Anxiously Hoping On Several Fronts…

Maybe my new video card will arrive today. My fingers are crossed and that would be the icing on the cake. It certainly is a needed distraction and gives me something to hope for. I will be overjoyed to see a UPS truck arrive at the house. The sound is unmistakable as the truck squeals to a stop and up comes the rear sliding door. Elation ensues as the UPS guy walks across the front yard to the front door. Maggie will be barking up a storm.

In other good news, Tracy might have a new job working at a local small animal clinic. I am awaiting a phone call any hour now telling me whether she got it or not. We’re both very excited as this is what she is going to school for. She won’t be a veterinary technician officially, but will be performing many of the same tasks. It will be great experience for her. She will have to give Mrs. Barbara two weeks notice, though – time for Mrs. Barbara to find someone to fill her position. She has worked at the Humane Society for 6 years so it is kind of a bittersweet ending. Mrs. Barbara agreed to give her a glowing recommendation to help move along the process.

I am feeling much, much better today. I almost feel my old self if it weren’t for a lot of chest and sinus congestion. I didn’t wake up until almost 11am, though. I stayed up late watching Pride and Prejudice on Georgia Public Broadcasting last night.  I believe that was a novel originally written by Jane Austen. Tracy would’ve liked to have viewed it as well.  

Skyrim Happenings…

A little street Urchin ran up to me in Skyrim this afternoon and asked for 5 gold coins for food.

“What happened to your parents?” I asked.

“Momma and Papa died and my aunt and uncle got the farm,” she said. “They cast me out to fend for myself saying I was too much trouble.” 

“I can adopt you if you would like that,” I then responded.

“Really?” the kid starting gushing thank yous.

I am now a cyber father of two former orphans in the game.

Last Day is Wednesday…

Mrs. Barbara finally hired someone to take my position at the Humane Society. His name is Raphael and he is a little Hispanic fellow who speaks impeccable English. I showed him today how to do everything and what his chores will be. He eagerly followed my directions just overjoyed to have a job. I will come in Wednesday and supervise one last time to make sure he knows the ropes – probably only working a few hours. I need a break. I am totally burned out. I want to sleep late for a change during the week and just be plain lazy (I think I’ve earned it!). Tracy is torn with the arrangements – not getting to see me every other morning during the week. She will adjust in no time. She’s out of school and can see me every night if she wants to. 

Last night, Tracy sent me a link to this song and dedicated it to me. She knows I love Joni Mitchell. I just adore this song and hadn’t heard it in years. I messaged her back that I loved it and hoped she felt that way about me after her three year fiasco with Michael (ex boyfriend) and his philandering ways. 

A Conversation With Barbara Tonight…

“Sweet pea, I just my foot in my mouth big time yesterday,” she told me. “I apologize. I certainly don’t have the gift of the gab.”

“I understand,” I replied. “I acted rashly on my part as well. Barbara, frankly, I am just burned out of cleaning those kennels.”

“Will you volunteer until I can hire someone else?” she asked. “Nobody but you would do that job for free.”

“I would be glad to,” I replied.

“I am so sorry honey and I never told you how much of a godsend you’ve been for us. I wish I could have paid you for all those countless days you worked.”

“Well, I will see you bright and early Monday,” I told her cutting things short.

“Thank you so much, honey!” Barbara replied and we got off the phone.

So I am basically putting in my two weeks notice until Barbara can find someone to take my position. I called Tracy and filled her in on my and Barbara’s conversation tonight. She feels better, but she doesn’t want me to go.

“It is not going to be the same working there anymore,” Tracy told me over the phone. “To see your smiling face when I get there in the morning.”

“We’ll see,” I said. “Who knows? I could just drop down to two days a week like I originally intended and might stay on volunteering in a limited capacity. I just need a break that’s all. Something to lighten the load.”

“Let Barbara hire somebody to do the dogs and you can come in and help me with the cats,” Tracy replied exploring ideas.

“We’ll see,” I replied. “I promise you there will be an amicable ending that’s best for everyone involved.”

