our little opossums

There are three little 'possums snoozing in a slipper. One of the boys thought it would help them feel like they were in a pouch. I thought that was a great idea and apparently, so did they. :)
Just finished up eating and are ready to climb under the towel and go to sleep.
Drew took this picture of the boys and I at the county fair last Thursday. Our church had a booth and we took a turn sitting there, greeting people and handing out literature. After our shift was over, we decided to walk through and look at the animals. Can you guess what is in my basket?? Yes, baby opossums. They were with me just about everywhere I went. Now that I know they are able to feed themselves from a dish, I do not have to 'possum-sit.

orphan opossums

We've had a new project lately. On the way to church 2 weeks ago, we saw a mama 'possum that had been hit in the other lane. As I passed, I noticed babies crawling on her! We didn't want to just let them there so helpless so we turned around and went back. Drew found three little survivors, scooped them up and brought them to the van. We quickly found something to put them in and headed for church.

Now, we are not new to this type of thing. Actually, we've rehabilitated quite a few animals. We have also given some to local rehabbers who were better prepared to handle the particular situation...like hawks or porcupines, but we have always made room if it is something we can handle. These little one were likely making the transition to living out of their mama's pouch and so they have been fairly easy to care for.

As a child, my mom and grandparents always had an interest in animals and the outdoors. I have very fond memories of a mischievous pet raccoon named Zeke. He was orphaned when his mama and siblings were killed on a construction site. Our cousin automatically knew where to bring the little baby. My mom also raised a baby opossum and I remember her riding around on my mom's shoulder, under her hair, with only her pink tail showing. We didn't do everything right back then. They slept with us and ate with us. We treated them too much like pets and weren't prepared for the day when Zeke matured to an age when he would be seeking a mate. It seemed like his temperament changed overnight and he was no longer friendly. He was released and I was so sad to not have him in my life anymore.

The opossums have been quite easy to care for and the boys are enjoying every minute. We made some phone calls to opossum rescues to get specific info. on their care. We also have a great book called "Care of the Wild, Feathered and Furred". The boys look for insects and worms and they help prepare their "milk" and other food. We've done some internet research together. I will include photos of this experience, along with some of the information we have gathered, in the boys homeschool notebooks. I am really happy they are getting the opportunity to make some memories like this. There is so much we can learn from nature and our wonderful Father who created it.

a new thought...

I think I've discovered one of the reasons why I'm having these huge gaps in between posts lately. I always want to have pictures to post along with what I write. That takes time...time I don't seem to have right now. The green beans have been coming in and we are now up to 117 quarts. Boy, that feels good. We have also been drying tomatoes and peppers. So far we have 2 gallon jars full of Principe Borghese tomatoes, all sliced and looking quite pretty. The peppers are coming along nicely too...about half a gallon so far. I am happy we decided to dry them so we can enjoy them all through the year. The plants are still heavy with developing peppers...this is so rewarding. The corn however has not been a huge success. First, we had raccoon problems. Then drought. Well, all in all, Drew processed 7 quarts for the freezer yesterday while I was laid up on the couch. We consoled ourselves with the lessons learned and that every little bit helps.

We've had a couple bouts with sickness, first stomach then respiratory. I'm not sure what's going on, but hopefully we're on the mend now. My fever is at 100 and I actually feel a lot better, just very tired.

Well, Silas just made spaghetti and green beans and heated up some baked acorn squash. I am feeling so blessed.