Slice of Almost Heaven Blog

The View for the Other Side

2/14/2021

This is Tux, our new house cat; her journey to this point has been a remarkable one. It started in March of last year. On a cold dark night, I stepped onto the covered side porch and out sprang a tiny and terrified kitten from underneath some boxes. We have seen cats around before, but this was different. We put food and water out, and Tux, as she became known, would come up and eat. We would get fleeting glances of her. We would use binoculars to try to get a better look at her. Over the next few months, Tux would peer in through the sliding glass door. At times two of our other cats would look at her. At which point, she would scurry away.

As this went on, the question came to mind. What are we going to do with her? Outdoor cats do not live long around here. Between a busy road, coyotes, and foxes, cats do not last long outside. We think she was dumped with the rest of her litter. The rest went into the field across from us never to be seen again. Tux, on the other hand, crossed the road and took refuge here. She rarely came out at night. We would only see her during the day. This habit was the thing that kept her alive outside.

In August, we traped her days before she gave birth to four kittens. The kittens grew up being with people. But Tux was still terrified of us. Over the ensuing months, we started to gain her trust. So what now? Keep her as a barn cat? Same problems as before. Michelle and I kept thinking could she become a house cat? We brought her inside, and she started to adapt to the life of a house cat.

Then it was her turn to go to the vet to get fixed. Everything went well at the vet. That was until they remarked to us about her age. Based on her teeth, the vet thought she was around six to seven years old!!

Our first theory went out the window. Over the years, we would see a black and white cat like her at night. We thought it must have been her mother. Also, our cat Socks we know was dumped across the road a year before. So with this new information, we started to piece together a timeline of events.

We now think Tux was someone's house cat that on occasion would go out at night. Socks, we believe, was one of her offspring. We believe Tux's owner died or moved and left her to fend for herself. There is no telling how long she was out on her own.

Tux now likes to look out the sliding glass door. But she never shows any desire to revert back to her former life as an outside cat. She will spend the rest of her days in a warm house where she will be loved and cared for.

The view from the other side is a lot better!!

The Cat Burglar and a New Name

1/1/2021

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

I know this is an odd quote to start out a blog post, but you will understand by the end of the story. If you have been reading back on our posts you have seen that a female cat (her name is Tux) was dumped and we were caring for her. We finally were able to catch her, but not before she became pregnant. Two days after her capture she had 4 adorable (and rotten) little kittens. We brought the kittens in the house in the beginning of October to get them accustomed to humans, dogs and other cats. The more socialized the easier it will be to find them homes. So now that you have some background on to the tale.....

The kitten in the photo above is Paws, or at least that use to be his name. He "earned" a new name by his antics. Then new name is very fitting, but I get ahead of myself. This story starts back when the kittens first came in the house.

Paws was the first kitten to get a name, it was pretty simple, he has 4 white paws. He was also the first one to receive a name because his 3 sisters have similar markings to each other. It makes it hard to tell which one is which. The first week the kittens were in the house we did not let them out of their cage except to wander around the bathroom. Then we extended their freedom to the bathroom and bedroom. Finally at 4 months of age they had the whole house to run and play in. THAT is when things started to happen.....it was little stuff at first that would come up missing. Push pins were the first thing to disappear, then he moved up to anything that would fit in his mouth and easily carried. He would "stash" stuff all over the house. Peter and I were getting ready to write a blog post about our little cat burglar when he earned his new name.

About a week ago we caught him stealing money. Quarters to be exact. So that is when he earned his name. I have a friend who explained to me that she held off naming animals so they could "earn" their name. I see the logic in that now because his new name is so fitting to his personality. You might think it weird to change an animals name, but he is young enough that he really doesn't know Paws yet. But his new earned name is so HIM.

The quote above should have given you a hint, but if not here is another hint....

“You have nice manners for a thief and a liar," said the dragon.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

Yes! Paws new name is Bilbo. As in Bilbo Baggins the main character from "The Hobbit". Not saying that our Bilbo is a liar but he is a thief. If he could speak, I wouldn't put it past him to be a liar too. But just like the beloved hobbit, my Bilbo has a heart of gold underneath all of that orneriness.

So welcome to the family my little Bilbo.

Come Hold my Hand

12/24/2020

Tonight is Christmas eve, and It has been raining all day. This evening the temperature has dropped like a stone, and the snow is flying. We will awake to a thick blanket of snow for a beautiful "White Christman." At this time of year, our thoughts turn to family. Some are still with us; others are not.

Today Michelle was holding one of our kittens. As she held him, she remarked, "I am going to hold you whether you like it or not" It sparked am memory. Something I had not thought of in over 50 years.