Two Thirds Capacity…

That’s right. We have twenty dogs in the kennels right now and it makes my job that much harder. I started cleaning at nine and didn’t finish until one. I had to work over today. I was pooped out by the time quitting time rolled around. I kept hoping for some adoptions today, but few people stopped by to look in the kennels. I want them all to find their forever home. We have a very mötley crüe in residence at the moment – all kinds of dogs. 

“Don’t forget to take your medications,” Tracy said when twelve arrived.

I like to see her play an active role in my recovery. I had them in a pill bottle in my pocket. I thanked her and went into the bathroom and poured me a cup of water. I began to feel much better on the drive home. Less fatigued and busy minded. My medications quiet the noise in my head. Tracy gave me a kiss goodbye and said she wished she could come home with me.

“We could nap all afternoon and laze in the bed,” she told me wistfully. “I really need a nap and a cuddle badly. I am so drowsy!”

Alas, Tracy had to stay on and work until six this evening. I hated to leave her, but I was ready to get home to my Magster. I was also starving and stopped by Wendy’s on my way back to mi casa and got Maggie and I a double/w cheese. Last night’s was so good I had to get another. Maggie will eat everything but the pickles.

Despite eating such fattening food lately (sparsely), I was able to fit back into my flannel scotch patterned pajamas last night. It was luxurious. I was overjoyed and Charlie remarked upon how much weight I have lost yesterday evening. I’ve been losing about one pound a week lately.

Old Fuss and Feathers Gives In…

I have an allowance now. I feel like some kind of child or a teenager to be honest, but I was glad to get it. Old Fuss and Feathers decided to give me $40 a week (after I begged him).

“The first sign of drinking and I am taking it away,” he told me last night very sternly.

“I won’t let you down,” I told him giddy with glee.

I feel as if I won the lottery to put it frankly. It was a big step for my father, but I have worked hard for it staying on the straight and narrow and religiously taking my medications. I told him I could find a way to drink if I wanted to money or not. Charlie was in my corner last night about it telling my father to trust me. This opens the door to Charlie giving me money from time to time again. I always vehemently refuse, but he insists. Before dad took control of my disability money, Charlie would always give me $20 when he saw me as a gift.

Volunteering is a Merit I Hope…

Tracy didn't arrive until almost 10:30 pm my time last night. I was beginning to worry about her. I called her on her cellphone and she said she was on the way and would be here in 20 minutes. Maggie went bonkers when she pulled into the driveway. Tracy embraced me at the door and welcomed herself inside. She said she was hungry so I fixed his some toasted shaved turkey sandwiches with a side of sour cream and onion potato chips and a dill pickle spear. She said it was delicious.

Later in the night, we were laying in the bed when she told me she knew I was going to be somebody special when I walked in and asked Mrs. Barbara if she needed any volunteers.

“You never miss and you show up on time and you don’t get paid for it,” she told me. “That’s dedication.”

I am still getting accustomed to having someone in the bed with me. Tracy wants to cuddle and spoon and it takes me a long time to fall asleep. I feel trapped for fear of waking her up so I just lay there on my side uncomfortable. I guess the old saying don’t look a gift horse in the mouth applies to this situation. It is just going to take some time and I wouldn’t trade her spending the night for anything else in the world.

Morning arrived when my cellphone alarm went off. Hit the snooze button Tracy said and I laughed. We laid there for a few minutes looking at each other longingly morning breath and all. Tracy then took a shower while I fixed breakfast. We had scrambled eggs and flaky canned biscuits this morning. Soon, it was my time to shower and then we both headed into the Humane Society.

The Animal Control officer showed up with a whole slew of new dogs to grace us. I muttered shit under my breath because that’s what I am going to be cleaning up. One was a Pitbull and I will have to keep an eye on him. I don’t care what anybody says they still scare me. All I can think of is the elderly Mrs. Pinkerton getting killed by a Pitbull in the middle of town while she was on her daily walk. Phil Pinkerton, her husband, was a friend of mine. He helped me keep my Chevelle running. The owner of the Pitbull received jail time.

