Newsletter 08/03/2014

It is I, Zorro the Mouse. Things have been pretty quiet around here because the Dude is in recovery mode. He can't really lay down very well, so it means not sleeping very well at night. Instead, he just dozes off every few minutes. Whenever he does that, I like to climb up on top of his head and stack things--clothes pins, pencils, crackers, little note pads, etc. I know he appreciates it when he wakes up and finds himself covered in office supplies and snacks. I believe that is a very important part of the healing process. Apparently from the tone and volume of his voice upon waking, the Dude may not agree with me.

He is going to be up in Chico next weekend, and it looks like I will be staying here to act as Guard Mouse. I shall guard the house with all the diligence I can muster. He is going to see his best friend's oldest son get married. Humans have a very elaborate way of choosing a mate, and then they have this big ceremony and stuff. It is not like that for us mousies. We just tend to look at each other, and then we say "hey, you're kinda cute. Care to..." And then at least for males, we just lose consciousness. We don't wake up for several months, at which time we look around and see a whole bunch of other, smaller mousies that kind of look like us, and then it hits us--"oooh, I've got a family now. Time to stock up on more cheese!"

Zorrina and I have occasionally exchanged glances, but we've been keeping it pretty casual. I haven't lost consciousness yet. I think it's just as well--I'm not sure the Dude is ready for lots of my offspring running around. Yup, the bachelor life is the life for me! And it means that I get to keep all the cheese for myself!

Well, I think the Dude is heading into the living room with the ice pack, so there is probably a nap in the near future. That means I need to go gather some things for stacking on his head. Maybe I'll load some stuff into his ear, too. That's always a nice touch!

Have a great week, y'all!

			Chatter News
	A Note from the Dude		Chatter News		Prayer Requests		Vaca Blog

Sharoot	Sharoot's featured pictures can be found at the end of each newsletter, under Photos of the Week. She says that since they are located at the end, then "Sharoot's the Caboose!" Sharoot's Caboose today features a wonderful story of Sharoot and her granddaughter!

Jes63	Jes has been trying for quite some time to get a glimpse of the International Space Station as it crosses the sky above her home. This week we got this message from her: *I actually timed it right, working with two web sites, to see the International Space Station pass over.It does go really fast and even at 9:20 pm the sun was still hitting it to view though it was dark here.* Took me forever to time it right. About a month.**

ChatterChopz	CC is home from camp! After several days of pre-camp angst, she headed off to 4 days of fun. She swam in the camp's new aquatic center, made several kewl crafts, attended a dance party and a carnival, rode a horse named Tornado, told jokes in a talent show and loads of other fun stuff. Most of all, she reconnected with some old friends and made lots of new ones. She wanted to share some pictures of her fun. These and many other photos should be added to our personal website (chatterchopz.com) within about 2 weeks.


	Fun in the pool	All dressed up for the dance (love the hat!)

	1. Working hard on crafts; 2. Doing stand-up comedy; 3. Under the sprinkler with friends

*Elsalynda*	Elsalynda's latest column entitled Nature in the City: Hot Town, Summer In the the City , is available online here: http://waltham.wickedlocal.com/article/20140722/News/140729896

	We got this message from elsa last week: Hi all, I miss you all very much indeed. My computer problem is not technical—it is a health issue. Since the exposure to my new laptop after my old one died, I have borrowed or used multiple loaners from friends and family, but each one has given me serious symptoms, such as losing my voice the next or the same day—not a good thing for a singer. I got environmental illness over 30 years ago from working in a sick high school building and it has seriously compromised my life. I am chipping away at this problem. I will borrow an iPad to see how I do with that and may get a refurbished laptop to try from a shop if they will let me test it for a week or so. I have over the years tried at least 30 alternative pathways to improved health, but none have worked. I just stay away from anything that bothers me. I am about to launch myself into a new experimental program to see if I can get better. Wish me luck and send prayers, please. With this illness, I have had you all, the ustream sites, chats and social life and support, and my current voice teacher comes to my home. Now my two at-home passions are not compatible and it is discouraging to say the least. Also, my writing of poetry and my column is on the computer and my docs are all over the place. Anyway, don't forget me. I am trying and trying to solve these problems. Love you all. Your elsalynda

We'd love to include more news of VacaChatters. If you have something you'd like to share (something about you or your family) or if you know of exciting news about another chatter that they're just too shy to share, please send it to us! (We won’t run it without that chatter’s permission, however.)

