Day 410: FLASH BACK!

[My the Mom has flashed her back, and so I take this swift opportunity to offer you flash back from last year since most of you prolly have not seen the it!]

As many of you know, my real name is Cool Hand Luke... and even before I was born, I was a legend. Here is movie poster where you see the part of the me, portrayed very convincingly by the late great Paul Newman.

Interestin facts bout movie:

In movie, CHL cuts off heads of parkin meters but leaves best part... just sayin. ;-)

He go to jail for standin up for what he fink is right... just sayin. And I did, too. (Deer My Sweet Lord please let me in of doors when it comin a storm!).

He eats 50 hard boiled eggs... I pretty sure I can too if given chance... just sayin. Please contact the Mom wif your challenges.

He escaped free (yep 3) times. I have only escape twice... just sayin.

Now after my birf did come to pass, it seem fittin to update poster in my own image... Just sayin.
And also by the way, that is really the me, pullin the Mom in sill-ew-ette up topand also please read the credits (I hope it bigifies) on a counta they are important to the me.

Trivia Question: What was name of dog who give life in pursuit of the Cool Hand Luke? If need hint: It is why I almost not have brother.


And as side (or dependin on wacky Blogger formattin what I have no time to resolve... bottom) note:

I wif the help of the Mom (on a counta it take more than blunt nose scissors) make four sided movie marquis what feature four posters of yours truly for the GRRH Golden Retriever Gala last year. Wif your patience for flash back content, I will post the other free (3) sides this week!

Day 368: One Year Ago Today

From: THE MOM
Date: Sunday, June, 22, 2008, 11:24 AM

Tom, Madison, Karen and Melinda (Uncle and Three Aunts!),

Karen and Melinda both called, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate ALL of you! Your words are full of good advice and so reassuring. One thing is for sure, Luke has a LOT of good people who are loving and supporting him. And I feel your tremendous support, as well. Thank you!

Luke did much better during the thunder last night. When it first started, I laid down on the floor with him and started telling him about how our life is going to be together. Toward the end of our conversation, I was telling him how he would have to get used to a mother that talks to him a lot, because that's what I do with my baby. He stood up, ever so slowly, gently stepped over my head... and went to lay down on the other side of the room. It was right on cue... and a hoot! I guess he's a teenager!

He seems to be picking up on my habits and patterns, and beginning to trust me in earnest, in terms of going outside and knowing he's going to get to come back in when he's ready. I haven't taken my eyes off of him outside, but I never did with my other golden either. I have a 16'x20' back porch with a ceiling fan, so I sit and watch!

I thought you might like to see some pictures of my Luke, who even after just two and half days, has so many love muffin nicknames, he's probably confused... I'll have to work on that! :-)

Thanks again for everything!

Amanda with Sweet Golden Boy at her Feet

Day 366 ( Six hours into Day One): One Year Ago Today

From: THE MOM
Date: Friday, June 20, 2008, 6:06 pm
To: Aunt Melinda
CC: Aunt Karen

Karen and Melinda,

Luke made it home just fine (a good, good rider!), and we had a wonderful afternoon... until it started thundering. He went into my half bath and laid down. I needed to get my car into the garage, and he raced out and WOULD NOT let me get out either door without him.

I finally put him on the leash and took him out with me, but I had to open the front door first and he jumped onto the floor board of the front seat and wiggled his way to the passenger seat. I then pulled the car in the garage... he went back in the half bath, and won't come out.

I keep talking to him and trying to act like normal, like there's nothing unusual... but I'm scared. He will hardly respond to me right now, and I'm worried. He's been through so much, and I want to help him. I want to be what he needs, I just can't figure out what it is right now.

Are these first day jitters... depression? What can I do? What should I do?

I've never been in this position before, and I will appreciate any advice you can give me!

Amanda

Day 366: GOTCHA DAY!!! One Year Ago Today (Minus 4 hours)

From: goldens @grrh.org
To: THE MOM
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 8:19 AM
Subject: RE: GRRH/adoption contract

Amanda,

All of Luke's medical information was left at Pet Paradise. Melinda might pick it up before meeting you. If not I will get it this weekend and put it in the mail. His chip information should be there.

I am so glad that we at GRRH found you! I can tell that you are going to be a wonderful adopter who will remind us that all our hard work really does pay off! I can't wait to read Luke's blogs!

Keep us posted and let me know how the transfer goes.

