Our Little Oasis

I have written often about the nature center. Rich used to walk Lizzie and me there every day rain or shine.
After Rich was gone, Nancy walked me every day and Susie would take me, too. When I was sick last year and we had to stay close to the vet, Nancy took me here no matter what the weather so that I could get out. Since I felt well, I was able to go, and I never got tired of going.


Nancy hasn't been able to go because of her back, so Susie has taken over.


Today, though, Nancy took me out for my "short" walk and said she was going to try to make it to the nature center. I was so excited. I know it hurt her, but she said when we got there, "I'm so grateful we have this place, Jack."


I am, too.


Susan got off work early and as usual, even though I'd already been there, I conned her into another walk. Nancy said she was going to drive up to get some pictures. They didn't turn out as well as she wanted, but they give you an idea about how important the nature center is to us. Nancy only got pictures of a small portion of it. She waited until Susan and I came around the bend, and there she was! They've made the paths so that it feels like you're moving deep into woods, but the fact is that they are winding up and down and around. You'll see the creek that I get into once in a while when I can (it's dry, today)...and the mud! Yes!

This is Susie with me, but Nancy usually rests on this rock. In fact, Nancy rests everywhere when we are here.

They made a place that simulates a swamp.

This is one of the trails

Me and Susie on the trail

Wouldn't you think we were in the country? When we leave, we're on the busiest street in our town. Can't hear the cars from here, though.

Susie and me on a bridge

This is when I first saw Nancy

This is where I usually escape down into the creek

This is where Nancy stands and tells me to get up out of the creek or she'll brain me.

The rest of the pictures are just from different angles and of Rich's bench. Maybe some day, Nancy will be able to walk and take pictures of the whole nature center. She never takes the camera with us on our walks because there are a lot of roots and it's hilly and she's afraid to fall (and break the camera).

This is the bench that Nancy put here for Rich. It has his name, Lizzie's name, and my name on a brass plaque. Unfortunately, even though it has been weather treated it is aging from being exposed to the elements. Nancy sits here and thinks, and so do I. We can hear the little water falls. Maybe when it finally disintegrates, she'll put a granite bench.

Cozy Bear in Cherry Log

I spent a wonderful couple of days with my son at his cabin in Cherry Log near Blue Ridge. The ride up was beautiful, and I didn't get lost! It was good to get away from suburbia and the confines of the house. Jack enjoyed the new smells, and while I couldn't walk him far, at least he saw something new. He made himself comfortable by the fireplace; settled in comfortably as he always does no matter where he is as long as we are together.


John thinks of everything--he's an excellent host. We enjoyed several scenic rides on the back roads, ate at some great roadside restaurants (one called the "Pink Pig") and we went last night to see everyone in the county, I think (young and old), in costume in the town of Blue Ridge. We also took a ride to my younger son's cabin--Watersound in Blue Ridge. When they aren't using the cabins, they rent them--I was reading through the visitor books and saw some wonderful comments from people who had enjoyed their stays.


I'll leave you with a few pictures of the changing leaves and our ride through the countryside. I didn't take any of the Halloween celebration last night--easier to walk without lugging a camera.

It's My Turn!

I finally got myself to the doctor last Wednesday. My self-diagnosis was correct (isn't the internet wonderful). My daughter had recommended a very nice doctor and I liked him, his staff, and the way the whole process worked.


I am on a large dose of anti-inflamatory medication and the doctor said 4-6 weeks of physical therapy. However, if I'm not feeling better after 2 weeks, he wants me to call him and he'll do more tests and maybe try a shot of some kind, then surgery if that doesn't work. I told him I was going to make a trip west. He assured me that even after surgery I would be recovered enough to go. That's the best news I've had since September 30.


I was going to walk up to the nature center, where Susan and I walk Jack, to take some pictures, but I made myself walk there last Tuesday and almost didn't get back. I was ready to go to the doctor after that little venture. I'm going to take the car up next week and I'll take pictures so you can see how fortunate we are to have this little bit of heaven right in the middle of chaotic suburbia.


Jack is funny. Sometimes he walks out to the mailbox with me and when we walk back, he lays down by the trailer like he's pretending to camp. The trip to Gulf Shores whet our whistles. He goes to our regular vet soon for his shots so he'll be ready to go as soon as I'm able.


