The Golden Haystack

Autumn Changes

A Shining Mom From Heaven

My best friend in high school who passed away many years ago from complications from chicken pox.

My Baby

 

   My son Alexander.

Serious and sensitive.  So much like me.

Moosh

    My oldest and only daughter Kati. 

I love the sparkle in her eyes when she smiles.

Memories With Poetry

Poetry...its something I love...more so I love to write.  I have been writing poetry since I was a teenager. 

I never was a reader and to this day don't care for it.  It takes me forever and I mean forever to read a book.  Not that I can't read.  I can read just fine but somewhere in reading my head I goes faster than the words and get lost.  I end up rereading and get frustated.    And so many times I have to be in total silence to read a book.  So instead I write.  I write poetry...And I think I do have a great way with words. 

Ever since I was a teenager I have written poems.  But as a teenager (and to this day) I never got along with my mother.  Actually I have not spoken to her in almost 11 years.  My choice.  But there were so many factors that took place to get me to stop speaking to her. 

When I was a teenager I tried to keep a diary.I never had any real privacy and I thought "Oh a diary I can write all my thoughts in here. This will be all mine."   But NO there was not even privacy in a little book.   My mothere took it upon herself to look through my things.  She found my  diary that I kept under my mattress.  She picked the lock and confronted me about it.   It was that day that I stopped sharing anything with her.  Completely and totally stopped.  I didn't trust her anymore. 

Just before that time had happened I had many poems written.  I tore them all up. I has said to myself if she was going to look through a diary then she surely would look through the poetry.  It didn't seem important anymore to write poems when she invaded my privacy previously.  And so all of my poems stopped.

It was not until later on in my life (after I got married and moved out of her house) that I started to write again.  There were so many things swirling through my head.  I wrote mostly of romance.  I am a "HOPELESS" romantic.  I totally love it...I breathe it.  And so I wrote thoughts of romance in poetry.  I wrote them in a book again and this time didn't have to hide anything. 

And so now I am a middle aged woman with all these poems written.  And I want to share them with the world.  And as much as I love poetry I love photography and digital scrapbooking and photo-manipulation just as much if not more. 

So now my new endeavor is to take my photos, digital scrapbooking and poetry and incorporating them all together. 

In the past 3 days I have created a few things that I am going to share with the world, and that world is YOU Blogger people.  I hope you enjoy my work and please comment on anything you like....I will be most appreciated.  Thanks for reading....Judy 

Today Is My Son's Brithday

Well today is my son John's 24th birthday.  It seems as though only yesterday he was born.

I called him this morning as soon as I got up.  He was up already because he was working early this morning.  I sang him Happy Birthday over the phone.  And I can imagine the rolling of the eyes.  BUT I srill sang in my off keyed voice.  He told me that his girldfriend and I were the only ones who wished him Happy Birthday.  (He lives with his father along with his sister and brother...he will be moving soon though).  I got tears in my eyes because that made me feel so sad inside.  Of course I would never forget his birthday..I am his mom  and hell I was there 24 years ago today.

After I hung up with him I called randomly till his birth hour was here and reminded him it was his birthday and I was (this many minutes) till he was born.

On one of my random calls he asked me what I was doing today.  It was my day off from work.  He said he had to come out my way (he lives a little distance from me), to pick something up for his father.  He asked me if I wanted to do lunch with him and Jamie (his girlfriend).  I told him I couldn't becauase I didn't have any money.  But I told him to come over anyway. 

Well quite a while went by and I didn't think he was coming over...that happens many times they say they are coming and there is no show.  So I took a nap on the couch.  And about 3:10 he knocked on the door. 7 minutes before he was born!...It was the first time since he moved out that I could share is BIRTH DAY with him.  I was so very happy!

We (John, Jamie and I) sat in the kitchen at the table and chatted for about an hour.  I was such a good afternoon.

I love my son with all my heart.  I almost lost him when he was 3 weeks old. He had meningitis.  He is my oldest and middle child.  He has such a talent in music,  He plays the guitar, and keyboard.  He writes some of his own music.  I love him so much...I think I said that already.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!!!!~LOVE MOM

My Flickr Account

Well my new Flickr account is going pretty good.  I love going there and posting photos (of course most of them are about my ferrets.  I love seeing views and comments.  I have had quite a few views and not a lot of comments but enough that makes me feel good that people take the time to share their thoughts.  I love to hear what they have to say and it makes me feel good inside.  So attached is a link so you can go there and take a peek also.  Have a great day!