	*Littleguys*	LittleGuys had a lumpectomy on Thursday, July 17 and has another procedure scheduled for tomorrow, July 28. She is still requesting prayers. Her doctor says she will probably do six weeks of radiation. She wants all to know that even when she can't make it to chat, she's thinking of everyone.

	*Caboval*	Caboval is in need of our prayers for her dog, Joey. You can read more about Joey and his struggles here: http://gfwd.at/1n8NU0h.

		UPDATE on Joey! Caboval writes: “Joey is in remission but the chemo almost killed him. He was in liver failure and the Dr gave him a 50/50 chance to live. He made it through that and we have had 3 really good weeks. He was so happy and acting like a puppy, but now he is starting to not eat again and he vomited today so I don't know… It's a rollercoaster. I have a feeling he is having liver issues again. I do really need those prayers!!!”

	*Elsalynda*	As you can see above in the Chatter News, Elsa is in need of prayers for her continuing battle with an acquired environmental illness.

	*GentleDoe*	A brief update and again a request for prayers. She's still going back and forth between her house and her mother's, trying to care for her own pets and her mother. Her mother has heart problems and has had a difficult time since her father's stroke. Her father is still in Assisted Living and he longs to come home. He cries every time they talk to him. Due to transportation problems Doe and her mom have not been able to visit with him but a few times. A family member is adding to these difficulties. Doe is requesting prayers for her and her parents and for relief from the interference of this family member. She's struggling with Social Security issues and the daily transportation problems to her home to care for her birds. She does not want to have to give up the birds. Tory just turned 18! They have been together since he was 4 months old. She request that we please keep her and her family in prayer. She wants to thank all of the Vaca/Molly family for their love, support and prayers during this very difficult time. If you want to contact her, you can do so at faith.bun.2012@gmail.com

	*Jes and Miss Jonesy*	Both Jes, and her furkid, Miss Jonesy, are battling health issues and undergoing various tests and procedures. Let's keep both of them in our prayers.
	*Jes and Miss Jonesy*

	Shari in Memphis	UPDATE!!! Just received this from Shari: "So kind of you to keep prayers going for me. I was hospitalized in November for an event (that just yesterday my doc said was severe enough that it could have killed me) and have pretty much been sick ever since. I'm trying to be patient as doc said it would take 6 months to a year, to fully recover."
	Shari in Memphis


	Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts for owl our wonderful VacaFamily members! If you have any prayer requests, updates or news of answered prayers, please let us know. Email us with the information so it can be included in the next newsletter.

	A Message from Zorro		StoryTime News		StoryTime Archives
							Recipe of the Week


	*Next StoryTime*	August ? (Probably the 17th) 3:00 PM PDT/6:00 PM EDT

	*Title*	TBA

	*Invitation*	We need story writers! Please consider dropping in and checking out the fun we have writing the stories. Honestly, it's not at all difficult to join in and you'll surely be glad you did.
	*Invitation*

	Hello Vriends,
	I hope you are all having a great weekend. It is being a bit cooler here today, which is a relief, given that I am a bit bound to the house for the time being. I have managed to do a little tinkering in the workshop, and it is preferable that it not be over a hundred degrees out there. I tinker a little, then I need to go lie down again. I had my little surgical procedure on Friday, and everything seems to have gone well. It was not a cyst, as I had thought, but rather a lipoma. That's just a benign tumor that is most commonly fairly small and harmless, but mine was not exactly small. (It's never a good sign when the dermatologist just keeps saying "WOW" over and over.) Anyway, I'm glad that's over, and now I'm just trying to get it to heal as quickly as possible, so that I don't freak out my fellow wedding guests next weekend. I will get to remove the pressure bandage tomorrow, and then I'll have a better idea of what to expect. For now I am having to sit with an ice pack applied to the area every hour, and taking pills for the pain. So I think in terms of broadcasting, I'll have to have the next VacaChat after I get back from the wedding in Chico next week. So let's tentatively say the 17th of August for the next show. I'm looking forward to spending next weekend in Chico. Weddings are always a lovely excuse for getting together, and I have not returned to my college town for many years. I look forward to seeing how much things have changed, and how much they haven't. So I wish you a good week, and we'll be in touch soon!
	Cheers, VacaDude

	Check out VacaDude's blog! Don't forget to send VacaDude your comments to let him know how much you appreciate him, his time & his talent!
	http://vacadude.wordpress.com/

