A little card for you folks here at Blogspot:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let This Be A Memory

Between what is right and what is easy
let the feeling pour like steam from
my coffee mug, let steps apart fall out
to chill the lateness of morning

where a quarter-filled parking lot
manages to settle under the naked branches
of one tree, the full dying coat of another.
Where is purpose for the day?

Should there be anger at the core of this
near tangible psychic onslaught channeled
through the eve of exhaustion, that may be
intentional though chance has proven before
it is not.

Let it go then, exist for its own sake, let
it turn in on itself eventually burning
out to its holder's relief,
this pitiful timing.

I have a question for all you folks out there in the stratosphere, blog-o-sphere, or just within reading distance of this post.

If there was a disaster in your area and you had to evacuate, and the local authorities told you that wherever you're going your pets wouldnt be accepted.... would you leave your pets behind, stay with them, or try to sneak them in with you anyway?

Apparently there are still hundreds of unclaimed pets from New Orleans in shelters and foster programs. I happened to catch an excellent show on PBS last night on the huge animal rescue operation caused by hurricane Katrina.
Katrina Animal Rescue

Just thought I'd pose the question, I'd be interested to know what the opinion is from different areas around the country. And just for the record... I could never bring myself to leave any of my pets behind to fend for themselves.

There's one in every crowd, some lawsuit-happy, bible-thumping voice of authority who thinks he's doing the world a service by quibbling over necessary measures. This time its an evangelical Christian high school civics teacher who's teamed up with the ACLU to fight Tampa Bay's NFL security policy to pad down sports fans upon entering the stadium. He claims this is an extreme violation of his Constitutional rights. http://www.tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGBKXEVWREE.html
I would like to know the consensus of opinion among you folks out there... Remember, these are much different times than when the Constitution was first drawn.

Too politically correct? I say kudos to the makers of American Girl dolls, who've designed their toys to reflect a collective role of women in history and culture... all the way up to the present day, including this newest flak - addressing the abortion issue. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/11/16/earlyshow/main1046828.shtml?CMP=OTC-RSSFeed&source=RSS&attr=TheEarlyShow_1046828
This is reality. The times, they've already changed.

Has anyone been following the news about the two Pennsylvania teens who were caught in Indiana after the boyfriend had killed the girlfriend's parents?

T.O. and the Eagles. Don't get me started! What a jerk, enough said.

The weather here has turned bitter... Oh I supposed in all reality it's not that bad, but when you consider the temp was 70 two days ago and now down to 20, it can certainly seem that way... the wind was a little brisk on the way to work yesterday morning. I just have to remind myself that last winter, I treked 45 minutes to work every morning in sub-zero conditions... Hey, I did it then, I can do it now. Lol!

Work is going good... I love my job. I repeat, I love my job! :D I've gotten the routine down pretty well by now, and look forward to the start of the day when I can wish each puppy and kitten a "good morning!" Don't get me wrong, it's still very much a challenge but at least now I know pretty much what the hell I'm doing.

Behind Clouds or Fog

I'm waiting for words
to tumble down from the sky
along with the forecast of rain.

And while the leaves are
lifting from trees like birds
fleeing on the wind from the
unspoken threat of a harsh
winter,

the breeze here still unseasonably
warm, as strong as it is...
stars are visible, intermittant
behind clouds or fog.

What is there to think of
at 4 a.m.
before coffee, while waiting
for that dark aroma that never
catches.

Hazy mind this early in the half-light
of a balcony taking in the refreshing
wind of this mid-November, too warm
undercover, half asleep yet unable
to sleep, and I welcome the coolness
of here...

What goes through your mind while staring
at the flowers I still call my mother's
geraniums 'cause that was her thing -
marveling at how they've survived so
late in the season, still blooming new
some two months beyond the anniversary
of her death.

Asleep

Lifting the shadows that once
hid his face so completely from
my eyes, I'm still thankful
at what's been shown, still
struck in wonder at those
things tucked away so deep.

What longing he brings when
he glides into my vision
at night, stepping seamless
through my dreams guiding
them along the way with
his breathing
full of sleep beside me.

Where the sliver moves through trees
even streetlights cannot overpower
its presence...

You can wait until dark
to capture something rare
from the breeze that surrounds you,
where something silver moves
through trees.

