Aunt Fanny

When I turn 97, I want to dress up in fancy clothes and have someone do my hair and makeup. I want a reporter and cameraman from a statewide television station to come to my house and sit in my living room and interview me for a feature story on the evening news. Then I want to go outside and climb aboard my horse and be the Grand Marshall of a big parade, as people line the street and shout my name as I pass by.

I want to do these things, just as my 97 year-old Aunt Fanny George did them today.

Fall is in the Air

A little activity in our yard last night.....

I found this perfectly intact skin this morning. Very grateful I wasn't there to witness the event.

Unusual Friends..........

After my father had his stroke in November of 2008, I worried about what would become of his beloved farm cats. Although shy, they were accustomed to being fed each day so they were not feral. The ones he had when he became incapacitated were about 30th generation descendants from his original two cats, which were gifts from a dear friend many years ago.

Several of my "cat" friends told me dad's little cats might have a difficult time fending for themselves among the larger wild animals that inhabit the vast, extremely rural farm area. So, each weekend, I take 45 pounds of food and place it in various elevated bin areas in the barn.

I know that sometimes, this food is shared with raccoons, opossums, squirrels and other assorted animals of the wild, but I don't mind. As long as the cats have enough to eat, it is okay with me if other hungry animals share their bounty. The cats are always excited to see me and run to greet me, talking their cat language non-stop until I can get the bags open and their bins filled.

I have tried to pet them and interact socially with them, but they do not want this. So I have learned not to bother them........I just stay for a few minutes, knowing my place is that of a delivery person only. But they definitely seem to anticipate my arrival the following week.

However, a few weeks ago, I began to notice that they had accepted a new member into their pack. I don't know where he came from or how they worked out their very peaceful co-existence, but on multiple occasions, I have now seen them all eat from the same bin simultaneously.

I find myself thinking if this very odd paring can get along, maybe the rest of us could take a page from their playbook.

Just saying............

Bo on the Mountain

Sometimes, just when I think my beautiful old walker, Bo, is on his very last leg, a wind will blow through the pines and stir the sleeping memories in his soul. Memories of hunting on the mountain and adventures deep in the woods that were shared only with his pack.

And it is on these days that he will beg with his soulful brown eyes, and plead with me in his failing voice to leave the sanctuary of his controlled environment on the enclosed porch and go run one more time.

And even though I know it is not in his best interest and the exertion will put an even greater strain on his weak heart and his bent and frail arthritic bones, I can not deny him this wish. Because to deny him this brief outing would be to deny him his happiest memories. Memories of when he was the biggest strongest dog on the mountain, and my most vigilant protector..........just as I hope I am his these days.

Betty & Bob......Sunday Afternoon

THE SAVING OF A BIRD

This is a story about three very busy professional men whose combined random acts of kindness culminated in the rescue and survival of a beautiful juvenile male hawk.

First, I want to tell you a little about my friend, Hot Springs Village veterinarian Dr. Bob Zepecki, or "Saint Bob" as I like to think of him. I believe with all of my heart he is a modern day Saint Francis of Assisi.

Dr. Bob is one of the most compassionate people I know and he believes strongly that all creatures here on earth, both two and four legged ones, deserve a second chance. Based on this premise, Dr. Bob also believes it is up to the rest of us able bodied inhabitants to facilitate this "second chance" by whatever means we have available to us.

Dr. Bob contributes to the human population through his DAV K9 Assistance Dog Association, a program he founded and oversees that provides assistance dogs to wounded and disabled veterans. He takes care of our furry and feathered friends through his work at his Village Pet Center and Boarding Facility in Hot Springs and through his charitable work with the Animal Rehab Foundation he co-founded.

He is one of those guys who just CARES. He is always looking for a way to make things better. I guess if there ever was one person doing "God's Work", this would probably be the guy.

Now, back to my story.........

Yesterday, in the beautiful retirement community of Hot springs Village, a fireman came upon an injured, young male hawk. He could have done what most people would have probably have done........had a moment of pity for the creature, then went on about his way. But perhaps because he was a fireman and rescuing is what he does, he stopped, retrieved the bird and took him to Dr. Bob. And Dr. Bob, because of who he is and what he does, welcomed them both.

Dr. Bob examined the young hawk and felt his injuries did not appear fatal. However, he wanted a second opinion from someone who was more specialized in the area of raptors. And he knew the veterinarian he needed was Dr. John Davis in Dardanelle. After a phone conversation, Dr. Davis agreed to take the bird and assist in his rehabilitation.

When Dr. Bob called to tell me the story and ask if there was any way I could assist in getting the bird from Hot springs to Dardanelle, I couldn't say "yes" quickly enough.
Dr. Bob Zepecki and the injured young male hawk.

The young hawk was eerily calm, and seemed as curious about us as we were of him.

He seemed to e wondering what he was doing in a cage, among all of the assorted k9s, but he didn't seem at all fearful.

When the hawk and I arrived at Dr. Davis' clinic in Dardanelle, he and his staff were expecting us and took us to a room immediately. He allowed me to watch as he carefully examined the young bird. I was impressed by his extensive knowledge of the species and the gentle and respectful way he handled him........as though he understood this was a rare and privileged experience.

Dr. Davis answered questions for me and gave me a mini-tutorial on the background of the species.

As I was leaving, he gave me this photograph of what the young male hawk will look like, once he is rehabilitated and can be released back into his natural habitat.

On my way home, I felt so very grateful that we will have one more of these beautiful creatures among us.........and all because three very busy men took the time to care.

Trying to Keep Cool on a Hot Summer Day