	Hello there, Everbuddy!
	It is I, Zorro the Mouse. Things have been pretty quiet around here because the Dude is in recovery mode. He can't really lay down very well, so it means not sleeping very well at night. Instead, he just dozes off every few minutes. Whenever he does that, I like to climb up on top of his head and stack things--clothes pins, pencils, crackers, little note pads, etc. I know he appreciates it when he wakes up and finds himself covered in office supplies and snacks. I believe that is a very important part of the healing process. Apparently from the tone and volume of his voice upon waking, the Dude may not agree with me. He is going to be up in Chico next weekend, and it looks like I will be staying here to act as Guard Mouse. I shall guard the house with all the diligence I can muster. He is going to see his best friend's oldest son get married. Humans have a very elaborate way of choosing a mate, and then they have this big ceremony and stuff. It is not like that for us mousies. We just tend to look at each other, and then we say "hey, you're kinda cute. Care to..." And then at least for males, we just lose consciousness. We don't wake up for several months, at which time we look around and see a whole bunch of other, smaller mousies that kind of look like us, and then it hits us--"oooh, I've got a family now. Time to stock up on more cheese!" Zorrina and I have occasionally exchanged glances, but we've been keeping it pretty casual. I haven't lost consciousness yet. I think it's just as well--I'm not sure the Dude is ready for lots of my offspring running around. Yup, the bachelor life is the life for me! And it means that I get to keep all the cheese for myself! Well, I think the Dude is heading into the living room with the ice pack, so there is probably a nap in the near future. That means I need to go gather some things for stacking on his head. Maybe I'll load some stuff into his ear, too. That's always a nice touch! Have a great week, y'all!
	Yours Most Whiskerly, Zorro

	Smothered Chops and Tatties
	Ingredients
	4-6 pork chops (preferably bone-in) 4-6 potatoes, sliced, skin on Fresh ground black pepper, to taste Garlic powder, to taste 1 tablespoon butter or oil 2-3 large onions, sliced thick 2 cans cream soup* 1 soup can beef, chicken or vegetable broth 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 cup shredded cheese, optional
	Directions
	Oil a foil lined pan. Fill the bottom of the pan with potatoes, sliced about ¼ inch thick. Rub pepper and garlic powder into both sides of chops. Brown in butter or oil in skillet (about 2-3 minutes per side). Layer chops over potatoes. Layer sliced onions over chops. Mix cream soup, broth, and minced garlic. Pour soup mixture over chops and veggies. Cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for about 60-75 minutes, or until chops are no longer pink and potatoes are tender. If desired, remove foil and top with shredded cheese about 15 minutes before removing from the oven. *Any combination of cream soups can be used. We usually use cream of celery, but a terrific combination is one can of cream of broccoli and once can of cream of cheddar.


	Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
	Ingredients
	1 (18.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix (without pudding) 1 (6-serving size) package chocolate instant pudding mix ½ cup sugar 2/3 cup water ¾ cup vegetable oil 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream 4 large eggs 6 ounces mini semisweet chocolate chips Powdered sugar or chocolate ganache*
	Directions
	Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan or 10-inch tube pan. In a large bowl with an electric beater on medium speed, beat cake mix, pudding mix, sugar, water, and oil about 2 minutes, or until creamy. Add sour cream, mixing well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache before serving. *Chocolate Ganache: 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional) Place the chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watching very carefully because if it boils for a few seconds, it will boil out of the pot. When the cream has come to a boil, pour over the chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Stir in the rum if desired. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over a cake. Start at the center of the cake and work outward. For a fluffy frosting or chocolate filling, allow it to cool until thick, then whip with a whisk until light and fluffy.

	Owl Cams				Other Nature Cams		Video Picks of the Week		Inspiration
			Other Bird Cams

Barn Owls
	Nicassio Owl Box Salt and Pepper	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nicasio-owl

	HOP - MAGC Barn Owls	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/magc-owls

	Owlceanside Mel and Sydney	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/owlceanside

	Felix Neck Owl Cam Martha’s Vineyard	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/felix-neck-owl-cam

	The Owl Cam	http://www.ustream.tv/owlchannel

	Barn Owls in Minden, Nevada	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/barn-owls-in-minden-nevada

	Port of Stockton Barn Owl Cams	http://www.portofstockton.com/owl-cams

	Hosted by Cornell Lab of Ornithology Located in Texas	http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/42/Barn_Owls/

Other Owls


	The Caring Owl in South Africa	http://www.thecaringowl.co.za/

	PPO (Potted Plant Owl) in South Africa	https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pot-Plant-Owl/148721154229

	Alessondra’s Owl Cam in Oklahoma City	http://ustream.tv/okcowlcam The three owlets have fledged.

