I have a lot of catching up to do! It was a very busy weekend at the rescue and I have gotten out sight seeing a couple of times.

Weekends are busy times at the rescue. Saturday after regular cleaning duty I accompanied another volunteer on a shopping trip for flowers to plant. Now this is something in my wheelhouse! We cleaned out old pots and planted lots of new colorful plants that hopefully will look fabulous in a short time. That evening a bunch of us went to a carvery. For my US friends, this is like a buffet with 4 meats that someone cuts for you, then you fill your own plate with veggies. Sunday is a big day here for carveries and is called a Sunday Roast. We might call this home cooking but we will not find Yorkshire Pudding on our menus! I had been looking forward to Yorkshire pudding and gravy. It was really good–all of it! Then we took a drive to Kirkstall Abbey, which is Cistercian monastery dating back to 1152. Quite an amazing structure and much still intact. The history here is, of course, amazing. Old here is not in the hundreds! We then drove to Saltaire, which is a textile mill town built by Sir Titus Salt. Too much history to get in to but consult good old Google for more. Saturday was just a glorious day. I had so much fun being at the rescue most of the day working and talking to everyone and then such a nice dinner and sights. I felt a bit like I was part of things. It was a GREAT day.

Sunday was an absolute madhouse at the rescue. Many cats were adopted which meant all the kennel areas had to be disassembled, disinfected and thoroughly cleaned to be ready for the next occupant. In addition to that we did some major reorganizing of supplies. Needless to say I felt like I’d worked a day on the farm by Sunday evening and thoroughly enjoyed the couch and a movie.

Monday was also a lovely day as one of the volunteers took me on a little road trip to Skipton. There are “market towns” here where there are rows of shops and booths open and the Skipton Market is a good one. We browsed the shops, had lunch at a pub overlooking a canal, toured Skipton Castle (medieval castle) and then took a beautiful drive to a botanical garden. I may have purchased a few items at the market. I am reminded of how heavy my suitcase was coming over…

This week I have been doing “my shift” each morning at the rescue and feel a real sense of routine. I am learning a lot and am seeing very sick cats come in and witnessing the remarkable turnaround as they get proper care and nutrition. I am truly in my element and the time has just flown. Sara leaves Knoxville tomorrow afternoon and will arrive Friday morning. We do have some plans at the rescue and also some day trips planned, though nothing definite. It’s good for me NOT to plan and take each day with what it has to offer.

Salsa, one of my favorite Sanctuary residents.

Beautiful Carrots. He is a therapy cat (he is blind) and is a very special boy.

Kirkstall Abbey

Saltaire

Saltaire

Skipton Castle

Gorgeous gardens.