Jack and I are going up to Blue Ridge to my eldest son's cabin for two days. I'm looking forward to getting away. He and my daugher-in-law make it so comfortable not only for themselves and family, but for the people who rent it. They even decorate it for Christmas and Thanksgiving. It's very homey.

Cozy Bear

I'll bring my Kindle and curl up with a book right here on the porch.

My Kind of Day!

I saw Nancy with the map and wondered what she was up to. Susie came back from her shower and Nancy said, "How'd you like to go to Dauphin Island on the ferry? Then maybe up to Mobile?

We got in the truck and drove for quite a while. The ferry was great. The two crew men paid lots of attention to me. Nancy said it was because Susie was at the end of my leash!

Susie took care of me while Nancy was taking pictures.

They really liked me. They stood by us through the whole trip.

Everybody said hello to me.

I was thirsty. Fortunately, Nancy always carries water for me.

The oil rig that leaked was about 60 miles from where we were. The crewman said that recent storms washed more oil up so he doesn't think they'll ever get it all cleared up.

We decided we didn't want to go all  the way to Mobile so Nancy said, "Why don't we go back to the island and go the opposite way. Maybe we'll find a place for Jack to swim." My ears perked up! Yeah, at last!!

The gulf was rougher than we had ever seen it.

Waves like in the ocean. I got knocked over by waves, another one crashed right over my head--I had a blast. Nancy and Susie were getting a little nervous. Nancy never brings her camera when I'm in the water just in case she has to come in after me. (C'mon, Nancy, I'm a Lab).

After a while, Nancy decided that she'd go back to the truck to get her camera. I was soaked and Susie had me on the leash. I got very nervous when I couldn't find Nancy, and then I saw her and went running to her!

I'm coming, Nancy

Still Comin'

Almost there!

Don't Leave Me, Again

Don't call me a wet old man!

Before long, it was time to get in the truck and take the ferry back to Gulf Shores. We met the same two crewmen who talked to Susie all the way across. I think Nancy is right--they were flirting with Susie, but they were paying attention to me. 

This week has gone by so fast. We're all sad that we have to go home, tomorrow. It's been so good to get out and away from home for a while. We got back to the trailer and Nancy got a text from the Mayor. She and Linda were going to stop by. More fun! Nancy had some wine left over so when they got here, we sat out at the picnic table and they gabbed and laughed a lot. Nancy has camped with Deb (Mayor) before, and she is so much fun, and it was great that she and Susie met Linda. It was dark by the time Nancy remembered that she hadn't taken a picture of them--so...

Linda and Deb

No caption needed (and they tell me to behave!)

Pensacola!

We got up this morning and after my walk we decided to take a ride to Pensacola, but along the coast this time.

The weather seems a little warmer than the past several days, but it was still pleasant because there is a breeze.

Susie was hungry once we got to the historic part of Pensacola so we went to a cafe where we could sit outside.

The waitresses were wonderful. I was hoping I could sit on a chair this time, but there are rules. I don't know if you can see him, but there's a hairless dog near the man's leg at the next table. The waitress walked by to bring me a bowl of water (before we asked for it!) and he jumped out and tried to bite her. He sounded very nasty. The waitress said he was nasty, but I was just so good I could have all the water I wanted.

Not a very flattering picture, but I was just about to lay down and relax after finishing a bowl of water.

Susie and Nancy ordered lunch and were joking around with the waitresses (I think one was training the other, but we got a lot of attention). One of them has a black Lab like my Lizzie. Anyway, the lunch was good and the atmosphere very pleasant.

Then we took some pictures of the old homes that have been restored--mostly businesses, now. Here was a little house that Nancy thought was cute.

Evidently there are walking tours and you can buy tickets, here.

This week has passed very fast. It's hard to believe that the day after tomorrow, we'll be driving home. Tomorrow night Nancy and Susie are going to eat at Lamberts which looks like an interesting place.

Deb (The Mayor) and Linda are coming over after dinner, tonight, to finish off the wine and cheese with some more good conversation. I'll have to remind Nancy to get her camera out.

Free at Last - Gulf Shores

We left on Saturday--first real day of cool weather in Atlanta. Nancy hardly slept the night before. Just as the sun was coming up, she finally gave it up, but she was up at 8 a.m. Fortunately, she had hooked up the night before and only had a few last minute items to throw in the trailer. Susie arrived and off we went.

