My Feral And Rescued Cats

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Jcatbird

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M maggiedemi More about Vanilla? Okay. I had several types before the destruction. One had variegated leaves.dark green with nearly white striping. Vanilla is a vine. One form is used the most for making vanilla extract. Planifolia is the main one. The Flowers only bloom for a day and they need to be pollinated in the morning to make the seed pod. When the seed pod is mature, it is removed and dried before using it to make extract. The lovely vanilla flavor is used in many things. Perfumes to food. If you have ever had Breyers vanilla ice cream and seen the little black dots in it, those are actually vanilla vine seeds! Yummy stuff! Here is a link if you want to know more. It’s not 100% accurate but very close.

I laughed when Flowers sent Banjo off to find her own face to lay on. It turned out later to be my face! :lol: That made me crack up! Kitties!

I agree that when someone takes the time to say something kind or pleasant, it can change our day and can actually change lives. We never really know when we are kind, what may come of it. It’s always a worthwhile effort.
Sending love and Lady purrs!
 

Jcatbird

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I also love to sit or lay in the midst of cats! It's interesting to see things from nearer their PURRspective, and I'm hoping they see me as closer to their equal like that.
What beautiful small white orchids! I never knew orchids had scent as the only ones I've ever been around were those ones on spindly stalks that are common at florists and even grocery stores. No scent there! I really loved the black calla lily -- it was truly very close to being black. I doubt most people have ever seen one. No idea how it got there -- it was probably planted by the original owners of the house, who were the only owners before my parents.
Flowers is another beauty, as are her babies - and the entire clowder. In all of nature, the cat stands out, IMHO, as "nature's masterpiece"--don't you agree?
Yes, kind words are very powerful. I woke up today crying like I had lost one of my own and I realized that I HAD -- we all have, because we are all here together and one/every loss SHOULD be felt by all of us. Until every one of us feels that, there is something very wrong that needs to be addressed in every one of us examining our own heart.
I think that when we sit quietly among the cats, at their level, they do see us more as “one of the Clowder.” I have often found this very useful when trying to get a feral to learn to trust me. I sit in a way that mimics how they are presenting themselves to me. Every time I sit or lay on the floor in the cat room, kitties come from all over the house. I often wonder how they all know I am there! Lol I guess I am louder than I know. I see so many wonderful interactions that I might otherwise miss. I can’t think of anything I would rather watch.

Many orchids are scented. Some smell like raspberries, some like chocolate, some like coconut , some sweet perfumes and so many scents! The scent depends on the pollinator the flower needs and what scent will attract that creature. Some are pollinated by hummingbirds, some by bees and even some by flies. NEVER smell one that is pollinated by flies! Lol yucky!

I found two varieties of Black Callas listed. One is named “Black Star” and one “ Odessa”.
Both are online. One on Amazon and others at various bulb companies. I suspect, as with many “black” Flowers, the person who removed it considered it a symbol of death. In truth, most black flowers are actually a very dark purple that our eye perceived as black. Sad that any flower would be seen as anything but a wonder of nature.

I do agree that the furry flowers are nature’s masterpiece! I think the kitties would also agree! :)

Your empathy is very moving. I also feel the pain of others. Universal empathy would make our world great. We should share in the sorrows and the joys of others. Support during both times is greatly needed and we can do that. I hope that you wake up tomorrow feeling joy of others rather than the loss. Maybe you will dream of growing kittens and callas. :grouphug2: Someone, somewhere is feeling joy while watching their first kitten play. They are learning of the beauty of a cat. We should feel that too.
 

Jcatbird

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tabbytom tabbytom Those little ferals were delightful. All kittens are. They seem to have springs in their feet! All the kitties in the house seem to enjoy the babies that came in. It never mattered who the parents were. The colony was somewhat divided on this land but they all accepted each other. They are all family. I am grateful to have been accepted into their family too. I learned a lot by watching them over the years it took to bring them inside. I was constantly in awe and in love.

Going back to the discussion of large kitties, here is the magic cat that can make mom disappear! Magic is deceptive. He is really (according to him) just a little fellow!

