The Birthday Boy

Today is Jack's eleventh birthday, but he doesn't act old. He's a clown, and has made me laugh since the day we brought him home. He is a wonderful companion and a gentle giant of sorts. I love him with all my heart. 

The other day the hat, now more pictures. Sheesh! I'm not looking at you.

This is what I have to say about you and your flash, Nancy.

Okay, I'm getting down.

Okay, flash away. This is as interesting as it's gonna get!

Welcome Laura and Ron and Happy Birthday, Jack

We had a very busy weekend. Laura, the love of Michael's (my son) life flew in to spend time with him and his daughters (Keely and Peyton). First, they went to their cabin for two days, then spent time with the girls taking them to a very nice dinner, and then they all came here for the weekend. Laura and Peyton had a wonderful time baking for Susan's party while Keely and I hung out, together. Laura had sent ahead some pre-measured Barefoot Contessa recipes to take to Susan's party. They were delicious. John and Lisa and their daughters, Amanda and Missy, had not yet met Laura so it was time! Amanda, even drove down from Nashville. Everyone was here except for one granddaughter, Kellie, who had to work. We all missed her.

Michael and Laura

Cupcakes half decorated

Susan's Cupcake Holder

Peyton and Laura--think the icing was good?

Unfortunately, the pictures I took with the exception of a few, did not turn out well. I don't think this new camera does well in low light or I had the settings wrong. At any rate it was a big disappointment. They are grainy, and I don't think they will post well, but at least I have a "record" of the happy weekend we had. I also had strict instructions, from Susan, not to post a picture of Ron. :( I forgot to ask whether she meant on Facebook or somewhere else. I think I'll assume it was Facebook. :)

Even had the other pictures turned out well, Keely (on the right) was not cooperating.

Lisa and John (Michael clowning around)

Ron and Susan

We had so much fun playing games, especially charades. It was the "older" people against the young ones. To our surprise the youngest of our Grandchildren got "The Maltese Falcon". Who wudda thunk? I'm not sure of the score, but the young ones kept right up with the old ones!

The granddaughters have decided that they want to dye my hair. I talked them out of it, yesterday, but they are determined that they will do it at Thanksgiving. At least they gave up on the idea of mod colors (blue, red, pink, green) and are considering a normal color. I think I'll keep the white, thank you. Maybe I'll let them do a rinse so I can wash it out. I've over fussing with hair or anything else for that matter!

We also had something else to celebrate. Missy, who graduated with honors from UGA will be going to Duke or another school (she hasn't decided, yet) on a grant. They will pay her to go to school to get her Doctorate. How about that! We are all very proud of her.

Missy, our Scholar

I didn't realize it, but Susan was also combining the welcome/meet and greet party with a birthday party for Jack He will be eleven on the 8th. She was determined that he wear a hat (which he did not want to do).

Quit kissing me, Susie!

I DON'T want to wear a hat!

Okay, you got your way, but I'm not looking. (Keely took this picture with her phone)

Well, okay, for a bone I'll wear it.

Susan always goes above and beyond with get togethers--she even had little tiny decorations with Jack's name on the table, and a cake, flowers, and balloons. Her house is always so pretty. Another missed picture. I'll sneak this in here. She just had a new garage door installed, today, and will paint it the same color as the trim. Won't it be pretty?

Hard to believe he's 11--he was just a pup the other day!

Doors to be painted the darker color of the trim--same as the old garage doors below

We were sad to see Laura go home, but we look forward to seeing her, soon, again. The grandkids had so much fun they want to have a party at least once a month!! :)

I Love Music

I have an extensive iTune library that I use on my laptop (and of course my iPod). For anyone who loves music as much as I do, I'd recommend this. My computer has good speakers, but this little beauty makes me feel as though I have a symphony in the room. I decided to send one to my son, who also loves music, but travels a lot with his job. It's small enough to pack, along with his laptop, in his briefcase. I hope he's surprised, and loves it as much as I do.

