Following the Great Captain... an evening of reunion.

Today Amazon helped resolve a sad longing of mine. You see, I lost my beloved, worn out, and written in copy of Lewis' The Weight of Glory about 6 months ago. No telling what happened, though I suspect a student "borrowed" it to prepare for declamation and never brought it back. After hoping for months that my Ruth worn copy would magically appear, I decided that my separation from this piece had to end. So, I went on Amazon and ordered a new one.

It came today all crisp and pretty. And, predictably, I read through the text of the sermon immediately. I was home again.

Skip enjoyed it too. He was on the couch staring at my reading of it with a knowing expression. I think he understood... in his lapine way.

And now, back to the seemingly mundane world of packing my lunch, grading a bit, and preparing for my Pilgrim's Progress lecture... "Meanwhile the cross comes before the crown and tomorrow is a Monday morning. A cleft has opened in the pitiless walls of the world, and we are invited to follow our great Captain inside. The following Him is, of course, the essential point."

For now (at least) the glory is hidden. But (at least) I know it's real.

Molting.

Skip is molting. This happens about twice a year. Basically, it means he's constantly grooming and he looks a little rough. I'm brushing him but he's still patchy and rabbit fur is in the air I'm breathing. I'm pretty sure I've ingested or inhaled a good bit of Skip fur but if you read my blog on fur, you know I don't mind that so much. The predicament is that Skip is ingesting a TON of the fur he's trying to groom off so he could end up having digestive problems (rabbits can't throw up like cats).

Tips on caring for a molting rabbit:
1. Give them lots of fiber.
2. Brush their fur daily.
3. Don't kiss your rabbit, especially if you just put chap stick on.
4. Pet the rabbit with a wet wash cloth so that the fur catches and pulls out.
5. Do not show on your face that your rabbit looks weird. It may hurt his feelings. Rabbits are self conscious about their fur and like looking well groomed and clean at all times.
6. Tell your rabbit you think he's handsome even when he's disheveled.

Respectful Request.

Dear spiders in room 101,
During the last two months you have decided to make my classroom your home. This, while understandable given your small brain, the hot and humid environment, and lack of human activity, is completely unacceptable behavior. I demand an immediate evacuation of the premises. Should you decide to defy my orders, I will have to annihilate you and all your friends by tomorrow afternoon. I strongly advise you to relocate as I do not enjoy the termination process for 8 legged crawly creatures.
Sincerely,
Ruth Vann, Teacher of young minds and room 101 occupant

All great summers must end...

Today is officially my last day of summer break. It's been a grand summer, I'd say. I took a vacation in my own neighborhood. And I loved every minute of it. West Asheville makes me so happy and I live in a city and region that feels as comfortable and beautiful as an old friend.

Highlights from Summer 2010 in West Asheville:
1. The 15 foot unicyle-er... the bike was 15 feet tall, not the man
2. A sighting of the nun on the really tall bike (no estimate on height here)
3. All kinds of exciting clothing choices for West Ashevillians... tutus, kilts, cows... the "no shoes or shirt" style
4. Two guys out walking their goats one afternoon
5. Pierce Ruch saying on his way to church "If I need something to do during the sermon, I can look at the mushroom calendar on the wall." (We meet at the Appalachian School of Holistic Herbalism.)
6. Becoming a regular at the Westville Pub for quiz night, spirituality discussion groups, and even bible study
7. Walks at dusk when it's cool and folks are still lingering on Haywood Road getting ice cream, eating dinner, or just plain strolling... and feeling the happiness of belonging
8. Moving friends out and moving friends in (that one especially)
9. The 4th Annual Summer Soiree... my backyard turned into a memory waiting to happen
10. Quilting... blog on that later
11. Contra dancing... the best way to enjoy yourself even when strangers are sweating on you
12. Friends - serving and loving and being served and loved... tis sweet
13. Food. Yep. Ate a ton, which is good because...
14. Ruth's got her knee back! So, see Ruth run. See Ruth bike. See Ruth hike. Even, See Ruth hop... which brings me to
15. Good times with the bunny. Skip learned a thing or two about friendship this summer too. Don't run away!


And now, back to the previously scheduled vocation of educating young minds for our future...

Burrowing attempts.

Today I was in the shower when I heard a noise outside the curtain... Sounds like metal. I call out for Skip and hear nothing... this means he's either hurt or in trouble. I pull back the shower curtain. Skip has pulled out the air vent on the floor and is looking into the vent hole longingly. It's as if after a year of burrowing attempts that lead nowhere through pillows, blankets, and floors that don't give, he's finally discovered the burrow he's always dreamed of. I yell, running towards Skip and informing him that this is not a safe burrow. I return the air vent to it's original location. Skip and I have a very serious chat. He moved his nose back and forth.

And now I'm off to Lowes to find some kind of meshy stuff to block the vent for real.