Actually his real name is Agni, but we have called him Ham for years - he's a big pig (weighs 20 pounds). Somehow 'Ham' seemed a better fit :-) Ham is pretty young for this - he's 11 (diagnosed a year ago). He is a senior cat now, but kidney failure more commonly hits around 14-15. He's only got one properly formed kidney though - two dying kidneys can carry a cat a lot further than one can, so that's probably a large part of it. I'm glad Minnie had adapted to the new addition! It's pretty common for older cats to perk up when you bring a young kitten into the house - once they get over the hissing fits, they discover that kittens are great fun to play with :-). I hope the new kitty does well for her spay. Once Ham is gone I'll be looking for a couple of kittens to adopt, but I don't want to do it now - I think it'd be too hard on him since he needs a lot of sleep, and he is really sooky these days. I have to give him so much attention! My other kitty is going out of his mind with boredom in the meantime though! He's used to having several cats around (we used to have 4), and now he has no one to play with - he actually likes other cats and he especially likes kittens, so it'll be good for him to get new playmates :-) BP

Lake Butler is a very tiny community. Kinda like if you blink as you are going through it, you'll miss it. I don't know of anything interesting there to see unless you're interested in correctional facilities and a state prison nearby. Not familiar with any B&B's in that area. 30 miles southwest is a small town High Springs. There are several B&B's there. The Grady House is the one I would use. I don't remember the names of others. Lots of local folk. In the area is Camp Oleno. There are lots of springs in this area. Swimming, camping and I think they have horseback riding. There's Ichetucknee Springs State Park to the west at Ft. White. Ichetucknee River is a beautiful clear river and people from all over the U.S. and Canada come to go tubing. However Labor Day probably isn't a good time to do that due to the number of people. Their limit is 800 and they usually have to close the gates at the main springs by 10 am. I would suggest contacting the Chamber of Commerce in High Springs if you are interested in that area.

Awesome finds for everyone. Tracy, I would sort of be inclined to leave the two together. I kind of actually like that. But wish the tops were growing more outward from each other to give a better balance. It just reminds me of trees in the forest that grow side by side. Like a deep connection twins often have with each other. Either way it's a tough call. Wonder if the blooms would compliment each other. Kirk

So sorry that you had that bout with gb Nita.....yes,there is always next winter for you to travel! Happy to have "seen"you here and on the way to better health!