First off, I need to apologize. As usual, I have bitten off more than I can chew and there just isn't enough hours in the day to do all I need to do. I could list off all the things I am doing that are taking so much of my time, but that would just be an excuse. The fact is that I am behind on several things and all I can do is beg patience. I will get things done - I always do - I just may not get them done as quickly as I'd like! I am sorry and will get to everything as soon as possible. Let me update a couple things: The FML 5000th Celebration ended with a huge bang! What a wonderful community this is and what a way to work together! Sukie's brilliant mind came up with a way to not only thank BIG for his dedication and hard work, but to benefit ferrets everywhere as well! FML members - 199 of them, joined together to raise $8415.50 - half going to SOS and the other half to the IFC's ELF. In my mind, this is an amazing feat and I have been so proud to be a small part of it! Thank you to everyone who made this possible!! Please stop by the site and see the wonderful artwork donated by Deva in honor of BIG! <http://www.geocities.com/imdella/fml5000.html> The FML story - how fitting that BIG wrapped this up in the 5000th issue and what a wonderful ending it was! I hope you all had as much fun with this as I did!! Anyone wanting a complete copy needs to e-mail me now! I had a list somewhere of all the names - but in the aftermath of the hurricanes and flurry of activities I've been involved in...somehow that list got misplaced!! E-mail me right now - and I'll send it right away!! Thank you to all of the contributing writers and to the eager readers!! Anyone want to do a Christmas story????? Hurricane Katrina Care Packages - I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to this project so far! My husband says my house looks like a ferret supply warehouse! So many wonderful people contributing so many wonderful items. To date, care packages from been sent to: Vicki Montgomery (delivery on this package was held due to Hurricane Rita - I don't know when it will be delivered, but will keep checking), Bobbi McCanse for Cheryl Clark's ferrets, Nancy Bardwell in Shreveport who has provided aid to several precious babies, SGT Scott McRae - who rescued a precious one from a school house. Four more boxes are going out this week and I will update those after they have been shipped! I would like to run a list of the contributors and the items donated to date - but I know I would be over the allowed limit for a post on the FML! If anyone is interested - please e-mail me privately. When this is all over - I will post a final thank you and acknowledge everyone who has helped to make this a success! The Hurricane Raffle - if you haven't seen this yet - go here: <http://reaneelgladden.tripod.com/squeezlesgalore/id20.html> Just some awesome, awesome stuff here....and more stuff is being added! Details as to when the Raffle will start will be posted soon. Several people have already sent money to purchase tickets - you can go ahead and send your requests for tickets now, but tickets will not be given out until the official start of the Raffle! Check back to the site often for updates! Thanks Reanee - another wonderful idea!!! The FML Calendar - Hopefully will be ready to ship this week! The finishing touches are being added and it will go to print very soon! Several have already sent checks - yours will be the first to ship! For details on how you can own this wonderful ferret masterpiece, please visit: <http://www.geocities.com/imdella/fml-calendar.html> I'm telling you...Sharon has simply outdone herself this time! Please check it out! And last...I know there are many, many other fundraisers out there - so unless you are a fan of the Black-footed Ferrets or Sharon Bearden's wonderful patches, you don't need to read any further! On October 22nd, the IFC is putting on the Forum in the Fort in Fort Collins Colorado. This event includes a visit to one of the research and breeding facilities of the Black-footed ferret! If you live in the area - there is still time to sign up for this event!! This is going to be a wonderful, wonderful event!!! For more details, go to: <www.ferretcongress.org> If you are unable to attend the event, you can still support the BFF by purchasing a special edition Black-footed Ferret Patch designed by Sharon Bearden! More info about how to get this patch will be posted soon! I've seen the patch....it is totally awesome!!! Thanks to everyone for their patience! Judy Cooke Co-Director IFC Support Our Shelters [Posted in FML issue 5012]