A Tribute to Moms

For those of you who are great moms, those of you who plan to be great Moms and those who have great moms......

REAL MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the Sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of shag Carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child ' s growth is not measured by height or
Years or grade...It is marked by the progression of Mama to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE
My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE
My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE
My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE
Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE
Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE
That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE
Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 YEARS OF AGE
Before we decide, let's get Mom ' s opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE
Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE
Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman Is not in the clothes she wears, The figure that
She carries, Or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, Because that is the
Doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, But true beauty in a
Woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, The passion that she shows,
And the beauty of a woman with passing years-only grows!

[Thanks for sending this Jim!]

The Love of a Rehabber

The Circle of Life, Reunited with Nature

You came to me young and afraid.
It was then that I prayed.
Help me with this tiny one.
Help him grow up big and strong.
And you grew with every day.
Round and round and round you'd play.
Then stop to look as if to say,
"Oh, momma, aren't I sweet?"
"May I have a little treat?"

When the day comes that we part,
my heart will pause then seem to stop.
I know how it will be.
You will run, then climb a tree.
This is great and meant to be…

So, why does this tear me up inside,
even though I'm full of pride?

"If I could talk, here's what I'd say.
Thank you for taking me in that day.
For feeding, cleaning and cuddling too,
when I was young and so brand new.
All to prepare for this one awesome day,
so I could be free and do as I may."

So, where do these tears come from?
This was a job that was well done.

"No need for you to cry too long,
for I'm great big, healthy and strong.
Can climb a tree and swim a stream.
From day one, this was my dream.
I'm so very, ready to roam.
Please trust I'll find myself a nice home."

Oh, why does this make me ache inside,
now that our goal is satisfied?

"It's ok, your work is done!
Now let me go to have my fun!
I'll be fine, no need to fret.
Miss me some, but don't forget,
when I was a babe you cared for me.
Now I have grown to be wild and free!
Reunited with nature, it's suppose to be,
for the circle of life, is now up to me."

He needed a rehabber's helping hand,
All grown up, but still my little man.
Forever and ever, born to be free,
reunited with nature, as was meant to be.
For the circle of life, is what he will see.

by Linda J. Sweeney
Wildlife Rehabilitator

Rabies Scam Press Release

Natural Resources rabies programme
scam uncovered by wildlife rehabilitators.

Deadly for wildlife!
Abusive of taxpayers dollars!
Puts human and wildlife health at risk!

Monday, February 14, 2005: For the last 4 years the Ministry of Natural Resources has persecuted wildlife rehabilitation organizations in Ontario allegedly to “…protect human health from the deadly disease of rabies” and the health of wildlife populations.

It makes no sense. Why would the Ministry attack a group of volunteers who rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife from their own funds and public donations? Why would the Ministry unfairly target rehabilitators who have the animals in their care immunized, seen by veterinarians, and released only at the optimal time? Why would the Ministry go after a group of dedicated people who will take in orphaned and injured wildlife from members of the public who find these animals, therefore assisting in the protection of human health?

Read more by clicking on the link above. Yes .... this is old news. Has anything changed? Has the rabies situation been addressed? Is mass panic of citizens in hysteria really necessary?

Sunshine finally!

It's pretty balmy up here in the Northwoods. 36 degrees and sunny. Benjamin & Lillian are insisting it is Spring. They sooo want to go on their Big Adventure. Now if the snow will clear off the forest roads we can do that. They're pretty antsy pantsy on the CoonCam today.

Albino Moose near Fort Saint John ,BC

News from Southern Wisconsin ....

Yup - the Northwoods is still here ...

An email came asking if all is okay and why hasn't the blog been blogged lately. Thanks so much for caring enough to ask 'chalson5472'.

With the extremes in weather, utility bills, mortgage and insurance payments all piling up, classes canceled due to the weather, it's taking all of my time to get ready for spring birthing. Many emails have come in for assistance in placing adult coonies not making it through the winter too well. And weather interfering again.

We are in need of financial funding asap or it's going to get ugly. lol. If anyone wants to send a few dollars visit Dory & the Orphans page toward the bottom for more info. [and thanks!]

I have been working on promoting the raccoon rescue almost non-stop for about six weeks. Currently assisting in this part of the quest is Hippie Surf, StartXChange and Royal Surf. If you have a website or affiliate link to promote, and need free traffic for surfing, visit those sites.

meanwhile...... remember ....
we are born free, now live to serve, we are the LBA, so mums the word

Hmmmm... Northwoods closed again this year?!

After watching close to a foot of snow fall since yesterday at daylight, it's quite peaceful outside. Pleasant at 20 degrees with no wind chill. Although there are some pretty deep drifts everywhere. The snow is higher than the tail lights on the GeeWiZ van. Don't think GWZ is going anywhere anytime soon -- or even today it looks like. lol.

