Robert lets me Down, The Animals Lift me Up

 On Robert Genn this morning, names changed to protect the guilty:

Yesterday, Keith XXXXX of XXXXXXXXX, Australia wrote, "Nothing is as hopeless as trying to justify a lifetime as an artist. I have painted for over thirty years and have little to show for it. I have a studio full of paintings and a wife who denigrates my career. I have no money, no sales, no hope. You may even say, 'His paintings are bad.' But I have no ego and little belief in my abilities. I always thought one day my work might be in demand. I know I don't paint for others--it's an addiction within myself. But the indifference to my work has gradually worn me down. I'm now being treated for depression. I can no longer believe in myself because no one else believes in me. A lifetime wasted. I should feel bitter but I'm beyond even that. I have loved my art but it has destroyed me. 

My reaction is to tell the guy to suck it up-  HE HAS A WIFE!  That's what I need most in my life-  someone to pick up after me, make the phone calls, handle my bills and smooth the way and allow me to do what I want.  Damn.  He is ungrateful.  Bet he never thinks about his clean drawer of underwear, the available remote, or the steaming dinner on his table.  Wish I had that.

My friend Sylvia is here with me in Florida for a few days.  So far we have stayed pretty much in Jupiter seeing the sights and running some little errands, but damn, it seems that wherever we go *I* end up spending money!  It's getting ridiculous. The brakes are being put on today as I (we) head for the studio and the Wildlife Rescue Park right across from me.  We need to see some one-winged eagles, de-clawed Florida panthers, and Albino raccoons.  That should put things in perspective.

My Kindle just flashed and the new Steig Larson book has arrived.  Just in time for my flight home.  Nothing like a little S&M on JetBlue.  I have Sylvia outside playing with it now, a perfect candidate for a Kindle because she always has a satchel of books she is dragging around!  I'm using salesmanship on her, know she would love it on all her trips back to Switzerland.

Pictures to follow today-  I finally finished the shawl/scarf that looks like barnicles and I really like it.

 We will block it today and it will be ready for cold weather-  I made it to wear between the airport and a cab-  that's about the only exposure to cold I get now, fine with me, but one never knows when one might get exposed to (ugh) snow.  After growing up in Buffalo, I seriously cannot find any beauty at all in softly falling flakes and blanketed landscapes.  Never want to see another white-out, gives me anxiety attacks.  But then again, I've never been here in FL in a hurricane either.  That might change my addled mind.  Speaking of that, I must grab some batteries and candles for the new season!  And we're off!

After our time at the studio, we dropped in at the Busch Wildlife Refuge across the street to see who's new in residence.  Found these guys:

Burrowing Owls

The Albino RaccoonBaby Skunk, one of 4Some irridescent bird, unlabeled

The Famous Florida Panther         Peregrine Falcon

Pelican ConventionAlligator, like you didn't knowVery ugly American CrocAnd the Sleepy Brown Fox

We only made it about halfway around in the heat and never even got to the new bear pavilion so I'll do that another day.  But I've been saying that all year.  These critters are all in rehab or in permanent residence due to some injury that will pit them, in jeopardy.  And finally, the Plain Ole Turtle:

And, thaz all, folks.