carrolls

I think it might be time to lightne things up.  I have been thinking alot about my favorite aunty and unclt bingo as of late. They are getting read y to move to a new chapter in their lives after retiring to Florida.  They have had enough of  nascar, spring break, and motorcycle packs that invade Daytona throughout the year.  Despite the fact that they live one block from the Atlantic ocean, that is a huge selling point.  In any case, their condo is on the market-probably one of millions in Florida. Beautiful place and reasonably priced if anyone is interested.
We have always had a close relationship, thanks to a close age difference.  I so envy them..they retired early-actually months after 9/11, which coulda easily been Bingo in that building.  They have no children to bleed their finances dry, just dogs who are treated like their children. 
There is quite a history of dog that have lived in the Carroll home.  There was the beautiful Husky, who was a bit cranky.  He would lay under the dining table and emit a low growl as you feet dangled below. Sometimes he simply nipped at them, just to remind you he was there.  My brother came for a visit once..somehow that husky cornered him in the room, away from the rest of the human pack.  Rumor has it, however, that my brother was pretending to limp.  Now what would you expect as the weak ones are always the first to be taken down?
Then there was Teddy.  Teddy never sat on a floor. He sat on your head. Or on the dining room table after it was set. Kitchen counters.  Your feet.  He had free reign of his domain.  He didn't seem interested in making enemies, but we were always instructed to enter the home and take a seat immediately and sit quietly for the first 20 minutes.  After the husky, I was sure to follow instructions.  Bandit joined Teddy-who was probably the most well behaved dog ever to enter the home.  We miss Bandit.  Sweet, calm, and never sat on your head.
There's a new addition-Chloe-a rescued greyhound.  I understand she is very gentle, quiet, and a little nervous, especially loud noises.  Hmm...sure racing had something to do with it.  She has been a good dog, but now is comfortable enough with her new owners to eat their shoes.  Good Chloe. Welcome to my world. Just don't ever bite the hand that feeds you.

ALS

I have been attending ALS support meetings for the past few months to support Julie and really, to support myself.  Last night's meeting was worth some commentary, as I left incredibly moved and awed, for a lack of a better word. Renda's husband just recently died..last month actually. He had battled ALS for 4 and a half years, with her at his side every step of the way.  Rhenda has always struck me as a strong, sensible, smart, and controlled woman-all the things I love in women. I often thought-don't piss her off cause she'll challenge you.  Certainly last night I saw a softer side of her, which is probably closer to who she is.  Whern you are thrown into a situation as she is-to care for someone you love, deal with the bureauocracy, handle your job-you simply step up. No choice.  And you kick some ass along the way to get what you need for your loved one. Because time is one thing no one has with this vile disease.
This led to an honest conversation os to whether the group leader should share information about the death of group memebers to other group members.  Tough call. I think the general concensus was it depends on what stage everyone is in at the time. I took a gander around the room at the caregivers and the ones they love and care for.  It's a mixed group of black and white, all ages, men and women. But there are more men caring for their women. And doing a damn good job.  I caught one wrapping a coat over his wife's shoulders who is wheelchair bound and then simply grabbed her hand and held it. Another took off to the bathroom with her, as she has no use of either arm. 
I look at Julie, who I admire most of all.  Who has always been sensitive to traumas of life and has stepped up and found the strength to deal with what's been given to her.  I am so grateful she has her sense of humor, her honesty, and her ability to make everyone elses' life issues her own, regardless of what's going on that day.  We had a great day of reminicing with my old room mate during my college years earlier in the week,when we were a bit wild at times.  She has a way of making you laugh at yourself which I find so enjoyable and fun. That's probably why she has so many close friends who love her dearly.  I can't leave out her family-they are an incredible support and a very tight group of siblings. 
I don't want to think about the future, but I am so grateful to have yesterday with Julie and the group. And everyone is doing great. That's all you can ask for.
Go ahead!

Quality Teen Time

I have been spending a great deal of time in the last reading aloud To Kill a Mockingbird with Maddie.  She thought she would understand it alot better if she hear it read out loud.  Nice for me as well since I haven't read it it in a very long time.

To round out the experience, we invited over a few other 9th graders to watch the great film.  here is a sampling of the conversation duting the film:

"Who is that guy?"

"He is a bad guy I think. Or it might be Mr. Radley."

"Are they going to SHOOT the dog?? Really?  I can't watch that! This is a terrible movie! Who shoots dogs?"
Maddie: "Court, the dog has rabies.  It will die anyway"

"That guy is innocent!! What's wrong with these people?'  She is SOOOO lying."

" I am sorry, I can't be scared that someone is following Scout ans Jem. She is dressed like a ham;"

"I think i'st Mr. Radley and Atticus fighting. No, it might be Boo. Or Mr. Radley and Boo. Where is the ham? "

"Oh God, that man behind the door freaked me out!"  That was scary. More scary than the ham being knocked down in the woods."

Okay...people listen up,,think they might explain why it's called To kill a Mockingbird.  Maybe Boo is a mockingbird, not a blue jay...

I lost the train if thought after that....

Dog politics

As we embark on a new election year, my mind wandered to my visit to the dog park Sunday afternoon. It seems perhaps we humans could learn some lessons from man's best friend.  Dog parks bring all walks of life...big, little, black, white, asian, chinese, english...the only requirement is tolerance of others.  Dogs enter on equal footing..everyone is in charge and no one is in charge.
There is an initial greeting as new arrivals enter...a pack will usually wait patiently, and there's an exchange of butt sniffing before everyone decides it all okay.  No one is ostrasized-simply accepted as they pursue balls catching, playing, and running.
I have seen some attempts to aggressive mutts, and it seems most simply ignore them until they give up trying to control the situation.  They work it out with few squabbles. 
It seems to me humans might adopt a bit of tolerance for their fellow man...we would all be a much happier population. Go forth, sniff a bit, realize they are ok, and enjoy having them in your world.