Bwana Kennel

Whew it is always great to get back home !  Bob and I decided that we would only show where we felt we could have a good time. Life is too short to try to make yourself more miserable than circumstances make you feel.  So we had chosen the Ocala show despite it going from a 4 day back down to a 2 day.  They throw a wonderful party,  have great raffles, it is an outside show in a pretty area. We managed to stay in the Ribbons all weekend which is a fun way to show. They were not the ribbons I wanted but heck it is better than being dumped. I am not complaining, mind you, The dogs and I are so out of practice it was lucky that we stayed in the ribbons at all. By Monday my shins were complaining loudly as if I had shin splints , yikes and ouch . When you don't run even a little every day , taking a couple of graceful and flowing dogs out and then trying to keep up is a sure fire way to end up in pain! My feet, my back, my lead arm, my hands ouch, ouch , ouch !! 

So today I sat around a good deal working in the Southridge website and my own, feet propped up and making plans to get back out tommorrow on my bike and start reclaiming the ability to move around a ring. I only have 3.5 weeks till Jackson and it should be majors as well . If I bite the bullet and work through the pain I will be ready in time for the  4 day show.  I also have to begin stacking and moving the dogs in the cul de sac again. They were nearly as lazy as I. Good news is they love to play and enjoy the individual time and attention.

I was really pleased with the outfit that came together for Saturday. I rarely wear skirts or dresses in the ring. Shoot I haven't worn in ages for anything. ( My ankles and feet swell from the meds and I hate the way they look.  )  But this weekend I pulled on a long black skirt , a long sleeved blouse with a soft ruffled trim that goes from collar to hem, and a tapestry patterned vest. With my black boots it really had a country elegance to it. I enjoyed the many compliments I was given.  Sunday I was back in my normal show gear, a tweedy blazer with black slacks and a light blouse.  Easy to move in and a ridgeback pin on the jacket gave it the right feeling for the show.

As soon as we showed I was limping back to the RV to put the dogs away and was soon asleep in the fold out while Bob began our drive home.  Dreamer laying hard against me, she is becoming a pain.  I think she has decided to promote herself to a position closer to the one her grandmother held. I am undecided about this plan.

We only drove for a few hours and then pulled over at a Wal-Mart near Tallahassee. I really enjoy parking at Wally Worlds,  It would make zero sense to check into a RV park for the night. We would not be swiming, playing minature golf, or chatting with other travelors.  We just enjoy putting up feet, grabing a quick bite to eat and then vegging out in front of the TVs. Bob watched some football and Nascar, I went on line and did some updates and email, then found myself curling up with a good book lent to me by my daughter , Bonita Amiee.  A wonderful Good Guy Vampire , Bad Guy the Evil Society out to rid the world of the romantic vampire warriors.... sigh. Lots of heaving this , throbbing that  and the necessary fang action , so I find myself able to stick to the story and exercise my brain cells!

Walking the dogs around the parking lot , even they are eager for time off to crash and snooze. calling to check in with the Girls and make sure the babies are fine.  It is amazing how easily Bob and I can both fall asleep in the comfort and security of certain parking lots!

The next morning all of us slept in and for a change Bob was up first to walk the dogs. He decided that he was in the mood for a Cracker Barrel Breakfast. Eggs, Ham, Bacon, Hashbrown Casserole, Bisquits and Sawmill Gravy.  I opted for the French Toast, Bacon , Scrambled Eggs, Fried Apples, Hashbrown Casserole and a diet Coke  hee hee Silly isn't it? But I only eat about 1/5 of my meals anymore.  I just have a very poor appetite. So I ordered knowing almost everything could be re heated Tuesday for Bob to have another great breakfast . Pretty smart don't ya think ?  While sitting there with Bob, I was enjoying as always the silly things on the walls, many very nostalgic and somehow familiar.  As always I found myself listening to the conversations around me. I have done this all of my life.  I am sure the result of being expected to sit quietly on the rare occasions we were able to go out as a family when I was younger.  One table really caught my attention and I finally shared it with Bob, asking him to carefully look over his shoulder in their direction. He did so and then looked at me puzzled. It was a trio of white haired folks,  plainly the Mother and Father in their late 70s early 80s,  and a daughter possibly in her 60s.  They sat happily together as the daughter read the days news to her parents. Commenting from time to time and nodding sagely.  When the daughter read something about Iraq and then the Ayatollah , the tiny Mom piped up, " "They really need to get him! "  sighing as she unfolded her napkin into her lap.  " I really think it would be a much better Christmas if they could catch and kill him, he really seems to be a most unpleasant man!"  Every one at the table nodded in agreement. The amazing thing about the Table and the folks sitting there was the news was being read not from a paper, but from the daughter's I Phone ! At 60 something she was whizzing right through it, no fumbling or losing her place... I wanted to give her an ovation. She was there , with old fashioned values, giving the gift of time and love to her elderly parents. Making sure they were enjoying the time out and were comfortable. Yet sure and confident using technology that makes my head spin every time I pick one up.

Arriving home later that morning the babies were thrilled ot see us, Ceattle ran to the RV yelling for her Zion. Boo was close on her heels  happy and beaming.  They helped me unpack the RV and after cuddles and hugs were exchanged and I gave Boo the enourmous stuffed horse that I had found at the show , it only cost $5.00 from the used toy lady I was not able to pass it up! With a bridle and saddle it will gallup my tiny Ali~Boo~Boo fast and far away.  Ceattle was content with the ToTo toy dog for her Dorothy costume.  I excused my self and went to my bed, just walking into the house left me exhausted. Curling up , for what was supposed to be only a minute I was quickly asleep.  Bob made sure I slept for several hours waking me about the time the older three were due off the bus. They raced in , dancing about everyone shouting they had a "G" for the day. After fast hugs and overlapping chatter about what they had done in school for the day, I called them all together in the front room , telling them to face away from me with their hands behind their backs.  With  a very solemn voice I explained only the kid who had tried really hard to help out would be getting the much coveted Zebra Gum, I told them I would be patting each on the hand and when I made up my mind I would simply put the huge pack in their hand, that they should not rub it into each other , that they got the prize and th eothers did not... a fast pat to each little palm.  They were  each holding their breath and hoping hard I would reconsider them.. The second pass down the line I placed a large pack of the gum in each hand. Each was almost overwhelmed that they had gotten the prize !! Then when I said turn back around... they spotted the gum in everyone's hands and the giggles began.

Life is pretty darn good.  You just have to look for the fun, a couple of  second place ribbons, A great party, winning a raffle of two lovely throw pillows and a coffee table book on Africa,  a $5.00 used toy, A good night's sleep, a great breakfast, conversations that are both touching and encouraging  and then of course the 5 packs of gum that I chewed when I was a kid that still are as magical and fun today....  Life IS Pretty Darn Good!

BMS of Bwana