Trash Trucks and Dogs…

What is it about trashmen and dogs? Maggie woke me up at seven this morning sitting outside my bedroom window barking at the trash truck in the freezing cold. “No Maggie, no!” I exclaimed as I buried my face in the pillow. I didn’t have to be up for another hour. Maggie considers that trashcan to be our property and it tears her up when they mess with it. The trash truck came rolling down the street and Maggie barked with renewed vigor. I got out of the bed and sleepily collapsed in the recliner in the den. I then got on my tablet to check the news and what happened last night while I slept.

I was telling Tracy this morning about what Maggie did.

“We love Maggie,” she said. “But sometimes she can act bad at times. It is no different than Wheezy jumping on the bed at 6 am making biscuits, purring up a storm and wanting me to pet her and rub behind her ears.”

I laughed. What we do for our pets.

It Was a Little Shaggy Haired Mutt…

Animal control brought in a little dog today.I was glad we didn’t have a truckload of dogs as can sometimes be the case. The dog was docile and let me pick him up and carry him back to the kennels. The animal control truck hadn’t been gone an hour when a lady walked into the building.

“I’ve lost my dog,” she said. “Could I look and see if he is in the kennels?”

“Sure,” Mrs. Barbara said. “Andrew will help you.”

“You must be worried sick,” I told the lady empathetically.

“There’s my little Sadie!” The lady exclaimed loudly after looking into a few kennels.

The dog went nuts barking and showing affection – entirely glad to see his owner.

“He’s been gone a week. Can I take him home? I am so overjoyed to find him.”

Tears streamed down the lady's cheeks.

“Be my guest,” I replied. “I love a happy ending.”

I opened the kennel and handed the dog to the lady.

“Thank y’all for being so nice and helpful!” she said. 

The woman walked out of the building cradling the dog in her arms. It is moments like this I live for where I volunteer.

Let’s Get This Done!

I didn’t get in the bed until almost 3 am last night. I just couldn't sleep. I awoke this morning with a swimmy feeling in my head – a feeling of dire tiredness and responsibility due. Tracy left for the Humane Society 30 minutes earlier after breakfast. She slept well and was all chipper and happy this morning as I fixed us a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and cheese toast.

I stepped into the Society and Mrs. Barbara was at her computer as she usually is.

“Hey Sweet Pea,” she told me which is her pet name for me. “There is a fresh pot of coffee made.”

“Good morning,” I replied. “I think I will drink a mug of coffee this morning. Thank you.”

The black bitterness was somehow pleasing and comforting to me. I could soon feel the caffeine mingling with my brain cells giving me a renewed vigor. 

I then went straight back to the kennels and got ready to work. I took off my shoes and slipped my rubber boots on and then tied on my vinyl apron. Cleaning kennels is dirty work. The power washer turned on with a whoosh and then a roar that was an affront to my tired ears. All I could think of was getting back home and going back to bed. I finished in a record two hours and headed home after spending some time with Tracy in the feline room. I helped her change the last few litter boxes and finished giving fresh food and water to the cats. It was my last gasp of activity.

I had a little cash on me so I stopped by Daniel’s and got four of their little crispy and well done burgers. I was starving and it hit the spot. I sat in the car eating them as I listened to Joni Mitchell’s Taming the Tiger album. I felt much better now that I was heading home. Respite was within my grasp.

Edit – I arrived home and took my medications. My brain was especially keen on them today and I felt 100% better within an hour of taking them.

Comrades in Arms Against a Tirade! (Hyperbole)

The day started normally. I was the first to arrive so I got everything up and running. The dogs put on this grand cacophony of joy as I walked into the kennels to check on everybody. This day would take on a sour note, though.

Tracey was the first to be berated today. I was standing in the lobby when Mrs. Barbara told her she was still putting too much cat litter in the litter boxes. I was next…

“Sweet pea,” she said to me. “Please leave the thermostat where I set it. Fiscally things are tight right now.”