The most difficult part was getting the packaging off! Didn't take two minutes to get it going. Logitech Speaker for Computer

I've made reservations to go to Asheville, with my daughter, for a  long weekend. I have reservations in a pet friendly motel--I need to get out of the house. It's not the west, but it is the mountains and a beautiful area. Susan can visit the Biltmore if we run into rain or shop (her very favorite past time) as I got lodging right downtown. I enjoy just driving the back roads and finding unexpected places.

The Rescue

Today is Your Birthday

Can it be eight birthdays that have passed? I spend my hours with memories of you. I'm glad you didn't have to grow old alone, though I suspect you might have faired better--you would have had that new motorhome and traveled. You probably would have taken the grandkids with you, and traveled with John, Lisa and Michael and their girls, and Susan. At least, that's what I hope you would have done.  I wish, too, that you had had the opportunity to meet Laura. The two of you would have gotten along so well. As time passes, grief changes. I don't cry every hour on the hour, anymore, but you are still the driving force in my life. And, when I write of you, the tears do come. When there's a crisis in life, I ask, "What would Rich have done? I wish he were here." I remember our kids as they grew, your pups, and your general love of life. I remember your kindness, and how I never knew of a person who didn't like you, including your wife and children.

I have all the diaries and so many photos and hours of video from our years, together. Not only traveling, but of the kids growing up and the grand kids coming. I sure wish blogs had been available when you were here. I've "met" many virtual bloggers (wonderful people) and I'm glad they are able to live their dreams, but so wish we could have continued ours and lived our golden years together. They aren't so golden without you.

Remember how we laughed at the sign about the walk-through, and the sign about shooting at Kerr Dam not to mention the mountain lion warning after I was out of sight. Crazy Horse Dam,  Zion, Bryce, Arches, Deadhorse, Canyon Lands, Hebo which took us out west to begin with. Chama and Silverton, and what a blast going to Polebridge and bear grass. Ghost towns and old cemeteries and sculptures made from junk metal. The beautiful paintings on the silos in Grey Bull--they have disassembled them, you know, but I was glad to read that they were preserved because the artist was smart enough to paint them in sections and number them so they could be reassembled. The prison and car museum in Deer Lodge, getting stuck on 50 in Nevada. The great car show in Durango, bicycle races up to Silverton. Telluride and the powerhouse. Flathead Lake. Hong Kong Harry. Whitefish and Kalispell. Livingston and the lady with the sandwiches. Walks in the evenings. Anchovies clogging Brookings Harbor. Crabs and seals. The mighty Columbia River and the Truckee. The unexpected detour to beautiful Idaho. Who knew? Central and northern all the way to Coeur d'Alene, the sculpture of five little girls (our grandchildren). Remember the red Jeep way up on the bluff in Stanley and how we worried that development was coming. It didn't. The bluff is still untouched. The town has grown--it was 69 population when we were last there and has grown to 100.

The year I was working in the office and you said at lunch time, "C'mon, let's go get a hamburger." Up the stairs Lizzie and I bounded ready for a break and you directed me to the motorhome. I had had one in a little cafe' the year before and always (still say) it was the best burger I ever had. The hamburger was in Big Fork, Montana! You had secretly done all the packing. You ran downstairs and forwarded the phones to the cell, and I grabbed my laptop. Off we went! Whoo Hoo!

Hunting for internet cafes, dial up from campground offices (wifi, who heard of wifi in the early days?), carrying on business certainly not as usual, but carrying on never-the-less. A devoted teacher who taught Indian Children. Remember all the books you gave her? Was like you gave her a million dollars. Bribing a librarian to allow me to plug in the computer for internet access. Susan sending overnight fedex packages to campgrounds, and returning calls to people who had no idea we were on the road thousands of miles from Georgia. Oh, we surely pulled one off, didn't we. What a team we were!

Letting the pups swim in all the lakes and streams we could find. The peaceful places we camped. Dancing on a rock above Icicle River, and how we missed Joanie and Bruce when they passed. We had such a good time with them in Leavenworth.

