dughlas

Thistle went swimming in the pond today. I was not best pleased as he'd just had a bath yesterday afternoon. Despite being eight years-old this was his first time in the water. Mum brought him out to me as I was finishing my morning labors. He was on his leash which is standard for him until the neighbor openned their door and left their lab pup out off leash. He is terrible about leashing the pup when he brings her out. She tends to swarm all over Thistle as she's not well controlled. I unclipped Thistle so the two dogs wouldn't become tangled in his leash and to allow him more freedom to escape from her. Next thing we know about six of the local ducks come wandering down the backlawns and Thistle and Pippin take off after them. The ducks took flight headed for the pond with the dogs sprinting in pursuit along the bank. About 100 feet down the pond the ducks landed and Thistle took a flying leap after them. He covered a good 6-8 feet before he landed with a splash. When he realized he wasn't going to catch the ducks he turned around and swam back to the bank and climbed out as nice as you please. He got well rinsed with the garden hose and then sprawled in the sunshine to dry. That was his adventure for the day.

Oh poop!

I'm well enough thank you. After an early morning walk with the pup I spent a couple of hours laying paving stones as a walkway between Mum's and her neighbors. Despite having a bit of headache I was able to lay about a quarter of the stones before the heat became too much. They are pleased with the results so far as am I. I'm taking a break from the job tomorrow to rest as working today aggravated the migraine plus the shoulder I injured in the car accident in January is not taking kindly to the physical stress I'm putting it under.

Wait ... if the vet prescribed pumpkin for Cookie why did your daughter deliver it for you? I do hope she's improved soon, Cookie not your daughter though I wish her well too.

Wow, what incredible depth and texture.

Sorry for your friend but very pleased for you. Now you can buy treats for the herd.

Poor Cookie, poor Gary. Bet you're really missing that boy of yours.

Since you're here telling us about it I'm gonna presume you and Steve are okay ... uhm, it wasn't a case of you two "makin' the earth move" was it ...

Like many of you I wasn't ready for this story to end but chris191070 is correct this isn't really the end it's just the beginning ... Carlos, I need to thank you for allowing me to beta read Brad's story. It has been a privilege and an honor.

Come on Val get in step ...

It's like putting you and Drew in the same sentence ...

I see I'm not alone in my curiosity.

Uhm bro ... do you have some young fella hanging out with you? Wouldn't just giving him a good scrubbing in the shower do as much good and be loads more fun not to mention cheaper than sanitizing him?

Yeah but they do it with a bit more grace ... you though, get points for style.

🐶 Thanks for the scratches Page. Cuddles for Sneakers.

The started well thanks. The pup and I went for our usual early morning walk before breakfast. I started laying a stone path between Mum's and her neighbors. I had offered to do the labor as my gift to them this past Christmas. The pavers were delivered Tuesday morning and I rough placed them. This morning I started the process of setting them into the ground. I was able to complete about a quarter of them before the hot sunshine and my head conspired to force me to quit. A shower, some lunch and now relaxing to let the migraine ease.

You've been a busy armchair traveler here of late.

The weather here is pleasant. Currently sunny and warm, 73/23° with a nice breeze. The forecast is for increasingly warmer and more humid weather. It is beginning to get dry here. Lawn sprinklers are on in most yards, Mum's included.

Flour is in short supply here as well. I haven't noticed any change in grocery costs locally.

The simple day in day out nature of chores provides a touch of the mundane to a world otherwise out of synch. Thank you for your words.

I'm enjoying this story very much.

Shredded and shaved are not the same. Shaved are thinly sliced while shredded are julienned or matchstick.

I don't recall he ever said he liked their things shaved just their faces.

Not usually, that would be Val when someone outbids her on the latest beefcake.

I am doing well enough thank you.