I said yes ma’am and headed back to the kennels to finish my job for the day.

Later, Tracy walked back into the kennels to talk to me.

“Who pissed in her Cheerios this morning?” Tracy asked with a smirk.

“She told me later her nose is to the grindstone and her job is on the line.”

“What about my job?” Tracy asked worriedly.”I hope I don’t get a pay cut.”

“You’re pretty much irreplaceable in my opinion,” I replied.

“I had a really good time with you last night,” Tracy then told me with a sly grin as she gave me a hug and kissed me on the cheek. “You are welcome any time.”

“Are you nervous about your chemistry exam this evening?” I asked intrigued.

I wish I had taken my second chance towards school more seriously years ago, but I was going to biology exams drunk.

“Just a little bit,” she replied. “I’ve studied as much as I can, though. I never want to see the periodic table ever again.”

I wished her luck and then she went into the outside kennels to mingle with and check on the dogs this chilly day.

Duty Calls…

I woke up very early this morning in a panic that my injection was due.

“Is my injection this morning?” I asked my father over his cellphone.

He said he was shaving when I called.

“It is due next week,” Old Fuss and Feathers said looking at the appointment card. “I am glad you are being aware of it though.”

I hadn’t been out of the shower for ten minutes when Mrs. Barbara called.

“Will you come in and handle the front end while I go to the dentist?” she asked. “I’ve had a filling come out.”

“Sure,” I said. “I will be down there in thirty minutes.”

She didn’t want to leave Tracy all alone.

All Tracy talked about was going out tonight and how excited she is. I was on the verge to cancel it to be honest. I am a nervous wreck today. Tracy’s exuberance dulled my desire to cancel somewhat.

“Now, we are going out for drinks afterwards,” she said. “I know a Mexican restaurant and bar that makes a killer margarita and they don’t skimp on the tequila.”

“I will drink virgin margaritas since I am driving,” I replied.

This should prove very, very interesting seeing Tracy after she’s had a few drinks in her. I can see it heightening her bubbly personality.

Mrs. Barbara showed back up two hours later and I headed to the polls. I mostly voted a straight Democratic ticket hoping to send a message to Washington about the Trumpster. The only Republican I voted for was Kay Ivey, our governor. She’s like having your grandmother as governor of the state. She can be kind of a maverick with regards to her politics as well. She doesn’t always tow the Republican party line.   

I had a relative called Little Daddy who was always mean spirited and boastful. He’d get hopped up on pain pills and go on a mean streak. Dad always laughs when I say we have Little Daddy in the White House. It’s true! Trump acts just like Little Daddy. He’d be just as xenophobic and mean about all those “Mexicans” trying to enter our country as well.

As Snug as a Bug in a Rug…

Mrs. Barbara called me at 7am this morning. I moaned as my cellphone rang on my bedside table. My bed was feeling like heaven. I looked to see who was calling and already knew what to expect.

“Tracy and I are going to be really late,” she said. “Could you go ahead and open the gate and get everything up and running?”

I didn’t have to be there until nine my time which was to my favor.

“Sure,” I sleepily replied as I wiped the sleep out of my eyes. “I just have to be at my father’s house at eleven.”

I set the alarm on my phone and slept another hour.

This was supposed to be my day off, but when a friend needs a hand, you have to lend it. Mrs. Barbara has been so nice, kind, and accommodating to me and my foibles.

I didn’t even take a shower. I just threw some clothes and a ballcap on and headed out the door. It is about a thirty minute drive for me. I unlocked the gate and opened it. Then I unlocked the building and turned all the lights on. The dogs were barking like crazy and I could hear a few meows as well. Everybody was glad we were back in business. I had to go in and greet all my canine friends and check on them. We are about at half capacity at the moment. I also checked Little Man’s long line of stiches for any signs of infection.

Mrs. Barbara showed up at 10am and Tracy was not far behind her. Tracy gave me a high five of comradery when she walked in the door.

