But I forgot to back up my files before I leaped ahead. I have lost a lot of things, but most important, I've lost all my photos from my 2008 UK trip and all the photos taken from then to now.

How could I be so stupid? 

Looked into a software that could retrieve my deleted photos, if they haven't already been written over. Problem is, I need a second computer to run the software and save any files, and I need to "slave" it to my laptop. Yeah. Not going to happen.

I am gutted.

******************************

Comment from a friend: "You collect people in need like you collect animals that have been injured or abandoned. They are all broken birds to you, needing your help. But who helps you?"

Good question.

It is witty, clever, well-written, and I happen to know that the write is a brilliant woman!

http://the-mystery-shopper.tabulas.com/

Only two other private citizens have been in space, both paying between $20 to $35 million each for the adventure.

Laliberte's other reason for traveling to the space station was to perform a poem from space on the Earth's water scarcity. He is the founder of One Drop Foundation, whose goal is to fight poverty around the world by providing widespread access to safe water.

Laliberte called the trip a success, adding it was an "effective marketing tool to put One Drop Foundation on the map."

Surely there was a better, less expensive "marketing tool" available to draw attention to the foundation and the need for clean water globally. Oh, let's say... donating $35 million to actually putting wells across the most needy of areas! A documentary could have been commissioned, using university students looking for something for their portfolios. Celebrities could have gotten involved, and the message could have been spread by telecast and the internet globally.

Being able to live out a childhood fantasy is wonderful, but there are children globally who will never have that luxury. For them, it's a daily struggle to survive, and fresh water is paramount to that survival.

How many simple Mennonite-style water pumps would $35 million buy? How many wells could be dug globally for $35 million?

If you took the total spent by three wealthy private citizens to travel to space and spent it here on earth, how many wells, food, and medicine would $75 million buy globally?

While it's commendable that Laliberte has formed his foundation to provide safe water to the world, and I don't doubt his sincerity in this cause, I can't help wondering where the sense is in wasting $35 million on a trip into space when that money could have been better spent actually bringing fresh water to the people who need it the most.

I would much rather be remember for having built wells across the most arid of places, providing clean water to people and improving their lives, than for being the first clown in space.

http://catterburytails.tabulas.com/

Do come over and check it out! 

Miguel & Spunky

My sincere condolences and prayers go out to his wife Lisa and family. The hard part will be going on without him.

You fought a brave and valiant fight, Patrick. May you now rest in peace. You will be missed.

Another star is shining brightly in the heavens.

You are missed more every day.

"... at last I am free. I don't hurt anymore."

Rest in peace, Momma. xx

Miguel.....

Yes Spunky?

Does that mean Her lappy, or the computer?

It means the computer, Spunky.

Oh.......

Miguel...

Yes Spunky?

Why doesn't She call it a computer then?

I don't know, you'll have to ask Her.... may I continue?

Oh, sure, go ahead... I'll be quiet... I'll just sit here...

As I was saying...

I won't say a word... not one meow... I'll just lick my fur...

Spunky!

What?

Shush!!

Pardon us, we digress... as I was saying, we wanted a chance to visit too. We asked She-Who-Wishes-To-Be-Obeyed whether we could have our own blog, but we've not received a response from Her yet. We know we wouldn't in any way be as famous as our friend Ferdinand, but we do enjoy the chance to express our creative kitty sides whenever possible. If you think we should have our own blog, please tell She-Who-Wishes-To-Be-Obeyed... maybe she will be suitably impressed that we have garnered a small following and will consent to letting us at the computer more often.

Miguel...

Yes.... Spunky... what is it now?

Are you going to mention the sad news we learned today?

Yes, Spunky... I think it's only proper to pay tribute at this moment. Would you like to do the honours?

Thanks Miguel... well... we mentioned Ferdi just a moment ago. We loved reading his blog and we were eager to visit today and catch up on all his adventures. We began reading and were stunned. We had to read back through two months of blog entries before we fully realized what we were reading. It seems that Ferdi has disappeared. He is gone from his home and no one knows where he is. Even more sad news: Lil, Ferdi's house mate, has gone too. *sniffs* We knew Lil was not well, and had health problems for a while, but we so hoped she would pull through. Now, only Dolly remains there, all alone.

We want to send our special love to Susan and Dolly, and if Ferdi is out there, we pray he is safe and will come home soon.

**********

Miguel...

Yes, Spunky...

Did Lil go to the same place that Sasha and our other friends went to?

Yes, Spunky, she did... it is where we all go when we can no longer stay here. She-Who-Wishes-To-Be-Obeyed whispered to me earlier that Lil is no longer in pain, and can now run and play as she did when she was healthy.

Miguel...

Yes?

If you go away, will you wait for me, whereever 'away' is?

Come here, Spunky... you have some fur out of place.................. yes... I will wait for you, and so will all our friends.

**********

So now the cats are able to enjoy a bright fresh room, as that's where their cages reside, and I even managed to declutter the unwanted/unneeded items that had wound up stored in the room. I must admit to being pretty chuffed about the whole thing as I stand there admiring my work. I'm getting rather handy with the power tools, paint brushes and rollers, but I do still manage to get paint all over myself.

I have also restarted my writing course, thanks to Michael LaRocca's kindness to let me pick up where I left off last year. Wish I could say I feel as motivated as I first did, but my brain keeps running through all the other things I should be doing. We won't go into that, as the list is long and boring.

For the rest of August I plan (read: hope) to update my online shop and get it up to snuff so it can be promoted, keep up my blogging (I have missed it), spend less time in chat rooms, and refocus myself on my art, plans, and future.

Oh, I have also updated my Links page, and have added two online shops I hope you will check out. Sules.co.uk features fabulous bespoke jewelery created by my friend Sue. Down Under Creations features the designs of my friend Patty. Please do have a look, and spread the word. Thanks so much! To Sue and Patty, all the best on your endeavours, Ladies!