Born to Be Wild

Zoooooooommmmmmmm

Vladi is showing off his brilliant acceleration.

Large and In Charge

Its Vladi's world and we all live in it.

New Lavender Garden

This year we found lavender plants growing

happily among the lupines and daisies.

So we figured a lavender garden would grow well close to the house.

24 little plants + a new bird bath + grass mulch = instant garden

Uschi is the first on the scene.

He saunters through the garden, U is our fearless investigator.

After a quick pose, U has better things to do.

Tanji is next, but this is as close as he wants to get.

T-grrrrss don't like change.

Now Vladi is gingerly walking across the springy soil.

Are there treats in here?

This is a little disappointing for Vladi,

but we are enjoying the show from our lawn chairs.

Another Day in Paradise

We're all out for another walk, scattered along the trails.

This year the west pond is filling in with cattails and rush.

In the north pond, Maui the koi has a few new goldfish friends.

And out at the east pond, its a quiet retreat for birds.

At ground-level the irises are still blooming.

In the distance, the coastal range is hazy blue.

Back at the house, Vladi just caught sight of us...

(he's on the chair in the center).

Zooooommmm, Vladi arrives ripping down the trail.

I need attention!

Now the scene is even prettier.

Living in Paradise

Each year our home grows a little more beautiful.

The boys are heading out to enjoy their paradise park.

All of the trails are very well-manicured, thanks to the new mowie.

Piles of roses are blooming all around.

The smaller cherries are ripening in the sun.

There is plenty of random habitat for the native plants and animals.

Somehow every trail seems prettier than the last.

Lupines are already in full bloom...

...the daisies are next.

Big-leaf maples are unfurling their giant leaves...

... and the vine maples are studded with ruby samaras.

Tanji has plenty of soft grass to chew.

If we head down just the right trail...

...Uschi will be straight ahead,

watching the grass rustling in the breeze.

Oops, he heard us coming and is heading west.

Tanji heads east, there is plenty more to explore.

Tanji the Wise

 Tanji is the sage of the family: he can accurately predict the weather,

knows when something is amiss, and seems to see right through us.

Of course, he has his mushy kitten moments too.

Avoiding V

 Where are my brothers?

Vladi has been wandering around the house and kennel looking

for Tanji and Uschi to join in a game of pounce and chase.

 T & U are lounging in their new Zen retreat.

Please don't give us away, he's kind of pesky.

Uschi Sleeps Here

 Uschi is picky about who can sleep on the bed with him.

"Daaaaaaddddddd" is always preferred.

Absolutely no Mom or Vladi.

Tanji is acceptable under the right conditions.

 He can be close, but no touching.

 That's pretty close.

 Quick, take a photo, this probably won't last.