Take care,

(Aunt) Karen

Day 365: One Year Ago Today (Gotcha Day Minus 1)

From: THE MOM
Sent: Thu 6/19/08 7:37 PM
To: goldens@grrh.org

(Aunt) Karen,

What a photo... I love it! And your description was priceless!!! All they were missing were their swim caps! Gorgeous babies they are!

Karen, thank you so much for your kind words. I can promise you Luke has found a home full of love and attention... maybe more than he's prepared for! I'm still very emotional, but I find good comfort in knowing how good he and I are going to be for each other.

I spent my lunch hour(s!) shopping for my new big boy, and I bought him a new bed, new bowls, a collar and leash, a harness for the seatbelt in my car, some Purina One (that's what Melinda is feeding him), Molasses Madness Buddies Biscuits, a bunch of toys and a new tag with his NEW LAST NAME and contact information. :-)

I've printed and will be completing the adoption paperwork tonight. And I've got a call in to Melinda to determine how and when we are going to make the transfer. I'm growing anxious and excited waiting to hear from her! I hope that sweet boy did ok during the thunderstorm we had today.

Karen, thank you so much for all you've done. I'm looking forward to meeting you really soon! You can bet that Luke will keep in touch. One look in those eyes, and you just know he's a budding author!

Amanda

P.S. Speaking of contact information, Melinda told me that Luke is microchipped. How do I go about making sure his information is changed? I want to update his information, so If there's a password, or other procedure... please let me know.

And if you would like to check out my precious Comet's blog, you can visit it at goldensrule.blogspot.com. I've not had the heart to post a memorial... somehow committing it to the written word makes it more true. She was a special girl...

Day 364: One Year Ago Today

One year ago today at this very minute... my the Aunt Melinda took me to PetsMart to meet a nutty woman... and she and I fell in love!

Day 358: Fusion Friday

I wanted to call it "Fried Chicken Friday" (subliminal message intended) but the Mom said "Luke Sweet Boy why not call it Fusion Friday" and so I did...

First let me begin by sayin it is so hot (97 degrees and it not even summer yet) that it have to be bout dark in order to enjoy the outside. Second, take look see at my back and tell me you can't see my scar on a counta my Doctor Mark did such wonderful job!

Next, I want to say to once more thank ever one on behalf of the Gonzo... for all your prayers and well wishes and encouragin comments and generous donations...

And I am happy to report that Gonzo is doin really really well and that is thanks to fact he is just one very special boy wif sweetness and joy and easy goin spirit! And he practically not skip a beat!

He even made it to the Meet-N-Greet last Saturday just free days (count em...3) after surgery! And boy was he happy and how he did look good!

He got lots of attention and pettin and lovin and he did really very much enjoy heself!

And next I gotta say that there are free (yeah... 3) reasons the Gonzo doin so well. And those beed his (1) his strong constitution, (2) GRRH commitment and dedication to make his life as happy and comfortable as possible, takin into consideration all factors in order to do so... wif ception of the financial... on a counta the cost, while substantial, is irrelevant. GRRH gonna do what is right.

But big reason is number free (3). And that is the Gonzo has most lovin, carin, nurturin foster Mom and Dad. I mean these folks are incredible. They are super special and have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the Gonzo's recovery.

Once Sweet Boy has recovered from the amputation surgery, he will have (same side) hip surgery... I not allowed to beg, so I just say this... if you are so moved, please help GRRH help Gonzo wif your tax deductible donation!

And that lead me to think of one other issue of the day what is Owner Surrenders what GRRH and other rescue organizations are bein flooded wif... It really sad, and while it hard to believe for the Mom... it not hard to believe for the me. After all, I was owner surrender after givin first family 8.5 years of my life! Just sayin.
But the Mom is goin wif the Aunt Karen tomorrow mornin to introduce Candi (red) and Maggie to a special person who has fallen for the two of the them!

Candi and Maggie are very attached, do not tolerate bein out of sight of each other and GRRH has taken great measures to make sure they never have to separate!

And I take paws to wish them the kind of good match that my the Aunt Karen broker for the me! Just sayin!

And that lead me to tell you I beed full o the mischief today and I somewhat on the Mom's "Sit List". What you ask did the Luke do to get on such "list"?

Well, I bait rotty wilder in SE of my yard and get him to bark and bark and bark and bark... and I do it more than the one (ok... free) time. It fun, what can I say? And I also real fond these days of the wallowin... in the grasses, in the flower bed... just bout any where I please. "If it feels good do it" is my motto and the Mom is offended, morally opposed, incensed and very much not pleased mostly on a counta I don't stop when she say stop, she have to physically make the me to stop.

