It was a wacky trip, but I am home at last. My apologies to those who asked for stops AFTER I had left--I never saw the requests until my return. I was off line for the entire trip, never turning a computer on until I got home. I did make a total of 5 stops, and 1 think I talked more in those stops than I do normally in a month. I was recovering from laryngitis, so by the last stop I was lucky to be squeaking out my words. It was pathetic, but at least it was fun to see a few ferret people attempting not to giggle when my voice broke as if I was back in 7th grade. Lucky I had Elizabeth with me during the later visits to keep the giggling in check. As always, the people I visited were a real pleasure. I'm not sure if it is because they are ferret people or because they are on the FML, but the people at each stop were wonderful. And questions? At a single stop in Texas (where I promised I would answer questions until the last one was asked), I must have talked until 1:30am! I was so tired forgot the only printed copy of my ferret book and had to rap on their window to retreive it. The questions were thoughtful and to the point, and ALL demonstrated a real concern and desire to make ferret lives better. I was extremely happy to see such dedicated ferret people. I have a list of questions solicited from the visits that I more or less promised to answer in detail on the FML. Topics I've been asked to write extended posts about include bone eating, some diet questions, caloric restriction, some questions on domestication and the canges they cause, stress reduction, overcrowding, caging, and mental stimulation. For some reason, bone eating seemed to be the topic of choice, so I'll immediately start that one first. The wacky reference was not really about all the tornadoes I was dodging, but about a curious incident on a nice, sunny day. While I was strolling down the River Walk in San Antonio, I happened upon a young lady walking her ferret (on a leash). I couldn't help to stop to talk to the ferret, and the person asked if I was Bob C from the FML. When I asked what gave her that idea, she said she "Who else would wear such wild shirts AND know about ferrets." Those wanted posters have got to come down.... Again, while I visited everyone expecting me, I apologize to those who asked after I left. I was offline and never saw the requests until my return. Now all I need to do is find the time to catch up on the FMLs. Bob C [Posted in FML issue 4153]