February 27, 2013

Life on the Farm: Dizzy and Eartha

You may really think I’ve lost it now. I mean the chickens, horses, pigs, donkeys, and sheep are one thing. And let’s not forget Ginger, the most photogenic dog there ever was. But dedicating a whole post to my cats?!? I don’t think so.

The truth is – I’ve been holding this post for a while. Every time I would think of bringing it to life, I would tell myself, “Amanda, you cannot do a whole post on your cats.” But then something unexpected happened that gave me the impetus to do so. Last weekend I woke up on Sunday morning to Dizzy sitting in the windowsill staring out at the garden. The light was soft and pretty, in contrast to Dizzy’s jet black fur, and I was moved to reach over to my bedside table, grab my phone, and take a picture to post on Instagram. That afternoon there were some comments telling me how “Prada” my posting was. It turns out that the Prada set for their show in Milan last week was all about a cat sitting in a window. So I figure now is my chance – while cats are having a fashion relevant moment – to share with you these pictures of my beloved cats who make me laugh out loud, entertain me, keep me warm, and are aesthetically pleasing all at the same time. Now that’s style!

 

This is the first picture I took of Eartha. She was 8 weeks old and was a present to my son on his 9th birthday. Trouble was, when I went to pick her up I also met her brothers and sisters who were mostly black and white. There was one last boy – all black just like Eartha – that hadn’t been adopted. We purposely wanted to rescue black cats because it is hard to find homes for them – most people are superstitious. We were so happy to have Eartha, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her brother that we left behind.

 

Two days later, Eartha’s brother Dizzy joined our farm family.

 

This is the last time Eartha and Dizzy were roughly the same size. ย Very soon he became larger boned than she is, and also grew a big round belly.

 

Eartha seemed happy during her two days as an only child, but she just beamed when she was reunited with Dizzy. They wrestle and fight violently like most brothers and sisters, but they also really love each other. And I mean really love – as in good thing they got spayed and neutered.
Dizzy quickly figured out how to get some extra dinner in his belly.
Spooning siblings.

 

There was a period when it was obvious the cats were dying to go outside, but we had to wait until they got their shots. They would go wild around the house, climbing and clawing on everything, including the curtains. If they were indoor cats they would have destroyed the house in no time.

 

Keeping me company in my office while I work.
The first time we let the cats outside they hid in the bushes for hours.

 

It wasn’t long though before Dizzy found more ways to stuff his belly.

 

Even as they get bigger they still sleep cuddled up at night. I hope they always do.
Eartha getting cozy.
They stole Ginger’s food, Ginger’s peace and quiet in the house, much of Ginger’s attention, and finally Ginger’s bed. She loves them though.

 

Finally a legitimate place to climb.
Bickering.
At first the cats didn’t know what to do with the snow and mostly stayed inside. Slowly, they explored, and eventually got really into it.
Eartha, carefully navigating the slippery snow.

 

Dizzy, doing his best impression of a pear tree.
Dizzy’s Prada moment.

Comments

16 Responses to “Life on the Farm: Dizzy and Eartha”

  1. Anonymous

    amazing cat photos. And multi colored fur( other post) is hilarious and yet I covet .
    your blog is very evocative of a supremely niche unique lifestyle. I hope you get a book contract, if that's something you are aiming for.
    It is the stuff of fantasy, yet somehow you translate or transcend it well enough that it feels attainable. Suspending disbelief.

  2. Sarah Morabito

    this was the most lovely post to read after a long week. What a wonderful visual of these two adorable cats, whom I'm sure are infinitely grateful that you reunited them. Good night ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. anila halili

    I too love cats, especially black cats, and am ashamed to admitted it to my friends. Growing up in Europe talking about cats was normal but once I moved to Canada and learned about the "Cat Lady" stigma, I now do not dare to adopt one, apparently I have to get married first, hehehehehe, I'm glad you posted this, by far one of the best posts.

  4. Anonymous

    I L O V E all your pigs, dogs, cats pictures! I much as I love Balenciaga, Givenchy and Balmain. Please don't stop.

  5. Heather Lou

    I'm doing that cat lover thing where you cover your mouth and silently scream to yourself about THE CUTENESS. Oh black baby kittens…. I want one. Another one. Three is officially too much, isn't it?

  6. Once Was a Girl

    You are not alone in capturing all your kittens antics – if you could see my pics! I would love to know what kind of camera you use beside our iphone's.

    See, fashion and animals do mix:)

  7. Anonymous

    Lovely pictures Amanda! I love your blog mostly when you mix style, life in the farm, and your every day life. What are you going to do with your cats when you have to go back to NY?

  8. Kim

    Our cat is named Dizzy as well and he's a big fat boy as well. I love the latitude of topics you cover on your blog! It's always so refreshing. I lived in a village outside London in the late 90s and am really enjoying seeing photos of your farm and surrounding area. This post was really fun!