Her argument? Somefin bout me havin the itchies and the scratchies and the hotspots and also takin the benadryl ever day to discourage the mast cell tumor return... Add to that she beed recoverin from ragin sinus infection and still I bring the pollens etc back into the house where I boaf smooch wif the her and put her to bed and wake her up ever day. There is problem?

I get it in some small sense but it still feel good to wallow. And I not only one on the Mom "Sit List" on a counta the Bleu put some things in his mouf last night what not sposed to be there and he make the Mom very very upset... so he on that list too!

Which bring up subject... the Mom was home for four days + back to factory for 2.5 days and home again for 0.5 day... all of which me and the Bleu have been wifout the cones!

And we have not licked and/or chewed on our selves or each other in any way what can be proven in court of law.

Knock on would. Just sayin.

And speakin of that list, I think of thing I saw just other day when doin bit of shoppin!
And that remind me somefin I have not told you what is this:

My the Aunt Melinda is expectin (human) baby boy real soon. Out of love, I respectfully submit name of "Luke" but she think baby need multi-syllabic name and so I now resubmit... "Cool Hand Luke". That free (uh huh, 3) syllables. Just sayin.

Any way, many well wishes and "can't waits" sent out to the Aunt Melinda and the Uncle Jason. This gonna be one loved baby and we all gonna have fun wif the him!!!

Nuff of the fusion but I will end by sayin this is anniversary of night I went home wif someone wif cats... and she return me the next day. "What" you say?

Well that beed just nother brief moment in time for what I am grateful on a counta that was not place I belong. Fate overcome and by fate I mean I chase hell outta those cats for bout twelve solid hours. Uh huh. I show the them I got real special gig just round corner and I not rest till deal brokered!

Just sayin.

Day 283: Go For The Golden Texas Hold'Em

I glad event day finally here on a counta I just want it over and the Mom back home. She and the Aunt Karen been workin hard on graffix and logistix and talkin lots on phone, and I like that part on a counta I like laughter...

But I got somewhat upset when the printer run out of yeller ink last night and the Mom had to go the Depot to get more.

Well, I mad till she come back wif good smellin (and can't tell lie... tasty) Luby's tilapia and taters and green beans!!!

This good fun fund raisin event will help lots o boys and girls like me bout 286 days ago... who need place hang leash and find home of dreams...

You might ask why I say 286 when this Day 283???

Well, the Mom who unbeknownst to me already fell in love wif the me... meet me on Day -02! And while my life wif the Aunt Melinda HUGE M-provement of personal situation (and frankly was life I would be happy to be livin today)... I had no pre-concieve notion what might be like to live as the true son to the true Mom who love me as much as the Mom love the Luke... Just sayin!

Day 161: My First Thanksgivin Holiday (But Ever Day Thanksgivin To Me)

Livin with the Mom means bein big part of ever day and she make me feel real special on holiday like this what she call Luke's First Thanksgivin.

Had some time today to flect bout life. Don't think of myself one bit as 'rescue'. Luke strong minded and willed. Luke outwit Chapter One and make break for bigger better things of his hopes and dreams. Got way-layed long way but hitch ride with Uncle Tom to Promise Land which is here and now.

But thing bout bein where I been and for so long fore now is had lotta time to think bout where wanna be and dream who wanna be and all perks and luxuries wanna waller in...

So when me and the Mom sat round tv tray tonight and list things we thankful for, she go first and she say me. She say other good stuff but this my blog not hers, so here some stuff I say in no ticular but somewhat chronological order (so the Mom don't get fended!):

