On a daily basis, most of us have a lot to do. There’s work, there’s taking care of other humans (kids, parents, etc.), there’s all the daily personal to-do’s. And there is only a limited amount of time to do it all. For the last three months, I’ve been “grinding”, as they say. No, I […]
Miscellaneous
When the Time is Right, So is the Dog
Recently, I found myself telling a good friend that dogs have often been an emotional life raft for me during challenging and lonely times, offering me a comforting space on which to rest and recover while needing to navigate the ever-changing currents of turbulent waters. First there was Hooper. In 2001, while sitting alone and […]
Changing Landscapes
I realized after I posted last Saturday that it was the 2nd anniversary of when I met my log home for the first time. I do have to thank Facebook Memories for the reminder that on that very day, August 2nd, I embarked on a two hour drive with only my blind dog, Quint, by […]
Tethered to Technology
The other day I left the house to run errands. I got about 5 miles down the road when I realized my cell phone was not in my pocket. For a moment, I seriously contemplated turning around and going back home to get it before I stopped and thought, what am I doing? I remember […]
Happy “Dog-ust”, The Dog Daze Endure
Happy “Dog”ust. The heat here in The South has been extreme, even for Florida standards. I went to touch the metal pull on my porch’s screen door and it nearly burned my fingers. That’s extreme. Despite the heat, the paver crew returned to finish a job started a few weeks ago. Having excess material, and […]
Happy Half Birth “Daze”
This post was meant for the Saturday before the 14th, the midway point between that date and my next birthday. I take this time of year to reflect on what the first half of my personal “New Year” has presented and contemplate what the next six months might bring. It’s been an active half-year, one […]
Forging New Paths Forward
This week, I had a new paver path installed in the front of the log home here in Central Florida. Each time there is a torrential downpour, a river of water washes down into the home’s foundation and we were looking for a method to divert the flow of water while adding curb appeal and […]
Upsides, Downsides, and Omens
For the past few months, my life feels like it’s been turned upside down with having to deal with my mom’s ongoing health issues. Some of it has resurfaced some old feelings from when Mario’s health was tanking. I think that’s a natural human reaction though. If you’ve been through similar things in the past, […]
A “Tail of Two Dog Worlds”
Last Tuesday I found myself immersed in meetings that revolved around the world of dogs; a lunch gathering with the owner of the local animal rescue (I serve on their board) and her colleagues and later, a Zoom meeting with the board of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA). Two distinct worlds, both united […]
Coping with “Ruff Moments”
I hope everyone is enjoying a safe and sound holiday weekend during the Fourth of July celebrations that are inevitably ocurring in all corners of the United States. I like to think of the First of July as a good time to declare Happy Half Year and take a moment to process the first portion […]
Keeping Their Memories Alive
Last Monday, CAMP WIDOW a Documentary, aired via PBS/Independent Lens. It’s a short form documentary that packs a depth of emotion, a glimpse into the heart of an event that unites the widowed in a way like no other. I attended, and had the honor to present at, Camp Widow San Diego in 2023, […]
Going Through It
If you’ve been following along with me, I’m going through a situation with my mom right now (almost exactly a year after my dad passed away) where she came quite close to death. I’m realizing in hindsight that it was only because of the quick actions of the team of nurses and doctors in the […]