I am your baby. Hold me!
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Little kittens need to lay on their mom. Even if it’s a human.
Bonjure, you’re squishing me. Lol
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Then I’ll lay on your shoulder.
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I want to put my paws around your neck.
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That’s good mom.
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Why are you moving mom?
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I don’t want to get up mom.
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What if I give you a head bump? Can we lay back down?
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I give you kisses too!
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I’m like tape. I stick to you. Lol
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Nope! Still sticking to you!
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You have static cling mom. I can’t let go.
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It’s not gonna work mom! Even if you get up, I’m sticking to you!
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Four paws are very good at holding on!
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Give up mom!
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I love you mom!
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That worked, didn’t it? Lol
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Baby Bonnie wins again! Little kittens always win here.
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:flail: Bonjure is right. Except for the part about him being little. I kept trying to put him down but honestly, I ended up laughing so hard as he twisted around to hang on I couldn’t put him down! We both win!

Have a great night everyone! :heartshape:
 

maggiedemi

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I laughed when Flowers sent Banjo off to find her own face to lay on. It turned out later to be my face!
Hee hee. Faceplant. :lol:

Many orchids are scented. Some smell like raspberries, some like chocolate, some like coconut , some sweet perfumes and so many scents! The scent depends on the pollinator the flower needs and what scent will attract that creature. Some are pollinated by hummingbirds, some by bees and even some by flies.
That sounds kind of exciting. What other flowers are involved in foods? I just remembered that flowers are involved in making honey.🍯

feeling joy of others rather than the loss
Yes, I would like to learn to be more joyful like that. 👍

I am your baby. Hold me!
I wish my cats would beg to be held! I have to steal hugs. :catlove:
 

tarasgirl06

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Yes, C catapault and M maggiedemi -- and roses can be eaten as well! Rose essence and rose oil are used in many recipes in west and central Asia, as well.
Jcatbird Jcatbird Oh, you've brought out the beauties! Magic, Bonjure and Dolly are most beautiful (though I love all cats, of course, and find them all beautiful) and it's a real treat to see Magic and Bonjure in a photo series!
I looked up those callas and I'm not sure which one my parents had here, but it sure looked like those. I looked up the symbolism too and liked what it said, that they are symbolic of mystery. They are so lovely! I wish ours had survived. I used to love seeing it bloom.
Didn't get much sleep at all last night, but I am thankful for every day and always look forward to the opportunity to help others and do good things so it is not wasted.
There is a little tortle croissant beside me. She thinks it would be a good thing if I were to feed her. Even though she just had breakfast. Because she is Tarifa and that's what Tarifa does. :lol: :hearthrob: :dancingblackcat::hearthrob:
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rubysmama

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I hope you get to see another slipper. I understand it may be a bedroom slipper with a Ruby in it but that’s even better.;):lovecat2:
That "lady" slipper just could happen. :hearthrob:

Thanks for the tips on repelling ticks. The idea of them drilling under my skin still gives me the creeps. :running:
 

maggiedemi

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We eat flowers - broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes.
You mean the flowers on these plants? :think:

Rose essence and rose oil are used in many recipes in west and central Asia
That sounds fabulous and fancy. 👍

I am thankful for every day and always look forward to the opportunity to help others and do good things so it is not wasted.
This made me tear up a bit. That is such a lovely way to start the day. 🤝

The idea of them drilling under my skin still gives me the creeps.
Hee hee... That actually happened to my dad twice! He was not laughing though... :eek2:

Jcatbird Jcatbird --I posted a headless selfie in the positive thread if you want to see it.
The Positive Thread 2020
 

Mamanyt1953

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rubysmama rubysmama There are evergreen azaleas. In general, rhododendrons have larger leaves. Primary difference - azaleas have 5 stamens inside their flowers while rhododendrons have 10. Botanically, all azaleas are rhododendrons, not all rhododendrons are azaleas.
My gran used to say that azaleas were "polite rhododendrons."

Ah, the vanilla orchid! My favorite of them all!
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Originally, this little wonder grew about 90 feet up in the rainforest canopy. As I recall, they seldom propagate, and when they do, the pods take a LONG time to develop and grow. And when I was a kid, before vanilla plantations really took off, harvesting meant someone climbed up that 90 feet, and harvested them by hand. High quality real vanilla is a multi-layered flavor, rich and very subtle. Far from being bland ("plain vanilla" is SUCH a misnomer), it is full of goodness! It is for those with a discerning palate. Those who find it bland are rather jaded, and don't appreciate subtlety much. Vanilla is one of the most exotic spices on the planet, in my opinion!
 

