TGIF!

More Fire Safety

Last month I posted a story about a fire in my neighborhood.  Since then I've learned the damage was far more extensive than I had originally believed. The conflagration started in the kitchen and caused over $200,000 in damages.  

A house fire is catastrophic so prevention should be paramount for all homeowners.  

In response to my article, our friends at Compliance & Safety asked for our help in getting the word out about a resource they recently published entitled The Comprehensive Resource of Fire Safety Tips.  This exhaustive and invaluable reference guide is backed by statistical data to underscore the importance of each tip.  I encourage everyone to visit their website and print out and/or memorize all of this potentially life-saving information.

 

http://complianceandsafety.com/safety-tips/fire-safety-tips.php

"Reflections" on Our Anniversary

One year—already!  400 posts plus a plethora of pictures and sparkle graphics have paid tribute to the wildlife and scenery around my magical little pond.  And yet, I feel as if I have only begun to chronicle the area's flora and fauna.  In the coming months, it's my goal to finally start experimenting with video so as to add another dimension to my tale-telling.  

A tip of the hat is due all the individuals, organizations and websites that have graciously shared content with us over the past twelve months.  Special thanks, in particular, to: my sweet friend Choo Choo Love, who got me started blogging;   our resident psychologist, Dr. Jeanne Schur, for her insightful, and invaluable, contributions to these pages; plus photographers The Camera Craftsman, Nina Andry, Cary "The Questor" Kilner, Karl Schanz and Myrna Jacobs for sharing their exquisite nature artwork. Much appreciation also goes out to Bon Bon Pond's best buddy, Jeff, without whose support, guidance and assistance most of the past year's landscaping projects would never have come to fruition.

And finally, my most heart-felt gratitude goes out to ALL of YOU--our dear readers.  I am constantly amazed when I look at my "audience" and see so many views from places like China,  Russia, Latvia, South Africa and New Zealand.  Wherever you are from, please know your attention and support means the world for what good is even the greatest story if there is no one to listen.

Stay tuned.  The best is yet to come . . . 

It's Our Anniversary!

Suzie & Sam's Cold Weather Digs

Thoughts for the Work Week Ahead

Since November is the month for giving thanks, our four weekly Thoughts are reflecting a spirit of gratefulness.

For this, our final installment, we offer a life-altering message of hope, gratitude and forgiveness.

To learn more about our friend Sal, his life story and worldwide inspirational movement, please visit his website: 

http://www.salsbook.net/ 

Thanksgiving Sunday Greetings

First Snowfall of the Season: November 23

 

Have a Great Holiday Weekend!

A Thanksgiving Love Story

Ten years ago today the love of my life walked into my world—or rather, I should say, my barn.  Like a beacon beckoning to lost and alone animals, the barn at Bon Bon Pond has always been a magnet for strays.  Seldom dogs—probably because of the fencing—but rather a multitude of cats have come to its sheltering arms over the years in search of refuge and food and a family to love.  That day was no different. 

Turning on the light, my eyes caught movement in the rafters.  A large tortoise shell-colored Maine Coon was perched precariously on a dusty pew.  I called to the cat, but he was too wary to come. Returning to the house, I grabbed a can of wet food and went back outside.  Smelling the aroma of “fragrant” fish the animal jumped down from the beams and hungrily devoured the entire contents of the dish.  When finished, the cat approached and rubbed against my leg.  Bending down to pet my new friend, I was bombarded with grateful kisses.  For this little waif, Thanksgiving had arrived five days early.

Over the next few weeks, I moved heaven and earth to find this wanderling’s human but alas my flyers, newspapers ads and calls to vet clinics and local police went unanswered.  Lucky me, for I had gained a faithful friend and new family member: my beloved Kikki.

I have never understood how anyone could dispose of a family member.  ??? For my way of thinking, it’s unthinkable.  We all experience tough times but you pull together as a family and get thru it.  Like the Marines,  leave no one behind! 

The bond between Kikki and me has deepened over the past decade.  At night he sleeps by my side, with one paw touching my hand, and during the day he’s always close by.  Every morning while I was getting ready for work I would find him in my briefcase.  “Take me with you mommy!” Each time I return home I can count on a welcome fit for a head of state. His love for me is unconditional.  He is a constant and reassuring presence in my life.  His love has gotten me thru more bad and/or sad stuff than I can count.  Nothing comforts like soft fur and a full-throated purr.

I don’t know where my big beautiful boy came from, or what happened, but I do know why he came here:  because I needed him.  Kikki: my Thanksgiving gift sent from God.