many, many moons since the village has been honoured with a mermaid of the highest status! Normally these events are not stated until afterwards, but the actions of Jessica and her retinue caused such mayhem in every sense meant the news had to be imparted. Yes, Merry, you are Majestic Mermaid Merry!! And David will be your loyal Merman.'

Virginia Kop

Kop's Kattery

Next challenge will be issued soon.

PEOPLE WHO ARE INSPIRING!!

Unfortunately, the muse left me before I could start this entry for The Blogfast Club. However, I am taking a different slant on this than I originally thought would happen.

In the course of the last 17 months [roughly], I have 'met' some people who have inspired me in different ways, and, in no particular order as each is special in her own way :-

Cake Crumbs & Beach Sand

Kate Says Stuff

Little Cottage, Big Life

Alicia's 365 Moments of Gratitude Project

Life, Love and Hiccups

Techie Mum

Two Point Five Children

Phenomenal Woman

Caramel Living

with Grace and Eve

The Little Green House

Surviving Four Children

Clockwork Comfort

Odds & Ends Quotes

I am sure some of the newer Bloggers I've discovered through the Club will be added to this list in the near future!

And the limited response to the 'Evening' - Non-fiction challenge means I have no idea what is happening next with the club.

After some thought, I have decided that the next challenge will be fiction story, prompt of 'mermaid'.

Virginia Kop/Kop's Kattery

EVENING

A non-fiction Narrative Post

For the Blogfast Club

By Virginia Kop, Kop's Kattery

[With apologies to Meat Loaf!]

It was a hot summer night and we aren't happy about noise emanating from several alcohol clubs. Since the law prohibiting smoking inside shops, business, etc, our summer evenings are being eroded by noise. When young women are out imbibing alcohol they have very shrill voices and cannot talk at normal levels, so out they come for a cigarette break, some access doors are left open and as well as the voices we have blaring music. Luckily karaoke seems to have got lost - and long may that last!

I'm not against people having fun, but don't think I should have it forced upon me. Where I live is reasonably far away from most of the premises, and they have access to a car park at the rear. Logic should be telling the owners/managers that if they restrict the smoking area to the car park they are saving neighbours from the cacophonous  assaults on our ears and letting us live quiet lives on a warm summer evening!

Or a decent spring or autumn evening!

  

SMILE

A Haiku - for The Blogfast Club

Your smile emanates

from the depths of your heart

and brightens lives today

by Virginia Kop/Kop's Kattery

The Magical Fantasy Land

UNICORNS!

The words surrounded the magic tree, continuing on a permanent loop until they whispered away to nothingness.

"Who is here, we know not, they aren't familiar at all?"
"Why are they here and how did they arrive?"

Over and over again the words spun without change, yet no reply to their question was given - which made it more impressive. In time the words would fade away and new ones take over in the fullness of time. Time? what is time? Is it visible or yet another feature of this land? This magical fantasy land!

Suddenly a Unicorn came out of the tree, breaking the endless chain of words surrounding it - which stopped abruptly! Then new words surrounded the magic tree.

"A unicorn, with sparkles all around, what a mystical beast to grace our land."
"Where are the others who came with it? Are they not visible yet?"

The silver emanating from the unicorn's horn turned into stars, searching for the Chosen One and as they swirled around her, she alone slowly showed her form. There were no other beings to be seen but it was obvious they were not alone. The unicorn knelt briefly in front of her and then began to sing.  The song had no words, but images filled the minds of everyone.. As the song drifted away, the Chosen One gently clapped her hands and the sound was the sweetest of all.

"My friends, please greet this messenger with respect because it has traveled for many a mile, and countless years have passed since it left its home." And now, my dear, what message have you to impart, no-one here will harm you as we revere all life. Whatever news brings you thus, we shall listen without judgment"

The unicorn nodded to accept the welcome, then let out a little whinny, which brought two others from the tree, which shuddered for a while.