1. The Mom. (Noone call Luke fool. Know gotta say the Mom first!).
2. The Uncle Tom. (For the lift, man talk, strong support, miracle waters and ok... baffs).
3. Pet Paradise. (Wasn't there long and don't take this the wrong way but thank dog cause Luke was on BIG move to nother kinda paradise... but Michael and folks was real good to me and I grateful).
4. The Aunt Melinda and Uncle Jason. (For takin me in and treatin me just right. Kinda thought your place was place of dream but name of Aunt and Uncle confuse me as knew I was lookin for the Mom).
5. The Aunt Karen. (For not lettin jaw hit ground loudly when the Mom say she want young pup only no ceptions but askin can meet Luke cause maybe he the one, for couragin and calmin the Mom, for idea of Kongy and for laughter).
6. The Aunt Madison. (For bein first and always voice of compassion when Luke have bad day, whether thunderstorm, surgery or evil disease, for good brushin and sweetness, and for carin bout the Mom like care bout me!).
7. GRRH. (For lookin for and findin me, for good cookies, fun things to do... and for helpin fulfill dreams of other kids like me).
8. Love. Gluttonous and never endin. Don't have to give it to get it. It just slathered on you.
9. Option of Side of Door. Most specially good to be never left on out side of door. Grateful to be left inside of door only when by Luke choosin or for own good... and still tryin to learn when that own good thing is, but gettin better at gagin length of good nap while the Mom at factory, et al.
10. Companionship. Ever been lonely then find someone super comfortable to hang hat wif like best friend? That's how I feel. Shrink might say unhealthy when best friend is also the Mom, but Shrink never been where I been. Nice to have the Mom who prefer Luke's company to all others, the Mom who drag feet when leavin and haul patooty home.
11. Security. Took while but now gettin hang of it. The Mom leave but she come back... mostly shortly, when longly only cause she have to pay for roof. She do things outta love and Luke learnin to cept that.
12. Walks. Wish could call em runs but the Mom's slow. Love all the same.
13. Yard. Yeah, most always had one but this one different cause don't have to live there. Like it most cause it optional.
14. Beds. Big Bed where I called all time, get head rubbed, can bring toys and can stay on Luke terms. Little Beds in and out of draft. Even fluffy bed I won't step nor lie nor sleep on not matter where located. Don't hold ticular grudge but might have somewhat hard head. Just sayin. But Luke livin large.
15. Treats. Good and regular. Sometime gotta sit and shake sometime not. Favorite is GRRH cookie chaser but also love molasses madnesses.
16. Trolley Rides. Love most all of em but much prefer go and come back wif the Mom not drop off cause only one been that way. Hated it, frew up on the Mom after she pick me up, don't wanna do it again.
17. Health. Thing bout health is you got it less you check into it. But then, you only got it if you check into it, find out you don't got it and fix it. Called "pair o ducks"... not sure why but all things considered rather have just the one duck.
18. Baffs... yeah, even!
19. Toys. Stuff that all mine and they come regular. Dance for em, dance wif em. Tear tags off em. Suck on em. Carry em round, sometime two at time. And put em to bed. Got my own basket and got my own toys. Luke live large. Just sayin.
20. Bedtime Stories. Luke never get too old for one... or two or free or more. Comfortin knowin Luke come to side of bed and get story. Get rub. Get vitation to big bed. Get re-surin. Get love. Sometime wake up, think maybe new life is just dream... good to have light sleepin Mom to always rub head, say love you and tell bedtime story.

Just sayin. Luke and the Mom lucky. Luke and the Mom grateful. Luke and the Mom got each other!

Happy Thanksgivin All My Peoples! Hope your life mean as much to you as mine does to me!

Day 135: Golden Retriever Gala Masterpiece, Part One

I been keepin the Master Centerpiece under top secret dewclaw swearin raps and now since ever one who can't know is at the Gala, I unveil it to you my loyal readers!

I go sometimes by my first given name of Cool Hand Luke, and this past year's felt to me like a major motion picture production starring me. And ever big production got a poster wif credits and the like and here's mine:



Second life supporting roles: Aunt Karen Bishop as Aunt Karen, Aunt Madison Whitson as Aunt Madison, Aunt Melinda Seckt as Aunt Melinda, Uncle Tom Whitson as Uncle Tom and Mom as Mom.

Technicolor Sequel / GRRH Production: Aunt Karen, Casting & Props; Aunt Madison, Standby, Health & Safety; Aunt Melinda, Pre-Production; Uncle Tom, Transportation & Direction; Mom, Screenplay & Dialog.

Before you go thinkin maybe I stole a idea from somefin you seen before, I say to you yes I did. You see, some years back there was a motion picture go by Cool Hand Luke by some crazy coincidence.

Got a little in common wif the character in that picture and a lot wif the actor, Paul Newman, who played me.

My eyes not as blue, but we bofe ruggedly handsome and modest too. He drove fast cars just like I do when Uncle Tom lets me (shhhh don't tell the Mom). And we bofe have soft hearts and are committed to helpin others.

We got other things in common that the Mom won't let me talk about just now but I will later. He's left this world now and is missed. He did my name proud!

