The end of summer brings a a cluster of cabin trips squeezing out every moment possible at the lake. It also provides a great venue to celebrate summer birthdays, even if late. Kooper and I have birthdays two days apart and tradition has started for us to share a birthday party. After various scheduling attempts we finally landed a date – a beautiful day at the lake with DeeAnn, Lana and all the dogs. The day included a summer meal – grilled chicken, potato salad and corn on the cob – along with some tasty birthday cupcakes. Lana leaves no partier out and had Frosty Paws treats for each dog, all of whom were very grateful. Having all the dogs around me was a perfect scenario for opening my gift from Lana, Kooper & Kimber – it was a customized jigsaw puzzle of an assorted collage of our dog pictures. Looking at it brings a smile for me, so I know working on the puzzle is going to be entertaining. The dogs played, ate, enjoyed treats and hung out with us as we chatted. Kimber & Kooper came home with me, Lana headed to the cities for a State Fair adventure. It didn’t take much for the dogs to agree to bedtime. Kooper helped himself to the guest room, his go-to; and Kimber took turns sleeping along side Kooper then coming into my room to cozy up on the end of that bed. They slept as hard as they played and I think they dreamt feeling loved and content from their big party day at the lake.
Holly had her first fishing experience of the year. Her first fishing trip at the lake was when she was a puppy and it did not take long before she was sitting in the cabin. A bobber is just too much like a ball. I had my doubts about this year but was pleasantly surprised. Rainie was there as a steadfast role model. See bobber, stare at bobber. DeeAnn landed some nice pan fish and a few teasers. Holly had chance to have a nose to gill encounter with a little sunnie. Though I was ready for a snatch and run, there was none of that. Holly mustered the courage for one tentative sniff then opted to ignore and avoid eye contact, easy to do with a fish twirling on a line with a hook in the lips.
Holly has learned our ‘leaving the cabin’ behavior. She knows when the car is getting loaded, plants are getting watered and DeeAnn is busy putting things away and checking locks. This is Holly’s cue to begin her protest. She holds her toy, stick, towel, anything that she feels is convincing enough as a reason to stay a little longer. She hovers around the middle of the yard and looks at the car as if it is sitting on a cliff. She ignores me, I don’t even try to call her to the car. DeeAnn has some success, giving Holly some hope that she will flip into play mode. We had the benefit of Lana being with us – Holly just couldn’t bring herself to believe that Lana wouldn’t play with her some more. When Lana held her collar and said good-bye, Holly’s head sunk all the more. It was true, she was leaving the cabin.
It’s so tender to watch her protest; and again so tender to watch how happy she is when she arrives home. Everywhere is a great place; everyplace is where to be. She may have a new answer to ‘what is a good life?’
Relaxing
Sue & Lynn Visit Harvey House
Waiting for Action
Not Impressed
I Was Looking For You!
Heartley Stopped By
Dock Racing
Breaktime in the Shade
Golden in the Sun
Bobber Duty
Another Round of Treats