P.S.  at the bottom of my blog there is a link to get there....

Flickr

Well I started something new on the internet 3 days ago.  I got a Flickr account so I could post my photos of my ferrets.  It is amazing that people ACTUALLY leave comments on photos.  Unlike this blogger...I think I am doing something wrong, I must be.  Since I have had this blog only 1 person has left me a comment and that is someone I know.  I have to try to do something different.

Sleepytime Moments

After all the things that my fuzzies get into (which never ceases to amaze me) then all of a sudden they are in slumber...It's such a peaceful feeling to me...

Bumble is sound asleep in my arms...And actually this is when I am waking him up in the morning before I go to work...He sleeps in my arms until I gently wake him...

Daisy fell asleep in her carrier on the way home from her drs appointment

My precious Felix...he passed away this past January...after I would hand feed him he would go find the blanket and just go to sleep...this actually brings tears to my eyes...because he really wasn't ready to leave us to go to the bridge...but had no energy to play or walk around...his blanket was his best friend in the end...I love you Felix... 

Bumble loves this blanket now...but when he is tired he just lays in the middle of the floor and falls asleep...maybe he knows it was Felix's favorite blanket...

And then there is Cali who likes to climb up into the end table drawer.  She brought the shopping bags up in the drawer herself....sound asleep little girl...

When Felix was near his end, Daisy would sleep with him in a soft cloth ferret tunnel...I think she was keeping him safe...

More sleeping in Mommy's arms... 

Now that Felix has passed Daisy sleeps alone..she likes no other ferrets because she is adrenal...

Bumble LOVES his Daddy...after we find him under the couch, I pick him up and his Daddy hold him...he sleeps in his arms...

One of the last few photos I have of Daisy and Felix sleeping together...

Daisy likes to fall asleep anywhere...

A very asleep Daisy... 

Bumble is out like a light!

and he even falls asleep on his playhouse...

he looks so peaceful...

Cali sleeping in my sweatshirt...she loves to snuggle

Daisy in her cozy home...blankies to keep her warm

Investigating Little Creatures

Well if you have ferret children then you know all the little things they can get into.  When you least expect it they do something else that makes you laugh and say to yourself "oh my god."  Here are just a few of the things my babies do that make me smile and laugh...enjoy

"When Mommy isn't paying attention I help her...I have a sip of her tea."

"I love to help Mommy do the laundry!  I don't fold it though!"

"I love to help Mommy and Daddy put the groceries in this big Box!  It's pretty chilly in here!"

"Daddy says,"Bumble come out of there!  But hey I can't hear him.  I'm just doing my own thing!"

"Mommy lets me play in the sink when she is getting ready for work.  This is fun!"

"Hey Mommy I want to play with one of those shiny balls!"

"Mommy you need help with your checkbook?"

"Think there are any cookies in this thing?"

"I love to go for a walk with Mommy."

"Well this is what happens when you take an eye off your ferret children...They like to help!"

The Ferret Frolic

Yesterday I went to an annual ferret get together.  It is called the Ferret Frolic.  It took place in Wallingford Connecticutt,  at a place called Grange Hall. It is a get together for ferret lovers (such as I). 

This is the 3rd time I have gone.  Steven and I went together the first time.  The last 2 times I went it was with my ferret shelter mom Donna.  And another ferret friend Dianna.  Actually Donna runs the Educated Ferret shelter. 

Here is the link:http://theeducatedferret.net/default.aspx

There were many ferret lovers.  The ones that are owned by their fuzzies...and the one also that may be thinking about being owned.

There were games with the fuzzies.  And judging to win ribbons.  There also was a vet there giving shots to the fuzzies that needed them (there was a fee).  Also food and drinks.  And lots of things to buy not only for the fuzzies but also things for the humans.   There was a silent auction, with many things up for grabs. 

I saw many old faces from the last couple times I was there.  And met many new people also along with their fuzzies.  I listened to quite a few people share their stories about their babies and I shared mine as well.  It never ceases to amaze me the stories people tell (funny and happy and also sad) about their small furry children. 

It is late and I need to retire...I have a few photos in my camera that I need to upload here and I will do that tomorrow...Untill then and sleep well...

My Children

 Children

 "You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground. 

