Thule
Youngest daughter, Shelley, who lives in Nebraska, and whom I had not seen in person for almost a year, arrived on June 1 for a ten-day visit, accompanied by her 16 year old son and a very large Afghan Hound (photo above.)
I had shuffled things around in my small home to allow for their accommodation, which included an oversized kennel, borrowed from Gardening Daughter, for Thule (pronounced 'Too-lee'). I'm happy to say that she didn't balk when it was time to use her private quarters, which had been placed in the room where Grandson was to sleep, even though she would have preferred to sleep on my bed, which I shared with Daughter.
Thule is an extremely large dog. Having her here was much like having a Shetland Pony lumbering about the house. Fortunately for all, Thule is a gentle giant. She barked when she thought she needed to protect my daughter, but otherwise was a very well-behaved guest.
Thule is used to a more active lifestyle in her home town, where there is a large dog park where she is allowed to run free, so Daughter walked her several more times each day. I didn't accompany them; by mid-morning, the heat index was in the 90's, and my mama didn't raise no idjit. During these other, shorter, walks, both Daughter and Dawg returned with their tongues hanging out.
We had a great time -- which about wore me out. Daughter rose every day just before 6 a.m. (some time before my usual getting up time) to take Thule for a long walk. By the time they returned, I was up and working on my second cup of coffee. She and I had an opportunity for good visits each morning before Grandson was up and about, then we putzed around the yard, or watched TV or just talked. On several days we worked on projects around the house which had been a bit much for me to undertake on my own; I don't have as much muscle as I used to have. I'm happy with the results, and very grateful for the help. I got rid of a bunch of stuff, and that makes me happy, too.
We made one excursion out of town, to see my sister in Hot Springs Village (Thule stayed home with a sitter). Other family members and friends visited here, and we had supper in the homes of my other daughters a couple of times. Daughter helped me prepare for a Stamp Camp, which was held on the Saturday before they left. She said she enjoyed doing some stamping, and putting together packets for me (I did all the paper cutting), and I'll take her word for it. I was happy to have her assistance.
My grandson cooked supper for us one evening -- a Paula Deen recipe he brought with him, Tilapia with Basil and Tomatoes. It was fun to help him assemble all the ingredients (we had only to buy some Tilapia fillets, I had everything else on hand) and to watch him prepare the dish, which was delicious. Perhaps he'll pursue a career as a chef. :)
He's a neat kid!
They are all back home safely, after a thirteen hour trip which included several detours and at least one back-track because of the flooding Missouri River.
I was glad to have them here, and glad to have them back home safely. I'm planning a fall visit to their home in Nebraska (it's too hot here to go now and leave the responsibility for caring for my garden to others).
That's about it. I miss having a morning coffee buddy.
Tomorrow is also a day.