Day 63: Random Thoughts

Now that I'm out of my cape, I was pondering...

1. Thought I would be happy to have Mom home, but she brought hell-a-shus thunder with her.


2. Never played dress-up before. Kinda fun, but why must we do it when a storm approaches?


3. Playing superhero in the bathroom is distracting to my fear.


4. Pretty crafty of Mom to lure me out of my hiding place with treats. Guess I love treats more than I am afeared of storms.


5. I'll bet I wouldn't have to poop in a swamp if I still lived with Aunt Melinda.


6. Bet the sun is still shining at her place, too.


7. Note to self: Check trolley schedule.

P.S. That snot snot all mine. And don't make the mistake I did by suggesting Mom clean the glass... Nobody taught me how to comfort a crying Mama.

Day 37: Wake Up Call

I rise and shine each morning at 5am. It's taken me a month to learn to sleep that extra 30 minutes. (430 am must have meant something at Aunt Melinda's!).

I'm not one who cares much for early morning businesses in the yard, so it's not my bladder that has the alarm clock.

It's my belly! And the belly must be connected to the feet, cause I dance for my breakfast every morning! And promptly each day since my arrival, the Mom has risen and attended to my morning cravings.

And now this morning, I hear grumblings from the big bed. She rubbed my head that I rested on the side of the bed, but I guess it was too dark for her to see my wagging tail. Instead of rising to my challenge, she lifted the covers, patted the bed and urged me into her cocoon.

I didn't buy it. No way. But I did figure out how to get her up...

Drop my big bones down loudly on the hardwood floors... and siiiiiiiiiiigh!

She was up in a flash.

Day Nine: Random Thoughts

Lots-o-activity around here:

1. Guess we're 'spectin a storm, cause the Mom cancelled birfday plans with Aunt Dav, but she ran outta here like lightnin' bolt to get the trolley what she called 'spected.
2. Mom's got a pair of noya, and I'm just now figurin' it out. Ya see, several days ago, she stuffed tennis shoes under every door. Thought she was nuts at the time, but after where I've been, I figured... 'to each his own'. Now she's stuffin' rubber wedgy things under all of our doors! She don't seem to like the fit though. Nuts and noya, I tell ya!
3. Workers 'round here bangin' on thangs. Even dismantled the big ole redwood rathouse. Hate I had to watch from the inside!
4. Ain't been at this fabulous summer camp long, but thought leash was for NORTH of camp, not south.
5. Anyone with Aunt Melinda's contact info... please pass it along to me by leaving a comment here. Had no idea as to the implications of the car ride. Left my cell phone, day planner and wallet behind. I'm SURE she's trying to get in touch with me.
6. One thing I need to ask her is... would she be willin' to take in the Mom, too? I mean... carry the two, that makes them sisters, right? It thunders a lot here, not today but most others, and I think if me and the Mom bunk together... we should be no trouble? Just a thought. Aunt Melinda?!

Day Six: Needed Day Without T#un&er

My extended stay at summer camp has had it's moments... many of them good, several of them thunderous and not so much.

Today, however, was a glorious and rumble free day.

Mom came home early from the factory, in anticipation of Dog knows what... but it's been peaceful, and I've enjoyed a carefree afternoon of attention. Inside, outside. It's made no difference!

And I'll be honest with you... today is the first day I haven't thought (at least for the briefest of moments) about a cab, trolley or shuttle back to the thunder free zone of Aunt Melinda's.

Aunt Melinda's... It's great there. Everything I ever needed, I have there. It's a secure place to rest and think. There's no thunder. And she takes good care of me!

And then there's here... and I guess the difference between here and there, thunder aside, is that...

:::gulp:::

I'm needed here. By this woman. By this Mama. She needs me. And maybe for the first time in my life, I'm on the other side of this need. And it feels good. This need. For me.

Day Three: Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep...

And as my lids grow heavy, I'm etching names on my heart... of all to whom I owe my second life... to those who believed in me and to those who looked me in the eyes, reading the list of my hopes and dreams and determined themselves to make them come true:

"To everything there is a season,

and a time to every purpose under Heaven.

A time to be born, and time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted".

To The Letter Writer of Chapter One: I know this has been hard on you, too. Thanks for doing what you could, and know in the end that you did what was best. My wish for you is the magnitude of love, hope and happiness that I've found... and none of the uncertainty, hurt and fear that I've felt along the way. All's well that ends well, they say... so go to bed tonight knowing that all's truly well.

