Around the time that Billy died we spotted a grey oriental (perhaps Siamese?) looking tomcat with big yellow eyes hanging around. Over the weeks he got bolder and bolder in getting into the kitchen to steal cat food and we realised he was a stray. We have searched for his owner without success so last week we formally adopted him. We called him Bobble at first, because he was an intact tomcat with big!! bobbles. He is now "bobbleless" so we decided on the name Tui because he has such a loud voice, just like NZ's tui birds. Like the birds he also has a white bit on his chest. The girl Furries are still a bit wary of him but overall they seem ok about him being around.
We had a lovely email from Louise, who looked after Billy before he became a Furry- when Billy moved on from her house to live at Stragglethorpe, a grey cat appearred in her garden. Louise's theory is that Billy sends a grey cat to replace him, believing a grey cat isn't as handsome as him. Who knows? Anyway, we are very pleased Billy sent us Tui. Like Billy, Tui will be very loved and cared for and we think Billy knew that.
Life remains fun and is busy for both or us. The house plans are coming along well and we look forward to the building work starting. It is the equivalent of January in the UK here and we spent this afternoon on the beach. With clear blue skies and a temperature of 16 degrees it was more like summer.
More to follow soonish..............................................................................................