"Fear not," he said, "these are my companions to complete my mission, in case anything evil befalls me. Our sages saw a terrible event which may threaten this world and many more, so they entrusted us and many more to impart the news to all of what may befall us every soon."

"A silver object appeared in the skies, travelling at great speed.  It came ever nearer to the planets before ours, then landed on one. Once the object stopped moving some body-forms in peculiar garb exited and began exploring that world. After a few days, several more silver objects joined the first. Before they started exploring distant parts, they made some shelters and an item with wheels was taken out of the third object. This was able to traverse quite quickly. After several months, there was activity around one of the silver objects, and then it took to the sky again, and landed on the next planet. Other objects arrived from far away, and joined this one. All the activity seen on the first world  was repeated There were strange activities on the planets - on both these planets - items eating rocks dug up, and many other things. This pattern continued until the last three planets of that galaxy were taken over."

"Then our sages, who had followed all of this strangeness, noticed a change in activity and, to their horror one silver object took to the skies again, moving to the first world of the next small galaxy - the one before ours and thought they had best start to send messengers to alert all the planets. They gathered all unicorns to pass the warnings on to all inhabitants to be prepared to deal with these invaders,. Other beings will carry out the same tasks for the safety of all the other lands. Thus far they haven't been on an inhabited world, so their intentions are not clear and, after ours, yours is the most magical fantasy land of all. It may be that nothing bad will happen if these travelers come here, but we must be prepared for anything."

"Your invisibility may protect you, but not your trees and plants. The sages are unaware of what may happen, so cannot offer much than this warning. They are preparing to make sure any developments on less barren worlds are reported, we shall know when that happens and be able to advise you accordingly. If necessary, we shall protect as best we can to preserve this beautiful land. That has been attested by the highest on our world. And, once any danger is detected, a further 30 unicorns will arrive. We do not require sustenance of food or liquid. All we need is somewhere quiet to sojourn - not all at once, of course."

"We shall be made aware of the dangers you may face, then we shall talk with you and make our plans according to your wishes. If you wish us to join you in invisibility, we shall do so. Our task is protection and it is not in our nature to fight. It may be that these unknown beings find all they need without coming any closer and return to whence they came from. That would be the best solution, because if they come in to this galaxy they would discover some of the magical properties and would never leave us alone."

The Chosen One spoke to the unicorn, her voice like chimes gently teased by the wind.

"Thank you, dear friend. We shall be pleased to have your company. If anything happens to this galaxy it will be catastrophic indeed, for all the magical fantasy lands would be lost for evermore. Come, let us find you a place where you can wait in peace until needed. The suns are starting to slip from our view, so we shall sleep soon."

The words of the magic tree changed to a gentle humming sound, to let night reclaim the silence, and gradually nothing could be heard or seen except for the silvery forms of the Chosen Ones and the unicorns which were growing ever dimmer. Sleep, alas, was not to last until after dawn, but rather noises grew louder and louder as the light started oh so slowly to rise over the land. 

Every one and every thing were brutally awoken by unicorns emanating from the magic tree, 30 of them nearly rent the tree apart. The words from the magic tree stuttered to life.

"What is the meaning of this? Why did you all come at the same time? You nearly killed us!"

Magically, the Chosen One and the three unicorns, appeared in their silvery hues.  Messages seemed to pass between the unicorns at lightning speed.  Then the lead unicorn made obeisance to the Chosen One.

"An emergency was detected and we have been given the means to protect this magical fantasy land. The silver objects came ever closer, and ancient magic came to our minds. We have the power, in a herd of 33, to make this land invisible to all who are not from our galaxy. We shall need help from you with your knowledge of this land. We need to go to the highest place where we may combine our magic to shield all from outside sight. It must be done very soon, all of the lands in this galaxy need to be shielded at the same time. In order to be prompt, please show us where to go, seconds may be very important."

The Chosen One nodded her head, sang some magic words, and growing taller and taller asked the unicorns to stand on her hands, one by one. She then blew the unicorns to the highest mountain and when all were gathered there they soon started to use their silvery horns to create a diaphanous layer which curtained the world
. 

