Giving of Thanks

I haven't seen the local turkey families yet this year.  They're not crossing the street at the same time I head off for work.  But this week on PBS Nature, there was a story about a man who raised and mothered 16 baby turkeys.  A wonderful story -- full of charm and joy, but not without sorrow.  If you're in need of a different kind of turkey fix this Thanksgiving, you can watch the video online (My Life as a Turkey).

I hope you really do set aside time today to reflect on what you are thankful for.  When I actually take the time, I realize there is so much (even on a bad day, which this isn't).  So, a few things to start off the day -- I'm thankful for:

• Mr. Madley
• my cozy home
• my darling neurotic cat
• sunshine
• family & friends
• indoor plumbing
• native birds
• my job
• locally-grown food
• books
• homemade bread
• pie

Have a delightful Thanksgiving!

Black Cat Friday -- or -- Black Friday Felines

If you've been wondering how to fill that hole in your life, you may not need to look any further -- this Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) the Dakin Humane Society is sending cats (6 months and older) to happy new homes for only $5!  It's Black Friday $5 Felines!  Visit one of the Dakin adoption centers Friday, November 23, between 12:00 & 5:30 to find your new friend.  Dakin is working with other animal shelters in the region to house and find homes for animals left homeless after Sandy struck the East Coast.

Take this opportunity to help pets in need of homes and give them (and yourself) something to be thankful for this season.

Adopted cats come spayed/neutered and with their shots.

Money + Mouth + March

The day is almost here -- have you heard?  This Thursday is Monte's March III -- a march from Northampton, through Hadley and Amherst, all the way to Greenfield, pushing an empty shopping cart along the way.  You may be asking yourself or the person sitting beside you why someone would do such a perfectly ridiculous thing.  There's a simple answer to that -- it's to bring awareness to and support the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

I'm a huge fan of the FBoWM -- I think they do a great service to residents in Western MA as a food bank and as a place for people to help others.

Take a little time this Thursday to donate to the food bank during Monte's March -- or take it a step or two further by raising money and joining him on his trek.  Details and more information can be found on the Food Bank's website or at The River.

Walk on, Monte!