Honestly, I do not care much that there is construction all around me. This too shall pass. Too, it's not my forever home -- not even my for-a-year home. It's so comfortable for the three of us that everything else becomes almost irrelevant. But the construction does bring with it some interesting quirks. For example, I've learned not to leave the car outside because at the end of the day it will be covered with dirt. The wind will blow it right over to my front door. Then, too, I have taken to walking the two dogs (one at a time) at just before 7. Both Sadey and Henry bark at strangers, though Sadey will befriend the person right away if given the opportunity to do so. Henry? I would say it's not a given. If you have construction by your residence, you'll know that the trucks and workers start arriving for the 7 a.m. shift. My quiet neighborhood suddenly comes alive with men getting to their jobs, and my dogs barking their heads off at them. It's not a peaceful start to the day!
(waiting...)
On the upside, even before my session with the reactive dog trainer next week, I know that if I keep a treat near the pup's mouth, he or she will focus on my hand rather than on the action up the street. So we practice this and yes, and it's a drag to have to work hard at it, and I'm very happy once we finish our morning walk and they're fed and I can sit down to my cup of coffee and granola.
This day is positively lackadaisical in my approach to it compared with yesterday. We have our morning routine and it is lovely. Both dogs greet me in the morning so joyously that it warms the heart, we walk, we eat, I put on classical music and go over the plans for the day while my pooches nap.
Doggie daycare, a few errands, a stop at the farmette, home again. And I turn my back on lists, prompts, to-do thoughts and pick up my book and read for a solid hour. Bliss.
Kid pickups are a little off today because I must get Sparrow, then Snowdrop and I must feed her, which means him as well, and then deliver her to the Shakespeare group. She's starting with the Henry IV performances tonight (though only as tech crew today). And I'm going to have to skip the play this time around, since going out in the evening would require special boarding arrangements for my dogs and they already have some Camp days coming up. Besides, the play is long! I am the grandmother who skips her grandkids' plays, what can I say...
(afternoon spent in car)
And after dropping her off, then him, I return to the doggie daycare for my pooches. Sadey, I have some good news -- you're all clear with the heart worm! She looks at me with eyes that ask if this warrants a food treat.
I make a pot of chili, they watch to see if this is a meal that they may share in. When it is obvious that their supper is long over, they retreat -- she to one couch, he to the other -- and rest.
They are like the tots for whom your heart swells as you watch their rhythmic breathing and small dreamy twitches. Bag full of worries, capable of messing up your space in a matter of seconds, but so joyous and grateful to be with you, taking in each day with utter enthusiasm and confidence that you will be there for them and they for you.
(fridge magnets)
...and so much love...