Like most of you, my parents would ask me to hold their hand while out in public to keep us safe. If you were like me, at the time you thought this was the worst thing! But now, with a number of years behind me, I paused and thought about this today. What would I give to hold their hand again now? What I felt like such a bother then, now I long to feel their warm hand again! To speak to them and tell them how much I love them.

I have very fond memories of my parents. They have since gone to be with the Lord. So I am left with memories, sweet memories. Many times, when Michelle and I would stop by their house after work to say hi, they would ask for us to stay for dinner. Sometimes, we would want to go home and rest, but rarely did we say no. Looking back, these are such sweet and tender memories. We do not have any regrets; We spent as much time with them as we could. So as we go on with life with the knowledge that it was time well spent for all.

So for those of you that have your parents still with you. Cherish the time you have; make each day count. So when they leave you. You also can have sweet memories with no regrets.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Go M.A.D.

12/6/2020

As you look at the above title, you have to be asking yourself. "What am I talking about?". First off, let me make it crystal clear. This is NOT about any form of violence or malice. On the contrary, it is about Making A Difference. Hence Go MAD.

Years ago, I used to listen to a short daily radio spot, Ron Hutchcraft produced it. On one of those broadcasts, he related that each day before his children went to school. He would instruct them to "Go MAD" Go Make A Difference

I have lived with this in mind for the vast amount of my adult life. Recently this phrase came back to me; I have not thought about this in decades. For some reason, the idea came and would not leave me alone. Hence this post.

Each one of us every day has a choice. Are we going to make a positive difference in other people's lives or a negative one? The choice is ultimately yours and yours alone.

Remember, each of us is here by design, and each of us has a purpose. You may say to yourself, "I'm a nobody; what can I do?" You and you alone are uniquely tasked with a role to play. This is a role that can only be filled by you.

While thinking about this, I started to remember someone who made a tremendous difference in my life. His name was Raymond. Ray, as I called him, was married to my sister. He was an executive for a large jewelry and electronic chain.

Ray just had a presence about him. For me growing up, there was something special about him. He did not waste words. When he spoke, it was important. When he talked to me, afterward, I would feel like "Owl spoke to me." Google "Winnie the Poo" for the back story.

Ray was kind to a fault; he had a gentile nature to him. But this was tempered with a hard as nails, no-nonsense attitude. Over the years, he mentored me; he give me management teaching materials, and a few books. I devoured all the material and advice he bestowed on me.

This information I filed away, and as needed, it has come to mind to help guide me in making a difference in others. I am the person I am today because of the difference this man made in my life! As I write this, I have a tough time holding back the tears of gratitude for what he did for me.

He preached Christ, but he used few words to do it! If I can look back and say I made as much of a difference he had done at the end of my life. Then I will know I have done well.

In this time of a global pandemic and political turmoil, people are hurting both materially and emotionally. People feel alone, like no one cares. At this time, more than ever, take the time to make a difference in someone's life. You may be the only Bible they ever read.

Will, they read in you about a petty and aloof God that only cares about those who are perfect? Or a God that will take you where you are, a God who loved you so much that He came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died, and rose again for us? So those who trust in Him can have fellowship with Him till the end of time, and beyond?

After you leave this earth, do you want to be remembered as the one who made a positive difference in people's lives or a negative one?

For me, I want it to be a positive one! So, each day, I go MAD!

Then and Now

11/27/2020

On the top of your screen are pictures of Flash. He is a buck we sold two years ago. From his picture he looks like a fine strapping buck. He is that but, his start was a bit rocky.

Flash two days after he was born was full of bounce and loving life, until we put him outside in the kids' pen. Within 15 minutes, the once bubbly kid was lying on his side in pain. Our heart broke and we whisked him inside. All turned out well, Thank You Lord!! (for more details on what happened click here)

We are members on several on-line goat care groups. We have seen countless posts of a goat kid not doing well. Members post suggestions and a lot of times you never hear about the final out come. So we wanted to post here just how well Flash has done! God is so Good!

Release the Kraken!

10/31/2020

I'm not sure how many people that visit the blog have seen the movie "The Clash of the Titans", but the phrase "Release the Kraken" was the most memorable part of the movie (at least to me). The kraken in that movie was more of an ape like creature that lived at sea. The kraken I am thinking of is the one from Moby Dick. This one is a giant squid and fits this story well.

You ask how a giant squid and 4 little kittens are similar? I will tell you....a giant squid has arms (10 to be exact) that flail all about and you have to watch were they are coming from or one of them will get you and you become kraken food. In much the same manner 4 little kittens fly around their cage and when I "release" them from their stronghold there is no telling where they will go and when you will be attacked!

So every morning and evening I "Release the Krakens", good thing they are little.....

Kitten Math

9/30/2020

Unless you have been living under a rock you must have heard of all the new math crazes. But have you heard of "Kitten Math"? We acquired 4 little kittens. (See The Power of Touch for the back story), each day in the evening we go out to the barn and let the kittens out to play before they get their evening meal.

