Fan Mail Re: Walkabouts

 

Hi Carole - I just wanted you to know how much your walk abouts help people get through life, without you even realizing!

 

I have been watching your videos for as long as you have been making them, and they are a great way for me to unwind at the end of the day.  I don't often get to see them live, but they're something I really look forward to watching when I get home from work.

 

A few years ago my husband and I were in Florida for a wedding and we decided to go on a tour at BCR.  We loved it so much that we came back to Florida this past May and went on a keepers tour.  You were nice enough to stop your golf cart and give me a hug when I waved at you from the tour!  I was so excited to see you in person and chat with you for a minute.

 

I have always loved all animals, since I was a very little girl, and I try to support you and another few sanctuaries when I can.  I also love to go to zoos all over the United States when we travel.  My dream was to be a veterinarian or a zookeeper when I was younger, but I ended up being an accountant instead (not even close to each other) so I can only just visit and donate!

 

So, I finally come to why I am writing you today:  On October 9th, our home burned completely down along with over 4000 other homes in the Northern CA fire.  Our entire neighborhood is gone, and we got out with very little time to spare.  I woke up at 2:15 am to the smell of smoke, so we gathered the pets, grabbed my purse and laptop and headed about 10 miles away to my parent's house.  Our home was completely gone before 3:00 am.  It has been the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life, and I am a breast cancer survivor.

 

I lost everything I have ever owned in my life including all of my pictures, wedding album, wedding dress, kid's mementos, things left to me from my grandmother, my wedding ring, and the flag that was presented to my husband at his brother's funeral only the month before the fire.  I have been married for 34 years, and lived in that house for 30 of those years.  I also lost my things that I had saved from my childhood, yearbooks, prom pictures, etc.  It's just a total devastation and loss.

 

We stayed in a hotel for 3 1/2 weeks, and have just recently found a place to rent.  We will probably be here several years, as there are so many homes to rebuild, it's going to take a very long time.

 

For over a month, I was unable to watch the videos you post, or even read the daily updates because our life was in such an upheaval.  A few weeks ago I started going onto the old updates starting with October 9th, the day of the fire, and moving forward each day watching and reading.  Yesterday was the day  I caught up!  I can't even begin to tell you how much your updates and videos have made me feel better.  I have cried at all of the lost cats this past month and a half, and smiled at the antics of the silly ones!  It's these things that truly help people get through their day and start to feel whole again, and I can't begin to thank you enough.  Whenever you think that you aren't appreciated, or that there's nothing interesting going on at the sanctuary, please know that even just walking around with you and hearing your voice and your stories helps someone out there - even way over here in California!

 

Thank you for all that you do - and not only for the cats.  Fondly,  Jennifer 

 

Solar Powered Beer

I dreamed of a stainless steel unit that looked like the little coolers with handles, but it had a fold out solar array in the top.  You could put hot or cold food or beverages in it, take it to your party spot and then lay out the solar panels to keep the food hot or cold.

 

Planning to have lunch with Mom today after getting this letter from her:

 

Sorry to be so long in replying but an update to my computer took hours to do and then it crashed but I saw your email. I can’t print out the preNup and wondered if you could change Fred’s name and print it out