* * * * * * *

DOLPHINS!

At the same time that the Lead unicorn arrived on this world a nearby planet, which was mainly underwater, was experiencing similar activity. As unicorns can not live submerged, the messengers here were dolphins - foreign to the beings populating this world - arriving through a special rainbow, the likes of which were only seen at special times.

A musical tune the dolphins sang resonated until the Chosen One appeared. They quickly told her of the threats discovered  and the methods they intended to use to help keep this magical fantasy land safe from outside view, along with all the others. 

The dolphins asked for assistance in keeping the rainbow alive in order for the rest of their family, totalling 33, to arrive unharmed. This the Chosen One agreed to do, and blew the head dolphin to the bottom of the rainbow, which shivered and shivered as dolphin after dolphin came through. Each one made their way to the Chosen One, who blew them so they appeared to be leaving for another world, but came back, singing a special tune, which made the rainbow shimmer until it stretched to cover the whole world. 



At the same time all the planets in the galaxy disappeared from outside eyes too, and nevermore would the magical fantasy lands be threatened by outsiders.

The end
written by

Virginia Kop/Kop's Kattery

The New Shoes

Children's Fiction
by Virginia Kop/Kop's Kattery

One day Pandora's Mother asked her 8 and a half year old daughter to sit beside her on the settee as she had some good news for the family. Pandora's father had been unemployed for a year, but finally he had landed a fantastic new job. 

"We are moving, Pandora, to live next door to the Natural Science Museum in Town. Daddy has just been given the job of Head Curator and there is a house next door to the Museum." Pandora thought for a while, then asked what kind of exhibits were there. "There are all kinds of very large rooms in the Museum, housing dinosaur bones, fossils, images of spacemen, even one for super-heroes and live exhibits of reptiles and small mammals. Plus artists' paintings and sculptures. A lot to see and learn about for all of us!" "Will I have to go to a new School, Mummy?" asked Pandora.

"No, darling, you will not be going to any School at all, you will be taught at home for some subjects, like mathematics, but the majority of your School days will be spent in the Museum - learning about all the exhibits - so that Daddy has a good assistant and when he is too old to be the Curator, you will take over his position. What normally happens is that each Head Curator selects a child of their own to follow in their footsteps." After some thought, Pandora had a question "Why do they need Daddy to work there, then?"

"Good question, Pandora! Well, the last Head Curator asked his son what he wanted for Christmas. The boy replied that he would love to have a new pair of shoes - not ordinary leather, something more exotic like snakeskin! His father was not happy with the request as he didn't like the way the boy acted in the reptile room , but decided to buy the shoes anyway. Christmas Day arrived and, in the boy's gifts there was a pair of shoes made from snakeskin. He put them on and went rushing into the reptile section at the Museum, saying he was in charge now he had snakeskin too. However the snakes were so annoyed that one or more of their kind had been used in such an abhorrent manner, they escaped from their exhibits and silently slithered up the boys legs, venomous ones biting the boy all over. The constrictors did their part too. After an hour or two his father missed his son and went into the Museum to see where he was. As he entered the reptile section, he noticed that all the snakes were out of their exhibits and in a great heap on the floor. 'Silly boy,' he said, 'why did he let the snakes out? He has always been nasty to them, teasing them with their food.' Then he saw that underneath the snakes was the body of his son, with his new shoes in tatters."

"After he dealt with the snakes and his son's body, the Curator decided he didn't want to live and work there any more, so he told the Trustees he was leaving to go somewhere no-one wore shoes and learn to live without his son. So your Daddy was offered the job and told that as long as he promised never to have anyone in the family wear exotic shoes or clothes, we would be safe. Do you think we can do that, Pandora?" To which Pandora replied 'I never want to wear anything made from any kind of animals and, although I am sad for the boy, am looking forward to our new home!"


    

MIRROR

MIRROR
A Poem by Virginia Kop
(Kop's Kattery)

The magical illusions of the mirror,
Whether on wall or stand,
Allow a glimpse of yesteryear
To the highest in the land.

