Today and tomorrow I give tours of Cameron Cave. It’s the one fewer people know about that involves a mile walk and flashlights. I also give a Mark Twain presentation tomorrow. But at least I have the morning off to go to church.
Re: the meaning of words – Yesterday it was “squaw”. My beef is with the word “gay”. When we talk of the “gay 90s”, it means something different to those of us older than 50 than to 20 somethings today.
So, true, Peter. Thong is another one. I can’t stand so many words my children or grandchildren can use without the connotation that comes to my mind. One of the hazards of growing old, I guess.
It’s after 1 p.m. and 78° because we have had rain off and on with cloud cover. Seems we’ve switched temps with Black Forest, CO.
I took my first dose of ‘hormone altering’ med so I am watching to see any obvious side effects.
This treatment plan was so unexpected and a great understatement of what I ‘knew’ I’d be facing. God had other plans.
Late yesterday Wes and I hiked the boardwalk. Hr was surprised by my quickness in walking and not wanting to stop along the way. It was getting later and around dusk so that was a factor. I also told him I felt the weight of the world had lifted. My energy level was boosted by the good news. I have never walked that trail so fast.
You go, Janice. 🙂 Glad also that Wesley (presumably) was able to be with you for that doctors’ appointment yesterday. But such good new all the way around.
I had Tess put down yesterday, she was just declining over the past couple nights and it was time. But it was so, so much harder than I anticipated. I’ve been through is numerous times before (6, I counted, I’m currently on my 7th and 8th dogs as an owner). But I’ll tell you, this one was tough. I cried through most of the day, before and after, went to bed emotionally exhausted but unable to get to sleep for a while. I finally did and slept in late today, so I am feeling better — though knowing I will be facing another goodbye before long with Cowboy.
There’s definitely a downside to getting two wonderful dogs who bond so completely and wind up living such long lives together, “going” at around the same time.
I’ll miss Tess so much, it’s so strange not to see her around here so suddenly. She was an amazing, smart, beautiful, sweet dog. So special. Always met me at the back gate when I drove up into the driveway, even as of the morning of our vet appointment.
OK, more tears.
Work sent over a big bouquet of flowers, which was so sweet.
And my neighbors have cried with me, they’ve lost their own special dogs through the years.
++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile I really do have some picking up to do around here — and my hot water isn’t working just in the kitchen sink, water is lukewarm there this morning. Shower seems good and hot still. Sigh.
++++++++++++++
I somehow “saw” a gorilla chin in that photo this morning, just to the right of the chipmunk (which I didn’t detect immediately); thought it was a wood carving.
I have tears, dj, over your loss of Tess. And Cowboy’s loss of Tess. Such a close bond you all had. It is understandable at this point in time that you feel extra sensitive to this big loss. The Pandemic made you closer than ever with your pets. And every year as we age, the losses mount. Glad your work mates came through with a nice bouquet.
For my appointment, only one visitor was allowed so that was Art. Wesley hung out in the car and read. The exam room was rather small in this older hospital, and there was no real privacy. I had expected only a consult but was given a pink paper vest to wear for the exam. They brought in an ultrasound machine so the room was filled with two techs, the doctor, the machine, Art, and me. I don’t think another person could have been in there, and out of modesty’s sake, there is no way Wes would have been in there.
Yes, they’re always there, aren’t they? Viruatally part of the warp and woof of our lives for years. Dogs are amazing and faithful companions that just aren’t always “noticed” in our day-to-day comings and goings.
My heart is even more touched, dj, in that my newish friend is single after divorce, and I see how important her animals are to her. I think she lost an old cat and then later a dog within this past year. Now she only has one dog I have never seen because it is a rowdy shepherd. She was sitting the pit bull, Sweetie.
DJ – As you already know, I am praying for you and crying with you. One thought I had about the pandemic was that it was nice that you got to be with Tess and Cowboy more during these past couple years.
I smiled a bit at your reference to the warp and woof of our lives, as it is the dogs who add the “woof”. 🙂
Thank you Kare. There are dog people and non-dog people. 🙂 I think I come by my pet connection by way of my mom who also was extra tender when it came to animals. Their loss was never taken lightly in our household. Singleness may be a factor, but not the overriding one in our connections to these guys.
My best friend, on the other hand, has never had that connection to pets (but was raised by parents who did). She and her husband have never had animals that were viewed in that same way in their family.
I’m not sure sure family status has much to do with any of that.
My cousin who’s single has never had a pet connection. Me, yes my other cousin, yes.
I’ve always viewed it as something of a random gene, if you will, more than background or family situation. (Though upbringing may have an influence.)
