Good Morning Backyard

I am reflecting this morning in the backyard as I come back from my morning run. It was a crisp and cool morning with a pretty sunrise. It has been an interesting July as well since my return from Annual Training. Here is the scoop: We got a dog, Frodo, we lost a pigeon, Hop-A-Long, we sent the boy to summer camp, Lara moved in permanently, the wash machine moved out, the folks are coming to visit this weekend, and last weekend I saw Batman. Must stick the feet in the pool…

I am enjoying the sunrise as I take the above picture, and Frodo is way ahead inside the house. He has been a good dog so far. We had a great walk this morning and he only wanted to visit the German Shepard that walks in the morning also. Since Frodo was off-leash, this wasn't good to the big German and his owner. I frequently compare Frodo to Kosmo, Rudy, and Ellie--our family's pets. He is a bundle of joy, and not a Pesky Puppy, mostly. He does like to eat my ankles, likes to jump up on the couch, and likes to eat on your lap during dinner. We are working on these bad behaviors, and it is a challenge at time. But mostly he loves to run and lick. We have been calling him Lickmyster, Lick-a-Saurous, the Mouth and the Furry Monster.

Hop-A-Long was another adopted pet, although it was brief. The pigeon was found in the gutter on one of our family walks. We rescued this injured bird and put him in the backyard for safekeeping. He did fine for a few days hopping along. One day he fell in the pool. I rescued to poor creature and he puffed up like an angry turkey. The next day, he fell in again and the neighbors found him in the skimmer. It was a tragic tale of getting hit and thrown into the curb and then drowning. We tried to be good humans and probably extended his life a few days. A cat would have surely eaten him in the street where we found him. Frodo would have love to play with the poor creature too if he had lived long enough. Look Sean, a new toy!

The boy is off to summer camp in San Diego, Mataguay Scout Ranch. I am jealous and I wish I could go camping, canoeing, horseback riding, getting merit badges, and running around in the San Diego wilderness. I hope he reports back with a potential blog article or at least pictures. Maybe he will bring back an animal skeleton or an archeological find. The camp has two recently renovated pools, 2,800 square foot Silva Lodge deck, 30+ merit badge courses and a dedicated staff ready to serve you. The food looks good too. It looks like a great summer vacation and summer camp experience.

Yea, it is about time the wife moved in. This is going well besides the washing machine moving out. We selected a nice 2007 model that will compromise the economic efficiency brands with the high-tech buttons that have me bewildered. I need temperature and normal wash. Lara needs delicates, colors, bleach, simple agitation and cottons. Choosing a washer is like choosing a car. There are too many choices. If there was a cookie monster blue one though, I would have purchased it. But then again, it wouldn't match the white dryer. At least we got an old-style model with a top-loading door. I didn't want to use special detergents, I didn't want to bend over to use a front-end loader, and I want to extend my carbon footprint as much as I can afford. The electric company gives you a 10% discount on getting one of these energy star energy efficient models, but still, they cost several hundred dollars more than a basic clothes washer. It would take ten years before we would see a benefit. Does anyone need a 1970's washer? Lowes, come and get it.

Batman was really good and I won't go into it here. I am just glad I got to see a good movie for once. I was not disappointed. I am not disappointed by the view in the backyard also. My feet are feeling great in the cool pool. Frodo decided to come back and lick my face. Thank you! The landscape berm area is all barked with cedar from last weekend and it looks great. It smells good, and as with Frodo, it's a good addition to the backyard. I finished re-doing some of the plumbing in the fountain also. I am glad that is working great also. The fishies seem happy. If they are happy, I am happy. What a nice morning to reflect on a new day. Happy day and get out there… Wait, I have to go to the office! I think it is time to get the girl up! Frodo!!!! Can't I enjoy the backyard for ten more minutes?