I woke up a bit later than usual this morning.. and I still feel a little sleepy but restless at the same time, as if I'm forgetting something I need to do right away.. Maybe its anticipation for the new position, starting Tuesday. I want to do well, but nervous that I'll fall behind during the day for some reason.. I know that'll make for an even longer day, but I wouldn't want to leave until everything is done...

I'm glad I don't live in Philly; the Septa (public transit) workers had a major falling out with the company, and walked out. They've been on strike since Halloween, and from the looks of things, it could go on like this indefinitely. So you have people who normally depend on the busses, elevated rails and subways to get to work and school, chaotically scrambling to get where they need to go... rememinds me of that commercial where some Rasta guy's stuck in traffic...
"Aw, mon... it is to-taal gridlock!"

The weather here this weekend has been incredible, a nice Indian Summer. A little fog earlier this morning, but burning off quickly. And I can see a lot of people have been taking full advantage of the weather, it's been so nice. Yesterday we walked down to Target for household stuff and it was really good to be able to relax and take time to enjoy the trip there, not rushing to get out of the chill. Also picked up some extras... found some neat little socks, with cat designs... reminds me of dun laoughaire, lol. Robert picked up a couple of flannel shirts, and I found a pair of nail clippers for the cats. Got home and tried them out first on Pablo, one paw at a time. Somewhere inbetween he tried his usual trick of jumping, then hanging on the balcony screen door, and we noticed he was only hanging by one foot, unable to get a grasp with his other. Robert thought he was swatting at one of the ladybugs that have recently made their annual appearance... but the truth is he just couldn't grip like before. So that effectively puts an end to him destroying the screen, lol.

Last night we put in a DVD of Korn live at CBGB's, totally amazing. I had forgotten how much I used to like them... still do, really. A piece of music history, not everybody gets to play there, especially nowadays, when I hear the owner wants to tear it down... After that we put in a Thrice DVD from back in August.. interviews mostly and a few songs... I sadly admit I fell asleep in the middle of it. Some habits are hard to break, I guess... I was just extremely tired.

Shades of Changing Seasons

These geraniums still bloom red
and honey bees circle the rim
of my coffee cup even now as the
orange and jaundiced gold signal
change, mingle with those many
unrelenting still hangin' out
with the ones who think they're
still fresh, with all the time
in the world.

These days approach like some
reverse El Nino;
just as I round the corner
they are heard before seen,
gathered at their favorite
meeting place in the parking lot
of a nearby furniture outlet...

If I could interpret Goose-speak
they would be discussing the easiest
path of migration, "should we prove
uber-motivation and actually fly, or
wait till they open up this place and
demand a discount on one of those
magic carpets imported from India?"

The weather here has turned chilly the past couple of weeks, so everybody's breaking out their winter coats. I've had my eye on a peacoat since I saw the movie Boondock Saints, and was able to find one on pre-season sale at the end of the summer (half-off, too.) Now that I'm wearing my "Boondock" peacoat, I feel like I should be hangin' a rosary on the wall whenever I come home. I guess you'd have to see the movie to know what I'm talking about, lol.
First day of Kennel Tech training at work yesterday... went great. There's a lot to keep busy with, still a lot to learn, but I'm confident that I'll get the hang of it all soon. I"m really gonna like this, which happens to be something of a dream job for me. I've wanted to work with animals, in some capacity for years now.
Halloween is just around the corner, this Monday. I've already posted my annual blurb from the ASPCA about protecting your pets around the holidays. Always a good reminder. And also, to you partiers out there... Have fun, but keep yourselves safe. And as always, If you're drinkin' don't drive.
Oh, and don't forget to set your clocks back an hour tonight, wouldn't want to miss that extra hour of sleep that comes in the fall, now would we?

NO SCAREDY CATS THIS HALLOWEEN: TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR PET PARENTS
Attention, companion animal caretakers! The ASPCA would like to call your attention to these common-sense cautions that’ll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year.

1. Please don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween. There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, and even killed pets on this night.

2. Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and several days after Halloween. (P.S. It’s also our duty to remind you here that kitties are healthiest and happiest when they live inside ALL year round!)

3. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Sammy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

have good news... No, I didn't save a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico.

