Day 2436

It felt like Fall today. Overcast skies and a slow, steady rain kept temperatures in the low 70's. I'm not typically a fan of dampness and drizzle, but the change of pace from our typical August heat was kind of nice. Dot seemed to enjoy the cooler temperatures, but Dash was having nothing to do with the rain. I couldn't even get him to go outside this morning.

A writing assignment gave me the perfect excuse to stay around the house all day. I'd write for a while and then take the dogs to the back door so they could see if the rain had stopped. Dot still seems to have more energy than she did last week. She kept me busy during the day, barking when she needed help to get up and check on things. I continue to see this restless behavior as a good thing. At least it's better than lying listless in her bed all day.

I had to wash some rubber backed rugs that Dot made a mess on yesterday. I need to make a mental note to never buy rubber backed rugs again. The rubber flakes off in the dryer and makes a huge mess, even when you dry the rugs on the lowest heat setting. I guess I could have taken the rugs outside and let them air dry, but it was a damp, rainy day and it would have taken forever. I needed them back on the floor again. Eventually, the little flecks of stray rubber backing will find their way to the dryer filter, but they'll probably attach themselves to the next load of towels first.

It took longer than it should have to finish my article, mostly because Dot and Dash were being needy and demanding. Dash was frustrated because he didn't want to walk in the rain and Dot was frustrated because she couldn't do much of anything. Eventually, the rain subsided to a light mist and I was able to take Dash for a long walk while Dot slept. There have been more peaceful days, but it really wasn't all that bad. Cooler temperatures and a self-imposed deadline to meet were all I needed to keep my glass half full today.

I think my good mood had more to do with getting a decent night's sleep than anything else. Dot had one of those rare nights when she slept through the night without pooping. It makes a big difference. We all woke somewhat refreshed, hoping that Dot would stay on schedule for another eight hours.

I completely missed the Perseid meteor shower this year. The pictures I kept seeing on Google looked spectacular, but it wasn't meant to be in Dallas. Our skies were overcast on Thursday and Friday, and even during clear weather, there is so much light pollution in the city that seeing something as faint as a meteor trail is almost impossible. Maybe someday I'll live in a place with clear, dark skies. I don't think I've seen the Milky Way in decades.

Who knows what I'll see tomorrow. The flowers are gradually being replaced by seed pods as Fall approaches. Pretty soon the first leaves will start to turn. Sometimes it is simply amazing how quickly a year goes by.

Freckles is today's Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day

Day 1717

The year is winding down. Most of the wildflowers in the park have been replaced by seed pods and odd looking fruit. These will provide the seeds to begin the whole process again next Spring. Most of the flowers we see on our walks are actually weeds. One of the most common is Horse Nettle. The small white flowers with the bright yellow stamen are ubiquitous in the meadows below our house. In the Fall the pretty flowers are replaced by clusters of small yellow fruit that resemble cherry tomatoes. Farmers and ranchers often call these things devil's tomato, since they are poisonous. One more thing to steer clear of with the dogs.

I got a letter today telling me that the only remaining store in Texas that specialized in selling astronomical telescopes will be closing at the end of the month. This store joins a long list of fascinating small businesses that I've enjoyed patronizing over the years. The Observatory has been around for over 15 years, but I guess it finally succumbed to the same pressures that have caused many other small businesses to shut their doors. The stores that sold model trains were the first to go. Then the independent camera stores and retail lumberyards disappeared. Even though it never gets dark enough in Dallas for serious star gazing, I used to like visiting the telescope store. When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronomer. I never had a good grasp of math, which explains why I went into advertising instead, but I still have a fondness for nice telescopes. I'll miss this unique store. It's just not the same buying things on eBay.

Dot had an excellent physical therapy session today. We started interval training again and she did just fine. Her weight has stabilized at 53 pounds and her rear legs are definitely getting stronger. There is still a tremor in her left rear leg when she is standing still, but it doesn't seem to affect her mobility. For a senior citizen, Dot is really quite remarkable. She can still keep up with Dash, who is probably five years younger. We may have to learn to live with the incontinence issues though. We still haven't tried medication, but this doesn't look like it is going to clear up on its own. Dot doesn't even know she is peeing on things, because she is always asleep when she has an accident.

This week has gone quickly. This entire month has gone quickly. It's hard to believe it will be Labor Day on Monday. I'm already looking forward to my breakfast outing tomorrow. It is supposed to rain on Friday, but hopefully I can get the dogs walked and have my breakfast before things get messy. I don't mind designing websites in the rain, but walking dogs in the rain is another matter entirely.

Mandy is today's Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day