Betting who would spot Devil's Tower first (you won-I won't discuss the prize), Taos, Santa Fe, Angel Fire and the DAV Memorial, The Enchanted Circle, Tillamook Hangar and ICE CREAM. Rapid City's unexpected adventure, Crazy Horse, Custer, Rushmore. Vancouver Island, the dangerous journey up Mt. Ranier. Silverton, Ouray, and the backcountry. An ice cream cone wherever you could bribe me into getting it--Choteau comes to mind. Our little green truck--our first toad. Jack and Lizzie and their antics. The young couple we caught with the camera as he proposed to her--the invitation to their wedding. The senior salmon dinner!

The coast of Oregon and how you laughed at my fascination with Tsunamis. Light houses big and small. Busy coastal towns, ghost towns and old western towns. Blue skies, green forests, gold fields and wild flowers. Crater Lake, short shoes and hikes which have nothing to do with one another, but I know you'd laugh at the mere mention of them.

Our tent, our pop-up, our first motorhome, second motorhome, our third--and the fourth that we were supposed to pick up for our last trip that didn't happen. I remember saying, pretty soon you'll be able to stay in the driveway and be in Colorado at the same time.

The dams, the bridges, the boats, the dorymen, the rivers, the streams, the lakes, the waterfalls, the redwoods, the Pacific. Redrock, snow, rain, the coast, Timpanagos Caves, Sheba, fancy smancy resort on the coast. Getting lost trying to find Ship Rock, staying five minutes at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Tetons, Rockies, and my favorites, The Sawtooths, your favorite, Glacier. Bears, bison, elk, deer, and bumps in the night. What? Pelicans in Montana?? Our Christmas in the Keys and our trips to Charleston and every state park in Georgia as we worked.

Whale watching, ferries, and the coolness of the ocean. Afternoons watching cowboys herding cattle or sheep. Harris Beach, the first Oregon Coast State Park we stayed in. Singing as we rode from destination to destination. Tahoe and Ponderosa. Time spent with your sister in Reno.

Haven't scratched the surface. Just typed what jumped into my head--when I went back you were in all the familiar places, and we were always laughing. Have hundreds and hundreds of photos yet to  scan, but I grabbed a handful in no order because we never did anything in order or as planned. Why change, now? :) Thank goodness for scanners.

Yes, we laughed while raising our children, while running our business, and during leisure time and travel. It was your gift to radiate happiness and your dry sense of humor wherever you were or in whatever situation we were in. How Rich you made our lives.

The kids speak of you with reverence. And well they should--no better Dad ever lived. No better husband ever lived. Maybe we paid for that privilege by losing you too early. Nothing can take our memories, though. Nothing.

Rupert

My sister and brother-in-law lost their beloved Weimeraner, yesterday. He had a long and wonderful life with them. He was a wonderful dog and their hearts are heavy with grief. It was a difficult decision, but they had Rupey's best interest at heart. I realized I don't even have a picture of him, but I don't want his passing to go unnoticed as he brought so much joy to those who loved him.

My sister and I live far apart so we don't get to see each other, often, but she has always been, and will always be, my best friend. She has the best memory of anyone I know, and she can recall the tiniest details when relating a story. Rupert provided much fodder, and she'd have me laughing until I cried at his antics. He was a true "dog comic" and will be remembered for his incredible personality.

I know she and my brother-in-law are hurting very badly and their hearts have big holes in them, now. I wish I had words to fill them, but I don't. I can't even fill my own holes.

I've played this many times, but it seems so fitting--I always think of Lizzie and Jack when I play it, but tonight, this is for you, Rupey. Rest in peace, dear pup. You made a difference in this world.

Rupey Song

I was able to get some pictures.

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should I be deprived of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

--Beth Norman Harris

America...

Tribute

The Next Best Thing...

