FINDING VOICE, GIVING VOICE

An aquaintance who I hold dear, not so long ago, offered that I allow people to find their voice. True to type, I thanked her and tucked away the sentiment. This week I find more and more that I have been mulling this over. Stress operates on my mind in strange ways. Losing a beloved pet, busy beyond belief at the office and finding balance between work, home and personal head-space demands that I squeeze out a few sentiments through my keyboard.

Yeah I guess I do.....it has its rewards allowing people to find their voice. Encourage them...it comes back in spades. Thanks Annie.

PASSIONATE ABOUT FERRETS

Of and on for more than 12 years I have shared my home with ferrets. Delightfully devilish, these little weasels have endured themselves to me. While searching for a foster home for a friend's son's boys, I became aware of a very real need for a network of ferret rescue people in eastern Canada. Receiving no answer from several rescue organizations in Ontario where the ferrets in need lived, I found a small brochure in Halifax, at my own boys' vet clinic.

The Ferret Lovers Society of Atlantic Canada or FLSAC is run out of the Director's home. She has 9 ferrets in residence, not all her own. Some are rescues, or surrenders, many are special-needs or high maintenance.

Needless to say, I joined this passionate group of volunteers. We share the love of weasels and we are committed to seeing all ferrets in suitable forever homes. This requires a modest amount of money. So, I have found myself as co-chair of fund-raising.



We are exploring cooperative ways of generating much-needed revenue. The first such event is hosted by Chapters, Bayers Lake Power Centre, Chain Lake Dr., Halifax on May 30, 2009. Stop in and meet us. Mention 'ferret rescue' and 10% of your total purchase on that day will return to aid our rescue efforts. Thank-you.

ICE, ICE and more ICE

After falling down in our driveway this week and dislocating 2 fingers I am starting to take ice seriously. Here is the west side of the house.






This kind of ice happens with a sudden rise in temperatures, rain and a sudden drop in degrees. In our case it went from -10C to +9C followed by -12C and stayed cold for about a week.

The top picture was taken on a cloudy day. The dazzle under sunshine is near-blinding. About 2.5cm layer of ice on everything.

CALLING OUT POOR DRIVERS RANT

Check out the date...it's January right? This means that you should have your "w-i-n-t-e-r tires on the car". Then you don't have to creep along the road at half the speed limit, holding up those of us are not denying winter's presence. Sheesh people! It's eastern Canada...it s-n-o-w-s here!

Secondly, those of you who insist on braking on every corner of a road you drive at least twice a day...pull over already...some of us can drive the 15km with our eyes closed!

Sheesh people!

/rant

POSTCARDS FOR THE NEW YEAR

My friend Alison is a graphic designer. I had her prepare a few of my photographs so I can send them out on exchange. Many of you may know about postcrossing. Similar to bookcrossing, the site matches senders and recipients for postcards. I joined last May and in spite of rising postage prices...I am hooked! Wanna find out more? Click below...

BACKYARD ENTERTAINMENT

Now that the ground is frozen and covered with snow, my avian neighbours welcome a few hand-outs. I am pleased to report that the male Ring-necked Pheasant has taken up residency just near enough to control my cat.

Other channels offer American Goldfinches, Song Sparrows, Blue Jays and Black-capped Chickadees for her viewing pleasure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Not one for resolutions, I do resolve to post more regularly here. Many times I write a story, then leave it in edit mode. By the time I remember to post, it is no longer timely.

Some stories of 2008 that never saw the light: June bugs, Tar-spot, sunny autumn days, golden warmth of summer and tall ships.

Remember to keep a list...10 good things. It can form the basis of your gratitude journal.