We Interrupt Your Tour of Key West for an Important Message

Here it is...another New Year's Eve. It hardly seems possible it's been a full year since we ushered in 2014, but I suppose that's another tiny little sign telling me that I'm another year older, too.

It's about now, when my blood sugar levels are through the roof from holiday goodies someone is always handing me (okay, maybe I pick up the holiday goodies, but someone makes them awfully available), I know I'm ready for a change. The excess of gifts, food, and parties has left me tired and at least 10 pounds heavier. There's something in my soul that says it's time to stop for a moment and take a deep breath. Despite a few challenges in 2014, I know I've been blessed. But what lies ahead?

There have been scary things going on in our world both far away and very close to home. I can barely stand to watch the evening news bombard me with the latest terrible events, and only hope there's a plan somewhere in all this. I realize there's not much I'm able to do to change the world. I can only soldier on and do my best, fortified by family, friends, and an occasional Heath Bar Blizzard. Who knows? Maybe 2015 will be the year the evening news has only good things to report. Hope provides the possibility that prevents us from giving up.

If you've ever bought a lottery ticket or entered a contest, you've taken a chance. You take a chance because you have hope. It's endlessly fun to mull over what awesome things you would do if you win. A new year is sort of like a lottery ticket, but better. It gives us both the opportunity and the excuse to take a chance we might not have taken before.

I personally am a resolution maker, in my mind if not on paper. Who doesn't love the idea of accomplishing something new and wonderful? Or wish for the chance to make amends for past failings? Or conquer a bad habit? Like opening the pages of a new book, anything seems possible on January 1.

So as we contemplate our 2015, Indy, Bogey, and I want to thank you for spending another year with us. We appreciate all of you, and send wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful new year.

I'm hoping to make some new and exciting changes in my 2015. How about you?

Happy New Year 2014

Can you believe we're almost at the end of another year?  As a kid, I used to groan at the length of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It seemed an eternity. Meanwhile, my mother would sigh over how fast time flew. Now I'm the mother and I totally get how she felt.

In only a few short days, 2013 with all its warts, wrinkles, and age spots, will be a memory. Some people will make resolutions for the new year, while others will scoff at the notion, claiming nobody can keep all those well-intentioned intentions.

Personally, I'm a resolution maker. For me there's something undeniably appealing about turning the page and getting a fresh start. It's my chance for a do-over...an opportunity to get it right this time.

After years of floundering with resolutions, I've finally figured out that success lies in making them doable. I'm better off if I resolve to eat only 1 chocolate chip cookie rather than forbidding myself to have any. Parking my car in the most distant spot means I'll need to walk a little more. That sounds much better than trying to wedge my thunder thighs between all the Skinny Minnies at the gym. If I tell myself to write just a few words each day, it's more likely to happen than if I decree no less than 500 will do. So this year I'll be a little kinder to myself and therefore much happier in February.

I'm proud of being a resolution maker. We are optimists until the end. We're the dreamers, planners, and glass that's half-full kind of people. We know for sure we'll finally quit that smoking habit, lose those pesky 20 pounds, and maybe even take a piano lesson or two. So go for it. Just remember to take baby steps before you try to run that marathon.

Resolution Makers be forewarned. There's one tiny little side effect that comes with the territory. You'll gain a heart that's full to bursting with hope.

Happy 2014 from all of us at Critter Alley!

Baby Hope

See Lily and Baby Hope!

I blogged several months ago about Lily, the black bear. She has a webcam set up by the North American Bear Center that tracks her hibernation. Lily gave birth while in hibernation as black bears do, and I've been keeping track of their progress. All along I've been able to hear sounds of the cub from time to time (amazingly human-like), but today I finally saw baby Hope!!!

Check out the webcam. You may have to sit through a commercial first. If Hope is not visible keep on trying! Adorable, adorable, adorable. Turn up the volume to hear her baby grunts and coos. So cool!