 You run with them until you're both breathless.  They crash. 

 They hit the rooftop.  You patch and comfort, adjust, and

 teach.  You watch them lifted by the wind and assure them

 that someday they'll fly.

 "Finally, they are airborne.  They need more string and you

 keep letting it out.  But with each twist of the ball of

 twine, there is a sadness that goes with joy.  The kite

 becomes more distant, and you know it won't be long before

 that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds

 you two together and will soar as it is meant to soar, free

 and alone.  Only then do you know that you did your job."

~~~~~~~

My beautiful, wonderful, special...children...they have no idea the strength they gave me when things seemed so bleak...I thank them for giving me strength....

Kati Lariena...my beautiful daughter...my only daughter...my oldest child...she is a talented young woman gifted in being a teacher...being a teacher was her gift to this world...I love her the most...

John Howard...my handsome son...my oldest son and my middle child...he is a very talented young man...talented in music..he creates his own music, and plays the guitar and keyboard...he is amazing....I love him the most....

 

Alexander Scott...my handsome son...my baby...and he always will be...FOREVER...quiet and in my opinion a lot like me...he is talented in his artestry...he wants to be a cartoonist...I love him the most...

<3~~~~~~~~~<3



Mischief

Mischief Rae Mee

May 2008

My dearest precious Mischief,

You came to us by accident...Daddy and I learned to understand your ways because of the abuse you endured before us...only we knew why you were the way you were...You will be forever loved and missed by both of us...you gave us such happiness, smiles, and laughts...the night you left us was the night you took a part of our hearts away...Mayhem, Felix and Daisy will miss you too...You were THE BEST BIG BOY IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD.

Forever loving you in our hearts, Mommy and Daddy

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note: This also is another tribute I placed on White Rose after Mischief was cremated

Mayhem

Mayhem Rae Mee

Feb. 8, 2010

My dear beautiful Mae,

Mommy wants you to know that she misses you so very much. I loved so much to wrap you in your blankies and cuddle with you until you were awake enough to eat your soupie. I miss squeaking your green monster and kitty to get you to come to me, so I could put you in your room to go to sleep. But most of all I miss your beautiful eyes Mae. The ones that gave such a special look to daddy and I.

Daisy and Felix miss you very much also I am sure. They touched you and kissed you when we brought you home from the doctors. And even though you never took a liking to Bumblyboo, he misses you also I am sure, because he rubbed you and licked your face to say goodbye. But then I bet you already knew that.

I am sure when you left to go to the bridge, you saw Mischief waiting there for you. Now he is not alone, and both of you are so very happy together. Daddy and I are pretty sure you are bossing him around right now.

Mae you gave daddy and I so much joy in our hearts. We loved you so much here on earth with us, and we love you so much in heaven. You taught us unconditional love. You will be forever missed until we all meet together at the bridge. Until then sweetie…fly with your angel wings…because you are an angel.

Love forever…Mommy and Daddy

Judy Rae and Steven Mee

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note: Like Felix this also is the tribute I put on the White Rose when Mayhem was cremated

Felix

Felix

July 11, 2004-January 10, 2011

 

 July 11, 2004-January 10, 2011

Our Dear Precious Felix,

Mommy is writing thisl letter to you to say "Mommy and Daddy love you".

But I am sure that your heart already knows that. While you were here on earth with us you brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. When Daisy, Bumble and Cali said their goodbyes to you I am sure you felt them in your heart. I know Daisy was sad because she seemed a little lost. She loved to cuddle with you when you slept. Now that she is alone I just give her more cuddles and hugs so she won't feel lonely.

I know you are in a better place. Now you can breathe easy. For so long you could not run and jump and play. But now in heaven you can. Daddy and I are sure Mischief and Mayhem met you at the gate. Daddy and I hope you are running and playing together.

Daddy always called you "The Gentle Giant". You were always so laid back.

You never hurt a soul. Daddy did not think we were going to have let you go. There was a sadness in my heart for him because he felt that way. But I knew in my heart it was time to let you fly.

You will be missed so very much Felix. Daddy and I love you with all our heart. You left us with so many special memories. So until we all meet at the bridge again someday..."Fly with your angel wings". You are so very beautiful to us.

With all of our love....
