Possumlady Place

So Long---For Now

2010-07-19T12:56:00.002-04:00

With my lack of posts I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I've decided to stop blogging...at least for now.

Stress at home (with one of my cats, Sweet Pea being ill), stress at work (many organizational changes in the wings since the Boss left and not knowing what my job will entail in the coming months), and the incredibly oppressive heat and humidity of this summer (they talk about a cool front that will lower the temps to 90!), has made one very stressed out and melancholic possum.

Rest assured I will keep in contact by checking out your blogs and by Facebook. It's just that there is absolutely nothing of interest going on in my life and trying to think of a funny and/or interesting post is just one more stress I don't need right now.

Thanks for reading...

Happy Anniversary Jane!

2010-07-14T14:40:00.001-04:00

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Jane Goodall's pioneering research on chimpanzees at Gombe National Park in Tanzania. She spoke at one of our conferences a while back. Although it was only a featured session, you would have thought she was the keynote speaker with how crowded the room was. Since I should have been working at our HQ offices at the time, I pulled strings, cajoled, and basically pi$$ed off some people for leaving my duties to attend her speech. I did not care. It was well worth it. Somewhat shy and reticent, her passion for animals and the environment came through loud and clear. She is such a positive role model for me.

While she is on the road giving speeches 300 days a year, I read on her website that she is marking the anniversary by going back to Gombe getting reacquainted with her friends (both human and animal). She will be taking a solitary hike up "Jane's Mountain" and then attending a celebration in her honor tonight.

Thank you Jane for letting the world know that chimpanzees are smart, sentient beings with a complex social structure, and not the silly mindless creatures that had been portrayed for years. May you have many more years of health and happiness in advocating for those who have no voice.

Gombe: 50 Years of Research and Inspiration from The Jane Goodall Institute on Vimeo.

Elephant Fluff

2010-05-28T14:47:00.006-04:00

On this Friday before Memorial Day weekend, I leave you with a happy Ele video. I've been meaning to post this before but, well, you know.

This video was taken in March. It shows Shirley and Tarra being very silly. This is a wonderful video since at 64 years old, Shirley is the oldest elephant at the Elephant Sanctuary and the matriarch of the herd and while she is pretty mellow and sweet, silly just isn't in her repertoire. Shirley has had such a tragic life in the circus. You will notice that one of her back legs is misshapen from when a bull elephant attacked her at a circus event and broke her leg, but she was never taken for treatment. You can see part of one of her ears missing from a fire when she was on a boat that had caught on fire while being brought to a circus. More recently, she has lost two of her dear ele friends in the last three years and the Sanctuary has been finding her many times off in the woods alone.

Tarra on the other hand is the gadfly of the herd. Wanting to makes friends with everyone and always wandering around with her dog, Bella. It has been amazing watching her spend more and more time with Shirley. Caregivers at the Sanctuary insist that they can tell that Tarra senses that Shirley needs extra care and some silliness now and then. Watching Shirley respond in kind is truly heartwarming. Keep an eye out at around 1.53 in the video as Shirley strategically positions her bad leg to give Tarra a little kick! Oh, also make sure your sound is on.

Enjoy and have a restful and thoughtful Memorial Day weekend.

(Dang, the right side of the video is cut off. If anyone knows how to fix, let me know--thanks).

Something to Plan For

2010-05-21T11:25:00.002-04:00

The Board meetings have come and gone. Everything went off without a hitch. A co-worker mentioned to me that "it finally dawned on me that if ANY aspect of the board meeting went wrong, no matter how small, it would be on your back". Yes, I told her, now you know why I'm usually in an extreme state of stress right before and during the meetings.

Now, I am counting down the days to when my boss leaves. His last day in the office is the middle of June. While I'm not in fear of losing my job, the exact outline of what I'll be doing is still up on the air. There just hasn't been any time to discuss it. I have things written out about what I currently do and what I'd like to continue to do, along with a title change. I just need to get on the incoming Executive Director's calendar.

What keeps me going is my long term goal of working for my local animal shelter. While I can't think of looking for work there now, once my house is paid for I'll be able to take a job there at a lot less pay.

The shelter had a little reception and tour for the major donors last night. Now, I do donate, but am nowhere near a major donor. My neighbor is though and invited me along. I can't tell you how much I feel at home every time I walk through their doors. The Executive Director was once the chief veterinarian at a well known animal hospital in DC. He then became the Medical Director of the shelter's medical center. Now he is the Executive Director and a nicer man you will not meet.

I used to volunteer at the shelter until my own population of cats grew to the point (13) where I felt I was shortchanging them attention on evenings when I would go to the shelter. So, my plan is that in about five years, my herd (now at 8) should have thinned out even more and I can start volunteering again. Then, after I work my way into their hearts, and after my house is paid up, I hopefully can transition to employment there.

Would you like to see a few sights from last night? Sure you would...

This is Riley. Police were called to a domestic situation a little over two months ago. When they arrived they found three rottweiller puppies that had clearly been abused. All three puppies had collars that were so tight they were imbedded into their skin and had to be surgically removed. Riley also had a rubber band tightly wound around her front leg that had obviously been there for weeks. It had completely stopped the blood flow to the leg and unfortunately, they had to amputate it.

As soon as Riley saw this little one, she immediately hopped over to her. The surgery was two months ago. A vet tech took Riley home to foster and has now adopted her. The two other puppies were adopted also. The couple who had the puppies are being prosecuted for animal abuse.

We then took a tour of the kennel area (or as they like to call them, doggy condos). Many of the dogs look like these two. They take in a high percentage of dogs from high kill shelters in West Virginia and they all seem to be hound mixes.

This white shepherd came all the way from Kuwait. Did you know that the country of Kuwait has only ONE animal shelter? Well, that one burned down and while they found homes for all of the cats and some of the dogs, there were still 20 dogs that were left out in the hot sun in cages. The Rescue League took them all.

We then moved on to the Cat House. This is were I usually spent most of my volunteer time. There are usually a number of cats roaming around, playing or sitting in volunteer laps getting brushed. They even have a separate room for playing for cats who might be contagious with respiratory infections. Each cat condo has its own air filtration system. It has cut the spread of infections by 90%.

I, of course, was drawn to this black beauty. There must have been around 20 people talking and laughing and he was the most laid back cat, just taking it all in. As laid back as he was, he was no match for this one...

You could barely wake him up!

The evening ended with a tour of the medical center. The shelter has six veterinarians on staff. The Executive Director (pictured above) told us he barely gets to do any surgery any more but tries to give a hand a couple times a month. (A humbling experience was looking through the offices. The Executive Director's office is smaller than mine. Though he has the BIG bonus of being able to bring his two dogs to work with him.) The medical shelter is also a life line for over 6,000 low income residents and their animals who live in the District. A typical exam will cost $10.00 (if they can afford it), while surgeries costing into the thousands will never exceed $100.00 (again, only if they can afford it). Plus they host monthly free spay/neuter days.

Yes, something to plan for...

If I Were a Rich (Wo)Man...

2010-04-28T11:46:00.008-04:00

...I would quit my job so fast it would make your head spin. But, I digress...

I've been lax in posting and commenting on other blogs lately. With board orientation meetings last week and our full board meeting starting on Sunday, any spare moment I've had has purposefully NOT been spent on the computer!! But, I didn't want too much time to go by without posting about a few surprise guests to my local shelter.

The actor Harvey Fierstein is currently in town for a few months playing Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. He is a BIG supporter of adopting rescued animals (he has many of his own) and last week brought some of his castmates along for a tour of the Washington Animal Rescue League.

I've always thought he seemed like such a fun guy and now I like him even more knowing of his love of animals.

Unfortunately, I was not there when they took the tour. All photos are courtesy of WARL. I don't know why but this last photo just melts my heart.

A Blast from the 80s (with a twist)

2010-04-24T14:24:00.002-04:00

Okay, bad title. I'm trying to do a little cleaning today and decided to get out my 80s new wave music collection to help me clean. I was listening to the Safety Dance and laughing to myself remembering the very weird medieval video that went with the song. When it was time for a cleaning break I decided to look up the Safety Dance video and watch it. I googled it and up popped this video titled Safety Dance--Literal Version. Oh My God! I was laughing so hard! It's the actual video with a dubbed literal version by someone who sounds just like the original singer. I'm not sure if it will be as funny if you don't know the original song, but see what you think. Enjoy!

She's a Brick-----House!

2010-04-16T14:50:00.004-04:00

Okay you cat-lovers in the DC area--have I got a cat for you! The Washington Animal Rescue League (the shelter that I support), posted this video of a cat they just got in. She is seven years old, declawed and weighs (ahem) 25 pounds!! Her name, appropriately, is Aretha. She was given up by her owners because she "wanted to be petted too much." Oh, the horrors.

I have fallen in love with her and if I didn't have eight of my own, including another big boned gal Chunky Lisa, I'd snatch Aretha up faster than you could say tuna! She obviously needs to go on a diet, but other than that she is very healthy and a sweeter girl you will not meet.

Check out the video and make sure your sound is on...

Cat Tested and Approved

2010-04-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

Things are moving along here at Possumlady Place. My work is getting a bit crazy again with upcoming orientation meetings for new board members and an early May board meeting. Luckily both are here in DC so no travel, which always adds a layer of stress to everything. The cherry blossoms have come and gone, so too, the Nuclear Security Summit.

I was cat sitting up the street a few weeks ago and last weekend my neighbor dropped off a beautiful woven basket from their travels in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico as a thank you gift.

I jokingly said that I hope the cats would leave it alone. I walked into the kitchen later that evening to see this

I just can't imagine this is comfortable. But I've long given up trying to figure out my cats.

*****

A funny aside: I had to drop off some papers to my boss's house last night. His wife let me in and I was greeted by their dog T (a recently rescued 3-year old springer spaniel). T bounded up to me and then quickly spun and ran back to the kitchen/family room where my boss was. I gave my boss the documents that needed signing and we were all just chit chatting away in the kitchen. I saw T standing near his bed with his head down and called him to come over. He looked up with this big roast chicken looking toy in his mouth and stood there wagging his tail furiously. I said "what have you got there T?" My boss's wife cried out "he's got our chicken!" Apparently they had grilled a whole small chicken and it was resting on the kitchen counter and T decided to go for it. I was laughing so hard while my boss was yelling at poor T to "drop it". My boss got the chicken away not looking too bad except for a decent sized bite taken out of it. They were both SO embarrassed saying that he has NEVER done anything like that before. Of course T knew he was in trouble so he quickly came over and sat down right on my feet and was leaning against me looking all innocent. I can honestly say that I've never had to wrestle a cooked chicken away from one of my cats!

Never a Dull Moment... or...Living with Cats

2010-03-29T12:26:00.008-04:00

Living in a multiple cat household can be challenging at times. With the newest cat (Oliver) being brought into the herd back in 2006, everyone is more than used to my routine and what is expected of them. With the exception of my occasional travel and the occasional mouse, you would THINK things would run pretty smoothly.

Yet, all it takes is one cat getting into something to throw the whole household into a frenzy. Such was the case last night. The day started well. I had done some more spring clean up of the yard and had finished laundry and a kitchen clean up. I got all the cats in the house by 9:00 (the wind and rain really helped with that) and was hoping for an early night. In fact, I was in bed by 11:00 (quite early for me) and had fallen asleep for about 15 minutes before all hell broke loose.

First I heard things falling over (hmmm, a cat must have gotten into the tv room closet), then I heard what sounded like a bunch of ping pong balls dropping and bouncing (okay, what the HECK is that), then I heard a cat screaming and a whooshing sound with what sounded like something substantial being knocked over. By this time, if there were any cats on the bed with me, they had all jumped off to investigate. As I threw the covers off I yelled out "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT THERE!!" Complete silence. I'm now standing by the side of my bed wondering if I should check it out now or just wait until morning to see what the damage is. Since I've had a few recent mouse experiences I decide to check it out in case that is what all the fuss is about. I stomp into the tv room, look around and take a moment to try and figure out what happened.

What I can make out is that Chunky Lisa opened the closet door and while trying to jump up on the boxes, pulled them down instead. One of the boxes had my miniature Christmas ornaments, that included a bunch of tiny red glass balls that were now scattered all over the floor (ahh, the ping pong ball sound), with other cats now joining in batting the balls around. Chunky Lisa was up straddling the back of a chair with the look of a crazed animal. Somehow she had gotten her head through the handles of a large red plastic bag from Target that now was draped across her back like Superman's cape. (Okay, that accounts for the scream and whooshing sound.) She must have been frantically running around trying to get rid of her "cape" and in doing so knocked over the table lamp.

Stifling a laugh I quietly yet quickly walked over to Lisa who looked like she was about to bolt, removed her cape, picked up the glass ornaments, closed the closet door and went back to bed.

And people wonder why I have such dark circles under my eyes...

Without any visual proof, I vehemently deny the allegations about me in the above story (although the red plastic cape WAS pretty cool)!

Earth Hour

2010-03-23T18:37:00.002-04:00

Wow, it looks like I have figured out how to post a video again! Huzzah!

Earth Hour is this Saturday. Please check out this video and join me in turning off your lights this Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 pm. I did it last year and while it's not so much fun doing it when you live alone, it was fun watching my neighborhood go dark. A number of us went out on our front porches and we all started gabbing away and before you knew it the hour was up!

Sorry Ollie!

2010-03-21T09:51:00.003-04:00

I guess it was bound to happen. With the wonderful weather we've been having the inside/outside kitties are spending more and more time outside. I still like to have them in the house overnight though, as referenced a couple of posts back.

Last night was a pretty warm night. Temps around 11:00 were still in the 60s. I was pretty tired having worked in the yard a bit. I got every cat inside and went to bed. This morning I woke to a cat-filled bed. It seemed like every cat was up on the bed and wanting to be cuddled and talked to. When I finally was able to extricate myself from all that fur and started walking around turning off the outside lights, I did a quick head count and kept thinking to myself "now where's Ollie?" He's a small, skinny fellow that can curl himself up pretty much anywhere but I couldn't find him. I was up before the sun and opened the front door and there he was, pawing at the storm door and crying to be let in.

Aww, I'm so sorry Ollie. I thought I had everyone in last night. Maybe this is a reminder that when I call you to come in and say this is the "last call", you will heed my words. Then again, maybe not.

Here he is curled up on my pillow. I took this photo a couple of minutes ago. When he came in he went right to the food bowl, then jumped up on my bed and has been there ever since. (Can you see his left clipped ear? He obviously got caught up in a feral colony at some point and was trapped, neutered and released. How he made it to my house is anyone's guess.)

Observing Two Anniversaries

2010-03-17T18:45:00.004-04:00

What is the longest you ever stayed at one job? Would you ever think you could stay in one job for 20 years? Me neither. Yet, last Friday, March 12, marked my 20th anniversary at my association. I've seen board members come and go, staff come and go and now I will be going on my third Executive Director as my current boss announced in December he was leaving as of June 30th.

They had a quiet celebration for me. So quiet that, wait, they didn't have ANY celebration for me! Was I a bit peeved--yes. On one hand I could understand it as my boss was getting ready for yet another overseas trip and was already working one day a week at his new job. Plus our HR director has been away on Grand Jury duty since the beginning of February and she is the one who usually keeps track of such things. Still....

A board member was in town that day going to another conference and she stopped by to say hello. She is cycling off the board this year and was talking about how she was going to miss everyone. When she started talking about how long I had been at my association I quietly said, "well, as a matter of fact, today is my 20th anniversary". She started making a big fuss and invited me out for a drink which turned into a wonderful dinner and gab fest, all "off the record" of course!

Word must have gotten round to our HR director as I received these beautiful flowers yesterday

(Pay no attention to the mess behind the flowers)

I particularly like the mini orchid sprigs with the Spanish dancers!

Since I had my camera out I thought I'd show you my little cat and elephant tchotzkes I keep at my office.

Including a close up of a button my niece Meagan found for me. I LOVE IT (tee hee).

Now the next anniversary. Today marks the second anniversary of my sweet and gentle Butterball's death. I find it truly amazing how much I STILL miss him. Possumlady Place is again filled with laughter and little and not so little cat feet, purrs, trills and just general cat craziness. But, I still ache for Butterball, my gentle giant, my main man, my Gandhi of cats.

Really...You Shouldn't Have

2010-03-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

The weather has finally started warming up yet there are still a few mounds of snow around as painful reminders of the Blizzards of February 2010!! The inside/outside kitties are getting restless with all the time indoors so I let them out to burn off some energy when I come home from work. Just like with children, I start calling them to round them up about an hour before they need to come back in and I go to bed.

Around 10:00 last night I made my first call out on the front porch. I could see two cat silhouettes racing around each other. Hmm, looks like something's up. Then, Oliver struts up the sidewalk and starts prancing up the front porch steps trilling away with a little mouse in his mouth. Oh no, I say, keep that little mousey down there. Oliver dutifully marches back down the steps and drops the little mouse. Little mouse then scampers off into the undergrowth. Oliver watches it for a few seconds then starts after it again. Well, that's enough excitement for me, I think to myself as I go back inside.

It's 11:00 and I'm all ready for bed. I look out the storm door onto the front porch and see Oliver sitting there looking pleased as punch and ready to come in. Next to him is the little mousey, now deceased. Oh, thanks very much Oliver. I open the door and Oliver starts coming in, stops, turns and picks up the mouse. I'm sorry Oliver, mousey stays outside. I'm not sure if it was my tone or not, but Oliver again drops the mouse and races inside. I then call Tobey and he runs up the porch steps, stops dead in his tracks and slowly walks up to the mouse. He sniffs it and looks up at me expectantly. I shake my head, no Tobey, mousey stays outside. Tobey then saunters inside while I say a little prayer for said mousey then close up for the night and go to bed.

Jaxx is Back!!

2010-02-19T17:05:00.003-05:00

In the past few storm posts, I mentioned I was looking out and worrying about a couple of feral cats. Well, one was poor Pyewacket that had to be put down last week. The other was Jaxx. Around the first of December, my neighbor sent out an email to be on the lookout for a brown and black ear tipped cat that escaped from her carrier. Her name was Jaxx and had been ear tipped, spayed and given her shots. My neighbor and others felt she was a stray that started hanging out with a feral group and they decided to try to keep her inside and see if she would tame up a bit, when she got loose from her carrier.

Well, I kept my eye out but never saw her until the night before I was going away to Orlando for a board meeting in mid-January. I had brought all the cats inside and was keeping them inside for the 2 days I was going to be away so I wasn't replenishing the food on the front porch. Around 10:00 pm I heard a commotion on the front porch and saw a brown and black cat fussing with a raccoon over about four measly pieces of kibble that were left in the bowl. I chased away the raccoon and the cat ran off too but immediately came back and was crying at the bottom of my porch stairs. I put out a can of food and I never saw a cat wolf down food so fast. I then put out another, then another, and then another! She wolfed down four cans of food!! I was afraid she was going to throw them right up again! I called my neighbor and said to keep an eye out for her and relunctantly had to leave for the airport early the next morning.

I started seeing her regularly in my back yard. She was hanging around my shed and I would see her crawl under it. We still had snow from our past storms and very cold weather so I could not try and trap her until the weather got better. Well, it never did. I was feeding and seeing her regularly until the first big storm hit on February 5th. After that I never saw her. I waded through snow every evening and put down dry kibble next to the shed. I always saw cat tracks, but it could have been any number of cats in the neighborhood.

Since going back to work on Tuesday, I decided the snow had gone down enough and paths had been forged so that if she was still around she could make it to where I usually fed her, next to my back porch. So I opened the window and called her and put out a can of wet food. I called and called but she never came. Wednesday morning the food was gone, but again, it could have been other cats, possums or raccoons. Wednesday night I went through the same routine. I called and called and lo and behold up popped a little ear tipped head! She was crying and hopping through the snow to get to where I had the food. Oh it was great to see her. She didn't wolf down the food so I know she was able to get to the kibble I was putting down for her. I talked about my day as she ate a few feet below me. In fact. I was just about to tell her what I was planning on eating for dinner when she turned and gave a big stretch and sauntered back to the shed. "Oh, okay", I said, "see you tomorrow." Isn't that just like a cat?

It's the Little Things in Life

2010-02-17T18:15:00.001-05:00

It's Day Two of returning to work after the back to back blizzards. Along with still dealing with mountains of snow and two hour commutes when it should be 30 minutes (in fact, I'm sitting in my office right now hearing the honking of horns outside--oh how I don't want to get in that traffic again), I'm dealing with mountains of paperwork from the unexpected time off.

In trying to keep myself calm and centered, I'm thinking of all the little things in my life that make me smile. Oh sure, my animals keep me on my toes and make me smile and laugh every day. That is a given. But, as I was standing at the lunch counter today, I started looking at my scarf and I smiled. I LOVE my scarf! Is that silly? I got it at Kohls over a year ago and each and every time I put it on I smile. It goes with everything I have and the colors are so bright and cheerful, even the black has little shimmering threads. Everyone that has seen it comments on it and thinks it is handmade.

So what about you? Is there something in your home or office, or a piece of clothing that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face? Enquiring (possumlady) minds want to know!!

P.S. I'm sure you noticed my new header photo. Can you tell I was dealing with cabin fever and thinking of a time with no snow? I know the photo is too big but I don't know how to shrink it. I also inadvertently made the type of the entire blog larger because I wanted to make my header type larger. Obviously, I don't know what I'm doing. Any instructions would be greatly appreciated!!

Photos of the Day After

2010-02-12T08:31:00.004-05:00

With the federal government on a delayed opening/unscheduled leave day, I checked with my boss to see if he could pick me up as my driveway is still not shoveled out (since he lives just a couple of minutes from me). He was leaving earlier then I had planned so I guess it's an unscheduled leave day for me today!!

