Insight

Iron Man

Truth to tell, I have been on a bit of a slide lately. As we age it is hard to tell what is age and what is sick. I'm not telling what got me searching the Web, but I researched what I felt were abnormalities and discovered a few things. I get a little put out with myself. I have an array of supplements and a lot of knowledge of them but no real plan for staying at peak. I believe supplements are invaluable but too much of a good thing makes it less of a good thing so I don't really have a regimen per-se. Aside from my senior multi-vitamin I don't take very much daily. One thing led to another and I found myself back at "anemia." Too much iron can put some folks at risk. But having nothing to lose, I popped two yesterday-one early and one late, and was amazed at how much better I felt within hours. Further research led me to the observation that 30% of people who take metformin for diabetes end up anemic within three years. That is me. My bloodwork last fall indicated it was mild. I think it went from mild to not so good. Perked up I am.

Definitely perked up and not anemic are the doggies, though they get their iron shot from liver, which I fixed them last night. They are napping now but they were out the door at  7:00 and played pretty much constantly until just a few minutes ago. They both benefit from the exercise. I benefit from the quiet time. (and the entertainment). Buddy is thriving which is very gratifying. Honey is very happy with a playmate and a "little brother" to lead and protect.  Their squabbles so far have not been more than warning grrrs.

I made an album for Buddy's story:

http://picasaweb.google.com/sroberts.wyoming/BuddySStory#

The weather has been unsettled. There is a hint of fall in the air. The birds are getting scarce and I am winding down the feeding (after 130 lbs. of bird seed) not wanting to encourage them to become too dependent because I will be going south too. I got my same spot at John Prince: the laundromat is finished, and there will be a dog run where the doggies can run free. The Florida kids are cruising with old friends. Eve has Skype now so I talked with a grumpy Audrey. The d-i-v-o-r-c-e is taking its toll. She is not liking the back and forth living arrangement. Matt hasn't been available to talk on the phone. I think it may be getting heavy up there. After the bridge is fixed I will get the van attended to and go for a visit. Logistically it is just not feasible now. If the van has to stay overnight I am faced with finding somebody to haul me 200 miles.

And Life Goes On

Just like life does...nothing special to report from this neck of the woods. The neighbors brought some of their excellent sweet corn, the irrigation water will end soon so I am snagging as much as I can for my trees, the birds are thinning out, the doggies are playing exuberantly.

It is all quite agreeable. It has been trying to rain and succeeding a little. Relaxing days that start quite early, have a nap in the middle and a late to-bed with a snuggly pup.

Stuff and Nonsense

I reluctantly ordered an electronic collar for Buddy. The dogs both mind pretty well, come when I whistle etc., EXCEPT when their lizard brains take over when they are threatened or in hot pursuit. Then it is no dice. The cars will be zipping down this road in a couple of weeks and I can't have them on the road. I checked the Wyoming law. Buddy is mine. I learned the hard way years ago that any dog you harbor more than 20 days is considered yours under the law. That lesson was in taking care of a stray who was seen nuzzling some dog-slaughtered sheep that Leo Harrington owned. I am convinced the sheep were carrion by the time my very mild dog got there but Leo wasn't going to get any money out of the Norse's. He got some out of me. I checked that law and it is unchanged. Also a rabies tag is considered proof of ownership. I think I am covered. I also think that Buddy would find a way back if he could. He is ensconced.

Honey gashed her lower left hind leg on something. They run hard when playing. She is the original stoic. Not a peep, no whining-just licking. She had the slows yesterday and I had leftover meds-cephalexin and rimadyl.. Fixed her right up and made her a little wild. She is in now for the mid-day siesta. Her electronic collar is on for the first time in a long time.

We went to town last evening. I made a mistake and went hungry. Came home with deli stuff and Chinese takeout. Won't cook today. Wal-Mart says their eggs are O.K.  There was an entirely new cast at the registers. I didn't recognize a soul.

Brother Rich had his daughter Alicia meet him in Fort Collins. He was on his Laramie- Cheyenne sales route. He treated her to a pedicure (he and Val went for one and he is an enthusiast now) and they had dinner and a good visit. She has decided that she made some bad economic decisions in seeking a Master's degree in Vocal Performance (not that we didn't ALL gently say "but how will you make money?" And, "do you have a fallback to support yourself?"). Faced with student loan paybacks she is starting work at a Charles Schwab call center. She has always worked and is multi-talented. She will do fine. But...

