The Bride picked this photo as a favorite

 

The bride posted some of her favorite photos from the wedding, and this was one that "pricked up my ears" because the wind pricked up Carl's.  You can see his collar holding the rings, and his humans look amazingly happy.  The longer it's been since that wedding (three weeks already!) the less that wind chill impacts the memories.  If Carl's ears had been cropped like his mama dog's, he would look very Doberman in this photo!  You can see what the ears might have done.

Friday was Carl's day to have the stitches removed.  He looks very happy in most recently shared video.

My son and I still share the same relationship we have his whole life.  I asked if he would be OK being executor and Health care power of attorney for me.  His response was essentially "OK. But put it all in writing, and be specific.  I don't trust myself to make the right decisions for you under duress."  When I assured him it was all in black and white and specific, he closed out with, "Now just don't ever need it, and don't ever die, and we'll be fine."

I assured him that I can't die for a while.  I have to at the very least outlive my cats, since his wife is allergic to them!  Having a purpose such as taking care of animals I think does keep us taking better care of ourselves.  

Friday's moment of personal pride:  overcoming my reluctance to pick up the phone and make appointments.  I made two; one to get my blood work checked again, next month, the other to have the brick mason look at the facing on my house and see if it's something that his firm can handle (and of course what it will set me back if I hire them).

Saturday morning two things happened.  The brick mason came and looked over the potential work which is mostly on the West side of my house.  He examined, explained the damage, what he would plan to do to correct it, and estimated about how much it would cost.  Since he and his crew did such a fine job on the neighbor's house last year, I'm not even going to call anyone else.  I booked him for mid- to late-June to come out, try to match mortar and brick colors, and replace the two brick columns that hold my landing lights, as well as grinding out and refilling, replacing a few bricks, fixing cracks, etc.  I feel like one of those brick columns has been lifted from my shoulders as I for sure could not do this work myself!

The arch above the front porch, for example.  Skilled labor and forms required.

Pillar has come away from the skirt wall.  The brick mason says he'd simply remove and replace the two pillars at its corners.

The other pillar isn't quite as far separated, but probably replacing the pillar is the best solution for the long term.

The arches around the garage doors also need some work, which may or may not require replacing the bricks.

The second event was as the brick mason was getting ready to leave:  a coyote came trotting into the neighborhood, bold as can be!  I wasn't quick enough with the camera, so no photos.  He trotted through the front yards across the street, then ducked behind the houses, causing the fenced dog across the street to go nuts with his barking.  The coyote then darted into the park behind those houses.

I went to check on the cats.  Rubia was inside, but The Prisoner was out.  Prisoner stayed away until about 2 p.m.  Considering he hides from Carl whenever Carl comes to visit, and stays out for days and nights at a time, I trust that he's bright enough to climb a tree to keep away from the coyote.  However, I feel better when they are both inside for the night!

Life is good.  Keep on Sparkin'!