I usually write about creatures and plants in the backyard, but today’s post is about Nicholas, my nature loving cat who passed away suddenly this week.
His world was small because he was an indoor cat, but Nicholas spent hours at the windows and on the screened porch watching birds, squirrels, lizards, butterflies, and chipmunks. I don’t often take the time just to sit quietly on the porch, but today I did. I heard at least five different bird calls, saw bright blue jays flit to the birdbath, heard rustling in the leaves, felt the gentle breeze, and smelled fragrant flowers. These are the things Nicholas loved about his yard--he enjoyed every sound, smell, and sight.
Landscaping a yard from bare ground is hard work, but I’m glad I took the time to learn how to attract birds, butterflies, and wildlife. Nicholas couldn’t go to nature, so my garden brought nature to him. He enjoyed the great outdoors from the safety of his screened porch. That makes my yard a true labor of love that’s worth back pain, pulled muscles, and plain old exhaustion.
When I found Nicholas thirteen years ago, he was a pitiful stray—starving and injured. In spite of his sad circumstances, the white cat with a gray cap and tail was gentle and loving. A good boy all his life, Nicholas always seemed grateful for a home, a soft bed, a full food bowl, and someone who loved him. I’m grateful to him, too. His lively companionship and affection all those years brought me a lot of happiness and enriched my life immeasurably. Rest in peace, sweet Nicholas.
Thank you Joyce. I appreciate hearing from you. It's funny how these strays grab our hearts and leave such a void when they pass away. All the best to you and thanks again.
Posted by: Georgia Backyard Nature | May 26, 2011 at 04:47 PM
I am sorry to read about your beautiful Nicholas, my friend. And thank you for sharing the photos of him. Our 18 year old Kitty Kitty, a calico, passed last spring, and Nicholas reminds me very much of her. Kitty was a stray that moved in with us, too. Just showed up one day and took over.
Joyce
Posted by: Joyce McArthur | May 26, 2011 at 03:58 PM
You are very welcome!
and I have added you to my Blog Roll as someone I would like to visit again and again.
Your site is lovely :-) and of such interest to me.
Thank you for your message to me and your compliments to my Blog - It is a Labour of Love, the blog and what I do here!
I hope we get the rains this week!
Feline Felicity - my two cats here are litter mates from a stray that had her babies at my Mom's neighborhood .... I just had to bring the kittens here to Kamama after their mom was finished with them! My dog Taylor is a rescued dog too - I found her starving up in the north Georgia mountains some 9 or 10 years ago. Best decision I ever made to bring her home with me!
All my best to you and yours - Kat.
Posted by: StayAtHomeKat | May 26, 2011 at 09:32 AM
Thank you Kat for your sweet comments about Nicholas. I sure do miss him. I visited your blog and enjoyed it. Your photos are spectacular. Thanks again.
Posted by: Georgia Backyard Nature | May 23, 2011 at 09:44 PM
Hello. I am Kat from Georgia and I love cats .... and I am sorry for your loss .... finding you now at a sad time .... still I am glad to find you .... I live in Georgia too and blog about my own backyard - my pets- my nature- my plants and animals. Take heart. grieve and remember your Nicholas for always. How beautiful he is in the photos .... and that he was a rescued cat makes him all the more special and blessed.
Posted by: StayAtHomeKat | May 23, 2011 at 07:40 PM