About Knuschka.com
This is a web site of black and white and color photographs of human and non-human animals and some poetry. Sounds simple enough. We'll see how it goes. If you'd like to comment or offer a suggestion, please send us an email.
Paul
I suppose that if I want to ask others to pose for a picture that I'll then post on a web site, I should be the first to offer up my not so smiling mug. It was an interesting experience coming to terms with a closeup of my now 51 year old face.
I work in the Information Services section of a small metropolitan area city government. I'm a guitar player, a hobbyist web designer, and a vegan. You can find another of my web sites, Fourth Amendment Summaries, here.
I live with a wonderful woman and four non human animals. We're a happy, if somewhat furry, group.
Wynette
Today, as I write this, is Wynette's birthday. She's the new 25.
We first met in Junior High in 1970. We shared some classes, must have shared at least a few words, and went our own ways after High School. In 2002, we met again or maybe I should say, we really met.
I love her dearly. She's kind. caring, and compassionate - not unflawed and able to admit it - and I envy that so much.
I picture the two of us sitting together sometime in the future remembering when we put up that website of poems and photographs and thinking we were so cool.
You'll find more of Wynette's poetry at the Violet Moodswing web site.
Joe
Joe's a monkey. I know, he looks like a cat but really, Joe's a monkey.
He moved in with me in the spring of 2002 in Edinburg, TX. He was a little hungry but healthy, around a year old, and very energetic. He's a little bigger now but still maintains that boyish charm he showed when we first met.
Most of all, Joe's my friend. We hang. We eat. We laugh and we play. He means everything to me. He's Joe. It's as simple as that.
Me and the monkey Joe.
Joe the boy, the best friend I ever had, died the morning of November 13th, 2010. Wynette and I are heartbroken but relieved that his suffering has ended. We will always love and miss you Joe.
Molly
I first met Molly when she came to live with me in Edinburg, TX in 2002. She was very young, weighed only a pound or two, and was exceedingly shy. Molly has changed quite a bit since that time - she's a healthy adult, much more outgoing, and a bit stubborn these days in her own sweet way.
She's really special to me - I say that about everyone living with me I know - and, along with the others, I promised to love her, protect her, and treat her with the respect she deserves.
I can't imagine her not being here. I really can't.
Tabbers
Tabbers was a vagabond of sorts, living under the stars on most nights until she moved in the house in early 2003. Small in size but so so large in spirit, she is boundless in her tenaciousness, her fearlessness, and her love.
She sleeps on my head, or on Wynette's, and the sound of her purr soothes me and assures me that everything is as it should be. Tabbers reminds me that, if things don't go my way today, they will tomorrow or the next.
Tabbers is my foundation and the source of my strength.
Tabbers died the afternoon of February 23rd 2010. We will always love her and cherish her spirit and her memory.
Sammantha
Sammantha's the youngest in the house. She was a baby when we met in 2003, leaping after Joe as he ran down the hall and again when he ran back.
She's a momma's girl sometimes, napping on a summer afternoon with Wynette. At other times she's a ferocious hunter, stalking those she lives with in hopes of a response. And while it's always a response that she gets, it's not always the response she expected. She wouldn't have it any other way.
She's my Sammy. My fuzzball. My little baby girl.
Bo
Bo is the newest addition to our family. Wynette and I met Bo while walking to her workplace early one morning.
We think Bo's a little less than a year old. We know he's very playful, eats a LOT and gets along great with the rest of the family. I'll write more about him as we become better acquainted.
OK, Bo's been with us about 6 months now and he's settled in as another member of the family. Bo talks a lot, makes his way into unexpected places, and has found his rightful place on the bed for sleeping each night.
Bo Bo the monkey boy.
Andy
Well, Bo was the newest addition to our family. Then much to our surprise ... along came Andy.
Seems a friend's dog carried little Andy into out lives via our friend Stephanie. He was only 4 to 5 weeks old, weighed .6 pounds, and was a seriously hungry little boy.
In the two weeks since he moved in, Andy's more than doubled in size, proved to be an able climber, and made friends with everyone in the house, especially Bo.
Welcome to the family Andy.
Andy is 4 months old now and his eyes have changed from blue to gold - just like Bo's.
Andy, after a sudden and brief illness, died the evening of January 18, 2012. We're so sad that his life was so brief but so blessed that we were able to spend it with him. We will always love and miss you Andy.
Danny
We heard a meow outside our front door early one morning and upon further inspection, found a hungry little boy. He had a meal then vanished into the darkness only to return the next day and the day after that. Well, Danny is the newest member of our happy family.
He's solid white except for his tail and a patch of color on the top of his head. At this point, he's a bit serious but becoming more comfortable as the days roll on.
Glad you're here Danny. You'll always be loved.