Side of house view on Sunday after the first storm

Photo of side of house yesterday after the Wednesday storm. Notice the much longer icicles.

Birdy prints

The "tunnel." I had to shovel three times with each scoop, first the top layer, then the middle layer, then the bottom layer, before I could move forward. My back was NOT happy by the end of the day.

Possumlady Place held up just fine.

No, they weren't napping--Chunky Lisa and Figaro showing their displeasure of mom's use of the "flashy box".

Pyewacket!

2010-02-09T07:59:00.004-05:00

Since the start of this snow storm and the aftermath, before I go to bed, I always put out a fresh bowl of dry kibble on the front porch with some hot water in a bowl (so the water will not freeze so quickly). In the morning before I let the outside kitties out to release some of their energy, I take a quick peak. If no food has been touched I open the door and let them out. This morning I took my quick peak...nope, food is still there and doesn't look touched. I opened the front door and made a quick look into the little cat igloo. Imagine my surprise when I saw two golden eyes staring back at me! It was Pyewacket!! Oh, was I relieved!! Well, the outside kitties would have to wait as they would have chased Pyewacket away.

I opened a can of wet food and slowly and carefully opened the door and quietly walked outside talking gently to him. I waved the food past the igloo opening so he could get a wiff and put it down and quietly backed into the house again. I watched as I could see him licking his chops. He then struggled a bit but got out of the igloo (that is up on a wicker chair). He does not look good. He looks very thin and has leaves stuck to him. He has a wound on his back leg and will not put any weight on one of his front legs. Yesterday was the first day that I dug out of my driveway to the cleared street, so it was obvious he was across the street the whole time yet had no way of getting to me until he had a clear path. Poor, poor thing.

With our offices closed again today and a major storm approaching by the end of today, I had one objective. To try and get to a supermarket and stock up again. Now I have two. I'm going to try and get Pyewacket into my cat carrier and bring him over to my neighbor's where she has a caged cat condo. At least there he will be safe and warm. We will bring him to the vet once the weather clears and go from there. Since he is pretty feral, if we find that he has a broken leg or other serious issues that would require daily pilling or other medication, I hate to say this, but I think the best thing would be to have him put down. He is clearly not happy and not able to fend for himself and with the weather as bad and cold as it has been, it could be the most humane thing to do. On the other hand, If he just has an infected puncture wound of some kind that will heal up we may just keep him inside until the weather gets better and the snow melts and he is able to walk again.

So keep your fingers and paws crossed for Pyewacket, or as I call him "my little hissy boy".

Update:
Well, it's good and it's bad. I watched Pyewacket struggle down my front porch steps and down my walkway to the street. With a bad front and back leg it was tortuous watching him struggling to get across the street. As luck would have it he made it back to my porch about 20 minutes later and jumped up into the little igloo. I then cautiously brought my cat carrier out and put the opening up against the opening of the igloo and tapped on the igloo and out popped Pyewacket into my carrier. My neighbor called our vet and he was at his clinic. I decided to bring him in then and there. The vet looked at him and said given his unknown medical history regarding shots and the look that he was in a major fight with most likely a raccoon, they put Pyewacket down. I feel bad but honestly I mostly feel relieved. He is no longer struggling to survive in pain and in the freezing cold. I honestly don't know how he made through this last storm with those injuries and with another coming later today, I think it would have been too much for him. So goodbye Pyewacket. At least you got a good meal and was able to quench your big thirst for water, along with being safe and warm for your last hours. Your life had meaning and I'm glad I was able to share some of it with you.

Photo of Pyewacket taken a year ago when he first started coming to my porch for food. The photo was taken through a storm door since he would not allow me to get close to him.

No TV and No Beer Makes Possumlady Something Something*

2010-02-07T09:12:00.003-05:00

*My apologies for those of you that aren't Simpsons fans since the title is a variation of a quote from Homer when they did a Simpson's version of The Shining.

Day two of the snowpocalypse. I still have electricity which is a VERY BIG deal. But, I still don't have tv and for that matter beer! Luckily I'm not a sports fan and would not be watching the Super Bowl if you paid me. (Well, I guess it would depend on how much!)

Shoveled FIVE times yesterday. Today it is in the teens with the sun shining. A plow FINALLY made an appearance about an hour ago but big deal--my car is completely buried and am not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. Let the outside kitties out this morning and Chloe is still out sitting in the sun on a front porch stair. Made a small double batch of Zick suet dough yesterday and will be distributing it today along with more bird seed. I have a hungry mob of grackles that came by yesterday afternoon and they're back looking for more, more, MORE!!

I have no idea how the feral kitties are surviving. I waded through (pardon my french) crotch deep snow to get to the back shed, carrying a shovel, a can of cat food, a baggie of dry food and a plate. Found a small area that I shoveled out but if she was under there, she didn't make a sound when I called her. I left the plate close to the opening. Also left a small bowl of dry kibble on the front porch last night and this morning it was all gone with little kibbles flung every which way so that must mean a raccoon stopped by.

No photos yet as I'm still in my jammies. I'm quite surprised that I'm feeling no ill effects from all the shoveling yesterday. In fact, my back is feeling quite good! Naproxen rocks!!

Wait! Maybe just one photo...

Manny, Mo, and Jack...no, no it's Chloe, Oliver and Figaro. I really need to bring my suitcase back down to the basement!

This Could Be The Start of Something Big

2010-02-05T22:00:00.002-05:00

If you've been following me on facebook, you know that the DC area is getting into a world of hurt with another snow storm. Not just ANY snowstorm, this could break records. First they were talking about around a foot of snow. Then 12-18 inches. Then 12-24 inches. Now some weather models are saying we could get close to 30 inches!! Oh, and not just snow either, 35-50 mph winds tonight.

I've done as much as I could for the evening regarding a couple of semi-feral strays that come around. I know one stays under my shed out back. I've made sure that one little area will not get covered up and have put a lot of food under the shed. There is also a small insulated dog house on the side of my house under my eaves away from the wind. I also made a canopy from an old bedspread that is hanging over my wicker on the front porch to make sure the food and water doesn't get snowed under.

Now my biggest concern is the electricity going out. This is a very heavy wet snow and we have lots and lots of big trees around here so I'm crossing my fingers and saying prayers tonight. The news folks are also stressing that we need to shovel multiple times so that we are literally not killing ourselves trying to shovel two feet of heavy wet snow.

Taking a break after my first shoveling around 7:30 tonight to take a picture of little Possumlady Place. Hmmm, do I see something or someone in the window?

Can you see little Figaro's black head on the lower right of the window? He was desperate to get out. Not on my watch mister!

Then there's Woody--"Snow, what snow? Could you close the door please, I'm feeling a draft".

Okay, it's 10:00 pm and I'm going out for my second shoveling and last one of the night. Wish me luck!!

11:00 pm update: WHEW! Well, I shoveled over a foot of snow. Luckily my neighbor across the street was also out and he helped me. I just can't imagine what it will be like tomorrow morning. The weather folks have said the heavy stuff is just beginning! The wind is picking up and I saw a flash of light. They did mention the possibility of Thunder snow. The canopy on the porch is not working because the wind is so strong it is blowing snow on all the food and water. I just threw a handful of dry kibble into the little igloo in case Pyewacket makes his way here. Good times....good times

I'm taking a naproxen and calling it a night.

Feb 6, 6:30 am update
To quote Christopher Walken as "the Continental" -- "Wow, wowee, wow, wow, wow! The good news is I still have electricity!!! The bad news is that it is STILL snowing like mad and the wind is blowing like crazy. I had my first really good belly laugh of the day as I opened the front door. Of course, the outside kitties made a bee line for the front porch. They all stopped dead in their tracks on the snowy porch floor and looked at me like "what the #%$@!! Then Chunky Lisa led them down the front steps. At the bottom she almost disappeared into the snow. She had a hard time trying to get going but she almost flew back up the front stairs and back into the house as did the other three. I promise to have my camera at the ready next time. Will keep you updated with photos throughout the day (what the heck else can I do, except for shoveling of course!!)

9:30 am update

I went out around 7:30 for my 3rd shoveling. Uff da!!

First casualty of the storm--no cable tv!! Boo Hoo. Oh well, with hearing transformers blowing out around me, I should be thankful I still have power. Hearing on the radio that over 200,000 are now without.

My polar bear flag looks quite appropriate, no?

Farewell Butterstick

2010-02-04T10:29:00.006-05:00

We here in the DC area have heavy hearts this week as we say goodbye to our Panda Tai Shan. Tai Shan will be flown back to China today (by Federal Express no less).

(photo capture of a video from The Washington Post)

Tai Shan was born in 2005 at the National Zoo. They had a panda cam set up and I was a faithful follower of him for that first year. Chinese tradition dictates that 100 days have to pass before naming a panda cub. So when a caretaker at the zoo described the cub after he was born as being "about the size of a butterstick", the name Butterstick stuck as a local pet name for him.

The National Zoo had an internet poll where everyone could vote for their favorite name for the cub out of five that were approved by the Chinese government. (There was an actual write in vote for the name Butterstick, by the Chinese government did NOT approve.) Most of the names meant "magnificent warrior" or "dragon warrior", etc. Tai Shan meant "peaceful mountain" and I immediately voted for that name. I happened to be in Churchill, Manitoba watching polar bears at the time when the Zoo was going to announce the name. As soon as I got settled, I searched around town for a computer so I could find out and was thrilled they chose Tai Shan as his name.

Tai Shan's first snow in 2005

Here he is as a big boy looking like he is playing a bamboo flute in 2007.

So, farewell Butterstick. Even though you are going back to your homeland, you will always be a native DC'er. Live long and multiply.

New Routines

2010-02-02T14:42:00.000-05:00

Everyone who has ever had more than one companion animal knows that each one is unique in their personalities and routines. When a companion animal dies, their daily household routine goes with them.

I, like my cats, crave routine. My morning and evening rituals pretty much revolve around taking care of all my animal charges. When I wake up, my bed is usually filled with a few cats. But they are off the bed as soon as I am and into the living room, stretching, yawning, and scratching. After I get all the cats happy with more food, clean water, clean litterboxes, I settle down into the couch listening to my classical radio station and get online for a while to read the news of the day. When it's time to get ready for work, I move back to my bedroom and teeny tiny bathroom that is inside my bedroom.

Since he was adopted, Butterball always padded back into the bedroom with me and kept me company while I was showering, getting dressed, etc. I would always spend a little time on the bed with him either giving him loads of pats and belly scritches, or playing catch with a wadded piece of paper. Since Butterball's death in early 2008, I've gotten ready for work alone. No other cat has stepped up to the plate to keep me company. I was so lonely after a few months of this, I would go into the living room and carry a cat back with me trying to get it to stay in the bedroom. No such luck. That is, until now. For the past month or so, Chunky Lisa has been in the bedroom lying at the foot of my bed, either casually snoozing or watching me.

No, she doesn't play catch or scratch my back, but she sure does purr up a storm.

A Note from Sweet Pea

2010-01-21T10:29:00.013-05:00

Hi everybuddy, Sweet Pea here. I have two things I'd like to meow to you about today. First, I know I've thanked you before but I just want to thank you again for all the kind wishes when I was very sick. As you can see from the photo mom took a few weeks ago, I'm all better. No bleeding from my mouth, no more lumps or bumps on my neck and my luxurious furs have all grown back.

I feel very fortunate to have "strayed" into mom's yard and becoming a permanent part of her family over eight years ago! Yet, my heart is very heavy thinking about all the destruction in Haiti. I asked mom what is happening to all the poor animals and at first she said she couldn't focus on it since there was so much death and injury with all the peoples, but later she said in the back of her mind she was worrying about the animals too.

We know all our blogging friends have given as much as they can to help the human suffering but we'd like you to know about an opportunity to give help to the animals of Haiti. Mom has been a member and volunteer of UAN (United Animal Nations) for going on five years now. Their slogan is "bringing animals out of crisis and into care". UAN was founded in 1987 and their charge is to bring animals out of crisis through programs including emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Throughout the United States, whenever you have seen on TV, people rescuing animals from a natural disaster or a raid on a puppy mill, or a dog fighting ring, you can be assured that UAN is there. They are the umbrella organization that coordinates with the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the US and local animal law enforcement and humane organizations to bring in whatever help they need.

UAN has now joined forces with the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), an international group of professional animal welfare organizations working together to help the animals affected by this tragedy. ARCH is spearheaded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). Through ARCH, relief teams will work out of a mobile clinic donated by the Antiqua and Barbuda Humane Society. The clinic will be shipped to a WSPA member society in the Dominican Republic and driven across the border into Haiti. Once in Haiti, the team will administer emergency care to farm animals and pets belonging to people displaced by the disaster.

So, if you have a few extra dollars, please consider donating through UAN. Your money will go directly to helping the animals in Haiti. All of us cats at Possumlady Place told mom that we will gladly go without our usual Temptation treats for a while so she can put a few more dollars to work in helping our friends. We received an email about this on Tuesday and as of today (Thursday), UAN has already raised and sent over $30,000 to help. UAN has the Sweet Pea Paw of Approval!!

Fangs in advance,

Luv,

Sweet Pea

Remembering

2010-01-08T18:01:00.002-05:00

Starting in mid-December of each year, the cable station Turner Classic Movies puts out a little video remembrance, that they play throughout the month, of all those who have died in the film industry that year. These are little pieces of art. The video montage along with the music is achingly beautiful. So much better then the little tributes put out by the various news outlets.

That said, I was a little disappointed in this year's tribute. The music didn't seem to live up to past years. Still, again, much better than most. It doesn't seem like I'm able to add videos anymore. Lord knows why not. So I'm putting a link to them. Here is 2009's Tribute, along with 2008, and 2007. I hope you will take the time to watch them and let me know what you think. One more reason why I love TCM so much.

Oh, one thing. It looks like when the video comes on they put a little trailer on the bottom about the song. Make sure to click that closed or you won't see the names at the bottom of the screen.

Kuku Paka nu Wala

2010-01-04T19:30:00.002-05:00

On a cold winter's night, I can't think of a better stew to eat then Kuku Paka nu Wala (often referred to as just Kuku paka), an East African dish of chicken with coconut milk. I was served this when I was on safari in East Africa, though they served whole chicken pieces on a bed of rice with a coconut sauce over the top.

On our last day in Tanzania, we stopped at a gift shop. I was so excited to find a small Tanzanian cookbook that had a recipe for Kuku paka. That excitement turned to frustration as the line to check out was long and not moving. I saw a few incidents of the "ugly American" syndrome where folks were trying to haggle with the shop owner into lowering the prices. They would make comments about what a rip off some of the items were. Looking at the folks who worked at the store you knew none of them were getting rich. In fact, by American standards, they all looked pretty destitute. I was so put off by the bickering that I put down the cookbook in a huff and left. I sat in our van waiting for everyone else to return. After a half hour, folks were starting to trickle back. A fellow traveler, Gale, quietly sat down next to me and handed me a package, saying this was her goodbye gift to me. Inside was the cookbook! I will be forever grateful to her for that small gift. I've lost count on the number of people who now have this recipe or who have passed it on to others.

After over ten years of cooking it, I think I've perfected the dish. Here is my version of the recipe:

Two packages of chicken breasts (you can use whatever kind of chicken you prefer, it should amount to around 3 pounds of meat). I also recommend using chicken with the skin on and with bones still attached. I swear it makes for a much more flavorful stew than using boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Two large onions, sliced.

Two cloves of garlic, minced.

A "thumb" of ginger, peeled and grated.

One tsp. of salt

Two tbls. of oil.

One can of diced tomatoes (the recipe calls for 4 small tomatoes, but with the pink and woody tomatoes of winter, I have no problem using canned tomatoes).

Four cups of coconut milk, which is basically two cans. (To lower the fat, I've tried using two cans of reduced fat coconut milk and the flavor was just not there. I then tried one can of reduced fat and one can of regular and it still is not as good as using two cans of regular.)

A bunch of chopped cilantro

Juice of half a lemon

1/2 cup of rice

********

Heat the oil in a large stew pot. Add the onions and saute on medium high heat until they are limp and just starting to brown. Add the garlic and ginger (I just peel the ginger and grate it directly into the pot). Stir until you start smelling the garlic and ginger. Then add the salt and the can of tomatoes (no need to drain). Put the chicken pieces on top of the onion/tomato mix, cover and lower the heat and cook for 20 minutes.

Then, add the coconut milk, mix as well as you can, turn the heat up to medium, cover and cook for 50-60 minutes.

Now, turn off the heat, take out the chicken pieces to cool so they can be handled (about 20 minutes). Remove and discard the skin and bones and shred the chicken and return it to the stew. Turn back on the heat to medium, add the fresh cilantro, lemon juice and rice, stir to mix and cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.

I also will add a little cayenne pepper for some heat on occasion but it is not necessary. As with all stews, the flavors really blossom reheating it the next day.

I hope you will try it!

Zen Kitty

2010-01-03T14:07:00.007-05:00

Woody enjoying the sun.

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!! With my sporadic internet at home, it's been near impossible to do anything. Just keepin up with my farm on Farmville and a few Facebook quips is about it. My camera also finally died. My new one is a Cannon Powershot. Doing a little test photography on my favorite subjects...my puddies of course!!

Oh, if only this one was in better focus!! Trying out my zoom on Chunky Lisa.

Better focus but I prefer the first photo.

Well, that's about it for now. I promise to do better in the New Year!!

What a Hoot!

2009-12-18T16:30:00.006-05:00

I know that for some of you bloggers who live on acres and acres of land, hearing an owl is a somewhat common occurrence. But for us living in an urban neighborhood, it is magical.

A few nights ago I came home late from work. It was pitch dark, cold and windy outside as I was talking to my kitties as they followed me up the porch stairs. Something caught my ear and I froze. Great Caesar's Ghost, I think that was an owl!! You see, I've lived in my neighborhood for almost 12 years now and have only heard one Screech owl during one summer 11 years ago.

This was no Screech owl. It started hooting and I hooted back. Silence. Then it hooted again, this time a little closer. I hooted again. Silence. Silence. Silence. Just when I thought it must have flown away it hooted again. I almost jumped out of my shoes as it must have been in the tree right next to me. I crazily reached for my cell phone to call my neighbors and was trying to hoot and dial their number at the same time. Well, the owl must have realized I was hooting under false pretenses since I looked up towards the tree just in time to see him fly off to the back yard. By this time my neighbors came by and we were treated to another five minutes of hooting, along with a very distant hoot coming from the woods across the street.

As soon as I got in my house I called my niece Meagan, who is a naturalist, hooted to her over the phone and she immediately recognized it as a Barred Owl. How cool is that!!

Check out this link to see a short video of a Barred Owl and hear his amazing call.

(photo of Barred Owl courtesy of All About Birds website at Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Isn't he/she just magnificent! Hearing this owl really made my week!

Presents for Paws

2009-12-16T14:07:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the "Locals Only" nature of this post, but I wanted to let anyone in the DC area who might read my blog know about this wonderful program at my local shelter.

*********
(From the Washington Animal Rescue League's website)

For many in the Washington metropolitan area, the holidays have always imposed a strain on an already stretched family budget. With the economic crisis, this is now more true than ever. The Washington Animal Rescue League hopes to ease their burden through Presents for Paws, its annual pet food and toy drive through which low-income individuals and families receive free supplies for their pets at this particularly difficult time.

In the weeks before the holidays, the League is collecting donations of pet food, treats, toys, dog and cat beds, and cat scratching pads. The recipients are all participants in the League’s Rescuers’ Food Bank, a year-round collection and distribution program that helps low-income residents of the District of Columbia care for their dogs and cats.

“For over 90 years, the League has been working to support people who care for animals through affordable veterinary care and a variety of other programs,” explains Dr. Gary Weitzman, the League’s CEO. “And we now maintain a busy pet food and supply bank for those who struggle to care for themselves and their animals. The assistance we provide is especially critical during the holiday season, when so many could use a little extra help.”

Donations can be dropped off at The Washington Animal Rescue League, 71 Oglethorpe Street, NW, DC, during business hours. They may also be dropped off at the following businesses:

The Big Bad Woof, 117 Carroll Street, NW, DC, 202-291-2404
Doggie Style Bakery, 1825 18th Street, NW, DC, 202-667-0595
Chateau-Animaux, 524 8th Street, SE, DC, 202-544-8710
Pet Valu, 11229 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 301-754-3690
The Dog Shop, 1625 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, DC, 202-337-3647

***********************
I have to say that one of my most favorite things to do is to go to my local pet store and shop for cat beds, toys, food and maybe even a jaunty little doggie coat for Presents for Paws. Just warms my furry little heart.

Diagnosis -- Old Age

2009-12-09T16:33:00.003-05:00

So I went to my orthopedic doctor/surgeon today with my back/hip pain. He took down all my information and did a quick exam. I was lying on the table face up and he had me push down with my feet, then up. He then bent and raised each leg and manipulated it back and forth and up and down--no pain. He then pushed on my hips and around my (ample) stomach--no pain. He helped me to sit up and asked again--nope, no pain sitting up. He said I had good flexibility and mobility and decided to take a number of x-rays. He then walked me through the x-rays and told/showed me that I had arthritis in my lower spine. I saw how the space between the vertebra got much thinner farther down my back and how a few vertebra had these little bone spurs (arthritis) on them. (I guess I should consider myself lucky that there is nothing wrong with my hip). Alas, there is not much that can be done about it. He stressed exercises for the back and exercise itself to help strengthen my core. I will take a few PT sessions to make sure I'm doing the back exercises correctly. I REALLY need to get back into a walking program.

(photo courtesy of the internet)

While I'm happy for an explanation of the pain, I'm still frustrated by the daily pain. It's making Possumlady cranky. If you want proof of that, just ask my cats!