The magical illusions of the mirror,
Are a myth to those without glass,
And when the sun shines through the trees
Pools of water reflect the beautiful lass.

The magical illusions of the mirror,
Allow a passing Prince to see 
The face of the fair damsel 
And he looks for her behind every tree

The magical illusions of the mirror
Whether on wall or stand
Show the Prince as he waits for the
Damsel to agree to take his hand.

The magical illusions of the mirror
Shows how happy and grand
The Princess and her family lovingly
Bring joy throughout the land,

Thunder!

Thunder - A dream

I am moving slowly through crowds of people, trying to find where I need to be! So many bodies they are stopping me from reaching my goal. Time is running out, I MUST reach my destination very soon, there are too many people awaiting my arrival - and this is the last step to fulfilling my dream destiny, if I fail now there will not be any more opportunities!! 

Finally my route is cleared of people, and all I can hear is thunder - yet there are no dark clouds. Slowly the realisation dawns that this isn't weather. People are waiting for me to fulfill a dream held by most of us. As I arrive the people stand and applaud even louder. There isn't a free seat, standing room only - and that is extremely limited. I like this kind of thunder, it does no harm at all.  My would-be Nemesis has joined me, and we prepare ourselves for what is to come. It only takes an hour then the thunder resurfaces, much louder than ever  heard before!

There is a new Ladies Singles Champion at Wimbledon, a 43-year old British woman, who only started playing tennis at age 40! And the pinnacle has been reached thanks to a wild card into qualifying!

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?
ANYONE FOR TENNIS?
ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

The Wee Saga

How A Minor Request Became A Major Battle!

On Wednesday, 24 July, I took Bracken to the vets due to changes in her body and behaviour. After an examination, the vet said she suspected there was arthritis in Bracken's rear legs, and she would like me to collect a urine sample and film Bracken walking, etc. After showing me how to turn my phone's camera into a video recorder, she gave me a pack of plastic pellets, pipette and some specimen bottles. I paid the bill and returned home

Our triangular tray

This oblong tray came when my youngest sister had to lose her cuddly cat a few years ago

Because I knew it would take time for Bracken to recover from her visit to the vets, I decided to wait until Monday, 29 July, to try for the sample. Cleaned out the triangular tray - which wasn't difficult as I had changed cat-litter on the Friday. The pellets looked lost in the big tray, so on Tuesday I bought another pack of the plastic pellets. The tray looked more appealing - Bracken kept smelling them and walking away! Thinking she might be better tempted with a smaller tray, I bought a kitten starter kit - hot pink - the next day. Feeling I had solved the problem, I stacked the other trays so she couldn't use them. Success?

No way!!!

NO!!

My lovely, cuddly cat was NOT amused. At about 4.30 am, she woke me up  had made so much noise to wake me that I was surprised some neighbour didn't complain! We went into the bathroom and she started trying to get one of trays down to use.  Not for the required wee - a bm. After clearing the smelly deposit out, I sanitised the tray and  both covered trays were put in the kitchen - nothing in there at risk of contamination.

Decided to make an effort to persuade Bracken to use the tray by keeping her in, which was a good idea except for the fact that by Noon Bracken was desperately in need of some grass to help  a fur ball come out of her tummy. When she returned and ejected the fur ball, she went straight into her normal tray to have a wee. There was no chance of her using the plastic pellets, even after trying to entice her by putting some crystal litter in the tray.

I should have saved the  crystals by leaving them where they were! But, desperate times call for desperate measures! Luckily I had a much better idea - buy a pheromone spray to entice her into the pellets! Shall hopefully obtain the spray on Monday and [metaphorically speaking] cross my fingers. Failing that, back to the vets - am sure she can find a way to  gather some urine - and could take a blood sample, which she may need to do anyway!!! Pheromone spray cost didn't fit into my budget and I saw on tv how a cat can be persuaded to have a wee - need a helper, but think I'll leave it to the professionals.

