My Man

I'm sure you've read about the Navy Seal snipers that took out those Somali pirates that had a ship's captain hostage on a lifeboat. It's been more than a few days since the brave man was rescued but my husband - a former Navy Seal - is still high from that event. I don't think his feet have touched ground since it happened. His happiness over the rescue and pride in that Seal Team is contagious. Can't help smiling at the joy on his face. Also got to say I'm thrilled he is no longer an active participating member of those Teams.

I got home in time to enjoy Easter dinner, Passover seders and a lot of my favorite foods courtesy of Glory's cooking. I LOVE the holidays. Glory outdid herself with a few new dishes that will be on my recipe link in the not-too-distant future. I hadn't eaten as much as I thought I did while I was away; Cowboy frowned when he saw me - after he hugged me - and said if I was down more than 5 pounds I wouldn't be sitting comfortably for a while.

Rollin me eyes, here.

Vi distracted him while I stuffed my mouth with apple strudel, a couple of heavily buttered cinnamon rolls, chocolate-to-die-for pudding cake, two glasses of milk and a Twinkie that happened to be in my pocket. Lost five pounds on the dot. Phewwwwwww, close call.

Got a swat anyway! Tsk.

I ate everything in sight up to, during, and after the holiday meals. And... I added soft cushions to all the chairs that weren't already padded - just in case.

Pups were happy to see me. I was happy to see them. Cats pretended they didn't know I was gone but checked out my duffel bag. I had some catnip treats in it and we were all friends again. The tortoise hid in her shell until I waved a Twinkie in front of her and we're back on friendly terms as well.

David is HOME! He made it back in time for Easter dinner. Looking thinner but still arrogant, egocentric Marine. Was that redundant? I got a hug and a kiss when his helo dropped him off on the beach. That was followed by a demand for chicken and dumplings, Boston cream pie and corn chowder - in any order. Glory made sure he got all three items.

Bull was back home in Arkansas for Easter with his family and back up here for Passover. That boy has GROWN. (Cowboy says I shouldn't call him a boy; he's in his early 30's.) Compared to my ancient husband, he's a boy.

SWAT!

Tsk.

We left David, Bull, Max, Glory and Vi at David's house and came home to spend a little alone time. Reunions are always wonderful.

There's a new pooch in my kennels. We rescue pure breed dogs - the large varieties. The main reason is that most people prefer to rescue, foster and adopt smaller dogs - except for Lab and Retriever breeds. Those are thought to be of a gentler temperament and let's face it, a large breed dog that needs fostering, etc has an unknown temperament and a rescuer might very well be a little cautious. Fearless me - a trait that often gets me in the doghouse with the giant squid who lives with me, doesn't mind a challenge. This particular dog, however, is not a pure bred canine. He's a mixed breed - LARGE - but so far, a bit of a doofus. He reminds me of a Leonburger and may have some of that breed in him. Very red, long hair fur, black muzzle, web feet, but no tail! Leonburgers have long tails. His nose is pushed in - very odd on a dog that weighs 90-100 lbs or more. And... he has crooked teeth.

"Where did you get this dog?" I innocently asked.

"It was wandering around the Navy base. It's large. Needed rescuing."

"You were at the Navy base?" BLINK!

"So I brought it home for you to train."

"You were at the Navy base?"

"Ate everything in the fridge so I kenneled it. It needs a name."

"What were you doing on base?"

"Reminds me of a Navy Commander I once knew. Hawthorne was his name."

"I'm surprised the K-9 unit didn't chase him away."

"Nawwwww, Hawthorne liked dogs."

"Cowboy!"

His amusement can be overbearing. And... Hawthorne has no manners. He also slobbers and if you praise him, he licks your face. DomTom, my cat, sits on the back deck to watch while I attempt to train the beastie without getting drowned in slobber. When the dog rolls over to nap, the cat jumps on its back and kneads its neck. That cat is more fearless than I am. When I relayed this to the giant squid, he wanted to know what I'd do if he rolled over. Ohhhhhh, so many possibilities here!

SWAT!

LOL!

We left Harpo and Lucy Ricardo, Dobie pups, out at David's house. They've become very attached to Max and he enjoys their company. When Max and his ladies go back home - New Orleans, Gulfport and Chicago, they may adopt a Dobie from the local shelter. Taking these two with them is not an option. They've never had a dog and traveling with them would be a huge challenge.

Other: My tulips are blooming; the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weeping cherry trees are just beginning to bloom. We've had a tremendous amount of rain so the trees are too slick to climb yet. I think Cowboy is getting too old and frail to climb up after me. I can't wait to recline on a branch and enjoy a good book.

"You'll be reclining on your belly if you do!"

Tsk. Who said that?

Plus... I've missed a few full moons, winter, traveling, etc. I'll be dancing under its glow at the next one!

"Wanna bet?"

Double tsk. I have new leg warmers I have to try.

"That's not all that's gonna be warm!"

Did you hear anything? Neither did I.

~Sar~