The beautiful, historic main street in Ridgway, PA.

A civil war era canon in front of the courthouse in Ridgway. PA. I went to a firehall 10 miles from here to get my H1N1 vaccine. It was given at no cost for PA residents.

Susan Boyle on Dancing with the Stars Nov. 10, 2009

Susan Boyle is brilliant singing "I dreamed a Dream" on Dancing with the Stars, Nov, 10, 2009

Lost and found cat

My cat Obie, the stray that has been residing with me for almost three years, got loose last week from my apartment. He was so traumatized that he basically lived under a porch nearby and would not come out except late at night. When I tried to call him, he would run from me. I was heartbroken and worried sick all week; especially since the mercury dropped to freezing and lower on a few nights. I had nightmares of finding him dehydrated and starved to death.

The other night, I said a prayer and went out just as dusk was setting in. I was lucky to spot him under a porch as I got down on my knees to peer into the darkness. I saw his red heart-shaped tag around his neck. He was only 5 to 6 feet away from me. I feared that he would dart out and run from me so I made up my mind to talk to him quietly and calmly; telling him how much he was loved and missed and that he should come home. I even brought his favorite can of food with me and opened it.

After about 20 minutes, he came to me on his own; not for the food, but to be with me. I picked him up and carried him lovingly and grateful to God that he was delivered safely to me.

Since then, he has changed. He is around me all the time and much more loving and needing of physical contact.

Losing a pet for any reason is like losing a family member and is very painful!
I'm glad Obie is back home, safe and sound.