I remembered that I had really thought it would be very easy to collect a sample - totally wrong!! Bracken is such a stubborn cat!!

Cine camera - a doddle, I thought as Bracken loves to have her  photo taken - NO, she didn't like the lack of clicks so moved away! Back to the drawing board!

Early one Morning ..........

This morning I woke up and thought - ooh, at least 20 minutes until I have to get up! Then I looked at the alarm clock and discovered there was no time to waste. After having very late nights for three of the last four days, I changed the alarm clock's time by 30 minutes - and only 5 minutes left just not worth trying to have more rest! And Bracken, my cat, would start requesting food - no rest at times!!

The main reason I thought time was earlier than it was - dark sky with very welcome rain! It was too heavy for me to get to the downspout from gutters without being totally saturated, so I decided just to put a small container near my door to catch some - rain due for a few more days so shall have time to replenish the rainwater bin. The consequence of today's rain - highest temperature 22C - for about 30 minutes, just enough for us! Much appreciated by Bracken and myself. In fact Bracken has been beside me twice today already, which she doesn't do when the weather is too hot - after all she cannot take her fur coat off! Unfortunately she sometimes complains if I breathe, especially when my hand is touching her. Crazy cat!! So lovely with it, though.

So, we are back to our normal morning starting at 7.30 am, followed by 30 hectic minutes! Next Sunday I may try for 30 minutes more sleep, depending on how many late nights we have had, although some rainy days and lower temperatures generally mean my 9.45 pm bedtime will become the norm again. I really hope so!

Life Before The Kattery!

Before I returned to live in my home town, I had lived in a rented flat in London, where I was allowed to have numerous cats as long as other tenants didn't object.

The first one I acquired was  PIXIE, a large queen, black and white, who was very affectionate. Eventually she was joined by two other queens - PETRA and SHUSHU [named after Princess Shushila in MM Keyes book 'The Far Pavilions']. Petra was all black, whereas Shushu was a tabby/Burmese mix. The owner of Shushu's mother had been unable to spay her, so I was given the opportunity to adopt a kitten from the next litter - some grey and some black. Unfortunately the grey ones had abnormalities, so GEMMA, a black queen, came to join the feline family. And soon after PANDY, another black queen joined us, to be the last member of the family.

Unfortunately, Petra was unhappy with sharing the home with four cats, and showed her displeasure by weeing on carrier bags, magazines or other items on the floor. After discussions with friends who were also cat custodians, Petra went to live with a friend of theirs who ran a cat sanctuary in a flat. Funnily, Petra was very happy there - despite having to share with at least 20 other cats!

My Mum would often visit for a holiday, and one such time was very interesting. I had been to the pet store where I bought cat litter, and saw a new system which would cut down on time and mess. Based on a special tray with plastic pellets on top, meaning urine would go straight through yet solid stuff would stick on top of the pellets. Bought one tray and two bags of the pellets, removed the normal cat-litter tray and there were few problems through the remainder of the day. The next morning, before it was time to get up, I woke with an uncomfortable feeling behind me, and Pixie there as well. The cheeky cat didn't like the new system so she had wee'd on the bed between Mum and myself! Washing bedding, etc, and a frantic trip to the pet store, taking back unopened pack of pellets and having  our normal cat-lit delivered. A friend of a friend,  received the other parts. This episode came to mind after buying special cat-lit at the vets in order to retrieve urine for testing for my current cat, Bracken [24 July 2013].

Twenty years ago I realised that my arthritis no longer made travelling into London and then to Cambridge feasible, so had some very, very difficult choices to make, mainly about my cats. Moving into rented accommodation meant that I should be able to take two cats, so with a heavy heart I managed to have Pixie and Pandy re-homed. Shushu and Gemma, who took a lot of time to accept people, came up North with me. Initially we stayed with my parents, then we moved around for a few years before this house was offered to me to rent. That same year Juniper and Bracken came to live with us. The rest has already been recorded in The Tail of the Kattery!

Second Chances!

How things change very quickly!

