Growing up we had a beagle named Max. Max came with my stepfather and had been his companion during his stint as a New York City cab driver, so I imagine it was a bit of a culture shock when out of nowhere this woman and her kid infiltrated his pack. Maybe pack isn’t the right [...]
Identity crisis
July 26th, 2010 · 1 Comment · Animals on my planet
Limitations – we all got ‘em
July 6th, 2010 · 2 Comments · Stuff
Not everyone was meant to be a parent. Or at least not everyone was meant to parent humans. Clearly Bob and I are qualified to raise and nurture canines, as evidenced by the five canines that we have raised and nurtured. But after spending a week with my niece and nephew, I think we can [...]
Bob and Di’s Excellent Adventure
May 29th, 2010 · 1 Comment · Stuff
Bob, his mom and I just returned from a vacation to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. I might beg to differ – my happiest place on earth being the fur-covered sectional in front of the flat screen with my boyz all around – but you know, po-tae-toes – po-tah-toes. Bob’s mom, Virginia, was [...]
The Hard Work
February 19th, 2010 · 2 Comments · Stuff
Marriage can be hard. It can also be fun and silly and joyful and rewarding. But sometimes marriage is an uphill climb, over broken glass, in the snow, without shoes. The idea that two people who grew up with different parents and different families under different circumstances and who have different expectations and dreams can [...]
Last Night
January 2nd, 2010 · 1 Comment · Stuff
A neighbor took his own life last night. A young man with promise couldn’t see his future through his pain. I didn’t know him well nor do I know his circumstances, but I feel for his family and friends. I have been where they are and a loss of this sort leaves not only grief, [...]
In the Arms of the Angels*
December 29th, 2009 · No Comments · Stuff
Thirteen years is a long time, but in this context it seems like the blink of an eye. It was that long ago (or short ago) that Mommy died. Contrary to popular belief, time does not heal all wounds. If you are lucky, you may develop the tools to deal with your wounds, but wounds [...]
Christmas – its really for the kids.
December 27th, 2009 · No Comments · Animals on my planet
Santa brought Goose and Mike brand new fleece toys. They were very excited and once they had traded toys several times with minimal growling, they set about to the real work of disemboweling their new toys. First, locate and remove all squeaking objects. Second, pull out all stuffing and separate limbs from torso. Lastly, diligently [...]
Forgiveness
December 9th, 2009 · 1 Comment · Animals on my planet
I grew up with dogs, lots of dogs. First was Max, then Missy, then Lily, Dobbie, JB and Newsboy. Later came Annie, Copper, Cougar and Jenny to name just some. Seriously there were many dogs. And each time one of my furry brothers or sisters spent quality tooth-time with one of my treasures be it [...]
Holiday Handicapped
November 30th, 2009 · No Comments · Stuff
This time of year is filled with contradictions for me. I love the holidays in theory. Each year I decorate and make holiday plans and shop like everyone else, but there is an underlying angst that won’t dissipate. I love the idea of Christmas and finding the perfect gifts for my family. The music and the cheer [...]
What I learned on my fall vacation
October 20th, 2009 · No Comments · Stuff
1) A sleep deprived twenty three month old child whose molars are coming in can throw a mad, ovary-shrinking tantrum with almost no notice. 2) That same toddler can, moments later, be so unbelievably cute and well behaved that you would sign up for a litter of him, if they were available. 3) The patience [...]