Nancy said she almost put the trip off another day. She got a second wind, but was glad when the 6 hour drive was over. No traffic made the drive less harrowing than it could have been.

The RV resort is very nice (hardly camping), but Susan likes cable and wifi and a nail salon-- within a mile is a must. It's almost full, but very, very quiet. No campfires which is what Nancy and I like to do at night, but Susie doesn't really like to rough it--did ya guess that already?

When signing in, Nancy asked for a pull through and the woman who was signing her in said they were reserved for big rigs. She kept telling her about a smaller, back-in site that was right next to the bathroom and explained how convenient it would be.

Nancy asked her whether she was paying the same for a site as the big rigs or does she get a discount since the premium sites are reserved for them (keep in mind that we used to have a big rig). At that point, another lady (named Nancy) said why don't you put her in 5--it's empty for a week. (Actually the long pull through next to us has been empty) She was a very pleasant lady, and Nancy said she could tell that the other lady wasn't happy. Anyway, all is well that ends well.

Nancy is standing at one end and the truck is in back of the trailer with room for another car in back of it!

I'm enjoying my walks and I just like being on the go. It's been such a long time since we've been able to have a change of scenery. There's a wonderful state park, here, and Susan has ridden her bike on the trails. Nancy's friends said it probably wouldn't be a good idea for me to go on the trails because there are little rattle snakes that look like sticks. Well, I don't want any part of that!

Susie walks me a lot. Nancy manages to get me to the dog walk, but her back is really bad. Fortunately, it doesn't hurt her except when she's been on her feet for more than 5 minutes. Strange. Twisting, turning, bending doesn't hurt.

Yesterday, we drove over to Pensacola to the historic district. I can tell Nancy isn't feeling so great because she never forgets her camera, but she did. In fact, she forgot it the day we went over to see her friend's beautiful condo--right on the golf course. Nancy didn't want to take me in her house (even though she was gracious and said she didn't mind) because I shed. Well, heck, I'm a dog for crying out loud.

I sleep on Nancy's bed most of the time, but I can cross over to sleep in Susie's, too.

I'm not allowed to have any dog treats. At home, Nancy dehydrates sliced sweet potatoes for me--Um um...are they good and Nancy says they are one of the healthiest foods I can eat. For this trip, she bought frozen string beans, carrots, and assorted veggies and I like them, too!

The weather was perfect here for the weekend, but is expected to get warmer. There seems to be a breeze, though, and we hope it continues. The shade has been quite comfortable. Nancy and I sit outside while she reads. I love watching everything that goes on. People always say hello to me. Nancy really likes her Kindle. She's resisted buying one because she said she likes the feel of a book. Well, the Kindle changed that! Now she wonders why she waited so long. She got 10 free books the other day. She had purchased something from Amazon and they made a mistake on the order. To compensate, they gave her $5 off her next order and she found some books that were on special...can't get better than free!

Susan and Me in the shade in back of the trailer.

We are going to go back to Pensacola--I'm not sure which day, but I think Nancy will get some nice pictures. Gulf Shores is a beachy community--we've crossed over the inter-coastal waterway several times.

Susan is going to the beach with the Mayor and Linda. They came over, this evening, and we all had a glass of wine. We had a really nice time.

Yeah! I'm Cured!!!

I got the all clear, today! Nancy's been a wreck, but I knew the Doc would give me good news, this morning. We even heard back from the Doc in Texas, already, so we're all celebrating.

We're all hooked up and ready to go. I generally like to write when we're traveling so you'll be hearing from me (Nancy gets lazy) We're leaving to meet our friend, "The Mayor", in Gulf Shores. Usually, we go to James Island in October, but we wanted a change and Nancy wanted to visit. Susie is anxious to meet the Mayor, too. The only thing left to do is load Susie's bicycle and put a few last minute items in including my computer. (Whoo Hoo, Susie's coming so I'll get to do a lot of walking and you know how I love to explore) The only problem with Gulf Shores compared to Charleston is that I'm not allowed on the beach. We used to go to Folly Beach over by Charleston. It doesn't matter to me because I don't like the waves, anyway, and Nancy doesn't want me to swim in the dog park lake (she's such a worry wort, and I refuse to wear that bright green life jacket!) Susie is the one that likes to take me to the beach--maybe we'll drive somewhere and find one, but she can go on her own, too. Maybe there will be a lake where I can swim a little--depends on how safe Nancy feels it is.

