Category Archives: Animals

Cat Clinging to the Edge of Normal

Posted on March 14, 2021 by Mary Strong-Spaid

I do not understand! Why did you let strange people come in and rip out the rug beneath my feet? I loved that old brown, wall-to wall, dirty, dusty carpeting. Where will I go to cough up hairballs now? Do … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Humor, Pets | Tagged cats, Engineered wood, Flooring, hairballs, non-allergenic | 21 Comments

Christmas Lion 2020

Posted on December 26, 2020 by Mary Strong-Spaid

It is true that 2020 has been difficult for everyone, and the tail end of this unpredictable year has now affected Keona—our male Balinese cat. Keona was a happy Balinese cat until the vet shaved off half of his fur … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Arthritis, cats, Pets, photography | Tagged 2020, Balinese, fur coat, lion, long haired cats, New Year | 13 Comments

Siamese Cat Shelter-in-Place Guidelines

Posted on April 3, 2020 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Big blue eyes in a travel bag going nowhere ~~~~~~~~~~ Since they like to stay home and are perfectly happy in small places, our 2 Siamese cats (Siri and Keona) are trying to teach us how to effectively “shelter-in-place” during … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, COVID-19, Humor, Philosophy, photography | Tagged Guidelines, Pandemic, Pets, Shelter-in-Place, Siamese cats | 27 Comments

Labrador Retriever Riding in Style

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Mary Strong-Spaid

It wasn’t a dream or a figment of my imagination. I actually saw a goggle-wearing Labrador Retriever sitting proudly in an antique car painted with red flames. This awesome dog was definitely riding in style and appeared to enjoy the … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Antique Cars, cars, Pets, photography | Tagged cats, dogs | 39 Comments

Foster Kitten’s Grateful Prayer

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Dear God, I can’t see or walk very good yet and I am too little to take care of myself, so I am grateful that you gave me a foster mom and a safe place to stay. Without her, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, cats, Family, Pets, Photo Essay, photography | Tagged foster mom, kittens, prayer | 28 Comments

Christmas Cat on Night Patrol

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Mary Strong-Spaid

It was the night before Christmas, and the area directly beneath the sparkling tree was under close surveillance by our two stealthy cats. I could tell by the stern looks on their faces that they were not going to let … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Pets, Photo Essay, photography | Tagged cats, Christmas, Jobs, presents | 42 Comments

Cat Warmth and Wisdom

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Cat wisdom knows exactly where to find warmth and comfort on cold December days. Look! The wise cat knows exactly how to quickly transform an inexpensive insulated shopping bag into a comfortable bed— (just don’t sit on the zipper). Actually— … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Pets, Philosophy, photography, Poetry | Tagged cats, Winter, wisdom | 46 Comments

My Furry Writer’s Block

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Oh no! My ability to type and string words together is currently squished beneath a furry writer’s block. Look! I don’t see any letters and numbers are hidden too, but my little writer’s block is purring warm and happy, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, cats, Computers, photography, Poetry | Tagged computers, Siamese, Writer's Block | 36 Comments

Cold Cat Winter

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Mary Strong-Spaid

6, 8, 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) at night, with freezing snow and ice— how will I survive? I gave away my blankets, my pillows and my bed, when blue eyes came begging without a word and said: “It’s a cold cat … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, cats, Photo Essay, photography | Tagged Humor, Pets, poetry, sleep, Winter | 46 Comments

Thoughts on Time

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

I thought about the new year while sitting in a tree. I did the same thing last year, time matters not to me.Tell me, honestly— Did you see the day pass by the last second in-between, when time inside someone’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Nature, Philosophy, photography, Poetry, wildlife | Tagged Elephants, Happy New Year, Honolulu Zoo, New Year | 40 Comments

Deer with Hungry Eyes

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Ice and snow falling, covering the cold hard ground. Deer with hungry eyes come close to my house searching for something to eat. Many of these deer will not make it through winter. It is sad to see there are … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, wildlife | Tagged acorns, food, Ice, Snow, Winter | 44 Comments

Worried Birds and Winter Weather

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

A worried blue jay came to see me yesterday and loudly proclaimed: “I am here to issue a winter weather warning, so please listen carefully to everything I say. Don’t be fooled by this warm sun, for tomorrow all will … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, birds, Nature, photography, Poetry, wildlife, Winter | Tagged food, haiku, Ice, Snow | 30 Comments

Thinking about Being

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

While I was thinking about being and wondering why I’m here, time appeared before my eyes and melted into years. Yesterday, I was so young and now somehow I’m old? I used to do a lot but now….I don’t do … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, birds, Humor, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, wildlife | Tagged Honolulu Zoo | 75 Comments

Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

A long time ago, the Hawaiians named this species of seal “llio holo I ka uaua” (dog that runs in rough water). Now the Hawaiian monk seal has become one of the most endangered species in the world, with only … Continue reading →