The Other Reader Asked!

       The other reader asked a very good question. The question was about Odie. "Why was an 8-year-old dog for sale?"  There was so much dog conversation at the kennel that I'm not absolutely sure what I'm about write is correct, but I think it is.

     Odie was sold to a person who had a medical crisis and couldn't care for him. It's the custom of reputable kennels to re-claim the dog in such circumstances, so back he went. Terry, the owner of the kennel provided guide service for pheasant hunters and Odie accompanied the hunts. Now Terry no longer offers guide service, so Odie had no role to play. Consequently, I was the lucky buyer.

    Odie is my eighth Spring Spaniel.  They arrived a variety of ages from puppy to Odie at eight. He's the only one whose been very playful at older middle age. Almost every waking moment he's carrying something hoping to play. Usually, he carries a chew toy, but if he's ignored, he'll take a slipper, book, etc. until he gets attention.

Takk for alt,

Al

PS Whooo hooo it's raining!

Odie chew toy in mouth, "let's play"!

"A man and his dog...."

    "Read A Man and His Dog by Katherine Mansfield. Full text of this classic short story, free to read online at American Literature."  Have either of you read this story?  I haven't but I'm living it. Odie and I do some circumambulating the cemetery every morning. This, largely black, dog gets hot very quickly, so we don't stay too long. Frequent bouts of fetch in the air-conditioned house supplement his daily exercise regime. 

    It's a steep learning curve for an older dog. Out of a kennel into a strange home, a new owner, and today he had his first ride on the seat of a truck. His response seemed, "this is different, but I could get used to it." Possible anthropomorphizing here. Chickens across the street tempting him. Lots of new experiences but he's a happy boy.

   This hot weather keeps us inside more. But he's not ready to be off leash in the field yet. He may think he's been kidnapped and head for his former home. The time will come that he can run freely while I attend to duties in the field.

Takk for alt,

Al

After playing fetch.

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First full day...

       Last night Odie slept contently, with his blanket of course, in a kennel in my bedroom. Upon arising I opened the kennel door and he sped out ready to play. He'll play endlessly. When play time is over he'll rotate four times, lie down and fall asleep. He certainly loves attention which will help with any necessary training.  Odie is a very happy boy. The bathroom still spooks him a little but he owns the rest of the house, small as it is.  He's fascinated by the chickens across the street, the rooster of which reminds me of  Thailand when he crows. Not having a clock in my bedroom the roosters and the Muslim call to prayer at 6:00 am, were my signals to get up in Ayutthaya.

Takk for alt,

Al

PS I solved the blog site problem by switching browsers.

When I'd go to my recliner Kaia would want to play fetch once, Odie 30 times.

My site has gone wacky and until I can solve iit I will be unable to blog.

Coincidence!

       Because it was less than 100 degrees today I decided to take a drive to Lake Andes, South Dakota, 170 miles away by the Missouri River. 

     This sweet little dog followed me home.  Can I keep him? He's an eight year old French, Springer Spaniel, who was looking for a new home.  He's quite small, I'd guess about 30-35 lbs. At the vet he'll be weighed. Now here's the sign that I should keep him. 

     When L and I discussed possible names for a potential new dog we decided on "Odin." It also occurred that very likely Odin would be nicknamed "Odie". The name of this dog who followed me home is "Odie." Wouldn't you consider that a sign?

   He's very attached to his blanket which came with him. He's fond of carrying it around. It will accompany him in his crate at bedtime.

Takk for alt,

Al

Family Time!

       L always like so see the extended family when she's here. So we gathered, at the place of my choosing because it's relatively quiet, last night. With the temperature in the 90s no one elected eat outside on the nice patio. Because three were missing, two in the Cities with their children, and the youngest one at work, we were eight diners. There were six r.s.v.ps when making the reservation so I requested a round table. But they seated all eight of us at a round table. Typically they don't do that thinking it's too small for eight.

    The table accommodated us fine. It was a gift because it facilitated conversation. With the proximity it offered each person could converse with any other person. When there was group conversation all could be involved.  Consequently, a very lively and helpful conversation ensued. A good time was had by all and that includes Al,

Takk for alt,

Al

Our venue last night.

Cool Cribbage!

       The joys of A/C.  A survey of the big bluestem was conducted from the cab of the air conditioned truck. It is beautiful and helps one to imagine when the entire country hereabouts was covered with this marvelous grass.

      Then there was the sight of four acres of Bee Balm, aka. Wild Bergamot. There are number of other flowers interspersed, such as Black-eyed Susan. It's a pretty thing to behold, again from the cab of an air conditioned truck. There should be many, many happy insects. As a perennial with a rhizome root structure subsequent years should be even better.

    With the temperature at 98 and the dew point 79, it feels just like Thailand, but a long walk was forgone. 

Takk for alt,

Al

  This is the stand of bluestem that grew after the field was burned in May.