The good news is I'm to be the new kennel tech at the pet shop. The hours won't be the same, I'll come in an hour earlier than I do now - which is alright by me, I didn't much like coming in so late anyway (9 o'clock). Hell, I'd come in at 5 if that's what they wanted, lol. But it'll be the same amount of hours, different days off.. I'm really happy about this

It's turned out very chilly today, and we have some heavy rain tonight through tomorrow morning. I guess it feels official, fall is definitely here. Some of the trees have started to turn. What's really surprising though, is that the portulacas (sp) and geraniums we planted last spring are still blooming. Well enough days like this and they'll finally submit to the weather. They're both extremely hardy plants, especially the portulacas. They overtook everything in the planter, crowding them out till they died from lack of sun. Very aggressive... must be a Type A personality hybrid.

I'm on chapter 2 of The Fiery Cross (Diana Gabaldon) which is some 1400 pages long... I'd say I still have quite a ways to go on this one yet. It's the latest in my favorite series of books... it just seems to me the story has something for everybody. Part historical fiction, some time travel, romance, humor, myth and legend, a bit of the occult, drama of course... All the books in the series are a great read. So if you ever get the chance, pick up the first one, Outlander. I can almost guarantee you'll be hooked.

Up To A Theory

Half the moon is visible
above the overhang
and all things celestial
have come out of hiding,
at least those that are known;
in anticipation of El Dia de
Los Muertes, perhaps on that
day the doors of perception
will have emptied these houses
and buildings of skeptics
where science utters proof
that religion can co-exist
and harmonize spatial tones
with a sequence of numbers
all pointing up.
Are we not alone, here..
Not alone, really. Never were.

Flight

I see them above the trees
pointed out nearby. Rare,
an occasional appearance
and I draw in a breath,
unaware of holding it
each time.

Anywhere the wind goes
hawks can glide without
boundary, lift on updrafts
and their own dreams.

What others could be had
possessing full extension
of a wingspan and knowledge
of undiluted freedom.

Congratulations to the Metrostars who are now in the MLS Cup Playoffs!! Well I think Meola carried this game... what was it, 14 saves? Come on, where WAS everybody? He deserves MVP for all that. Anyway... Way to go, Meola! And let's hope the rest of them do some actual playing next time.

One For The Emo Kids

I want you to take your right hand
extend it out in front of you
then sweep behind your left shoulder
and give yourself a nice little
pat on the back
'cause it takes a lotta skill to
come up with things like,
"I can't wait to see that new movie
'The Fog' by that new screenwriter
Steve Cain." Or "Yeah, 'The How'
got back together just to record that
song for CSI." And "Well.. I'm thinking
'bout quittin' Xanga 'cause nobody ever
leaves me comments, therefore nobody
cares if I live or die."

So much skill that no one else can dare
claim the poor mystical, misunderstandable
hype any better than you.

Wonderful the nights I see you all in your
pimped out rides on your way to the Grenada
with all your club friends to drive drunk home
but for now I'd just like to say
your mommy and daddy still have a nice car
and I'd just bet
they'd like to keep it that way.

Welcome to the real world
Put your right hand behind your left shoulder
pat yourself on the back good for all the
live show attendence - because not everyone
can do as well on a part-time salary, boast
the CDs and all the must-haves in your life
like food and a place to live.
Like food and a place to live...
Accomplishment notwithstanding, no one in
the world can float from friend to friend
and back again quite like you.

I brought home a nifty little toy for all my buddies last night... A laser pointer I happened to pick up at the Pet Shoppe where I work. Well all three of them were immediately hooked on this thing. I had them all chasing it around the corner at one point, it was a stampede of cats. Remembering how I used to get Ozzy (a cat I had a few years ago) to chase a laser halfway up the wall, sure enough, I got the baby Pablo to do the same thing. Robert had some fun with it too, had Pablo making a circle through the kitchen and dining room several times. Sock, who's usually on a level above playing with toys, couldn't resist this one... and even Big Taz got in on the chase. I've never seen him move that fast before. Ever. We had to stop after a while, Pablo had taken to panting so we thought he'd better be given a rest. He's got a bit of congestion in his sinuses.

Well its finally stopped raining today, after it being so wet and drizzly all week... makes for a good weekend. Its still gonna be chilly but at least the sun will be out. And this morning the wind was picking up and blowing some of the cloud cover off so I was thankful I could sit out on the balcony with my coffee before daylight and finally see the stars again. Sometimes I feel I do my best reflection out there, at that time of day.

