TRICK OR TREATERS AT THE DOOR

It looks as if the weather forecast for Halloween night will cooperate for any kids going out trick or treating. A cool, clear night is coming up without a hint of rain.

Darn !! I think this would be an excellent night for a rain storm.

The pressure is starting to build all day as to my being able to maintain my "streak"; going 14 years in a row without any kids coming to the door for candy on Halloween.

I don't dare open that bag of Butterfinger Candy Bars too soon. I can almost smell them through the plastic bag. I can't eat them myself until I'm ... "safe". Got to save them ... in case some kids show up at the door.

Actually, I do get frequent activity at my front door. Year round.

This is a daily happening at my home. The girls on the outside ... wanting to come inside. In cases like this, food is usually the desired quest, as soon as the door is opened.

Precious -- "Momma Kitty" -- is patiently sitting & waiting. Wobs -- AKA, "THE WOBBLER" (who's name is always written in CAPS) -- is a bit more aggressive in wanting me to get to the door & open it.

Like little furry Trick or Treater's, they are at the door, wanting snacks for food. Wobs is standing up for her demands, which is a common sight.

At least my Butterfinger Candy Bars are off limits for them.

HALLOWEEN CAT BOWLING

Click Here: Check out "MPR933.COM"????<<<<<< click here

I LOVE HALLOWEEN

There was a feature on one of the TV channels last week about changing the date for Halloween this year. The story line was since October 31st fell on a Sunday this year, Halloween should be moved up to tonight -- Saturday, the 30th.

With my extensive amount of TV channels on my satellite system, I quite often watch the NBC station from New York City -- "Channel 4 New York" -- which is where the idea of moving Halloween came from. It sounds like something that city would come up with.

Apparently, Sunday night for Trick or Treaters was going to interfere with Sunday church services, or something to do with the fact the kids would have to go to school the next day. But, not if Halloween was on Saturday.

I think too many people just don't want to take a chance of missing the football game on TV Sunday night.

Halloween is a "non-event" at my home. Not much -- make that "NO" -- activity & certainly no need for a pumpkin.

Living out in the country has it's advantages. One is the lack of kids coming to the door. This will be my 15th Halloween since I moved into this house. So far, I'm 13 & 1.

The first year I lived here, a car came up the driveway & deposited a kid. I gave the youngster some candy & the car drove off. That was the first -- & last -- Trick or Treater I've had come to my door. I plan on going 14 straight tomorrow night. The N.Y. Yankees should have done as well.

Of course .... just .... in ... case ... I did buy a small bag of candy bars. You never know when the streak will be broken. Isn't that right Bret Favre ??

It's also a good excuse to buy a bag of candy; a kind I like. This year it's Butterfingers.

I buy a bag every year at Halloween & then have to eat all the candy myself.

I love Halloween.

BACK-NAPPERS

Having arrived into the world of CAT LOVERS almost four years ago, I get e-mails with attachments directed to me by friends who know of my LOVE for my three cats.

Well, 90% of the time I love them. The other 10% ... ahhhhh ... let's not go there.

My friend & pretend "younger sister" from Memphis -- Mertle -- sent me an e-mail which had several photos I thought were very cute. In fact, I keep chuckling at several of the pictures each time I look at them.

I've saved my favorites & thought I would share them.

TOTALLY COMFORTABLE

THE FAMILY THAT NAPS TOGETHER ...

SNOOZING IN THE GREEN GRASS

The last photo could have been in Mertle's e-mail but it wasn't. It's my kitty, Precious.

Precious is a certified "Back-Napper" of long standing. Having her in my life & seeing the way she can totally relax when sleeping, is no doubt, why I have enjoyed the pictures Mertle sent me & why they continue to crack me up.

INSIDE THE TURTLE COMPOUND

When I do a post including, or featuring, any of my turtle collection, I usually get a few questions on where & how I keep them. I thought I would share a few photos, which may answer some questions ... or ... just bring up more.

