I can’t remember having leaves so early on our high desert prairie. Shade is scarce since losing our trees. There’s just enough room under the lilac bush for the dogs. The lack of lawn doesn’t change. Call it fire mitigation because I’m not watering sod meant to be living in Kentucky. It’s windy, of course, … Read more
I’m starting to look like Garrison Keillor. You know, if I dyed my hair brown. I’m not bragging, just stating the facts. Mister nods. I don’t know why we compare unknowns to famous people. It’s crazy. Once, someone compared me to Ann Lamott. Wow. We’re both pretty spiritual, but I let animals say the God … Read more
It’s a sight to see. Usually, a huge bearded man and a tiny Chihuahua. Sometimes a blue-haired lady and a miniature poodle with pastel bows on her ears. They’re both holding their dog like a baby cradled in their arms. I’m not gonna repeat the inhospitable thoughts I have had about that sort of person … Read more
This week I went to dinner at a sports bar. I’m not the type, but there are no fine dining choices unless we drive into town. Two of the big screens had rodeo on them. There was a rope horse who got some rough handling when he refused to back into the box. The horse … Read more
The leftovers are gone, the pie plates back in the cupboard, and Parental Peas, Parker and Penny, have headed back to Texas. If you ask Jolene, it’s tragic news. She would’ve been fine if they had stayed forever. They spoke her language. They played her games. We took a hike while the Peas were here. … Read more
It was a bathroom sort of week here, in that way that the entire universe can fit in a small space sometimes. And Jolene ran the gamut of emotions about it. She is almost nine months old and a very big girl with very big feelings. It used to be that a small plush toy … Read more
Saints preserve us. This weekend, Jolene is having her friend, Tachi, sleep over. I’ll believe the sleep part when I get some. They have been running out the dog door, letting it slam-slam behind them. Then barreling back through in a gray cloud of leaves and dirt with another double slam. Like a pair of … Read more
In what most would consider the middle of the night, Jolene goes off like one of those alarm clocks with twin bell ringers on top. She wakes up early and with a hunger none of us can survive. Mister would never say no to a meal, but he does like to lounge a bit. Like … Read more
I do not know how long I will survive Jolene’s social life. She thinks I’m her chauffeur. Probably right. Last Friday, we went to Pub Dog Class. I put a clean shirt on and grabbed her harness. She was really fussy and even faux-limped. It was fine the day before when we went to test … Read more
Jolene would like you to believe she is very mature for her age. And by that she means listening bores her. She already knows everything. Unburdened by rules, she is a free spirit. She will let her freak flag fly. Is she just like me or what? Nostalgic, I thought about when I was certain … Read more