We are family

 

Sunday evening a week ago.  At last call, I slid open the door to the deck, and The Prisoner and Ember came nose to nose.  Prisoner repaired to the deck railing.  When Ember came outside, they touched noses.  I put my right hand on The Prisoner and my left on Ember's head, told them I love them both, and let them sniff one another's scent mixed with my own.  We are family.

Monday was an overcast, cool morning, followed by a drippy afternoon into the evening.  Ember and I got a nice neighborhood walk that morning.  It being a holiday / long weekend, there were lots of people and pets out and about getting things done.  Ember spooked a bit at some workmen a few doors up the street.  They came at her with a paintbrush (one of them) in hand, and given how she responds to brooms, that was likely a trigger.  She jumped away.  Got her calmed down, and the other started coming toward her all friendly, but she wasn't sure, so we just moved on.  There were other dogs on leashes attached to their own people, and we just chose different paths.

When we got home, we loaded up into Dexter (the car) and drove over to the Children's Zoo so that I would know which parking lot to drop foster-grand-kiddo off in.  And also so I would be aware of the current state of road construction.  Yes, it's THAT season!

I'm not a Zoo member, and they have built on to it considerably since I was most familiar with the layout.  Ember had a good ride, no queasy tummy, and we were riding with the seat protecting cover flopped up to allow for kiddo's seating beside her.

Ember napped in the crate long enough for me to call a cousin who is once again battling cancer.  We did a family catch-up, not just about the diagnosis and treatment, about the dogs, her daughters and grandson, etc.  Thankfully she has both daughters local to her, and when you need family for this sort of thing, you really need them.

One day at a time, people... finding moments of joy and moments of peace, and if the cure starts to be worse than the disease, maybe take a pause.  My prayers are with all who are battling it out with many diseases!

The next court date for foster grand kiddo is looming, June 5th.  His siblings are on an extended stay with birth dad's sister, next state over.  So many unknowns at this point, and so little control, but each day he gets to spend with son and DIL is a skill-building day for the rest of his life.

Tuesday was a day care day for Ember, but I asked them to have the vet take a look at her, because of her ears, head shaking, and the belly spots.  Allergies?  But definitely by the end of the day we had a diagnosis of double ear infection.  They sent us home with meds for the next two weeks, and instructions to re-check at that point and make sure it's working. 

Wednesday was a busy day, with a long car ride to take foster grand kiddo to zoo camp, a morning walk, a ride to the store where unfortunately I had to get help to get Ember back into the car after a practice walk to the door, through and back to the car.  Sigh.  Still needs work on that!  Then we did the puppy parade after supper.  End of day?  She didn't come out for a last call, too tired!

Speaking of the ride to zoo camp, I took foster GC's photo while we were waiting to check in.  He asked me why I took his picture.  "To send to your mom, to show her that you are safe.  She always wants to know you are safe."  He accepted this answer.

Thursday was a day care day, and workout day for me.  I also indulged in the purchase of a new pair of running/walking shoes.  Saucony this time.  I explained the need for sturdy uppers that the dog can't easily shred (not that she still does but the memory lingers!)  

My grandma heart melted when I heard from my son's father-in-law that foster grand kiddo expressed that he was hoping I would be driving him Thursday morning!  Since I've been less present in his life than DIL's parents I am gratified that he's starting to like having my presence and interest!  Grandpa Bob assured him that I would be his driver on Friday.  He was chatty on Wednesday morning and I enjoyed his company.  I find children to be fascinating people!

Friday we got FGC to Zoo Camp just fine.  Starting Monday June 2nd, he'll be in a different recreational program for the Summer, so I won't needed for taxi services.

Saturday was an "Ember and Mommy" day, we skipped out on the fun outing during which Carl proved he has grown into a good boat dog, laying down on the front of the kayak that FGC paddled while my daughter in law paddled nearby and snapped this photo.

Sunday was the first T-ball game for FGC.  I managed to tuck Ember into her "safe space" (crate) because she was napping at the right time anyway, and I went on my own to be part of FGC's cheering section.  Got to meet his friend's mom, cheering her own little guy onward.  It wasn't too terrible getting in and out, the worst part of it was the slow traffic through the park to the ball fields.

I came home to medicate and feed Ember, then she wanted Mom's company on the deck for a little outdoor time before the pre-last-call tuck in.

Ember is still working on this particular stick sculpture.  It was too warm to do much in the way of retrieve games, but we got a nice long walk in Sunday morning before it got hot.

And that's enough to wrap the week in Emberville!  Summertime brings LOTS of activity!  

Life is good.  Spark on!