Love can be Scratchy at Times! #comfort #home #relocation

At the beginning of the year we erected one of those do it yourself gazebos. It was to see us through the interim until we got quotes, council permits etc for the construction of a new conservatory. Then, along came the patter of little feet (four actually)!  There is an abundance of wildlife in our area and they all seem to like our back garden. One night, a mother possum appeared with her baby and sort of asked us to baby sit for a while.  Maybe she needed a night out on the town after being left high and dry by the father, with a baby to feed and nurture.  Anyway, mum never came back leaving us with a hairy little infant. We rang the wildlife people and they said she probably will come back but, in the meantime, give the baby some fruit and nuts.  One thing lead to another and days went by! My partner said the possum needed a drink and so then I was back on the phone to the wildlife people asking them what we can give it to drink?  The wildlife people said that possums are lactose intolerant so honey water or lactose free milk was the go.  'How do we do this?' we ask, as she wasn't drinking from a bowl. So, we went off to the pharmacy, bought a baby bottle, lactose free milk for infants, and attempted to feed.  She would not drink the milk! So, we changed to honey water.  Away she went, gobbling down the stuff! So cute!  

Mum never came back and, as baby began growing she would go out on the town herself.  I presume to check if she could find mum at one of the possum clubs or dating services.  Every morning, there baby would be, snuggled up in her little cocoon of canvas, to emerge for some fruit, nuts, and the bottle as soon as we woke.  She would then go back for the days sleep. At night, before she went out clubbing in search of mum, she would get our attention for a quick bite to eat before leaving for another night of looking for mummy dearest.  

This has gone on for months now, and finally, our new conservatory is to be built starting Thursday. We rang the wildlife people again about relocating her and they said to build her a little house close to where she has been camping. (he he) Encourage her with fruit and put some smelly bits of canvas  in the house to make her feel at home.

With Google plans in hand, we take off to the hardware shop so we can build a home fit for a queen. (ok possum) We purchase our materials, load them into the Jag and away we go.  Neither of us are of handyman status, but we did a fairly good job.  We waterproofed it, mounted it close to her original site but out of the way of construction.  

Today was the day to coax her into her new domain.  My partner says to me that maybe the hole in her new home gives too much light. So, I race inside, run up some block out curtains to hang, so her day time sleep is not disturbed.  Fit the drapes, now the coaxing begins.  Ok, she appears for breakfast takes the bottle as we walk with it toward her new abode.  She goes so far, then turns back.  Though she appears to love us, picking her up is a problem!  They have the longest claws which are not gay friendly, I tell you.  So three hours of encouragement to a very tired little girl and finally she is in, adjusted her bedding and seems set for a life of bliss and contentment.  We demolished the old house so there is no temptation to go back.  


I guess like all of us, we take comfort in our surrounds and familiar habits.  But every now and again, we must up root or up root someone else. It can be very difficult, and there will be problems adjusting. Yes a few scratches along the way.  But love isn't love if you haven't felt some pain, don't you think. But, if we encourage, guide, and let others move at their own pace, it can be quite painless.   

Baby was left alone at a tender age and she needed to feel support and nurturing on her journey. This is like all of us in some shape or form.  And for those around us who are left, we need to get out of our comfort zone and give help to someone in need.  That day may come, when we need someone to help us.  

These are my thoughts and as always feel free to email me and give me your thoughts.  Or maybe you have something you want to discuss.  

Cheers

Bitchescoz

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com