Just a few days ago, I was convinced that I would be taking Bracken to the vets today and saying a very tearful 'Goodbye' to her. Then on Thursday morning I found she was very hot but, within an hour, her temperature was back to normal. From then on all she wants to do is eat and NOT the small cans we had changed to. But more than the pouches of wet meat she ate before.

Instead she wants a particular cat food - and is very pleased to have the same flavour all day!! That is a minor miracle as, until Bracken's change last week, no cats would ever do that!! In fact, she is eating more than she ever did before. Is my newly skinny cat going to pile the weight back on? Or, has she entered a new phase leading up to the end? Ah, if only I knew a vet personally so could get some answers! We shall go to the vets in the near future, but Bracken will return home with me. Thank goodness she doesn't seem ready to go to the Rainbow Bridge - yet. I am so happy that my lovable bossy-boots is staying around for however much  longer she is meant to be with me! 

Lasting just over 16 months longer than her brother so far, the runt is the strongest!!

She is back to normal when I take photos with my phone - posing like mad!

Life Without Facebook - Part II

THIS AND THAT AND A PUSSY CAT!

As I pressed the publish button for Life Without Facebook, words flew through my mind - words I had hoped to write! My fault, shouldn't have taken so long to write the blog!!

The thoughts were finally lost when I made my astral journey to Perth recently. Only way I could attend the Biggest Vintage Afternoon Tea Party for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with my favourite food blogger Peggy, of Cake Crumbs and Beach Sand. 

I am trying to ignore the fact that Bracken is losing weight. She is eating well, 'posh cans', and not drinking more than usual. Having had other cats plus the Kattery's visiting felines, I know a fair amount of what could be happening, but am trying to ignore it. Why? because I do not want to lose my lovely here.* I know when she goes to the Rainbow Bridge and I have recovered from my loss, a tabby female kitten is coming to live with me - Thyme - but I don't want to lose Bracken. Inevitably I shall have to say goodbye, and that is going to be so very, very hard. There will be a bonus, though, in that Thyme is not going to be allowed to go outside! It isn't necessary but impossible to do with Bracken - has been used to going outside throughout the day because the other cats here did, as an only cat there will be no interest for Thyme in going outside. And Bracken is a strong-willed cat, VERY noisy with it, so no chance of her becoming an indoor cat. Even Mrs Blackbird yelling at her isn't going to make her stay indoors; the noise is so loud that I would love to close the door all day! [*= The Runt of the Litter, just in case the link doesn't work!!]

Life Without Facebook would be a big drawback when it is time for Bracken to leave, as I know the Oz Bloggers I support will be there for me - for which I thank you in advance. I have never had children, but cats aren't a substitute - just recipients of love and attention not spent anywhere else, unconditional love going both ways. Hopefully Thyme won't have to check all the food I eat - Bracken liked avocado over the weekend! Let her smell a small piece which she decided to consume, luckily I don't have them regularly.

Bracken aka Little Flirt
Enjoying the sun

With past cats I have been able to grieve their passing beforehand, hopefully the same will happen here, although Bracken may stay alive until late this year/early 2014.. I haven't been cat-less for over 25 years, it is going to be peculiar to be alone for any length of time. Even though I know Thyme is coming, I don't know where from.

I didn't mean this blog to be about 'me and my cat', but think it was meant to be - writing from the heart!! Thank you very much for reading to the end. Virginia 

Life Without Facebook

What Would Life Be Like Without Facebook?

April 27, 2012 is the day I decided to join Facebook. The phone shop said to play with the mobile phone I received on a 2-year contract in September 2011, so I did - YouTube [personal concerts were lovely, although the sound quality on a phone is poor]. Then came Emails and, finally, Facebook.

