My Latest Checkup

I went to Alyssa's for a little R & R after a social event. It was a wonderful time to veg-out and refuel. After I had been there a while, Clayton decided that it was time to check out my ear. I didn't mind that, although I'm not partial to kisses on the lips from any dog, even if he is extremely cute. That didn't stop him. He even got tangled up in my hair. What a funny guy!

Alyssa's Pair

This is the photo that got away from me in a previous post about a trip to Millcreek Canyon; obviously I've still got a lot to learn about this process of adding photos.   Love this pair of cute dogs!  Thanks again, Alyssa

Visit to Millcreek Canyon

My belated Mother's Day gift from Alyssa was a trip to Millcreek Canyon for a picnic.  Cupid and Clayton were great fun.  They had their own bowls of food as we enjoyed take-out salad and "make your own" strawberry shortcakes.We walked around a little, the dogs ate grass (they loved the long strands, as well as so many new things to smell).  Alyssa practiced training "the boys" to respond appropriately to other picnic visitors.  Thanks to the three of them I had a delightful evening.  Special gift, Alyssa!  The little guys slept on the way home after such great excitement.

California Dreamin'

"California, here I come right back where I started from.
Where Bowers of flowers bloom in the spring.
Each morning at dawning, birdies sing an' everything.
A sunkist miss said, "Don't be late"!
That's why I can hardly wait.
Open up that Golden Gate, California here I come!"

Alyssa has gone to Hawaii since she was offered a good deal for the trip.  It's sort of a tag-a-long offer from her place of employment.  Whenever I think of anyplace close to the ocean (let alone an island surrounded by ocean!) my mind goes back to the place of my birth, California.  In the past when I have gone back after a long time away I spend the first few hours fighting off the emotions of being there where the memories are so deep.  All the growing things which are so familiar.  Even the air (and I'm not talking about smog here!) has a different feel.  The skin begins to soften and hair goes wild and curlier.  I love the place.  And I won't even go into how I feel about the ocean itself.  But the "dreamin" part will have to do for now, I guess.  So while I am here in this snowy but basically dry atmosphere, I will think of old times and of Alyssa who will probably be Hawaii Dreamin' in a day or so.  Have fun, Alyssa!  I look forward to that shell from the beach you promised and to having you back.

You are Loved

How hard is it for Dorothy to love the Bride of Frankenstein (or was it Dracula)? Not very hard. Sometimes there is a bond between two people and it is not immediately obvious why. That's the way it is with Alyssa and Stephanie. Could it be because these two both have a bit of red in their hair? Or that they are aunt and niece? Or that they both like stories? Or that they feel comfortable with each other? Or is it just one of those indefinable things--something to stop analyzing and just enjoy? Why not? How blessed you are!