You should have seen us--and you might have if I'd thought to take my camera with me. But I have only two hands, and they were busy with leash and dog.
Miss Daisy has come to spend the weekend with us while her folks are out of town. It's amazing how many dogs three can feel like when they all are clamoring and barking to go outside.
I have to leash Skipper, especially with this many dogs to watch. If I let him walk free, he's liable to see a cat or a leaf blowing in the breeze and cause a stampede. I wasn't up for a dog stampede this morning.
So down the road we went, everyone at my heels--except for Sophie who refused to walk with the riffraff. She was well out ahead of us. Darby (the neighborhood free range dog) joined us before we got out of our yard. I swear, I looked like the neighborhood dog lady.
It was a pleasant walk in the cool morning air. But now we're inside and things have changed. Everyone is barking and running around as if danger is imminent. It's not. What is happening is that I have a young man outside preparing to pressure wash The Yellow House. Dirt and mildew have built up, and the lady needs a bath. The dogs don't like it.
Three Dogs Barking--Sounds like a fine Indian name, doesn't it? Sounds like the end of the world.
Well, anyway. Thank you all for your kindnesses and comments this past week. It has been a hard one. But how much harder it would have been without my friends and family. I got a letter from the hospice people, who warned me that the grief might come just as strongly as it did the day Vann died. And it did. I was not prepared for the pain that hit me. But I got through it and I think I'm stronger now for having done so. Thank you all. You have no idea how much I love my blogging friends--and how big a part of my life you have become.
A group from the neighborhood took me out to dinner Thursday night. There was hardly any weeping, just a little tearing up when we toasted Vann. Everyone had margaritas, a favorite of Vann's, except for me. I had a pina colada. I cannot tolerate the taste of tequila. Maybe it's the thought of that worm, I don't know. But it just tastes foul to me.
I hope you are all looking forward to a great holiday weekend. Have fun and be safe. Around here, Labor Day is regarded as the official end of summer, which I for one am not sad to see go.
This time of year is also the official start of football season. The Tide plays Somebody State tonight on pay per view. I won't be watching it, since Somebody State is not a big rival. But next week's game with Penn State will be covered by ESPN, so I'll be in attendance then.
Happy Weekend, Everyone!
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 09/04/2010, Carol said ...
Susan, You ARE stronger for getting this week behind you. And you are strong, period.
Your post today made me laugh. The picture of you herding or being herded by all the dogs is hilarious.
Have a wonderful weekend.
On 09/04/2010, Sandra Neel Hutchins said ...
A new year is now beginning for you. You are loved by many who have never met you in real life. I read your posts this week, but didn't want to intrude, somehow, by commenting.
Go Susan, go Alabama! BTW that is one brave lady in that red Bama suit! Thanks for inserting a little laugh into my day. Good luck with the doggie pack this weekend. You can dog sit my 110 pound yellow lab who is a big chicken around little dogs. They scare him silly.
On 09/04/2010, Ruth said ...
Sounds like a fun weekend with 3 doggies. Sophie must be a well brought -up dog to allow you to share your love with other dogs. I'm glad that your dinner outing turned out well; Vann was greatly loved and is well remembered.
Hope your football team wins.
Have a great weekend. Ruth
On 09/04/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
Well done at hanging on this past week. You were already a strong woman as we Southern women are but now you are even stronger.
I'm with you on preferring pina coladas. Is it too early in the day to have one now? Nah!
Your word picture narrative about your 3 dog day - and night (am I dating myself?) - is too funny! Believe it or not, you're already a writer.
The 'Bama (Roll Tide!) picture is a hoot - no offence intended!
Hugs, my friend!
On 09/04/2010, Kai said ...
Hey! How'd you get that gorgeous photo of me in my cape? LOL! Also love the one of the lady with the dogs! I'd FOR CERTAIN get so tangled up in leashes! Glad you made it through walking the THREE doggies! Even gladder that you are no worse the wear for all you've been through recently. You are truly a strong & resilient lady & I love and admire you! (But you already KNOW that, right?)
On 09/04/2010, Brenda Kula said ...
Grief can hit you like a ton of bricks at the strangest times. It doesn't have to be an anniversary of an event. For me it can be a scent, a sound. And my mind freezes up as though danger is imminent. It then feels imminent. As though my heart will wash away in tears.
Hugs, Brenda
On 09/04/2010, Debra said ...
That picture of the woman is downright scary.
On 09/04/2010, Kelly Ann said ...
about the last picture you posted...that is just not right...I don't care which team you're cheering for...
On 09/05/2010, MarieSews said ...
Susan, I always enjoy your posts no matter the subject. It is a joy to ready even when the topic is sorrowful. You are an inspiring, thoughtful, detailed writer. Thank you for taking the time to share and bring perspective into my life.
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