Herein lies the tail -- quite literally!

The last time I saw Timothy he was making about sixty mph, racing us to the cellar door. He won. What can I say? We leave the kitchen door to the deck open while we barbecue. We first noticed that we had a guest when something bigger than an ordinary spider ran beside Mark and skittered into some remote invisible niche. A frantic hunt insued, with me sighting the mouse under the dining table; he looked to be pausing to turn, and right then he split for the fireplace and the wood box. I screamed, Bob and Mark came running and carried (it's a big copper pot instead of a box)container, wood and all outside. We left it there overnight and thought we had solved the problem. Next came the garbage compactor incident. It no longer works. There has been a Timothy sighting behind and in it. We think he either has a top part jammed or he chewed through the wires. What to do. No poison here with the grandkids and Sugar around, so that was out. Then we sort of got used to having a little guest. I named him Timothy because the grandkids used to love a movie with a main character of that name. It just made the little rascal more personal, more individual, more -- tender. So, just awhile ago I went into one of my drawers for some napkins and to my surprise, there lay about 6 of Sugar's dry food pellets, or whatever you call them. A closer look and I noticed my measuring cup was filled also, as was half of a basket toward the back of the drawer that we use for miscellaneous gadgets. I thought Sugar was alot more hungry lately! Bob is expounding on how he can build Timothy a little house. I told him Timothy already has a house! I just hope he doesn't go looking for a Mrs. Timothy!!!

Today

Let your light so shine

  May your eyes shine today
     with peace that passes
     your worried planning,
    your fears for tomorrow,
    your hopes for the future --

      passing your deepest
          understanding.

May your footsteps be sure and joyful --
   your heart carrying no load
  but the singing of love's song.

May tears and sorrow flee from you --
your enemies finding softened hearts
         a renewal of trust,
        outstretched hands,
     a palm to palm re-awakening.

     In your deepest place of secrets,
whatever the shadow that makes you wince
                and cry
       by yourself, to yourself,
              'How could I?'

        Turn to Jesus and listen:
     
   He said, “I am the way, and the truth,
 and the life. No one comes to the Father
         except through me.

Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying
       I am the light of the world: 
           He that follows me
 shall not walk in darkness, but shall have
             the light of life.

      May you forgive yourself
      as Christ forgave Peter.
      He will also forgive you.
   May you abide in the grace
 and the love of our Lord forever.