I keep all my BIG turtles in cattle watering, "stock tanks". Special lighting is provided, to simulate warmth & ultra violet rays, since this is an in-door facility & turtles REQUIRE sunlight to live & grow.

In the bottom of this picture, are the green colored Eheim brand canister filters. These filters are made in Germany. They are running 24/7, as it must be remembered: the turtles are swimming in their toilet. THEY MUST BE KEPT CLEAN.

This shows the A/C unit in the compound window. I have to keep it cooled in the Summer & heated in the Winter. Temperature extremes of either heat or cold will KILL turtles.

On the shelf above this tank, are two terrariums containing small Day Geckos.

The turtle on the left is a Kwantung River Turtle. This species comes from China. To the right is a Hamilton's Spotted Pond Turtle. They are found in India & Pakistan.

The later turtle in this photo is a male, one of two I have received from the Denver Colorado Zoo. I have a U.S fish & Wildlife, Federal Permit enabling me to own this species of turtle, as they are an Endangered Species & thus can not be bought, sold, traded or brought into the United States without a Federal Permit.

This "Hammy" above is my largest female. She is about 12 inches in shell length. I have owned her for almost 25 years.

This beauty is a female Red Bellied Sideneck turtle, which in nature, occurs in Australia & New Guinea. As the name indicates, her head & neck -- when withdrawn into the shell -- will be "tucked" sideways, rather than drawn straight into the shell.

Above is a "color morph" of a domestic Red Eared Slider. Rather than a normal olive colored shell, the pigment is yellow. Like an albino, "Pastels" -- as they are often called -- do not survive in the wild, since their colors makes them easy pray for predators. I have had this turtle for more than a dozen years.

In another tank, I have this female "Pastel" Red Eared Slider (right), along with a male Red Bellied Sideneck. The two large gold fish are "survivors", having arrived when very small with other "feeder" goldfish. They are now "familiar" to the turtles they share the tank with & are no longer considered as "food" by the turtles.

The "odd-balls" ... Snake Necked Turtles. Their necks are as long as their shell & in no way can they withdraw their head into the shell for protection. They use their long necks as sling-shots to "spear" live fish in the water. [In captivity, this is where the "feeders" come into play.] These turtles too are native to New Guinea & Australia.

Another photo, of the turtle to the right, in the previous photo directly above.

These photos & descriptions will give everyone another look at some of the many turtles in my collection. I will feature some others in a future post.

I'll end this with a photo of some of my tortoises:

Red Footed Tortoises (left/right) & a Black Mountain Tortoise in the middle.

And that's some of what lives ... in the turtle compound.

OBSESSION

No, I'm not referring to Calvin Klein. Although, just thinking about it, old friend Calvin was part of a previous "obsession" of mine.

In my get-cleaned-up-&-ready-to-go-to-work days, I was a BIG believer in splashing on cologne before leaving the house. Had to smell good for my fans.

The "obsession" was that I had about two dozen different kinds of fragrances, including Obsession. I was always stopping at Dillard's & checking the newest "Eau de Toilette" fragrances.

As a bonus, the Company Store at Maybelline always had brands carried by the various L'Oreal companies & employees had "credit" in the store each month. Basically, "free goods".

I still have boxes of fragrances I have never opened. I just kept using that "credit".

As a retiree from Maybelline/L'Oreal, I also get a "gift" each year from the Human Resources Department at Xmas. Yep, some sort of cologne. I've never opened those boxes either.

That cologne "obsession" has run it's course now that each day doesn't have a fixed schedule. However, that can't be stated for some of he other items I "collect".

It's a problem for me that Barnes & Noble & Office Depot are almost next to each other in a North Little Rock shopping center. Can't go in one & not the other.

This past Thursday, my "planned" shopping trip was to pick up some items at Sam's Club. It's in North Little Rock too.

A quick -- unplanned -- stop at the book & office supply stores had me buying the items above. Books & pens/highlighters ... THAT I NEEDED.