Birthday call from brother Bob (a first!): he is healthy, no recurrence of fever. Tests are fine. He has an open ended prescription he can fill at any time for a powerful antibiotic and has assembled a traveling pack of medical records.

Apparently I am one of 310 million "sucking the t** of Social Security" according to Alan Simpson. I don't recall reading that he declined his United States Senate cadillac retirement program. I am more than a little miffed at him and think with that degree of hostility to Social Security he ought to be off the team. If the dodoes can't see what would have happened by privatizing Social Security, they are not in the real world. Sure, let Lehmann Brothers or AIG or Goldman-Sachs manage your retirement. Sheesh!

Very Pleasant Evening

Janet and Guy invited me to dine at the Ethete Casino on Tuesday night in honor of my natal day. Her folks wanted to come so we met and made out like bandits.  It being Tuesday we all cashed in our senior rewards. Susie and I had birthday coupons worth $25.00 apiece. Janet and Guy got hot hamburger sandwiches to-go for their Senior Lunches-no cooking today either. I blew mine on the dogs who were in the van-and the server gave me three nice patties for them. Then we dined on filet, prime rib, or shrimp or chicken fried steak of gargantuan size, and walked out for a song. Max and I gambled away our $5.00 free gambling coupons. Of course Janet and Guy know a lot of people. I would say we had an excellent time. Then it was off to Guy and Janet's for dessert and coffee and PRESENTS. A beautiful green plant, an assortment of treats-munchies, from NOLS, a pair of Crocs, post-it notes, and good coffee, were thoughtful and welcome gifts. I felt honored.

I helped Guy unload his bull. He took something to the sale with his horse trailer and the bull loaded himself into the trailer. So he went for a ride. Guy usually runs a little late and came home from the sale and jumped in the shower and they took off for the Casino. We were munching eclairs and he remembered the bull. After what happened to Mr. Franks, I am leery about folks working cattle by themselves. So we unloaded the gallivanting bull in the dark. Seemed docile enough and it was glad to be home.

I fed the dogs their kibble with the rest of the 7 bone roast. Then playtime in the dark began. They are so funny. It was like a herd of elephants running outside and inside, and on the bed. They take turns chasing each other and the sight of little Buddy chasing the Pyrenees delights me.

Tired and Old

As Nicole unkindly pointed out I am embarking on my 68th year tomorrow-you don't get your birthday until the whole year is in.  I am tired because I gabbed on the phone or Skype all the livelong day. Not that I have so many friends but we can talk! It was very fun and nice to hear from them. I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the "card showers" to start -probably more my speed.

I really have outlived my expectation of length of life and find myself relatively hale and hearty and looking forward to a few more rounds. Every day is a gift.

I did my cooking for today, yesterday. A nice Safeway special $4.42, 7 bone roast that we enjoyed for two days and that gave the puppies something to chew on. I ran to Lander to get bottled water and dog food last evening. Some place burned down. The officials were still there on my way out. I can't really recall what was there- a house but I can't picture it and if it was  inhabited.

We had a visitor yesterday of the slithery kind-harmless garden snake but at MY age... a loud noise or a fright could send me over the edge. Honey was about to get it and I held her off-we spooked it right on out the door. The hot winds were driving it to shelter. Same song second verse on the deck today and we sent it to the irrigation ditch. The hot winds went away and it was high forties this morning at quarter to 6. Too early and that is the main reason I am tired. I have been up quite awhile.

Buddy is bouncy and getting comfortable-maybe a little too comfortable. It is great to see him full of it though. Regular good food, regular scratches, lots of play and a safe place to get good rest work wonders. He "gets" and enjoys toys, and really gets Honey going.  And now for the rest part...

Cowboy Breakfast

Hollis tries on a horse

Janet and Guy invite friends and neighbors and former neighbors for a sourdough Pancake Breakfast annually. I got invited this year. Janet fixes pancakes every day. Her "sourdough starter" has been in existence a long, long, time. It produces light, fluffy, sweet pancakes. She put together a sausage egg casserole and other trimmings on this cool morning. Some of the attendees are real old-timers. Some our age or a little younger. Kevin brought a horse he is trying to sell Hollis.

