AUTUMN AND ANIMALS

Made an early start on Monday. I was going to sit with my MIL who is recuperating from surgery, but I only got to the end of the driveway before I was stopped by loud meowing. I was thinking I had shut Fitz in the truck while loading up, he's always getting into vehicles, but there was no cat in the back seat and I realized that the sound was coming from somewhere underneath the hood. Terrified of what I might find when I opened the hood, I was relieved to see an unharmed calico kitten tucked in beneath my engine. I had no idea how to get it out.

I ran back up to the house to grab a cat carrier, cat food, gloves, a towel, and in the meantime a neighbor stopped. We tried unsuccessfully to reach little kitty, so she went home to fetch her husband, hoping longer arms might do the trick. He succeeded in shooing it to the back of the truck where it perched over my spare tire, so of course, we had to take the spare tire down. We almost caught her then, but she leaped over to the gas tank where she was once again, just out of reach. Meanwhile, more neighbors stop, time is ticking, I have a casserole in the car, and I'm an hour late.

Finally, with three of us belly-up beneath my truck, we grabbed the kitten but couldn't hold her, so she bolted and unbelievably, sought shelter up under the engine of the neighbor's car. Same problem, different vehicle. I hated to leave, but couldn't run the risk that she would run back to my truck, so I left my neighbors to deal. Who knew that a little scrap of cat could cause so much trouble? The kitten eventually climbed down from the car, but now we can't find her. I am leaving food out and hoping I'll spot her again. Poor thing. I know we frightened her. 

I can't believe a week of October has flown by already. I am getting the dogs ready for Bark In The Park. This year, Talbot Humane is trying to set a record for the most dogs in a costume parade. Scout is all set.

I bought the fabric for Nigel's costume yesterday.

I can't tell you what he's going to be. He wants to keep it a secret.

Abby isn't going to the parade. So far, no one is sponsoring a "Neigh In The Park," but you know I had to decorate her anyway.

She was surprisingly cooperative, considering she's in season and it was a very blustery day. The first crisp fall days, with wind, are generally an invitation for shenanigans. 

Took a few shots of the full moon last night, but it was very cloudy.

The sky was clearing by morning, so I got up early to watch the eclipse. Not really happy with the pics, it was extremely windy, so even with my tripod they're a little shaky, but it was a beautiful thing to see.

Going to try again tonight to get some shots over the barn.

Check your vehicles for stowaway kitties, blog friends. XO.

MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Yesterday was a picture perfect fall day, so we decided to venture over to the western shore for the 36th Annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. Haven't been to the festival in a few years and had forgotten what a really fun event this is. 
Many attendees come dressed for the occasion, and the costumes run the gamut from authentic and exquisitely detailed to, "does this look a little renaissance-y?" There are lords, ladies, pirates, wenches, and an abundance of bosoms, over-spilling their bodices. Take your camera. Also, I love a man in a kilt. Not sure I realized that until yesterday.

Hmmm...??

Maybe I wouldn't mind dusting with one of these real feather dusters. Okay, I still would.

Full metal jousting.

Not too thrilled with the quality of these photos. The good news is, I finally ordered a new camera. Look out blogosphere! 
Hope you had some good fall fun this weekend. Also, if you make it to the festival you should definitely go for a frozen banana with chocolate and Nutella. Also, if you try on the custom-fitted, hand made boots, you will want them. Real bad.
HUZZAH!