blue fire, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Date / Time: 5/30/2008 7:00 PM
“The Eclectic Word” Hosted By Victor Infante

poets Mark Doty and Dave Keali’i

…., originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

We’re all excited about going out to the game but Sarah is the most excited. She makes this face a lot at games while she is screaming for the Sharks. I’ll try to get a picture of her actual “game face” instead of this one where she’s screaming at the trees or something. (Weird kid - just like her mother, it’s a pity. haha!).

I have to say, I’m really not much of a sports fan (sorry sports fans). I’m not harshing on the sports fans, just saying - not my thing. BUT, I do like going to the Sharks games. Mostly to see Sarah have a great time - she IS a hockey fan. It’s a fun time all around though. If you haven’t been, you should give it a try. Especially if you have kids.

Now I’m going to go get mentally prepared to MAKE NOISE - LOTS OF NOISE!!

The last hole, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

We went out to Monster Mini Golf in Webster yesterday. What a fun place to bring the kids!

If you haven’t been there (I hadn’t), it’s indoor miniature golfing with a monster theme. It’s all dark in there. Everything is painted with fluorescent paint and they’ve got tons of black lights - yippee!! Fun! (see in the pictures)

Apparently, it’s a chain with locations in Groton, CT, Webster, MA, Norwood, MA and a few other spots. The flyer says there will be new ones opening around Massachusetts but none near here.

They’ve got a birthday party room and party packages too. There were some parties going on while we were there and it seemed pretty well organized. The prices look pretty good too - $20 for 2 adults and 1 kid to golf when we went. Check out the site for more information - http://www.monsterminigolf.com.

I got to play “ski ball” - they call it “ice ball”. I like to play that game

We won a bunch of tickets and the kids got fun toys. This is Sarah waiting to cash in some of the tickets.

I found out that I’m still completely horrible at mini golf. I AM good at cheating at mini golf though. My particular “talent” was for whacking my ball behind the little gravestone obstacles. Eventually, I figured out that using a field hockey and/or soccer type approach worked better for me. between tapping the ball with my feet and guiding it with the stick I was able to get the ball to the hole. I did actually accidentally get a hole-in-one on one of the holes (legitimately). Good thing we weren’t keeping proper score. I would have lost big time!

He thinks we can’t see him, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

This is Chuck. One of our “foundling” pets. He was abandoned in an apartment at about 6 months old. His previous owners left him there when they moved out

Although it’s really bad that he was abandoned, it turned out to be great luck for us. He’s been one of the best pets I’ve ever had.

I’ve written about him before and will do it again because it’s important to remind people that there are a lot of animals that get left behind or dumped for whatever reason. These animals need help and homes.

I’ve heard people say that the animal was probably dumped for a good reason - they blame the animal for it’s situation. I’ve heard people talk about the “fun” of having a new puppy or kitten. There’s the “cute” factor that turns people off adopting older animals. As in, older animals just aren’t “cute enough”. I’ve got a different point of view.

There are a lot of reasons pets are left and it’s all about the owner’s problems - financial troubles, owners become too old or sick to care for them, work schedules, family issues - none of which are the animal’s fault. Chuck’s only “crime” was that he was inconvenient when it came time to move. He was not a “bad cat” that deserved to be left behind.

/mini-rant
Yes, I do sound a bit upset with the people who left him and I am. They were students who knew they’d be moving out. They should have made sure they were going to be able to care for their pets for life before they picked up cute new kittens (Chuck had 2 sisters abandoned with him - all were adopted and are happy. They were lucky.). Cats live for a long time - longer than 6 months.
/end mini-rant

If you are thinking of getting a new pet, PLEASE check the shelters and rescue leagues before heading out to get a brand new baby animal. If “bonding” is a concern I can understand that but I can also offer our experience with Chuck. He couldn’t be more part of our family if we had gotten him at 8 weeks old. It actually seems that he appreciates us more and is more affectionate because of his ordeal. (I’m just comparing him to the many other cats I’ve had. I’ve never had one more focused on being part of the family.)

As for “cuteness” that does wear off for all pets. The upside of him being older was that he was beyond the crazy destructive kitten thing. You cat owners know about that stuff - the chewing, the curtain climbing, the wailing kitten in the night, the furniture destroying, the child clawing - ugh!!!! That’s right dog owners, cats are a bundle of trouble when they are babies too

Anyway, that’s it. I just need to post my “support pet adoption” thing every so often. It’s a good thing to do.

Some helpful links

Pet Rock Festival
Pet Rock is a festival and ongoing project of Charlene Arsenault. I’m sure if you check their site, you can find lots of advise on how to adopt a pet or how to find a home if you cannot keep a pet. Pet Rock has an annual event, visit their site for information or to learn how you can support Pet Rock: http://www.petrockfest.com/

The Cat Hostpital of Auburn
If it’s a cat you are looking for, The Cat Hostpital of Auburn always has adoptable cats. They post pictures on the site so you can have a look at who needs a home.

Related ‘I’m From Worcester Posts’
Animals! Post about a pregnant cat that was dumped at our complex.
Update post This one was an update to the “Animals!” post.
Final update on “Animals!” Yes, The abandoned cat found a home.

Here’s another site that can help you find an adoptable pet:
Pet Finder. You can find info. about adoptions, pet care, adoptable pets - you get the picture.

Feb. 24, originally uploaded by Claudia Snell.

Wow - it was so nice out today that we actually ventured out. Snow was melting everywhere.

While we were out looking for adventure we popped out to Carl’s Oxford Diner. We’ve heard a lot about how great it is so we had to check it out.

I couldn’t believe how much food we got! I had heard the portions are giant but it’s still quite a surprise when you see it all.

I had some pecan waffles (which were great!) and couldn’t even eat half of it. Thank goodness for the take-home box, now I have dinner too. We all really enjoyed the place. Everyone’s breakfast was great. Everyone got more than enough to eat. The people there were super friendly. We’ll go again even though it’s a bit out of the way. Here’s directions, some other reviews and a map to get you there.

That’s about it - nothing else too exciting to pass along, but Sunday shouldn’t be too exciting - there’s all next week for “excitement”.