Nature Friday - City Garden Edition

 Thanks to Styx for letting me share some of the gardens around Quebec City's Parliament.

Thanks to Rosy and Sunny for hosting this event. 

Travel Thursday - Quebec City - Arrival and The National Assembly - with Tigris

 Dear reader,

Before I let the Lady take over with tales from her trip, I just wanted to say, I have discovered warm laundry. Even though it is summer and it is hot, I give this experience a 10/10.

Now to the boring stuff about Lady's trip.

Long time readers will know, the Man and I usually have at least one big adventure a year. This year,  we didn't plan anything big, because we had decided we were not going to leave the dogs alone again. So once boarding dogs wasn't going to be a problem, I suggest we would go to Quebec City for a few days. I had never been, and the Man had not been since the late 1980s. 

We left on a Sunday, took a leisurely drive to the city (which is about 4.5 hours away if you don't stop or take parts of the Chemin du Roy (King's Road), which is far more scenic. This road was completed in 1737 and was built between Quebec City and Montreal to facilitate travel and trade. 

While it could add a lot of time to your drive, it goes along the St. Lawrence through many little towns, and is a beautiful drive. I do recommend at least doing parts of it like we did, if you are ever in the area.

The St. Lawrence at a rest stop on the King's Road

Our first afternoon we spent by the pool at the resort we were staying at in the city. The second day, Monday, we set off for adventure. 

Our first stop was the Parliament Building that houses the National Assembly of Quebec. As an English speaking Quebecer, I have a love hate relationship with the provincial government (as many of us have with all levels of government).  In spite of this, I was very happy to visit this beautiful building. I think it is more beautiful then Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and very accessible, at least in the summer.

Built between 1877 and 1886 in what is known as a Second Empire Style. It has been the home of Quebec's Parliament since 1884,

I forgot to go across the road to get a picture of the entire building! 

I may be extra partial to this building because of all the statues. You can see them nestled everywhere on the outside of the building

:"The American Indian Family" by Louis-Phillippe Hebert, 1889

Inside, we were able to visit the library that houses over 2 million documents, with the old book dating back to 1473.

Outside the library is a tree of knowledge that lists the most frequently searched words in the library. 

The Library smelt just like you wanted an old library to smell, and because tourists don't know how to be quiet, there were a lot of "ssssshhhhhhh" by the librarian! 

While some walls are covered with paintings of past premiers (Quebec has had 32 premiers since Confederation in 1867), it was the stained glass I loved the most.

This was in the library and  the waterfall in it represents the endless knowledge found in libraries

Another cool piece of art, was made of wood and using different levels of carving depicted important aspects of the history of Quebec. This piece shows the importance of the North with the sleigh dogs. 

I thought this window was probably not appreciated by those who use the conference room. 

The Blue Room where legislation is debated and voted on, was under construction during our visit, so we could not see it. We were able to visit the red room, which used to be the main legislation room, but now is a place for committees and ceremonies. It was super, super hot during out visit because of the construction they can't have the air conditioning in. 

Outside the dining room

Reflection inside of outside

You may be asking, if Quebec is a province, why does it have a National Assembly? This is a good questions. Until 1968, Quebec had a Legislative Council. When this was abolished, it became National Assembly as it aligned with the French term for legislature and emphasized the province's distinct identity and history. Some of you may be aware, Quebec has a fairly strong separatist movement and this is one way they assert this. 

I hope you enjoyed the first stop on our tour of the only walled city in North America. Next week, we will wander around the streets of Old Quebec. 

Wordless Wednesday - Styx In The Bag

Tuesdays with Tigris - Ok I Missed Them a Little

 Dear reader,

As you may have gathered, I am a bit more aloof than Styx. While it is clear that I had lived in a home before, I also spent time on the streets, so I have learned that you must never be to trusting of the humans. I can be a little protective of my boy (Lady and Man assume given ages, stripes and behaviour, I am Styx's mom). For the most part I have learned to trust these 2 humans who brought me from the shelter. 

I wasn't completely thrilled with them going away for a few nights, I was a little cautious when the children came over. The children said I hid a bit. I am curious, but cautious and when they were giving the food, did come out.