Just a Quick Note

2009-12-04T14:20:00.003-05:00

To let you all know I'm still alive and well. Well, alive at least. This past Monday I strained my back just getting out of my car and it's kept me from doing pretty much anything this past week. I'm fine sitting down for 15-20 minutes. Any longer and I pay the price in pain in getting back to my feet. Then I hobble around for a minute before I can walk normally. Actually, I think it's my right hip. Since I'm not a "run to the doctor" kind of gal, I've decided to wait another week before thinking about going. (I mean it took me five months to finally go to the doctor about a pinched nerve in my neck!) Ice packs help, OTC pain meds do not. And, for some reason, it seems worse at work then when I'm at home. I think it's my office chair.

Anywho, not much else going on except busily preparing for yet another board meeting in January! I need to get everything done by December 18th as that is my last day in the office until the new year. Woo Hoo!!

Finally took Sweet Pea to the vet today. My vet was flabbergasted as he could no longer feel Sweet Pea's tumor either. He said he had absolutely no idea what it could have been but agreed that his constant scratching probably dislodged whatever it was. He even put his hands on Sweet Pea and talking in a loud revival voice yelled "HEAL ME SWEETPEA!" He took another blood sample to check his CBC then pronounced him well and sent us on our way.

Whoops! Just looked at the clock and I gotta get up from this chair! Have a great weekend everyone. Maybe I'll "see" you on Farmville or Facebook. That seems to take up most my computer time lately.

A Quick "Pea" Update

2009-11-17T13:58:00.004-05:00

Our Annual Conference starts tomorrow--oh the horrors!! Okay, I may be overdramatizing a bit. Luckily the conference is here in DC so no traveling involved--Yay! It all starts with a board dinner tonight. I had planned this so long ago that this morning I had to go through weeks of emails to find the one that lists what we will actually be eating tonight as I long ago forgot what I ordered! How does this sound:
******
Grilled breast of chicken with asian bbq sauce and palm sugar roasted chili prawns in a lemongrass-coconut sauce served with jasmine rice and green papaya slaw

Chocolate pear cake with chocolate dipped strawberries
******
I told the kitties that I'd be very late in getting home tonight, most likely around 10:00. I made sure all their dry kibble bowls were filled to the brim before I left.

Today marks the second three week period that Sweet Pea has not bled. I'm not sure if I ever mentioned to you all that Sweet Pea has had a growth on his neck for the past five or so years. My prior vet felt it and said it was just a fatty tumor and to keep an eye on it. Well, it has never grown nor shrunk in all this time. The tumor is on the right side of Sweet Pea's neck and with the bleeding from this mouth only happening on the right side, my vet would say on one hand it makes sense that it's coming from the tumor but honestly, Sweet Pea should be gagging with the blood coming up from the throat. AND, since the trachea and esophagus are on the left side of the neck, my vet couldn't figure out if the tumor was bleeding, how the blood would get into the throat in the first place! Confused? Well, that's why I never mentioned it before. I just didn't think the two were related. Well, this weekend I was feeling Sweet Pea's neck and guess what? I could no longer feel the tumor!! I've tried since then and still can't feel it. I'm quite shocked. Unfortunately with the craziness at work right now I can't bring him in this week but I'm definitely bringing him in next week for the vet to examine to make sure I haven't missed it. If the tumor is indeed gone, well then, I think the mystery may well be solved!! I'll say I'm cautiously optimistic.

Energy and personality-wise, Sweet Pea is still his crazy wild self, constantly begging for treats, etc. His latest craze is that whenever I'm looking out the front storm door, he gallops over to me, jumps up and puts his front paws on my legs and starts whining to be picked up. I'll pick him up and let him watch all the birdies flying and leaves falling. At 14 pounds, I can't hold him indefinitely and he certainly makes it known that he is NOT happy when I want to put him down. Let's just hope he stays this way!!

Okay, back to work! Board members should be arriving throughout the day. I'm always fearful that I'll get a call that someone has arrived and has no hotel room! Honestly, I've had nightmares about it.

A Truly Remarkable Film

2009-11-12T13:30:00.004-05:00

"The Way We Get By" is a film that is part of the POV (Point of View) series on PBS. The first broadcast was last night (Veteran's Day). I laughed and cried throughout the entire 90 minutes. The film is about a group of around 30 people in Bangor, Maine who greet every inbound and outbound military flight coming and going to either Iraq or Afghanistan. The greeters are at the airport at all hours, day and night to welcome the troops home. It focuses on three elderly greeters, Jerry, Bill, and Joan. I've attached the trailer, but you can go watch the entire film online. Please do. I just went to the PBS POV website and you can enter your zip code and they will tell you when the story will be aired again. It looks like it will be aired a number of times--at least here in the DC area. For those of you in the DC area, WETA-26 will air it at 10:00 pm tomorrow (Friday, November 13).

A Frightening Reminder

2009-11-10T16:41:00.003-05:00

Right now, we here in the Washington DC area are being inundated with news stories about the upcoming execution tonight of one of the DC Snipers. For three weeks in October of 2002, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland were literally held hostage by random high-powered rifle shootings. It could happen any time of the day or night. People were shot doing the most mundane every day things...filling up your car at gas stations, mowing the grass, sitting at a bus stop, walking to school, or walking to your car in a Home Depot or Michaels Craft Store parking lot.

I really can't explain how terrifying this was to everyone. Gas stations along major roads put up large white sheets blocking the view of the pumps from the road. Schools were in constant lock down mode with all evening and weekend activities canceled. I remember sitting in my car at my grocery store early on a Saturday morning, straining to see if I could spot anything past the parking lot into a little stretch of woods, then saying a little prayer and making a dash to the store. On a week day I was getting ready to go sign papers for the refinancing of my house. I had my dog Jiminy back then and she would spend the day with my neighbor two houses up from me. I walked out of my house around 9:45 and the street was completely empty, not a soul was out. Normally, I wouldn't think anything of it, but it was very disconcerting to say the least. My heart was racing as I clapped my hands for my dog as she took off running to my neighbor's with me not far behind. Another time I was late getting home from work. After I arrived home, I would go to pick up my dog from my neighbors. That night my neighbor whipped open the door in a panic thinking something had happened to me. One Saturday night a friend and I were going to have dinner at a local salvadorian restaurant. Since the restaurant is on a busy crowded street, I always parked across the street in a parking lot of a paint store. Well, there was a white paneled van parked in the lot and my friend refused to get out of the car (this was during the time when all white paneled vans were suspect). I was not too concerned but I could not budge my friend. We ended up going to a different restaurant. Wow, just remembering and typing all this is raising my blood pressure!

I have to say that even though I'm a big opponent to the death penalty, I'm just not feeling too much sympathy for this particular case.

We Interrupt This Regularly Scheduled Blog

2009-10-30T15:46:00.008-04:00

We being Apu, Woody, and Oliver. The Three Black Cats of the Apocalypse!!!

We feel that not only has Sweet Pea hijacked this blog with his "supposed" health issues, he has also hijacked our mom's heart and attention for well over a month now. Even worse, Sweet Pea pre-empted our Halloween by posting a scary cat skeleton xray of himself yesterday!

This....Must....Stop!!!

Apu: Dear Mother, have you even noticed that I'm losing my beautiful black furs again because I'm getting all nervous with Sweet Pea sneak attacking me and you don't say anything!! Now, Apu you know that's not true. I do say something when I see it. I can't police you cats every minute that I'm home you know. I keep telling you if you wouldn't act so scared and run away, he would stop chasing you.

Woody: Dear Mommy, every morning when you sits on the couch listening to your classical music to wake up, Sweet Pea jumps in your lap and kneads and sucks on your fluffy robe. You pet him and I hear you talk sweet things to him. I can't count how many times (really, I don't know how to count) when I try to do the same thing, you push me off and say "not now Woody". So, I just lie down next to you hoping you will notice me and give me a pat or two. Oh Woody, I know. I feel bad, but Sweet Pea really has taken up so much of my time worrying that I have neglected you. I promise to do better and to have some private lap time just with you!

Oliver: Dear Lady who feeds me, I really just want to say...keep feeding me. Oh, and....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

I know, I know, this is last year's photo. I've never been able to get another photo of all the three halloween cats together since then. Have a spooktacular Halloween everyone!!!

No Answers

2009-10-29T16:55:00.004-04:00

After paying the over $300.00 vet bill yesterday, my vet came out to discuss what he found--basically nothing abnormal. He sent the xrays to a radiologist to look over but from his point of view there was nothing out of the ordinary going on. He even xrayed Sweet Pea's lungs, but everything was clear. The next step will be to get an endoscopic sonogram from another animal hospital as my vet is not equipped to do that.

As soon as I got Sweet Pea home he dashed to the litter box. Poor thing, I've never seen him pee as much as he did then, which made me mad wondering if they left him in a recovery cage with no litter box all day? After that he ate and drank and leapt up to all the open windows for some fresh air. Later last night, he jumped in my lap and we watched "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" together. Knock on wood, no bleeding since Tuesday morning.

Thought you'd like to really "see" Sweet Pea...

My vet sent me home with his xrays on a CD. Look at those cute little "hands"!

Weekend Update

2009-10-26T16:01:00.003-04:00

The weekend flew by in a blur. Never did accomplish much. I did do some cleaning and yesterday I made my chocolate chili for the first time this season. Watched some good movies--The Night of the Hunter on Friday night and yesterday while I was making chili, I watched Inherit the Wind with Spencer Tracy. A great old movie about the Scopes monkey trial in 1925 and the illegal (at the time) offense of teaching evolution in the schools. Then, last night I watched the original The Blob with Steve McQueen--what a hoot!

Mostly I fretted over Sweet Pea. He is still bleeding from his mouth but if weren't for that, you would never know anything was wrong. He still runs around with tail in the air, is eating and drinking well. So I called my vet and made the dreaded appointment. I will bring him in on Wednesday morning to be sedated and have an xray taken of his head and throat. The vet will also be able to get a good look down his throat while he is sedated, as well as a much more thorough look at his mouth. If all goes well, I'll be able to pick him up by 6:00 Wednesday evening.

Please keep those purrayers coming. I have so many worries. Worried they will find something seriously wrong, worried they won't find anything wrong, worried about the procedure itself...you name it, I'm worried about it.

One of My Favorite Things...

2009-10-23T17:04:00.004-04:00

Just a quick post to give a shout out to one of my favorite things---the cable station, Turner Class*c Movies (TCM). I am a big, big old movie fan and TCM is a lifesaver for me in a world of reality television (yuck!) I know some of my blogger friends are not in the US, and am wondering, do you get TCM, or another station that plays all old movies with no commercials?

Every Friday night in October, is Thriller Night on TCM. They have played some great Hitchcock and other thrillers that I had not heard of before. Tonight (October 23) at 8:00 pm Eastern, they are playing The Night of the Hunter starring that classic bad boy Robert Mitchum

This is the only film directed by the great actor Charles Laughton. The film was shot in 1955 in black and white and I must say that some of his scenes are truly artistic (I'm thinking of the scene with the children trying to hide in the barn while through the barn door you see a silhouette of Mitchum riding his horse.) I highly recommend this film if you like to be spooked!
I know what I'll be doing tonight, hopefully with a few cats on my lap to keep me company.

What about you? Do you like old movies? What are your favorites? Enquiring Possumlady wants to know.

NOOO!!!

2009-10-22T09:20:00.002-04:00

It looks like Sweet Pea was a little optimistic last week. While I was posting last night, I looked and saw that he was bleeding again from his mouth. Boy did my heart sink. I'm so frustrated by this. I called and my vet is out this morning but the vet tech said to get him back on antibiotics and she'll let the vet know when he gets in this afternoon.

So, it looks like more puurayers are needed.

Finishing up that Spring Planting

2009-10-21T19:15:00.001-04:00

No, that's not a mistake. Yes, I'm finally finishing up planting the perennials that I bought over Memorial Day weekend. If you could see the land that I have to work with you'd understand. Not only is it hard packed clay, it is filled with stones, big and small. My sister brought over a Nandina bush from her yard that I also planted. In order to dig a hole big enough for the Nandina, I had to sit on the ground with a hand held pick ax and pick away. (A while back I bought a shovel that has teeth. It is supposed to be able to dig through the toughest soil. It is NO match for my rocky ground.) With the pick ax, it took me two hours total, in half hour intervals, to dig the hole for that one plant. Here are some of the rocks I dug out. I even dug out a broken piece of brick that was buried about 5 inches down.

Here's the nandina with beautiful black organic soil conditioner helping it survive in the rocky dirt,

The dirt (rocks) that I dug out.

Some of the larger rocks.

Sorry this is dark. It is a different coral bell plant with white blooms in the summer and a purple underleaf.

Got most of it planted before we had a real touch of fall. I know, I know, so many of you are crying "bring back the warm sunny days", but not me! I loved it. It didn't get out of the 40s for three days! I love being in my cosy little house, wearing my warm slippers and baking up pumpkin spice bread during days like this. This truly is my favorite time of the year. I think the cats agree as they have been extra lively these past few days. Oh, and the bestest part of it all, after weeks and weeks of waking up catless, they have starting coming back! Friday night I woke up with one cat in bed, Saturday night--two cats, and last night--three cats keeping me warm!!

I'm Feeling Much Better, Thank You

2009-10-14T07:05:00.004-04:00

Sweet Pea here again. Mom told me that lots and lots of you nice people were sending purrayers and good thoughts my way. They WORKED!! I'm feeling in tip top shape. I still have to take the very yucky antibiotics, but this evening will be the last time I have to get that yucky liquid stuff squeezed into my mouth--Yay!!

I don't know why mom laughed when she took this photo. She said she is just happy to see that I've gained back the weight I lost being sick. As you can see, my flooffy fur is still patchy around my neck but mom says she can see it starting to grow back.

Not everyone is happy that I'm feeling better. Mom said she couldn't get over how frisky and friendly Apu was when I was not feeling well. He was running around, meowing and playing like a kitten. Well, I put a stop to THAT! Now that I'm feeling better, I'm back to whapping and stalking him, just enough to make him nervous and jumpy again--hee, hee, hee. When I started back to my usual stalker ways over the weekend, mom was laughing and stating how much better I must be feeling. Now, she gets this stern look when I do it and tells me to stop teasing Apu!! I wish she would make up her mind! I keep telling her, I'm a cat, and a brat, and I just can't help myself.

Oooo, I think I just heard Apu going into the litterbox...gotta go!

A Little Recycled Retail Therapy

2009-10-06T11:00:00.001-04:00

Big knock on wood because Sweet Pea continues to improve and no bleeding when I got home last night or this morning!! Now, I honestly don't have any grand illusions that he is making a miraculous recovery. I still think something is very wrong, but as long as he is stable and getting stronger, that's all I can hope for.

Sunday was our little town's Street Festival. My favorite event of the year. Live music with three different bands going in different parts of the downtown, every type of food and drink (the Lime Fizzes are the BEST) and many arts and craft tents. I usually go with my sister but with the fear that Sweet Pea might bleed out, I just didn't feel I could be a very good host. I was planning on bagging it this year when my friend and neighbor, Stephanie, called around noon on Sunday and asked if I wanted to take a quick look. I thought I could be gone for about an hour and agreed to go. I told her though that with all my recent expenses, vet, car repairs, and four new tires, I was not going to be buying anything.

We started walking towards the festival when we came across a moving sale. The woman was moving to Paris(!!) and everything had to go. She had no prices on anything which turned out to be a very good thing.

I bought this plain Ikea serving tray which is a great size for carrying things out to the front porch, for one dollar.

I bought my little kitchen table that you see above (old enamel over metal top and wooden legs) at a used furniture shop a few years ago. It only came with two chairs and I've been looking for two chairs since then. They certainly didn't need to match. She had these two metal chairs that the seats had been recently updated with a pretty oilcloth. The chairs are very sturdy but I'll want to spray paint the metal. Any ideas on colors? Price for the chairs: two dollars each.

I then spotted a microwave. The only microwave I've ever had was the one that came with my house when I bought it. It must have been one of the first microwaves ever built. VERY big, with just a turn dial for the amount of minutes you wanted it to run. It took forever to melt or heat anything.

Cost of used microwave, five dollars! Just look how tiny it is, yet the inside is almost the same size as my old one, and it has a turning plate inside. (I'm really moving up to the 1980s now!) The outside of the old one though took up almost the entire shelf where the new one sits. Looks like I have some much needed space for some cookbooks.

We eventually made it to the festival. My neighbor made a lot of purchases, but I walked around not buying a thing, happy that my ten dollars were spent so wisely.

Making Hard Decisions

2009-10-05T11:09:00.003-04:00

Sweet Pea is still here, and there has been no bleeding since Wednesday (or as I now call it, the Wednesday night massacre). I was supposed to bring him to the vet this morning for a procedure to try and find out where the bleeding is taking place. I decided for now to not do the procedure. It was a very uncomfortable situation to be in all weekend. On one hand it seemed to me that when he didn't bleed for a few days, the amount that eventually came out was copious. So, there I was on Friday night, then Saturday morning, actually hoping he would bleed! When he didn't bleed yesterday I vacillated between being really nervous waiting for an eruption and then somewhat optimistic as the hours ticked by.

By last night I was really questioning if I should bring him in at all. Not only was Sweet Pea not bleeding, every day he was getting stronger, eating more and acting more and more like his old self. Could the antibiotics be working? Could the massive bleeding last Wednesday have purged him of whatever was making him bleed in the first place? Who knows? I also started having worries about the procedure itself. I have a friend who had a cat that was in a weakened stage that had to have a basic procedure done, but had to be sedated. Because of her weakened state, she never woke from the sedation and had to be put down. I have no question in my mind that even though Sweet Pea is feeling better, he is not up to his full strength. Could that happen to him? Then I started thinking what if he got through the procedure fine, but when he was in a recovery cage waking from the sedation, starts to bleed and aspirates on the blood while he is still under. I know they don't have people there to watch them every second.

Late last night, I picked up all the water and food bowls (my house is too small to fast just one cat, so unfortunately, both Woody and Apu had to fast too) and decided if I woke up and Sweet Pea had bled during the night, I would bring him in. When I woke up this morning all the cats including Sweet Pea were meowing VERY loudly wondering where the heck their food and water bowls were. After inspecting the house and finding no blood, I made the decision then and there to not bring him in and called the vet's office as soon as it opened to let them know.

Do I have a knot in my stomach now here at work? Yes. I also realize that I could come home tonight from work to a scene like I did last Wednesday. If that happens, I'll feel more confident of bringing him in, realizing the antibiotics were not helpful and let nature take its course.

Whatever happens I know that Sweet Pea had a wonderful purr-filled weekend filled with lots of brushings, head scritches, TONS of cat treats, and most importantly, lots of lap time and loving from his mom.

Are You Going to Leave Me Too?

2009-10-01T11:58:00.005-04:00

I whispered these words to Sweet Pea this morning while I was sitting on the floor petting him.

The blood test results came back with the diagnosis of severe anemia. One little bit of good news is that my vet said that the numbers are off the charts as far as Sweet Pea regenerating new red blood cells. So, he is healthy in that respect. But, he continues to bleed from his mouth. I brought Sweet Pea to the vet yesterday for another exam. He had not bled for three days and his energy level improved substantially. Running and eating like normal--although I can tell he has lost weight. Just as a general observation, my vet said he looked 100% better then he did last week. But the bleeding is still a mystery. The vet did a very thorough exam of his mouth and tongue, pressed on his gums to see if they would bleed and came up with nothing. Since Sweet Pea is not gagging or vomiting the blood, he really can't figure out how it just randomly drips out of his mouth.

So, the vet dosed him for worms (with the flea infestation, Sweet Pea could have easily picked up some), gave me a two week dose of antibiotics since his white cell count was a bit high, and told me to buy some liquid vitamins and come back in a month for more blood work.

I dropped Sweet Pea off back home where I quickly gave him some cat treats that he gobbled up, and then left for work. I had to work late and didn't get home until around 7:30. When I walked in the door, it literally looked like I walked into a crime scene. Sweet Pea was on the living room rug hunched over with his face almost touching the floor. Surrounding him were splatters of blood. A trail of blood was in the kitchen and into the bedroom with more blood splatter on my bed and on the window. I quickly checked Sweet Pea and he was no longer bleeding but obviously weak and exhausted. I cleaned things up as best as I could and sat with Sweet Pea for a while and then went to bed. I woke up this morning with Sweet Pea in the same position as when I left him but luckily no more bleeding.

I just got off the phone with the vet. I have two choices. I can continue the conservative treatment or I can bring him in tomorrow where the vet will have to sedate him to take a thorough look down his throat and take some xrays. He said that in itself is risky since the bleeding must be coming from somewhere close to his throat and the process of sticking something down his throat could cause massive bleeding. I've decided to go with the risky procedure. Either way, my vet said the outcome is probably not going to be good. Yet, I just can't sit around watching Sweet Pea slowly bleed to death.

I will say my goodbyes and drop Sweet Pea off in the morning, praying for some kind of miracle.

A Prayer for Sweet Pea

2009-09-24T14:13:00.005-04:00

I brought Sweet Pea into the vet this morning to get his mouth checked out. He started bleeding from his mouth on Saturday. He was fine Sunday and Monday. Tuesday night it started bleeding again, and Wednesday morning, bleeding just a tiny amount.

I was all ready for them to say he needed more dental work, but the vet said he couldn't find anything wrong with his mouth. He did notice that Sweet Pea's gums were very pale. So they took some blood (not very fun, as they had to put a little face mask muzzle on Sweet Pea as he was NOT at all happy) to see what his white and red blood cell count is. Of course, I'm already thinking that he is bleeding internally somewhere. But, he is not vomiting blood, he's still eating well, and has his usual high energy level. In fact, when I got home from work on Tuesday before his mouth started bleeding again, he galloped over to me and jumped up with his front paws on my leg, giving me a very vocal happy trill hello. Lot's of confusing signs here. For now I wait to here about the blood results. If the white cell count is high, my vet will put him on an antibiotic and we'll go from there.

