With tail flicking and head outstretched to receive an ear scratch, CiCi Brennan thought I was jesting when I reported that I had recently read Sanibel Flats, the first book by Randy Wayne White. Although it was published in 1990, it was my first foray into his, eh, storied career. “You’re a writer who’s beenContinue reading “Reading the Waters of Sanibel Flats”
Category Archives: Travel
Molly and the Feline Siam
When Siam arrived in our household, he let us know he didn’t belong. “I want to be a terrifying tiger,” he mewed from what has become his favorite spot on the sun-drenched ottoman. His voice was so high-pitched I almost couldn’t hear it. Could it be that I imagined it? While I pondered that possibility,Continue reading “Molly and the Feline Siam”
CiCi Fancies a Rim Adventure
At 19 years old, Cici Brannen may be slow, deaf, and nearly blind. To accommodate her limitations, her human mate, Pam, anticipates her every need, like a water fountain, a daily brushing, and a good book to read. In return, the fragile feline accommodates Pam by watching her fish and photograph birds. “Life is good,”Continue reading “CiCi Fancies a Rim Adventure”
Scrubbing for Wildlife
Mickey Blanchett takes after housemate Rick when it comes to observing birds. On a recent bus trip organized by the Calusa Nature Center to the Archbold Biological Station in Venus, Florida, Rick spotted horned owls, swallow-tailed kites, and caracara when everyone else saw cows. His wife, Nancy, is accustomed to people gathering around Rick whenContinue reading “Scrubbing for Wildlife”
Going Head-to-Head with Manatees
Pukka is not a people-friendly feline—unless, of course, he’s snuggling up with his housemates, Martha and Rick. Only then does he allow his true cat-onality to express itself. His prevalent feral spirit involves patrolling his environment, bringing home small rodents, and indulging a curiosity with another primitive mammal—the manatee. Not that Pukka would actually jumpContinue reading “Going Head-to-Head with Manatees”
Bucketsful of Magic
Unmasqued
Aloha Quarantine
All this talk of quarantine brings me back to sipping Kona coffee with my husband on a Pacific-facing lanai along Hawaii’s Kohala Coast. Lulled by pounding surf and sultry trade winds, Bob suggested we adopt a simple life: quit our jobs, abandon our belongings, and have the pet sitter ship our cats to us. SuchContinue reading “Aloha Quarantine”
What the Cats Are Reading 