Spring has barely started and already time is gauged by how much cabin time has happened or will be happening and in the most recent case – when, or even if, it will happen again. Shortly after Mother’s Day week-end, wildfires broke out in northern Minnesota, one of which was a direct threat to the safety of DeeAnn’s cabin. We both were tuned in and obsessively following the WatchGuard App assessing size of fire, evacuation zones and wind directions. Within 24 hours the cabin went from outside of a designated evacuation zone to sitting within boundaries of the ‘Be Ready’ classification. There was rain in the forecast, two days out, but it appeared as if the fire was going to outpace the rain. The godsend was the shift in wind which took the path of the fire in a different direction. And, the relentless firefighters that fought the fire and planned the mitigation measures to slow it down. The cabin now sits safely, well away from the closest active wildfire and out of any evacuation zone. It’s a helpless feeling, being at the mercy of nature, God’s will and the efforts of nameless firefighters. And then the good fortune of having hopelessness rebound into an elevated state of gratitude. We’ve not been to the cabin yet since the scare of seeing it charred and sitting as a pile of ashes. But I know when we do go, seeing the blue sky, blue lake, green grass and excited & bounding dogs run through the yard is going to be a sweet, sweet sight. The gratitude runs deep and is held close but there is still sadness and loss. Friends were not as fortunate. Out buildings, possessions and cars were lost and if not for the firefighters pouring water over the rooftop, the house would have been also. They too are grateful. Gratitude is a sliding scale in life, there is always a sliver to be found though the size of it varies.
With the fire, then the rain and cold temperatures, we have not been to the cabin since Mother’s Day. The dogs were back to house and backyard time. They don’t show disappointment, only pleasure! So long as they are together for play time, life is good. Play time at the cabin is the icing on the cake but if they can’t be there, then anywhere serves the purpose. They make their own fun, have their own rules and are filled with joy regardless of location.
Lanny & Mary were in town and spent an evening at my house, much to my, Helen & Holly’s delight. Perhaps a bit too much of Holly’s delight. Holly was out of control with her excitement of them being here. She was happy with reckless abandon and utter disrespect. It opened my eyes that despite reaching the magical 3 year old mark and showing signs of maturity, she still needs to be set up in situations to learn manners and social behavior with people. She has her social behavior nailed when with other dogs, she is failing with people. The training collars were brought back out. And I guess I will need to start having guests over to the house. Who has the greater challenge here – the extroverted dog living with the introverted owner; or the introverted owner living with the extroverted dog?
When the normal routine fell back into place, so did Holly. Her playfulness, good nature and curiosity shined again. The feature picture has Holly intently and patiently waiting for DeeAnn to finish surgery on Pink Pig so Keltie and her can play tug with her again. Holly watches every stitch and listens to DeeAnn consoul Pink Pig. Holly’s eyes just get bigger as time goes by as she waits. It’s an exercise in handling anticipation, a much needed skill set for Holly. When DeeAnn had finished stitching Pink Pig’s leg back together, Pig was handed over to Holly and the joy of the toy began all over again. Back into the normal routine.
Making Her Own Fun
