Lola the pup has a trick. In the morning when she is ready to eat, she picks up her travel food bowl and parades with it, making sure that anybody up and about knows she wants to be fed. I get Lola’s message, naturally, but there is a time threshold I will hold her to before feeding her, no matter how damn cute she acts. This morning after a sufficient waiting period, I filled Lola’s bowl with fresh kibble, added some dark meat chicken from the most recent Costco bird, added a spot of warm water, stirred, and, voila’, kibble and chicken in a tasty au jus. Thirty seconds later, Lola was looking for more food. It is a game we play each morning.
While Linda was awake, her husband Bob was still asleep. When Lola heard Bob open the bedroom door, she grabbed her now-empty travel food bowl and carried it in his direction, hoping to scrounge a second breakfast. Her efforts proved unsuccessful, but Linda and I laughingly had to give Lola kudos for a good effort.
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Later in the morning, after several rousing games of pickleball at Tom and Sherry’s development, Linda and I scoot home to clean up and fetch Bob for a luncheon at Tohono Chul, a lovely botanic garden carved out of the Sonoran Desert, which includes a popular bistro. Over lunch, Sherry and Linda discuss politics while Tom regales Bob and me with tales about the planes and drones the Air Force maintains at its large base in Tucson. The base is adjacent to a “boneyard” where the Air Force stores dozens, if not hundreds, of retired military aircraft. This was an unusual, must-see destination until the Air Force declared it off-limits to civilians.
After lunch, we explore the gardens. Away from the shade, the afternoon sun feels hot.
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Bob and Linda have spent an enjoyable first week here in Tucson, despite not accomplishing anything particularly memorable or noteworthy. We have many good conversations, which help to renew our bonds. Toss in plenty of good food and drink, music, along with lovely weather and time for relaxation, who could possibly ask for more? Still, I wish Robyn were here to share it with me.
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I have mentioned here that Robyn claims not to like Tucson. Unfortunately, I am also convinced that where it involves my friends Robyn feels like an outsider. It’s a tough spot for her, I suppose. Robyn knows Lee was Linda’s best friend and a close friend to Bob, Tom, and Sherry. Robyn’s impression is that Sherry particularly does not like her. Sherry certainly can be judgmental and perhaps Robyn is correct, though I have no hard evidence to present that she is.
However, it’s a tough spot for me as well. I don’t like being torn by divided loyalties. Yet, I am hopeful a time will come when Robyn enjoys the company of friends as much as I do.
