Perfect Day

Dr. B. wrote a post today about his perfect day.  He asked his readers to describe their perfect day.  That got me to thinking.  I don’t know if I have any “day” that is perfect.  There are plenty of days that are pretty good or better than others.  There are days that are better than any other day I have spent yet on this earth.  But, I don’t know if I would call them perfect.  They may be perfect at the time but then another day comes along that seems more perfect.  So, I guess what I am trying to say is that in my opinion, there can be more than one perfect day.

There are a lot of components that go into making a day perfect.  Dr. B. touches on them.  Farmily, friends, activities, weahter, etc….. I would hazard to say that even times of year can affect a perfect day.  So, maybe you have a perfect day for each season.

I do think that when we sit back and think about our journey here on earth, we think about days that were really, really good or really, really bad.  We don’t tend to remember the so so days.  Hey, I guess I sound a little like Andy Rooney!  LOL (Maybe I should apply for his position if it is ever vacated….)

I think that we all have a “memory album” in our minds.  We tend to tuck away those days that are perfect to us at the time in that album.  These memories bring back smiles and laughter and longing to be in the same situation again and again.

Your perfect day as a kid is different from your perfect day as an adult.  Some of the components will be the same.  They would include family and friends and activities and food and toys. Well, maybe the days from kids to adults are not that different….  The toys may change from GI Joe and Barbie to golf clubs and fingernail polish but they are still toys.

I am a voracious reader.  So, to give you example, one of the things that would make a perfect day is to be allowed into a magic library that only had books that I had not read that I wanted to read.  And, to have all the time I wanted to read them.  But, I guess that is a fantsy perfect day.

Dr. B., I think, is referring to a “real” perfect day.  And for me, any perfect day would have to include Ranger Dog.

Rainy Days

I bet you people out there who own dogs realize they are a lot like toddlers.  They get used to a schedule and don’t like it to change.  Ranger Dog is no exception.

Even though he does come in and out of the house, Ranger Dog likes to be outside and “free”.  He comes by one of the doors ever so often to make check up on the status of those in the house.  Then, he is off again on his outside adventure.  He either pursues the cats, chases turkeys, plays with his assortment of outside toys, or barks for the dog communication network.  Or should I call it NetWoof!

When it is rainy, he does not like to be outside for long.  He is in the house and underfoot.  He is in constant need of amusement.  I have to find things for him to do to keep him busy.  Nothing keeps him busy for long.  He is constantly asking me for attention. 

If I am the kitchen table working on the computer, he will come up under the table and put his head in my lap.  If that does not work, he will come to my side and use his nose to flip my arm up off of the keyboard.  He cannot be reasoned with.  He just wants attention and wants to play.

For a while I can get him happy by asking him to find his “baby”.  He will find what ever toy he likes at the time and bring it to me.  Eventually, after an initial tug of war, he will give me the “baby” and wait for me to throw it for him to catch.  But, that grows old fast.

Then he wants me to chase him.  We will chase each other around the kitchen table, around the island and through the bedroom.  He will growl at me giving me some “trash talk” and off he will run.  Then we play some more tug of war. 

If I am lucky, he will take a nap.  That will occupy him for about and hour or so.  Then he is up again and ready for attention.  A quick trip outside to take care of “nature’s needs” and he wants to know what we are going to do next.  And, he wants a snack because he has been a good boy.

Does any of this sound somewhat familiar to moms? 

There are some things that do not amuse Ranger Dog.  He is not into TV shows.  I cannot get him interested in cartoons or Sesame Street.  He absolutely hates Barney….he thinks that he might be a subversive spy kina like Dr. B’s Moose….

I cannot give him paper, crayons, pens or markers and ask him to draw me a picture.  Missing thumbs are part of the problem.  But, another problem is that dogs stay in the oral stage.  He likes to taste everything.  And, paper is really, really fun to chew up and tear up.  Did I mention I cannot give him playdough either!