Well, I couldn't go west, but Susan had an opportunity to go to Denver, Boulder, and Breckenridge. She returned home with a friend who had been here in Atlanta for medical reasons. Susan fell in love with Denver, immediately. I got a text saying she was ready to pack her bags and move. Grass didn't grown under their feet. The first night they took in a ball game--I'm not sure what the name of the Denver team is.

Then she reconnected with a childhood best friend who she found (or she found Susan, I'm not sure which) on Facebook. Yesterday, she and her friend had lunch and Susan got her Mom's phone number and email address. Pat was my one of my best friends when we first moved to Atlanta. As things go in life, we had lost contact. I called her, today, and she is doing wonderfully. I couldn't visit her on my trip as I felt it might be too early after the loss of her husband, Hank. They were very good friends to Rich and me, so I was very saddened to hear about him. I am amazed at how well she is--full of life as she's always been--sounds exactly the same as she did years ago. She said her faith helped her to get to the place she's in, now. She's off to Scotland, soon. We vowed to keep in touch, and she asked me to visit her. Of course, that's not possible, now, and it may never be. I told her she was always welcome in Atlanta. It surprised me when she said she always loved Atlanta. 


Today, Susan and her friend are in Breckenridge, and she's having a blast. They will return to Denver, tomorrow. I've only gotten a couple of pictures from her--I'll take what I can get. I'm happy she's having such a good time--even planning a ski trip next winter which may include her brother.

The lack of traffic, alone, sells me on this place. Makes me wish we had made the move years ago before it was too late. Oh, well. A lesson for my kids and grandkids, I hope.

Postponed

Well, I had all good intentions of getting to my sister's this month or July, but several things on her end and mine will postpone the trip.

It is hot and humid here--my least favorite time of the year. I was raised without air conditioning--sometimes wonder how we survived! I never remember being hot when I was a kid, and I was very active.

Like many bloggers, my thoughts are with David and Sherry. I'm wishing for fall when we hear good news and that they are back to living their dream--like the Princess and the Cowboy.

Jack and I have been lazy though we take a couple of short walks per day, and then his sister, Susan (girlfriend) comes over to walk him to his favorite place. There's a couple that walk at the nature center with their big black lab named Jack, and Susan meets them and the two Jack's have a blast sniffing and smelling their surroundings. Susan said they greet each other and get along very well. Susan ran a race with them. The picture isn't too clear--I'm not sure where it came from or who took it, but she emailed it to me (#437). Susan is in great shape and keeps very active.

She is considering adopting a dog name Maddie. http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22966208 I'm trying to stay out of her decision even though she is asking me for my advice. She must make the decision and decide whether she wants to make the commitment. Maddie is in foster care, now, but Susan met her and said she's a lovely dog. She really does sound like a very sweet dog. I know I'll have to be "involved" to a degree, but I'll need to keep it to a minimum. Jack is my first priority, and he's getting older so I want him to have an uncomplicated life without another dog in "his" house. As it is, I'm committed to watching my son's pups and my granddaughters for some time in July, but we'll go down to his home so the girls can be around their friends. He's always been very friendly and accommodating to any dogs who come into the house, but since it's such a long time, now, that it's just the two of us I think he feels a bit put out, and he pouts. I do have to laugh at the looks he gives me--"Woe is me."

Jack has become afraid of the dark. I don't know whether he may have smelled a coyote OR whether he's not able to see as well as he once did. When he knows it's time to go out at night, he high tails it for the other end of the house, but I put a leash on him so he knows I'll be right with him. I can tell that he's very nervous, and literally runs back to the door when he's finished (I let go of the leash).

It reminds me of when he was young. Lizzie, who was black as the ace of spades, used to hide in the darkness and jump out at him, scaring him half to death! He'd get on the patio and look around trying to figure out which direction she was going to come from. It was the dog version of a spooky movie--funny to watch. I think she was getting back at him for all the tail biting he did when he was a puppy. :) During the day, she would lay up on the hill in the same spot every day and he would stalk her, stopping with foot in mid-air as though she couldn't see him. She would have a bored look on her face as it took him 15 minutes to get 30 feet to her before he pounced. Rich and I used to love to watch the fun and games. Yes, pay back is hell, Jack!
I didn't post this picture of him when we were in Charleston--he's such a handsome boy.

