International Dog Day

 Sometimes your best friend will let you know how much they love you by peeing on your ex.

* * * 

This was a dog who graced my life for almost 15 years. 

 His name was Pax.  

He went through some of the tough times with me, and was always by my side.  

Pax and I took a lot of long car trips together and ate a lot of MacDonald's burgers together. 

 Here's a little story about him. 

 I went through a divorce when Pax was a couple years old, and "the guy," while we were separated, decided some of the record albums I had belonged to him (see the things we fight over?!)  So he came over one evening and while sitting in the floor deciding which albums were his, Pax walked over to him, cocked his little leg and peed on him.  I have never loved anyone or anything any more than I did Pax at that moment.  

Here's to Pax.  One of the greats.

1970 - 1985

Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie has long been a personal and literary hero of mine.


He has ALWAYS spoken his mind and his heart. ALWAYS stood up for what's right.


During times when so many are so easily silenced.


Writers for Democratic Action posted:



No, I have not met Mr. Rushdie.


But I felt as though I had been personally assaulted when I read about the cowardly assault he suffered while on stage at the Chautauqua Institution on Friday.


https://www.cbsnews.com/news/salman-rushdie-stabbing-attack-road-to-recovery-agent/


It's now being reported that while he is still in critical condition, his condition is improving.


"We are extremely relieved that yesterday he was taken off the ventilator and additional oxygen, and he was able to say a few words," Zafar Rushdie, his son, tweeted Sunday.



I will continue to send healing thoughts his way.


Mr. Rushdie has long been a hero to many.  I am only one of the many.



No, I have not met Mr. Rushdie, but I remain one proud gal whose book shared space with his at WHSmith Books in Paris.

Raising a glass to a great man.

Sometimes dreams do come true . . .

And when they do . . .




I don't know about anyone else, but when i have a dream come true, I squeal.




Loudly.




And then, when the wish involves travel, I start planning.




Even when the wish trip is over a year away.




Donald and I are taking a Christmas on the Seine river cruise.   Next year.




Plenty of time to plan.




And to be excited!




We won't be cruising during Christmas, but we will be cruising during the season, and (from Viking) will be able to  "Embrace the holiday season with a taste of Joyeux Noel. Explore Paris, France’s twinkling “City of Light.” Sail through the snow-covered landscapes of Normandy’s countryside and admire the scenes of fairy-tale villages along the way. Enjoy the scented aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts amid a festive backdrop of Christmas markets. Onboard festivities include regional dining specialties, seasonal treats and more to celebrate the holidays."




Squeeee!




I know some of you hate winter, hate snow, and this cruise would not interest you in the least.  Might even sound like a circle of hell.




Donald and I, however, are tickled pink and excited. This is a dream trip for us.




So.




Anyone who has taken a winter river cruise - we're accepting all suggestions. Especially on clothes we should be prepared to take with us. Thankfully, living in the mountains means we're used to cold weather and are fairly well stocked with winter gear. Still, packing for an 8 day winter cruise with a few stops for excursions along the way will present challenges.

In the meantime . . .

Squeeeeeeeee!!!!!

And, the week comes to an end

I've been a bit of a wreck this week, truth be told.


Donald has a yearly motorcycle/camping trip he takes from these mountains to the Outer Banks, and he's gone for 3 nights.


He left early Tuesday morning.  

But he's now safely back home.  Safe and sound.


I fret and pace the entire time he's gone.

 He's good about calling and checking in, but still. Simply said, i hate it.


And Annabelle hates it more. All told, she is a Daddy's girl, and she has shown me her ass these few days.


And what have i been up to while he's been gone?

Well.

I've watched entirely too many episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress."

and

I have dumped every item out of my dresser drawers onto the bed,  made a "to be donated" pile of sweaters I no longer wear, tossed a bunch of raggedy ass underwear, found some missing jewelry (Hooray!!!), and put the rest back in the drawers using some organizers i bought from Amazon.

I am so proud.

Drawers never looked so good and i am wondering what took me so long to use these handy things!

From this:

To This!:

And more organizers are on the way.  I am on a roll.

Happy to have my guy back home, Annabelle is happy, and dresser drawers are on the road to being organized.

Life is good.