So say a little prayer for Sweet Pea. He is the sweetest of boys and a champion head-butter.

Shhhhh

2009-09-21T14:17:00.005-04:00

Sweet Pea here...Mom is all up in arms. First we've been having a terrible time with fleas this past couple of months! I'm looking especially bad with big patches of my beautiful fluffy fur gone from my constant biting, scratching and licking! Mom has used both Frontline and Advantage on all of us and both products work for a week and then, BOOM, the fleas just keep attacking me. It's really bad for me because I'm allergic to the bites. Woody and Apu have fleas too but you'd never know it, they don't scratch or nothing! Mom doesn't want to bomb the house but has used flea spray on the rug and all the furniture and they still come!! A neighbor brought over some diatomaceous earth. Wow is that stuff messy. Mom put too much on my belly and with me licking the powder and fur together, it has turned my belly into a series of nasty mats.

Then, to top it off, mom kept seeing blood in my fur on Saturday. She thought I was biting myself so hard that I was making myself bleed. But when she checked me further, found out that I was bleeding from my mouth! The bleeding stopped and I was fine all of yesterday and this morning. It was almost a year ago when I was bleeding from my mouth and mom took me in and actually LEFT me at the vets where they took out FOUR of my teeth! She said she has to call and bring me in again to see what the matter is. Maybe if I just lay low, she won't find me.

My Own Personal Totem

2009-09-16T19:00:00.005-04:00

With my love of animals and nature it seems fitting that I have always had an interest in the Native American/Canadian First Nation belief of animal totems.

Totems are spirits that take the form of an animal that guides/protects you through your life. Now some folks believe that you cannot choose your animal totem--they will choose you. Say, you've noticed a particular animal popping up in your life recently. That's your animal totem(s) (you can have more than one). If that's the case, then cats, possums, and raccoons are definitely my totems!!

Now other folks believe that you can choose your totems. If you feel particularly drawn to a certain animal(s), the belief is that that animal spirit is calling you to them. If that's the case, then cats and possums are still my totems, along with polar bears and elephants.

Each animal has different strengths to help you through life.

The cat totem qualities are mystery, magic, independence and encourages agility in both body and mind.

The possum totem qualities are (now honestly, confess...you didn't think there were any possum qualities did you!) diversity, earthy wisdom and encourages using your brain (playing dead) over brawn (fighting).

The elephant totem qualities are ancient wisdom, confidence and patience, and encourages us to care for the young and the elderly.

The polar bear totem qualities are healing, introspection, and solitude and encourages us to quiet our minds as the answers to all questions lie within us.

While we were in Grand Marais, we stopped at a wonderful art gallery, Sivertson Gallery. According to their website, "The gallery offers art on the North Shore of Lake Superior, exhibiting the work of over 60 regional artists in addition to Canadian Inuit and Alaskan native art, Canadian First Nation and Native American art". I was looking through some prints when my sister called me over to the jewelry section. Now, I'm not much of a jewelry person, but when she mentioned polar bears, I was there in a flash! Oooo, such unique necklaces and earrings. The prices made me gulp, but it WAS my 50th birthday celebration. Really, how could I resist this...

The pendant incorporates sterling silver with prehistoric fossilized or mineralized walrus tusk, which is between 500 to 3,000 years old. It is legally obtained, having been excavated by native Alaskan families on native owned lands along the Bering Sea coast of Alaska. I am so in love with this necklace that I wear it almost every day. I think it will become my signature piece of jewelry. Yes, my own personal totem.

What about you? What particular animals are you drawn to?

The Legend Lives on...

2009-09-11T16:22:00.011-04:00

from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they call Gitchee Gumee. (The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, by Gordon Lightfoot)

I was always fascinated by Lake Superior and spending a few days on its shore last month have rekindled my interest. My new dream would be to spend some time in the late fall, early winter up in Grand Marais on the shores of the lake during a storm!! Ooooo, scary!!

I found this little fact filled nugget on the internet...

Not only is Lake Superior the largest of the Great Lakes, it also has the largest surface area of any freshwater lake in the world. It contains almost 3,000 cubic miles of water. You would need all the other Great Lakes combined plus three additional Lake Eries to fill it. With an average depth approaching 500 feet, Superior also is the coldest and deepest (1,332 feet) of the Great Lakes. The lake stretches approximately 350 miles from west to east, and 160 miles north to south, with a shoreline almost 2,800 miles long. The drainage basin, totaling 49,300 square miles, encompasses parts of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario. Most of the Superior basin is sparsely populated, and heavily forested, with little agriculture because of a cool climate and poor soils.

References: Great Lakes Atlas, Environment Canada and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995

To the left is Minnesota. You can see both Duluth and Grand Marais. Hmmm, I didn't know we were that close to the Canadian border!

Do you remember where you were when you heard about the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975? I distinctly remember watching the local 10:00 news that evening in St. Paul when the breaking news at that point was that authorities lost communication with the vessel during a storm and considered it missing.

If you have the time (it's over 6 minutes long), click on this link for a very moving video tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald with the haunting Gordon Lightfoot song as background. It has wonderful old footage of the christening of the ship.

Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. Although I have a photo just like this when I visited in 2003, this is borrowed from the internet. The lighthouse is no longer in use and is a historical monument, yet they light it every year on the anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Now Where Was I???

2009-09-09T17:35:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posts. Without home internet it's been quite complicated getting anything posted on this blog. And, with my photos on my home computer, I have to try and get a wireless signal from a neighbor and then hope I can get the photos sent to blogger before I get booted off! I was planning on getting wireless service but had to get my car in for some work to the tune of over $600.00 along with the fact that I need four new tires in the next couple of months. Wireless may have to be put off until next year. In defense of Bulldog though (my Honda Element), he IS six years old and I haven't put a penny into him beyond the usual oil changes. So except for the bad timing, I really can't complain.

Now, where was I?? Oh, we had left my niece's and drove to Duluth. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of Duluth. It's a great harbor town on the shores of Lake Superior. It was really a one horse town when I started visiting the city in the late 70s. Now there are lots of shops and eateries including a favorite candy shop called Hepzibahs. The shop was named after one of Duluth's pioneer women. My sister Debbie can never remember the name and would refer to it as "Hezb*llah," so now it is referred to as the terrorist chocolate shop! After stopping in a few shops and loading up on chocolate, we headed for Grand Marais.

Grand Marais is also a harbor town on Lake Superior but much farther north than Duluth. It's called the gateway to the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area). For being so far north and isolated, it is a real diverse town with a good size artistic community and WONDERFUL food! My sisters have all been to Grand Marais before but it was my first visit and I loved it. I think it would be breathtaking in fall and winter.

Just one of many eclectic shops. I was so mesmerized by the giant fish (northern pike?) that I cut off the other side of the building.

My sister Michele found a wonderful place to stay--Cobblestone Cove Villas. A group of townhouses right on the harbor, and they gave ME the master suite! You have the beauty of Lake Superior right out your window and the convenience of being within walking distance of downtown Grand Marais. How can you lose when the World's Best Donut Shop and a Frozen Custard shop are within a block of your townhouse?

Here's a view of the harbor from our deck.

A close up of the little lighthouse

You could walk along the man made harbor towards the lighthouse. Even though it's as wide as a sidewalk, it still made me nervous!

Here's a view from the man made harbor towards town and our townhouse. We stayed at the one furthest left with the sun shining on it.

This is my favorite photo. The sun was just setting and the fog was rolling in from the lake. I have to admit it though that it was my sister Becky that took this shot.

A peek into my room.

Quite a Room with a View!

Going up Nort

2009-08-26T13:47:00.012-04:00

The first part of my mini vacation in Minnesota was driving up North (or up Nort as they say in Minnesota speak) to visit my niece Meagan who is a naturalist. She lives in an area where I think the loons outnumber the people. She and her adorable dog, Abby, live in a cute house on a lake with no neighbors in sight. I often think of myself as quite an independent woman, but I'm no match for Meagan. She is a true Woodswoman.

A view of her dock from Meagan's back yard. We heard loons that evening and in the morning.

For an example of her woodswomaness, a few winters ago she was driving home from work on a dark and snowy night. She struck a deer. The deer did major damage to the front of her car and was still alive but in critical condition. Meagan called the highway patrol. While waiting for them to arrive she sat down and put the deer's head on her lap and softly stroked it. The patrolman came and put the poor animal out of its misery. She asked if she could take the deer and the patrolman helped get the deer into her vehicle. When she arrived home, she dragged it to the barn on her property, hoisted it up, gutted it and made deer jerky. She then skinned it and she now has a beautiful tanned deerskin on her rocker. What a gal!

Ms Abby, getting ready to give us some lovin

Abby lounging on the back porch

We toured her place of work, the Long Lake Conservation Center. Schools around the state send students to spend overnight or a few days for intensive environmental and conservation education. Not in your school's budget? Check out the link for possible funding from a grant from the Jeffers Foundation. They also have occasional weekend retreats for adults. Any Minnesota nature photogs out there--Lynne, I'm looking at you! They are hosting a Fall Photography Retreat, October 2-4. An incredible resource smack dab in the middle of nowhere.

Meagan's house view from the back. I slept on that back porch. While lying there trying to get to sleep amongst all the quiet, I saw a huge shooting star streak across the sky.

Here she is! A woman who can charm the scales off a snake (whose name is Stan by the way). Check out that t-shirt!

Meagan was a wonderful host to her mom and three aunts, cooking up a tasty grilled chicken kabob dinner with sweet potato fries and a salad made from her own greens with a maple vinaigrette (made with her homemade maple syrup she harvested from sugar maples on her property.)

We left the next morning for a stop in Duluth then onto Grand Marais.

Out of Touch

2009-08-24T16:23:00.003-04:00

Yes, that's me.

Possumlady has returned from the land of sky blue water. I came back a week ago from Minnesota where I spent a few glorious days celebrating my 50th birthday with my sisters. Oh, fyi, my actual birthday isn't until tomorrow. Just sayin....

Still on vacation until Wednesday, so without home internet service have not been able to post or comment (am borrowing someone's wireless right now---sshh!)

Anywho, thought I'd say hey. Will be back to posting when I return to work. I'll leave you with a photo of Lake Superior at Tettegouche State Park.

Chillin'

2009-07-30T16:30:00.006-04:00

Not much to report here. It seems like the weather gods and goddesses finally woke up and gave us the kind of summer I've learned to expect around here. Hazy, Hot, and Humid, with the almost daily late afternoon pop up thunderstorm...just in case the humidity level was starting to drop. Oh lovely (she writes sarcastically). The only sound outside is the drone of all the air conditioners. Getting out of my car when I return home from work, I have to sprint to the front door or I'll be mobbed by mosquitoes. Even with the sprinting I never seem to be able to get in the door without 2-3 bites!

Because of a badly placed skylight, my air conditioner struggles in the intense heat and humidity. In the winter, the sun is lower and never seen through the skylight. In the summer, it looks like a search light coming through heating up the house for a good 3-4 hours every day. I've tried putting up room darkening film but it wouldn't stick because of the bubble shape of the old skylight. It really needs a a shade of some sort, but it would cost a pretty penny to have someone custom fit and install it. I know, I know...I've probably paid more in energy costs throughout the years.

Now, why was I even talking about the heat in the house?.....a few minutes go by as she sits pondering....

Oh yes, because of the cats. It always comes back to the cats, doesn't it? Coming home from work during these hot days, I'm no longer greeted at the door. I call out and start my search. Hmmm, one in the darkened tv room...one on the cool bathroom tile...one LYING IN THE LITTER BOX!! "OH GROSS APU--GET OUT OF THERE!" He slinks out of the litter box with a look that can only be interpreted as "what the heck is YOUR problem!"

Ahh, summertime. Hot, sticky days and stinky cats.

Oh my! I was originally adding this photo to show Sweet Pea just chillin', but now looking at it I almost expect him to start breathlessly quoting lines from The Maltese Falcon!

The Bestest Place on Earth

2009-07-22T17:50:00.003-04:00

According to my cats, is.....

Mom's lap after she has been out of town. According to my neighbor who was taking care of my herd, the inside crew seemed quite depressed. Not one of them came out of the bedroom the entire time I was gone (well at least when my neighbor was there). Apu, I could understand. But Sweet Pea and Woody are so friendly and curious with everyone I was very surprised to hear this.

So, my first morning back I sat on the couch to see who would be first. Usually Woody is the lap hog, but as you can see from the above photo, Sweet Pea beat him to it. Woody decided to bide his time by chewing on his back leg, when all of a sudden he looked up and saw this...

Sweet Pea jumped down and Apu quietly sneaked up. I think you can see Woody's surprised expression. I believe he is saying "Wha hoppined?" Well enough is enough. Woody was not going to sit around waiting for Apu to leave.

He decided to squeeze his way onto my lap with Apu not giving an inch. Although I frequently joke about Woody's lack of intellectual muscle, he does have a few frequently used tricks up his sleeve.

Oh look at those devious eyes! He very slowly moves across my lap, making sure he is between me and the other cat. This results in one of two things. Either the first cat will feel too squeezed and will jump off, or in the close quarters will start grooming Woody. It's a win-win situation as far as Woody is concerned.

This time, Woody got to share my lap and get groomed. What a deal!

If I'm Going Crazy it Must be July!

2009-07-09T11:24:00.006-04:00

Yet, you would NEVER know it was July with the weather we've been having. Absolutely wonderful. Highs in the low 80s, low humidity and the nights cool down to the low 60s. Just heavenly. I think we've had maybe two really bad HHH days so far this summer (Hazy, Hot, and Humid). It must be a record.

I must say that the weather has really made preparing for our July Board meetings easier to bear. If you think it seems like I'm always writing about preparing for another board meeting, believe me, it certainly feels that way to me too! Yes, I'm off to Portland, Oregon this weekend. I know I'm a broken record on this, but I really do hate traveling and attending these meetings. Always needing to be on call, never being able to let your guard down and relax, always worrying about taking minutes and hoping the food and activities I've selected meet with everyone's approval. The only upside is not having to cook for a few days. But that is offset by worrying about my furbies back home and hoping they are all okay. I've already been preparing them by telling them that my neighbor will be coming by twice a day to look in on them and feed and brush them. And, to make me feel better, I remind myself that a week from today, I'll be back home again!

Windows open, cats lounging in the evening breeze. It doesn't get much better then this. Take care everyone and maybe I'll send you a post from Portland. But if there isn't enough time, I'll be back in a week.

Roll Call

2009-06-22T16:36:00.005-04:00

I've decided to out myself. I've said it before and I'll say it again...I'm a crazy cat lady. For years now whenever someone would ask "just how many cats do you have?" I always gave a few pat answers such as "you really don't want to know", I really can't keep track of them all", and "it's a state secret." I'm now going to list all my furbies to dispel the age-old stereotype of the crazy cat lady and to start a new definition of one. You know the old one--a desperate lonely single woman (usually old or ugly, or both), possibly a hoarder, with no friends save her feline ones. Okay, I'm single but that's as far as the stereotype goes. I have a decent paying and good job, own my own home, have many friends both at work and outside of work and have many, MANY outside interests that have absolutely nothing to do with cats!

If someone takes in a number of dogs, or horses, or whatever, you never hear a derogatory stereotype about them...why cats? Everyone I know that has taken in cats have hearts of gold. They, like myself, cannot turn their backs on a needy animal. These folks, like myself, also volunteer and give money to many local animal shelters and know the realities of bringing in stray cats to the shelter and decide "what's one more cat?" Instead of making fun of these folks, people should be thanking them for all they do for these vulnerable animals.

Whew!! Okay, I feel better now. So, without further ado, here are the current occupants of Possumlady Place, ranked in order of their being taken in.

Apu

At 13 years old, Apu is the oldest of the clan and now the only cat that I actually adopted from a shelter back in 1996. A typical scaredy cat and curmudgeon, Apu has really grown in the year since his security blanket, Butterball, passed on. He was named after a favorite Simpsons cartoon character.

Sweet Pea

He is roughly 10 years old. Around 5:45 one morning in August of 2001 I heard a cat fight right under my bedroom window. I looked out to see a fluffy gray cat running away with my neighbor's cat, Winston, in hot pursuit. My neighbors and I started feeding him and asking around the neighborhood. No one claimed him so my neighbor took him in to get neutered, cleaned up, and get the necessary shots. Then what? Another neighbor had expressed interest earlier on but when the cat was ready to be adopted, the neighbor changed his mind. So again, what's one more cat. I took him in with Butterball and Apu already in residence. Yet neither Butterball nor Apu were lap cats and this cat loved to jump in my lap and bury his head. I just kept telling him what a Sweet Pea he was and the name stuck.

Woody

He will be 8 this fall. I started seeing Woody in March of 2002 and I assumed he just lived up the street. Then I didn't see him again until June. I hardly recognized him. Patchy, dull coat and so emaciated you could see every vertebra and rib on his body. I watched as he slowly made the rounds of the neighborhood, walking up to the front porches of people who had cats, looking for food. I followed him with a bowl full of turkey baby food. I called him and he slowly came to me. I put down the food and I never saw a cat eat so fast. I picked him up and brought him home where I put out dry and wet food. Again, my neighbor took him in to be neutered and given his shots. The vet estimated he was around 8 months old. When my neighbor got him home, she asked me if I wanted him. My mind was screaming NO, NO, NO!! But, somehow the words that came out of my mouth were "sure, why not". I started calling him String Bean (Beanie), then settled on Woody. He has grown to be one of my largest cats and a sweeter one you will never meet. He does not have a mean bone in his body and loves everyone. If he could find a way to velcro himself to my lap, he would do it.

Toby, Figaro, and Chloe

These three cats came over from my neighbor's house around the same time in late 2003, early 2004. I have no idea their ages. My neighbor had them as give ups or from other rescuers. They were all very skittish with Toby acting almost feral in his fear of people. I can imagine with my neighbor's four barkey terrier type dogs and her foster dogs and cats, along with potential adopters coming and going most evenings, her home must have been a nightmare for these quiet, terrified souls. They found quiet and sanctuary at my house and they have all blossomed. Figaro and Chloe are the tuxedo twins and are very sweet and friendly. Toby is still pretty skittish but will allow me to pet him on occasion. In fact, I finally just got Toby to come into the house about a year ago so he wouldn't be the only cat outside on cold winter nights.

Lisa

aka, Chunky Lisa, or Lisa Marie. Chunky Lisa, a dilute calico, also came over from my neighbor's house. I started seeing her around January 2005. She was brought over when her elderly owner passed away. A timid, sensitive soul, Chunky Lisa has blossomed since coming to Possumlady Place. I've often wanted to change her name to Chatty Cathy as she trills, grunts, tweets and meows almost constantly when she is awake.

Oliver (Twist)

aka, Ollie, or Ollie Baba. Little Oliver started showing up in my front yard bushes with eyes glowing in the night around March 2006. I would see him snatching a bit to eat on my front porch. If he saw me he would hiss and run off. I noticed he had a tipped ear--a mark of a feral cat that has been trapped, neutered and released. Imagine my surprise when a few weeks later he started running up to me to be petted. Very skinny and gangly, I named him Oliver Twist as he always wanted more food!

So, there you have it. All the creatures currently at Possumlady Place---for now ;-)

Drum Roll Please.....New Cushions!!

2009-06-14T18:14:00.003-04:00

Yes, this is the excitment of my weekend. Finding new cushions for my front porch wicker. I am usually a catalog and on line shopper but I have not been able to find anything that I really liked.

This morning I needed to make a quick stop at a small local hardware store and decided to stop in at a Pier One that was close by. They didn't have much of a selection, but I found what I wanted right away, although I had forgotten how expensive these cushions can be. I had not planned on spending close to $100 for two cushions and a small pillow. That even takes into account a 25% discount on each item!!

But I do love them. Yes, there is a lot of color and prints and stripes on the porch but I've never been a matchy matchy kind of gal, and I DO live in Takoma Park, a very creative little town where a lot of the houses and front porches come alive with vibrant colors. No homeowners associations here!! I just couldn't live like that, personally.

My little loveseat is now so comfortable, I spent most of the afternoon here sipping my Fresca, eating crackers and hummus and reading.

I even gave in and let Woody outside with me. He cries and cries and cries and cries when I'm hanging out on the front porch, so I finally let him out. He likes the new cushions too.

Of course, as soon as I got up to get my camera, Chunky Lisa had to try out the loveseat for herself. An hour later and she is still there snoozing away.

Hope you all had a restful weekend.

Routine Email Alert--Not So Routine

2009-06-10T16:24:00.004-04:00

Working in Washington, DC, one gets used to the sounds of sirens. White House folks needing to be shuffled around the area, along with foreign dignitaries, all of them needing police escorts. It's a wonder we can get any work done at all some days.

Shortly after 9/11, a wonderful service the city provides is email/cell phone alerts. If you sign up you will be alerted to any number of things--bad weather approaching, temporary road closures due to the President moving from one part of the city to another, police activity, other routine road closures due to marches and protesters, and yes, possible terrorist activities. So, I didn't think any of it when I received this email alert a few hours ago:

*****
Street closures due to police activity: NB/SB 14th St Brge to Indep Ave SW, IB 14th St SW HOV lanes, SB 14th St SW - Const Ave SW, WB 12th St & C St SW, WB Indep Ave SW from 12th St SW, SB 15th St SW from Indep Ave SW.
Sent by DC HSEMA to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN
---
- You received this alert because you registered for AlertDC.
*****

Then I found out that an 88 year old man with ties to white supr*macy, walked into the Holocaust Museum with a shotgun and started shooting.

SIGH.....

I'm Back!