	Rusty and Iris in Houston, Minnesota	http://www.internationalowlcenter.org/ourowls/rustyandiris/livecams

	Burrowing Owls Tri-Cities, Washington	http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildwatch/owlcam/video_burrowing2.html

	Project Snow Storm	http://www.projectsnowstorm.org/

Puffins
	Shetland Islands Puffins	http://www.shetland.org/puffincam/

	Sea Island, Maine Puffin Burrow	http://explore.org/live-cams/player/puffin-burrow-cam

	Sea Island, Maine Puffin Loafing Ledge	http://explore.org/live-cams/player/puffin-loafing-ledge-cam These pages also contain links to numerous other nature cams.

Eagles
	Black Eagle South Africa		http://www.africam.com/wildlife/black_eagle_webcam The first egg hatched on June 6!.

	Decorah Eagles Decorah, Iowa	http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

	Berry College Eagle Cam Mt. Berry, Georgia	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/berry-eagle-cam

		http://www.pixcontroller.com/eagles/index.htm

Peregrine Falcons
	PA Falcon Cam Harrisburg, Pennsylvania	http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp

	Commerce Tower Peregrines Kansas City, Missouri	http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/wildlife-cameras/peregrine-falcon-web-camera Cam not live now but should be returning soon.

	Pitt Peregrine Falcon Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	http://www.aviary.org/PF-NestCam1

	Gulf Tower Peregrine Falcon Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	http://www.aviary.org/PF-NestCam2

	Emily Falcon Cam Caloundra, Australia	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/emily-falcon-cam

	RFalconCam Rochester, New York	http://rfalconcam.com/rfc-main/

Talking Birds
	Watch the Birdie Bibi, the African Gray	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Watch-the-Birdie

	Disco Talking Parakeet	https://www.youtube.com/user/MsJumpinJude/videos

Other Birds

	California Condor San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego, California	http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/cams/condor-cam

	KC Zoo Penguin Cam Kansas City, MO	http://www.kansascityzoo.org/penguincam

	Whidbey Island Back Porch Whidbey Island, WA Rufous hummingbirds and other assorted birds	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/katersch

	Hellgate Ospreys Missoula, Montana Sponsored by Cornell	http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/27/Hellgate_Ospreys/

	Ostrich Chicks (Live Again! New Chicks!)		http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live

	Streaming Bird Cams List of many cams	http://www.beakspeak.com/

Pandas
	San Diego Zoo Pandas	www.sandiegozoo.org (click on live cams) or http://www.ustream.tv/sandiegozoo. Zoo's blogs: http://blognew.sandiegozoo.org/category/animals-and-plants/giant-pandas/

	Twin Pandas at Zoo Atlanta	http://www.zooatlanta.org/1212/panda_cam#ff_s=aDIEl

	Giant Panda Cam National Zoo Washington, DC	http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm

Bears
	Kansas City Polar Bears Nikita and Berlin	http://www.kctv5.com/category/244581/nikita-berlin-polar-bear-cam

	Brown Bears and Salmon Katmai National Park Alaska (off season- will return)	http://explore.org/#!/live-cams/player/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls (lots of other cams at this site, as well)

	Black Bears Ely, Minnesota	http://www.bear.org/website/live-cameras/live-cameras/holly-bears-den-cam-live.html

Other Animal and Nature Sites
	San Diego Zoo and Safari Park	http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/

	The Pet Collective (many live cams)	http://www.thepetcollective.tv/livestreams/

	Critter Chat Cams Multi-Critter Site with Chat	http://critterchatcams.org/

	Friends of Felines Rescue Center Defiance, Ohio	www.ustream.tv/ffrc

	Little House Prairie Village, Kansas	http://www.tomnliz.com/Livecam/

	CC's Page of Links (scheduled for updating)	http://chatterchopz.com/links/camslinks.htm

Other Sites of Interest

International Space Station Links
During a recent broadcast the Dude talked about the websites where one can view the spacestation and the view that the astronauts have. Here are the links: This one has the map, but no chat. http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/HDEV/ This site has a chat room. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/iss-hdev-payload

Trees
Jes shares with us this wonderful page of photos illustrating nature's wonders. Trees \| Dusky's Wonders

Intricately Carved Bench
Jes also shared with us this photo of an intricately carved bench. Can you imagine how many hours of labor went into this creation? Hundon informs us that the sculptor works in the UK and if you follow this link you can see the bench from all sides. You can also see many more of his works. They are all incredible. http://www.treesculpting.co.uk/g_oakowlbench.html

			Fun Animations and Pictures		Photos of the Week		Zorro's Word of the Week
	Just for the Fun of It