Okay, so, I just went to go to the bathroom and found a HUGE field mouse outside. When it saw me, it tried to get away, but there was something wrong with its front legs (collapsed under it), so it just ended up shoving itself around in a circle. I couldn't just leave it like that, so I got one of the guys to catch it and take it out back (small strip of "field" of weeds, a gully, etc. behind the buildings). When he came back in the guy conjectured that it must have fallen (maybe we have a nest in our overhang or something) and broken its legs - and added that he doesn't think its going far. I wish there was something I could do, but I'm never home (and my two cats are). If it happens, I can deal with the "natural order" of one of the local birds of prey finding it. I would not be okay if I left it there to get killed with a shovel by one of the maintenance guys.

But I'm still kind of brokenhearted and mildly freaking out. I wonder if any of the local rescues make housecalls?

And I feel bad for being so dark for so long and then laying this on you guys, but I needed to get it out, so thanks.

That is SO hard, Epic. Bless your caring self.

It's a really tough call. I've gone both ways...going the extra 5 miles to contact rescues or taking a mouse to a vet to be put down...and other times I've had to shut my eyes and hope that my faith in fate is well-founded.

The fact that you have a heart to be broken is a testament.

Thanks, Bonny. I appreciate that.

Best of luck with the blood donation, bonny and zen.

Epic, I'm sorry you had to deal with the hurt field mouse. While it's sad for the mouse, there's probably an owl who has chicks to feed.

Donating blood is not a hardship for me, phlebotomists love my veins (and did you know in ASL "phlebotomist" is the same as "vampire"?) but I used to go to the bloodmobile when it came by work so I haven't donated since I got fired. I needed the poke, so to speak.

I needed the poke

I haven't given blood since the phlebotomist poked around my arm so much, my fingers were twitching. Took her what felt like 30 minutes and 4 pokes to find a vein. That's it. No more for me. Sorry.

Okay, see, that's what makes me faint. Just thinking about it.

Thanks, Omnis! Just great.

Are you going to tell horrible birth stories in front of the pregnant people next?

Sorry, I don't remember mine. Mom was happy (I was born real late)

[looks for more clouds to direct towards parade routes]

I feel your pain, omnis. I've had that experience.

Zen...turn away! We shall not be daunted.