New frontiers in cat-feeding

It's time to revisit the idea of Pumpkin becoming smaller. Zellie, however, is less smitten with the idea of counter-top eating than she was in the house in Ferndale, so that is out the window. I came across the feeding cage idea on the Internet and it seems to be working so far. I got a small cage and made the opening a little smaller by using a piece of wood that is wired to the bars of the cage. Giselle can get inside and eat anytime she wants, but Pumpkin can't. I was surprised at how narrow I had to make the opening -- a hungry and determined Pumpkin can make himself rather small. At first I was worried that Giselle would eat all of Pumpkin's food, but I rarely see her eat from his dish anymore. Both critters seem happy with the arrangement.

National = Impressive?

Today I met up with some people and went to the National Arboretum. Like most attractions with the word "National" in front of them, this was very impressive. We didn't even see everything. Atop a small hill in the center of a field these columns are standing in a group. They used to hold up part of the US Capitol until they were replaced with marble in the 1800s; now they stand out here and look stately all day.

We also visited the herb garden and the bonsai exhibit.

Oh yeah, and there was a big Koi pond so I had to trick them into nibbling my finger with their rubbery lips. :)

It's time to cut the ribbon

I can't believe that only five months ago I was part of the 8am parade of Michigan-plated Audis and VWs wandering to work in a building that was only about 25% finished. Now the building is totally done, everyone has found places to live, and most of us have Virginia plates of one kind or another. And this week there were people with large scissors there to cut the ribbon.

Gratuitous Pumpkin Picture

He deserves it.