Long Story Short

Cowboy here. Our house remains full. Will probably be this way through the holiday season. It's ok; lots of good company, good food, a million moments to commit to memory.

We're currently at the beach, David's house. Mia bambina is in her glory; the imp loves the beach in cool weather. All of us perk up; animals are more energetic; food is plentiful, Sar eats. That is always good.

Bull is walking! Stairs remain a challenge for now. A cane has replaced crutches. The man is starting to look more like his old self. A member of his unit injured in the same conflict recently died of those injuries – set Bull back a bit. Didn't know the young man. My wife, who does not recognize organized religion of any kind asked me to light a candle for him; I did, paused to thank my Maker for the blessings we have.

Mia birbantella: Pulled a muscle in her calf. Couldn't dance, limps, cannot walk far on the beach. Not the best patient in the Pacific Northwest, not in the U.S. David made the mistake of grabbing the imp, tossed her onto his back, ran up/down the beach front teasing her that she was powerless to stop him.

Folks—say a prayer for David.

My wife is a kick boxer. David deposited her back on the deck after his run. Sar promptly kicked the retired marine under the chin – using her good leg – knocked David on his ass – fell on her own rump which remains sore, was rewarded by Glory with a carrot cake/cream cheese icing, currently plotting more revenge. Sar went to bed that night sore but satisfied; David went to bed, bruised under his chin plus a sore throat.

I sent my thanks heavenward that the imp loves me.

Rescued an English Bulldog – Sar named it Lola after another bulldog she knew. Animal has a monstrous under bite, snores, snorts, drools. It's wearing a pink bow so you know it's female. The Bulldog is the U.S. Marine mascot. Knowing that, Sar invited the local Marine dog handler to bring one of the bulldogs to the beach. They pride themselves on their dog training. "Tobias" came visiting, took a look at Lola, forgot all his training. We're gonna hear about that for months. While the K-9 trainer was muttering under his breath, Sar, Lola and Tobias had a twinkie orgy on the beach.

I sat in David's living room, drank wine with our Rott and Bullmastiff and ignored them.

Cowboy