Jcatbird

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M maggiedemi Without Flowers we would not have fruits, grains or veggies. Loving veggies means loving the flowers. :) Did you see my peach flowers? The tree now has a peach we’re the flowers were. I am waiting and hoping they ripen and I get one before the birds get them all. Lol Have you ever bitten into a fig? The flower is inside? Very cool. Figs are fascinating things and can be the key to restoring and deforested areas like the jungle.
A peach in the making!
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Faceplant! :flail:Good one!

I love your selfie. Cute clothes! I like to shop Old Navy too.

C catapault And flowers taste great! Very nutritious too.

tarasgirl06 tarasgirl06 The black kitties said to send you purrs and thanks!:purr::blackcat2: (That second emoji looks just like Dolly!:lol:)
Both those Callas are lovely. Maybe they carry a bit of magic too?
I am sure your days are never wasted. Tarifa is beautiful and a testimony to your efforts. It looks to me like she is making a second breakfast herself. Is that paw making biscuits? Encouragement for you to offer second helpings. :lol:

Furballsmom Furballsmom I totally agree! Breyers natural vanilla is rich and yummy!! I rarely buy ice cream but that is my favorite. Second choice.... Brown Mules. ( Vanilla ice cream with a thin shell coating of chocolate) In the hot weather, my grandmother always had one for me after my walk home from school. I still think of her every time I see one. Grandmothers are so great!

rubysmama rubysmama I hope you do get to see that flower. Those tick tips really do help. If any bug ever bugged me, that would be highest on my list with fleas!

Mamanyt1953 Mamanyt1953 You are a true vanilla lover! Lol I think the flowers are pretty and the vines can be amazing when laden with seed pods. I found the plant of the variegated vanilla was really beautiful. There is even a leafless form of the vine. I found some during my trips.

tabbytom tabbytom It was a beautiful googled photo! ;) Certainly beats having to climb high enough to get that!
 

Jcatbird

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Tonight is a Precious time!

We have a tree climber in the cat room!
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Precious! You’re a heavy kitty!
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Want to get down?
No!
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I couldn’t get him off until I sat down on the other sofa. Lol He perched behind me.
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Banjo was confused. I was sitting on the wrong sofa!
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Precious offered an explanation to everyone. He wants me on HIS sofa tonight.
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This sofa doesn’t have squishy pillows!
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I’ll just wait here on the floor until you go where you are supposed to sit human. Precious won’t allow sharing.
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Kodiak tried to hide under a bag but Precious found her. Intimidation happened!
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It worked too. Precious did share with me.... for a little while. :flail:
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BJ finally served as my escort back to the other sofa. I made it without a Precious shoulder pad. :lol:
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Have a great night everyone! :heartshape:
 

rubysmama

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Hee hee... That actually happened to my dad twice! He was not laughing though... :eek2:
Nor would I be laughing. More likely shrieking! Or fainting. :fear:

rubysmama rubysmama rubysmama rubysmama I hope you do get to see that flower. Those tick tips really do help. If any bug ever bugged me, that would be highest on my list with fleas!
Fleas are horrible, and leave red welts on my legs when they bite me. (haven't been bitten in decades) But those ticks ... Doesn't help that they're of the arachnid family, of which I already have a phobia of. 😱

Back to flowers ... here's my "lady (and the) slipper". :winkcat:

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maggiedemi

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Without Flowers we would not have fruits, grains or veggies. Loving veggies means loving the flowers.
I guess I have a lot to learn! I didn't know any of that stuff you just said. And I thought flowers were boring. More like Fascinating. 👍

Have you ever bitten into a fig? The flower is inside? Very cool.
Yeah, but I never saw a flower in there. :headscratch:

Both those Callas are lovely. Maybe they carry a bit of magic too?
I love anything Magical. I need all the fairy dust I can get. 🧚‍♀️✨

Tonight is a Precious time!
Precious things are worth holding onto if we can. ;)

here's my "lady (and the) slipper"
It says page not found. :dunno:
 
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