But yes, I think many of us, single or otherwise, did become more aware of the 4-legged creatures in our midst during this pandemic when so many of us worked from home.
DJ, did you ever consider doing pet portraits? The daughter of one of my Word Weaver friends does those and they are beautiful. I think that would be something special as a kind of memorial to Tess and Cowboy and Annie.
Thanks everyone. No, never thought of pet portraits but am familiar with them — just not really our style. 🙂 No ashes, but I have gotten paw prints from some of my dogs — if I think about it in time. Some I’ve missed, but that’s OK.
I’m not overly sentimental that way. Have some cute photos but I never seem to get around to framing or hanging them. Nice to know I have them though.
Morning all. That is how I feel most mornings dear bear!! Perhaps if I just rip down the mirror it will all go away!! 😂
I was reflecting upon how many of us here have lost our beloved furry family members over the years. I found myself all teary eyed recalling the loss of Babe and Fly then realizing I will face it again with Lu and Pip. The blessing of having them in our lives (even those horrid puppy days!) brings so much joy! Looking through old photos and recalling the moments, the unconditional love, the times they wouldn’t leave our side no matter what! The Lord blessed us with Babe to get us all through some very difficult days and she was just the most perfect dog. I am amazed at His plan and goodness in our lives to be touched by His creation of these critters! Continued prayers over you Dj ♥️
oh, Dj, I am sad for you. I know Tess was your family and Cowboy must miss her. Thankful for the pictures you have shared here over the years. A very hard season for you.
We had a really good sermon by our pastoral intern today about Barnabas, the faithful encourager. It was a very thoughtful message about the good he did as well as his failings.
In Sunday school we covered King David who also had a lot of failings, but God used him anyways because God knew his heart.
The two Biblical characters had not been planned to be aligned under the theme of flawed but God used them anyways, but it worked out that way. The Sunday school lesson is from a Bible long curriculum, and the sermpn topic got rearranged because the one who was suppose to preach had suffered an injury so the intern had to step up and do his character out of the previously planned order. I see that God works timings out like this quite frequently to align and reiterate His message.
We have such a fascinating array of people in our Sunday school group. I was very glad to share the good news about my medical situation. And I was thankful that Wes attended with me.
Good weekend, all. We are back home again after a fun filled couple of days in Moscow with the folks. Sleeping on the floor is a bit hard on this aging body but it was doable. I thought of my many fellow believers where that is the norm and realized I could make it through.
Great news, Janice.
Sitting alongside, DJ. Remembering mine who have gone before. Manny and Barney most recently. They leave a big hole in our lives, but they brought much joy and peace and love.
Janice – It is encouraging to us believers to realize that all of the patriarchs and kings and other people mentioned in the Bible had flaws and failings, just like us. And if God can and did use them, He can and will use us.
David is one of my favorite people in the Bible. His love for God and his repentant heart (which is what made him “a man after God’s own heart”) are encouraging and moving. (It’s too bad that Michal couldn’t see beyond her sense of dignity when David was dancing with all his might before the Lord.) I am always sad when in my Bible reading, I come to the end of the chapters about him.
Four of my grandchildren are backpacking together for the next three days. The girls are 15, 15, and 16, and the one boy is 17. I am concerned. Especially after seeing the girls in their swimsuits, they seem to be lacking sense or modesty. I kept my mouth shut. But told them that I would be praying for their trip.
I went to my house at 2:30, but there was no key where they said that it would be. And the trash can had not been taken down to the road. I will try later.
Jo, my walking friend is out and about a lot more than I am. She told me about the swimsuits the younger girls are wearing, and I had no idea how bad they are. I am sad that you are having to be witness of that in your family. I guess the thought is, “Well, everyone else is wearing them.”
“Young” or “younger” are such relative terms, aren’t they? I remember at a ladies’ meeting at my old church, a woman in her 60s was referring to me and a couple other ladies who were all in our early 40s as young. This same woman was referred to as young herself by another lady in her 80s. 😀
Yes, Kizzie, we still have Jake. She is as sweet as ever and we are trying to persuade Espn that she will enjoy staying in Jake’s run while we are off to the reunion.
Wandering Views 
Hello weekend. What’s in store?
Today and tomorrow I give tours of Cameron Cave. It’s the one fewer people know about that involves a mile walk and flashlights. I also give a Mark Twain presentation tomorrow. But at least I have the morning off to go to church.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Re: the meaning of words – Yesterday it was “squaw”. My beef is with the word “gay”. When we talk of the “gay 90s”, it means something different to those of us older than 50 than to 20 somethings today.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So, true, Peter. Thong is another one. I can’t stand so many words my children or grandchildren can use without the connotation that comes to my mind. One of the hazards of growing old, I guess.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Morning all! It is a warm one today! 86 and it is just past 10 am….
