What's in a Name

Hi All,

Ashes, a young calico cat wasn't affectionate to her person for the past few months. After hearing about our Kripalu workshop my friend asked if I'd ck in w/ Ashes. Ashes relayed she didn't like her name. Her person is particular about names and since she is a grey, orange and white cat, Ashes was chosen since ash can be grey, white and orange when still aflame. If you've seen any of the Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps, the tri-colored cat looks like this sweet girl. My friend is a writer, TS Eliot fan, and big fan of kitties. This 3-colored kitty said her name was M...... something beginning with M. I got Merle...
Although skeptical, my friend has renamed her Mandy, short for Amanda, worthy of love in Latin. Mandy has now been affectionate w/ her person multiple times since Tues. eve., hasn't snapped at her. I'm floored.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to The Pond

My son and I often walk down by the water early mornings. This morning we saw two things we have never seen before. One was a gaggle of geese. I have seen these guys flying south and north and in other cities close to mine but never have I seen them on the ground here.

As we got closer to them, we came upon a nesting of baby mallards. We often see these little ones in a family setting but never have we seen them on their own.

We tried to not get too close to scare them but it was fascinating. The geese didn't seem to be bothering the babies, nor did the babies seem bothered by the geese. As we sat and watched them each doing their own thing, a female mallard came quacking in from the west then suddenly took flight and buzzed over the geese. She kept going. In a minute the geese had obviously broken into two groups, one group took to the water honking then suddenly broke into flight. Another minute later the second group did the same. Luckily I had my camera ready the second time. As amazing as it is to communicate, or try to communicate with wildlife, it is equally amazing to see them communicate with each other.

Tommy the frog

I FIGURED IT OUT YEAH!!!!!!
Just wanted to tell folks who get it about the frog named Tommy. We finally got the pool filled after having it reconditioned. A frog was in the pool and I communicated by picturing the frog getting on my hand. He came to within an inch of my hand and I picked him up. I told him that there were chemicals in the pool and it wasn't safe for him. I heard "Why do humans put chemicals in water?" I do not think I answered well. I tried to explain it was to keep the water clean and clear. NO response from the frog. The next day he was in the pool again and I had him come to my hand. I called him frog, I heard " Tommy" I now call him Tommy. I have made him a small pool and asked him not to get in the pool as I am going on vacation Sunday for 2 weeks. He was not in the pool today. I look forward to hearing of all your new adventures. Linda

I made a small pool for him last night.