Yup. I’m a bonafide octogenarian, by golly. That happened last Monday.
On that day we went to Kelso to the UPS store so took advantage of our location to have lunch at Stuffy’s. Because we were there on the actual day, and they made me prove it, then gave me one of their famous cinnamon rolls.
It weighed 10 lbs. I left my iPad in the photo so you might get a notion of how big it was. The box is 10 inches square and 6 inches tall. We’ve been whittling on it all week but I don’t think we’ll make it go away completely. Max would like to help, of course, but Diane said “No! Dogs don’t eat pastries!”
So, he pouted for a while.
Max wasn’t impressed with 80 because that’s 560 in dog years. At least that’s what he thinks. So, 80 is no big deal and he took a nap to emphasize how unimportant 80 is.
It’s been a hectic time since I’ve had a chance to share ‘stuff’ with all of you. Until yesterday, things were pretty normal. Except for the cat. I don’t know why, but Louie seems to be growing on me a little and that’s disturbing. I’m a professional Cat Chaser and Louie just lays there. He won’t run anywhere except to get under the bed. That’s just no fun at all because I bump my head a lot when I run under there. I’m not as short as some people might think.
Then, the day before yesterday, my humans started packing things into the trailer they parked next to the garage. I’ve seen them do that before and it winds up with me stuck in this little basket they put on the center console between the buckets. They call it my throne. It’s not so bad, really, and it gives me an opportunity to get a lot of sleep unless we pass a herd of cows and one of them says “Look at the cows!” real loud. Of course, it scares me a little, jerks me awake and I can’t help but look out the window to find the cows. No matter how hard I try to ignore things like that, I always fall for it because I like finding cows on our trips. Squirrels are more fun, though.
Seeing what was going on, I figured I might as well get myself in the mood for another trip. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love trips. The alternative is to be left home. Alone. With Louie. The cat. I’ll take the trip every time.
The packing went well past noon so they decided to delay the departure until the next day. I overheard them say that they had originally planned to make it to Memaloose State Park off I-84 on the Columbia River. Instead, they decided to drive straight to Boardman RV Park which was supposed to be the second leg.
After digesting all of that, it makes me wonder why they plan things at all. Doing things when the mood strikes is more fun. There’s more mystery that way.
So, yesterday we got the trailer hooked up and I insisted that I be allowed to wait in the truck where I happily climbed into my Throne.
The trip was OK. They stopped in Scappoose, all of 8 miles away, for a dead chicken sandwich, then we headed east. All I got out of that was a couple of french fries.
The trip through the Columbia River Gorge was very interesting. There were lots of waterfalls that normally aren’t there. Seeing all that water cascading off the cliffs made me want to pee. A lot. Finally, they stopped at the Walmart in Hood River so I could unload. It was very gratifying.
We arrived around 4 pm. I didn’t get to go for a walk until everything was hooked up. Then I got a long one. My human is good about walking with me but he doesn’t keep up very well.
After the walk we ate, they watched TV, then we all went to bed. It was the 1st day and it was good.
Today I got another walk in the morning then they both left me alone for a few hours while they went somewhere else. I have no idea where. So, I curled up in my Serta Perfect Sleeper and stayed there all day. When they got back I was served dinner on the lawn next to the Columbia River. It was very romantic. Then I got another walk around the park. This time, however, I got to go play in the river! Then I ran a bunch of Zoomies at the end of my leash until I got dried off. It was a lot of fun. Not like Milton Creek, but fun anyway. When my toenails get ground off a little more I’ll be able to download some photos Dad (Jerrie) took of my swimming prowess. Right now they are just too pointy and would probably scratch his computer. A dead giveaway that I’ve been messing with his stuff.
I’m going to stop this now because it’s taken me 4 days to get this far and we’ve only covered 1 or 2 days.
Jeran has been working hard at Corban University in Salem for the past five years to reach this day. Last year he graduated with his Bachelors degree then turned around, got back to work for his Masters of Divinity.
Now it’s done. He’s free! All he needs to worry about now is getting a job.
We’re very proud of him. So is everyone else in his family.
A happy guy with his proud siblings, Cedric and Lydia.
My home has been invaded by a cat. His name is Louie. He’s a very friendly guy and I’d like to get to know him better but every time I try to get him to move, by lunging at him, he hides under the bed. He apparently doesn’t understand that I need him to run so I can chase him. That’s what cats and dogs do. The dog chases the cat until the cat’s had enough and simply stands his ground all humped up, ready for a battle. Louie doesn’t do that. He just gets out of the way.
I went to see my doctor the other day for my one year check up. Yup, I’ve lived in the same home for a whole year. It’s been pretty sweet. My humans told me my ‘Gotcha Day’ was February 14 last year. That was Mother’s Day in 2023. I know that’s true because I’ve heard them talking.
Going to the doctor is fun and I have a really good time there. I’ve noticed that most dogs that go there aren’t appreciative of the trip and the opportunity to collect a whole library of new smells. Sometimes my nose gets to going to hard it makes me sneeze. I guess that’s nature’s way of clearing my nasal passage, making room for me to collect new nose treats. I love those.
While waiting for the doctor, who I adore, I cleared the waiting room perimeter a couple of times then I waited longingly for her by the door. I don’t get to see her very often which means, I guess, that I’m in pretty good shape.
That’s my doctor on the left. She loves me and lets me lick her nose.
After a couple of shots I was dismissed and we departed the facility. I think one of the shots was for rabies which I needed so my humans can keep me legally licensed. It turns out that the shots knocked me down for a few days so I didn’t do much.
Now I’m back. So, keep an eye out on what’s been going on.
Temporary Sanity ... 