I had my first visit to the Christopher Cutler Rich Shelter in Gloucester MA this week. I was amazed to learn of the thought that goes into the design of the condos for the cats! They prefer a room with a view – to better observe the wildlife at the great outdoors (!) at 4 Paws Lane, such as birds. They also thrive in designs (such as you see here), where their food is kept separate from their play and rest quarters. The divided areas offer privacy when their condo is being cleaned or food and water delivered. The two levels also offer an excuse for some cat stretching and jumping activity. I learned a lot on my tour by Rebecca Bayliss not only about the cat areas but the entire shelter. I think one fact that really impressed me was that when animals are being quarantined either because they are a new arrival or they are sick, the air in the quarantined area is also totally isolated from the air in the other rooms! Like all non profits, the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter is constantly looking for ways to fund their work and although the cat condos are not for sale, the naming rights are!
Barbara Dombrowski (and husband Hilary), the owner(s) and operator(s ) (janitor..to CEO) of Goose Cove Gardens for over 20 years does her best to insure the success of her customers and impart her plant wisdom to all of us Cape Ann gardeners. One of the ways she has done this is by making sure we don’t plant her products at the wrong time. Goose Cove Gardens grows organically and features a fabulous supply of heirloom tomato plants. This philosophy has resulted in the famed “Tomato Release Day” at 