Guy gets a hug from an old friend visiting from California

Janet finally gets to eat

Janet makes me tired. The woman is always on the go. She pays all the bills for the Lander School District (millions), keeps a huge garden, helps ride, vaccinate, does things with/for the Cattlewomen's Association, looks in on her folks, keeps track of her kids and grandkids, cooks, cleans and entertains. They are both as thoughtful and kind as can be. Good scouts. Treasured friends-not just by me. They could throw a party every day for a month and not duplicate a guest. Her mother tells her grandkids, "You know your mother is an angel." No disagreement from me.

More pix here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sroberts.wyoming/CowboyBreakfast#

Niece Visit

My much older brother Bob's only child, Pam, and husband, Jim, and youngest son Ben (12), came through on their way to visit my much younger brother, Rich, in Casper. They have a new Subaru and they decided to take a vacation to Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, and loop back to Cedar Rapids. Their older kids are employed and at home. It was a very nice time. Pam has grown comfortable in her own skin. They are "salt of the earth kids." Jim works for an agricultural firm-a division of Cargill. Pam has had a daycare business for 20 years. They have built their own home and I would say are doing just fine. They are sweet, nice, can hold up their end of a conversation and I enjoyed the visit. I took them to the Casino and we had a good lunch. I had to inspect the car and I was impressed. I didn't know Subaru made an $18,000 AWD car. I thought they were much pricier. This car lacks nothing. It is Pam's and I thought it a wise buy. Excellent mileage so maybe they will do this again.

I had some CD's to deliver to Delores with reception pictures. My companions were good as gold with a long wait-the day was cool. Buddy gets hungry. His little tummy needs stoking on a different schedule from the big people. He went scavenging in the Van-I didn't know if he needed to go or what. I bought them a flame broiled double burger and that settled him right down.

He is settling right in. The two dogs are thicker than thieves and can't leave each other alone. Very entertaining. It is good for Honey. Buddy is a gift to us.

Everybody is Fine

I discovered it was a scorcher of a day when I went to the corrals to empty the garbage around 2:00. I hadn't really noticed. Thayne came by on his ATV, clad in his irrigation boots and he said they were really hot. Extremes for him. He has been having to do 4 layers and his earmuff hat to cut the barley and the alfalfa in the dead of night. I did go start the swamp cooler then and we have been comfy. The birds are clearing out. I haven't seen a Grackle for awhile. The Goldfinches are thinning out as are the Grosbeaks. It is either the weather or they take their cue from the Geese. A woodpecker visited and the camera was inside. It was drab so I don't feel terrible about it. Most of the large contingent of Geese took off at dusk. Maybe they had enough of the heat. More will come. The Sandhill Cranes are squawking a lot. They don't usually leave until late October.

"O.K, I've got you where I want you-say "uncle."

The doggies were full of it this morning and played and played. They really are funny. Buddy is a game little guy. He is digging for something. I fill in the holes when he isn't looking.

Decided to SMS on Skype with Jeanne for awhile today. I have been keeping that to a minimum-almost rude. Two strategies to keep it short now: either change the topic to me (TRY to) or be really positive-there is no drama in "happy." Within a few sentences I get a signoff. Cool.

Burning up the road to the Vet's-again

Honey is a hunter and a scavenger true to her European Wolf heritage. There is  high quality food in the girl's bowl 24/7 and I cook dinner for them! "Please Dad, I'd rather do it myself," is her motto. Yesterday noonish, she barfed-outdoors but with two dogs you don't want barf  lying around. It was a nearly recognizable critter and I saw a pellet of D-Con in there. Later on she had a small bunny she was eating-had hunted. I took that away and traded some left over pork for it.  This morning she barfed and I will spare you the details. Then she seemed lethargic about noon. I decided I had to know what was going on and what I should watch for. Gunda said we had four options: X-Ray would show obstructions, an emetic up her kazoo would help her pass anything. She told me what to look for with the D-Con and she showed no signs of that being a problem but it can take a few days, or we could open her up.  I opted for watchful waiting. Brought her home and fed her, adding a tablespoon of olive oil to her food. She seems fine tonight. I probably just hit the panic button. I love my babies!

I also asked Gunda to watch Buddy run-he performed as expected-when he gets up to speed the right rear wheel retracts.  She reviewed his X-Rays and the area at the base of his tailbone is separated probably from injury. She said it can be painful but it should heal in time. He is the darling of the clinic. Honey does pretty well too. They all want to touch her.

