They just arrived this morning to pump out my septic. It has not been done in a very long time. Before they started they had to warn me that they’re running into something quite unexpected when they’re pumping tanks right now. There has been so much rain coming down. They are finding that as they pump out the tanks and mine is 1000 gallons, the tanks are actually breaking free and floating above the bracing because of all the water! I am praying that doesn’t happen because that means that I would have no septic on my property that was working. He did say that they’ve figured out that after they’re done if the tank is floating. I have to come in the house and run a bunch of water back into the tank  to hopefully submerge it back to where it belongs. He said he just had to warn me that this was a possibility. Let’s hope it’s a possibility that doesn’t happen.

The cats have all scrambled once he set up his truck in the front and started the job. Most of the cats right now are in the Haybarn on the rafters. I guess that’s where they feel the safest. I certainly hope that my tank stays grounded. I hope it doesn’t decide to just float away and join the navy.

Well the job is over and it went well. My septic tank did not decide to float down the highway. It stayed firmly in place and all is well. But I have to admit I was a little bit fearful after they told me everything that could happen. I’m just glad nothing did

Poem from a Feral Cat

I may never be a lap cat,

or one who comes when called.

I may resist the hand that tries to touch

and some may think I’m flawed.

I may prefer my freedom

to your warm and cozy house

I may reject a bowl of finest foods

for the chance to catch a mouse.

But the box you put out for me,

Feels safe and warm and dry.
And I raise my eyes to thank you

when I see you walking by.

I eat the food you give me

I listen to your voice

I may never be a lap cat

but thank you for offering me the choice.

One day I’ll see the winter,

one day I’ll feel the rain,

I may grow old not knowing

there is freedom from this pain

I know you’ve tried to help me

and although my days will end

I may never be a lap cat

but I know you are my friend.

The issue with the cold seeping into the cats sleeping quarters have been solved. A farmer down the road, offered several of his older straw bales to me. We took these bales and stacked them alongside the leaky back wall. Now the cold air seeps into the straw bales, the cats are staying warmer in their own straw beds and it has made a world of difference to Misty who has re-occurring runny nose and draining eyes. We carved out a bale to accomodate their opening from the back wall, so the wind isn’t quite as welcome to come in and invade their living space.

Many thanks to those of you who offered your support and comments in the previous post. We do have several insulated cat beds out of heavy duty plastic containers. They made a set years ago, that actually stack one after the other into each other. We bought several of those sets and insulated into the space of two stacked together. We cut several holes so the cats could escape if necessary. We filled them with straw and set them outside. They’ve proven to be highly popular among the cats and very water and weatherproof.

Thanks again- Happy New Year all-