Our first Sophie Day proved to be a blast for Sophie, and almost more than I could handle. I feel modifications are in store for the next one.
First off, the bath. That went all right; but it did require, as usual, that I get down on bathtub level in order to do my part. That's always hard on the back.
Next, the Walking Track Park. I could see that Sophie was excited even before we found a shady parking place and prepared for our walk. But, alas, I hadn't prepared well enough. I should have attached the leash to Soph's collar before I opened the car door. A big fat squirrel immediately caught her attention; she leaped over me and was across the road and well into Sam Blair's yard before I could get to her and get her leash attached.
The next challenge was Sophie getting used to the leash again. In the neighborhood, we don't use it, but it's required at the track. We were halfway around the track before Sophie gave up pulling me.
When we had finished our walk and had a drink of water (me from a bottle, Soph from the dish I had brought for her), it was on to the grocery store uptown where we found another shady parking spot. I ran in quickly and got a few items that I needed, adding a package of Beggin' Strips for Sophie. Later at home, we both took time to rest up from the excitement before going over to Paul and Karen's in the evening for a cookout.
Sophie shared my hotdog and fries as well as my dish of Blue Bell Southern Blackberry Cobbler Ice Cream. She played with the children and got an extended petting from Nolan. After the ice cream, she informed me it was time to go home and put on our jammies. I did not disagree.
This morning, I can hardly walk. My back, legs, hips, and feet feel as if I've been run over by a large motor vehicle. I think it was the fast pace on the walking track that did it. For sure, next Sophie Day, modifications are definitely in order. Below are a few more photos, which I mostly took on the run, from our trip to the park.
Lots of parents brought their kiddies out to enjoy this gorgeous day. Sophie wanted to play with them, but walking track rules forbid dogs from going near children. Dumb rule; so say Soph and I.
I love the big limestone rocks that can be found all over Leeds and the surrounding area.
Much of the track was shady for us.
We stopped for a short rest halfway around the track.
Here was a reminder that the colors of autumn are just around the corner.
Thank you all for the beautiful and comforting comments you've posted this week. Although it's impossible right now for me to respond to each of you individually, I do want you to know that I read each post and think of you while reading. God bless you all for your taking time to reach out to me. I've found in your comments words of wisdom, love, and humor that I'll remember many times over in the days ahead.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 09/08/2009, Sandy said ...
I am so glad you two have each other. Hopefully your body aches will improve as the day goes on. Hang in there.
On 09/08/2009, Nancy said ...
I am so pleased to see that you are getting back into the swing of things. I have been a lurker of your blog for a while now and was very saddened to see the news of Vann's passing. He seemed a great husband and friend.
On 09/08/2009, Rian said ...
Susan, your spirit is larger than life. I hope your aches go away (they will) and you can continue your walks with Sophie.
On 09/08/2009, Linda J.W. said ...
Hi Susan You know that cartoon,with the cat
hanging onto the side of tree or is it a cliff or what ever.You just hang on and one
day at a time.I know if that sounds easy but
I know that you can do it.You don't have to respond to my comments,just know that I am
here for you.Next time you have a Sophie day out take it easy don't let he pull you around,take it easy.
Linda W.
On 09/08/2009, Donna said ...
It's so good to see you going on with life. You have too! Give Sophie a big hug!
On 09/08/2009, Marie said ...
Sounds like a hot bubble bath is in order.
On 09/08/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...
What a beautiful day to get out. I want to start walking at the park again but I know I will feel like that large vehicle has run over me when I do! It gets better though when you get out more often. I like the bubble bath suggestion!
On 09/08/2009, Kristine said ...
Beautiful photos, taken on the trot no less! I'm glad you and Sophie had a Big Day, I'm sure she was plum tickled.
Take care of yourself and try to stay cool.
Love you!
On 09/08/2009, Debra Spincic said ...
Your park looks like a great place to be--love those rocks just growing right out of the ground!
I bet resting is on your list today! I have just gotten back into the daily walk since the 100 degree temps have cooled down some so I understand the tweaking muscles too.
Hang in there, Susan!