Books & pens -- & let's not forget the colored paper & envelopes -- are an OBSESSION.

I GUESS YOU HAD TO BE THERE

I have always hated animal cruelty. Whatever form it takes, from abusing animals, to hurting them for fun/sport, I hope there us an especially warm seat in Hell for people who would take any delight in hurting an animal.

I have also, for all my life had a keen interest in reptiles, especially turtles. Every Spring, I am searching the local roads for turtles; fresh hatched from a nest, or females traveling, looking for a suitable nesting location. I try my best to prevent any of them from being "road kill".

All that being written, my very DARK sense of humor found the following newspaper article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette this A.M. very funny. Either one or more people had no idea what was about to transpire, or, someone thought their cruel "trick" was going to be unnoticed.

The funny part to me of this -- okay, the "sick funny" part -- is that a Red-Eared Turtle to an alligator, is like a donut to a cop. One's good. Now give 'em another one. And another.

Red-Eared Turtles are NOT native to the deep Southern United States. That's were the alligators are.

Maybe Red-Eared Turtles lived there a time long ago. Until the alligators ate them all ... like peanut M&M's.

The turtles of the deep South -- "Cooters" &/or "Sliders" ... turtles which do live in nature with alligators -- have a very thick, hard shell. Difficult, in most cases, for an alligator to crack open & eat. [But, to their credit, an alligator will try.]

Now, back to the newspaper article.

Did the people who donated the meal ... ah ... the turtle, not know the two species do not do well together ?? More importantly, what of the people working at the Gulfarium ?? Did they not know the outcome of adding the turtle to a display with one or more alligators ??

I think I know what happened, & thus it has me chuckling each time I reread the article.

I bet the turtle was "accepted" as a donation & put in with the alligators -- knowing the outcome in advance -- but in so doing, the person(s) at the Gulfarium were unaware the mother & son were still there viewing the "dinner", thinking the two had already left the facility.

I've seen a lot alligators eat turtles. Yes, at Zoo's too. The article brings back those memories & I find it funny. I know -- "Sick Funny".

I bet the Red-Eared Turtle didn't find it so humorous.

I guess you had to be there.

CAT HAIR & UNDERWEAR

Since I am not the only member of this household, I have to constantly be aware of were my "roommates" are. Along with watching where I sit or step, I have to be careful of doors being left open, be they closet doors -- or worst yet -- bathroom doors.

There is no privacy in this house.

A classic example was yesterday, as after taking a shower, I was not quick enough getting dressed to avoid an "inspection" of bedroom by Precious.

"What ... no silks???"

"This is quite comfortable. I think I'll hang out here awhile."

"Time for a little snooze".

Cat hair IN the underwear. That's not unusual around here. Maybe even "normal".

BIG GATOR TAILS & TALES

Last weekends Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspaper had an article on a BIG alligator which was killed in the southern part of the state ... were gators are a bit more commonly found in Arkansas.

Many years ago, several hundred alligators where imported into the state from Louisiana. The idea was to use the gators to help "control" the expanding -- and damaging -- beaver population. The beavers propensity to build dams & the resulting flooding of valuable farm land, was not appreciated.

Seriously, in my trips to Florida, I have encountered alligators just as big as the "record gator" in the newspaper story. It's just a matter of being (safely) in the areas where the BIG alligators call home.

In the 1960's, alligators in Florida were declared "endangered" due to declining numbers of gators, no doubt a result of the human population growth. After a few years of "protection", it was found that the alligator population in Florida was quite large. Maybe the gators had been "hiding" all that time.

From personal experience, I know I have "found" alligators in all sorts of places in Florida -- ditches, ponds, culverts, etc. If there is water, there is usually an alligator in it, or pretty darn close.

Now this doesn't mean the alligators I have found where BIG gators. Those large sizes are associated with larger, permanent bodies of water. But, any alligator more than a few feet long, can be a handful, with serious teeth & a strong tail to lash out with.

