Category Archives: photography

Our Cats – Happy Furry Friday

As it’s furry Friday I thought I ought to upload pictures of our current two cats. So here they are: Harry above; Sally below …

They are now about nine. And no, Harry and Sally weren’t our choices of names; they’re rescues which we acquired some 8 years ago when they were about a year old; they’d been dumped on the doorstep of our local Blue Cross centre (in Hammersmith, London) with Sally heavily pregnant; the staff chose their names. Sally’s six kittens were spoken for almost before they were born, but no-one wanted these two really lovely friendly young adults. Harry greeted us for the first time by rolling on his back and demanding attention; he’d obviosuly said to Sally “It’s alright dear, you look after the kids and I’ll do the PR stuff”! The staff at Blue Cross were so glad we wanted them that they wouldn’t even let us see any other cats!

Rauf the Taxi


Rauf, originally uploaded by kcm76.

One of my friendly local cab drivers. Totally unposed; he had no idea I was going to take it when he next turned towards me. Luckily we were sitting in stationary traffic at the time!

Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)


Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis), originally uploaded by kcm76.

I found this today on a rose bush in the garden; the first one I’ve seen; I’m pretty well certain of the ID. Not the best of pictures I’ve ever taken.

The Harlequin Ladybird is a recent arrival in the UK and it is spreading from the SE. It is a pest: it is aggressive, spreads quickly and predates other ladybirds rather than following their example and eating aphid. More information at www.harlequin-survey.org and www.ladybird-survey.org. Yes, I have submitted a report to the survey.

And now one has a dilemma. Do I destroy the beasticle on the basis that it is a pest, or do I let it go free rather than risk damaging my karma?

Back on Duty


Back on Duty, originally uploaded by kcm76.

Harry the office cat is back on duty after his operation. Although he’s still confined to barracks (and mighty fed up about it) his leg is healing well and, as you can see, he’s allowed to do light office duties. Amazingly he hasn’t (yet) removed the stitches! And he’s back to being huggy Harry, which is nice.

Poor Harry


Poor Harry, originally uploaded by kcm76.

Harry the Cat has been to the vet today for an op: he’s lost a tooth and a lump from his back leg. He’s back home; and he’s obviously a bit sore, which is hardly surprising given that incision in his leg. Otherwise he seems fine, apart from being pissed off at being kept in.

Give him only half a helping of this special soft food, and no crunch says the vet. So Noreen did just that: he wolfed down the paté, and then proceeded to demolish Sally’s whole helping of their normal food. Meanwhile Sally is pissed of ‘cos there’s no crunch!

Keep him in until you bring him back to have the stitches out in 10 days. Some hope! He’s already eyeing the study fanlight. Oh and he’s currently sitting on top of my scanner which I was actually using when he arrived!

Cats! Love ’em to bits.