He is not into building forts.  They remind him too much of his dog house.  But, he will steal underware, socks, blankets, towels, etc….and make a nice little nest…

That new bed I bought him, he chewed the edge of of one end because he was bored.  He runs up and down the stairs and jumps on the bed or the couch.

By the end of the day, the house looks like a wreck.  Nothing has been accomplished that should have been.  And, of course he wants to know what is for dinner…..

Fall

I am sitting here looking out the kitchen window.  I have a great view of the bird feeders and the trees beyond.  Fall is in the air.  We have had the fireplace on for the past two mornings.  Just to take the chilloff the house.

Ranger Dog is enjoying the nip in the air too.  He loves to run and play.  His favorite thing to do is lay out in the sunshine.  He likes how it warms him but he doesn’t get too hot.

The cats, Harry and Agnes, are enjoying the extra activity at the bird feeders.  I see them crouching on the deck each morning watching the birds.  Not always to catch one.  Just checking out the territory.

And, of course, there are the leaves.  They are quickly turning.  I am seeing reds, yellows and oranges.  When the wind blows really hard, they swirl around in the air before falling to the ground.

I love the nippiness of the fall too.  Just cool enough to put on a sweater and put socks on the feet.  Just cool enough to put a blanket on the bed.  Not quite cool enough for the flannel sheets.

Another season in life.  In my own life, I am moving from spring into fall.  Just on the edge of middleage.  Although, I am probably in better physical shape than I have been in a long time.  I am noticing more wrinkles.  More hair turning white.  It’s not sad as some people may think.  It is just moving into another season of life.

I want what I want when I want it!

In this phase of Ranger Dog’s obedience, we are taking him to local shopping centers and teaching him to sit or lay down calmly while the world rushes by.  This is important to get him used to following instructions regardless of what is going on around him. And, also to get him used to seeing other people besides me and Mr. Greenhouse.

Now, after he comes back from his morning walk, he thinks it is time to get in the car or truck and go for a ride.  Today, since we got home from church, he has been a royal pain!  He has been running in and out the house.  Whining and knocking on the door to come in if he is out and to go out if he is in. 

When let out, he runs directly to the vehicles and looks back at us seeming to say “Get the keys! Let’s Go!”  He is just like a little kid that cannot be satisfied unless he gets what he wants.  (Hence the title)

I am glad that Ranger Dog likes to ride.  He climbs in and sits down and has the most fun looking out the windows.  He does not try to climb in the front seat.  He does not try to help you drive.  (I had a Cocker Spaniel who liked to ride in the front seat.  He would nudge me if he thought I missed something I should see.  I loved that dog too!)

When we get to the destination, Ranger Dog hops out and starts looking around.  He gets better each time about minding what I say.  He knows in order to “go” he has to be a good boy. 

So, if anyone out there wants to come by and give Ranger Dog a ride, he would love to go!

Things Left Unsaid

On Thursdays, I attend a group at our church.  The group is called Oasis.  During the year, women in leadership roles in the church offer Bible studies on different subjects during the week, some daytime, some evening, so that women can attend.   We have a mixture of women who come and not all attend our church on a regular basis.  Some will laugh when I say this but it is kind of like vacation Bible school for adults.

Yesterday, one of the young women in our group shared that she was carrying around anger at someone who had died.  She stated that she never had the chance to set things right before this person had died.  Because of that, it was hard to let go of the anger that she had.  When we dug deeper, we found that what was most needed was for her to forgive herself rather than confront the person no longer here. 

Everyone in the class could feel her pain and her grief at not being able to say something to a person in their lives that was not longer here.  I think each of us could think of someone who we would have loved to have said one last thing to before never seeing them here on earth again.

For me, it is my grandmother.  We lived with her as long as I can remember.  She was more of a mother to me than my own mother.  And, she did and still does influence my life with her examples of how to live a christian life every day.  Her love and generousity are things that I cannot forget.  She was gentle and kind to all things living. 

Well, when I was a sophomore in college, my mother called to tell me that my grandmother had been admitted to the hospital.  I asked how serious it was and was told that she was there for observation after a “heart” episode.  I asked if I should come home right away.  My mother and I agreed that I would come home that weekend, merely a day away, to visit.

