Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob! You just keep throwing down the gauntlet, and I never learn. I just keep picking it up. You are so right -- TLE is one of my favorite people, too. And, while I was traveling through the Great Plains on my way home from Utah after Christmas, I got worn out and had to pull into a hotel before I got to Troy Lynn's. So, I owe her a visit. That said, I would like to make this offer -- that is, *IF* TLE can hold off the work until July. And, since you challenged other FML members to show up the same day. And, since Debby O. has already accepted the challenge and will probably have her motor home and hubby in tow, well I guess we are on our way to a workday. So, if you want to drive your pickup loaded with table saw, drills, tools, and just about anything necessary to cut off appendages and nail your feet to the floor over to Kansas in July, well, I will drive my SUV loaded with pots, pans, food and ferrets over, too. And, you can bring your barbecue and promise not to cook because I will do the cooking. I think I see the makings of an Independence Day blowout -- whatever day we have it. Yes, we could do all the repairs together, get a tremendous amount of work done in a short time. And, we don't need a lot of people because if they do not show up, well, I have experience in everything from installing my lights to laying my floor to ripping out a fireplace and taping and floating the sheetrock. Painting, well, uh, I am a tad messy. You can do that. I tell you what. The best bribe you can offer is the stick a rock in your mouth (did I say that???). I can demonstrate the progress I have made toward getting in your shorts. And, I can offer some biscotti mixes and we could make some free-standing hammie stands. Hmm, is that a plan I see falling into place? Bob, you said it here: I also think that if we expect to hold shelters to high standards, then we also must also be willing to help when help is requested. This is especially true for people who do not have clubs or membership that would normally kick in on the cleaning and maintenance. I can only add that we need to help out before it gets unmanageable. Perhaps TLE is setting an example (as usual). I can't organize this event, but I tell ya, I second this comment: Come on folks! There has been so much bitching about the ferret community lately; why don't we just have a party and help out a sweet lady who would sell her last pint of blood to help a ferret? Anyone with me? Count me in! -- Renee Downs It's amazing how much can be accomplished if nobody cares who gets the credit! "The most effective way to do it, is to do it." Amelia Earhart Ferret Emergency Response, Rescue & Evacuation Team (F.E.R.R.E.T.) http://www.ferretemergency.org [log in to unmask] International Ferret Congress http://www.ferretcongress.org American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org [Posted in FML 5880]