In spite of myself, I will admit I did miss the people. I have shown them this by first making some biscuits, and then sitting on Lady's lap.

While I don't want them to go away again, I will admit I would prefer to stay in my house. I at least know the place is safe.

Tigris

Mischief Monday - Home Alone - by Styx

 Hi friends, hi friends,

The most horrible thing that has happened to us since coming to live here, ok, second most terrible thing, as dressing up is the most terrible thing, oh and Tigris says forced snuggling is worse, so maybe like the 3rd most horrible thing to happen since we came to live here. A horrible thing happened. 

Trigris protecting me from the kids, she is a very good mom

The people left us alone in the house for 87 million hours. We only got food and water when the two of Callie's kids came over to feed us and play with us and take good care of us and mow the lawn because they were bored. 

I was forced to drink out of a water dish and not Lady's water glass

Our people have argued that first 4 nights is not 87 million hours, and that it was less traumatizing then taking us to a kennel where they thought we may thought they were truly abandoning us. We haven't lived with them for 4 months yet and the people thought 4 nights at home with kid check ins would be the best for us. 

Having to play puzzles in the sun with kids

We were both very happy with them when they came home and gave them lots of love and attention and we hope they never go away for so long ever again, or they take us with them. Because we saw proof on Lady's camera we could have gone with them. 

This was taken a vineyard

Lady says there are no plans for the people to leave us for 87 million hours for a long time. We don't have to worry about it. Because of this promise, we may let her tell you about her little vacation.

your pal Styxy, who guarded the house and played well with the children

Nature Friday - A Nighttime Visitor - by Styx with a dramatic re-creation

 Hi friends, hi friends,

We have a very exciting night here recently.

First the power flickered for no reason. So Man got up to unplug the things that were set off by a power outage.  He had just gotten back to bed when he heard us hunting. He got up again and next thing you knew the lights were coming on and the Man was yelling. The Man then ran to the bedroom to get an old t-shirt. You see, there was a bat in the house. The bat had been on the dining room floor. The Man wanted the t-shirt to grab the bat in. 

By the time he got back to the dining room, the bat was gone, Tigris was hiding and Lady was awake and confused. 

Man and I went on a bat hunt.

A dramatic recreation

It didn't take long before I spotted it, hanging near Angel Lee and Phod's pictures. The Man quickly wrapped it in the t-shirt, and made his way to the front door. The Lady grabbed me so I couldn't go out while Man tossed the bat and t-shirt outside.  In the morning the bat was gone, so we hope it flew away.

I get to have so many wildlife adventures in this house, maybe it is almost as good as getting to be outside. 

your pal, Styx-Man, the Bat Hunter

Wordless Wednesday - Let Me Out! Styx

 

Tuesdays With Tigris - I Do To Snuggle

 Dear readers,

The Lady has recently accused me of not providing the level of snuggles she has desired. In fact, she accused me of not really snuggling her at all.

I went through her camera and found the following that proves when I am in the mood I do snuggle.

Let's look at these examples (that were not generated by AI).

Here I am providing love during the work day

Here I am crawling all over her on one of the hottest days of the year

I really think she needs to just accept I will give the love when I feel like it, not necessarily when she feels like it.

Tigris

Mischief Monday - The Rest of the Story by Styx

 Hi pals, hi pals,

Last week we shared a picture that looked like this and people wanted to know what happened.

Fortunately, it was not a bath. I am a very clean boy and do a great job at taking care of myself. Unfortunately, I was just up on the counter, minding my own business and the tea towel was there and my people thought it would be hilarious to make me wear it. 

I tried to use the force to get it off, but I failed. You would think with the internet, they would have better things to do, but nope, dressing up Styxy is too fun for them. 

I guess this is the price I pay.

Your pal, the too tolerant Styxy

FFF Nature Friday - Friendship Continues with Styx (and Tigris)

 YAY, it is the best day of the month! It is the FFF Nature Friday, where I your favourite poetic cat Styxy writes a beautiful poem about something nature. Thank you to Aunty Yam and Rosy and Sunny for making this happen.

