National Flying Squirrel Association 2010 Conference

If you're a big fan of flying squirrels then mark your calendars and make reservations for the 2010 National Flying Squirrel Association Conference presented by Tom and Gail Savage to be held February 26-28 in Andalusia, Alabama at the Day's Inn. As of publication the cost for king and queen rooms were $65.95. Reservations can be made by calling the Days Inn at 334-427-0050. Make sure to mention the NFSA. Admission to the conference itself is $20 for non-members and free to members of the NFSA.

On Saturday, Prof. Michelle Gillie from Auburn University will be in attendance presenting her talk "Spoken Like a True Southern Flyer, Decoding the Language of Flying Squirrels." Later, Tom Savage will be speaking on the subject of Oak trees, acorns, and other southern trees that flyers depend on.

In addition to guest speakers there will be a silent auction, trade table, socializing and dining. Saturday evening, weather permitting, will include a marshmallow roast at the home of Tom and Gail Savage. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket, choice of beverage (sweet tea will be available) and their cheerful self while attempting to listen for the sounds of the wild flyers in the neighboring woods.

T-shirts, sweatshirts, and a golf shirt will be available for pre-order from Gail Savage. Prices and descriptions are as follows:

#1 is a gray quarter zip sweatshirt with the NFSA emblem on the front; the back of the shirt will have the state of Alabama with a flyer and a star that shows where Andalusia is. Underneath it will be a list of all the NFSA meetings along with the dates.(there are 7 listed) Price of the sweatshirt is $25.00

#2 is a gray polo "golf" shirt, long sleeve $20.00 or short sleeve $15.00 same design as sweatshirt.

#3 is a gray short sleeve t-shirt $10.00 or long sleeve $15.00 same design.

Make checks payable to Gail Savage, 1104 Prestwood Bridge Road, Andalusia, AL 36421. Please note on your check shirt style, size and include an email address. Pre-ordered shirts can be picked up at the registration table Friday evening or Saturday morning.

One note of caution: Alabama is one of the states that does not allow possession of flying squirrels, so please keep this in mind as you are making your plans. The hotel itself does allow pets if you decide to bring them along.

For further questions please email Gail Savage.

Squirrels and Baseball

When a flying squirrel becomes a part of your family you spend a lot of time doing research on their needs, dietary requirements and health issues. You even spend a good amount of time combing the internet for squirrel toys, connecting with other squirrel owners, and... what's this? Squirrel baseball? Well, sort of...

This year the Richmond Flying Squirrels make their debut in the Minor League Baseball Eastern League. Now, before you go thinking that flying squirrels are just cute and cuddly little furballs that aren't very tough, here are some things you should know. Flying squirrels have mad skills. They are amazingly fast, can glide over 250' and have been referred to as carnivorous (although they're actually omnivores.) Personally, I think flying squirrels kick butt and that the Richmond Flying Squirrels couldn't have picked a better name. Go Squirrels!!!

Up until now I've never really been much of a sports fan, but I think this time I'm going to have to support my personal flying squirrels, Benji and Nibbles, and root for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. I've already bought my t-shirt. Now I wonder if they sell team t-shirts in super tiny squirrel sizes??

Want to learn more about flying squirrels? Just check out my article on Southern Flying Squirrels.

Updates From the Eclectic Muse

A few weeks ago I posted a request to help get an animal cruelty video banned from YouTube. Well, thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, this video has finally been removed and a lot of flying squirrel owners and animal lovers alike are breathing sighs of relief. It's very encouraging to me to see that a few people can make a difference.

Baby Nibbles Asleep in a Kleenex

In other news I have acquired a new baby flying squirrel to keep Benji company. The new girl, little Nibbles, is coming along quite nicely. Benji seems unimpressed at the addition of a new little sister and would much rather continue to steal and hide nuts. Nibbles is just a little bundle of love. She will curl up in your hand and, true to her namesake will nibble fingers, although not very hard.

We have a new foster dog from Save Underdogs. Sasha is a shepherd mix that appears to have come from an abused home. It's taken me almost an entire week to be able to pet her without her flinching. She prefers women over men and doesn't care for loud noises. She is very playful once she feels comfortable and seems to really enjoy playing with our other three dogs. Sasha is spayed and her house training is nearly complete. She hasn't had an accident in three days!! I'm really hoping that this special girl finds a forever home before Christmas. She certainly deserves it.

My holiday shopping is nearly complete. I did all of my shopping online and am just waiting for the last couple of items to arrive. I simply must rave on Cafepress.com for a moment. I ordered several customized items from them and two of them arrived in less than perfect condition. The photo on the mug was crooked and the photo on the Sigg bottle was too dark. Well, I contacted them about exchanging the items and let me just say that their customer service response was phenomenal and the replacement items are already enroute and should be here before Christmas! Way to go Cafepress!!

Well that's about it for this edition. I've got to get a few more articles knocked out and then figure out what I can have for dinner that I can actually taste. Sinus/head colds seem to completely render tastebuds useless.