SO LONG TO THE HOLMESDALE THREE

POST # 304


Well it's that time again, when The Thoughtful Wanderer has to say so long to some of his four-legged friends.  I do love spending time with these critters for so many reasons, but if I were to single out the number one reason, it would have to be the fact that they live in the moment.  It's a skill that they have,  that we as human animals don't seem to either appreciate and/or possess to any great extent.  Let me a bit more precise.  We do have the ability, but the majority of our mental time is spent thinking about the past or the future.  Give it a go.  Try focusing on whatever activity you may be engaged in at any given time, and just see how long it takes, before you find your mind wandering off in a different direction.  It's a very difficult task to accomplish.  But it is very worthwhile. You may be surprised at what you're missing out on as each moment passes.

This sit wouldn't be complete without a group photo of the clan, so here they are in a short video.  Enjoy.

living in acceptance,

Paul
The Thoughtful Wanderer

MAKE-A-PET

POST # 303

My goodness.  For almost six and a half years now, I've been pet sitting full-time which has included picking up an inordinate amount of bonehead poop, and cleaning furball litter boxes, and then the other day I come across this sign, "MAKE-A-PET."  Stupid me.  If I would have known that I could make my own pet, I might have considered one that didn't have to poop on a daily basis, or at least only poop a small amount.  Maybe a pet tardigrade for instance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade

But how much fun and enjoyment would I have missed out on during that same period, without REAL PETS?  In spite of all the chores that revolve around their care, I'm sticking with the real thing for as long as possible.

And on that note, I have had another wonderful week with three real pets, and we continue to enjoy each others company.

It's been a fun journey, and it's not quite over, here in Duncan, so I will continue to play with the REAL PETS, and throw away the idea of MAKE-A-PET.

living a life of simple acceptance,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

PS: Not much thought went into this post, but the more time I would have spent thinking and writing, the less time I would have to spend with Essex, Jasmine and Jeanette.

HE'S BAAAAAAAAACK!!!

POST # 302


I'm not quite sure who has the better deal right now.  Is it the critters below, or is it The Thoughtful Wanderer?  It is my good fortune to once again have the pleasure of caring for Essex, Jasmine, and Jeanette.  I wonder if they are feeling as fortunate as the house sitter?  I guess I'll never know the answer to that question, but it really doesn't matter.  They all appear to be happy, and I know that I am, so what more could we all ask for?

This is a return visit to Holmesdale House, here in the city of Duncan on Vancouver Island.  I was here in February, and during that period, it felt much more like winter, but as can be seen in the photos, spring is just around the corner, and it has been wonderful to be out in the yard with the gang, and enjoy the warming rays of the sun.

As I write these words, it's turned grey again outside, with a slight drizzle, but the forecast is looking promising for much of the remainder of this sit, and as long as that is the case, I'll make sure to spend as much of the time as possible, bonding with my four-legged friends out in the garden.

ESSEX

JASMINE

JEANETTE

CURIOSITY OF THE CAT
(JASMINE IN A RARE PLAYFUL MOOD)

ESSEX ON OUR DAILY WALK

That's all for now.  Short and sweet.

living a life of simple acceptance,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

POST # 301

Perhaps love is too strong a word to put on the connection I've made with Tina (the furball, not the singer), but we have certainly bonded over the past couple of weeks, and that's been fun.

But all good things must come to and end, and as of tomorrow, I'll once again be on the road heading for my next house/pet sit, which is a return engagement in Duncan, BC.  So by this time tomorrow, I'll be missing Tina (the furball, not the singer), but I'll be settled in soon at the next house sit, and Tina (the furball not the singer) will become a distant memory.  Perhaps another opportunity will come about in the future and we can spend time together once more, but only time will tell in that regard.

In the meantime I have this post with the attached photos and video to refer to if I'm ever missing Tina (the furball not the singer), in the future.

March 8th.  A goodbye video to add to the mix.

living a life of simple acceptance,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer