Silent Joe

Recently finished a novel that I really enjoyed. It was the kind of read that introduces you to a character in such a way that you begin to feel like you know them and want to be around them. And when you see the unread pages start to dwindle down to a precious few, it is almost heart breaking. This novel was an Edgar Award Nominee for best Novel. It was written by T. Jefferson Parker. Here is a link for more information.

http://books.google.com/books?id=IJrMfxuT9lUC&pg=PP1&dq=inauthor:T+inauthor:Jefferson+inauthor:Parker&ei=dbUmR8lRjIqnAoikpN0C&sig=g-O5aLXoyKneKvmszT0pd4mgSgk#PPP1,M1

Damn! Now that is a link! This book is a mystery, or at least that is how it is labeled. But it is so much more. Great character development and a plot that is pretty complex, but amazing in how it all comes together. If you are looking for something different then I highly recommend this book. Warning, there is strong language and definite adult material, so if that offends you or freaks you out, better try something else. But mostly it is just great reading

R.I.P. McKenzie

On the day you find that adorable little puppy, tractor-beam eyes sucking you into their little puppy soul, there are thoughts that definitely do NOT enter your mind. Like the eventual last day of sharing your life with this creature. McKenzie was with us for 13 mostly good years. He was a very devoted family member, not given to much barking unless for good reason. Very even tempered even towards the end, when arthritis and other ailments made him a little cranky at times.

We finally made the decision that it was time to give him his ticket to doggy heaven. I made the appointment for about a week out. The date was for September 13th, 2007. Also my 46th birthday. Not planned that way, but the date was open for the vet and for myself. It just unfolded that way. Each day I secretly wished he might succumb to age naturally, so that I would not be required to drive him, literally, to his grave. The mixed feelings were strange for me because I thought I was quite ready for life without my dog. I had long desired a reality that did not require me to come home for lunch daily to let him out for his bathroom breaks. For lawn mowing days that did not include disposing of his little presents scattered artistically on the back lawn. For nights out without the self imposed deadline for making it home, or the need to ask a neighbor or relative to come by and let him out. But after the actual date with the vet was set, I found it all very sad and confusing.

The confusion was in dealing with two conflicting sentiments. The giddy feeling of impending freedom from all of those obligations, and the dread and guilt of hastening that freedom. I found that it really does not matter that you have the comforting knowledge that it is the best thing for the dog. There is still that guilt, saturating your entire being as you drive down the highway. Looking over at your trusting dog, who seems a bit more peppy than he has in weeks, tongue rolled out, gazing all around, wondering what the big adventure down the road might be. In the end, the vet listened to his heart and let me know that his was at its end. She was surprised it was still beating, enlarged, and with an "enormous murmur". She and her assistant laid him down, talking to him affectionately. Stroking him and giving him his last bit of nirvana here on earth. He did not even seem to notice me leaving the room. I did, because to stay would have not been good for him or for me. I'm not usually an emotional type of guy, but to my surprise, I was heading in that direction fast. Thanks for the good years McKenzie.

Mount McLoughlin

This summer my longtime friend, Duane, invited me to go on a five mile hike to the top of Mount McLoughlin. I had plenty of warning, and time to train for this challenging hike. But I did not do my part. I made it a good way up the mountain, but was unable to make the summit. The rest of the party did. This is the kind of adventure I need more of, but I need to do it more often and train and get fit. I know it will make the experience that much more enjoyable. I took this picture just before heading back down the trail. The views that day were stunning. It was a blast.

Beginnings

Inspired by the blog of a young woman who never fails to amaze me, I decided it was time for something new in my life. Though, at this point in time, it is difficult to imagine what I might have to contribute, I will still make an attempt to create something in this little self contained universe, that like millions of brilliant awe inspiring stars, galaxies, planets, and perhaps even alien species, may never be viewed by another thinking soul.