Debra
On 09/08/2009, Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home said ...
It sounds like you and Sophie had a busy day. I bet you were worn out after that. The weather looked beautiful though. Know that I am here for you Susan....sending you love and hugs.
Penny
On 09/08/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Oh, your poor aching self! I 2nd the bubble bath idea and follow that with Flexaril or some other Rx for the aches and pains that your doctor recommends. Better living thru chemistry!
Is your back yard fenced so Sophie can play there while you sip a mint julep on the veranda? If you have a fence, perhaps that would be a good place for leash practice. Of course, attaching the leash before opening the car door is a stellar idea! Live and learn even when we're wise elderwomen!
Hugs to you, sweetie!
On 09/08/2009, Sarah J said ...
I was moved by reading your comments for the last few days to just write, God bless you and keep you. You know that God loves you, and your husband as well. Know that all of your suffering is shared by God in His love.
My stomach clenches with feeling for you. I will come back to visit. I grew up reading the Progressive Farmer.
God's Peace be with you
Sarah
On 09/08/2009, Ruth Landon said ...
What a great day you and Sophie had yesterday;but I think you over did things. Was Sophie aching today as well!
Thank you for sharing pictures of your neighbourhood it looks really nice.
I am priviledged that you are able to share so much with your Blog readers.
Ruth
On 09/08/2009, Alison Gibbs said ...
What a wonderful place to go for a walk. Definitely need the leash on Sophie before you get out of the car.
Take car and my thoughts are with you
Alison
On 09/08/2009, Deb said ...
Aw Susan, your description of your walk with Sophie sounds so like my walks when I talk our dog Ally with me. She gets so excited as we live close to a river and she adores playing with the ducks. She gets to the side of the river and then dives with all legs splayed and belly flops. Poor ducks get a terrible fright. Your poor body will definitely be feeling it.
hugs Deb
On 09/08/2009, Lisa said ...
Hi Susan,Ive come across your blog via Raggerty Birthday.I am so sorry to hear about your husbands passing.The questions of a widow are very real questions...I have a husband at the beginning of a journey..he has a slow progressing form of luekemia..he is only at the beginning stages.He is 44yrs old...and we have six children. We could go on for short years or many years..The future is unknown.I must say,the questions go through the mind at a time like this.Something I never thought we'd ever face.I am a bible believing christian.God is there for us in our darkest times.hang in there He will give you His Strength..I love your blog take care
On 09/08/2009, Pokey said ...
Love your walk, it looks like a great place to go. Sophie is good company! Keep up the walk, step by step. Pause and see the Lord and His comfort in the path. Proverbs 3: 5,6.
In prayer, pokey
On 09/08/2009, Beverly said ...
You and Sophie will learn to pace yourselves.
Surely God and Vann are there walking with you.
Sending love.
On 09/08/2009, Kai said ...
Ouch! MY Fibro kicked in just READING that! LOL! I'm sorry Sophie gave you such a run for your money (so to speak) but GLAD the two of you got out & spent the day together. I DO love you (AND Sophie!) so much! But I know YOU already know that!
On 09/08/2009, Bo said ...
You sure take gorgeous photos Suzie. I am glad Sophie got to take you for a walk!
I think I need (make that want) a late night ice cream now.
On 09/09/2009, Nicole said ...
Years ago, around 20 I think, my husband and I were separated for a period of time. I was trying to be brave and carry on. I thought, what the heck, I can do anything on my own. I visited my parents, who at the time, had a lovely beach house on Monterey Bay. I got up early one Sunday morning, while everyone else was asleep, and took my dog Jeeves for a walk. I decided not to walk the beach, but the water way that fed into the ocean. Jeeves was a very lively year old wire haired fox terrier. On our walk, we proceeded along a slimy waterway called a "slough" by the locals. It was green and murky, and undoubtedly full of chemicals from the near by artichoke fields. Jeeves, a very curious fellow, thought that the slimy surface of the slough was solid. I let him investigate along the edge of the green murkiness, and to my astonishment, he procedeed to walk on it as if the surface was solid. Of course he sank like a stone and I had to fish him out like a trout on a line. He was covered from head to toe in toxic stinky green slime. I took him back to my folk's beach house and gave him a bath. All this while the household slept. After that ordeal, I decided Jeeves and I would proceed into town to the Nob Hill Market for the newspaper and some bagels. I could do this.
