Happy Late St. Francis Day

In memoriam: Bill the Skink. I am remembering Bill today because this past Sunday was St. Francis Day. The folks at church got to bring in their pets, photos of pets, and photos of past pets, so that we might celebrate and bless the creatures who bring us joy and remind us of our humanity and humility. Thank God for the creatures who bring us down to earth!

Now, in addition to Misty and Periwinkle the cats, I only have a fish named Bob. Bob is a tough little Tiger Barb who has put up with my irregular feedings, and an occasional kitty paw in the water. I can't believe he's still alive. I brought him a friend once, who he proceeded to pick to death. I guess Bob rules the tank. I've had this little fish for over a year now.

Bill the skink was a good lizard, who I had for over 11 years! He also put up with a lot because he traveled with me around Dallas as I kept moving around, then he moved with me to Austin, where my life took a really disorganized turn for another 5 years. Finally, he died of what I guess may have been old age, because I couldn't figure out what else caused it. These types of skinks (called "Schneider Skinks" or "Berber Skinks") have about a 12 year life expectancy. St. Francis would be happy to know that Bill not only breathed life into mine, but he also was a source of frequent entertainment for Periwinkle, who came into my life later on as a 2 month old kitten. Every time I try to take a picture of that cat, she's asleep!

Happy Late St. Francis Day to everyone. Don't forget to hug and love the animals in your life.