This diary was inspired by strawbale’s recent Peeps diary, PWB Kitties Love Bats. Her diary inspired me to watch some bat rescue videos — and there are a lot of them on YouTube. Many are about fruit bats in Australia. There is a lady there who is a prolific documenter of her rescues and I have been finding her videos to be so calming in this time of 24/7 TFG. (I’ll take cute baby bats over that guy anytime.) But I referenced an old bat in the title of this diary and this is he:
Just imagine having a carer who carries you around so that you feel like you are flying, only stopping now and then for fruit snacks. Gentle sponge baths every day! Waking up everyday just hanging with your friends and unlimited noms! Sounds great.
The thing about all this battiness is that it is interesting to me to find that something that once terrified me is actually rather sweet. Years ago, I did have a bat encounter when I lived in DC. One flew into a wall in my apartment and knocked itself out. I saw my cat pawing at this little, dark shape on the floor — and then it got up and flew! Yes, I screamed. And yes, this was in my bedroom. I’m sure the little creature was as terrified of me as I was of it. It took a little while to find it and for a friend to get it out of a window.
Not long after, I was next at the Indian Craft Shop at the Department of the Interior (a favorite haunt of mine back in the day) and wouldn’t ya know I saw a little Zuni fetish carving of a bat. They had a bat! Coincidence? Of course I bought it. I treasure this little carving. To me, it represents all that is beneficial about bats and also a lesson about recognizing and handling fear in myself. I’d like to think that if a bat landed in my house again, I’d find a safe exit for it without screaming! But seriously, one indoor bat experience is plenty for me…no need to repeat the lesson.
Anyhoo, bat rescue videos…they are rather cool and strangely soothing. I’ll put one of the videos here so if you are interested, you can follow this Australian lady. And then we can turn the conversation to anything you like.
I should say you can turn the conversation to anything that you like as I maybe late to the party or absent. I’m having surgery on my eye today so forgive me if I don’t come in until late!
The weekend begins now. Come in, be comfortable, and share your day, your weekend plans, your menus! This is an open thread.