R.I.P. Madam Button

 

Very sadly I had to say goodbye to Madam Button, my little sea cat, a couple of weeks ago.  She was 18 years old, and had a very active life until recently.  She had a bad infection last October and to be honest I was surprised she rallied so well from that - I should have known better.  She was always a very persistent cat.  She had a good quality of life up to recently despite various health problems, but it became clear that her time had come.  

I made the decision over a weekend and spent that time snuggled with her whenever she wanted.  I think we both said our goodbyes that weekend. 

She was as bright as a - well - Button on the dreaded morning.  Had a second breakfast, made her presence knowm by demanding I get up!   I arranged for the vet to come to the house and it was all very calm, and very peaceful at the end.  Which is all any of us can ask for.  The last kindness is the hardest.

We had been together just under 16 years, most of that time on Graemsay.  She was a remarkable cat, very determined, always the boss.  Made me laugh every single day.  She is a great miss. Run free sweet girl.

So here are a few photos of her life on Graemsay.

That time she climbed down the side of the pier!!

Sqweeee - haha....

Watch out for the hens, Button!

Soaking up the sun....

The starlings nested in the pier so she was always wondering if she could get to them!

Still trying to keep her paws dry while exploring.

Searching for Owl and a pea green boat...

Action shot of her hunting a field mouse!

Hunting mice in the byres

Unimpressed with snow.....

But still up for a walk to the shore...

Sleeping on the netting protecting tender plants - fail!

Her favourite morning spot in summer.

Let. Me. In.... NOW!

And more recently in our "retirement" - she enjoyed snoozing in the sun, watching the world go by and inspecting the perimeter of the catio.....

I started this blog a few months before she arrived on Graemsay, and though this blog wasn't about her (though she thought so!) I feel it's now an appropriate time to close this blog.  End of an era for both of us.

Thank you to all my followers over the years, and all the lovely comments.  Wishing everyone well in these uncertain times.  

Sun dog!

 

The sun is out today (ssshhh) and it reminded me to post a picture of the sky last week.  The "halo" around the sun is known as a sun dog - light refracting on ice crystals in the atmosphere.  In the middle is the beginning of a light pillar.  Amazing to see.

PS thanks for the welcome back....

It's February!

 

Just popping in to say all is OK here.  As you can see I lost my blogging mojo over the Winter.  Time will tell whether it will return.  However I've had some kind emails and comments from folk concerned about me and Button so thought I ought to report in!

It's been a tough winter this year weather wise.  Everyone, even experienced Orkney farmers are saying the same.  Constant gales with barely a break, rain, two lots of snow (not that common Orkney), more rain. January felt as though it went on 478 days, whereas February is galloping by.

I struggle in Winter anyway, with low mood, and my lungs really don't like the wind, or damp weather.  Fortunately my wee house is warm and cosy and Button and I have just hunkered down and are awaiting Spring.

Button was unwell in October, November time and I did wonder if she would see Christmas.  However she has rallied, and is her usually demanding, bossy self again.  She is 18 years old, has lost a lot of weight, sleeps a lot, but still has a good quality of life so we take it day by day.

Anyway these are photos from a brief walk to the shore near the house this morning.  A lull in the weather - though I can hear the wind getting up in the chimney again..... ho hum....

The island of Copinsay is peeping round the corner of these cliffs at Dingieshowe.

And some scenic beach photos, among the marram grass.

The wind was catching the tops of the waves.....

Button in her "garden ornament" pose.  Taken recently - she hates the wind, rain, snow etc so spends most of her time snoozing, awaiting Spring... But she pops out on the rare calm, sunny days for some fresh air!

And the Ginger Boys stay snuggled in the barn in their straw beds.  

And look forward to breakfast....

So thanks for your concern.  As I say all ok here.  Hoping to pop back in a few days and post some snow photos!  Bring on Spring!! Please....