For someone who rarely leaves home I am away a lot longer than planned - I was supposed to be home Friday at 1:30 pm. But I received two wonderful gifts that I could not refuse. One - two passes to Butchart Gardens which I and Stan thoroughly enjoyed. Tho I was a tad stiff at the end of the day! Now that is a wonderful place and really shows what anyone can do with a recycled area! How beautiful, peaceful,enthralling and breathtaking. Words can not describe the beauty and color and just awesome garden. Thank you Daphne.

And today I lived a lifelong dream - I went whale watching!! And I saw some too. Thank you Prince of Whales for the wondrous gift. Again I went with my #1 son Stan and we saw a humpback whale #1057, a pod of transient killer whales - a female and her calf, stellar seals, sealions, California seals and a pod of male killer whales. How cool is that?

I am leaving tomorrow - I will catch the bus here in Victoria, cross the ferry, transfer to my bus to Prince George and transfer again for my bus home at 1:30 pm Monday! A long trip but a comfortable trip home. I have to meet the newcomers and get ready for the new pound guys - another Nonie pup, a pom mix, a rottie mix and a husky. School is back and all the furry toys that the kids played with all summer are now following them to school. The animal control officer is very very busy!! It happens every year. This year we are ready and so are my veterinarians. These new guys have their speuters scheduled for their arrivals Tuesday. I better get home - Dave needs me to get them ready for new homes. I will be very busy until snow flies. But I feel spiritually, physically and emotionally recharged. This has been the best holiday ever!! From the welcome from Jude and Cynda, dinner with wonderful friends, the TG Raffle draw, the Hike with TG Reunion, rescuing Chico, the wonderful visit with Carol who also made me feel so very welcome at SAINTS (the gourmet meals - the best cheesy garlic shrimp ever!!), the ferry ride across to Victoria, riding in the horse drawn carriage, the wax museum, Butchart Gardens, and the whale watching - wow. This will last me a very long time. Thank you sons, and thank you to all the TG supporters. You have made my heart whole and full to overflowing to continue to follow my philosophy :”I am one, but still, I am one
I cannot do everything,
but still I can do something
And, because I cannot do everything
I’ll continue to do the something that I can do” (Edward Everrett)

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.