A Public Service Announcement From Mom

Let me preface all of this by saying that my mother is slightly crazy.  In an innocent sort of way. 

When I was little, I used to think that she lived in a world where it was always Christmas and where it endlessly flurried powdered sugar on the gingerbread house she called home.

I've called her an elf ever since. 

But basically, she's just a lady that believes all things should be right in the world and that one little person can make a huge difference and that world peace would be possible if we'd all start giving more hugs. 

She's sweet.

So, here's her latest save-the-world project...

She's saving wild rabbits from the blazing summer heat by establishing a small animal refugee center in her back yard.

The photos in this e-mail are what I've been periodically receiving from her over the past few weeks.

Hi, Darcy!  Look at my new pets!  They just showed up in my yard.

Darcy, the weatherman says it's going to tornado.  Please ask Josh how I can keep the rabbits from blowing away.  Or else I WILL bring them inside.

Darcy, the rabbits are twitching and don't look quite right to me.  I'm going to set up fans outside.

It all started with putting water and carrots out for the little rabbits to keep them fed and hydrated.

And then it moved on to freezing water bottles and putting them out for the rabbits to lay against.

And then she just started putting out ice in any form.

Which was followed by the process of keeping the dirt wet so the area would stay nice and cool.

But that became a problem when the dirt was dry 2.5 seconds later.  So she started freezing water in milk jugs, putting them outside with the cap removed, and leaving them tilted downwards on the ground so the ice would melt and gradually drip cold water onto the animals' dirt patch.

And the rabbits have absolutely loved it.

That wasn't enough, though. 

Darcy, I need Josh or Papa or someone to build the rabbits a house.

Uhh...what??

Papa had one built the next day.

Which, as you can see above, has been yet another big hit with the rabbits.

I'm guessing mom's currently sitting on her laptop ordering the little animals some ceiling fans, light-blocking, energy saving curtains and maybe a couple decorative accents.

Now, Darcy, don't be silly.  Curtains would inhibit airflow.  The rest is a great idea!

And here's my favorite part of the whole story.  This crazy kid keeps coming around.  He loves Miss Gail's Small Animal Refugee Center.

He can just sprawl out and soak it all in. 

And why wouldn't he?  Go for it, man.

It's kind of like how I feel at the pool.  Except I try to keep my sprawling to a minimum.

And, wait, there's more...  Little kissing birds are showing up now, too.

Yes, this is real.

No, you are not on hallucinogens.

Or maybe you are.  In which case, I bet this is even funnier.

All joking aside, though... I think my mom might be on to something.  The birds and squirrels and rabbits, in particular, love their new place to hang out.

And the friends my mom has shared her story with are starting to do it, too.  And it's helping their local animals also.

So I guess the main reason I'm writing this is to pass along my mom's idea to all of you.  It's really, really hot outside, and the little animals are having a hard time staying hydrated and keeping cool. 

If you get the chance, maybe put out a little bowl of water.  Or a little bit of ice.

I'm sure they'd really appreciate it.

much love always,

Darcy