Hiway & Shazbot have what appears to be 'peek holes'. They're out on the CoonCam this morning checking out the snowfall -- way on the right side of the screen. Not much snow got inside of their enclosure so they're pulling handfulls of it inside to them.

Not sure why but some people are getting still shots of the CoonCam and others seem to get the live feed fine. So I don't know how to resolve the problem. I get a still shot on the computers I've tried.

The Northwoods is indeed closed again today. So unusual for that to happen, and now it's twice just this year! Anybody want to tell me if my coonies called it spot on or if those ground hogs two weeks ago had a clue getting people's hopes up?

It's Winter in Wisconsin

It's winter in Wisconsin
And the gentle breezes blow,
70 miles per hour at 52 below!
Oh, how I love Wisconsin
When the snow's up to your butt.
You take a breath of winter air
And your nose is frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful,
I guess I'll hang around.
I could never leave Wisconsin,
'Cause I'm frozen to the ground.

My Coonie's Ground Hog Day Prediction

Every year on Ground Hog's day, I observe the activity of the coonies out in the Coondo. Raccoon Orphanage has had coonies wintering over in the Coondos every February 2nd for -- well -- I don't remember how long. But I find their predictions far more accurate than any Punxatawney Phil, etc. And the coonies are telling me this morning that we're in for the long haul with more winter weather. Probably more than we bargain for because not a one of the orphans has poked so much as even a whisker out of the Coondo or mini-coondos this morning -- and it's nearly 11 a.m.

Best batton down those hatches because the worst is yet to come according to these Northwoods Furbutts.

Winnie Saves the Day!

I got this from a fellow rehabber {some of you may know Suz -- 'squirlwhirl'}. Had to share this with all of you.

Milwaukee wasn't going to have a groundhog day this year because "Walnut" the zoo's resident hog died. They had a Plan B, which consisted of sticking a taxidermed groundhog in the ground. Check out the photo of "Beverly" who was going to be used as a substitute...omigod, I can't believe they were going to use that thing! LOL. Only in Milwaukee...

http://www.wisn.com/news/14977774/detail.html

So the Wildlife in Need Center here decided to offer their educational animal "Winnie" as a replacement to save the day. You can read about our sweet Winnie the hero and see a photo of the little princess in her "throne" at

http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/Jan_08/01192008_06.asp

Suz

The Northwoods is Closed Today

Yesterday around noon it started. The drizzle, rain, fog, mist and other fine bits of moisture coated the roads before the sleet, hail and snow started. By 3 p.m. the roads were solid black ice with a few inches of slush and snow covering it, and treacherous. The GeeWiZ van did a complete donut trying to turn the corner to get home at a crawl. Last night we got hit with just a little blizzard -- which is still beating us up pretty good at the moment. Windows are all pretty well iced over with that gorgeous delicate crystal patterns of ice. Right now it's -34 degrees with the wind chill. Looks like the Northwoods is closed today.

5:40 a.m. update:

Looking at the length of the school closings already this morning, it would appear the entire state of Wisconsin is closed, not just the Northwoods. lol.

Update on George

Those of you who have been wondering about George -- here is the latest news. He will be with a licensed wildlife rehabber within the next few weeks. Both parties have connected, all involved are quite anxious and excited, the transport distance is as minimal as possible, and it's just a matter of working out the details. No doubt you will be kept up on George's journey through life via video clips and youtube. I just love a happy ending.

'Ol George here has had quite an outpouring of emotions from heartstrings being pulled. It's awesome to know how many choices George had to go. Many diehard rehabbers have recognized in George some very special qualities. And honestly? I personally, would love to have George here at the Raccoon Orphanage. But that is not the best place for him. I thank all of you for your help and support, and understanding that George will be in the most incredible home that a coonie could ever want to live in forever. Those of you who want to know where will find out soon enough and I'm sure you know where to look. :^)

For those of you who don't know George's story go to raccoon-rescue.blogspot.com

Packer Game

Today is going to be interesting. We should get to see all the die hard Packer fans freezing their butts off at the game in thirty below weather. [In case you don't know, in weather like this, skin freezes within thirty seconds or less.] On the early morning news they report that the Green Bay police department is taking three hour shifts to make sure no Packer fans take their clothes off at the game and everyone is dressed appropriately for the weather. Seems me adults should already know this and why spend police dollars making sure idiots keep their clothes on in public because it's below zero weather? I say let the idiots that want to take their clothes off at the game just freeze to death. It would be rather quick and fairly painless if they have enough beer in em. If they don't have the brain to not go out and get half nekked in this weather then perhaps the gene pool could do without their genetic copies.

Deep Freeze

It got pretty doggone chilly up here in the Northwoods. I started doing laundry around 3 a.m. just to keep the pipes from freezing. It's currently -29 with the wind chill factor and dropping. I sure hope all the coonies here at the orphanage and in the forests stay warm. CoonCam is frozen over right now - too bad you can't see the awesome crystal shapes of the ice -- only the blur.