There could be a government shutdown tomorrow at midnight. What does that mean for me? Well, first off, I have been assured I can stay on the refuge if the shutdown happens. 
Some employees here think it won’t happen, and others think it will. If it does happen, the gates to the refuge will be closed, and no visitors will be allowed in. The visitor’s center will not open, and use of government vehicles will be prohibited. Essentially, I’ll have nothing to do. Some services will be maintained…such as the fire crew. That’s in case a wild fire should occur. Of course, even though they show up for work, they won’t be receiving a paycheck. Eventually they will be paid for working, but not until the situation is resolved. Would you show up for work under those circumstances? It’s a pretty sticky wicket!
Everyone here will be effected if there is a shut down. Needless to say, employees, interns, and volunteers will be waiting with bated breath tomorrow.
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Since we’ve had over 300 fifth grade students in the last three days, I haven’t had much time for photographs. This blue-gray gnatcatcher is about all I could muster up.
I’ve been refining my presentation on the Mississippi sandhill cranes, and have some ideas for some final tweakings for the five classes I’ll give tomorrow. Phew! Four days in a row of exuberant young students has fairly worn me out! Guess I’m not as young as I used to be. 
THE END!!
Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later, Judy
Well, you know if you stay the thing will last a couple of weeks but if you go, it will probably be over in a day or two....gotta love Murphy's Law!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI hate to see you loose all that big volunteer money! Hang in there, I'm sure whatever happens and whatever you decide, you will have fun taking more great pictures.
ReplyDeleteI agree with somebody who said - Let the President and the Congress not get paid and see how long it takes for them to reach an agreement. This is just nuts. Think of all the people camped in NP's that will have to move. Just a million things. I would probably move on if I were you. We'll love your pictures no matter where you are.
ReplyDeleteThe fifth graders are lucky to be able to participate in so many hands-on activities. Kudos to you for reviving some of your teaching skills.
ReplyDeleteIf you can stay there and the place is gated, then the wildlife will really come out into the open. Good photography opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI volunteered on a cleanup crew a few years back, that went into the Shenandoah after a major hurricane blew a lot of trees down. Because the park was shut down and traffic was almost non-existent, the wildlife was out on Skyline Drive like it was the Easter Parade. I really enjoyed being there.
Hopefully more colts survive!!! And from the sounds of it you deserve to be a wee bit tired,made me just imagining your day...Let us pray the "powers that be" will get there acts together...
ReplyDeleteYou should know something tomorrow & can then make a decision...you just never know about the govt. They should've passed the budget back in Oct when it was due -- we all must meet deadlines, except the govt apparently. They are blessed to have you to wrangle all those kids! Keep the wonderful pics coming:)
ReplyDeleteIf you stay will you be able to go in and out?
ReplyDeleteWill you miss your big paycheck?
I think the fire crew would show up. They are that kind of men and women.
Thought Gypsy had a good point about the wildlife showing up. It would be an easy decision for me. Less people = longer stay. Yaaaaay:))
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm with Gypsy and Bayfield Bunch on this one, so to speak. I think this could be a really good opportunity for you, to stay and have some 'you time.'
ReplyDeleteEspecially after all that teaching, this could be your little gift.
Since I didn't vote for him, I won't complain,I think the whole crew in Washington from the top down needs to realize, they can't spend more than we make, until they do it will be more of the same.Hope your situation is good no matter what happens. Good thing the doggie parks are County owned.Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.
ReplyDeleteIf you like that place, stay and take more photos...Of course that is purely selfish on my part..I just want you to publish more wildlife pictures:-D
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a song?
ReplyDeleteShould I Stay Or Should I Go?
Hmmmm....
Drama, drama, drama. Most likely the whole thing gets resolved today sometime.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect time for a vacation...More canoeing, more walks for Emma, etc, etc, etc. I think I would stay. I know you have the code for the gate so that won't be a problem. Enjoy... :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, drama and all that. I worked for the government for a good number of years, still do, and as a retired contractor, I won't get back pay for not working, although the government says some folks actually might get reimbursed. My grandson leaves for Iraq again on Monday. Seems as though the shutdown won't stop that at all.
ReplyDeleteSome "you" time sounds good and, if your site is nice and comfortable, why not stay? You can always leave early if you choose.
ReplyDeleteLove the name "giantspeckledchihuahua," by the way! I could have one "smallblackmopmutt."
Okay, I'm in a silly mood today.
Waiting to hear what's going to happen on this end as well ... you can bet there wouldn't be a shutdown if those who are supposedly negotiating had to lose their pay as well.
ReplyDeleteYou seem like a "the glass is half full" type of person. No matter what the idiots on the hill do, I am certain you will be okay!
ReplyDeleteNot to worry, those *)(*&%*^$E%$ in Congress still get paid for their exceptional; performance.
ReplyDeleteHaving gone thru this a number of times while on active duty, I would suggest, that if you feel comfortable there, just ride it out. I doubt this time it will last for than a week.
You can enjoy the solitude :)
Forgot to add, if you drive a small distance without your hands on the steering wheel, does the car drive straight or does it pull to the left or the right. It should always go straight.
ReplyDelete