Tag: black

May 10th – I pottered into Brownhills for a mid-afternoon recovery ride to do so errands, and with the warm afternoon sun, everything was beautiful and felt right: the canal at Silver Street is wearing it’s summer jacket of green and blue, the boats and waterfowl were quietly busying themselves and all was right with the world for a change. 

Also busy, but probably busy doing nothing, a black and white resident of the canalside who took up a better vantage point to observe me, observing him.

The canal cats really are wonderful at the moment.

May 6th – Only a short run around Brownhills and over to Chasewater as it was, not to put too finer point on it, bloody cold and grey, the day being more akin to February than May. I was cheered however, by the cats I met at Catshill Junction. 

These canalside kitties were at opposite ends of the age spectrum, and whilst the black and white one was a dashing, well-maintained cat about town who was all to ready to stop for a fuss, the old tabby with the mangled ear and sad eyes was telling a tale of great experience and no little fighting. 

Both lovely animals in their own way. That’s what I love about cats and dogs; one can almost identify with their personalities, tribulations and lives.

May 2nd – Many of us know the pain of an irritating sibling.

I spotted the charming grey cat near the Tannery flats in Birchills, Walsall. He was inspecting the flower border and very alert to me. Then what I assume to be his brother appeared.

They greeted each other with a nose boop, then grey fellow continued to stare me out, stalk me and generally let me know I was under intense scrutiny – while the brother rubbed his head on him, attempted to wash his tail, and generally didn’t take stuff seriously at all.

Eventually, Mr. Grey walked off in disgust.

A fine pair of cats. Someone loves these two very much.

May 1st – A couple of unusual cats noticed while visiting Middleton Hall and returning via the canal and Tamworth. The black and white puss nervously observed me from the scrub as I crossed the old quarry. Miles from anywhere, I couldn’t help wondering if he was feral. Certainly not into people, but it looked in good condition, maybe the side effect of living in a bird sanctuary…

The other cat looked genuinely like it might steal my soul. Clearly a pedigree with huge ears and a remarkable coat, it was eating scraps left out for it on a canalside patio. It seemed more fox than cat, to be honest.

I guess it’s momma loves it, but I found it quite haunting.

April 15th – A better day, but with a keen wind and I headed out for a ride late afternoon. Passing along the canal in Brownhills, the local feline population didn’t disappoint: At Catshill just on Clayhanger Common, eyebrow cat cast a surly, but authoritative figure as it disdainfully regarded me, and on a canalside deck but the Watermead, an old puss had fallen asleep, seemingly unaware his tongue was still out.

I’m loving the cats at the moment…

April 10th – I seem to be annoying the local cat population somewhat of late (and probably those who don’t like cats and read this journal) as I keep catching them going about their feline business and that’s clearly a bit rude.

I’m interested at the moment that canal cats seem to be returning to Walsall Wood and Brownhills – after a scant few years, it’s now getting quite common to see a waterside flaneur taking the air, hunting, having a drink or just watching things over the water. 

They often disapprove of the attention.

The garden panther here, told me off most vocally from behind the Maybrook Industrial Estate. 

The visibly irritated black and white chap was at the back of Barrow Close, and I’d ruined his quest for a little Moorhen.

I love cats. The best thing about summer is seeing them out and about again.

April 7th – I spotted this thirsty puss on my way back to Brownhills, on the canal bank behind the building site not far from where I saw ginger last week – but closer to Silver Street than Catsill Junction this time. 

Anyone who owns a dog or cat will know that no matter what water you give them, rain and pond water will always be best, and this cat took it’s fill before studiously ignoring me and heading back to the bushes.

I love to see cats drinking like this.

March 26th – Amongst the animal life spotted in Tamworth, two canal cats watching me from the opposite bank. The black one was a sleek, young-seeming and alert garden-panther. The black and white clearly older, more – ahem – generously proportioned – and shall we say a little cuddly.

Both shared the same utter contempt for me. 

I adore cats, but often it’s so very much unrequited.

March 6th – Spotted in great Bridge, in an alleyway just off the high street, these two likely characters, although only a handful of yards apart, studiously ignoring each other.

I love how now the weather is warming up, the flaneurs of the summer are starting to awaken from their cosy spots indoors, yawn, stretch and take the outside air now that the sap is rising.

When the cats are out, you know summer isn’t far away.