Nancy needs to get her back fixed as soon as we get home so we can camp with all our friends, again. Her family and friends will give her no peace until she finds a doctor.

We generally camp in mid and south Georgia during the winter and spring. I loved playing with all my friends, and have really missed them. Free at last!!


Then, (crossing fingers and holding breath) maybe we'll get to make another trip west! Whoo Hoo!

Thank you, everyone who reads this blog, for your good wishes over these past months. The good vibes worked! You're a good bunch!

Tears for Little Mary

She fights as mightily as any soldier called to battle. I wish I could fight it for her. 
Impossible to believe there is any kind of supreme being when an innocent child is so ill.

September 30

Well, our appointment with the vet is September 30 when we hope to get an all clear. I was really hoping that this would be the all clear to head out. I do have reservations down on the gulf, but whether or not I'll make them is a big question mark at this point.

I was intent on looking into my back problems to see if there might be a quick fix--even surgery would be okay to rid me of the pain that has tied me down for months, now. I was waiting to see if I could help my sister, in NY, when her husband went into the hospital for serious surgery so that I could help look after her dog and my two little nieces as needed, one being little Mary. She's fighting as surely as any soldier who has gone into battle has fought.

That all changed when I awoke with the shingles. I had heard of them, but I had no idea what they are. You don't want them, trust me. If you're 60+ and have had chicken pox, get the shot! They say 3-5 weeks with this awful pain, perhaps months, and in some instances forever. The doctors in my daughters anesthesia group have recommended a pain block if improvement isn't made within the 5 weeks. So, I'm feeling a little sorry for myself and for Jack. We have fought so hard for a year to save his life only for him to watch me do as little as possible. His walks have been limited to barely past the driveway--thank goodness for my daughter. She walks him whenever she possibly can. I've been grateful to all who have wished him well. He's on the couch beside me; sometimes, it's as though he knows something is wrong. The past couple of days I can sit up better and looked at email, today and will start catching up on blogs. Hope everyone has been well. I have three friends who are having a grand time; presently in the Tetons, and I'm so happy they got to "live" the dream, too.

Nothing more to say at the moment. Will just include a couple of pix of my best pal.

When I sleeps, I sleeps

Guess I better get down...

Nope, I think I'll catch more shut eye.

Jack's Buddy, Comet, is Visiting

I guess there's really no reason to write a blog, but what the heck. I've been reading about my friends out west and it's killing me! Wish I could write about waterfalls and mountains, meadows and forests, rivers, streams, and lakes, not to mention the desert and ocean--oh, how the Pacific and all in between calls to Jack and me. I can only hope--some day.

Comet likes a certain bed in a certain place when he comes to stay so it was ready and waiting for his arrival. Of course, as soon as I put it down Jack got out of his princely beds and into it to make himself comfortable. Comet doesn't like Jack's beds because they are too soft and he's got a bit of arthritis that makes it difficult for him to get out once he's in!

Comet is a very gentle pup (big old teddy bear, really), but if he has his bone or his favorite toy (a chicken) and Jack walks by, he growls. Jack looks at me as if to say, "What's up with him?" That's because Jack's a lover, not a fighter.

Post really for my own satisfaction. Here's a couple of pictures to mark this day.

Comet Enjoying His Bone

"Now, where can I hide MY bone?

Perhaps it's the memory of this little guy, Mac, who took Jack's bone and wouldn't let him have it back! Ya think? We've had a lot of laughs over this picture. Mac is a little guy with a big attitude; actually, he thinks he's bigger than Jack. He was raised with a wonderful German Shepherd named Nic who is running around playing at the Rainbow Bridge.

Down for the Count...

If it's not one thing, it's another. My sister, whose granddaughter has Leukemia, found out several weeks ago that her husband has colon cancer. He'll have surgery the end of the month. I'm on hold for a drive to NY until then when they find out what is needed. I don't want to visit, I don't want to be in the way, but if there are children or dogs to sit or whatever is needed I want to be able to be there for them. They've had such hard luck, but are amazing the way they are hanging in there without panic. My sister has always been there for me during hard times.

