The-Atlantic-thefemalesurvivalist

Yesterday while hiking I crossed paths with a very healthy looking raccoon. It was 10 a.m, and he was fat, but slow, and not very scared. He climbed a tree, and watched me pass. I had my hiking poles, prepared to fend off any attacks.

I immediately thought of rabies. We always think of aggression and erratic behavior associated with rabies.

I visited my "cabin" then returned the same path. The raccoon surprised me because he was just sitting off the trail, in the leaves. He appeared to be very drowsy.

My partner hiked that same path around 3 p.m and the raccoon was in the same place, looking sleepy. Because of his lack of aggression, we figured old age just made him sluggish.


Research at:

http://www.ehow.com/list_6054798_symptoms-distemper-rabies-raccoons.html

"
Rabies affects raccoons in two different ways. The first way is to slowly bring them into a stupor. They move less, become slower, and seem to grow depressed. Although they're nocturnal animals, they may remain outside during the daytime. They also lose their fear of humans and other animals, and although they aren't overtly aggressive, they may attack if provoked, spreading the disease. These unusual behaviors are the surest way to spot a rabid raccoon
Read more: Symptoms of Distemper & Rabies in Raccoons | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6054798_symptoms-distemper-rabies-raccoons.html#ixzz1GRNMPHoP"


Happily the raccoon was not there this morning. I was dreading a broken bloody body. Perhaps buzzards or coyotes got him. No signs.

Beware of animals with slow sluggish behavior. Never provoke or try to pet anything wild. These are my takeaway thoughts.

I watched The Stoning of Soraya with some apprehension, knowing it would be disturbing and provocative. It's challenging to remain objective while watching tribal brutalism and suspicion in the name of religion. Any religion.

And of course, the violence aimed at women and intimidation of any man who would assist a wrongfully accused person doesn't help. The aftermath of the 2008 movie, based on the true story and book written by traveling journalist in 1986 Iran, leaves one angry, sad and appalled that such things still happen in our "modern world".

The film runs 1 hour 54 minutes and is worth watching. It will be one of those classics that rank right along with Amistad and Gettysburg. Not everyone likes a taste of history. Our barbaric human natures are tough stuff to admit.

The story is told by the aunt of a man who tires of his present wife, has picked out a new young virgin. Unable to support two wives,he demands a divorce. Even though abused, she declines. With four children this devout woman has no desire to raise her children alone in poverty.
The crafty husband finds another way, accusations of adultery which lead to her stoning.
But, I haven't told the whole story and will leave the details a mystery.

Cultural literacy is a journey worth taking.

I bought this heater for my 12 x 16 studio which is a metal building with R13 insulation and panneling installed. It has a pressure treated floor and carpeting. During the winter I needed some form of heat which did not require electrical hook ups. I wanted something that would not be dependent on a power source.

This heater cost $84 bucks at Walmart. It uses one pound propane cannisters which can be screwed into the system quite easily. There are two settings, high and low, and is designed to shut off if it tips over.

A person can buy a hose and hook it up to a 20 pound propane cannister. I've decided to keep the portability feature to enable instant heat in the corner of the studio I'm working. A one pound cannister will burn about 6 hours on the low setting.

A great feature is it could also be taken on camping trips, used during power outtages inside our home, or lent to someone in need. Little ventilation is needed. I simply open the window a tiny bit when using the heater for any length of time.

I am quite happy with the heat it generates. It can melt fabric if set too closely to curtains. Once my jogging pants began to melt while I was standing too close enjoying the first heat.

The propane cannisters can be recyled. They can not be refilled, a disadvantage to fuel supply. This Portable Buddy-Mr Heater is a great buy.