Memories

I was looking at the latest radar map of  Manitoba and NW Ontario and it triggered so many memories of  the places that I've visited over the years by myself, with friends, or with relatives. As I approach 80, I have tons of memories, mostly good ones but all sparking good thoughts of days gone by.

Some are sad thoughts. First, I miss friends and relatives who have passed away. We had many good trips together; many good conversations; many sharing of heart to heart feelings. Wow ... there have been so many good people in my life! My Dad, my Mom, my step-father Jack, my grandparents (the Hiscocks), my aunts and uncles ... I miss all of them who have passed away.

I also miss the dogs that were in my life for too few years. Lassie, Laddie, Cassie, Saxon, Megan, Mollie, Holly, and Gus. Saxon, Holly and Gus, are especially missed. Most of all, Holly. Holly and I were totally bonded to each other. If there's a dog heaven, I hope I go there when I die and that I will be reunited with these good canine friends. I'm sure those readers of this post who have loved and lost their dogs will understand how I feel.

On a brighter note, I also feel blessed by my children and their children and by their husbands and wives. I have so much to be thankful for! Of all these people, I'm most thankful for my wife Margaret. I think she's the reason I've lived so long.

And the beat goes on ...

Today, the home renovations continue. Yesterday, the old flooring in the kitchen and dining room was removed an tossed into the large metal bin now parked on one side of our driveway. Also, the remaining furniture was moved to the basement. Because there's a second fridge and freezer in the basement, we can still heat up lunch and supper meals and make morning smoothies.

Today, a plumber is making sure all the pipes associated with the home's plumbing is being assessed and fixed if necessary. Soon, we'll have a functioning dishwasher put back in place. Currently, without a kitchen sink anymore, M is washing out dirty dishes and cutlery in the bathtub in my bathroom.

All of this is challenging to us and to our new 19-month old golden retriever, Johnny. I've posted a picture of him below. We've had him here for only a few days. Coming from Florida, our winter conditions were a big surprise for him! He's adjusting quickly to these conditions and to going for walks with M. He sure didn't like having to wear winter boots to protect his feet.

He's lighter in colour than Gus was. 

Johnny is happily filling the void left by the passing of Gus. Like Gus, he loves people!

Johnny will be visiting our Vet this afternoon for his various vaccinations, including a rabies shot.

I'll keep you posted on his adventures here in the coming weeks and months.