Mommy and Daddy.... Daisy, Bumble and Cali

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note: This is the tribute I put up on White Rose when we had Felix cremated

Ode to A Shelter Mom

Shelter Moms take to their hearts Those hungry, wondering strays.

Those voiceless little creatures Someone else has thrown away.

They care for them, then give them love They hug them every day.

 But sometimes they're beyond her help And quietly slip away.

She keeps their little faces Tucked away deep in her heart.

And one day many years from now From this world she will part.

You've heard the thunder in the skies While the sun is shining brightly.

Or it may be in the winter When the snow is falling lightly.

That was not thunder that you heard But a thousand little feet.

 Running across the Rainbow Bridge Their shelter Mom to meet.

They rush into her waiting arms She hugs them everyone.

While the world stands still and questions

Why there's thunder with the sun

Author Unknown

(I found this poem online and thought I would add it...along with a photo of my Ferret shelter mom Donna...this is the photo I took of her and my Cali the day Cali left her to come and live with us "forever"...

I Wish You Could Hear Me

I Wish You Could Hear Me

I wish you could hear me and all I have to say.

I wish you could hear my soft whispers and voice.

I wish you could hear the birds, the rain, and the music.

I wish you could hear your brothers laugh, talk and chitter.

But I'm glad... glad you can not hear the loud world outside.

I'm glad you can not hear the horns, cars, angry voices, and thunder.

I'm glad you don't hear the me cry and all that I mourn.

You are lucky that you can see me, the clouds, and your toys.

And I'm grateful that you are happy and healthy.

I'm grateful you can dance, run, wrestle, and play.

I'm grateful you can smell the flowers, my perfume, and the treats

I'm grateful you can feel the grass, the snow, and the carpet beneath you.

Most of all... I'm glad you can feel the love I give to you.

by Rebecca Stout (Wolfy) ©

A Fuzzy's Prayer

A Fuzzy's Prayer 

 Now I lay me down to sleep,

  in my blankie, snuggled deep...

   one more yawn to end the day,

    tomorrow I will romp and play!

     So God, if you could stay the night

      to make sure I am covered tight,

       tomorrow there's so much to do

        ...before it's time to go with you... 

 

My mommy taped up on the fridge

 a story of a special bridge,

  I heard her cry again, tonight,

   so maybe you could hold her tight

    Until it's time for me to go,

     (my people here still need me so)

      Oh, God, if only I could live!

       I still have so much love to give!

by Liz Blackburn ©, CO

10 Commandments for a Responsible Ferret Guardian

1. My life is likely to last 5-10 years, any separation from you will be painful. When you decide to make me part of your life, let it be forever. If at some time in our lives you cannot keep me, make sure that my new home will provide what I need and will supply the love, care and socialization I crave.

2. Let me teach you to understand me and what I need from you. I will test you from time to time to make sure you remember the lessons.

3. Keep me safe and secure. Protect me from others that would harm me. I depend on you. You are my lifeline.

4. Talk to me and cuddle me. Your voice is as enjoyable to my ears as birds sweetly singing are to yours. Your gentle touch is as warm as the soft rays of the sun.

5. I need fresh nutritional food and fresh water, warm clean blankets to cuddle in during winter, cool clean blankets to lay on in the heat of the summer. My litter box and cage should be cleaned daily. Hugs and social time each and every day. Do not put me in a cage outside. I belong inside with my family.

6. I will make many mistakes. I am not perfect. Be gentle when you correct.

7. Don't get angry at me. I am an intelligent, joyous, curious creature and WILL get into things. Know that this is how I am. I am not trying to be destructive. I depend on you to watch out for me and protect me from danger.

8. Never hit me or shake me. I am small and can be hurt very easily. When you are angry at someone or something else, do not take it out on me. I have nothing to give you but love and joy. This is my true nature.

9. Take special care of me as I grow older. I may play less but I still love you just as much as hen I was young enough to dance. Monitor me closely for I will experience ailments as I grow older.

10. When I can no longer enjoy life and am in pain with no relief, please stay with me till the end. I have given you my life and my love. Don't disappoint me in my last moments here on this earth. Tell me that you love me and hold me close. Let my passing be gentle.
Always remember that I love you.

Author
Troy Lynn Eckart

Cali

This is our girl Cali...aka Cali Cal...

My oh my what can I say about Cali???  A lot...