2009-06-07T14:34:00.005-04:00

This weekend was the first weekend in a LONG time that I finally felt all together well both physically and mentally, and I actually had energy to do things! I had absolutely no plans but to work outside. Saturday was spent running errands, then mowing and weeding the front yard. Oh, and a word of warning. Before you get into a weeding frenzy, make sure you take a good look at what you are about to pull out.

I have no idea what this little guy is. He was only an inch tall and wide. I waited until he left on his own acord before pulling this weed up.

Sunday I started with mixing up a dry rub for some ribs and wrapped them up to rest before grilling Sunday night. I then decided to pull everything off of my front porch, sweep it then hose it and scrub it down. Try as I might, I just couldn’t get all the imbedded dirt off the painted porch floor. I had thought a few months ago that I should get a small indoor/outdoor rug to cover it.

Last month my sister and I made our annual trek to the National Cathedral’s Flower Mart. Let me show you what I bought.

This rug is PERFECT for my front porch! It is from a company call Mad Mats and is made from recycled plastic and since it is nonporous, dirt and mold will not get imbedded and it can be cleaned easily with a hose. And, it feels great on bare feet.

Then, there is a woman who exhibits her mosaic creations every year at the Flower Mart. I love her work. The ones I really love are made with old broken plates, jewelry, buttons, ceramic statues, etc. The only problem is that most of her pieces are big and just would not fit in my little bungalow. So I was thrilled when I saw this small old cedar jewelry box that she had covered in mosaic. She told me where every piece came from and the name of the pattern of the old plates around the edges. Having dabbled in broken plate mosaics myself, I know how much thought goes into each piece and how time consuming it is. I truly treasure this little box.

Also finally spray painted my porch wicker (picture to follow once they dry and are put back on the porch). Now I just need to buy some new cushions and I'll be set for the year.

Okay, here is a photo of the newly painted wicker. I really didn't want to do boring white again. Against the wall is a folding bistro table also in green that I picked up at Target. Chunky Lisa is there to provide her one track mind commentary, such as: Is it time for the wet food yet? Might there be any wet food left over in the kitchen? I really could go for a wet food snack right about now...

Yes, quite a productive weekend!! What did you do this weekend?

Namaste Sweet Ned and Bunny

2009-05-28T16:16:00.006-04:00

I've been wanting to post about events at the Elephant Sanctuary but felt overwhelmed at the time with being sick and losing Moochie and didn't want all my posts to be so sad but sometimes that is just how life is.

The Sanctuary lost two sweet elephants the same week I had to put Moochie down.

Bunny, at 57 was the second oldest elephant living at the Sanctuary. She made her transition on May 14. She has the unique distinction of being the only elephant at the Sanctuary that has died of natural causes (old age). Here is what the Sanctuary had to say:

Bunny

May 12

Bunny, true to her nature, is moving slowly in her process, spending less and less time consciously with us and more time in a deep sleep. Her fluids have been reduced to a slow drip to allow for an intravenous port for her pain meds. She continues to breathe through her trunk but also has begun to snore periodically. Caregivers are doing their best to hold silent vigil so that Bunny can slip away when she is ready. We honor her process and know that this is Bunny’s passing which will be done in her time, in her way. Shirley and Tarra (elephants) continue to remain close and are at peace. Seeing Tarra and Shirley share this experience is a gift for all of us. We know that both are helping each other and we cannot help but recognize the gift this is for Tarra, having Shirley lean on her in this emotional way.

May 14

Bunny has blessed this planet with her presence for 57 years. Her humor and gentleness has touched literally thousands of people. In Evansville, IN she was friend to three generations of families that grew up knowing Bunny. Today Bunny left us to join those who have gone before her. Her passing was beautiful to behold. Caregivers held the space for Bunny to transition in her own time her own way. Being present during an elephant's transition is indescribable, a cherished gift; always a profoundly touching experience. With a caregiver at her side Bunny took two long breaths, closed her eyes and passed. Namesta sweet Bunny. The joy you brought can never be measured; your wisdom always remembered

Ned

Ned at the very young age of 21, was with the Sanctuary a very short time, just since last November. USDA confiscated Ned from a small circus that was charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act. He was a TON underweight. Just when the Sanctuary thought they had turned a corner with Ned, his stomach would act up again. Here are diary entries from the Sanctuary:

May 13

Every day that Ned is with us is a gift, of that we are sure. To look upon his emaciated body, to know that no matter what he eats he experiences difficulty digesting and absorbing nutrients is difficult to do day after day. Every day feels like a stolen one for him. This morning when caregivers entered Ned’s barn, he was lying on his side on the floor in obvious discomfort. Throughout the day he was made comfortable with fluids, pain meds and anti-inflammatory. The vet team struggled to determine how to help Ned since his condition remains undiagnosed, so we tried to mask the pain and get him back on his feet. He remains under constant veterinary care and 24 hour caregiver’s supervision.

May 15

Ned was with us such a short time and now he is gone. When he crossed over there can be no doubt that he was in the company of his sister-elephant Bunny who passed away only 12 hours before him. Although these two deaths were unrelated on a physical level, on a deeper level they could not be more related. Ned passed away at 3:47am CT in the company of a caregiver. He passed without a struggle, just two deep breaths and a sigh and then he was gone. We feel cheated by the little time we had with Ned but cherish every single moment we were allowed to care for and get to know this most amazing boy/man elephant known as Ned. We love you Ned, Namaste sweet boy.

Ned’s passing is especially difficult because of the amount he suffered throughout his young life, how much he missed out on and how little time he had in sanctuary. A part of us is relieved because he no longer will experience the abdominal pain that plagued him for so many years or worry about how horrible he might feel tomorrow. No one would begrudge him letting go of his diseased body even if it meant we never again could be so fortunate as to watch him glide through the pasture or camouflage himself in the woods behind his barn. He deserves to be free from pain.

Ned’s necropsy was performed today by the expert team from Georgia State University. Upon gross examination it was found that Ned suffered a multitude of problems, all centered on his abdomen. The most obvious of his problems lay in his intestinal tract which was seriously diseased with ulcers, much like the ulcers humans develop, and scaring in the area where most of his nutrients would be absorbed if his tract had been healthy. Although Ned did have a scant 4 handfuls of sand in his gut, sand impaction was not one of his conditions. The further into Ned’s intestinal tract the team worked, the more amazed they were by the damage they found. A full necropsy report will be issued to the Sanctuary once all of the samples are processed, but stress is believed to have been a factor in the disease of Ned’s intestinal tract, long-term stress. Another very troublesome finding was the condition of Ned’s pancreas. Before he died our vet team suspected that Ned might be suffering from a diseased pancreas and prescribed diet recommendation to address such a condition. Upon necropsy the team explained that Ned had suffered from his condition for a long time and that by the time he arrived to the Sanctuary his condition was terminal.

Luckily he was able to live his last few months under the attention of caregivers and veterinarians and savor what little time he had left. Ned was one lucky boy to be surrounded by so many people who sincerely cared about him, including the thousands of supporters who loved him unconditionally from afar. Thank you.

Something to Put a Smile on Your Face

2009-05-27T11:00:00.003-04:00

I know I introduced folks to the Alaska blog "the mudflats" last fall during that very scary time of the announcement of Sarah Palin as the VP candidate.

While we are all marveling at new life in our yards this spring, baby squirrels, birds, raccoons and possums...well, you just need to check out mudflats today.

Recharging

2009-05-18T17:22:00.005-04:00

You know when you are recharging your cell phone or lap top and it seems to take FOREVER? Well, that’s how I feel trying to recharge and regroup after the death of Moochie and trying to get over a bout of bronchitis.

I finally went to one of those walk-in clinics last Wednesday night and was quite impressed by the professionalism of it all. They took down all my vitals (all wearing masks, of course), and took a swab of my nose to check for the Bacon virus. The doctor listened to my lungs and thought he heard some crackling, along with wheezing so they sent me to get my chest x-rayed thinking I might have walking pneumonia. Luckily, I didn’t but they did diagnose me with bronchitis and sent me home with some strong cough syrup (just being able to sleep through the night made a world of difference). I was planning on going into work on Thursday, since our new board members arrived for meetings that day but my boss insisted that I stay home. (He did apologize for being a jerk and for me having to work while I was feeling so sick. He thought I was just suffering from allergies!!)

Pretty much slept through the entire weekend. I realized yesterday morning that part of my problem was that I just wasn’t eating very well. A few grapes and mango slices here, some hummus and crackers there, just did not amount to much. I decided to look through some of my Cook’s Country magazines for some easy recipes and found a wonderful roast chicken with lemon dish, and a broiled asparagus with Dijon mustard vinaigrette.

Made myself presentable to the public and went food shopping. Who knew that could be so tiring! After I got all the bags into the house I had to take a nap. The chicken is roasted with the zest of three lemons (along with sugar and salt mixed in) massaged under the skin. A sauce is made of chicken broth, lemon juice and more lemon zest and poured into the bottom of the roasting pan. Oh, it was so tasty. I have to say that making the dish and cleaning up after exhausted me so I never did make the asparagus. That will be tonight’s dish, along with leftover chicken and sauce.

5-19 Update:
Well I arrived home from work last night to find a cooler on my front porch. My sister had dropped off a care package of tulips, homemade soup, homemade bourbon balls (my favorite), oranges, and my most favorite olive oil, Ravida! What a treat!! What a sister!! I don't call her Mama Mia for nothing!

I just had to add this as it made me laugh out loud. Reminds me of Apu and Woody. Apu being the contemplative one and Woody....well....

And just like that....he was gone

2009-05-13T16:01:00.002-04:00

I had Moochie put down yesterday around noon.

He was eating less and less and his activity level was going down too. When he started having trouble with his bowel movements I decided it was time. I called the vet on Monday and made the appointment for Tuesday. I can’t think of a more traumatic, gut wrenching decision than to make that phone call to the vet. On top of that, I’m still pretty sick, running a fever off and on, feeling light headed and basically awful. At work I have been getting ready to have board orientation meetings that start tomorrow so have not been able to take any time off. On Monday afternoon, I told my boss that I would have to be out on Tuesday morning to put my cat down. He paused and said “are the board materials going to get done in time?”

I lost it. I told him that of course everything would get done in time (doesn’t it always!!). Then, I said “Just for the record, I feel awful and if it wasn’t for the board coming to town I would be home in bed. I know it’s not convenient for you for me to be sick and to have a terminally ill pet but that is my life right now and you are just going to have to accept it.” He then mumbled something about getting me some help and I told him everything was taken care of (as usual).

I went home from work on Monday to find Moochie chipper and following me around the house. I let him outside and he went and had a lie down in my front yard. He ate well that night and Tuesday morning was also acting better then he had in a number of days. I sat on the bed and he walked over to me rubbing up against me and I started crying. “Moochie” I said “what are you doing??” “I’m getting dressed to take you to be put down and you’re acting like your feeling better?” I opened the crate and he just walked right in. At this point I have to disassociate myself from the task at hand and just drive to the vets.

My vet squeezed me in between surgeries yesterday. He was very sweet and when I mentioned that Moochie was acting better and eating more, the vet assured me that he felt it was the right time. Yes, maybe Moochie could have gone on for a few more weeks, but, he said most people wait until they can see visible signs of suffering in their pet and by that time, the pet is REALLY suffering since they do their best to mask their pain. After it was over, the vet took my hand and moved it around Moochie’s abdomen where I did indeed feel the very large tumor. I then used their restroom where I splashed water on my face, blew my nose and drove to work.

Truly a miserable day.

Frazzled

2009-05-06T15:48:00.008-04:00

The past few weeks have passed in a blur. The only word that keeps coming to me as I think about how I’ve been feeling is--frazzled. My association’s governing board came and went. The three day meeting ran pretty smoothly with no glaring errors. Even with the many early mornings and late evenings at work, along with the neighborhood cat sitting, I always made sure all my cats were accounted and cared for. As soon as the board left, I finally was able to spend some time with my brood.

Moochie is one of a few outside strays that I have been taking care of for over six years now. As black as coal and full of spit and vinegar, Moochie is a force to be reckoned with. A very aggressive cat, he would often chase the more timid ones, much to my aggravation. If I ever heard a cat cry out I would run outside and most likely find Moochie chasing Chloe or Toby up a tree. So, I was taken aback when about two weeks ago, I saw him slink past a couple of the more timid cats, almost like he was afraid of them. I bent down to pet him and was amazed at how thin he had gotten. How long had it been since I last pet him? It couldn’t have been that long ago? I kept my eye on him and saw that he was indeed moving quite slowly and while he would run to his food plate when I put it down, I saw that he would only take a few bites and then lie down. I starting bringing him in at night and throughout the evenings and mornings try to get him to eat. He was almost totally off of both wet and dry cat food. I took out the Nutri-cal supplement that I used with Butterball and luckily Moochie liked the taste. I knew that he LOVED chicken so I bought one of those roast chickens at Whole Foods thinking he would get the dark meat (that I don’t like) and I could eat the white meat. I cut up the meat of a leg and brought it to him. He picked up a piece and then promptly spit it out. Wow, he won’t even eat roast chicken. Hmmm, I then cut up a few pieces of white meat and put that in front of him. Wouldn’t you know, he chowed down on that--so much for my chicken dinner. I knew that roast chicken wasn’t nutritious enough for him so I thought I would try some white fish and tuna wet cat food. I NEVER serve this to my cats because it is just SO stinky. But, that might be just what he needs to stimulate his appetite.

(Moochie, lounging in the brush a couple of years ago.)

It worked. He is still not eating his usual amount but he is eating the wet cat food and will even crunch a few pieces of kibble at a time. I also bought some vitamin fortified cat treats that he loves. His energy level has also improved. I almost canceled his vet appointment for yesterday but I thought better and took him in to get checked out.

Very bad news. The vet felt a large baseball sized mass in his abdomen--most likely gastrointestinal lymphoma. My vet was very sorry but he said he wouldn’t even refer me to a specialist. That might sound harsh, so I need to point out that my vet knows me, knows all the cats I have, knows my finances. Even if this were my beloved Butterball, I wouldn't put him through a series of poking and prodding tests and/or surgeries. At this advanced stage and size, the vet said it would be a matter of weeks, if not days, before I would need to bring him in to be put down. I asked about his increased energy level and my vet said it was because of two things, 1) I was getting food and supplements into him. Without coaxing, he would have probably (and indeed almost) stopped eating all together a few weeks ago; and 2) I was spending a lot of time with him.

Here I am, back at this familiar juncture. I was so hoping that I wouldn’t have to deal with another cat illness and death this year. Moochie is now inside and getting lots of TLC.

(Enjoying the breeze on the front porch early this morning)

...Yes, I am still frazzled.

Kitty Sitting and a Crystal Tree

2009-04-09T16:56:00.010-04:00

My brain is mush from work this week so all I got is a post on cat sitting!!

The board agenda books went out today so that is a BIG relief. On top of that, a number of weeks ago without regard to the timing, I agreed to cat sit my neighbors' (Walter and Laurie) two cats this past week. They live just four houses up from me and the little sweeties are no problem, but it is just one more thing to remember to do.

With all the cats that I have, I only feel comfortable having my neighbor Karin take care of them when I'm out of town. After all, if it weren't for her, I would have five less cats to take care of!!With some of them needing daily medications, she's very at ease with it all. So, in exchange for taking care of Walter and Laurie's cats, Walter has been a Mr. Fixit for me and has so far fixed my doorbell and my deadbolt lock. It's really a great arrangement. Here's a couple of photos of my kitty sitting friends....

I'm sorry to say I can never remember this cat's name! She is the alpha of the two yet very sweet and gentle. I just call her Sweetie Pie. She comes by for a quick rub against my legs and LOVES the laser pointer that I bring along for my evening visit.

Then, the black flash is Xena. Definitely NOT a warrior princess, Xena is very timid. She will not come up to me and would not stay still for a proper photo. I can usually find her peeking from behind the basement door. They are both such petite things. Nothing like the big bruisers that I have.

I'll leave you with a beautiful tree that my neighbors have. It is a redbud adorned with crystals. The redbud is just starting to bloom. They've attached all different kinds of crystals to the tree and are a permanent fixture throughout the seasons. It is truly breathtaking walking past it sparkling in the morning sun. Not sure you will be able to see it from this small photo.

Have a blessed Passover and Easter everyone.

Watch NBC Nightly News Tonight

2009-04-08T15:02:00.002-04:00

My boss just got back from NBC's DC bureau after being interviewed for a story on e*rly ch*ldhood education. He's the executive director of my association but unfortunately, for privacy purposes, I can't name my workplace or my boss!!! Well, maybe his initials, MG. Don't want him noseying (is that a word?) around my blog!

Who knows if they will even have him on. Like he said, it will probably be a two second shot.

Still going crazy here preparing for our upcoming board meeting in less then two weeks. I really think I'm getting too old for this...

Whew!!

2009-03-30T18:31:00.007-04:00

Sorry for dropping off the face of the earth last week. Things are starting to heat up at work and my home laptop is still not working.

Had a very fun time at the annual Pasta for Pets about a week ago. I received an urgent email from the rescue league a day before the event stating that even though I had purchased tickets beforehand, there would be no guarantee that I would get a seat!! With doors opening at 6:00 pm, I picked up my friend, Ms. Melody, at the subway at 5:30 and we were off and running. We arrived at the church around 5:45-5:50 and there was already a line to get in. I was not too happy when we got through the doors and saw all the filled and saved seats but we did manage to find a couple of free tables where we parked our coats. The spaghetti was good, not great (I’m a sauce snob. I don’t want my sauce to be the least bit sweet—and theirs was.) The salad was okay and the buttery garlic bread was pretty darn good. They then had homemade cakes and cookies for dessert.

Next it was time for BINGO. Good lord, I haven’t played in so long. It was a little more difficult then I remember. I mean, you want to chat, socialize and have a good time, then all of a sudden “what?!, what number did he call?! Are we still playing the red card?!”

Even with all the distractions, I actually won a game!! I was so excited, and just look at what I won…a package of five different kinds of garden gloves and a bag of spring bulbs! Woo Hoo!!

***********

Then, early last week while Woody was sitting in my lap I decided to take a look at his teeth. I noticed last Fall that he was missing an upper canine. See, Woody is my mini black lab of a cat. Big and goofy and gregarious, never meeting a humine, feline, or canine he didn't like, and always banging or running into something/someone. So when I noticed the missing tooth, I wasn't too shocked and after I made sure the surrounding gum tissue looked fine I didn’t think anything of it. When I looked at the same area last week the surrounding gum tissue was swollen, hard, and white. Oh, this didn’t look good. Since my first cat, Mr. Bill, died of oral cancer that is always the first thing that pops into my head. I then googled oral cancer in cats and it said something like…Although it is typically found under the tongue, tumors can also appear at the gum line. It is usually caught too late when what you see are angry red nodules, but it starts out as swollen, hard and white…Okay, well that did NOTHING to ease my mind, thank you VERY much. I called my vet last Tuesday and he didn’t have an opening until today! The rest of the week and weekend was spent on a rollercoaster of emotions. “Oh, I’m sure it’s nothing. He is just too big and healthy” “Okay, he probably does have cancer. How much are you willing to do and spend” “Oh, poor Woody, now I feel so guilty for all the times I pushed you off of my lap and told you to leave me alone” “Waaaaahhh!” “Woody, even if you are sick, would you pu-leeze get off me!”

The good news is that he does NOT have cancer. The area is just swollen where the root of his canine still is. But, he does have gum disease and has sores/ulcers in the back of his mouth so he is on a course of antibiotics for 10 days. He was also given a prednisone shot and will be taking some new meds that might help his allergies. Woody has only known one vet that made house calls the first few years after I took him in as a stray. Since 2007, that vet retired and I started seeing my current vet. Woody never had an issue before and with so many cats, my budget does not allow for yearly check ups for all of them. So, I had yet to make an appointment for him. I was curious (nervous) to see how he would react in the carrier and at the vet. He was an absolute sweetheart. Did not utter a peep in the carrier and when he was placed on the metal examine table he walked over and headbutted the vet. My vet still remembering Butterball commented “you have the most calm cats of anyone I know”. I just smiled and thought “just wait until I have to bring Apu in--get the dart gun ready!”

Woody: HEY, wanna be my friend?

Taking a Forced Break

2009-03-19T16:29:00.005-04:00

My laptop crashed last weekend and I haven't had the time or money to deal with it yet. So, I've done the last two posts from work---ssshhh, don't tell my boss! Oh, and I guess this one too--double ssshhh!!

As next week starts the grueling task of gearing up for our April board meeting, I decided to take tomorrow off. I will not have access to a computer for three days. I'm actually not too freaked out about it. I didn't turn on my home laptop at all this week, which is a ritual for me as soon as I get up in the morning and during the evening hours. You know what, the morning was a bit hard, but having no access in the evening was most freeing.

I plan to spend tomorrow putzing around in my yard trying to clean up those d*mn seed pods from the gazillion catalpa trees that line my property. Oh I remember when I first moved into my little home, I honestly had never seen a catalpa tree before with their huge elephant ear leaves and they were blooming and I thought they were sooo cool. Now, to quote Jerry Seinfeld's sitcom mom, "I hate them like poison".

Saturday, I'll be going to the Pasta for Pets event for my local animal shelter. I'll make sure to take a lot of photos!

I'll end this on a happy note and a photo of Ned. Remember Ned? He was the bag-o-bones elephant that The Elephant Sanctuary rescued in November of last year. Ned has had his ups and downs at the sanctuary. He just wasn't gaining any weight and had a lot of stomach problems. Nothing stood out in all the blood and fecal tests they ran so it was a trial and error of testing what foods would work best with his system. Guess what finally worked---plain old cooked oatmeal! It took a while for Ned to figure out how to eat it, and like it, but he now scarfs it down a number of times daily and his digestive system has finally settled down.

