still climbing

Ed does not shy away from the difficult. And he will never shy away from helping an animal in distress. These are my morning thoughts. 

In my previous life (the one before Ed came onto the scene 19.5 years ago), I was the go-to person when a crisis struck at home. Leaky ceiling, raccoons nesting on the roof, gutters overflowing, woodpeckers making holes in the wooden siding. But even then, some of my interventions were of the kind where I had to call someone else to solve the problem (the raccoons nesting on the roof come to mind). I know my limits and dealing with invading wild animals is something I'll leave to others.

Not so Ed. And this morning, I was very thankful for that.

The day started off beautifully: more sunshine, and even warmer temps. (High of 65F/18C.) True, those early spring flowers remain buried, so I avoid looking down. No need to feel disappointment on a day like this! And oh, the northern cardinal is singing so beautifully, and the skies are so blue...

I walk to the barn, animals all around me. Shed cats, Pancake, chickens. 

I reach the barn and there I see him -- a huge possum. The thing is, he'd gotten into the cage we leave open -- to scare off predators (on our own trap and release system that sort of works) and occasionally, for the persistent ones, to take them to a place far away, where we are allowed to release. But this guy took it upon himself to gnaw at the cage wires and his entire mouth got trapped in the wire rims. Wide open, teeth showing. (Some slight scratches  to mouth, but basically just stuck.)

What would you do? 

My first thought was to take him to an animal hospital where he would surely be euthanized. That was not Ed's first thought. I call him, he comes out, gloves on, pliers in hand. 

I can't even watch this -- prying a possum's sharp jaws and stuck nose out of the cage grid. (The chickens, however, walk by nonchalantly, as if it wasn't their Darth Vader staring from behind bars, with killer teeth on full display.)

In the end, Ed was successful, the possum was saved and released far from the coop and I doubt that he'll return, unless he's one of those who likes to come back to taunt his enemies. We know the type, right?

 

Breakfast, calm. 

We discuss the day's possibilities. Childcare is postponed again until tomorrow, so we have time for a more ambitious hike. Since it's been so dry, maybe we should give the longer Ice Age trail at Brooklyn Wildlife Area a try? 

Yeah!

 

True, I wish we'd find a spec of green. It is always the groan about March in Wisconsin -- that it doesn't deliver fast enough! We want lightning speed changes. Right now, when we're just days away from calendar spring.

Still, it sure is lovely to be outside, with just a light hoodie. Take in that warm air! Indulge yourself in thoughts of what's just around the corner.

It's like the day before Christmas Eve -- the excitement is there. Soon the gifts of the growing season will be heaped upon us. Soon.

Tonight we'll have a total lunar eclipse. A blood worm moon -- tinted red and symbolizing the movement of worms with the coming of spring. Will I see it? That would require me getting up in the middle of the night and going out onto the road for a good view. Small likelihood. For now, just enjoy the fullness of the moon. It shines brightly on all of us tonight...

with love...