Vibro-greeting!

We've noticed that Minibu has recently starting vibrating her tail - not a swishing, but a rapid 'vibration' - with her tail held straight up and usually a slightly arched back. She does this when she sees us unexpectedly in the garden, or sometimes when we are giving her her favourite food or even a back rub.

I knew it meant she was happy, but a dig around with Google confirms this:

"According to experts, a cat’s tail will vibrate when she’s happily anticipating something desirable, like a treat. Some cats may also quiver their tail when they’re excited but uncertain of a situation."

So - Minibu seems happy :-)

Phoenix to land on Mars

NASA - Phoenix set to land on Mars

May 13, 2008: NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander is preparing to end its long journey and begin a three-month mission to taste and sniff fistfuls of Martian soil and buried ice. The lander is scheduled to touch down on the Red Planet on Sunday, May 25th. Phoenix will enter the top of the Martian atmosphere at almost 13,000 mph. In seven minutes, the spacecraft must complete a challenging sequence of events to slow to about 5 mph before its three legs reach the ground.

Update - Landing Successful! Video link HERE

Bushka - Outdoors Portrait - May 2008

Back to the cats! This is Bushka enjoying the gardens now that 'summer' seems to be here. Over her shoulder Minibu is lying on the cool earth in the shade.... Both cats enjoy being outside and we try and let them run around for several hours each day.

They let you know when they want to come in by racing to the door when we go out to call them. It's really good to see them 'socialising' with other people and other cats.

Lama 5 outdoor flight

This was the first outdoor flight of the electric Lama 5 helicopter. May 4th was a calm and sultry afternoon in London - perfect for some outdoor flight...