Speaking of licenses, I decided I'd best get my nuisance wildlife control license again. They sure have a clear and straightforward (mostly) licensing option. A GREAT updated book ($56.00 and arrived within 2 days), and online test (free) and a licensing fee and application ($50 with yearly reporting). If you plan to use anything other than cage traps, you also need fur-trapping training and licensing. If you plan to use firearms you need to take a hunter safety course. In other words, the license is flexible. 

I ordered the book two weeks out (since I've taken the exam twice, maybe three times before over the past 35 years). A lot has changed, so I'm glad I'm taking it. I've probably been giving out inaccurate advice over the last few years. The book is also organized in a (pretty much) clear manner, although the glossery could stand some additions, and an index would be nice.  But I was happily impressed with the changes and the emphasis on humane and ethical handling, and public value for wildlife. It's still going to be an alarming guide to anyone unfamiliar with the difficult side of wildlife control (species that can't be relocated, etc.) but if you want a crash course in what's actually legal in NYS, it's a great place to start.

Just like in 2001, I got a 98. I wish there was a way to find out what question(s) I keep missing! 

Next month I'll send in the application and fee. 

I sure wish the rescue license was this straightforward, and boy, a similar 400 plus page guide sure would be nice! Maybe down the road...

Why don't I a get a wildlife rehab license? Well, a NWCO license allows me to rescue animals, but not keep them. A rehab license would allow me to keep them. And I think cats are enough of a responsibility without adding baby squirrels and bunnies to the mix. I did always want to turn this place into a bobcat rehab location, but that's a dream I have to give up. Life is too short.

Wireless and MUSIC in the house

I don't know how long this will last, but I once again am hooked up to fiber internet. I was absent so long (using my phone hotspot to save money) that I actually qualified as a new customer, and got a $39 versus $59 a month rate -- at least for a year until it reverts to the old rate.

I have to have wireless internet for at least a few months, even though I really ought not be adding another monthly expense, in order to print the templates and paperwork I need for the state. 

I tried to just do it all virtually, but it's a pain to log into the hotspot and update temps and other data every single night. 

Having it on paper and then transferring it to an online log once a week or whenever I happen to be on my laptop will be easier. I'd also prefer to just be able to show an inspector a notebook of everything, from temperature and ammonia logs to volunteer education verification, vet protocol, pest control program, etc. rather than have to sit at a laptop and run through different documents with them.

I didn't realize how much I missed MUSIC. Streaming music on a hotspot eats up my monthly data. Once the installation guy (thank you, Calvin!) left, I dug out and dusted off my Alexa devices. It took a bit of swearing to figure out which device was which in the app, but I finally got two working. And I now have classical music throughout the downstairs. 

I found my wifi extender, and wonders of wonders, it hooked right up! So I'll keep rummaging for my other Alexa cables (found the devices but who knows where the cables went) and soon the cats will have music again, as well.

How did I live so long in a silent house? No wonder I was dragged out and uncaring. Sure, I had the radio, but the reception is so bad here that I was constantly having to fiddle with it when it turned to static, and when you only have one or two stations, the music selection is nil. What they play is what you get. 

I do NOT like that Alexa now obeys commands whether or not you say her name. I'm going to have to squirrel around online to figure out how to turn that off.  I hate her more-human voice. I like my robots to sound like robots, or at least the handful of AI voices we are already familiar with. When she started chatting to me with the voice of a friendly female 18-year-old I'm pretty sure I actually rolled my eyes at no one. I've changed the voice to the closest I could get to the old Alexa, but it's still too human. I suppose I'll get used to it in time (unfortunately).

But ah...music. I already feel my blood pressure lowering and quiet joy creeping back in my life.