Dear Ferret Folks-

I'm thinking that people are sending me gifts so that I will have to
thank them on the FML, instead of having my FML holiday in peace.

The Good
There is a lovely person out in Cairo, Illinois who sent me a
completely unexpected present that I very much appreciate. Who is this
mystery benefactor? I have no idea. But they are very kind, and it was
a good gift.It makes me think of the goodness of the FML, the kindness
that I have often had extended to myself in hard times, and to others
as well.

The Bad
Recent events had made me forget some of that goodness. I was focused
on the badness of the FML, the sadistic pleasure hominids in groups get
out of squatting on the dusty savannah, picking one another's fur for
nits, and chattering unpleasantness about another member of the troupe
while the fat-bellied males doze in the shade. This particular call
means "I don't want to start something, *but*..."

<http://www.psych.upenn.edu/~seyfarth/Baboon%20research/CT%20scream.wav>

The Unexpected
Then there are the unexpected pleasures of the FML. I have a new FML
friend. Her name is Tressie. You may remember *her* troupe call, but
we decided that we are feisty women, and we should stick together. The
most powerful thing that people can do in this life is to change their
minds. We decided to do that. AH! I have to go groom Tressie's back.
Canadian nits are particularly tasty.

Alexandra in MA 

[Posted in FML 6115]