Plants for Nooch

We added plants to Nooch's Urn today. We selected plants with shallow roots, and that would enjoy shade with only some sun in the morning.

In the center of the urn: 'Chocolate Chip' Ajuga
To the left and right: Purpurea Acaena inernis
Top and bottom: Irish Moss

I have a pretty abysmal plant record -- hopefully I can keep these alive, though!

I love Animal People

In memory of Nooch the rat, I made a tribute donation in his name to AAVS—which is dedicated to ending animal testing. Nooch wasn't a test rat, but he was a great example of how intelligent and sweets rats can be.

One of my coworkers very sweetly donated a tribute to Nooch as well. I realize that rats aren't number one of everyone's list—some people are creeped out by them, don't think they're cuddly, or whatever. I mean, even if someone likes MOST animals, they might not like rats. It was really nice to have someone say, "I know what it's like to love and lose a pet rat."

I was already feeling pretty warm and fuzzy and then I received this email:


It says:

"Rats are quite loved here at AAVS, both personally and professionaly — our condolences for your loss. May happy memories of your buddy provide comfort at this time."

The exchange made my day. I am so grateful for a community of animal people that have such compassion—not only for the animals—but for each other.

<3 !

Family.

I come from good stock. Like any good family we are sort of like a pack of wolves - bearing teeth, growling at one moment - working together in smooth, almost symbiotic, collaboration at another. My family has built things together. Raised children together. And for all the dysfunction, we're better for it.

Cuz really, at the core, we come from good stock. Despite ourselves, we can't help but be those kids that came from The Master of the Universe and the love of his life - even though we now find ourselves without them both.