The Father of My Children

Here's to You, Rich.

Memories
You and I raised three wonderful children to be wonderful adults. I wish you were here to see them, now, you would be so proud. I am.

Beautiful Portrayal of Texas

A good friend of mine, Ellen, sent me the video called Texas State Photographer. Well worth watching. Following is the message in the email.

Wyman Meinzer, the photographer, used to live in the old jail in Benjamin, TX. 
The photo of the coiled rattlesnake appeared on the cover of a wildlife
magazine in the 80s. He said, there were times he crawled a long way on
his belly to get a good shot of a wild animal.    

"The music is by Doug Smith. Doug is from Petersburg, Texas and lives
south of town. Doug plays by ear-He can not read music, but has many
CDs. A pickup accident left Doug paralyzed and he does not play any
more. Most of the pictures were taken in the rolling plains..Cap rock
to Seymour, the Fork, 6666, and Waggoner Ranches. There are some scenes in Palo Duro Canyon.

I don't know if I've ever seen such fantastic use of music set to amazing animal and landscape photography. The changes in the tempo perfectly compliment the scenery."

Texas State Photographer

My Traveling Tribe

We never made it to St. Augustine because of weather, but all turned out for the best. The day after we got home Susan was off again to Panama City with a friend. They went dolphin watching and swam with the dolphins! I'll hear all about it as they will be home, today. I was hoping she'd give me one more picture, but nada. Had to steal this one from Facebook as it is.

View From Schooners

Michael and Laura are showing his two girls New York City. They landed yesterday morning (I started this post on Sunday) and have already seen Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and have been on an evening cruise to see the city lights. The girls are amazed. I got a text from Keely saying, "So, when are we going to move up here?" Today, they are going to the 9/11 Memorial, Soho, and to a Broadway Show tonight. Then I know there will be some shopping and dinner at an Italian Restaurant with Laura's whole family. They are on the go, that's for sure. I'm getting "some" pictures taken with phones. Laura and Michael have been planning for months to make the most of their visit to the big Apple so the girls would have the optimum Big Apple experience. I think they succeeded! I lived on Long Island, and they've probably seen more than I have in my lifetime. 

Which Bridge?

9/11 Memorial-they said it was very moving and feelings indescribable. From the picture, it reminds me a little of the Oklahoma City Memorial--peaceful.

Times Square

From Circle Line

What a Great Experience for My Granddaughters

Times Square

My eldest son, John and his wife, Lisa, are on their way to St. George Island. They are there with their three girls, their Grandmother and Grandfather (MiMi (sp?) and Big Daddy), and all their cousins from Lisa's side of the family (except for one who had to work). The kids all rented a house for themselves and the grownups are nearby including my dear friends, Martha and Jim Turner (Lisa's Mom and Dad).


I had so much fun last night. There is a live web cam on the island and my grand daughters were all waving to me as we were on our cell phones. Technology is just incredible. My Dad would be in hog's heaven--he loved any kind of gadget!

Everyone's Favorite Family-Beautiful Inside and Out

First picture in from St. George. This is Leland, Lisa's brother. Great picture, huh?

Cousins: David, Sam, and two of my granddaughters Kellie, Missy. There are four other cousins (and some husbands) roaming around, somewhere. 

Jack and I have been taking it easy. We went for a ride, yesterday, and several short walks but we're still recovering from the whirlwind trip over to the coast.

I think I'm going to leave the trailer behind and ride up to see my Sister, in New York. I just have a yearning that won't go away. I think I'll leave the week after Father's Day.


When I return, I'll go about my back--don't know why I'm dragging my feet on that other than I hate to leave Jack, and for some reason recuperation without Rich seems so much more complicated. He was always at my side during any health crisis--even an emergency surgery in South Dakota. He was always so caring and helpful, and not having his comforting ways is scary. There are so many reasons I miss him.