That night, my grandmother passed away.  I was devastated.  I never got the chance to say goodbye or tell her how much I loved her.  I never got to see her smiling face or hear her voice one last time.  (It had been months since I had seen her.)  And, it was all because I chose to wait one extra day before going home.

For weeks after the funeral, I was upset by the fact that my choice had led to me not seeing her one more time.  That there she was all alone in the hospital when she died and no one she loved was any where near her.  She had left this world all alone in a strange place with no one to comfort her.  My heart was heavy.

One night, I dreamed of a house.  I was running from room to room searching for something that I had lost.  Suddenly, my grandmother was in front of me.  I felt joy in my heart because I could see her and hug her.  I was so excited to have found her.  She held on to me and whispered to me: ”Don’t you know that I knew you loved me?”  Then she was gone.

I know that people will try to explain this away by all kinds of means.  It was simply my subconscious trying to put me back on an even keel.  But, I know better.  She was there.  She knew.  I knew.  And, my grief though not lessened was able to be bourne.  I still miss her greatly and wish that she were here to share some of her wisdom about life and love with me.  But, my heart is at peace because she knows/knew all along how much she meant to me.

Poor Pitiful Me

Yesterday was one of those days.  I have been struggling with a lot of stuff recently and yesterday was the day that it all came out.  I guess I acted like a “girl”.  Hey!  Guess What!  I am a girl!

I had a big case of the Poor Pitiful Me’s.  The tears just came and I could not stop them.  I felt totally unloved and useless.

The thing that was the topper?  The obedience trainer yelled at me.  We were training Ranger at the local shopping center.  Someone came up and called to the dog and Ranger went over to “speak”.  Andy, the trainer said that I should have stopped the dog and made him stay by my side.  Of course he was right.  But, that was all it took to put me over the top.  The tears started.

I was not boo hoo sobbing.  The tears were just leaking out of my eyes and down my cheeks.  I took the direct that Andy gave and performed better (in his opinion) the second time around.  But, the tears kept coming.  I know that it un-nerved him.  I know that he thought that I was a cry baby.  (Andy is a big tough guy who doesn’t cut anyone any slack.)

He did not know what was going on in my mind that caused the water works.  I had been feeling low because of an on-going argument with my husband.  I have not been able to find a job and had just gotten another rejection letter.  And, then Andy told me that I was not performing the right way with my dog.  It was ust too much. 

It took much of the afternoon before I got myself back in hand.  I never said anything.  I just let the tears fall.  I couldn’t stop them.  They were going to come anyway.  So, I just went with it.  After a while, they dried up. 

When we got home, I packed up and went to the Library.  I took the afternoon for me.  I think that helped me to feel better.  Of course, it did not solve any of the issues.  It did give me a chance to recharge away from all the things that were “nagging” at me.

And, Ranger Dog was really happy to see me when I got home.  He loved me in spite of my faults.  He said that it was okay and that he was sorry I was having a bad day.

Women’s Weekend

We all hear about the men getting together and having a weekend away from the wives and the children.  Well, last night and today was a women’s weekend away with three of my friends for me.  It was wonderful.

Just like women might imagine what men talk about when they are away with the guys, my husband has been speculating a little about what we women may have talked about.  He “thinks” it was standard women stuff.  You know, recipes, what book or movie we recently saw and liked, and of course girlie stuff.  Although, I cannot get an accurate description of what that “girlie stuff” might be.

He might be surprised to find out that we did talk about some of the above but a lot more than that.  We talked about the Bible and how each of us interpret it.  (Whether it is literally the word of God or word of man inspired by God).  We talked about reincarnation and resurrection and what the difference is, if there is one.  We talked about muscle memory and cell memory.  How our cellular makeup has a “bit” of the first two people who ever came together to create our human lineage.  How those cells have memory from the beginning.   How science has gone so far as to actually be able to trace that we all came from the same “female”.  How all things are created from energy and if the body dies, the energy does not.

