Now that we’ve got yet another new address, I’ve been having fun signing up for a new round of free samples. Meanwhile, Blackie’s like a whole new rat. Totally changed by ice cream! A few days ago I gave him his first taste, and ever since then, he’s been begging up a storm, jumping towards me every time I go by the cage. He still won’t let me handle him, but I’d say there’s finally some potential there. He learns fast and has been easy to train, though I don’t know about Brownie. I don’t know if he’ll even live. He coughs a lot, isn’t growing, and sleeps most of the time. I’m glad that at least Blackie may want to be friends. Imagine ice cream changing your whole outlook on life for the better?! That little taste has opened his small world up to countless possibilities!

The bad news is that Tom’s got the flu. He said others at work have it, too. He hasn’t been coughing or sneezing like when he has a cold, but he’s been run down and congested. I hope he gets better soon enough and that I’m not next! Not being boxed together all the time in a small room should spare me. I’ve also had flu shots in the past which may help.

Saw a couple of young bucks down at the back edge of the clearing while I was hanging clothes on the porch late this afternoon. Hanging clothes with deer watching; now that’s country living! I couldn’t swear to it, but I thought I heard the faint strain of voices from up the hill. It’s so nice to know that those kinds of sounds will never make it inside here.

Got our first round of movies. I’ve already enjoyed one and now I’m going to go enjoy another!