Summer Pastime

The weather has been SO nice these past few days.  It must be torture for some people to stay inside.  Never having been an outdoor person, I don't have a problem with it at all.  I decided to dust and rearrange books today which is one of my favorite pastimes.  I've also spent the last few days watching minimal news -- just enough to know what's happening.  I was beginning to feel so helpless, as though somebody was pounding me into the ground.   Then, on top of that, the ASPCA (Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has launched a campaign which is uncomfortably long and features detailed pictures of tortured and injured animals: the dog chained outside by a chain bigger than the dog, the crippled horse which had obviously been beaten, etc. etc.  Since I'm already having depression issues, that sent me right over the edge so I thought it best to just turn the TV off and find something else to entertain myself.  

 Right now I should be in Utah starting my much anticipated two-week volunteer stint at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab but the sanctuary is now closed to visitors and volunteers alike because of the virus.  I'm sure the dedicated volunteers who live close to the sanctuary are doing double duty taking care of the animals and I am really, really sad that I can't be there to help. This is a spot that is so close to my heart, where people help and rehabilitate all sorts of animals.  It's a place where the love for animals is palpable.  I don't know if I'll be able to reschedule my trip or not.  I hope so, but it won't be until next fall at the earliest.  

So, on that crummy note, I'll go back to my books and maybe add some chocolate to my day as well.