Here we can all be heard for a little while. Part 3

Waves_and_Smiles

I can finally sit up in a chair, yesterday involved staying horizontal and trying not to move anything. My picnic with my teacher friend was a ruse! He had contacted an animal park that was only 2 minutes away and they had reassured him they never get any visitors other than school groups in the mornings at this time of year so he booked an animal handling experience for me just as they opened as a surprise! The whole time we were there it was just the four of us visiting and the only other person we saw was the animal handler which was perfect for me.

Skunk lesson time!

The skunk was just adorable! We had no idea which animals they would bring out because it depends on how happy the animals are on the day (as it should be) and my teacher friend and his wife were slightly surprised to see a skunk! They considered moving away but apparently he can spray up to 20ft so there would have been no escape. The handler told us it is possible to remove their scent glands but the park has a policy not to do that because it can make them start biting because it is the only defence they have left. They only have the ability to spray 4-5 times before needing to replenish their scent which can take hours so they are reluctant to do so, it is only when they think their life might be in danger that they will do it. They will also stomp their feet and hiss like a cat as a warning before they spray so there is plenty of time to back away.

She told me to treat him just as I would a cat, hold him securely and stroke him but let him move around and he wouldn't spray. The park are clear with you that they have no liability for ruined clothes if he did spray! The handler said they are timid animals but are actually friendly and do like to be cuddled against a warm body, this one had only sprayed 5 times in 3 years and that was when children grabbed him roughly and he became scared so only adults are allowed to hold him now. Skunks are so heavy, they have very little fat and a lot of muscle so they weigh far more than you would think. I cuddled him for 20 minutes while she answered questions and eventually he laid his little head on my chest and fell asleep. He was truly adorable and the handler said she wished she could let me take him home because he was so content.

As well as the animals in the photo's who were all so sweet, I met an owl that I could stroke and a goat the size of a donkey who was very playful! Then we took a slow walk around the park and looked at all of the other animals and had a picnic on one of the benches. It was so sweet of my teacher friend to book this, he really is too good to me. It was lovely to see him, we meet once every year and it is always wonderful, otherwise we email each other every day. I have known him for 34 years now and we really are family to each other.

I am a very tired but happy WaS and I want a pet skunk.

Have another photo of my little friend-

whitewing

Actually faerie, I think your bpd is getting better.

You are changing and people may be finding those changes a bit difficult to deal with, so they default into their programming, which is to blame you for everything that is wrong in their lives. Rational you knows that this is not healthy for you. You are less inclined to give into this unfairness but you have't yet found a way to replace your old feelings about these situations. Maybe you feel numb or anxious or empty. But you will be making space either for new versions of your friendships or for new healthier friendships.

You will be fine. Sleep on it.

jobbingmusician

This is such a lovely thread sometimes! Faerie, I think WW is very wise and you ARE actually getting better, bit by bit. (OOO, I must go back and read your penguin - whatever I did I couldn't see it on my phone). WaS - your teacher friend is a real treasure. What a lovely outing for you all! You obviously have a way with skunks!!!! xxxxx

OK, Faerie, I have read your penguin and remembered what I wanted to say to you. Which is that when I ran a befriending service we had a similar thing happen - someone's friend presented a risk to our workers, although the actual client was fine. We came to an arrangement that the client shouldn't have friends round when the befriender visited - would that work for you? You could suggest it to the agency and they would see that you were thinking it through..... xxx

Pyxis

Dear WaS,

Thank you for the skunk info.

I have entered it all into "My Little Book of Skunks".









(Isn't the word 'skunk' lovely?
Skunk skunk skunk.

It's skunkilicious! )

codemonkey

Happy Saturday my poor unfortunate souls (that's an Ursula reference).

Tonight is the party. My costume is ready and my confidence has plummeted into the toilet. I think I had more fun putting it together than actually wearing it.

Izadora

I'm sure the costume looks fab. Will it help at all to hide behind the fact that you're dressed as someone else, therefore you don't need to be confident as it's not you they're looking at?

If you can then put a photo of it up (I fully understand if you don't want to but it sounds amazing and I love fancy dress costumes) and I'm sure everyone will agree that it's great.

I hope you manage to have fun tonight.

elsien

Code, I'm sure you look great, the costume was a fab idea. Hope you enjoy yourself.


Today Gitdog and I have been avoiding housework and making the most of the last bits of autumn by checking out the last of the blackberries.

onomatopoeia99

I've had a day doing nothing, except laundry and changing the bed. Tomorrow I am resolved to get on with my homework, or do something at least!

elsien

I am still a washing machine free zone. Having got the plumbing fixed, the new machine wouldn't get through the door and they had to take it back. Thank goodness for local independent businesses who offer good customer service. Can't see Argos taking an unpacked machine back again just because the customer is an idiot.

katiie

Hi all, sorry to interrupt. I'm a bit confused about what this thread is for. I've been trying to find somewhere to vent as it were but think I may be in the wrong place.

Sorry, carry on. *gets coat*