“Have you had any visitors yet?” was the first thing Mrs. Barbara asked me when she walked in the door.

We had only been open for an hour.

“It has been quiet as a church mouse on that front,” I replied regretfully.

“Well, I am leaving it with y’all,” I told the duo. “I am going to head back to dad’s house.”

“Thank you so much, Andrew!” Mrs. Barbara told me. “It will not be forgotten.”

I told her, “Anytime!” with a warm smile and walked out the door. I had a date with Old Fuss and Feathers that would entail Cokes and conversation. Time for us to be together.

October 22 Tablet Scribblings…

Little Man continues to get better and better. I am having to give him an antibiotic and he doesn’t fuss when I shove it down his throat. Boy, that dog can eat some kibble. I think the antibiotics make him so hungry. I want to adopt this dog so badly, but I know it would never happen. Old Fuss and Feathers would make me take him back for sure. I was talking to Barbara about it today.

“You can take him home after his stiches come out,” she told me eager to find him a home.

“I will be having to pay all the Vet bills,” I can hear my father say. “Dogs and cats are expensive if you treat them properly.”

I took my medications early today at 11:20am needing a respite from a busy morning. I usually always take them at noon like clockwork. Tracy noticed me going into the bathroom early and remarked that I had to poop early today.

“TRACY!!!” I hollered loudly, playfully admonishing her. “Don’t keep up with my poops!”

I told you she was a busybody. She just laughed and said I was usually the most regular person she had ever met. She doesn’t know I am taking medications – my crazy meds as I like to coyly call them.

October 19 Tablet Scribblings…

Well, dad called our doctor and he put me on a new anxiety medication. The Klonopin just wasn’t doing the trick. I have to take it three times a day. I am going to pick up the pills on my way back from the Humane Society today as the prescription is filled and ready to go.

“Maybe this will give you some peace,” my father told me of my tortured soul.

I am excited to try them and to see if they help. I think I am the only person on Earth thrilled at getting even more crazy meds.

I was stir crazy late in the evening last night and visited with my father to calm down. I called it grounding myself. He cooked us breakfast for supper and it was such a treat. I adore and love breakfast for supper. We had scrambled eggs, bacon, and heat and serve biscuits.

Tracey got the wildcat to eat out of her hand and she was thrilled today. Normally, he would hiss and cower in the back of his cage. This cat is going to take some serious rehabilitation if it is going to be adopted. Tracy is up to the task, though. She oozes with sweetness and trustworthiness,

Little Man got back from the Vet this morning as well and he looks like a new dog without that hideous tumor on his loin. The tumor was benign. I peeled back the bandages and he has quite a few stiches. I have a mind to adopt this dog if Old Fuss and Feathers wouldn’t have a hissy fit. I might just do it anyway come hell or high water.

Prickling With Pretense…

“Did you ever go to college?” Tracy asked me chirpily as we sat outside on this beautiful Friday.

Our chores were complete and we brought our lawn chairs outside to enjoy the sunshine on this cool and refreshing day. We were hoping some people would show up wanting to adopt some animals.

“I was a music major in college,” I replied. “I attended the University of Montevallo.”

“You sing? Really?” Tracy asked with an astonished look on her face.

“I used to,” I quickly added before Tracy could harangue me into belting out a tune.

Tracy is currently in college to be a veterinary technician so she says. She is doing quite well from the way she talks taking night courses out at the local community college.

“I learn something new and interesting about you every day,” she told me very happily.

“I am still broken up with Michael,” she announced to the both of us. “Kicked him to the curb I did.”

“I will believe it when it has been a few weeks!” I exclaimed.

Mrs. Barbara said, “hear! hear!” echoing my thoughts.

Mrs. Barbara barely fits into her lawn chair. She is rather rotund.

“Her lawn chair is going to break any moment,” Tracy whispered to me and we both snickered.

“Hey, what are you two whispering about?” Mrs. Barbara asked. 

“Oh nothing,” Tracy said as she shrugged her shoulders.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again that Tracy is a busybody. She will tend to your business if you let her. She is also a supreme extrovert which can clash with my extreme introversion. . 

Gotsta Get Out of Here…

The first outer bands of Hurricane Michael were among us. I was in a hurry to finish my chores and head home today. A steady rain had already began to fall.

“Don’t go,” Tracy pleaded with me. “Barbara is a bore. All she talks about is her kids and grandkids.”

I chuckled.

“I just want to get home before the shit hits the fan,” I replied.

I bid farewell to everybody and headed to Daniel’s to get some of their crispy well done burgers. I then made a beeline straight to home.

On a positive note, this storm will usher in fall weather. It is supposed to get down to 49° degrees tomorrow night. It looks like ninety degree days are gone until next spring.

We Have a Sick Dog On Our Hands…

The day was off to a pretty normal start. I arrived at nine and started my chores. That’s eight central time just when the Humane Society opens.

Animal control brought in two dogs today not long after I had arrived. I carried them both back and put them in kennels. I noticed one dog was doing something strange. It kept trying to lick its anus.

“Let me take a closer look at you fella,” I said entering the kennel.

The dog was shivering and blood was dribbling out of his rear end. I immediately went up front and told Mrs. Barbara.

“Crate him up and I will take him to the vet,” Mrs. Barbara told me.

Tracy and I waited anxiously for about an hour continuing with our chores until Mrs. Barbara returned.

“The dog has a chicken bone lodged in its small intestine,” she said. “They are going to perform surgery to remove the bone and the dog should be fine.”

That made us all feel better. You hate to see an animal suffering and the dog seemed in pain and in great discomfort.

Sept. 10th Tablet Scribblings… Finished With My Day…

It is time to hit the road folks. I didn’t get to sleep until 2 am last night and I feel a serious nap coming on. I also almost forgot to take my medications and was wondering why I felt a little jittery and nervous come noon.

This morning started off FUBAR. Lopez Landscaping showed up to mow my lawn at 7 am. I was just leaving to head to the Humane Society. I had to scramble back inside and lock the dog door so Maggie wouldn’t escape when they mowed the back yard. I hope there aren’t any accidents when I arrive home. Maggie can hold it with the best of them, though.

“Y’all can’t come at seven,” I told the foreman. “You’re going to wake up all my neighbors. It’s inconvenient for me as well.”

I am very excited about the weather. We have a 70% chance of thunderstorms today. I hope to be awakened in a few hours by the clap of thunder. A line of storms is already forming to our South.

Dragging My Heels, Sept. 7 Tablet Scribblings…

I still have 15 kennels to clean and it is already almost 10 AM. Seems I will be working late today. It doesn’t help that I am goofing off with this tablet and need to be power blasting poop. The dogs are going to be hungry and thirsty by the time I finish and let them back inside. They are already barking up a storm – the canine cacophony. It’s contagious between them. One gets to barking and then they all start barking.

Tracy is looking over my shoulder as I peck this out. She’s dying to know the location of my blog. I love her, but she is a nosey busybody. As Hall and Oates would sing, “I can’t go for that! No can do!”

Enter the Rabid Zone…

Tomorrow starts a phase of existence in my father’s and brother’s life that can best be described as rabid and obnoxious. Yes, it is the start of college football season. I get left out during this time as I find watching college football akin to watching ice melt. So, you all be thinking of me the next 9 weeks as I put up with these crazed, rabid men in my family.

“Football is good for your soul!” my father keeps telling me to a milquetoast reception.

They need to be spending all those millions of dollars they spend on football on scholarships and the like. Or, at least pay the players. I am just an old fart of a fuddy duddy aren’t I concerning this matter?

Well, Auburn spent over $2 million dollars putting up a gaudy new jumbotron. Think of how many scholarships could have been afforded by that money.

Put Your Feet Up. It’s Okay!

I was one sleepy pups when I got home today. I was so drowsy – nodding off as I was driving home up through the Valley. I got in my skivvies and curled up in my computer room bed – the one bed Maggie can still jump up on. We went to sleep for over five hours. Maggie was like…don’t get up! I hope I can sleep tonight, but at least it was on a weekend in which I have absolutely nothing to do. I can catch some Rip Van Winkles when I need them.

A Shirt On Your Back…

Today, at the Humane Society, Mrs. Barbara had ordered a bunch of Humane Society t-shirts and they had finally arrived. Yay! I got a purple, bright orange, and black t-shirt. These are to be worn while we are at the Society so adopters can know who the staff are. I was so proud to get my t-shirts. I immediately went into the bathroom and put my purple one on. They are very nicely done. They are also for sale to patrons who come to visit and adopt – another way to support us through donations by buying a t-shirt.

I’ll Take 4K For $400, Alex…

I just emailed the pharmacy the Newegg shopping cart with the ASUS 4K ultra high definition monitor I want to get. I then called the pharmacy to tell my father I sent Matt, the pharmacy computer guru, an email.

“We’ll get to it if we can,” Old Fuss and Feathers told me huffily. “We’ve been really busy today.”

Harumppff!!!

I wanted to tell him to do it after the store closes, but I would have been reprimanded.

“We all want to go home after working all day,” I can hear him tell me now in retribution. 

Dad is having to work today and tomorrow to make up for not working Monday and Tuesday due to his class reunion.

It sure is nice to be off today and not have to volunteer. I have done nothing but goof off today and I am still in my pajamas this late in the afternoon.

Volunteering has seemed to have lost some of its veneer and luster for me, but I am not going to give up. I am committed now. I will probably feel differently in the morning after I have rested up some. The first of the week sure was busy, though. I performed a full week’s work in three days. I am also still adjusting to volunteering on Fridays as well.

One of the big benefits of my medications is that I can think this way in a rational manner. I am also dependable. Off my medications, I am impulsive and flighty and would have quit willy nilly without a care of the consequences or how it would effect my friends. Dad’s amazed I’ve made it this far to put another spin on the matter. He has no confidence in me in such endeavors nor does he encourage them.   

Cats and Dogs, and an Iguana?

This weekend is my weekend to check on the animals while the Humane Society is closed. I am sitting here on Mrs. Barbara’s slow computer goofing off. All the animals now have food and water. I don’t know what has gotten in to me, but I am still getting up at ungodly hours. I was opening the gate this morning at 7 AM in the predawn dark. That’s 6 AM Tracy’s and Barbara’s time. The days are starting to get short again which depresses me somewhat. 

We are going to have to upgrade this computer. I checked and it has 4 GB of ram and is running Windows 8.1. I am hoping I have enough compatible sticks of ram at home to upgrade it to 16 GB of ram. Oh, don’t mind me. I am just rambling on. It would really supercharge that computer, though. I have a spare 250 GB (SSD) Samsung solid state drive I would like to install as well. Now, that would really speed things up. Zip, zoom, bam!

Someone left a full grown and healthy male iguana in a big box at the gate last week. We’ve been feeding it veggies and such like spinach and cabbage. Tracy is attached to it so Mrs. Barbara is unsure of what to do with it. Mrs. Barbara is scared of it and I tried to explain to her that they are harmless. They sell iguana food, but one of us would have to drive to Pet Smart in Auburn to get it. We really need a heat rock or heat lamp for it to bask under or on, but the kennels stay so warm this time of year it hasn’t been an issue yet. Tracy wants it to be our mascot and call it Iggy the iguana. People would come in just to see it she said. Mrs. Barbara reminded her we are not a petting zoo.

A big job is coming up next week. Tracy and I are going to be very busy. We have donation boxes shaped like sad hound dog heads all over at countless businesses throughout the Valley. There is a slot in the forehead to donate bills and change. Tracy and I are going to collect these hound dogs and then we are going to tally up our donations. That’s going to be a lot of change to count and roll for deposit. I will be volunteering all week next week needless to say.