TV schedule has changed a bit, now they're showing all the Survivor reruns on Wednesday nights - That's 3 full hours of Survivor, but still allows for time to catch up on reading, hopefully. I'm still in the middle of the Bono biography. What's next? I'm wanting to get to the next Diana Gabaldon book in the Outlander series. That is sooo my favorite story to this day. And another one Robert picked up for me, The Life of Pi, as well as The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (I've never read that one.) Whew, that's already a pretty long list.

Pet Shoppe has been busy lately..well always busy for me, but doing a good business. Even more as it'll get closer to Christmas. Every once in a while they'll offer a kitten free with purchase of a starter kit... well last week they had one such offer, a female tabby, who was in the back room for a good part of the week... so starved for attention, all by herself. I kept going up to the cage and talking to her, and she'd put that paw out between the bars. Awww... so one day another employee heard me tell her "If I didn't have so many cats already, I'd take you home with me tonight." Well, he replied - "I should name her Jello, cause there's always room for jello." That just about decided it it for me... but the next day, she was gone and nobody knew what happened to her. I finally found out one of the customers came and picked her, took her home. Well at least she's not by herself after closing anymore.

Pre-dawn chilly with a blanket between us and the stars
which have slipped under thermal dark and gliding,
fallen to the surface in the form of rain...

And it's gonna be raining the rest of this week. I had a good weekend, Robert did too, getting two days off work in a row. I'm really hoping he'll be able to take more days off like that. We were even discussing some vacation days when it comes time,since now he'll be able to do that. But after so long working 7 days a week, it's hard to drag yourself back after a break like that... it tends to make you wish you had more days to do with what you like. Hopefully he'll get at least a few more before the holidays hit at the bakery.

Me, I'm still at the Pet Shoppe, and loving my job. Even when it means dealing with a few angry hamsters and at least one or two excitable, hyper ferrets. The owners have built a huge cage for the snakes in the small animal area where I work (also since its where we breed the rabbits, guinea pigs etc. it's aka the breeding room). And over the weekend have brought a couple of boas they were keeping at home. For the record, I'm not messing with the cage at all unless I absolutely have to, lol.

Hockey pucks! There's a game between the Flyers and Maple Leafs tonight... Let's watch!
We've also been watching a show on Monday nights called Surface, the past several weeks... has anyone caught this one by any chance? That with Hockey, Survivor reruns, Survivor Guatemala, and HBO's series, Rome, the TV watching has been a full schedule lately.

Just a little observation... I caught him on the computer the other day... Lord only knows what's he's writing or looking up online... Just hope I don't get a bill for a year's worth of catnip or hundreds of dollars worth of toys or something like that. He keeps threatening to call Annemarie Lucas from the Animal Cops show on cable and report me for keeping him awake during his naptime.. thought I'd better admit to it now before he tries to blackmail me with this info... but turnabout is fair play, I always say; especially when he's waking me up at 4 am every morning to chew on my earrings, the ones I happen to be wearing at the time.

In other news, I watched my first ever hockey game the other night on TV. The Rangers and Flyers, (too bad Philly lost). But I have to say I really enjoyed it. Although... I was feeling a bit claustrophobic watching the game unfold in that tiny little enclosed space. Not at all like the MLS in that respect, where there's a huge outdoor field to play on. And I was even able to follow the puck, something I thought I'd have trouble with. There's a game on tonight, I think its the Devils and Flyers this time.. Let's watch!

Kind of a sad note in the MLS.. Preki, one of my favorite players of all time (Kansas City Wizards) will be retiring at the end of the season... Need I mention that because of ESPN2 favoring college football over Soccer Saturday, I never once got to watch a Wizards game all summer? Damn you ESPN2, damn you to hell! I should have realized American Football still rules. Grrr...

Does anyone know what time it is? No, not Howdy Doody time, and certainly not Tool Time. Check the time, it's check time as the new Hockey season begins tonight. The ad promos on TV are in full swing, and Robert's really excited about the whole thing, since last season none of the teams were on the ice from the strike. Even I'm getting excited about it, and I've never watched hockey in my life. Either it has something to do with how ESPN2 ended up totally ignoring Soccer Saturday early on in favor of tennis... golf... college football. Curses to you, ESPN2 for denying me my Wizards! But something new to look forward to, this strange pastime, Hockey. Robert's got the jerseys ready to wear for game night, even I'm wearing a Flyer's shirt for watching the game. This could be a whole new world opening up, lol.