While Jack gets better by the day, my back gets worse by the day. I hate to go to a doctor, at this point, because I need to be able to drop everything and get to New York once we find out the how long it will be for my brother-in-law's recovery. My sister has a good vet so I'll be okay with Jack, and I can make the drive in two long days.

If all things solve themselves, I'm hoping to make my first camping trip October 1st after Jack gets his clean bill of health, and I'll head to Gulf Shores with my daughter to see a good friend. If my daughter doesn't go, I may just keep heading west maybe stay in the southwest, come home for a bit in the spring and head out with friends to the coast--these are all plans that are floating around in my head--no gelling, as yet, and everything depends upon my back.

Jack makes me laugh. After his walks he lays down by the trailer as if we were camping. Some days I sit out in the driveway so he (we, really) can pretend, but it gets awfully hot. Funny pup. Always keeps me laughing no matter what.

I think, aside from the excellent medical care he has received, keeping him on a very strict no fat diet has aided in his recovery. The only treat he gets are sweet potato slices (sliced with a $20 wonderful mandoline) that I bake at 150-170 degrees for 3-1/2 hours in the convection oven. It really dehydrates them more than bakes them. Sweet potato is a very healthy food and has no fat. He also gets rutin.

Recently, I took care of my son's Weimaraners (I grew up with one way before they were popular in this country). Bella is about 7 years old and has been here many times. Bogey is approaching two and I figured he was civilized enough to visit and have furniture, woodwork, etc., in tact after his visit. Bella is tan; Bogey is blue (a rarer color). He's small compared to Weimaraners I've known. He's got a great personality and runs with wild abandon and does his best to annoy poor Bella who promptly puts him in his place.

Bella and Bogey-think they feel at home?

Bella dozing off. I've seen her fall asleep half off the couch!

While here, I had ribs for dinner. I left for 10 minutes to run to the store and when I got back the garbage was spread from one end of the house to the other. I just assumed it was Bogey. I cleaned up, but in the middle of the night I got up and  Bogey had been sick (or so I thought). I was concerned because the bone fragments were sharp. I was about to take Bogey to the emergency vet when I heard Bella vomiting. Ahhh...the real culprit, as my son confirmed the next day. I watched and waited for her to get sick, again, but she was okay--no more bones.

Jack was a little out of sorts during their visit. He's so used to being the "only" center of attention that I think his nose was a little out of joint. One of my daughter's friends is bringing his golden retriever on Friday for me to watch until Tuesday. He's a big old teddy bear and loves attention, too, so I'm going to have to make "the prince" happy by showering him with even more attention.

I've tried staying in an upright position, but I'm getting tired so I think I'll get back down on the heating pad. Sure wish I had travel to blog about. I have some good friends who are out in Glacier right now and it's KILLING me, but I'm glad they are having such a good time. Their blogs are on my blog list. Saffire and Victory Tour.

I have missed reading all my travel blogs, but will get back to them, tomorrow. So, this is just a "Hi, everyone!"

The Sun Shines On Us, Today!

We just got back from the vet and Jack has even less fluid than he had last check! We will go back one more time, in October, to confirm the trend and to declare Jack officially cured. I have already written to the surgeon in Texas; I have no words to describe how grateful I am to her, and to my Vet for helping me arrange for Jack's surgery. It certainly paid off, and certainly convinced me that seeking a specialist is just as important in animals as it is in humans. I'm hoping to be able to take him over to Charleston to swim and enjoy camping in October.

Susan, my daughter, loves going over there, and she's been so good and helpful since all this started so it will be my way of thanking her. She loves him so much.

No Kisses! They are Lizzie's!

Enough Schmoozing!

Wasn't as bad at the vet as I thought! Can I please eat, now?

I'll still stick fairly close to home until then, but I'll be comfortable doing some day trips with him--and if there's a break in the heat, maybe some camping within a reasonable distance. I'll also be a little less nervous when I leave him to run to the store. I feel like kicking up my heels and singing Halleluljah!

Thank you to everyone for your good wishes for my sweet boy. It has meant so much to me. We'll rest easier, now...well, at least I know Jack will. He wanted out the door the entire time at the vet and headed straight for the couch when we got home, after eating and hitting his water bowl.