KFC cooked dinner tonight. They sure are proud of their food but we don't go there very often and I was already plotting on the olive oil.

Quiet evening at home except for Honey who was on the warpath about some critter out there. The CD's I ordered from Amazon arrived-cheapies and all French songs. Street music, accordions, etc. Nicole liked the music I sent and it got me thinking about the Quebecois in Florida so I added some and put them in a playlist called French Fries. Pretty schmaltzy stuff but a pleasant background to a quiet evening at home. I need to make my John Prince Reservations in two days. That is almost panic-making. The end of summer is coming and 92 days from now I will be in Florida-God willing.

Not much happening

The dogs were up early-we were outside at quarter past 5:00. Way too early. It was misting, overcast, downright cool and clammy. This meant a 3 layer day in clothes which led to a toasty feeling that led to 3 good naps. I had no trouble convincing the other critters that this was a good plan. I shed some water and blood pressure points as a result. Buddy so enjoys a snuggle that he cries. He is getting "bouncy" like terriers are supposed to be. Three on a bed isn't working too well-they get to horsing around and playing and then Honey gets excited and wants to run. She is bedding down on the floor next to me so I can give her pats. I am yawning and ready for another nap. Catch you on the rebound.

Two Trip Day

a unique wedding cake

Son of my friend Delores, Greg, wed his girlfriend , Kinsy, in Las Vegas a few months ago and the reception was held at her parent's place yesterday. It was so great. Under a canopy of 100 year old cottonwood trees, the homestead is old and charming. Gardens line the driveways, encompass mom Wendy's art studios, shade the carpentry shop and venerable barn and horses. Dogs and kids, and grannies and young folks had the most wonderful food-most of it homegrown and homecooked. I have known Ray to speak to for 30 years. He is one of the kindest of this earth and has developed an idyllic spot to raise his family.

Deep fried turkey(s), ham, veggies...well, look at the webalbum and all will be revealed:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sroberts.wyoming/LittleHouseOnThePrairieWeddingReceptionKinsyAndGreg#

The trip to the party which was six miles on other side of Riverton, (you know you are in Wyoming when the directions say "turn on the dirt road and...) was the second of the day. I had to go to the Vet's to pick up some meds and they close at 11:00 on Saturday. The party started at 2:00. The first time for the two hounds being left. It sounded like buddy was trying to run up the door as I left, and the blinds were in tough shape from the big dog trying the same trick.   I was gone for 5 hours and the reunion was joyous-all around. I probably could have taken them- there were plenty of dogs. Would Honey have behaved courteously? An open question.

It was so nice to be in a pleasant spot meeting up with old friends for such a happy occasion.

I was tired last evening, the chill was coming on and I found a nice old flannel shirt to put on. It felt so comfy. Dozed in the chair with Buddy in the crook of my arm.

Wild Day

One of the organizing principles of my retirement years is minimal stress. I used to thrive on it until it started to kill me. The morning went according to plan: updating the maps on my Tom Tom GPS:
 a   l-o-n-g download. I had made an appointment to have Buddy's progress monitored and I wanted to get a puffy spot looked at and see why he goes gimpy on the run.  That appointment was for 2:00. I had made my shopping list and was going to make this my weekly run.  The Vet is pleased as I am about his healing progress. Then he feels the lump and says "hernia" needs to be fixed today or tomorrow. I asked if Buddy was well enough to be neutered since he was going to be sedated anyway. Glen said sure and "he won't even know they are gone." So what was to be a routine visit turned into surgery. I did go marketing and to K-Mart big men's section to buy some slacks and a short-sleeved shirt with a collar. I have a wedding reception to attend on Saturday. My dressier shirts have migrated to Florida. Jackpot: my size khakis, and slacks, had a number marked down to $5.99. Gadzooks! I bought several pair. When they rang up they rang as $2.99! The clerk said it was right.  Wally World had packages of cheese slices on sale for $1.25- almost half price. Since that is the modus operandi to get meds in the Buddy unit, I stocked up on those.

I picked Buddy up- still sedated. We got home and I carried him on to the bed. He came-to later and was a pathetic little guy. Unhappy and confused. Took him out  and he paused on the way. He missed them alright! He gave me a look. I may never get over it and Glen is a big fat liar!  I had some leftover Rimadyl and a whole series of Cephalexin so I am making the little guy as comfy as possible. Neat stitchery on the hernia. Glen said he was probably kicked and that sent me into a state. I had to bring Honey in early tonight. She assessed the situation and since we have a wounded warrior she was on Alpha Bitch Warp. Would not stop warning off the coyotes, and neighbor dogs. It was like stereo barking- surround sound.