Another thing that saddened me were the posts about Ned just standing in his yard, not knowing what to do with himself all day. I guess it takes a while to get used to being free and being able to chose when you want to go outside, or come back inside, or eat and drink when you want, when all you've known were chains and sharp bullhooks leading you around every day. He has a wide variety of elephant "toys" both inside and outside that he really had no clue what to do with them.

Well, that has changed. This is his favorite toy and he takes it with him everywhere! The problem (for the staff) is that he loves to stomp on it and deflates it several times a day. Wouldn't that be a great job? Yes, I inflate elephant toys for a living and I love it!!!

Have a wonderful few days and do something nice for an animal this weekend...

Still Missing You

2009-03-17T11:56:00.006-04:00

Can it possibly be an entire year since I last scratched the top of your head…your big round belly…or tickled your little rumpy riser tail? If it’s St. Patrick’s Day, then it must be true. My big Irish boy-o of a manx, Butterball, left this world a year ago today. I sat on the couch this morning looking at his favorite chair and had a good cry with Apu sitting in my lap.

B-man, you would be proud of your little brother Apu. He has really grown in the year you have been gone. Folks are still surprised when they come over to the house and Apu comes out of the bedroom to greet them. And, while I still watch him having a silent paw whapping skirmish with Sweet Pea and Woody, I also watch him as he shares my lap with Woody and will tenderly wash Woody’s face and head. Butterball, you taught him well.

Has anyone read the novel that came out a few years ago, The Lovely Bones?

Spoiler Alert!
It is a story about a young teenage girl (Susie) who gets brutally murdered very early in the book. Susie then narrates the rest of the book from heaven while she watches over her family and friends. It was a fascinating book (although the ending was a little over the top for me). The part though that made me cry and put down the book for a moment was while Susie was looking on from heaven, she watched as her dog grew older and more infirmed after each passing year. Then one day in heaven, something came rushing over to Susie. It was her dog. He was in perfect health again and so happy to see her.

One can only hope that is how heaven will be. If so, I’ll have quite the animal menagerie around me!!

So tonight I will raise a glass of beer in honor of Butterball. I hope his Irish eyes are smiling down on me today and every day.

You are still deeply loved and greatly missed by everyone here at Possumlady Place. You are still my main man.

Pasta for Pets

2009-03-16T13:07:00.004-04:00

The Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) is one of the local shelters that I support. This coming Saturday, March 21, WARL will be hosting their annual Pasta for Pets (a spaghetti dinner and game night)!

6:00pm-9:00pm

Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church

3401 Nebraska Avenue NW

Washington DC 20016 (across from American University)

Tickets are $15 each ($50 for a four-pack)and be will available for purchase at the door or [ buy tickets online ]. Space is limited. Bring your big appetite and game face!This event is sponsored by our friends at ProFeed, Alexandria Animal Hospital, Ledo Pizza, San Vito Ristorante, and Filomena Ristorante. All proceeds will benefit the League's Love Fund that provides funding support for emergency care for seriously injured animals who are abandoned or live with low-income residents in our community who cannot afford the costs of major surgery.

I'll be going with a friend. Any readers out there in the DC area come on out for a fun evening!!

Pasta and Bingo--it's a winning combination!!

Friday Funnies

2009-03-06T11:09:00.006-05:00

Just a couple of funnies to start your weekend....

Every Thursday in the Washington Post they have an "Animal Watch" that lists cases where authorities had to be called for some reason or another. I've held on to this little gem for a while now. It still makes me laugh...

******

Snake Report Shrivels Up

QUARLES ST. NE, 4400 block, Jan. 11. A woman asked animal control to have a black snake removed from her kitchen cabinet. When an officer arrived, he discovered that the snake was a dried banana.

******

I emailed this to a couple of friends. One wrote back that this sounds like something she would find under a bunch of papers on her dining room table. That jogged my memory thinking do I actually have some old bananas under a pile of papers on my kitchen table and went to investigate. Here is what I found

Well, not quite the shriveled snake look yet. Not quite enough for banana bread either. Looks like the grapes will be going to the birds.

Then, my good friend and former blogger Cat59 sent this photo to me thinking Possumlady would appreciate it. Now, I don't know if this is true or not but I don't care. It makes me laugh and that's all that counts!

Have a safe and relaxing weekend everyone! Don't forget to laugh.

Wordless Wednesday -- A Study in Black and Gray

2009-03-04T22:26:00.001-05:00

SNOW Update

2009-03-02T07:08:00.004-05:00

Yes, we do have snow!!! Yipee Skipee!!! Woke up around 5:45 this morning. Heard one lone cardinal singing his spring song so I ran out in my bathrobe and boots to clear off the bird feeders and throw out more peanuts but they have all disappeared in the snow already. So, so pretty. It really does make everything look fresh and clean.

See for yourself...

I'll update throughout the day.

Update at 7:50 pm

Oh it was a windy and snowy and sunshiney day today. I loved it. I can understand how people can get tired of it (being from Minnesota, believe me, I remember). But seeing as it is going to get up to around 60 by the end of the week this is just pure fun.

Hard to believe this will all be gone in a few days.

Had to make sure the suet cakes were out for Mr. and Ms. Red-Bellied and the Downy twins.

Since all the seed was covered with snow and throwing out more just sank, I put out this little birdy buffet with safflower seeds and shelled and unshelled peanuts. By late afternoon it brought in a flock of about 50 grackles--scurreech!! My first impulse was to shoo them away but then I thought, hey, they gots to eat too. I let them go nuts and then just refilled the buffet after the flock moved on.

Back to reality and work tomorrow.

Winter Storm Warning!? Be Still My Heart...

2009-03-01T08:39:00.004-05:00

It's frustrating being a snow-lover and living in the DC area. Oh yes we've had some serious snowfalls but nothing to speak of in the last seven years. Our average winter snowfall is between 10-13 inches. This year we have had less then 2! It seems like every major snow storm this year has stopped just short of the DC area.

Last week the weather folks started the usually cautious forecasts of the possibility of some "accumulation" this weekend. Like a scorned lover, I had heard it all before. I was not going to be fooled again into the hope of some real snow.

But it does look like we might actually get some serious snow tonight and tomorrow! Have I now jinxed it by putting my hopes in writing? We started with some sleet and a dusting last night.

I also was feeling like I was jinxing the whole thing by gassing up my car and stocking up on a healthy supply of bird food. But we shall see. I'll say I'm cautiously optimistic!

Figaro, on the other hand, is quite nonplussed by the whole snow thing and thinks his mom is quite strange bopping around the house doing something she calls a "snow dance".

I'll keep you all posted on the events as they unfold.

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-26T20:56:00.003-05:00

Some mornings I'm thankful that as soon as I get out of bed the cats will jump up looking for a warm spot making it virtually impossible for me to make the bed ;-)

Taking a Stand

2009-02-21T17:26:00.005-05:00

If you have read Possumlady Place for any amount of time, you know that I'm a big fan and supporter of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. In turn, I'm firmly against the use of any wild animals in circuses.

You can then imagine my dismay when at my office, an all staff email went out on Thursday offering staff discount tickets to the upcoming Ringling Brothers Circus. The email literally turned my stomach. Apparently, the PR machine of Ringling was reaching out to various children's organizations. I quickly flew off an email to our HR director stating my concern. It should be noted that I'm good friends with the head of our HR department and I knew she was swamped and without her assistant for three weeks due to an injury and upcoming surgery. So, I was hesitant sending the email and tried to word it without being accusatory.

She sent me a reply that stated "okay, fine...but it IS for children and they approached US". At this point I decided to go and talk with her, but by the time I reached her office she had already left for the day.

By the time I was driving home I had a massive headache. I started berating myself, "why do you let these things get you SO upset! Why can't you just shake your head, realizing that awful things go on day after day and there is really nothing you can do about it."

The next day I decided I would go and talk to my friend. I walked into her office stating that I knew she was crazed with work and this is probably the LAST thing she wants to deal with, but...She said she was not mad at all and knows that I'm a big animal lover and also knows that some of the ways that they treat animals can be "construed" as animal abuse. Construed?? In my calm voice I said I could forward an undercover video that was taken at a circus training facility. In it you see an elephant chained in its stall with circus employees beating its legs with baseball bats. The video is complete with audio and the screams of that elephant is something that I will never be able to forget. My friend then said "Christine, you know there are a lot of people who just don't care" I then said that well may be, and I hope I'm not friends with any of these people, BUT, I also think there are a number of folks who just don't KNOW what is going on and I think we should at least give them some facts. The HR director then said she would send another email out stating that an employee voiced concerns about the treatment of animals in circuses and would attach my fact sheet that I got from CRY (Circus Reform Yes), an organization based in Minnesota.

Here is what was attached:

• Since 1990 elephants in performance situations have caused 30 human deaths and over 100 injuries worldwide. Since 1990 captive big cats have been responsible for 75 human attacks, and about one-third resulted in fatal injuries. (Statistics compiled by API)
• Most circuses have long lists of non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, and many fail to meet minimal standards aimed at insuring public safety and animal welfare. (Fact sheets for every circus kept by the USDA and compiled by API)
• Wild animals in the circus lead unnatural lives of intense confinement, chaining up to 22 hours a day, performances on demand, and are often kept in check with the standard tools of the trade- bullhooks (a long rod with a sharp metal hook used on elephants to control or punish), whips, and shock collars for primates. Having no relief from this lifestyle, they become stressed and are prone to unpredictable and dangerous behavior. Most experts agree that when elephants rampage it is because they are angry. (Congressman Bill McCollum, Chairman, Subcommittee on Crime)
• What keeps an elephant under control lies in the elephant’s training. The training can be severe, using techniques that include prolonged hitting by the elephant trainer with clubs, stabbing with the point of the ankus (bullhook), electricity, electric prods, prolonged chaining, and food deprivation. This is what keeps the general public safe from the wild elephant. (Joel J. Parrott, DVM, Director, The Oakland Zoo)
• Circus animals are routinely kept in chains or small cages for up to 22 hours a day. If a Minnesota resident kept their dog or cat like wild animals in the circus are kept, they would be guilty of a felony under the MN Anti-Cruelty Statute, Ch. 343.
• There are 26 US cities that have prohibited wild animal circuses, and hundreds in Europe that have prohibited or severely restricted performing animal acts. Recently the country of Austria added its name to the growing list, and currently four US cities/states are considering the issue.
• Sears, Mastercard and Toys R Us have all dropped their sponsorships of animal circuses. Locally Roundy’s (Rainbow Foods), and Medtronic have dropped their sponsorships. Both the Lions Club International and Kiwanis International recommend their local chapters do not use wild animal acts as fundraisers.
*****

She sent out the email and I felt a little better. Later in the day she came by and told me she got more than a few emails from staff thanking her for the email. Most said they felt uncomfortable about the circus but didn't know what to say. Another co-worker told me she was in our lunchroom and a table of staff were talking about the email. Some folks were unaware of the abuse that went on in circuses and the whole table agreed that they would never take their children to a circus that included wild animals in their act.

Somewhere I read that "The question should not be can they think or can they communicate with us. The question should be can they suffer."

I feel SO much better!

Now, for your viewing entertainment, I'm posting a video that some of you may have seen. It first appeared on the CBS Evening News, then later on CBS's Sunday Morning program. It is from the Elephant Sanctuary and shows the wonderful and unique relationship between an elephant named Tarra and "her" dog Bella. I'm posting both a link and the video in case one doen't work.

Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFz-FMj-9Ps

http://

Capturing His Gentleness With Every Brushstroke

2009-02-19T11:03:00.006-05:00

Hi y'all, I'm Back!!

In truth, I was never that far away. I went through a bit of withdrawal from my computer on Saturday. On Sunday, it was a bright and breezy day. I decided I would get my exercise and walk to my town's farmer's market. It's a brisk 10-15 minute walk from my house.

Before I left I decided to try my computer (thinking maybe it had a good rest, being off for over 48 hours and would come back to life--seriously, I actually thought that). I turned it on and while it was warming up I was getting dressed to go out. Then, wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles, it connected to the internet! Woo Hoo!! So, there I sat, with my coat on, checking emails and such. A half hour passed and I suddenly realized just how much time I waste on the darn thing. Turn it off! Go outside! Get some fresh air and see your neighbors!! Even though I was very nervous thinking that if I turned it off, I might not get connected again, I turned it off and went on my merry way.

Met three sets of neighbors at the farmer's market, bought some humanely raised (and slaughtered) beef from a local farmer, some free range eggs and some parsnips (I'm trying to eat more root veggies). Walked a little further to a wonderful local pet supply shop called The Big Bad Woof. It's slogan is "Pet Supplies for the Socially Conscious Pet". My boss always gives me a gift card to the store as my holiday gift and it has been burning a hole in my pocket since December. Just had enough money on the card to buy a Platinum Drinkwell Fountain for my obscenely spoiled cats. Will post photos as soon as I hook it up.

Speaking of cats, last March about a week after Butterball died, I asked my friend, neighbor, and artist, Stephanie if she would paint a portrait of Butterball. She agreed but said she was swamped with projects at the time. I was in no hurry and told her whenever she could get to it would be fine. Spring turned to Summer, Summer to Fall, then the economy collapsed. In late October she called and said she finally could start working on Butterball. Well, by that time, I was worrying about my financial future (along with everyone else) and thought this was really the last thing I needed to spend my money on. But, I felt I committed myself in asking her to do the portrait in the first place. I'm glad I did...

This is the almost finished product. She asked me to live with it a few days to see if there was anything else she needed to do to make it more "Butterballicious". I asked her to add a little beauty mark that he had his entire life on his lower lip/chin...

Ahhh, that's better. Then, since there really was no way to show he was a Manx cat (well, no way that would make the pose seem natural), I wanted something in the painting to show he was of Irish ancestry. I asked if she could incorporate some Bells of Ireland into the background bedspread....

Oh, I'm liking this! And the Bells match the color of my bedroom walls where I plan to hang it

Voila!! I truly love this. My neighbor really captured the gentle yet dignified spirit in his expression. The amazing thing is that three of my cats, at different times, have seen the painting, fixated on it, slowly stood up, puffed themselves up and slowly started walking/stalking toward it.

Every time I look at this painting it brings a smile to my face.

Now, onto the framers...

Por Vou

2009-02-13T14:49:00.006-05:00

Ain't it the truth!

I'm already getting nervous about not having access to the internet at home, due to my faulty laptop. I had decided some time ago to take next Tuesday off after Presidents' Day and just realized this morning that that means FOUR WHOLE DAYS with no access to the internet! Can she survive? Will she feel completely shut off from the whole world?

I'm trying to look at this from a positive point a view. The internet can be such a distraction when I'm trying to get work done around the house. Also, I have a little art project that I've been diddling with for weeks now and maybe this forced break will allow me really get into a creative spirit and finish the darn thing!!

Now don't go and do anything crazy while I'm not able to read about it!! Please wait until next Wednesday ;-)

Happy Valentines Day!

Computer problems

2009-02-12T13:18:00.004-05:00

I'm going to be taking a forced break from blogging. My home computer is acting up. I connect to the internet just fine (I have a DSL line), yet I cannot pull up any websites. It sounds like my computer is grinding away and then just stops.

I could blog from work but I don't really have the time and I only know how to transfer photos from my camera to my home laptop.

Very disappointing.

One quick note. Is there anything that you are highly embarrassed to admit to eating? For the past few days I've been having a craving and had to dash out to the drugstore after work yesterday to buy .....

Not those nasty strawberry flavored ones--yuk!! Cherry! Yes! Mmmmm, cherry twizzlers. Oh yes, I am a sugar addict but I generally don't eat candy--at least I never buy any for myself. But maybe once or twice a year I just have to scarf down some cherry twizzlers.

I broke open the package as I was driving home last night while thinking that there was probably not one natural ingredient in them. At a stop light I found the ingredients and the first one was "corn syrup". I was at least thankful that it was not the dreaded "high fructose corn syrup". As I was chewing away, I noticed how strange the texture was, but oh, that fake cherry flavor!! I was in heaven.

So, I have no idea how I'm going to get my computer looked at. I was thinking of bringing it into the office for our IT folks but we don't have a DSL line here so that won't work.

Hope to be back soon!

Unsung Heroes

2009-02-03T11:11:00.005-05:00

Do you work with some unsung heroes? I think everyone does. The folks that help keep your office or school running smoothly.

I came into work today to the news that our mailroom associate, Kendric, died suddenly last night. Rumor is that he had a heart attack. Many tears have already been shed and there is a sad quiet that has settled over the office.

I counted on Kendric for many things. Working directly with our governing board, it seems like I’m always preparing for the next upcoming board meeting. Kendric would help with getting the agenda books out to everyone and would sometimes come along with me for a drive to our printers to pick up the books. Out of copy paper—call Kendric. Jam in the copier—call Kendric. Need help in mailing something overseas—call Kendric. Box too heavy to move—call Kendric.

Last February, I was preparing for an Executive Committee meeting that was going to take place on a Sunday here in our offices. They were only meeting for a few hours, so no meals were planned, yet I bought some snacks and would have coffee, tea, water, and sodas available. My boss, trying to save a few bucks, insisted that no one needed to come in to set things up. Between another co-worker and myself, it was agreed that Kendric would come in. Since it was near Valentines Day, I bought some pink tulips for the table. I also bought a couple of bags of pink and red foil Dove chocolate hearts. I gave them to Kendric and said “I know this is silly, but would you mind just randomly placing the hearts around the table?” He just laughed and shook his head and said “Christine, you are too much”. The following Monday, he came to me with his cell phone. He was so proud of the table he took a photo of it to show me.

We all noticed that the last few weeks he seemed very tired and sometimes seemed to literally be dragging himself to deliver the mail. If I noticed him walking past my office, I would call out “How you doin’ Kendric?” and he would answer “Oh, I’m okay”. With the advent of email, my office snail mail has gone down considerably. Last Thursday though, Kendric came into my office with a pile of thick letters, close to 20 of them. I looked up and was shocked and blurted out “What the HELL is this?” He was so shocked he dropped the letters and bent over laughing. I’m so glad I was able to give him a good belly laugh.

So, please, take the time to stop and say hi to your unsung heroes.

Kendric, you will be GREATLY missed. Be happy and free.

....Possible Second Addition?

2009-01-28T12:55:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posts.

So, you have all met Orson the octopus. He is fitting in quite nicely.

Now, onto the possible second addition. You all know I can never turn away a stray animal. Well, another stray cat has shown up in my yard for the past couple of months. I'm still not 100 percent convinced it is a stray, yet I've sent out an email to my neighborhood listserv about him/her, but have gotten no takers so far. The cat is in wonderful shape and has a shinier coat then some of my cats. He is all black except for a little white patch on his chest and some white on his belly.

I've named him Pyewacket. Quick! Does anyone know the history of that name? No Googling either!

Someone at work told me "if you are feeding it and you've named it...it is no longer a stray!" I used to have to put food down into the bushes but he now comes up to the front porch to eat. He will hiss and run away if I come near him though so sorry for the bad photo but it was taken through my storm door.

I've put out one of my covered cat beds that I've wrapped in a fleece blanket and also put a fleece blanket inside. I then heat up a Snuggle Disc (a great safe device that you heat in the microwave and it stays very HOT for 6-8 hours, then it will slowly lose heat but stays nice and toasty warm for 10-12 hours) and put that under the fleece blanket. I've seen him curled up and sleeping inside it during the day. But, he always leaves at night, which makes me think he belongs to someone. Lots, and LOTS of folks in my neighborhood have pet doors.

I'm hoping he will continue to get used to me so that I can eventually pet him and pick him up. That's how Greybeard became part of my family. My neighbor and I have put out a couple of cat traps but so far he has not gone near them. It's also been too cold lately (I feel) to try and trap him at night.

I certainly don't need another cat, so I'm hoping I can figure out if he does really belong to someone. But, I can't turn my back on him either. So, for now, Pyewacket will continue to get fed and have a warm place to sleep at Possumlady's Home for Wayward Animals.

From the Outside Looking In

2009-01-20T07:35:00.002-05:00

Happy Inauguration Day!!!

I feel bittersweet waking up today. The biggest party of my lifetime is taking place less than six miles from my home, yet I feel all the precautions taken in DC have left those of us living close by very little options as to how to get to the Capitol or Mall. My office is within the 50 block radius that security has closed down so my initial thought of driving to my office. parking in our garage and walking from there is not possible. Every local television station (each one claiming to be THE inauguration station), has painted such a horrific painting of traffic congestion, crowds unable to move, standing for hours on end in bitter cold, and the dreaded port-a-potties! Only 5,000 for an estimated crowd of a million or more. I just don't like those odds. The cold always makes me have to go, so in the end that was the nail in the coffin. If I were 20 years younger I probably would have just not thought about it and gone.

But, as I was lying in bed last night watching Nightline I felt okay. They were showing folks getting off of Greyhound buses, each one coming from farther away, Detroit...Houston...Las Vegas. Each one feeling they HAD to make the pilgrimage here to witness this historic event. I thought "yes, let this be their day" I LIVE here and will have plenty of opportunity to see the Obamas as their motorcades whizz around the city. My association's mission was one of Obama's key interests during the campaign so we are already gearing up to ask him to be the keynote at our annual conference in November that will be right here in DC this year. Keep your fingers crossed for that!

So, welcome everyone to DC!!! Stay warm and enjoy this historic and uplifting day. Me, I will either watch it on a large screen at my community center or go to our local independent bookstore "Politics and Prose" and watch it there. Either way, I'm sure I'll be needing plenty of tissues.

New Additions to Possumlady Place?

2009-01-16T12:48:00.005-05:00

Yes? No? Who knows.

Well, one definite yes. Confused? So am I.