Facebook, to my mind at the time, was exciting but due to limitations just wasn't like that. Initially, my friends were all family in the UK then a male cousin in Australia became friends. I had met him several years ago when he came over and spent time with my Dad, even taking him on holiday. Towards the end of May my life changed drastically - in a nice way! In my news feed there was a post from an Oz blogger - don't think I'll ever know how that happened. From there I tried to support over 60 bloggers, but eventually had to be a lot more selective about what I wanted from the experience, as I just didn't have the time to cope with that number. Now I support AND receive support from 13 bloggers. One of my lucky numbers!!

One thing I do miss is reading. Have at least 20 books untouched as yet, and I am going to make sure I have at least two hours for reading. Unfortunately, I tend to find other things to fill my time other than reading - word searches mainly! Have to be stricter with myself or the pile of books will grow - charity shops are hard to pass by when I know they will have some of the books I need to complete collections, etc.

Bracken has been posting her own blogs - crazy cat! Don't really mind as it has given me the break I needed. Still do not know what will be next, but know writers from all aspects experience blocks, when the time is right the muse will take off her gag and I'll know what to say.

Bracken's cat house!

The box was one Bracken played with regularly for well over 15 months, but I moved it to the bottom of the stairs - and she jumped in of her own accord. No doubt she will take over more of the blog as time passes, just hope she doesn't try to use the keyboard while I do as her claws are very sharp!!

Until the next time - with purrs from her and love from me! xxxxxxx

The Boy!

WARNING - SOME SEXUAL CONTENT!!!

Juniper - the Boy

I was reminded this morning that when strange cats were nearby Juniper used to sing a yowling song, meaning he was frightened and needed back-up - me! Then as I arrived the "go away" cries took over. My beloved scaredy-cat!

A very large cat, he wasn't a lap cat - but would sometimes stand on my lap, which was very painful. He preferred to sleep at the bottom of my bed and, while he didn't mind my listening to cds or the radio, any attempt to watch tv in the bedroom resulted in very loud snorts! Luckily it was a rare occurrence as trying to watch a portable tv from about 16ft away was very difficult. I never encourage my cats to mix with humans - to save them from being taken by miscreants - but Juniper had three human friends from whom he would accept attention. [Bracken is much more reluctant].

Over the years he lived here, we had some funny times. Especially about 6-7 years ago, when he started trying to mate with Bracken - both were neutered at 6 months - and he didn't really know what he had to do! Stretched out, Bracken was too long so he developed lots of ruses which failed. On the whole, I let him do what he wanted but when he tried the Missionary position, he had Bracken's throat between his powerful jaw so that was quickly stopped. He hadn't had a miraculous regrowth of the necessary, I put it down to gonads! And was pleased to discovering he wasn't delivering anything, but 'shooting blanks'! He sometimes 'humped' the blanket on my bed, and there was nothing untoward there afterwards. Thank goodness.

Unlike his sister, Bracken, Juniper didn't care to have his photograph taken very often - so those I have are all quite special. I took lots of snaps of him shortly before he went to the Rainbow Bridge, but only for my private viewing.

Trying to escape without anyone seeing!

Juniper loved suet cake, so would eat whatever the starlings and jackdaws dropped. One day he decided to help himself from the holders, but discovered it was too difficult for a big cat! Cue a slow escape, pretending he wasn't interested in the cake at all.

My Sponsored Daughter

FLORENCE - A JEWEL IN MY LIFE

In the early 2000's I became the proud sponsor of a young girl in Uganda. A shy 6-year old, Florence was the only child of peasant farmers, and my sponsorship meant she would be given supplies for School, a uniform and be able to attend School. Florence, and her parents, also had access to medical treatment and help with sanitation projects, plus help with drought-resistant seeds. Amazingly, the children have to walk to and from School, which can take 45 minutes each way! The whole community decide what they need help with, in conjunction with the Ugandan representatives of the Charity. In the years I have known Florence, a Health Centre has been built - very modern looking, and a borehole to provide safe water was developed.

Florence in her School uniform!

The very first photograph I received! She looked cute and very wary at the same time! Later photos show her in ordinary clothes, a nice change from the uniforms. Probably the only decent clothes they had to wear initially.

Children have no access to drawing equipment until they go to School!

