Category Archives: animals

Othello, the cat

animals, pets

I was studying Shakespeare’s Othello when two cats came to live at our house. Rebecca named the runt Peter Michael Manzke (Pete outgrew being the runt). I named the other Othello.

Though Pete has crossed the rainbow bridge, Othello is still with us at the age of 16. He’s a scroungy old cat, needing a good brushing.

Pete hates to be brushed. I do a little of him at a time, usually quitting when he starts biting.

Last year this time, while Bob was struggling with his cancer, Othello wasn’t well. I couldn’t bring myself to put him down. I’m so glad I didn’t. He is fine, and good company, sleeping with me.

Othello, without the scroungy half of him showing

Today, I share my home confinement with my pets, so I am not completely alone.

Othello is a beggar, always wanting treats, he gets them, too. I better not run out of his treats. I don’t know what he would do to me if he didn’t get a few every day.

So that’s my blog for today. It’s extra quiet here. I think that’s because I should stay to myself. The crazy thing is that I was finally getting out of the house after losing Bob.

Oh well, this too shall pass….though it will take a while. Good thing my freezer is well stocked.

I hope everyone is comfortable and safe, too.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Cats yowling

animals

It was early morning. I was fixing food for all our pets: Sunny, Othello, and Cruella inside; barn cats outside.

As I worked to mix the kibble and canned food for the outside cats, I heard yowling. Squinty and the neighbor cat were having a face-off.

They stood just outside the kitchen window, growling at each other, nose to nose.

No fur flew today–it rarely does.

I brought out the food for all the cats and these two separated.

I hope to trap both this spring and have them neutered. Hopefully, that will end their squabbles.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Saturday Afternoon

animals, Family

I was busy with family yesterday, so I didn’t get to post a blog. I’m doing that today.

Our daughter Rachel and her husband, Dave, and their three children, Eli, Arianna, and Wyatt came for a visit.

Instead of sitting home, we went to the NEW Zoo in Brown County. The day was sunny, but the wind was wicked and cold. Still, we walked around the zoo and had a great time together.

Even in winter, there’s a lot to see at the NEW Zoo, like these swans.

The cold kept us moving, but much of the wind was blocked by the trees.

When the cold did get to us, Rachel treated us to hot cocoa. The drinks did take the chill away.

We will revisit the zoo on a warmer day and see all the animals who do not like the cold.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved