MR. IN BETWEEN

POST # 146

Currently I am in between house sits and moving around, with limited computer access.
By the time December 7th arrives, I will be settled in my new digs, and will be able to update my readers with what's been going on lately.

Happy trails,
Paul
The Thoughtful Wanderer

SAYING GOODBYE TO CHUMLEE AND NANOOSE BAY

POST # 145

Chumlee's sad.

I decided to take a closer look to make sure.

Yep! He's sad alright. Perhaps he's thinking about the fact that his house sit buddy is going to be heading out the door soon, and he will be stuck at home alone until the owners return later today, which is what I would like to think that he is thinking,  however he's probably just wondering who exactly is going to be feeding him his next meal or perhaps he's contemplating another nap. It's a cat thing.

Yes, another house sit comes to a close, and it's been a very relaxed one indeed. I've had plenty of opportunity to take bike rides.

Plus, Chumlee has had lots of chances to play with his favourite toy, his green straw.

Once the day has come to an end, it's time for the two of us to sit in front of the fire, and enjoy its warm, comforting glow.

All things considered, life has been very relaxed here in Nanoose Bay.

Now getting back to Mr. Chumlee. Once I leave later this morning, he will be left on his own to amuse himself until the owners return home. He has plenty of choices, but one of his favourite things is to do his "tap dance" at the kitchen sink.

I love how his head keeps time to the "music" of the dripping tap.

So goodbye for now, Chumlee my furball friend.  I look forward to perhaps another opportunity to take care of you in the future, but for now, the Thoughtful Wanderer must continue his journey.

Happy trails,

Paul
The Thoughtful Wanderer

JET STREAMS, CHUMLEE, THE WOOD STOVE, AND ANOTHER RELAXED WEEK AT NANOOSE BAY

POST # 144


The earth continued its journey around the sun last night and by this morning, the sun appeared in the sky to the east. It's been sunny here all week, but the temperature has certainly cooled off from when I began this house sit.

However, in comparison to other places on the continent, here in Nanoose Bay it's relatively warm. That meandering jet stream is playing its roll again, with temperatures in some parts of Alaska, warmer than the south eastern USA. A small sliver of the west coast is on the "right" side of the jet stream, ie: the warm side, and Nanoose Bay is included. Not sure how long this will last, but Chumlee and I are enjoying the sunshine for now.

On my bike ride yesterday, I came across some ice in the ditch by the side of the road,

and a short while later, a deer in the neighbourhood. There are plenty more like this one around.

Continuing on my ride, I found a path in the woods that I hadn't seen before, so I took a slight detour to check it out.

This was a good place to stop for a while, and just BE. It was very soothing to the soul.

Eventually, I returned home to enjoy my view of the back yard.

Because it's been rather chilly lately, it was time to fire up the wood stove. The act of making a fire takes me back to my Yukon days and living at SNUG.

Chumlee appreciates the effort and likes to take full advantage of the heat that the stove provides. I don't usually start the wood stove until later in the day, and an alternative is to hide out in the office with a small space heater. Chumlee's never far behind me.

It's amazing how close he likes to be to the heater, but I guess he knows his limits, so I just let him be. I told Chumlee a very funny dog joke, and it just cracked him up with laughter. This is him laughing.

I received such a great reaction, I decided to tell him an even FUNNIER dog joke, and this is the result.

He gets so exhausted from laughing so hard, that he needs to take a well deserved rest on his bed near the window.

Eventually the day comes to a close, and it's time to give Chumlee a kiss goodnight.

Then one more task to complete prior to bedtime. A walk outside to listen to the sea lions barking across the bay, and a few precious moments to gaze up at the night sky, and just be amazed at the beauty of it all.

Happy Trails,

Paul
The Thoughtful Wanderer

MY NEW CHUM,CHUMLEE

POST # 143

So I've had about a week and a half to settle in at my latest housesit here in Nanoose Bay, and it has allowed Chumlee the furball and me to become pretty good chums.

"CAN YOU PET ME PLEASE?"

"THANKS PAUL, THAT FEELS GREAT"


It didn't really take too long for the two of us to bond. Chumlee has a frisky streak to him, however he was unaware that he would have to deal with the cat whisperer. He seems to have accepted his fate, and we have come to enjoy our time together. In fact, he even takes time to help me out on the computer every now and again.

"MAKE SURE TO DO A SPELL CHECK, PAUL"


When he's not being my office assistant, he can be found just hanging around at times.

"I NEED A REST FROM ALL THAT OFFICE WORK"

Sometimes Chumlee likes to get a better overall view of his world, so he stations himself at this location, so that he can keep an eye on the housesitter.

"IT'S A GREAT VIEW, BUT YOU HAVE TO BE A CAT TO GET UP HERE"


When I'm not hanging out with my chum, Chumlee, and if the weather is co-operating, I make sure to get out for a bike ride with the fancy mountainbike that the owners left here for me to use. Some interesting sights can be seen along the journey.

\
FARMLAND CLOSE TO WHERE I CURRENTLY LIVE

A VERY OLD CAR, AND AN EXAMPLE OF THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL CIVILIZATION

And finally, some pumpkin art left over from halloween.

Upon returning home, I can relax in the living room and gaze out at the backyard view of green things.

While this is happening, Chumlee can usually be found here, having his well earned afternoon nap.

As the day progresses into evening, Chumlee, having exhausted himself from all of his napping during the day, can almost always be found here on his cat perch, having a rest, in order to get in the mood for bed.

And finally, after a long day of r and r for the both of us, it's time to turn in.

Tomorrow is another precious day to look forward to with my new chum, Chumlee.



Happy trails,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer