Who's Bored?

I can't imagine ever being bored in this life. There is so much that I want to do right now that it's overwhelming to think about it. This coming weekend I have another Turtle Rehab intensive class. I feel as though I can't get enough information about Rehabbing wildlife. Their lives depend on me constantly learning. The busy season for us Rehabbers is about to begin. I will start to take at the very least one phone call a day. I've already had one about a disoriented raccoon.

In June I will be going back to the Arnot Forest for a weekend to take the remaining credits towards my Certified Master Naturalist designation. I will then need to contact our Town Supervisor to see about starting up the volunteer hours that I will need to become a Master Naturalist. I have a great plan on what I want to do, but will need his approval. My plan will last for the rest of my life if we stay in our area.

I have piles of books on Nature that I want to read and learn from. I never seem able to settle enough to do much reading. I am a certified Bookaholic. That is my one vice that I can't seem to break. If I see a good book online, I need to own it. Most nature books are an extension of my brain, there is just too much information that I will never retain, but I can always look up what I want to know.

I also have a dog that I would love to train to do all sorts of tricks. He is becoming my constant companion, and there is nothing in the world like a well trained dog by your side.

I also have a goal to start backpacking again with my hubby. I need to get myself in much better shape to be able to backpack at my age. I can't wait to get into the middle of the wilderness again, to escape all that's man made. To live simply for days at a time.

Now it's time to get off this computer and get to all of these goals!

Reality

Last night I found out that one of our good friends who was diagnosed with CLL 6 years ago, will now begin to do battle with it.  He has remained symptom free all this time. He is an inspiration to me on how best to live your life.  He is always happy and upbeat.  Always has a huge smile and something nice to say.   He is also living one of his life long dreams of playing live music!  He put together a band and they are out there playing at bars and winery's.  He is living his life to the fullest. The news of his illness surfacing has made me think about how important it is for all of us to live in the moment and fill those moments with as much good as you possibly can.  Don't wait to do the things you love, make time for them now. The now is all any of us has.

Some sad news, two of my parent's friends have died in the last couple of days. One was our childhood neighbor, Mrs. Miller. Our home backed up to hers.  I grew up playing with her two sons. She was one of my mom's best friends for her entire adult life. She was a wonderful lady, whom I really loved.  I have such fond memories of her and my parents having a great time together. She was always smiling and laughing and never had a bad thing to say about anyone.   I was on a hike when moms text arrived that she had passed. I sat down on a rock and cried.  Even though she was old, her death has me really looking at my life and how I'd like to spend what time I have left.   I'm not going to waste any time that's for sure, I plan to be in the moment, find enjoyment each day and the rest will take care of its self.

Gods Speed Mrs. Miller and Mr. Fitzgerald. I hope my dad was there when you arrived, he loved you both dearly.

On a Nature Note: Blackbirds continue at the feeders. Brown Creeper in the Co. Park. Today it was glorious out. The sky so blue and full of beautiful white cumulus clouds. Nothing like the companionship of a great dog to make all in the world seem right. Thankful for my Monty.

Nice hike with my men

The only snow we have had this winter. Today was a 40 degree day, so it does feel like the end of Feb.
Monty loving his run!
Beautiful hike with two of my men. We had a great time.
Happiness is: New Hiking Boots!!!

Black Birds

Red-Wing Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds and Grackles are here in huge numbers today. I've got plenty of corn, millet mix for them to fuel their migration. We finally had a little snow overnight, so wonderful to wake up to a white carpet this morning.

It's starting!

This morning I got out for a early hike before work with my Monty. We had a nice quick walk up in the fields of the park. It was already about 50 degrees out. Just amazingly warm temperatures for the end of February. On my drive to work I noticed large flocks of Canada Geese winging their way North. There were also several dozen Turkey and Black Vultures circling over 17a in Greenwood Lake. The movement is evident, Spring will soon be upon us once again.

I am not fit for foster dogs

Last night I turned my foster dog back into the rescue. Her issues were far too great for me to deal with at this point in time. I feel so guilty that she had to go back to the kennel until someone else can foster her. Funny how I wasn't feeling upset for myself living in my own personal prison while she was here.  The behaviorist who came along with the rescue vp, let us know that her issues were completely correctable. He said we needed to be stronger leaders, I know he was right.  I have always been a wimp of a dog trainer.  I've been lucky so far with all of my dogs that I bond deeply with them and have no issues.  If we had a fenced yard, I would have considered having her stay until adoption.  I couldn't chance that she got loose and went after the neighbors little dog.  I stood strong for the very first time in my life.  I said no, she needed to go back with them.  I'm still grieving the loss of my Petey, trying to bond and train Monty, I had no business saying yes to fostering her at this point in my life.  For once I said NO, and did what was right for me. I am sorry that we disrupted her life. The poor girl has had such a sad life so far. Because of her needs, it could be a long while before she is adopted. I can't put my life on hold for that long, and spend all my energy trying to help her, I have to help me right now. I've been putting my dogs first for far too long, and emotionally I'm a mess. I did the same thing with my kids. I have a few trips planned for this year, trips that were on hold during Petey's illness. I need to be able to leave home with less stress, my time here on earth is getting shorter and I'm really feeling that midlife crisis.  

I took Monty out for a walk this morning before work, what a gorgeous day it's going to be. I will look for the small blessing each day again. The biggest one today so far is that I have the curtains on the back of the house all open again. They have been closed for many weeks now. I have ALL my bird feeders full. The foster had a high prey drive and would go ballistic every time she saw a squirrel outside. For the average person this wouldn't be a problem, but for me who rehabs them, it's been a nightmare and I haven't even taken in any spring babies yet. I'm loving watching the birds and squirrels again. I miss her deeply as I got far too attached in a short time. Every time I think of her I tear up. If my life was at a different point we would have adopted her. She is super cute and sweet. I hope and pray she finds the right person to love and care for her forever, she deserves that.

Harbinger of Spring!

I'm participating in the annual Great American Backyard bird count as I have since it's very first year. While I haven't had great numbers of birds due to the mild winter we are experiencing, I can always count on decent variety. I had Grackles, then Cowbirds and now today....Red-Wing Blackbirds, our harbinger of Spring on the East Coast! Spring is almost here again, with all its glory. I love this time of year best as the earth after a long rest comes alive again. There are already chipmunks up and running around the yard, and I eagerly anticipate seeing all the reptiles and amphibians who have been hibernating since the Fall. It won't be long before the song of Spring Peepers fill the air, and I have to take in my bird feeders because the bears will be up and hungry. Life begins again.

Florida trip 2/9-14th

Hubby and I had a great trip to Florida. We made the usual rounds. Cork Screw Sanctuary,Lovers Key State Park, Manatee Park, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Port Charlotte Wildlife Rehab Center. Lots of wonderful animals and birds. Moms place is so awesome, there is nothing like backing up to the mangroves right on the water to bring in amazing numbers of birds. Also had lots of nice visits with loved ones. Perfect way to spend a long weekend.