I have been out on the front porch reading and enjoying the goldfinches fluttering about.
And there is ol’ chipmunk cheeks up there on the header photo…is that a birdbath on top of the natural woodbase?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s after 1 p.m. and 78° because we have had rain off and on with cloud cover. Seems we’ve switched temps with Black Forest, CO.
I took my first dose of ‘hormone altering’ med so I am watching to see any obvious side effects.
This treatment plan was so unexpected and a great understatement of what I ‘knew’ I’d be facing. God had other plans.
Late yesterday Wes and I hiked the boardwalk. Hr was surprised by my quickness in walking and not wanting to stop along the way. It was getting later and around dusk so that was a factor. I also told him I felt the weight of the world had lifted. My energy level was boosted by the good news. I have never walked that trail so fast.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You go, Janice. 🙂 Glad also that Wesley (presumably) was able to be with you for that doctors’ appointment yesterday. But such good new all the way around.
I had Tess put down yesterday, she was just declining over the past couple nights and it was time. But it was so, so much harder than I anticipated. I’ve been through is numerous times before (6, I counted, I’m currently on my 7th and 8th dogs as an owner). But I’ll tell you, this one was tough. I cried through most of the day, before and after, went to bed emotionally exhausted but unable to get to sleep for a while. I finally did and slept in late today, so I am feeling better — though knowing I will be facing another goodbye before long with Cowboy.
There’s definitely a downside to getting two wonderful dogs who bond so completely and wind up living such long lives together, “going” at around the same time.
I’ll miss Tess so much, it’s so strange not to see her around here so suddenly. She was an amazing, smart, beautiful, sweet dog. So special. Always met me at the back gate when I drove up into the driveway, even as of the morning of our vet appointment.
OK, more tears.
Work sent over a big bouquet of flowers, which was so sweet.
And my neighbors have cried with me, they’ve lost their own special dogs through the years.
++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile I really do have some picking up to do around here — and my hot water isn’t working just in the kitchen sink, water is lukewarm there this morning. Shower seems good and hot still. Sigh.
++++++++++++++
I somehow “saw” a gorilla chin in that photo this morning, just to the right of the chipmunk (which I didn’t detect immediately); thought it was a wood carving.
I’m tired.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I have tears, dj, over your loss of Tess. And Cowboy’s loss of Tess. Such a close bond you all had. It is understandable at this point in time that you feel extra sensitive to this big loss. The Pandemic made you closer than ever with your pets. And every year as we age, the losses mount. Glad your work mates came through with a nice bouquet.
For my appointment, only one visitor was allowed so that was Art. Wesley hung out in the car and read. The exam room was rather small in this older hospital, and there was no real privacy. I had expected only a consult but was given a pink paper vest to wear for the exam. They brought in an ultrasound machine so the room was filled with two techs, the doctor, the machine, Art, and me. I don’t think another person could have been in there, and out of modesty’s sake, there is no way Wes would have been in there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My heart hurts for you DJ. She was a warm friendly dog. They become so much of our lives.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, they’re always there, aren’t they? Viruatally part of the warp and woof of our lives for years. Dogs are amazing and faithful companions that just aren’t always “noticed” in our day-to-day comings and goings.
LikeLiked by 3 people
… But are deeply missed when they’re gone, for sure. 😦
LikeLiked by 3 people
My heart is even more touched, dj, in that my newish friend is single after divorce, and I see how important her animals are to her. I think she lost an old cat and then later a dog within this past year. Now she only has one dog I have never seen because it is a rowdy shepherd. She was sitting the pit bull, Sweetie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So sad to hear that Dj. 😢
It’s never easy to lose a beloved pet and friend
Praying for you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Crying with you Dj… 💔😢
LikeLiked by 2 people
DJ – As you already know, I am praying for you and crying with you. One thought I had about the pandemic was that it was nice that you got to be with Tess and Cowboy more during these past couple years.
I smiled a bit at your reference to the warp and woof of our lives, as it is the dogs who add the “woof”. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, DJ, I am so sorry. The loss is so hard. I’m glad you have wonderful memories of her to look back on in time.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Kare. There are dog people and non-dog people. 🙂 I think I come by my pet connection by way of my mom who also was extra tender when it came to animals. Their loss was never taken lightly in our household. Singleness may be a factor, but not the overriding one in our connections to these guys.
LikeLiked by 3 people
My best friend, on the other hand, has never had that connection to pets (but was raised by parents who did). She and her husband have never had animals that were viewed in that same way in their family.
I’m not sure sure family status has much to do with any of that.