"A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up".

To Fuzzy Friends Of Waco: Your many acts of kindness and nurturing, your hopes that were invested in me... are etched on my heart. I'll not let you down.

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn,

and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones,

and a time to gather stones together".

To Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston: Wow. Where do I begin? I guess, first... thanks for the lift! You know... from Waco to Houston, my spirits, etc. Uncle Tom, Aunt Madison, Aunt Karen and Aunt Melinda... you were a whirlwind of love, attention, devotion and promotion. And thank you, most of all, for seeing to it that my second life... Chapter Two, if you will... plays out well. Here's hoping that my writings here are just a brief respite from the joyous dance of your match-making!

"A time to to embrace... A time to get.. A time to keep...
A time to sew...A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love... and a time of peace".

To My New Mom and/or Summer Camp Counselor Extraordinaire: Your nuttiness is growing on me... I find your neuroses endearing. Really, I do. I like that you speak to me with kindness and that you like me way more than the things in your house. I even like that silly baby talk thing you do, the way you smooch my nose and just up and hug me for no apparent reason. I like that you sit with me outside, that you come in when I'm ready and sit with me inside. I like to follow you. You look spectacular from behind. I like that if I bolt, you'll chase me with bloody feet till you catch me. I like that you let me know that I've crossed the line of what's expected of me, but you don't hold a grudge. Thank you for your attention, your cool floors, soft beds, fresh waters and tasty foods. And thank you most of all for including me in so much that you do. Gulp. I think... I love you!

Day Two: Four Paw Summer Camp

Sound sleep yields a happy rising. And boy-o-boy am I happy this morning!

The day vacation trolley does not seem to be boarding passengers today, so this must be one of those Dog Spaws or Summer Camps I've read about. It's missing some of the perks of my stay at Pet Paradise... no big wide open spaces and no cement pond, bone shaped or otherwise. But there's a lot of head and ear rubbing here, and the service is good. Ain't bad, overall. I give it four paws.

Breakfast in my belly, I trotted around the yard, smelling what I smelt. Can't hide my interest in wildlife! Morning brought the intense activity of the resident squirrels, and I gave em a run up the tree and across the power line!

Inside now and wanting to take a nap, but Mom's been busy reading email and talking to Aunts Melinda and Karen. Relatives sure talk a lot, don't they? "Luke this and Luke that", "thunder", "Uncle Tom and Aunt Madison said in their email", "bad timing", "Luke's blog"...

What??? They know about my blog? And I don't hear a hint of anger, only pride and laughter! I've been unleashed!

Day One: Sleep Over

The rumble stopped and I emerged from the bunker.

I made quick work of some dinners and tentatively agreed to go back to the out of doors.

I say 'tentatively' because I made sure this 'Mama' person sat down in a patio chair and left the door open... before venturing over the threshold. I did quick business, keeping one eye on her and the other on the door.

Back on the inside, the old gal plunked down on the floor with me. I was a bit reluctant to be close, and it seemed to bother her, but she respected it. It didn't stop her, however, from waxing a poetic bedtime story of the hopes, dreams and promises of her heart.

As my eyelids grew heavy, I had three thoughts... first, her hopes might just exceed mine. Second, there's something about her... that I can't quite put my paw on.

And last... in promise, there is hope. (I'll expound on that if I ever get back to Aunt Melinda's).

Day One: Make the Noise Stop

I urged the self proclaimed 'Mama' to seek refuge in of doors for good reason. As soon as she heeded my request, the reason became apparent. In my defense, I was trying to save the nutty woman as much as myself.

Thunder.

I could write a book on it. And maybe I will one day. But for now, all I can think about is why I didn't pack a business card or day planner with Aunt Melinda's telephone number. Dumb dumb dumb.

No money for a cab, I pace a bit and then do the only other thing I can think of... bunker. Discouraged by digging on the tile floor with no result, I laid down with my head in the corner of the tiny half bathroom.

The so oblivious 'Mama' went about business I can only assume as usual, doing things and talking to me... as if I've not got my head behind a toilet. Half of me thought... why isn't she taking shelter in here with me? And the other half of me thought... she's just plain nuts!

And with that last thought, I heard her keys... rattling my ticket back to Aunt Melinda's! I hopped up straight away, thunder be damned (don't know if I can curse in this place, but hopefully I'll be back in the old place before I find out), and threw myself against the opening door. A struggle ensued, and I'm pretty sure I remember a stern reprimand... but there was not one single way I would be left here in Thunder Alley alone.

