What can I say...

This morning was probably the hardest I've had in many years.  The hardest, the saddest, the kind of morning where I just wanted to cry, but I knew I had to just keep going until I finished, despite it nearing 7 am., having left the house at 4:45 am.  We had two feet of snow, and let me tell you, it was for real.  I've seen so much sadness in my years of doing this.  Wet cats, sick cats, dead cats.  But when you spend an entire year building up shelters for these animals, for me at the 16 different locations that I do, and to have each of them obliterated after one big snowstorm like we had yesterday, you really wonder how long you can continue.  At each shelter, they were either covered so the cat couldn't get in/out, or so packed with snow you couldn't see the dishes until you shoveled.  Packed with snow.  And even the tote shelters, the entrances had snow inside them.  I used at least 20 towels this morning - and brought another 20 home with me.  It took me at least 10 minutes at each spot to shovel a path to get to them, shovel a space for me to kneel down and clear it of snow, place food and water. They were not safe shelters for them during this storm, that some say was one of five major storms we've had in over a century.  I wish I had pictures to show you, but I was exhausted.

I will get over it, but I feel sheer exhaustion after this morning.  I wish I had help.  Kings was kind enough to stand there and hold the food and water while I shoveled (bad back), but that was it.  Thank you Kristin for the offer if you were able.

Sorry for whining this morning all.  But this winter has taken its toll on me.

Update from Teddy's new mom:

Hi! Just read your blog for the day and wanted to give you an update on Teddy. He is warming up nicely! He spent almost the whole morning downstairs and then another big chunk this afternoon with us. When he is downstairs with us, he often comes up to one of us, rubs against us, or will roll over on his back to have his tummy rubbed.  I am still trying to get Claire (18mos) to be "gentle" with him. She likes him so much and gets so excited that she sometimes puts her hands on him too hard instead of just a gentle pet. He tolerates it well but she needs to learn. Also I am very gun shy right now bc our last cat was so aggressive that I didn't let Ava anywhere near him. I am trying to learn to trust again, that he won't do anything aggressive towards us. It really affected me though :( We are really enjoying Teddy though, and he is becoming more and more playful. Loves to chase balls, toys, etc. 

Stay warm and safe!

Angela

I love this quote.  Have a great day everyone!

"What I do today is important because I am exchanging

a day of my life for it."