I'm awful with names so my apologies. I admit happily that my time there was overwhelming despite being amazing. One thing that I've shared with others in explaining my time in Bama was the awesomeness that is found from those who made it. Especially at Kiley's - can't say I expected to feel half as welcome as I did and almost guilty when I left like skipping out of a family dinner on holiday.
Not an ego. Not a bad attitude. Not a fight (except for Catalano....
it was easily the most hospitable experience. Was it the people? The shared passion? The helpful and eager attitudes? Or just that banana pudding from PJ's mom?
Well please do spread the word - I am not picky as long as strangers can be vouched for to endure a long ride and dog farts.
Thanks for the condolences for George. He is actually still very cool. This time he is in the freezer, though. I'm awaiting to make a decision on how to have him immortalized through taxidermy. Stuff him? Just tan the hide? Have him spread like a bear rug and his mouth open? Any thoughts? He went pretty quick due to congestive heart failure
I had him on a medication for pain/arthritis which was caused by his bout of metabolic bone disease as a baby (which is why he was nonreleasable and a rehab animal - not a "pet"). The meds helped his pain but were also hard on his heart. The fine folks at Texas A&M (yea yea hook em') took him once I noticed the decline in health and problems breathing/moving. They accepted him the next day, placed him on oxygen (yes, possums are cared for well) and I saw his nose and toes "pink up" from the blood circulation and oxygen levels. He passed shortly afterwards because of the shock to his body being placed and removed from oxygen - my decision, but he had a "good death" and went in love and memory. Lil thing had a great life, though. Damn possum. I do miss him. So that's what happened to George. He is in the freezer. And I don't care who your football team is, A&M provided cost free care quickly and with more professionalism than I've experienced at vet clinics. Give them Aggies a break. 2 and a half years was a long time for a possum with MBD - usually 2-4 in captivity and 1-2 years in the wild.
Although - I do have an opportunity to resume rehab work with a lil fella named Warf - 1
Year old male who has been hand raised after being canninalized and losing his tail as a baby. Sadly I don't want to put my dog through that after a bit of a stressful first year together. BUT if a volunteer fire dept needs a firehouse possum, this would be the one to have! He loves all people and is really quite social. Get one of them rockers at
Cracker Barrel and widdle on some sticks with a possum in your lap and a sweet tea within reach. I can deliver ya know......hint hint hint or this fella Troy I know.... He has a soft spot for critters. Hint hint. (And Troy? You are amazing in all respects of trade, skill, kindness, passion for knowledge, and patience,
As for bikes, I would love to bring a project out with me. May be able to pick up a Rokon as I await word from a family friend as to it's whereabouts. If I don't, no big deal. I would reall like to bring the honda trail bike back with me and ready so I can gift it to a niece and two nephews in Iowa which I only see once a year. (How else would I secure a spot
as the cooler of two aunts? One they see almost daily? Or me!)
Any who - looking forward to seeing faces among so much more. This is how I am choosing to celebrate (mourn really...) turning 30.
Side note, drive by truckers are playing that weekend in Birmingham. Of course i am going.... Car pool option for anyone else who wants to enjoy the rock show.