Many times in Florida while walking the edge of an interesting creek or river, I have come upon a gator too close for comfort. Even a two or three foot gator can be a handful when surprised. I can move backwards at a fast rate when required.

When my Father was alive, my visits to to my parents home in Florida would always involve at least one canoe trip on a local river with my Dad. Sometimes more than one outing in a visit. My Dad -- like me -- wanted to "explore" & we enjoyed paddling a river, always looking forward to what we would find around the next bend in the water flow.

One of our favorite places to canoe, was the Dead River in Florida. [As you read on, it is appropriately named.] It's located between Leesburg & Fruitland Park, & joins up with Lake Griffin, part of the "Chain of Lakes" as they are known in central Florida.

On several occasions, on the Dead River, we encountered BIG alligators, usually floating in the water near their "territory". We got to "know" -- from a safe distance -- the "locals" & would often recognize -- from their size & location -- the "regulars".

Still, on more than one occasion, we would round a corner in the water & come upon an unsuspecting alligator. SURPRISE ... for all of us.

BIG SPLASH !! The gator would crash into the water & bubbles would float to the surface, indicating the gator had "escaped" -- or we did -- under our canoe. Dad & me would both be holding our breath, hoping the gator was not surfacing under us. We had a mutual sigh of relief when the BIG gator would appear -- looking P.O.'ed at us -- about 10-15 feet away.

It's been more than 20 years since my Father died. When he did -- per his wishes --we had him cremated. I then took one last canoe ride together with my Dad.

I took my Dad's cremains on a canoe trip on the Dead River. [Told you the name would be important to the story.] My Mother & me thought the location would be logical to scatter the ashes, not per the name, but because my Father always loved the outdoors & had many enjoyable days on the water there.

Being in the canoe, by myself, was made more difficult by the wind blowing that day. In the open parts of the river, where the river got quite wide, it was hard for me to control the canoe. Not the smooth, gliding ride as when my Dad was paddling with me.

I had a location in my mind to get to, where my Dad & me would "chase" a BIG gator we always saw floating in the same part of the river. From memory & several times having been very close to this same alligator, it was as big -- or bigger -- than the Arkansas "record gator".

As my Dad & me would paddle closer, the BIG alligator would usually sink gently under the water, almost as if he was a bit bored with us. Tell-tale bubbles coming to the surface would indicate he never went too far from us, probably just lying on the river bottom. As we paddled off, he would soon raise back up to the surface.

As I struggled with the canoe that day, I reached the area of the river where the BIG alligator usually called home. Sure enough, there he was, as if waiting for me, inviting me, saying ... "Come on over, I'm here".

At that point, the wind went totally calm. I had complete control of the canoe & rapidly reached the point where the BIG gator had submerged, leaving lots of bubbles in the water all around. As I floated along -- above the BIG gator ?? -- I poured the ashes over the edge of the canoe, admiring the design they played out in the water, almost as if the ashes were a line of clouds, floating downward in the water.

Without the wind blowing, I decided to turn the canoe around. I had my camera & wanted to get a picture of the beautiful effect in the water, both to show my Mother & for posterity.

As I tried to turn, the BIG alligator resurfaced behind me -- he was right under me when I saw the bubbles -- & the wind suddenly came up full force, blowing me away from the spot where I had scattered Dad's ashes. I couldn't control the canoe to get back to the spot I wanted.

It seemed at the time -- & it still does -- as if the BIG gator was telling me as I was held in the strong breeze ... "You can't come back. What's done is done".

There are several events in my life -- & this was a major one -- where I have felt some higher power/influence/destiny to my life. At such times, I have been humbled to feel that I was truly in the grasp of something I "felt" around me, but still could not totally comprehend.

Why did the wind, always so strong, cease for the right amount of time I needed to navigate the wide river ?? Why did the BIG gator I was looking for, appear at the same time, as if right on schedule ?? It is still a mystery to me. Then, the return of the wind, as if forcing me to leave, was in the category of ... "strange".

