A Real Hoot

Yesterday, I was driving down a rural road and came across two people and a motorcycle by the side of the road. They were diverting traffic around a barred owl that sat, dazed, in the road. So I pulled over and looked in my trunk--ah ha! I had a large cardboard box and some old blankets. I tossed a blanket over Mr. Owl and put him in the box. Then I put the box in the trunk of my car (I didn't want to risk him getting loose in my car--obviously). He was bleeding a little but not very much. He remained in shock until I was able to get him to a place where they could treat his injuries. I called today to inquire about him (?--her?) and they said he was alert and acting normal. So now I'm officially a bird-rescuer. I think owls are fascinating creatures and it was really neat to see one so close. So the next time you see an animal (or human) in distress by the side of the road, give a hoot and try to help out--it doesn't matter WHO you are.

The Walk That Wasn't (Fortunately)

As you may know, I'm in the habit of going for a walk around the perimeters of the hospital whenever the weather permits. I usually go around noon. Today, as I was working by myself and was fairly busy, I decided to not go for my walk. Just didn't feel up to it. Anyway, and you'll be reading about it in the paper, there was a shoot-out in front of the hospital just before noon. No passer-bye's were hurt, and I know it was a freak occurrence, but don't you feel it was a little fortuitous that I didn't go for my walk today? I do. Is it no coincidence that today was the National Day of Prayer? I had prayer on my mind all throughout the day, and I guess God had me on His mind too. So although this one isolated incident won't keep me from walking (but from now on, I'm always walking with a buddy), I do believe the Spirit was with me today when I decided to forgo my walk. I'm glad that other people were praying for me and that the Spirit held me close. Just goes to show that God looks after those who seek Him. Thank you, Lord.

Good-bye, Mr. Maple

I'm saying good-bye to Mr. Maple. I have no idea how old he is. Just that he stands in my front yard all day and all night, in a very bad spot. His roots play havoc with my sewer line and he sucks all the moisture out of the ground so nothing else can grow. So, sadly, the time had come to say good-bye. One of my neighbors has offered to cremate his remains. I administered Last Rites to him this evening. I'll miss him, but his time has come. At least he's leaving his body to a good cause. Don't know yet exactly when he's leaving this world, depends on the weather. So good-bye, Mr. Maple--as the squirrels would say, it was nice gnawing ya.