Year end wrap up part 1

The day to day routine of feeding the cats goes on but in between I'm reflecting on all that has happened this year at the colony.

Here I am on a chilly day this week using our new extendagrabber to get bowls out.

2010 was the year we focused on spaying and neutering so I can happily report that were no kittens born at the colony in 2011, a huge triumph. Maggie and Henry, two adults, found their way out of the colony and into homes. Henry was clearly not a feral and is well loved by Pat and Linda. Maggie has ended up with me, and only loves me, but is very happy not to be living under a street sweeper every winter.
MC and Hank, trying to stay warm. Hank is nice and chubby now.

On the sad side, Ollie and Benji, when trapped to be fixed, had to be euthanized due to extensive health problems. Mo and Clyde both disappeared, we presume they are dead, probably hit by a truck. I mourn the loss of every one.
One of our UBs auditioning to be the MGM lion.

Our cats aging and the corresponding massive vet bills is an ongoing issue. Hank was not doing well in the fall, but after all his teeth were removed and a long recovery, he has rebounded and is doing well. Teddy needed to have a mass removed (thankfully benign) so he got an overhaul as well. A new orange cat appeared with an injured tail so he was trapped and had his tail amputated. Stubby is now a fixture eating from behind the fence. Socks was neutered and had teeth pulled and is a happy fat cat. I wish they could all have proper vet care, but we do the best we can.
The sky was filled with birds the other day. Why do we feed the cats?

With the arrival of a couple of new adults this year, our numbers are around 20. I remain committed to doing the best I can for these cats. It's not a resolution, but a renewal.