My best friend

by Styx (without using AI)

I may have been named for a river of hate

But it is not a feeling I appreciate.

I love all the people and all the creatures,

Even those with edible features.

I am friends with skunks and deers and cats,

with them I love to have wonderful chats.

I think my best friend is the squirrel called Earl,

I am not sure if he is actually a girl.

He comes to my window to say hi,

I am sad when he has to say goodbye.

Earl the squirrel is a special one,

When he comes we have all the fun.

Now a word from Tigris.

Reader, everyone has been making a big deal about Styx's FFF Nature Friday post, and while he cares more about this than I do, I thought I would give it a shot. The following is inspired by a visiter I had never seen before. 

To this other cat

by Tigris (no AI used)

Scram.

The End

Wordless Wednesday - Send Help! (Styx)

 

Tuesdays with Tigris - Annoying

 Dear reader,

As you may have gathered, I am a far more refined cat then Styx. I will let you know if and when you can love me for example. 

Imagine my dismay when I decided to join the Man on the couch and he thought it would be so funny to make me cuddle a dog toy - a stupid dog toy.

Ok, I do look very cute, but I still maintain that a Gris, should not be made to cuddle a dog toy.

Tigris

Mischief Monday - I Was Thwarted - by Styx

 Hi pals, hi pals,

I tasted the freedom and had the cool grass on my feet and the sun at my back and I hate to admit it, but that sweet, sweet grass lead to my downfall.

The Lady stupidly used the front door when she was doing bird feeder stuff and I was able to make a break for it.

Lady was screaming and I scooted under the deck. Man came out and called me and I stuck my head out and then I ran in the grass. Lady went inside to get treats, while the Man was calling me to stop and wait. The bush was thick so I stayed on the grass. Then the sweet sweet grass was calling my name and I couldn't resist it any more. I stopped for a snack and my man was able to scoop me up.

Dramatic recreation of my taste of freedom

My love of grass thwarted my freedom. 

Lady and Man were glad I was safe and are now being extra, extra careful.

your pal, whose love of treats got the best of him, Styxy

Nature Friday - With Your Host Styx

 Dear pals, dear pals,

I am so excited to get to write the blog again. I love writing to you all. It was really hot here last week. The temperatures were in the 30s/80-90s, which Lady says for some people isn't hot. We thought it was hot. With the humidex it was close to (40/100). We sat around and moved less.

I

It may be hot, but I still want to enjoy the morning sun

 I asked the Lady to collect some pictures for me. I am calling this, things I want to eat. 

Yellow food

Purple snacks

Pink and green

Looks too chewy

Roadside snacks

I hope you enjoyed this week's Nature Friday. I am so happy Rosy and Sunny host this.

your pals, the plant eating Styxy

Wordless Wednesday - Styx

 

Tuesdays with Tigris - I Can Hunt Too!

 Dear reader,

Having taken the time to look at this blog, I can see readers may think that Styx is the only hunter in the house. I spend as much time as him watching my yard and hunting. I catch as many bugs. In fact, I would guess, I am probably actually a better hunter than he is. I guess in the fall or winter when the mice make it into this house, we will see I am in fact the best hunter.

Hunting from Lady's desk (the bird feeder is outside)

Hunting from the other window in Lady's office

Until then, you will need to take my word on it.

Tigris, the hunter

Mischief Monday - Unfair - by Styx

 Hi pals, hi pals,

I have to tell you something that is very unfair in our house, so unfair, so unfair and it is making me sad. Sometimes to get treats, I have to do a puzzle. I started with some of the dog puzzles. I do not like the rocking ones and the moving ones. Then the Lady and Man got me a cat one. Level 2. I figured it out in only a few minutes. I am a very smart boy, so smart. I can do puzzles. I like treats. Treats in puzzles is nice. 

My cat watermelon puzzle

Oh, back to unfair. Tigris will have nothing to do with puzzles. She will look at them and look at the people and walk away. She walks away from food. So instead of making her do a puzzle for treats, she just gets some. She doesn't have to do a puzzle. 

Eating treats

It does not seem fair that this very smart Styxy has to work for the treats. I should just get treats for free too.

you pal, who is treated unfairly, Styxy