Waiting for the rain to STOP

OK, I get it....we are in the middle of the Irish Sea and we really should expect some inclement weather, but really....rain every day....and the racers can't even get in any practice time!

I feel sorry for the racers who come from all over the world to race, spending countless amounts of money

 and not be able to get in any road time!

Until the weather co-operates, we found other entertaining things to do, such as meet up with an IOM friend for lunch at The Prospect Pub in Douglas.  I had what I would call 'a nacho lasagne'.  Layers of tortilla chips, chili and cheese, baked until all gooey!  Top it off with a very creamy sour cream, and you don't need to eat for a week!!

Even though the rain was persistent, there were a few sunny breaks which allowed us to walk through the paddock to check out the bikes.

Here they are waiting on the grid with their 'raincoats' on

I even got a chance to bump into the famous John McGuinness, the second most successful TT rider next to the late Joey Dunlop

 On the way home, we took a few minutes to stop by my favourite place on the island, The Mann Cat Sanctuary

The day ended with a traditional UK delight.....

Looking forward to sunny skies, or at the very least, no rain....:) 

A return visit to the Mann Cat Sanctuary

A must for all animal lovers (especially of cats),

 is a visit to the very unique 

Mann Cat Sanctuary

Their motto is a quote from Albert Schweitzer:

"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace"

They are only open on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons and are especially busy when the island fills up with many visitors attending the motorcycle festivals.  Today was no exception, as all the kitties were out in full force greeting everyone and waiting for their treats.

David giving some love

Napping on the blankets for sale

Looks like he had a pretty rough start in life

Everywhere you go, kitties are either sleeping

 or getting tons of attention.

I even witnessed a little hissy fit between 2 of the pussies

It was a lovely visit.....I will return before too long!

Thanks to Sue Critchley and all her volunteers, for making this sanctuary a place of peace and love for so many unwanted cats.

A visit with the Kitties at the Mann Cat Sanctuary

With every visit to the Isle of Man, I look forward to visiting the kitties at the Mann Cat Sanctuary.

It is one of the most fascinating places I have seen.  Cats roam free within the building and surrounding property.  At every turn is a little head waiting for a stroke.

Ok, guys, here is the bucket you drop your donation in...please....

 

 The resident parrot keeps an eye on things

 Meet a real Manx cat

 These guys were so chilled out

 Sue Critchley, who runs the Sanctuary, greets everyone who visits.

Her lap mate was trying desperately to eat the donation I had just given her (not the first time, Sue tells me)

I was very pleased that Sue remembered me, as we had chatted last year about my work with Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative

 On my way out, I met this little guy.  He came bounding up to me, running in a very funny way.  When he got close, I realized he was missing his back left leg.  That didn't stop him though.

 Back at the cottage, I couldn't resist snapping these lovely views from the back of the cottage.

Another visit with the Mann Sanctuary Cats

At the risk of everyone thinking I have turned into the Crazy Cat Lady,

I would like to share some 'up close and personal' photos of the Mann cats!

Do you have any of those treats left??

One of the oldest residents

Don't mind me if I continue my bath, ok

I wonder if there is any milk in there??

Lip smacking good treats!

Notice that she was once feral! (check the ears!)

Meet some of the other residents!  Every creature is loved equally!

A lovely visit.  They do such great work.

I asked the lady who owns the property how many cats she now has

 and she said to me:

"I really don't want to know" (being her, not me)

Mann Cat Sanctuary - Special Feature!

Those of you who know me are aware that all things 'animal' draw me in.  I have known for some time about the Mann Cat Sanctuary (Santon, Isle of Man) but have never had the chance to visit. I had the opportunity while visiting in June.

Kitty Heaven!

Every conceivable bed, chair, perch and carpet was 'littered'
with cats of all sizes and shapes!

 Even the shelves of food and goodies were great places to sit!

The sanctuary was founded in 1996, by Sue Critchley and Carole Corlett, to provide a safe and peaceful haven for unwanted, disabled and traumatized cats.

 The sanctuary is run solely by a small, dedicated group of caring unselfish volunteers. They work tirelessly trapping feral cats, making numerous trips to and from vets, grooming and sitting for hours simply comforting their residents.

 The cats are free to roam the 2 indoor rooms as well as the outdoor enclosure

They even open their doors to a 'clucking' family and a beautiful parrot

If you would like to see this fascinating place for yourself, check out their live webcams:
http://www.manncat.com/webcam

Enjoy!