My cousin who’s single has never had a pet connection. Me, yes my other cousin, yes.
I’ve always viewed it as something of a random gene, if you will, more than background or family situation. (Though upbringing may have an influence.)
But yes, I think many of us, single or otherwise, did become more aware of the 4-legged creatures in our midst during this pandemic when so many of us worked from home.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So sorry, DJ, to hear you had to do that. Clearly, you loved Tess and considered her first. So sorry for your loss.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Xoxo. I’m feeling just so sad right now, DJ.
LikeLiked by 2 people
DJ, did you ever consider doing pet portraits? The daughter of one of my Word Weaver friends does those and they are beautiful. I think that would be something special as a kind of memorial to Tess and Cowboy and Annie.
LikeLike
Thanks everyone. No, never thought of pet portraits but am familiar with them — just not really our style. 🙂 No ashes, but I have gotten paw prints from some of my dogs — if I think about it in time. Some I’ve missed, but that’s OK.
I’m not overly sentimental that way. Have some cute photos but I never seem to get around to framing or hanging them. Nice to know I have them though.
_______________________________
LikeLiked by 4 people
Morning all. That is how I feel most mornings dear bear!! Perhaps if I just rip down the mirror it will all go away!! 😂
I was reflecting upon how many of us here have lost our beloved furry family members over the years. I found myself all teary eyed recalling the loss of Babe and Fly then realizing I will face it again with Lu and Pip. The blessing of having them in our lives (even those horrid puppy days!) brings so much joy! Looking through old photos and recalling the moments, the unconditional love, the times they wouldn’t leave our side no matter what! The Lord blessed us with Babe to get us all through some very difficult days and she was just the most perfect dog. I am amazed at His plan and goodness in our lives to be touched by His creation of these critters! Continued prayers over you Dj ♥️
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh, Dj, I am sad for you. I know Tess was your family and Cowboy must miss her. Thankful for the pictures you have shared here over the years. A very hard season for you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
We had a really good sermon by our pastoral intern today about Barnabas, the faithful encourager. It was a very thoughtful message about the good he did as well as his failings.
In Sunday school we covered King David who also had a lot of failings, but God used him anyways because God knew his heart.
The two Biblical characters had not been planned to be aligned under the theme of flawed but God used them anyways, but it worked out that way. The Sunday school lesson is from a Bible long curriculum, and the sermpn topic got rearranged because the one who was suppose to preach had suffered an injury so the intern had to step up and do his character out of the previously planned order. I see that God works timings out like this quite frequently to align and reiterate His message.
We have such a fascinating array of people in our Sunday school group. I was very glad to share the good news about my medical situation. And I was thankful that Wes attended with me.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Good weekend, all. We are back home again after a fun filled couple of days in Moscow with the folks. Sleeping on the floor is a bit hard on this aging body but it was doable. I thought of my many fellow believers where that is the norm and realized I could make it through.
Great news, Janice.
Sitting alongside, DJ. Remembering mine who have gone before. Manny and Barney most recently. They leave a big hole in our lives, but they brought much joy and peace and love.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mumsee – Do you still have Jake?
Janice – It is encouraging to us believers to realize that all of the patriarchs and kings and other people mentioned in the Bible had flaws and failings, just like us. And if God can and did use them, He can and will use us.
David is one of my favorite people in the Bible. His love for God and his repentant heart (which is what made him “a man after God’s own heart”) are encouraging and moving. (It’s too bad that Michal couldn’t see beyond her sense of dignity when David was dancing with all his might before the Lord.) I am always sad when in my Bible reading, I come to the end of the chapters about him.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Four of my grandchildren are backpacking together for the next three days. The girls are 15, 15, and 16, and the one boy is 17. I am concerned. Especially after seeing the girls in their swimsuits, they seem to be lacking sense or modesty. I kept my mouth shut. But told them that I would be praying for their trip.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I went to my house at 2:30, but there was no key where they said that it would be. And the trash can had not been taken down to the road. I will try later.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jo, my walking friend is out and about a lot more than I am. She told me about the swimsuits the younger girls are wearing, and I had no idea how bad they are. I am sad that you are having to be witness of that in your family. I guess the thought is, “Well, everyone else is wearing them.”
LikeLike
When I said younger girls, I meant the teens.
LikeLike
“Young” or “younger” are such relative terms, aren’t they? I remember at a ladies’ meeting at my old church, a woman in her 60s was referring to me and a couple other ladies who were all in our early 40s as young. This same woman was referred to as young herself by another lady in her 80s. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Kizzie, we still have Jake. She is as sweet as ever and we are trying to persuade Espn that she will enjoy staying in Jake’s run while we are off to the reunion.
LikeLiked by 1 person