I opened the door of the car in the parking lot before Jeeves had been properly hooked onto his leash, and he was out the door of the car like a shot. He headed right to the doors of the super market, which were the automatic sort that open when they sense a body approaching.
Jeeves careened through that store like a maniac. He jumped through a bread cart, scattering loaves everywhere. He jumped up onto the chicken display counter. I begged for help and the store's six or eight Mexican bag boys were soon in hot pursuit of little Jeevies. Up and down the aisles, happy shouting and encouragement on the part of the bag boys, little squeals of dismay from me as my dog destroyed one display after another.
Finally, one athletic young man captured my crazy dog. Jeeves immediately changed his tune, and started to slather kisses upon the face of his captor. I apologized profusely, offering to pay for any damages. "Oh that's ok, lady. This is the first time Jesus has had a kiss in three years", joked one of the other bag boys.
Finally, we slunk home to the beach house. All before 7:30 in the morning. It was a long time before I ventured out on my own with my dog again, I tell you. But you know what? You can do it.
On 09/09/2009, Patti Koosed said ...
Beautiful photos and Sophie is so adorable. I don't know a dog that does not like ice cream. What a lucky doggie she is !!
Hugs
Patti
On 09/09/2009, Debra Spincic said ...
Oh, Nicole's story is a hoot!
On 09/09/2009, Deb said ...
Yes, I loved the story! What a riot! I don't usually check comments, so I'm glad you pointed it out.
On 09/09/2009, Marie said ...
Love Nicole's story ~ I shared it here at the office. Everyone is laughing!!
On 09/09/2009, Amy Rochelle said ...
Yes, Nicole's post is wonderful! And, yes we can do anything we want. And, it's o.k. if we are sad doing it a lone when we miss our other half terribly. I think of you often. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your journey and learn from the grace with which you are carrying yourself through one of the worst times of your life.
On 09/10/2009, Wendy said ...
There were times when my katydog would jump out of the car like a good girl, other times (aka when we were outside the vets). I would open the door, *she would run across the seat to the other door, I would walk around the car, open the door** Repeat from * to **. Quite humiliating climbing into the back seat trying to get the lead onto a wriggling dog determined not to get out of the car. Eventually I would have the lead wrapped around my wrist and have to haul her out of the car and carry her into the surgery. One time she slipped off her collar and sat by the car door. *I would approach and she would run around the car** repeat as many times as you have patience for. This one caused quite a lot of merryment for passers by. I couldn't catch her, so opened the car door and she jumped in. Then I sat on her and put her collar and lead back on.
Then we changed vets. Katy fell madly in love with Mark. Would jump out of the car, run into the surgery, down the hallway looking for him, wagging her tail.
He was rather nice though:)
On 09/10/2009, betty in nc said ...
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your bravery and humor during this time is shining through! I'm very glad that you and Sophie have each other.
I'm a new reader of your blog but after you sent us to read Nicole's comment I had to tell you about my cousin's dog, Duke. (Jack Russel) Mona, at the time had 4 small children all under the age of 5 along with their trusty dog Duke. Their house in Savannah was near a great old Southern Baptist Church. (picture the kind with the big white doors, white trim, and big stairs leading up to the main sanctuary) Mona was rushing one Sunday morning to get the kids out the door to go to their church when Duke decided he needed to get a little religion himself...yep...you guessed it.
Duke ran out the door, across the street (a rather busy street), and through the front doors of the very proper Southern Baptist Church! Where he proceded to run up and down the main aisle!! Meanwhile since Mona's husband wasn't going to church that Sunday morning, she casually said over her shoulder, "honey, Duke's out and he's in the Church" and she promptly closed the door behind her and left.
I can only imagine the faces of the people in the church! It is a Duke story that lives on, even after Duke has passed on, that makes us all laugh everytime Mona tells it.
God Bless you during this difficult time.
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