Wordless Wednesday 41

Current Events

Nigel: "Because the Huntington river is short, fast and shallow. It forms in the mountains about fifteen miles from here, and ends just a few miles below our house. In the summer it is dog paradise. But spring runoff and autumn rains cause the river to rise quickly, and the currents become violent and powerful. If you happen to get caught up in those currents, you may quickly find yourself washed downstream."

Sola: "And away from you? So far, so good!"

Nigel: "Not so fast. You ever hear of the Huntington Gorge?"

Sola: "Nope, but I love to gorge!"

Nigel: "Not the same thing dufus. The Huntington Gorge is a deadly place, and it is just down river from here. Get caught in one strong current and your goose is cooked."

Nigel: "Very good. Now make sure you don't forget the next time you and Fudgepants decide to make a run for the swimming hole."

Sola: "I promise! But I have to ask one question.Why are you being so informative and helpful? It's not at all like you."

Suncatcher

Pool Party Paradise

 Here's to a perfectly fun holiday weekend for all. Feel free to e-mail if you require a pool boy.

The Friday Five will return next week. It's time to prepare for the long weekend and leave the computer behind for a few days. Hug your dogs for us; be safe, and whatever you do...enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday 29

Swimming, $100

The extended cold rainy spell that threatened to ruin our summer finally moved aside just in time for a bona fide hot spell. Once the temps pass eighty the dogs engage in a game of stare down that quickly drives me insane, so a good portion of the weekend was spent soaking our troubles away.

It seems impossible that we well see leaves changing color soon. With this in mind, and while we still may, we drink in every last bit of summer that remains. The dogs are experts on the subject, always the first to turn up the fun factor. We follow their lead, and find ourselves enjoying a near perfect day.

The Labs waste no time finding deep water. It's too hot to just soak paws, so full immersion is required.



Of course, no visit to the river is complete without Nigel running an equipment check.




I was too busy laughing at Nigel to notice that Truffles had found a stick, and was giving Sola a serious case of stinkeye in order to prevent theft.




Nigel was kind enough to remind me that the best views were to be had a few feet away from the water's edge.




It was simply quixotic. I took in the smells of a truly hot summer day, smells that had almost faded from memory. The forest surrounding us was dank and mossy, and gave off a distinctly earthy smell that quickly fades as the cool nights of September approach. The sun shone right through me. I perched on the bank of this glorious river, surrounded by beauty. I watched my incredible, beautiful, kind-hearted wife and loving, wonderful dogs bask in the light of summer, and I knew complete happiness.




Once the dogs were thoroughly waterlogged we made our way up the banks and headed for the back porch to dry off. Twenty steps from the house I stopped walking and apologized to Mrs. Author. She gave me a puzzled look as I reached in to the pocket of my now drenched shorts. I handed her one fully submerged, non-functioning pink Motorola Razr.

There's a new cell phone in town. It seems to get along with Mrs. Author's headset quite nicely, so I suppose it is here to stay. Like it's predecessor, it is not waterproof. So each time the dogs stare me down and urge me to throw on the bathing suit, I will remember this moment: one utopian summer day when our family was at peace, none of us had a care, and the glass was categorically, unequivocally, and indubitably more than half full.

Swirly Girl

One Day Monday 2

One day last week, I did some research to find out why Nigel was retired from racing at such a tender young age.

Nigel: "Bait tampering!!"



One day over the holiday weekend, Mrs. Author brushed out Sola's winter coat and said there was enough to make another dog. So I proved her correct.




One day ago, Sola made it clear that she was feeling like her old self.




One day, I hope that the number of those who we must pause to honor on this day will stop growing.








What does one day look like to you? Play One Day Monday. Posts need not be about "one day at a time" - rather, they must only contain "one day". One day I will, one day I did something, one day is not enough to, one day I saw a unicorn...you get the point. Post a comment here with a link to your blog post when this post goes up next Monday to let the world know you have one day to talk about. If you can whip one up today feel free to leave a link here.