This morning it was 40 degrees at 6:30 a.m.and a jacket morning for coffee on the deck. A flock of about 100 geese has been resting in the pasture for a couple of days. They are not disturbed by Thayne's irrigating or even Honey's forays after coyotes. Thayne loves to watch them too. They know they are safe, have a little water to splash in and lots of growing green grass to munch. That sight is the opposite of stress. Hope to see it again in the morning.

Snow Geese

Though blurry ( I had to crank up the digital zoom to about 60X) this is at least evidence of a family of snow geese that has been in residence this summer down by the river. The babies are typical immature colored. Snow Geese also have a dark-colored "morph" which had me confused a little. They are snow geese but dark. I am pretty sure these are just the offspring though. There were many more in the spring-a huge flock. Stunning in flight. Nice to have these in the neighborhood.

I got some chores done yesterday. Progress feels good. Fill up that dumpster! I also messed with iPods. Somehow I have gotten my music collection a little messed up. Some songs on my playlists have disappeared from the music library. Disheartening because I have begged, borrowed and stolen from sources no longer available to me: Matt's collection. Jason's collection, Harold Post's collection. I wish I knew what I did so I could undo it. I added an Audiobooks reader. I like to listen to books when driving long distances. There are lots of freebies in that department too. Bestsellers are no bargain.

Honey and Buddy make me laugh out loud when they play. She is so careful of him-no squeaks. They are very inventive: tug of war, chase, gnaw your face off, "I have a useless piece of crap and I'll bet you wish you had it," "chew on different ends of the same stick," to name a few. The dog language is pretty complete. Buddy rolls over when he has had enough. Then he gets kisses.

Wild Salmon on the menu yesterday. Buddy likes it, a no sale for Honey. I'll cook with the girl in mind today.

It is starting to feel autumnal here. The major growth period is over-ripening is happening. The grass is hardening off. Cool nights are turning to chilly nights. Three on the bed last night and I was glad for the snuggles.

Under New Management

Buddy's buddy

Anybody wanting to mess with Buddy will have to go through a) a ninety pound Pyr who takes "guard dog" seriously and/or b) a (weight withheld) O.F. who packs lead (not just in his ass). Buddy's winning ways have made a devotee out of the Honey girl.  They play well together, explore, hang out, and just be dogs which they are allowed to do here. I'll take Buddy to the vet sometime soon for a followup. His right rear quadrant doesn't work quite right yet and there is puffy spot in his left rear joint. He is done with his antibiotics and is much more lively than he has been.

I am feeling better. I have little doubt that I had West Nile Fever. Only one percent of those who get it get the encephalitis/meningitis kind.  All the symptons I had are on the list except for a rash which does not  always occur. I still play out a little quicker than usual but that is what the bed is for.

Nicole and Andre called on Skype. They panned their computer camera around the marina. I quacked at the ducks and they quacked back. Funny.They are having a great summer. Good weather and wind for sailing. Nicole's birthday was the 31st of July and she had several celebrations. I sent a Smilebox and she liked the music so well that she wants it. The music is locked up by Smilebox but I found some that might work. By the way, Amazon has some real treats for music downloads and good prices. iTunes is not the only game in town.

Since Verizon is not going to provide the WiFi tethering option on the Android 2.2 upgrade ( they are so C.S.) I downloaded a cheapie tethering option from Handango. Didn't work. So I went to trusty old June Fabrics for pda.net which they have for Android now. Works like a champ. AND they have reduced their prices. What Verizon doesn't know, won't hurt them...much.

The weather here is to my liking-though the weather bureau says it is scorching some days, I don't know it unless I leave the oasis. It gets down to 50 degrees at night. In the morning cool I employed the rake today. Honey is a girl who likes to have her own and she hauls in everything from big sticks, to petrified cow patties (could be worse!), to her toys, to interesting food wrappers. I despair of getting her to pick up her toys.

Manu and Charlene's Pyr's can cross the river now. I have always regarded the lower 40 as their territory. Honey is not so sure. It was fascinating to watch those dogs work yesterday. As they guard sheep, they are serious and the coyotes were taking off in every direction. No question of playing. Nobody died.