Letting them out is not a problem. Putting them back in this when the fun begins.....

It is kinda like the Hokey Pokey, but with kittens.......

You put 5 kittens in and get 3 kittens out....
You put 3 kittens get 2 kittens out.
You do the Kitten Pokey and turn yourself around, thats what its all about!

This goes on for twenty or so minutes. The kittens just want to run and play at this age. Trying to hold them is next to impossible. As you try to catch them you get frustrated, but they are just too adorable!

All you can do is laugh and then cry a bit.

The Power of Touch

8/29/2020

The power of touch, to most of us it does not mean much. But in actual fact, it truly is a powerful thing in and of itself. A touch can heal, comfort, and console. It conveys a wide range of positive things. A touch can bring fear, loathing, and a host of other negative things.

It is up to the giver of that touch what powerful force it will convey.

Recently, we befriended a stray cat, her name is Tux, for tuxedo cat. Back in March of this year on a cold night, I went out to put a box on our side covered porch. As I set down the box, a small kitten dashed out off the porch into the night. We had seen cats around before, but this was different. She was a small kitten. Cold, scared, and alone. We put food out for her that night and when dawn broke the next day we were heartened to see she had come back and had eaten. We kept putting out food and we would get a fleeting glimpse of her. This went on for months. She would let us see her from afar but would trot away if we got too close. As time went on we started to suspect she was pregnant. So we had to act fast. We got a trap and baited it. On a Saturday morning, she was in the trap. We moved her to a kitty condo in the barn. A few days later, she gave birth to four kittens. We then worked to gain her trust.

One day after feeding her. I slowly and carefully reached out toward her. She backed up a bit and gave a low growl at me. I kept talking to her and reached a bit closer. She let me touch her, these may have been the first loving hands that have touched her in a very long time. From that time we have continued to bond with her and her kittens.

From the farm, we know first hand the power of touch when people remark how gentle our farm animals are around us. It all goes back to the power of touch. When a 175-pound buck rubs up against you and tries to climb on your lap as they did when they were a kid. That shows you the power of touch.

This applies to human relationships too. A touch can be physical and/or emotional.

Over the years people have come and gone in my life. At that time they gave me the touch that was needed. A touch I will always cherish and remember.

Always remember to preach Christ, if you must use words!

Be that touch to a hurting or lonely person. Let God's Love show through you to a dying and hurting world... This is the power of touch!

ZAP

7/18/2020

It is late at night, our farm chores are almost complete. The last thing we need to do is turn the electric fence back on for the night and check the voltage. Michelle throws the switch and then yells we got a short! What this means is the fence wires are touching some place and draining off all the electrical charge.

I head out into the darkness to see if I can find the problem. The fence is still on and can still pack a punch if I am not careful. I find the problem and call Michelle to turn off the juice. I then get to work repairing the broken wire. Over my headset Michelle asks me "Can I turn it back on yet?"

A cold chill of naked fear goes though my body. I've got a very firm grip on a wire that with a simple flip of a switch can be energized with over 10,000 volts.

I think about my next move, there can be no misunderstanding here! The fence has to stay off! I am in the middle of the repair and can not stop. I slowly and forcefully state"Leave the !@#$ fence off!!" I hear her snicker and say "Really, you're sure you do not want me to turn it back on now??"

I am starting to sweat....I remember the time she turned on a fence I was working on before........she "thought" I was done! When in fact, I had both hands on the wires my life got lit up, my hair stood on end, and I just fell over from the shock.

Back to the current situation. This fence charger is even bigger, I pick up the pace as the sweat rolls into my eyes. In the back of my mind, I'm wondering if it was a good idea to have taken her to the drive through at McDonald's when she asked me to take her out someplace nice to eat.

Fear is a great motivator, I race to finish the repair and get clear. I tell her it is OK to turn it on now. When I get back up to the barn she looks at me and smiles. She slyly remarks that I may think of a better choice for dinner next time. "It would have been such a pity if I turned on the fence early!"

The moral of this story, Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned, especially when she is at the switch!

Some parts of this story are true, it is up to the reader to determine which!!!

Keep Your Fork

6/6/2020

This is a picture of some on the wild blackberry bushes here on the farm. With favorable weather in August we will have blackberries. It is such a treat to be walking by and pick off a ripe blackberry straight from the bush. As I took this picture it reminded me of the saying "Keep Your Fork". The story behind "Keep Your Fork" is after just eating dinner next is desert. If you do not have your fork you cannot enjoy desert. So "Keeping Your Fork" is to remind you of better things to come later.

I have heard of people having a fork in their hand in the casket, acknowledging that there are better things to come.

It also reminds me as precious and dear these temporal things are, I also plan on keeping my fork for the blessed Resurrection to come!