So... a leash was produced. I was attached to it. We approached the single day vacation trolley. The driver's door opened... and in a flash, I slipped out of my new collar and hopped onto the floor board under the stearing wheel with no place to go. Picture in your mind... another struggle, panic, and a few curse words that I'm pretty sure didn't come from me!

Once we'd finally negotiated our positions and were into our respective seats, I heaved a deep sigh and began to sing "Aunt Melinda, here I come... right back where I started from..." when I realized that we were pulling forward, not backward.

I watched in awe, as this 'Mama' crammed the vacation trolley into a single car garage. I don't understand eactly what's going on (since a lot of very confusing things are), but I figure things out pretty quickly.

And my theory is... it's almost a geometric impossibilty to get out of the back seat of a CRV in a single car garage built in 1952. Where there's a willing 'Mama', though... there's a way. And it defeats all logic. Maybe, just maybe... this is why she wanted to go out in the storm alone (something else to ponder at Aunt Melinda's).

In of doors once more, I resumed my position in the bunker and 'Mama' assumed hers, oblivious to the need for further panic. Listening intently for more rumblings, what I heard was her in here... on this very computer, typing an email.

Sometimes I hate when my first impressions are true. The woman is nuts. And I'm gonna tell.

Day One: Welcome Wagon!

I've spent the afternoon exploring this new place, pawsing only to sit for a snack (though that has been abruptly ended by some misfortunate and what I can only assume are unmannerly gases), sip a few fresh waters and meet the locals!

First I met this really nice woman I found out is my Aunt Susan. I liked her right away, and felt comforted and reassured. She seems to know this 'Mama' person pretty good and says she's really happy for both of us... whatever that means.

I know she said "meant to be" a few times, and I'll have to ponder that when I get back to Aunt Melinda's. That house of hers is a great place to ponder things... safe, comfortable and relaxing.

I feel like I'm really racking up on blessings, because they both told me about an Uncle Mike I have, and how he'll really want to meet me. Another thing I've learned... just like friends, you can't never have too many Aunts and Uncles. Them is good folks, they are.

And speaking of friends! I've got a new one... might just have saved the best for last, because I met this fellow through the see-thru fence!

Seems his name is Sam. I like that, suits him in that "he am Sam" sort of way.

We ran the fence a bit. Sam had a lot to say... me, not so much, but this 'Mama' seemed to celebrate the 'wuh wuh' that I added to the conversation. (Another thing to ponder when I get back to Aunt Melinda's... strange woman, this 'Mama').

And lo and behold, next thing I know... my new Aunt Susan appears on his side of the fence! Who knew! Well... she and 'Mama' started exchanging greetings again over the fence top, just as Sam and I had, only much quieter and with less intensity. And Sam and I slipped to the other end of the yard to sniff noses. I got a good sense about him... and we exchanged pmail addresses.

All good things gotta come to an end, though, I've sadly come to learn. And it happened then, as the skies began to darken in the middle of the afternoon. I urgently persuaded the 'Mama' to let's go to the in of doors as my love of the out is over for today.

Day One: First Thoughts & Smells

Ever have one of those days when you wake up thinking life will be one way... and then it ends up another? I've had a lot of those days lately... today, included.

Morning dawned just like the others these last two weeks, but late morning, I was treated to a car ride! I was as pleased with 'Academy' as the destination as I was to greet the attentive and shmoopy woman I first met two days ago.

She introduced herself this second time as 'Mama', seeming captivated with me, yet again... and before I knew it, I had a new necklace with new jewelry and was in her car, snacking on Buddies Biscuits,sipping spring water from a cup and listening distractedly to her many 'babblings'.

We reached this new place some twenty minutes later and deboarded. Guided on my new leash, I quickly explored both the indoor and outdoor environment.

It seems like not a bad place. There's a comforting and homey smell about it, and there's fresh waters, treats, gifts and a new bed laid out for me.

It might be a trap... ain't quite sure. My history is built on a shaky foundation; I've been uprooted and abandoned. The kindnesses, comforts and securities shown me by my angels has been TOO incredible to trust in full just yet.

And while everything seems to be on the up and up here, if I've learned anything, it's to be wary. This 'Mama' seems over the top shmoopy, so I can probably take her if I have to... but I might need to just 'hear' her out.