Yes, I have been a bit quiet. But I am back at the coal face. Ooh! I shouldn’t say things like that. People might think I voted for the idiot that wants to sell what’s left of this country to foreign mining interests!
So…not the coal face. Back in the saddle? Haven’t got a horse, but I think you get the meaning.
There is no easy way to explain my absence. So I’ll just tell you, briefly, that Stanley has gone. We did not know that his heart was enlarged. It just couldn’t keep going. But, man! he packed a lot into his short life!
His friends sent this gorgeous bouquet for him.
Moreidlethoughts Weblog 
Condolences. Good that he was there for a while.
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Thank you. Yes, we’ve had some laughs at his antics. And his sister (next door) comes to visit sometimes.
I am following your posts;just not saying much!But the pie book intrigues me. Must i come all the way to Saskatoon. or could I sub a local berry.tee-hee 😉
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If you have something roughly equivalent to a wild blueberry, that would do. If you don’t but do have ground almonds, the basic applesauce cake is good with a quarter cup of ground almonds subbed for a quarter cup of the flour.
I’m thinking of trying it with chopped rhubarb next week, but the high acidity may make the batter ‘interesting’.
; ]
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It always hurts like hell.
He packed a lot into his short life. And thank you for making that kind, essential and painful decision.
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It always hurts…but we get through.
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He’s so beautiful! I too am sorry for your loss! I often cry when my friends pets pass on because so often any pet of a friend is a friend to me as well. They are a joy, 86% of the time. 😉
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Ah-hah That is a very precise percentage! And on the mark for cats. Thank you. Melanie. xx
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I am so sorry, Dinah. He looks such a sweetheart. Pets generally end up breaking our hearts, but the love and fun they give when with us makes it worth the pain.
Sx
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Oh, Stanley was a “box of frogs” as The Man called him. A real live wire. Memories lose their sharp edges with time. At least, that’s what I tell myself…
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Yep, eventually the tears stop and are replaced with a smile when we think of them – though the ache in the heart remains.
Sx
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I am sorry…losing any friend is horrible.
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Thank you.
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Oh, no! I’m so sorry, Dinah. Poor Stanley. He was, possibly, the most impressive egg there ever was (I love that eggbox photo – “What? I’m an egg. Deal with it”)
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All of our cats loved the egg cartons. We called it “playing the X-box” Also, wine cartons. Says something about our household…
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Oh Di, I’m so sorry to hear about Stanley. What a very decorative cat he was. It’s a sad time but you did right by him and he was a lucky boy to come into your family. Hugs!
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Yes, he was a full-on dude! And the luck went both ways, too. Thank you for the hugs.
Are you wearing thermals yet Damn’ cold up here this morning!
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I’m so sorry to hear about Stanley. Hugs and condolences. He had a good life with you.
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yes, he hit the jackpot with us! And even if we’d known about the heart thing, he’d still have blasted through his life on full throttle. It’s how we will always think of him.
Hugs to you, too.
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I’m very sorry to learn that the little fella is gone, my heartfelt condolences.
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Thank you. It was all very sudden, but we are able to smile again
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I am so very sorry to hear about Stanley. Oh gosh, I know what a huge hole they leave in our hearts and our home. Sending my sincere, if belated, condolences.
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Thank you, Diane. Yes, a big hole. I think the fact that he was not much more than a kitten made it worse. But what a lot of memories he left!
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I am sorry to hear your sad news. When I read things like this, I am glad I convince myself I’m far too selfish (and poor) to keep a cat or a dog. But it’s still tempting, sometimes.
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Thank you, Mike. Yes, pets take a fair chunk of the heart when they go, but we try to do the best for them.
Do you have any native squirrels in southern parts? I did see one, once, long ago in Cheshire (or was it Cumbria?), but I think the greys have forced them out.
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Native red squirrels can still be found in the north of England (including Cumbria) and Scotland, but I don’t think anywhere in the south now – apart from the Isle of Wight, where I think they have managed to keep the greys out.
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I love all cats but ginger tabbies are particularly wonderful.
Here’s to Stanley’s memory, and to comforting your aching heart.
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Thank you.He did, truly, have a big heart. xx
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Re-location ? Where is the spider ?!
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I have not seen ANY of my “usual” big spiders here so far, but last night, Sporran found a rather impressive spider which The Man relocated in the garden.
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That’s good, relocating to the garden. They kick the bejesus out of me, but I do not kill spiders. In fact I do not kill any animal, with spine or not. I carry snails from the road. The fact to find another intruder is not so nice.
Anyway, enough of me : Is there a new garden ? Questions abound, photographs need to be taken, achGottachGOtt …
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Thank you for being kind to some of the least lovable critters.
Yes , there is a sort-of garden here, but much work needs to be done.It will take time and some effort…
.
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And as i get out and about to catch up, i’m so sorry to learn this. He was a lucky boy to have found you. Lost Mr. Pickles to an enlarged heart. Big hearted critters leave such a void…. sending love your way.
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