I don't seem to find the time to read in Florida so this has been catch-up time. Twenty-five books so far. Great summer!

Kept the Sabbath

In between taking naps, we didn't do much around here today. The past couple of days I have had to head for the bed before I fell down several times. Very tired. Buddy likes this schedule and I imagine it is helping his hind leg heal. I put together a couple of decent meals. French toast for brunch. The hounds liked it. It is a rare treat so I did too. Sweet and sour pork ribs for dinner. I fetched theirs out before the sweet and sour part went on and they liked that too. Sleep. Eat. Repeat.

Better than expected

Still feeling a little punky, I didn't expect much of Friday but it was good. The wildlife cooperated in providing a little variety

A Canada Goose and a Killdeer (I think- the neckband has me confused- click it and tell me what you think). I got a blurry shot of Snow geese down by the river. The 20X lens does have its limits. I'll try for a good one.

The squirrels came out to play-scavenging seeds under the birdfeeders. A young one slid off the metal roof of the house screaming all the way. Honey went to try to catch it but was not successful.

Pigeons nobody seems to like but they are very beautiful birds. I was glad to see a pair.

Honey was a little out of sorts yesterday. I think it is sinking in that Buddy is here to stay. Still, they played, went on a safari and hung out together. Buddy likes to sit right close to her and she gets up to move. He steals a snuggle sometimes. He is dividing his time between us-not quite so dependent on me and that is a good thing. I think Buddy "has a history" with beds. He has come calling at bedtime but when helped up on the bed-he freezes-stays put. I fixed a step for him and he has gone there on his own but when discovered, he acts very guilty. I think he will get over it.

I had to go to town-was flat out of some things. I waited until 6:00 p.m. so the dogs wouldn't boil in the car though the day was cool. I drove by Halls to see if, by chance, all had not departed for Jackson. I was in luck. They got to meet Buddy. Greg and Kinsy's dog, Arnie, was there. Honey was VERY protective of Buddy. She had to go back to the van. Buddy and Arnie played. Didn't stay long-went to Wal-mart. I should be good for several days.

It was after 10:00 when we returned and I was very tired. Got stung three times by mosquitoes between the car and the house. I followed cuz Donna's advice and slapped some vinegar on the bites and it seemed to help. Hit the sack early.

Dis n' Dat

Buddy continues to heal and with meds, vitamins (E and doggy vitamins) good grub: Italian sausage, hamburger steak, and oven-fried chicken, he is making good progress. The tummy looks full but he is a morning cheese junkie. "Where's my cheese?" He is a good addition. He gives the girl something to do, plays with her, and explores with her. She likes him and shows off for him. She went off chasing a coyote with her siren running this evening. Buddy was in hot pursuit. Turned out the coyote was three coyotes. Buddy got a lesson in retreating with dignity. Then the coyotes howled at us and we howled back: tenor, baritone and bass.

The Canadian geese are already heading south stopping at their favorite place: our pasture. Thayne wonders if the winter will be early. I love seeing them and their presence means the hummingbird feeder is getting a little more action. When it is done this time it is done for the season. Kind of a dud this year.

Let's see: Talked with Delores today. She is back from West Virginia sounding refreshed and filled with hilly-billy tales. She got a lot done, enjoyed most of her company, and is glad to be back at work. Gives structure to her life she says. She will be off to Jackson for a fabulous wedding this weekend: Kara Calvert and some slimeball from Washington, D.C. (He is probably very nice). My Casper blogger/bird-brain friends are going too. Her son's wedding reception will be the 14th. We will all be together then- old friends.

Rich and Val went to Denver last weekend for a family visit and group birthday:Alicia's common-law husband, Sean, and another celebration for Rich.

They are going great guns on the temporary bridge. Two cranes are there and trucks coming from both ends. We are hoping it will wash out in the spring.

I know what Sooz is getting her sister Kerry for her birthday. (It has batteries so I was consulted) It is a very nice present. Sooz will be coming from Everett, WA to Casper before long to assist her mom's (our) old friend Jackie with knee operations. Jackie is caregiver for her sister who lives next door to her so Sooz will enable all this to take place.

Jason got four lobsters, scuba diving in the "short season." Only two people died this year. The lure of free lobster brings out the out of shape and rank amateurs in Florida.

