For those of you who follow the events at The Cabin Path , you know that animals play an important part in our place. On my web site, I have a Photo Show called "One Safe Place" with many of the animals that we have rescued..(or is it that they rescued us!) I have seen the magical interaction between children and our critters. I hope one day to expand and have an animal therapy program here. The horses, cats, dogs, and wildlife seem to have that secret key that unlocks the soul. They give unconditional love, and they do not judge. A life lesson for all.

We have 2 new additions....2 tiny kittens. Barely 5 weeks old, their family was forced to give all of their pets away because they are being evicted, they will have to move, and they can no longer afford them. Tears streaming down her face, the lady begged that we take them. Having just lost Kuffs, (also a rescued kitten and a family member for 16 years) I suppose we do have a little more room. I have seen stories on the news about hard times for animals. I know how much our feed bills have gone up, and I imagine it will only get worse as the cost of necessities rise. I will need to have a few extra workshops to help pay for shots and neutering, but that will be no problem. Please support your local shelters and rescue groups.

"Until he extends the circle of compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace."
Albert Schweitzer

Last week, I received a call from a neighbor. "We have a baby deer trapped inside our fence!" I, too, was concerned that the little guy was away from his Ma, and it needed food. I searched wildlife rescue sites and read up on the feeding and care of baby white tailed deer. I promised to help the little guy, but I knew that deer would take care of their young unless something major had happened. I waited until the next morning to make sure that Ma was indeed gone.

I received a call the next day. "The Mama jumped back in the fence and is feeding the baby AND there is another Mama and she had her baby inside the fence, too!"

DUMB animals? I think not! Coyotes have become a problem in our area. Last year, I noticed a big decline in the number of Spotties. I had to imagine that coyotes were to blame. Evidently, these two very resourceful Mamas figured that a fenced yard would protect their babies. I see them every morning and every evening as I feed the horses. They stay close to the fence and keep watch. One of the Moms is an old timer around here, but I believe the other one is a first time Mom. How amazing it is that they teamed up to protect their young. I told my neighbor that they should feel honored to be trusted with such a gift. Yes, there are many life lessons to be learned from nature.

The babies have a large email following. Our neighbor sends out daily updates and pictures. Yes, they eat Hostas, flowers, and veggies, but we have taken so much of their habitat. It's nice to share.

On my walk this week, I have discovered more wildflowers. The Paw Paw with fruit, Hearts a Burstin', White Milkweed, and a white flower that I am still researching. Its bloom is similar to the Fly Poison, but the leaves are different. I have ordered another wildflower book for the SE United States and a book on rare wildflowers in Georgia. I am hoping that I can identify several that have gone unnamed.

Georgia is starting off the spring hot and dry. The only memory of the storms a few weeks ago are the browning leaves from twisted and fallen trees. We need rain. We have already passed the 90 degree mark, and I am afraid we will repeat last year's record drought. I notice a reduction in the number of plants...probably the results of drought and loss of habitat. I joke about the future and "Tree Zoos" but I realize that it may not be so outrageous. "Green" is in right now. Let's hope it's not too late.