This was a time when I truly felt as if I was having a "provider" wth me ... guiding me, watching out for me & helping to complete this last task for my Father.

It remains to this day one of the most "powerful" experiences in my life.

That's my BIG gator tale.

TYPICAL HOME OFFICE ??

In posts I have done on this blog in the past, I have included a few photos of the third "bedroom" of my house, which is my "home office". The other two "bedrooms" -- as if I would actually dedicate a room in my house to a hardly ever used bed -- are my library & the actual room I sleep in. It's the only room in my "Three Bedroom Home" with a bed in it.

I have written about the vast number of pens & markers surrounding my desk, so I thought it was time to highlight some of the other features -- in detail -- of my home office.

At the lower level there are "containers" -- I favor small baskets & recycled cups -- of pens, highlighters & markers. Also the keyboard & mouse. This is where I am sitting as I write this.

On the end of the shelf, are three different sizes of tape dispensers, since I never know what size tape I will need. Adjacent, is a red stapler, as featured in the movie "Office Space". Following that are an artists brush, BIG SCISSORS -- since I have about a dozen different sizes -- & a Dilbert Calendar, phone & the monitor.

Next, above, are scrapbooks, my printer, a small speaker, my blood pressure monitor, a Ziggy figurine & a Dilbert candy dispenser -- empty -- & three-ring binders.

Finally on top ... Precious ... AKA "Momma Kitty".

It's a comfortable office/work area & the other members of the household seem to enjoy it as well.

If Precious is not in my lap as I type -- which is her most frequent position, in order to take advantage of ear tweaks & head rubs -- she can be found on the shelf above me as well as several other locations within the room.

When we are in the house, at the same time, I am seldom alone. I like it that way.

I guess mine is a "typical home office".

Isn't it ??

63 ...GOING ON 33

Tomorrow -- October 6th -- with be the birthday of my special friend over in Memphis, Tennessee -- "Myrtle". She'll be 25 years old.

I "robbed" this photo of her -- taken last week at the Memphis Zoo -- out of cyberspace. I was never this creative or clever when I worked for a living & used computers. [That was why we had tech support.]

I have written about Myrtle appearing in photographs with her eyes closed. Clever her having sunglasses on in this photo. I still bet her eyes are closed.

I have known "Mert" for more years than I can remember. Our friendship started when we both worked for Maybelline cosmetics in Memphis.

Did I get that right ?? 25 years old ??

I was often an "older brother" to Mert & she was the little sister I never had. I am sure if she had been my real sister, I would have hit her, picked on her & made her cry. Think "Indian Rub Burns" & "Noogies".

25 years ?? Something is not right here.

Mert & her husband -- Mart -- have two darling daughters, raising their own young kids out in Idaho. [One of the few states I have never been to.] Myrtle seems to be out there quite often, but not often enough for her.

Wait a minute. These numbers are not adding up. 25 ??

I hope my "special friend" has a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow. I miss seeing her now that I am in Arkansas, but I have only myself to blame, being such a recluse & failing to travel much. I still think of her often.

This 25 years old business has me confused. I wonder if I have the numbers backwards ??

Can't be. Myrtle is not THAT old.

I'm only "33", so I KNOW she is only 25 years old.

That settles that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, "MERTIE".

NOT REALLY ... "PETS"

I have written about my turtle & tortoise collection several times. I've kept some kind of turtle since I was a small kid, about when I was the size of the cat -- Precious -- snoozing on my lap as I try to type this.

Turtles are not pets. They are a collection item.

Cats are "pets". Well, they are supposed to be. Tell them.

Since I do have both & seem to be stuck with felines & reptiles in my life, I thought I would share some photos & descriptions of some of the turtle species I have.

The fella above is a stand-by item on any Animal Planet or Discovery Channel show dealing with the swamps of Louisiana ... the Alligator Snapping Turtle. This bad boy is noted for laying in the water, wiggling the tip of its tongue in an open mouth, to crush unsuspecting fish thinking the small red tip is a worm.