I think I was bitten by a bad mosquito. I felt kind of crummy yesterday. My lymph glands in my arms are swollen today. I am hopeful I will be one of the lucky ones and that will be all I know of West Nile (if that is what it is)  and will be forever immune.

Jeanne, in Georgia, had a heart stress test yesterday in spite of her angiogram being A-OK. This is to find out why she has a sharp pain if she hurries up an incline (sounds to me like the insurance company is bucking the original tests which came because her brother had a heart attack). After a lot of back and forthing on Skype instant messaging I suggested she either slow down on inclines or avoid them altogether. Not very nice of me. Though the trustees today pronounced Medicare in good shape and Social Security in the black until 2037, I do think some folks are a little free with my money.

Like Woody Woodpecker says...

Ho Toro!

Uhoh, there is going to be trouble. I hear trash talking.

Oh yeah! Mine are the biggest!

Oh Hah!

Okay, Okay, I was just kidding.

Somewhere Under the Rainbow

While I was out taking pictures of the rainbow tonight, I got a message from Sue: "Take pictures of the rainbow!" Amazingly, I was too close to take one of the whole arc and my camera has about as wide a field as you can find. It was a double rainbow. Thanks to the bridge being out I was able to stand in the road and shoot. Then the sunset made for pretty skies. I think I won't blab on-just enjoy the view.

Partners in Crime

Buddy is teaching Honey to be friendlier. Honey is teaching him to hunt. Honey knocks me out when she hunts mice on the hill. Until you have seen 90 pounds of dog bounding and pouncing on a two ounce mouse, you don't know how amusing murder can be. This evening the coyotes tuned up and Buddy started to howl, then Honey. Made me laugh out loud. In these pictures they were quite a way down the pasture before I called them back. (They came!) Honey stops and waits. Buddy is still a little stove up. I was glad he wanted the exercise but I don't want him to overdo. He is still on a lot of medication.

The doggies had me up at 6:30. The power went out and that always gets Honey excited. It got me excited too-no coffee! Daryne was down. I got a full head of water in the ditch now that the pastures are largely empty. Some of the cows went to the mountains for the summer. I was cleaning ditches and Honey was helping-in and out of the water and grabbing sticks out of clogged spots. There will be an even bigger head when they start irrigating the pasture below the house. I am pleased to get the place soaked up. With all of the trees soaking up the sub-moisture, I can't water enough out of the well. A Cottonwood tree can transpire 200 gallons of moisture on a hot day. After the ground gets soaked up keeping it topped up is no problem.

The squirrels are getting bolder. They ran across the roof and got in the Russian Olives around the deck. Got the doggies all intrigued.

I am nearly finished with the Maugham biography. What an interesting life. I'll have to let it settle a bit before I review it. Downloaded nine of his novels ($1.99). Of Human Bondage, (with Lawrence Harvey in the movie) and The Razor's Edge (most recently acted by Bill Murray in what I think was his finest performance) are probably his most recognizable works to us. Without spoiling too much I can tell you how my book turns out: he dies.

Gonna be Buddies

Buddy continues to mend. Honey can't wait for him to play. It is a little early though and at the first sign of "owie" Buddy thinks it is time to take a hike. Honey knows how to be gentle with little dogs but she is anxious to play. She isn't getting enough playtime from me because of the skeeters. They are fewer today. I was able to enjoy coffee on the deck and we played this morning. One more day and I will fog again. They became bothersome this evening. I have enough antibodies or whatever floating in my system that the bites now sting.

Buddy is not in need of people socialization. He ran right up to Thayne today and tried to climb his pantleg (in a good way).

Kristi took the little kids down to the bridge. She talked to the workers and September 8 is the completion date. Governor Dave's generous offer to pay the FEMA 25% match from state funds headed off a whole lot of mess and delay. The county and the tribes can't get into a fight about that. It probably set the project forward by 6 months. Kristi has four trips a day on that road when school is in session so she is anxious to get the bridge open. Thayne and I agree this has been the best summer ever so far. Buddy ran right up to the ATV and started making friends with the little kids. This tended to settle Honey down. A new model for her. Kristi said "Angel Buster" sent me a new dog because he knew I needed a snuggler. A sweet sentiment that made my eyes moist. I do miss that little rascal terribly. But the path to a new dog could have been easier for Buddy-he didn't have to nearly die.

Honey, full of hell. She has deconstructed her outdoor dog bed. She is ready to romp.