Let me start out with the one certainty. We definitely have a new member at Possumlady Place. He is large and pink and goes by the name of Orson.

If you are addicted to the site icanhascheeseburger, you may have come across one of the ads on their site for squishables.com. As someone who has never outgrown her love of stuffed animals I was intrigued and clicked on the ad. Squishables are these enormous stuffed very round animals. Each one more adorable then the next. I thought of one of my sisters that was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall and had the idea that a squishable sheep might just be the thing to lift her spirits and keep her company during her journey through surgery and beyond.

So, through the miracle of the internet, I had a squishable sheep sent directly to her. I think she was a little shocked to open the box but she grew to love the little sheep and it even helped in her recovery as she was able to rest her arm on the fuzzy little lamb.

Since then, I started to have a yearning for a squishable of my very own. Specifically, a large pink octopus squishable. Low and behold my Christmas wish was granted.

Everyone…meet Orson.

Pictures do not do him justice. Orson is so big and so pink and so incredibly soft. He arrived in the mail last week when I came home very late after the first day and evening meetings with our governing board. I was NOT in a good mood. It was 9:30 at night and cold and rainy. I had cats to feed and clean up after and it was trash and recycling night. But the moment I opened the box and Orson popped his big pink head out, I squealed with delight. You see, they put them in boxes a wee bit too small for them so when you open up the box they literally POP out.

Right now Orson resides on the top of my bedroom armoire. I had initially thought he would hang out on my bed. But, with so many cats there is always someone throwing up, (or worse). Take note of the large water (yeah right…water) proof covering I have on my bed in the photos. So to be on the safe side and to keep Orson in his clean pinkish glow for a little longer, the cats will not have access to him.

Now, the possible second addition……….

May Old Acquaintance (never) Be Forgot....

2008-12-31T17:27:00.009-05:00

Well, it's the end of 2008. The year can't end soon enough for me! This has been a very hard year for many, including Possumlady. Serious health issues for many in my immediate family, along with the death of three of my cats. Any year that a cat dies marks it as a sad year for me. When three die, words cannot describe it.

Oh my heart aches looking at all these photos, especially Butterball's. I still miss him somethin' awful. Sweet Pea has taken up the slack in becoming the new Leader of the Pack, but he does NOT suffer fools! No, benevolence does not seem to be part of Sweet Pea's style of leadership. It certainly was with the B-man though.

I did not have either Sunkist or Greybeard as long as Butterball, but they fast became members of my family and the lack of their presence in my house makes it less of a home.

*****************

Okay, enough with the sadness. My current pack have been begging me to put up the video of them opening up their Christmas toys from their most favorite Auntie, Auntie Michele. This is the second year she has given the herd an entire box of toys. Last year, they were all red. This year the theme was green!

Can you see the little snowman cat hammock? I won it in yet another cat raffle!! I honestly didn't think it would hold my husky gents but behold...

Woody and Sweet Pea, each weighing in at over 15 pounds each.

Here's Figaro, using Woody as a chin rest.

Here's Sweet Pea in a slightly staged photo ;-)

Here's hoping 2009 is a MUCH better year for everyone!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

'twas the Night Before Christmas...

2008-12-24T16:31:00.003-05:00

...and all through the house

not a creature was stirring

not even a mouse

From all of us at Possumlady Place, we wish that your travels are safe and that you've gotten to where you need to go!

Eat, drink and take lots of naps!!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Trees, Snow, and Bookcases

2008-12-07T07:34:00.005-05:00

I've never had a Christmas Tree of my own. I do love looking at them but they always seemed like too much bother for me. It's hard enough keeping my head above water trying to keep my house in order and all the animal inhabitants healthy and sated. The idea of getting a Christmas Tree, or Christmas decorations for that matter, did not appeal to me at all.

Then my mom passed away in February of 2005. While my family in Minnesota were going through her things they asked if I wanted her little table-top artificial tree, prelit, and it came with a number of little ornaments. Oh yes, please! So, since then, Possumlady has had a Christmas Tree with the BIGGEST surprise being that the cats completely leave it alone! Yesterday was the day to put it up.

Isn't she a cute little thing! You probably can't see them but years ago someone gave me a dozen cute little painted wood cat ornaments that I finally found and added this year.

We are getting the coldest weather of the season this weekend. The wind is starting to pick up and we should be getting gusts up to 40 mph bringing the windchill to the single digits today! Last night we had our first snowfall. Just a dusting on the branches this morning but it was pretty nonetheless. I took a little video and not sure if you will be able to see anything but I'll give it a shot.

I think two of the most dreaded words are "assembly required." I've been looking for a small bookcase for my bedroom for over eight months. I know what I'm looking for. Something with a little style, not just a basic rectangle. I've scoured flea markets, Craigslist, used furniture stores and catalogs. I finally found one that was the closest to what I was looking for from the catalog Plow and Hearth. Yes, it has the dreaded "assembly required" attached to it, but really, how hard could it be???

Here is everything right out of the box

Little Oliver checking that things are in order

Sweet Pea--Possumlady's official Snooperviser.

And this is as far as I've gotten. Why? Because the left-hand side does not line up with the holes drilled into the ledges. It's off by just a hair. Arrgh!!!! I don't want to send it back because if I can get it together I really to love how it looks. I think someone with knowledge of power tools will need to come over and drill the holes a little wider on one side for it to fit. Any takers???

Look What I Won!

2008-11-30T08:53:00.004-05:00

A box arrived yesterday from Moki's mom filled with all sorts of cat goodies. I won a raffle that was held to help with Moki's medical expenses. I must tell you that Possumlady NEVER wins ANYTHING, so this was such a delight and a total surprise. And, the very best news is that Moki is feeling much better. He is eating and drinking again and even walking around a bit. His temperature is still not up to the normal levels but it is not dropping dangerously low either.

I'd like to show you everything I received but the cat magnets are already on my fridge. The cute cat plate was used last night to serve some leftover turkey treats to the gang. The pottery bowl is absolutely beautiful! Did someone in the CB make that too? I just love that some of the things are home made.

Here's Chloe checking out the box after flipping around the cute little catnip mouse. The book "The World is your Litter Box" is now sitting on my bedside table waiting to be read.

Chloe again, reaching for the homemade catnip fishy. Sweet Pea (you can see his ears) is waiting for a chance to pounce on it.

Here is Figaro testing the huge catnip filled pillow and catnip fishy on the beautiful homemade cat blanket/bed.

I'm just glad that I was able to help Moki's family in a small way. My cats are VERY happy I did too!

To Give Thanks and to ask for Prayers

2008-11-27T07:59:00.004-05:00

Even with all the griping and fear about the current economy, I still have so much to be thankful for. Mainly that all my kitties are all for the most part healthy and happy. I say for the most part because there is always one or two with some kind of allergy or respiratory or stomach or teeth issue. Nothing life threatening, just annoyances. And, I can afford the vet bills when it is necessary to bring one of them in.

The blogsphere is another thing that I'm thankful for. To all you who I've gotten to know through your comments on my blog and from your own blog, thank you so much for your friendship, advice and good wishes.

The cat blogsphere is also amazing. There are so many out there taking in strays and fostering shelter cats spending enormous amounts of their own money. When someone is dealing with mounting vet bills, someone else will hold an auction or raffle to help out. If you read the comments on my past post on pinching pennies you noticed that I won a raffle that was held to help Moki and his family with medical bills. As thrilled as I was to have won the raffle, it has been tempered by the fact that Moki is not getting any better. Moki was taken in over a year ago as a foster kitten. He developed a severe neurological disorder that the vets think was a virus that was spread from his mother. Even with his severe disorder, Moki seems like such a happy and contented kitty. He recently developed a severe urinary tract infection, along with his temperature becoming dangerously low. Moki's family was hoping his temperature problems were a symptom of his UTI but the UTI is now clearing up yet his temp remains low. The real fear now is that the virus that has been dormant is now surfacing and affecting the part of his brain that regulates body temperature.

Here is a photo of Moki all bundled up trying to get his temperature up. You can read more about him at his blog savemoki.blogspot.com. So, I'm asking for your good thoughts and prayers for little Moki and his family this Thanksgiving.

With that, on this Thanksgiving Day, I'd like to leave you with some words from Rev. David O. Rankin, a Unitarian Universalist minister:

I declare a Sabbath Day--to walk in the wilderness of enlarged perceptions; I declare a release from work--to nourish the stamina to pursue ideals; I declare a special hour--to help cherish life's joys and combat life's sorrows; I declare a reign of holiness--to deepen our grounding in the sustaining mystery.

I declare a time for simply being and letting go, for rediscovering great, forgotten truths, for basking in the arts of the ages, and for learning how to live again.

Have a blessed and restful Thanksgiving. From all of us at Possumlady Place (just a fraction of which is represented in the above photo)! Oh, and I DO make my bed! This photo was taken very early one cold morning as I just got out of bed--really, it was ;-)

Pinching Pennies

2008-11-19T09:58:00.004-05:00

Oh I had thought I had gotten over the time in my life when I had to watch every penny. Yes, I have made some very silly financial mistakes in my early years of living on my own--all a part of growing up. I also had the defeatist attitude that I would never make much money so there was no reason to worry about it.

When I started thinking about buying a home my attitude changed. I started reading books on finances and started contributing to my retirement account at work. I stopped getting a permanent and salon hair color. Just little things like bringing soda from home as opposed to buying cans at a vending machine started to add up. It was fun to see my savings account get larger.

Then I bought my home (no small feat for a single gal), having to almost completely deplete my savings account to do so. I was once again thrust into the poor house. That first year was nothing short of miserable. I existed off of baked potatoes for lunch and homemade cheese quesadillas for dinner. No new clothes (including underwear!) for the entire year. I remember if I got really depressed I would go to the local drugstore and treat myself to a new nail polish color! I NEVER went out for lunch or dinner. Any money I could scrape together would go for such exotic items as trash cans, garden hoses, rakes and snow shovels.

But, I kept plugging away. It’s been ten years since I bought my home and every year things would get a little more financially comfortable. Until last year. I have a set amount of money that is automatically put into my savings account with every paycheck. Starting last year I noticed I had to dip into it every now and then just to make it to the next pay period. By early this year, almost every month the entire amount automatically saved has had to be transferred to my checking account to keep me going. Now granted, I’m still putting a sizeable amount extra into my monthly mortgage so I can have my home paid off in seven years. That is something I will not compromise on. I NEED that security of a mortgage-free home by my mid to late 50s as opposed to my early 70s!

I also won’t compromise on my cats’ food. I was reading a blog and someone commented that she had switched her cats to store brand food to save money and they will just have to get used to it. Not me. That’s like me saying I’ll have MacDonalds dollar hamburger and fries every night to save money.

You know what else I won’t compromise on?? Toilet paper! I remember when I first moved to Washington, DC. I lived on Capitol Hill a block away from work at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. I lived in an old rowhouse with a roommate and I had the responsibility of keeping the bathroom clean and supplied with soap and toilet paper. The Dirksen Senate Office building is an old building with wide, dimly lit marble staircases where the housekeeping staff would keep their rolling carts of supplies on the landings. Well, I guess I sort of….stole toilet paper from the carts. Talk about tissue-paper thin! It was awful and scratchy to boot. I’ve been a Charmin girl ever since!

Can I cut back? Sure. Again, I just figured that at closing in on 50 years old, I should not have to be worried about every little penny. One luxury I afford myself is that instead of bringing my lunch every day, I buy a 5.00 sandwich down the block from my office. Always the same, chicken salad on toast. So, this weekend I bought some crackers, cheese and some good Tabouleh and have brought that to work. I’ll eat that every other day and continue to be able to get my chicken salad sandwich a couple times a week. I still don’t go out to dinner or movies.

So this past weekend I’m at Petsmart and privately lamenting the HUGE increases in the cost of cat food when I see these cute little cat toy mousies. Oh aren’t they adorable! The cats would LOVE them. I look at the price--$6.49. Must……resist……toy……mousies!! I hang them back up and feeling quite proud of myself round the corner to the check out line when I see another sign…all cat beds on sale. Well, I’m not too enthused by them. But wait! Is that a tassled PINK quilted cat bed I see buried underneath a big pile. It IS..It IS a tassled PINK quilted cat bed and on SALE for only $14.00!! Oh, this would look SOOO cute on my bed, wouldn’t it? Oh and look, it has a zipper that you can take out the padding and wash the cover. My eyes were glazed over at that point and with a big smile on my face, dropped the bed in my cart. Was it worth it?

I think......

the cats.....

Approve!!

What about you? Are you feeling the pinch? Are there things that you just won't compromise on? Enquiring minds want to know.

Brrrr!

2008-11-18T08:44:00.002-05:00

First morning below freezing. I'm in Possumlady Heaven!!

Buddy

2008-11-16T09:16:00.003-05:00

I keep all my bird and squirrel food in my car. Living in a teeny tiny house with no storage space can be challenging at times. So, with my feeders all near my car I thought it made sense to just keep everything in the back of my car so when I get home from work I can refill the feeders and spread out the peanuts without ever having to go in the house first.

One squirrel noticed this and started hanging around my car. I have to admit he startled me at first, turning around to find a squirrel about a foot away cautiously moving forward. So, I started throwing peanuts to him. Then, I decided to see if he would take an unshelled peanut from my hand. After a little hesitation he did. He then started following me to the front porch looking for more handouts. Then, one morning as I was getting ready for work I saw him hanging on my porch window screen looking in waiting for me.

Thus started my friendship with Buddy.

I almost didn't post this because of my dirty threadbare wicker! I had decided earlier this summer to replace it but with the economy as it is and just finding out on Thursday that our usual pay raises (that in no way made up for the cost of inflation) were going to be cut in half!! Well, new wicker furniture is out for now. I guess I will just repaint. Anyway, enjoy Buddy!

"He's really just a bag of bones"

2008-11-11T15:35:00.006-05:00

(See update on Ned at end of post)

Article reprinted here from the St. Petersburg Times

November 11, 2008

By Rebecca Catalanello

He weighs a ton less than he should weigh.

His cheeks are gaunt. His shoulder blades, sternum, hips and spine protrude from his leathery 9-foot-6 frame.

But 21-year-old Ned, a captive-born Asian elephant from Tampa, wobbled slowly out of a trailer Sunday into a new phase of his life.

No more circuses. No more trainers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Saturday whisked him away from Balm owner Lance Ramos, convinced the trainer had violated the federal Animal Welfare Act as Ned's owner.
More than 700 miles away at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, founder and director Carol Buckley made plans to nurse 7,500-pound Ned back to health.

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the healthiest, Buckley said, Ned's body mass is a 2.
"He's really just a bag of bones," she said.

Attempts to reach Ramos for comment were unsuccessful.
This is not the first time Ramos, also known as Lancelot Kollman, has had run-ins with the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
In 2000, the federal agency charged him with violating the Animal Welfare Act after an 18-year-old female elephant broke free from a chain and killed Ramos' sister, Teresa Ramos-Caballero. The elephant died soon after of unknown reasons.

Over the course of Ramos' career, which included training animals for the Oscarian Brothers Circus, he was also cited by the USDA for failing to provide veterinary care to injured animals, causing trauma and harm to a jaguar and tolerating unsanitary conditions.

USDA spokeswoman Jessica Milteer said Ramos is appealing a court ruling in a case brought by the USDA concerning his treatment of two bigs cats. RaeLeann Smith, a circus and government affairs specialist for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, lauded the USDA for confiscating Ned. But she also wrote a letter urging the agency to pursue criminal charges. Ramos has been fined thousands of dollars before. But, Smith said, he continues to offend. "We've long been concerned with his abysmal care of animals," Smith said. Milteer said the agency is only authorized to impose civil penalties. But Smith pointed to a section of federal law that appears to allow criminal penalties of up to a year in prison, or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. "These animal abusers get a slap on the wrist and they're allowed to continue," Smith said. "They shouldn't stop there."

Back at the elephant refuge in Tennessee, Buckley said Ned seems to be making slow progress.
He is easily frightened and seems nervous to wander more than 200 feet from the barn, she said. At first, he seemed unfamiliar with fruits and vegetables. By Monday, he was eating pumpkins, broccoli, corn — "everything imaginable," she said. A healthy elephant diet includes grass, grain, and vegetation, sanctuary spokeswoman Kate Elliot said. Buckley said she suspects Ned had little more than hay for his diet — the least nutritious food commonly available to elephants.

Born Oct. 10, 1987, at Busch Gardens, Ned was the offspring of two elephants captured in Southeast Asia. At age 2, he was sold to a circus trainer and performed in the Big Apple Circus. When elephants were cut from the circus lineup, Ned wound up in Ramos' care. He recently performed in the Royal Hanneford traveling circus, Elliot said.

But Buckley said all of that is behind Ned now. If things go as planned, he will grow stronger and eventually be placed in a permanent home. "He has the potential," Buckley said, "to live to be 70."

##########################

Welcome to the Sanctuary Ned! I've read in the diary of your life these past few days at the Sanctuary that they have yet to hear a sound from you. Poor thing. Elephants normally make all kinds of grunts, rumbles and squeaks. I and hundreds of others are sending positive and healing thoughts your way. You have paid a high price for your freedom.

UPDATE: November 14

From the Elephant Sanctuary's Ned Diary

Ned had a great day. He ambled in and out of his barn all day, carrying groceries with him. Tonight he greeted his caregiver with a series of rumbles. Each time produce and grain were put in front of him, he rumbled; when the browse and bamboo were placed in his stall, he rumbled; when three varieties of hay where tossed his way, he rumbled; and when a watermelon rolled across the floor, stopping just inches from his trunk, he froze, glanced up and let out a gloriously long rumble. He is definitely coming around!

Ned went exploring first thing this morning, up the hill and into the woods—he is a very curious guy. After a short time, he came back down the hill to the hay and produce spread around his yard. He found a watermelon, stepped on in and began eating. Eleanor, one of the Sanctuary rescued dogs, had spied Ned's produce and wanted to help herself to a piece of potato. Ned stood calmly munching away on the watermelon while keeping one eye on the approaching dog. When Eleanor got closer than Ned felt appropriate, he spun and ran at her. What a sight; lanky-legged Ned racing at stubby-legged Eleanor the Bassett hound, running as quickly as her short little legs could. Eleanor dashed out of the yard, stopping just outside the corral. Ned ambled back to his groceries as Eleanor tried another approach. When Eleanor walked under the corral a second time, Ned raised his head and barked a vocalization at her. it was awesome; he was not intimidated by the dog, he was simply setting boundaries. Eleanor froze at the sound, retreated outside of the corral again and plopped down on her belly looking for another approach to the prize potatoes.

Ned seemed to think this was a good game. He watched Eleanor and each time she tried to enter his yard, he would yell at her or run towards her. Her retreats seems less fearful and more frustrated that she could not fool this elephant. The two may prove to be good friends, we will just have to wait and see.

Wow, doesn't he look like he could just walk right through those bars?!

This photo just makes my heart hurt.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T17:55:00.001-04:00

Glitter Graphics

Flotsam and Jetsam

2008-10-31T11:28:00.004-04:00

Has it been that long since I last posted? Wow. Between working, worrying and being obsessive about the upcoming election and enjoying this wonderful cool, windy weather, I’ve just kind of bowed out of the blogging world for a while. I guess that’s why I have my little “Blogging Without Obligation” (BWO) logo on my website.

Speaking of work, this time of year is when everyone goes crazy at my office in preparation for our large annual conference that we sponsor. It starts next week and will be in Dallas, Texas. Let me just say right from the start that I’ve always dreaded going to our conference. I’m a real reserved and introverted kind of gal and being around 20-25,000 people for a week stresses the heck out of me. Plus, since our association is the host, all us staffers have to be all smiles and “How can I help you” Bleh! So, this year I took a chance and asked my boss about a month ago if I could stay here and not travel to the conference. He actually said he had no problem with it, and it has been like a great weight has been taken off of me. I think I must have told him once a week how much this means to me to NOT have to go. Such a relief, you will never know.

So, what else has been happening in my little world. Well, about three weeks ago my sister and niece came over to go to my little town’s Takoma Street Festival. We had a good day and came back to my house to chat for a while. Sweet Pea was craving attention and my niece kept laughing at him because his tongue kept sticking out of his mouth. All you cat owners have seen it. A cat is cleaning himself and stops and the tongue is still sticking out a bit. Well, Sweet Pea’s tongue never went back in his mouth. As cute as it was it, it was out of the ordinary and it made me take note to watch him closely over the next week. He was still acting very normal, happily racing around the house, trilling and meowing. He was eating and drinking regularly. Then, on Columbus Day I was throwing treats to all the cats and when Sweet Pea looked up I noticed something dripping from his mouth. It was blood. It was so shocking but Sweet Pea, again, was not acting like anything was wrong. I tried to see my vet that day but he was all booked until the next morning. When I brought him in the vet found a decaying, rotten tooth that needed to come out. Luckily, I thought that might be the case and fasted him overnight so they could take him in that day. I got a call from the vet around 4:00 that afternoon to say that they actually had to take out FOUR teeth! Oh, poor Sweet Pea!! He had to stay overnight and I picked him up the following afternoon. He was on pain medication and antibiotics and needed to eat only soft foods for a few days. Boy, did I feel guilty. I talked to my vet and, I guess to make excuses for myself, stated over and over that he showed absolutely no symptoms of being in any pain. I also told him that since all my cats have been rescued as adults, I’ve never been able to look in their mouths, much less brush their teeth. The vet reassured me that some cats just won’t show the usual symptoms and the owners never find out until something catastrophic happens (like bleeding from the mouth).

Here is Sweet Pea just a few minutes after I let him out of his carrier when we returned from the vet. He ran straight for his catnip body pillow and rabbit-kicked the heck out of it! I think he needed to let off a little steam.