We also played around with the question about did God choose Judas to betray Jesus and why.  Were Adam and Eve really the first two people or did God create more.  What does it say in the Bible about eating meat?

We had a Vegan with us.  We had some spirited conversations about how “humane” was it to kill and eat animals?  And, much much more.

Of course, since we are women and to center of the universe, the cell phones kept ringing.  Seems that husbands and children really cannot do without the moms/wives in their lives for even 24hours.

Where we were was on the lake.  We sat out on the dock and enoyed all of God’s beauty.  We walked and talked.  We did not just sit around and eat.  Although we had some really good taco soup and some killer pan cakes.  We also had some wine.  Non of us got giddy or slightly drunk.  We even had time to play a game.

It was really nice to “bond” as women in different stages of life.  I came away with a new understanding of my friends.  I also came away glad that I had taken the time and made the effort to go.  If the chance ever comes up again, I am definitely saying YES! 

Now it is back to the “grind”.  Greeting at church tomorrow.

Happy Dog Walk

This morning, Ranger Dog and I made our daily morning walk out to the road and back.  I had two thoughts.  One….I am not the lead dog.  My view is Ranger Dog’s butt as he leads us down the road.  Two…Ranger Dog is a happy dog.

I don’t mind that fact that Ranger is the lead dog when we walk.  He is protecting me.  He goes ahead to make sure that the way is clear and safe.  Doesn’t mean he is the alpha dog….It means that he is protecting his “human”.

Ranger Dog is a thing of beauty when he is outside and all is right with his world.  His head is up.  His tail is up.  And, there is a bounce to his step. (I see this best when I am behind him)  He is a happy dog.

I also know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he loves me with all his little heart.  He watches everything I do.  He gives me hugs and kisses.  Even when he could be roaming all over, he would rather be with me.  I have never had another creature (except Abbie Cat) that cared so much for me.

The fence is now finished.  It is electrified to keep bad things out and good things in.  Ranger now has his freedom of leashes or supervision in about two acres.  He loves it.  But, even with that freedom, he keeps coming back to check on me.

There is a special sparkle in his eyes.  His ears stand up and he has a smile.  The fall has made him want to be outside more.  He likes the change in the season.  He has finally gotten used to the new dog bed!

Ranger is a happy dog….  You should see him run!  He looks like Bullet from Roy Rogers.

Why

Big question.  One we hear a lot from small children.  Every answer we give them is followed by another “Why?” from their little inquiring minds.  So, if we are God’s children, can we continue to ask “Why?” too?

Of course, our questions are probably more complicated than those of a 4 year old.  But, then again, maybe not considering who we are asking.  Do you think that those in heaven ask “Why?” too?  That is a good question.  That one just came to me while I was typing.

Today, one of the ladies in our Bible study stated that after years of abuse from her husband, both physical and mental, they had found out that he has diabetes.  He has been fighting the disease for lots of years without knowing what was wrong with himself.  Turns out, from what she says that if left untreated, not only can diabetes kill you but it can “mess with your head and your emotions”.

This lady said that she had repeatedly prayed to God to “help her” and for the issue to come to a head so that a solution could be found.  Now this man is going through all types of tests to determine how to regulate his sugar, not to mention trying to determine how much organ damage he has.

Now, she has an answer as to why she was being abused.  But, there are still more questions to be answered.  A lot of them probably begin with “Why?”

We are often told “Things happer….Just Believe”.  But, I think we have to do a little more than believe.  I think we have a right to ask “Why?”.  I also think we have a duty to listen and do what God asks us to do. 

I have a lot of why questions myself.  One good thing is that I don’t think God gets tired of why questions.   Parents ofen get exasperated with all of the whys.  I think God likes the whys.  It proves you are thinking.  It proves you are stretching.  It proves you are wondering about yourself and your surroundings.

Answers to whys may answer questions.  However, answers to whys do not take you out of a situation or issue.  Answers to whys do not tell you how long to endure a situation.  Our minister says, “as long as you can”.  Well what does that mean?  How long is as long as I can?  And there may be whys we may not know the answer to for years.  Why?