Cat Lover, Suburban Homesteader, Lover of the Outdoors, Austinite

The highlights: Loving life in Austin, Texas. 20-yr veteran cat rescuer and all-around animal lover who is happiest outside. I share true-life stories and bits of wisdom and knowledge picked up over the years.

Living in Austin, Texas

I thought I’d write my first article as an introduction so you can know a little bit about who I am. This will give a bit of a hint about what my topics will be. First of all, I live in Austin, Texas, and have been here since 1989. I love this city but truth be told, it’s getting more than a bit overcrowded for my taste. I long for the country life but wonder if I missed the boat for that and am too old for it now. At 59 I’m already thinking down the road towards being in a place for successful aging and in that case, having abundant local resources and a close network of friends is a good thing.

Suburban Homesteader

Since I don’t live in the country I have done everything I can to bring the country to the city. My home in the suburbs is a mini homestead where I grow herbs, veggies, and flowers. I also raise chickens for eggs, compost, and entertainment.

I have created places to hang out, have a fire, swing in a hammock, and chat with friends over coffee or an adult beverage. I keep a table and chairs on the front porch for neighbors to drop by and have a sit. They’ve been known to be out there even before I get home from work and that is exactly the kind of thing I had in mind when I created the space.

Happiest Outside

I spend a lot of time at a keyboard earning a living but I am happiest outside for sure. Doesn’t matter the weather, you’ll find me camping, kayaking, gardening, or just taking a walk. The photo for this article is from a recent trip to Inks Lake State Park. That is one of my top happiest places to be on earth.

Animal Lover and Cat Rescuer

I love all animals but cats have always been closest to my heart for some reason. I think it’s because they are more enigmatic than dogs. Dogs make it too easy. I’ve been in cat rescue since 1999 and through the years over 500 cats and kittens have come and gone through my doors as fosters. They came to me lost, abandoned, hurt, and sick. I’ve been a way station for them to prepare to find their next home, which hopefully will be a forever one.

I’m theoretically on a sabbatical from rescue work for a while. The mission is tough on the heart and the wallet so I need some time to recharge both. Someone forgot to tell the cats that though, so of course I still find myself called to duty on occasion.

If you love cats, sign up for my weekly newsletter to get just the stories about cats as well as other tips on care, behavior and fun cat finds of the week.

Sign up for The Catnip Life newsletter here: http://bit.ly/3JEWruO

If you'd like to read unlimited stories on Medium you can join with my referral link: https://bethbach.medium.com/membership