Anyway, Sweet Pea is back to acting crazy silly again, maybe even a little more lively. I’m sure his mouth must feel a whole lot better. Poor guy must have been in pain for quite some time.

A few nights ago when we were getting a cold front moving through, it was incredibly windy and cold (my kind of weather). I opened the storm door at some point and Woody got out. For someone not that bright (I can’t even call him a pea brain—Woody is a lentil brain), he sure knows how to sneak his way behind me and scoot out the door. Since Woody was a stray, he certainly knows his way around my yard so I just sighed and let him run, chase leaves and climb trees for a while. After about a half hour I went out on the front porch to call him. C’mon Woody…..come, come, come, come….W O O D Y…. He came barreling up the front porch and into the house. At the same time, I heard this galloping across my roof. Now, who is that?

Oh, look, its Trouble the raccoon!

He heard me calling and was hoping for a handout. Sorry, buddy. I'm all out of grapes.

Then there is this election coming up. A friend of mine sent me the cutest button so I tried to show it off as best as I could

Hmm, a little blurred

Sweet Pea: "I do not like to be used for your political propaganda!"

And finally.....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!

Here Comes Trouble

2008-10-04T11:48:00.003-04:00

A very quick post with a very short video! I wrote about Trouble in the comment section of Nina's beautiful and sad post this week about a young raccoon that was killed by a car.

I usually have lots of raccoons and possums coming by nightly for food. Lately it seems like the raccoons have moved on...all except for Trouble. Trouble is a small, young raccoon that still comes by nightly for a snack and, I really believe, some companionship. When he hears my voice he comes running to the door where I will toss out a few grapes for him. He tries to engage the cats in play, but a quick hiss from them keeps Trouble at bay. About a month ago when the storm Hanna was threatening, I took down my glass windchimes and put them securely in a cat bed on the front porch. Later that evening, I was watching TV and heard the familiar tinkling of my windchimes. It took me a while to remember that I had indeed taken them down! I walked to the front door and sure enough, there was Trouble, sitting on the porch gleefully tangling up my windchimes while clinking them together.

Here is a quick 5 second video of Trouble who was at the front door wondering when his grapes would be forthcoming. Sorry it is so dark.

Just a few days ago I saw another raccoon on the front porch with Trouble. Same size but much more skittish around me, which is a good thing. I've since heard the two of them on my back porch roof wrestling. Trouble has a playmate!

Animals and Religion: Caring for All of God's Creatures

2008-09-29T15:48:00.010-04:00

Living in a large metropolitan area has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the advantages of living in the Washington, DC area is being able to take advantage of so many free lectures/talks about virtually anything you can imagine.

I've written about the Washington National Cathedral before and how it truly is a magnificent piece of architecture, along with all the enlightening programs they sponsor. Every week they hold a "Sunday Forum: Critical Issues in the Light of Faith", a series of honest, intellectually probing, and generous-spirited conversations about the intersection of faith and public life.

Yesterday, the Sunday Forum's guest speaker was Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). He was there to kick off HSUS' latest campaign, "All Creatures Great and Small" It was an inspiring talk followed by a service dedicated to all living creatures. The All Creatures Great and Small initiative asks people in faith communities to educate themselves about the humane treatment of farm animals and provides educational materials about various faith traditions' teachings on animal welfare.

Here is what the Humane Society's website writes about the campaign:

**********************************

Eating is an activity with moral implications, even the simplest decisions we make in the marketplace can make a substantial difference in the lives of animals. It is only with collective action, in terms of personal food choices and policy reforms, that we can develop a more humane farming system in this country. The current system of factory farming causes serious problems in animal welfare, environmental protection, and food safety.

Few people know about the lives of approximately 10 billion animals who are raised on U.S. factory farms every year before appearing on our dinner plates.

On factory farms, chickens, pigs and cows are warehoused in enclosures so small the animals cannot even turn around. Read more about how egg-laying hens, veal calves and pigs live on factory farms. Surely there is time and space in our day to choose compassion, by reducing our consumption of animal products and/or selecting products from animals who are raised in more natural, less inhumane environments.

At present, there are more than 300 million religious people in North America. The author and essayist, Garret Keizer asks, "What if even half of them refused to purchase factory-produced chicken because that kind of food production is unjust to family farmers, unhealthy for poultry workers and certainly unpleasant for chickens? With a single stroke they could change the way farmers farm, the way chickens live—the way Christians witness."(1)

Sign the Pledge
You can make a difference by making a simple pledge to make more humane food choices for the month of October.

Battery-cage eggs are produced by hens who are confined in tiny "battery cages"—enclosures so small the animals can't even spread their wings. Nearly 280 million egg-laying hens in the U.S. are raised this way.

*********************************

So, every month I will let you know what that month's pledge will be. I hope you will read it, think about it and sign it. This month is very easy for me. I'm not much of an egg eater, a dozen eggs can last me a few months! Even so, I always purchase eggs from my local co-op. They sell eggs that come from local Montgomery County farms and also from Amish farms in Pennsylvania that are certified organic and humanely raised. That means that the eggs come from free roaming hens that have access to the outdoors, all organic feed, no antibiotics, and are not de-beaked.

Saint Basil's Prayer

The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof
Dear God, enlarge in us our sense of fellowship with the animals.
to whom Thou gave the earth to be a common home before us
and who share with us the toils, trials, and joys of life.
We remember with sorrow that, in the past,
we have often exercised the high dominion of our kind
with ruthless cruelty
so that the voice of the earth
which should have gone up to Thee in song
has so often risen instead as a groan of travail.
May we realize that they live not for us alone
but for themselves and for Thee
and that they, too, love the sweetness of life.
Amen.
Peace of the Lord

P.S. I've been doing the exercises my physical therapist gave me when I stopped going to physical therapy over a year ago. I had hoped they would help but I can't see any improvement. Sooo I guess I will have to buck up and call the acupuncturist this week. I've noticed a definite difference from weekday to weekend. It really makes a difference how much time I spend on the computer! So, again, I apologize for not commenting and even not reading many of your blogs of late. When I get a chance, I try to sneak-read some of your posts during work so I don't have to turn on my computer at home.

I have to say, I have a lot of respect for those who are chronic pain sufferers! This pain tends to sap all my energy and puts me in quite a depressive mood. Nothing seems to help---hot compresses, cold compresses, any type of OTC pain reliever--nothing. Yesterday, for some reason, I had a good look at my kitchen floor and YUK, it really needs to be cleaned. Not just Swiffer Wet Jet clean either. It needs a good get on my elbows and knees scrubbing. I filled up a bucket with warm sudsy water and got on my knees, bent over and the pain in my arm was excruciating! How dumb was that?

In Need of Some Sweet Comfort

2008-09-27T12:07:00.004-04:00

Oh, what a sad day. The man for whom I had my first big crush has died. It was just released that Paul Newman died yesterday at his home in Connecticut. He was 83.

I developed my crush in grade school watching old Paul Newman movies on TV. Then when I was a freshman in high school, (for reasons I still can't understand) my Catholic high school took us on a field trip to see the movie The Sting. On the bus ride back to school all the girls were almost swooning while they squealed about Robert Redford. I stayed pretty quiet until someone asked me if I didn't think Robert Redford was to die for. I stated, you can all HAVE Robert Redford, I'll take Paul Newman ANY day. PAUL NEWMAN?!! they laughed, he's too old! I started getting a little defensive. "I'll admit that Robert Redford is good looking but Paul Newman has class!!" That quieted them all down and we just agreed that I could have Paul Newman, and they would all have to fight over Robert Redford.

If you haven't seen the movie Road to Perdition, see it! It was Paul Newman's last theatrically-released movie that came out in 2002. I wasn't that keen to see the movie when it came out. But, since Paul Newman was in it, I felt I had to. I'm so glad I did. Yes, the movie is very dark and sad and Paul Newman's role was not very big, but it really took me into another world and I found myself thinking about the movie for days after.

On days when I need some comfort, I make fudge. Making fudge brings me back to childhood and my mom. She would make a little fudge once or twice a week. Always without warning, usually at night. We'd hear the saucepan being put on the stove and come running. In fact, making fudge was so associated with my mom that we put it in her eulogy.

When I was talking to her a few years ago on the phone, I asked for the recipe. "Oh, Chrissy, it's so easy. Just remember that everything is in quarters......well, except for the sugar." I don't know why, but I always laugh thinking about that.

Here is the recipe:

In a small saucepan mix together,
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter

Bring it to a slow boil over medium heat. When it starts boiling, time it for 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Then, take it off the heat and immerse it in cold water (about an inch in the sink) and start stirring. The stirring cools and thickens it. Stir it for--oh, I don't know--about 30 seconds to a minute. Then, pour it onto a buttered plate. Usually a small salad plate is big enough. Then let it cool. This doesn't make a large amount. Just enough for me for two days worth of snacking.

I'll post photos of the fudge making after I make my batch tonight. Somehow it just doesn't feel right making it unless it is dark outside!

Goodbye Paul and Rest in Peace. This fudge's for you.

A Glimmer of Hope

2008-09-15T13:42:00.006-04:00

Okay, I'm putting myself out on a limb here, but I can't help it. This upcoming election is scaring the bejeebus out of me. I have literally lost sleep worrying what would happen to our country if McCain/Palin got elected. I'm a Democrat. I don't hate Republicans. I have friends and family members who are Republicans. We are all good people. We basically want to see the same end results, just disagree on how to get there. But, really, McCain frightens me. He is not the same John McCain from 2000. Sarah Palin...I don't know even where to begin. Her inexperience notwithstanding... her suing the federal government to take the polar bear off the endangered species list...her allowing the aerial shooting of wolves (so there would be more moose for hunters), her inquiries into banning books, etc.

So I had a little glimmer of hope today when I came across the blog Mudflats, written by a woman who has lived over 17 years in Alaska. I'm copying her latest blog entry verbatim. You can check out her blog at mudflats.wordpress.com.

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I attended the Welcome Home rally for Sarah Palin this morning. Hooo. It was an experience. About a thousand (maybe) hard-core Palin supporters showed up to hear her speak at the new Dena’ina Convention Center in downtown Anchorage.

After shaking it off with a good double shot of espresso, and a brisk walk back to my car, it was time to head to the Alaska Women Reject Palin rally. It was to be held outside on the lawn in front of the Loussac Library in midtown Anchorage. Home made signs were encouraged, and the idea was to make a statement that Sarah Palin does not speak for all Alaska women, or men. I had no idea what to expect.

The rally was organized by a small group of women, talking over coffee. It made me wonder what other things have started with small groups of women talking over coffee. It’s probably an impressive list. These women hatched the plan, printed up flyers, posted them around town, and sent notices to local media outlets. One of those media outlets was KBYR radio, home of Eddie Burke, a long-time uber-conservative Anchorage talk show host. Turns out that Eddie Burke not only announced the rally, but called the people who planned to attend the rally “a bunch of socialist baby-killing maggots”, and read the home phone numbers of the organizers aloud over the air, urging listeners to call and tell them what they thought. The women, of course, received many nasty, harassing and threatening messages.

So, as I jettisoned myself from the jaws of the ‘Drill Baby Drill’ crowd and toward the mystery rally at the library, I felt a bit apprehensive. I’d been disappointed before by the turnout at other rallies. Basically, in Anchorage, if you can get 25 people to show up at an event, it’s a success. So, I thought to myself, if we can actually get 100 people there that aren’t sent by Eddie Burke, we’ll be doing good. A real statement will have been made. I confess, I still had a mental image of 15 demonstrators surrounded by hundreds of menacing “socialist baby-killing maggot” haters.

It’s a good thing I wasn’t tailgating when I saw the crowd in front of the library or I would have ended up in somebody’s trunk. When I got there, about 20 minutes early, the line of sign wavers stretched the full length of the library grounds, along the edge of the road, 6 or 7 people deep! I could hardly find a place to park. I nabbed one of the last spots in the library lot, and as I got out of the car and started walking, people seemed to join in from every direction, carrying signs.

Never, have I seen anything like it in my 17 and a half years living in Anchorage. The organizers had someone walk the rally with a counter, and they clicked off well over 1400 people (not including the 90 counter-demonstrators). This was the biggest political rally ever, in the history of the state. I was absolutely stunned. The second most amazing thing is how many people honked and gave the thumbs up as they drove by. And even those that didn’t honk looked wide-eyed and awe-struck at the huge crowd that was growing by the minute. This just doesn’t happen here.

Then, the infamous Eddie Burke showed up. He tried to talk to the media, and was instantly surrounded by a group of 20 people who started shouting O-BA-MA so loud he couldn’t be heard. Then passing cars started honking in a rhythmic pattern of 3, like the Obama chant, while the crowd cheered, hooted and waved their signs high.

So, if you’ve been doing the math… Yes. The Alaska Women Reject Palin rally was significantly bigger than Palin’s rally that got all the national media coverage! So take heart, sit back, and enjoy the photo gallery. Feel free to spread the pictures around (links are appreciated) to anyone who needs to know that Sarah Palin most definitely does not speak for all Alaskans. The citizens of Alaska, who know her best, have things to say.

Sorry the photos are so blurry. They are enlarged from little thumbnail photos. This one says, Polar Bear Moms say No to Palin.

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Yes, I little glimmer of hope. Now, back to my regular blogs on cats, elephants, recipes and other non-divisive things.

P.S. I don't know when my next post will be (watch, it'll be tomorrow), as the pain from my pinched nerve in my neck has gotten quite bad. It started getting really bad a few days after cleaning my gutters when my right arm and shoulder were at a weird angle for two straight days. Having to work all day on the computer really seems to make the pain worse. I have to figure out what to do next. Do I go back to the doctor when this surfaced over a year and a half ago, who will then prescribe six more weeks of physical therapy at 3x a week? Even though insurance covers the bulk of the therapy costs, it still is about $45.00 a week for six weeks. Not a small amount for Possumlady. Then, some folks are telling me to try out acupuncture. I'm really leaning towards that, though I know it is not cheap either. I need to check because I think my insurance company actually covers acupuncture. Well, the arm pain is telling me to stop. So, hopefully, I'll be back soon.

Pasta with Asparagus

2008-09-10T10:52:00.006-04:00

Ahh, the first real cool front of the season has passed through. Highs today will only be in the low 70s with lows in the upper 50s!! Oh sure, we can still get some hot days in September and even into the first part of October, but they are now few and far between. Thank Heaven for that!!

Time to start cooking again. One of my current favorite quick pasta dishes is Pasta with Asparagus. I found this recipe online and it is quick, delicious and really (I don't think) not that bad as far as fat and/or calories go.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound of pasta of your choice

asparagus (don't have a measure for this, I just chop up as much as I want. Also, I've used both fresh and frozen and while fresh is better for the texture, frozen is just as good)

1 tbls extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves of minced garlic (I just put it through a garlic press)

1/2 cup of 1% milk

1 egg

3 tbls of parmesan cheese (I substitute parrano cheese, a wonderful nutty and buttery cheese from Holland that is a cross between parmesan and gouda--melts beautifully)

Directions:

Cook pasta according to directions on package. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Throw in the chopped asparagus and garlic into the skillet. (Most recipes call for adding the garlic first. I've found through my years of cooking that garlic cooks VERY quickly and I hate to burn it. So I always throw it in together with other things that need to be sauteed.) While the asparagus and garlic are sauteeing for a few minutes, add the milk and egg together in a small bowl and whisk with a fork to break up the egg. Then add the cheese. Add all of this to the skillet and let it come up to a low boil for a few minutes (3-4) while stirring occasionally.

Here is what it looks like just after adding the milk, egg, and cheese to the asparagus and garlic

Here it is after it has been thickening up for a few minutes, bubbling and ready for the pasta

When the pasta is done cooking, drain and add directly into the skillet and toss with the egg/cheese/asparagus mixture. Voila! You are done. This tastes and feels SO rich with the addition of the egg. It really does taste like you've used heavy cream and a lot of cheese. It serves two good sized portions for a dinner with salad. The recipe can be easily doubled.

For extra comfort, I decided to use extra wide egg noodles. Yummy!

What Has Possumlady Been Doing

2008-09-06T08:36:00.006-04:00

For now, I, along with everyone else here in the DC metro region is anticipating the arrival of Hanna. So far we've just been getting bands of light rain with no winds. The newscasts say the high winds and heavy rains should start around 10:00 this morning. I'm waiting for 9:00 to come so I can make a two block dash to my co-op to get some fresh french bread and some "happy hens" free range organic eggs.

Of course I didn't get any of the projects done that I had planned for the inside. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous these past two weeks. With the exception of yesterday and today, my AC has been off the entire time and windows have been wide open to let in the dry air. I have to say that the first week off was a bust. I found myself dragging all week, taking naps and watching mindless TV. Then as last weekend came I suddenly got more energy and started my outside plans. The biggest job I accomplished was cleaning my gutters!! What an ordeal that was!! I've hired people occasionally to clean my gutters but I never thought they did a very good job (especially on the after clean up). So for the last three years the gutters have been filling up with who knows what. With the economy as it is I'm trying to cut way back on spending so I made up my mind that I just had to grit my teeth and do it myself. Now, I'm not a big fan of heights and the 8-foot ladder that I borrowed from my neighbor was wobbly and kept slipping. I had to steel myself every time I stepped up to the highest rung and pray that it didn't topple over.

Ahh, freshly cleaned gutters just in time for Hanna! If you look at the upper right hand side you will see that this side of the porch gutter did not get cleaned as it is right next to my electric lines. I have no idea how I'm going to clean that little piece. My neighbor thinks I need to get on the porch roof. I think not.

I also found this beautiful feather just sitting on top of my gutters. Obviously way too big for the normal back yard birds. Anyone have an idea as to who it might belong too? A hawk?

After the gutter cleaning (which took two days) I turned my attention to jungle removal. Yes, my side yard is THAT bad. The back yard is just as bad but my neighbor put me in touch with the folks who work on her yard and their card reads "lot cleaning" so I'm going to see what they will cost to sweep in and clean up my back yard once and for all.

But for now, I filled four big trash cans with yard debris from the side yard and still have not made much of a dent.

Then my eye turned to an old wicker rocker that I had sitting up against the side of my house. It has certainly seen better days but I do like it as the more timid outside cats like to sleep there far from the Madding crowd on my front porch. So I decided to spray paint it. Lordy it took me forever to try to decide on one of two colors when I was at Home Depot. Just when I thought I would go insane my eyes glanced at the price--$3.47 a can. D'oh! I think I can afford to purchase both cans and see what I like best on the chair.

The blue is called Wildflower Blue and the green, Green Apple, though it really is more like a celery. As you can see I really liked the green and decided to go all the way with it.

Here it is with just the first coat on. Shabby Chic indeed! I like the color so much I may even paint the wicker love seat and chair that is currently on my front porch. Give the porch a little boost of color.

Yesterday was spent getting the second coat of paint on the rocker while also picking up and storing any loose items in my yard that might get blown away today. I also did two loads of laundry since my unfinished basement in this 1927 bungalow gets wet during heavy rains.

Today I'll try to rearrange my bedroom and do some basic clean up. All in all a delightful two week break from the world. I won't say that I'm looking forward to going back to work on Monday but the thought doesn't depress me either.

The cats, though will really miss having me around. Here is chunky Lisa Marie in her new favorite sleeping spot.

Have a good weekend and say a little prayer that my electricity stays on and we receive no damage from Hanna.

My Hometown

2008-09-05T10:34:00.002-04:00

Oh, I 've been trying for 45 minutes to upload a video from either YouTube or ABC but I give up. I'll just provide the link.

While I'm not pleased that the Republican National Convention was in my hometown of St. Paul this week, I'm always pleased when the city gets a little publicity. I'm very proud of being a native St. Paulite. Minneapolis has always been the flashy sister to St. Paul. In fact, I was getting a little annoyed at the newscasters every time they would say they are in Minneapolis or coming to you from the Twin Cities. I'd bet you dollars to donuts that if the convention was in Minneapolis, St. Paul or the Twin Cities would not even get mentioned.

Anyway, I was happy to see Garrison Keillor on ABC news the other night talking about St. Paul (where he lives). He hits it right on the head. Come learn a little about my hometown

http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/51700-garrison-keillor-on-st-paul-abc-09-02-08

Funny

2008-08-31T19:04:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the absence. I decided rather suddenly to take a vacation from the computer for a while. We've had such nice weather and with my outdoor projects calling me, I find the computer to be quite the distraction unless I ban myself from it for a while.

I'm working on a post on disaster planning (while sending lots of positive energy and purrayers to those in Gustav's path), but for now thought I'd share a photo from one of my favorite websites icanhascheezburger.com. It made me laugh out loud and everyone needs that these days. Enjoy and I'll be back tomorrow.

There's Something in the Air

2008-08-25T07:29:00.003-04:00

Did you notice already this morning that there was something special about today? Did the air smell cleaner? Fresher? Was there a spring in your step?

Maybe it is because it is POSSUMLADY'S BIRTHDAY!!!

Since it is my birthday today I'd like to ask you all a favor. No, you don't all have to wish me a happy birthday (I'm not THAT desperate--well actually I am). No, I'm asking those who frequently visit but never comment to just give me a shout out that you exist! I do have statcounter so I know the areas around the country and world where everyone comes from and I do notice that some folks come back a number of times but never leave a comment--which is fine since I do that too! But just for today, let me know who you are! I'd like to say hi.

In return, I'll leave you with this video I shot last evening. I don't know if you will be able to see anything. When I looked at the video, it filled my whole screen so I was able to see everything. Making it small enough for blogger now I'm not sure. What it is, is an evening sky filled with swifts and dragonflys!! You will notice from my comments that I think the swifts are eating the dragonflys but now after watching it a number of times I really think both the dragonflys and the swifts were eating mosquitos!! If anyone can confirm this please do.

Enjoy and give me a shout out!!