The Intruders

We have made it past hump day and we are looking forward to the weekend again.  It has been a quiet week with little activity, as my husband has been ill.  He has had some intestinal virus that is being passed around.  I have been praying for his recovery and hoping I escape the nasty bug.  I awake each morning and pray that my stomach is not at war. 

 Laney has been busy trying to comfort my husband.  She always makes us laugh even when we feel bad.  She was insistent yesterday that my husband stay resting while he was recuperating.  He couldn't make a move without her or she would bark until he was resting comfortable and she was perched on top of him.  She makes a perfect caregiver.

On a lighter note, life is always filled with those unexpected moments that provoke that fight flight mode.  I am talking about things that happen and scare us, but afterwards they make us laugh.  We had one of those moments the other evening.  We had returned from a walk that we took at dusk and decided to rest comfortably on our front porch and admire the full moon without intruders.

It was dark completely upon returning from the walk, but the porch was lit by the full moon. As we sat there talking about the daily events, my husband started making hissing noises and stomping his feet.  I thought maybe he had cracked up and then I realized that a cat was strolling across the front flower bed and he was trying to make it scram.  It leisurely started to stroll across the sidewalk and move to the neighbor's house.  I continued talking as my husband stared at the yard.

Then without any warning I saw what looked like a huge wolf come around the side of the house and straight at me.  I sprung from my seat and yelled, "Quick, get in the house."  My husband was so alarmed at me that he did not see the animal approaching us.  As my hands reached for the front door, I realized it was locked.  My husband saw the creature coming at us, barking and growling.  I thought this is it, we are about to be his dinner.  My husband knocked over his chair to barricade us and reached for the keys which he threw at me.  It was like everything all of the sudden was in slow motion except for my heart.  It was beating extremely fast.  And of course, the key would not fit in the keyhole.  I was so concerned that we were about to be victims of a mauling animal that I couldn't line the key up with the keyhole.

So, with all the commotion that my husband and I were making the animal retreated and took off across the yard. He probably thought  we were lunatics.  I finally unlocked the door and hurried inside and my husband followed.  We looked at each other and started laughing. My hubby informed me that there were two of the big animals.  I am glad I only saw the one.  Thank goodness it was not a skunk, as we have had quite a few hanging around this summer.

My lesson learned is to unlock the door first before sitting down and to keep my mace in my hand not in the pant pocket.

Thank goodness Laney was inside as she is scared of other animals.  She probably would have been up a tree.  Instead she was in the house running back and forth barking as if she was the ruler of the house.  Oh well that was my adrenalin rush for the week and the most entertainment the neighbors have had for awhile.   Life is beautiful !!

Elizabeth

Creating Joyful Reflections In Our Minds

I was sitting here this morning reflecting on a beautiful weekend that my husband and I shared.  The weather has been incredible and we spent most of the weekend outdoors.  I think to myself it was just what the doctor ordered, fun in the sun.  Wow, I was totally stress free and I hope hubby was too.  We were two exhausted people as we had enjoyed every minute of the weekend.  I think we fell asleep before our heads hit the the pillow.

We spent Saturday in our favorite small city of Yellow Springs.  I love the culture there, as it is a throw back to the late 60's and 70's.   There is lots of art, musicians on the street, and unique cafes.  And of course, there is a great bike trail.  The city and the bike trail was swarming with people due to the beautiful sunny and mild temperature weather.

We went 20 miles on our bikes and stopped off at a few points of interest to stretch and enjoy the day.  One of the stops was a garden nursery.  The flowers of course were beautiful and we surprised to see the mums have arrived.  The summer is moving by quickly.  We also saw another deer today, as it very quietly and elegantly crossed the bike trail right in front of us.  They are such beautiful animals and it is excitng to see them at such close range.

 Then it was back to Yellow Springs to take a walk around town which was busy with lots of tourist.  I love some of old Victorian style homes in town.  I never get bored visiting and riding my bike there.  It is one of my favorite places that makes those feel good endorphins kick in.  

Sunday was just as fun with a trip to Waynesville.  Another great historic town.  There is lots of antique stores for all those people who love the past.  I am not an antique collector.  I love the more modern look, but the town is fun and the food is good.  It is the home of the famous Sauerkraut Festival that is hosted every fall.

I topped off the evening by having some fun with my girlfriends, as hubby went off to have some fun chasing fish around the lake.  I don't think he caught any.  There was no bragging when he returned home. 

Laney of course did her usual thing this weekend, that is napping.  She did however enjoy some time out in the back yard and of course greeting us at the door with the usual tail wag and roll over for a tummy rub.  She always makes us happy.  She is my dose of happiness everyday.  My faithful companion.

I would like to express my sympathy for my dear friend's dog.  He was a great pet and companion for my friend.  He died unexpectantly Friday.  I send much love and prayers to his family.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened....Anatole France

Elizabeth