Recovery Time

I’m not going to comment on the yesterday’s events in Chattanooga. That would give the slope shouldered, inbred a-hole who perpetrated the crime more attention than his sad life merits. I honor the Marines who paid the price of ISIS’ continued existence in the face of compelling evidence contrary to that policy.

My wife continued her recovery despite the legendary ineptitude of my nursing abilities. By the end of the day I had to pull her back from over extending herself. She’s bouncing back from this procedure a lot faster than earlier ones. I had her sit outside on the deck last night when I got home from work and she immediately started grooming her neglected flowers – not what I had in mind when we moved out there. Buddy joined us and paid the price as she noted he was overdue for a bath (like I said – feeling much better). We’re going to sneak back up to New Hampshire after work this afternoon to impose on the Pittsburghians before they can escape back south.

Flower Lady Back at Work Last Night

A huge day of news at work yesterday with the political boss revealing he was leaving the company. This was most welcome news for my excellent boss who has been walking a very taut tightrope for the last five years. They basically hate each other; I think a few rum and cokes will head down range this weekend in Wakefield. I cautioned him not celebrate as the old “devil we know” versus his unknown replacement.

Cali-Daughter and the First Blog Reader

Panamanian Assessment Bloom

The first official blog reader continues his/her development inside the Cali-Daughter. The latest pictures show a marked increase in the noticeability factor. My wife and her Panamanian family have assessed the belly and firmly declared this will be a female child. Their fairly inexact science of pregnancy gender assessment is based on the shape and size of the belly. It’s something of a national sport amongst female Panamanians. She also published her latest sample of writing (something I’m starved for). She waxed philosophical with a feminist take on Magic Mike in all its glory. Apparently her experience in California was everything my wife was crowing about a couple weeks ago. Meanwhile the future dad, Wingman, is in the midst of a nationwide tour, last night in Florida. I got the impression he was missed.

Cali-Daughter and Friends After Seeing Magic Mike
The Word "Frisky" Leaps to Mind

Meanwhile - Somewhere in Florida Last Night

A friend posted the following on Facebook today – kind of a neat way of looking at life and the right way to approach it:

A Dog's Purpose? (according to a 6-year-old). Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.'' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'' Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. 

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING...  Source: Ultima National Resources, LLC

Wise words indeed – although Buddy would pass up the bathing experience if given a chance.