First of all we adopted her from The Educated Ferret (see link below)...she is just about the same age as Bumble.  She is Bumble's "forever" friend.  She is a very happy, bouncy, jumping little ferret.  She always seems like she has such joy inside her.  She is a little bossy.  She gets into lots of things.  She loves to run from the kitchen into the bathroom and jump into the tub.  She is very inquisitive. 

We adopted her because we wanted Bumble to have a friend.  We felt sad for Bumble because Daisy didn't get along with him.  I have known Donna (the ferret shelter mom) for some time now.  She had helped us when Mayhem was ill.  And she even met us at our vet's office when we had to let Mayhem leave us and go to the bridge.  And so since we have known her she let us bring Bumble over to "pick out a friend."  There was another ferret there that I liked a lot.  Her name was Komiko.   But Komiko didn't see to bother with Bumble.  Cali took right to him.  It was a month or so before we took her home to be with us FOREVER.  

Since Bumble was so afraid of Daisy and Mayhem, he was a little on edge for a couple weeks after we brought Cali home.  But now they are the best of friends.  Every now and then we bring Cali over to Donna's so she can see her.  Donna wanted me to have her because she knew we would take good care of her.  And yes she is taken very good care of. 

Bumble

 

This is my guy Bumble...aka Bumbleyboo and BooBoo...

He is almost 3 years old.  He is also deaf like Daisy.  Steven got him for me for a Christmas gift.  Bumble is a very timid guy.  I think it has something to do with him being deaf.  BUT also I think it is because none of my other ferrets (Mischief, Mayhem, or Daisy) liked him.  I just think that Bumble came along too late for them to accept him. 

Bumble is a lot like Mischief.  Well as far a strength and climbing.  He is a leaper and jumper.  He can get into many things,  He is very determined.

Steven got Bumble from the same place we got Daisy.  The very first time I saw Bumble I wanted him also.  Actually I cried when I saw him because he looked just like Mischief (minus the black nose).  I picked Bumble up and tears flowed from me,.  I was in love right away.  I wanted to bring him home.  I didn't bring him home for many reasons.  Mostly because of the money.  But in my heart I still wanted him.

2 weeks before Christmas Steven and I went back to the store.  I told him I didn't want to go in because I was afraid of seeing the ferret.  And when we walked in the store there he was.  I picked him up and hugged him and kissed him.  There on his cage was a sign "White ferret sold.  On hold."  I don't know in my heart I was sad, but knowing Steven as I do I had a feeling that he was the one who bought him.  He said to me, "Well someone got a wonderful little ferret." 

Christmas morning came.  I forget what small gift he gave me.  But he said my gift was at his mom's house.  Everyone was there,  He gave me a few small statues from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  Then he went into the other room.  He put on the music I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.  I turned around and there he was...Steven with my little white ferret...Bumble. 

We called him Bumble because it was near Christmas...and Bumble is short for the Bumble Monster on Rudolph..You know the abominable snow monster...BUMBLE'S BOUNCE!!!

And so YES he bounces...and jumps and leaps and hops and dooks...my little Bumble!

Daisy

 

This is my girl Daisy.  She is 6 yrs old as of last month.  I call her "my little pumpkin".  I got her as a Christmas gift from my son,  I have had 3 other ferrets who since have passed on, and 2 other ones alive along with her.  And I love each one of them so very much.  BUT Daisy is my heart. 

The very first time I saw her at a local pet store I fell totally in love with her.  She does not look anything like the very first time I saw her.  She really isn't much bigger than the first time I saw her.  But her coloring is completely different.  She is a deaf girl.  When I first had her, maybe the 2nd week along I said to Steven (my partner) "I don't think she can hear."  He really didn't believe me.  But the second week we really realized it when the smoke alarms went off and she didn't get startled.  The other 2 did but she slept threw it.  I felt a little sad in a way because we gave her a special name just for her and she couldn't hear it, let alone anything else.  It made me feel sad for her.  Silly I should have felt that way but I did.  Well I don't feel that way anymore.  Because she can see my smile and read my love for her. 

Her 3 friends that have passed on over the Bridge.  She loved them very much.  And the other 2 ferrets that I have she does not like.  I have tried numerous times to get her to like them, but she just dosen't.  I am pretty sure it is because she has adrenal disease.  So she really wouldn't like any other ferrets.  So she is alone.  But she dosen't seem to mind.  She is very attached to me in her very own way.  She brings me so much joy and happiness....

As you can see in the photo below she looks nothing like she does not now.

My Angelette Daisy