I have had my very mean & nasty turtle since I lived in Memphis & acquired it as a hatchling. It's kept in a container by itself -- naturally -- & eats only live fish, just like on TV.

This is another turtle whose population in the wild is disappearing due to over hunting. They just happen to make great soup. And, like other turtles, "farming" them is not a viable option, since unlike chickens & cows, it takes 20-30 years to grow an Alligator Snapping Turtle to adult/breeding /eating size. Not profitable.

As in many states, this species of turtle is "protected" -- yeah, IF they catch you -- & can not be captured, owned or eaten. I have an Arkansas State Fish & Wildlife Permit to own my "killer".

Another "exotic" turtle in my collection is a Mata Mata Turtle. Like the Alligator Snapping Turtle, this South American turtle also lays in the water waiting for a fish to swim within ... "range".

Unlike the Alligator Snapping Turtle, the Mata Mata does not attempt to grab & crush it's prey. Instead, within the blink of an eye, it opens it's large mouth & expands it's neck, literally vacuuming in the fish & water. It then slowly expels the water, leaving the fish trapped within the turtle's mouth. Fun to watch ... ah ... except for the fish.

Both of these turtles are why I make weekly trips to McSwain's Sports Center, where I buy a supply of "dinner" -- minnows -- for these two brutes.

With time, interest & energy, in the future, I'll feature some more of the different turtles from my strange & exotic collection of "non-pets".

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

I've complained a lot on this blog about the weather we have had in Arkansas this year. It started with the flooding in the Winter season, followed by the snow & ice, & lately it has been me moaning about the hot weather & our lack of rain.

Fall is here & the 10-day forecast continues to be sunshine & no rain. The East Coast had flooding last week. Such differences in extremes.

Temperatures ARE starting to subside. I wore my jogging pants this A.M. when I hit the road about 7 o'clock. It was 50 degrees & breezy. I wish I had taken a pair of gloves with me.

Cooler nights have reminded me to bring the tortoises inside. I know they can "tolerate" some lower temperatures, but they are "tropical". I don't want to take any chances.

Friday night after dinner, I went out & started digging around in the leaf litter of the OUTDOOR compound -- there's that word again ... "compound" -- to locate the two tortoises & one semi-aquatic turtle kept outside in the warmer months. Actually, they are easy to find. They are fairly colorful compared to the muted brown colors of the dried bamboo & oak leaves they like to burrow into.

The two Red Footed Tortoises are in the middle & bottom right in the above photo. Obviously, from the yellow color of their heads, these are NOT "Cherry Heads", but the more common variety of Red Foots. They are also a bit dirty from being outside & are not showing their best colors.

The ruler is to show their size. I acquired these tortoises three years ago when they were each about two inches in shell length. They are growing well & in good health.

The turtle on the left is a South American Wood Turtle. (And YES ... there IS a turtle here in North America known as a "Wood Turtle", so all latitudes are covered when it come to turtles named "Wood Turtles".)

The South American Wood Turtle, like the tortoises, is tropical & needs to be inside for the Winter.

Now, before the three reptiles can be brought into the house, like just about everything else coming inside, an "inspection" has to take place, clearance received & approval granted for their entry.

Wobs has provided her "services" & gives the tortoises the approval to enter. I always chuckle at how the cats will investigate everything new & have to view it, smell it & rub their scent on new items. Wobs only did this to the bucket, NOT the tortoises. She has her limits.

Once inside, I offered the Red Foots an evening "snack" of lettuce, where they were joined by the Black Mountain Tortoises.

NOTE: I feed very little plain lettuce to my tortoises. There is little-to-no nutritional value in lettuce, & it is fed only as a "treat", since the tortoises do like it.

Bringing in the tortoises is the first of many tasks dedicated to combating the coming colder weather against the tropical animals & plants I have.

It's that time of year again.