I haven't heard from Florence herself for a few months, apparently she is studying outside of the community. Initially she wanted to be a nurse, but of course her parents will decide what she does. I am desperately hoping that she is involved in some training to do with a medical career of some type, but worried about what may have actually happened.

Until about 2010 sponsors were able to send small gift packets to 'their' children. However, the children themselves requested it be stopped - apparently the number of children who even received letters from their sponsors was really, really low - to stop jealousy. Apparently some sponsors never wrote at all, not even upon receipt of annual review and new photographs! And, of course the powers-to-be were concerned about global footprints - a lot of the items arrived in the UK from China, and then were being sent to Africa, Asia, etc. Luckily, there is no embargo on sending a sheet of stickers, blank paper and cards attached to a letter. Or postcards with all the contact details, so the children can still feel special.

Health Centre, built 2007

Several years ago I made up a folder of vegetables we grow in the UK, and explained the [old] importance of crop rotation. A local shop allowed me to take photographs of their wares and Florence was really excited when she received it - said she would like to see the items up close and in person. If I had won the Lotto I would have sponsored her to come to the UK and learn about various methods of planting and nurturing vegetables to improve the yield in Uganda.

Borehole - no more trekking miles to rivers!

When Florence turns 18, I shall no longer be able to sponsor her and I think we shall miss each other a great deal. I don't think I shall sponsor another child, it will be time for me to retire.

June 2015 - my last correspondence from Florence! She was 18 last year and I thought a mistake had happened with her date of birth. Not to be! Along with the letter, etc, there were details of a young girl [around 7-8 years old] in Senegal, who is my new 'daughter' in Africa. There was a huge surprise - a lovely smile!!! It is very rare to see anyone smile - not even Florence did in all our years together!

I was very pleased to learn she is studying to be a Nurse - she wanted that from the very beginning!

Life Begins at

Life begins at 63 years and almost 3 months of Age!!

For several months I had a desire growing in my mind that I would like to be a Blogger! Accidentally - as accidentally as things can be - found myself on a form to set up a blogging account. Did I think twice? No! Quick brainwave on the name and [dreaded] password, filled in all parts but then a question  about having the account come straight up when logging onto Facebook or an alternative choice. What are they talking about? Every time I tried one of the options was sent back up to password. Left the form and went back to my Timeline where, of course, I passed a message on to Techie Mum for help. As one does when totally clueless!

The following morning, light dawned - the password choice wasn't accepted! Why can they not say that?? Decided to wait until I knew more about what I was doing to try again. Which meant Techie Mum could download lots of helpful advice, which was read and better read. Aha! Need to get the email account on a different browser - all the messing around had caused problems on my mobile's account!

This extra time has meant the original name had to be replaced as it wasn't quite right, devised another password and worked out my About : This and that and a Pussycat! Also prepared some blogs, which was very useful as I'm currently experiencing writer's block!!

The first blog almost wrote itself - Gratitude Greetings
 - see http://www.kopskattery.blogspot.com/2013/04/23/gratitude greetings 

I still owe all those mentioned big time! Especially Techie Mum for marvelous headings! Need to send her a container of best quality champagne!!!

Once I had a few more blogs written, I decided to have a mini launch to see if people liked my work. No adverse comments, so need to get prepared for the link. Comments needed verification, so have hopefully sorted that so any comments don't have to go through the ordeal of proving they are not robots.

On Sunday, 5 May, I was supposed to be arrange the Facebook link to get my blog out into the blogosphere. I Flunked it, was worried I'd have no support and would never have more stories to tell. Luckily at 1 pm UK time yesterday, I decided the time had come to launch Kop's Kattery - it was so easy I was embarrassed that I had left it so long!

If you know a blogger who may be interested in what I write, please pass my details on. Thank you very, very much.

Techie Mum's hard work to have a header which really appealed to me, using a photo I supplied as  the basic idea.

New header, bearing in mind the 20% rule. Then we lost the words to fit in with some writing on the blog page. I love them all - so difficult to choose!!