Recently some impressive dogs have let me hang with their pack. I refer to Ollie, Luke and Mia.
Noticing that they resemble wolves, I have been cautious in their presence, tending to follow far behind them on our hikes.
But then they had me over to their house and we broke bread together (metaphorically speaking). Their generosity and savory kibble eroded the barrier of mistrust.
Still, I wouldn't want to cross in front of them in a dark alley.
My friendship with Earnest has been deepening.
We first bonded when I stayed at his home and he very kindly let me sleep on the bed with him and Nancy.
Lately, he has been coming over to watch Homeland with us. We've also been taking walks together, as well as mixing at the bluffs late in the day.
Some have suggested that I am unable to get along with my canine peers, but I think my burgeoning friendship with Earnest suggests otherwise.
The house was filled with excitement when Sam and Seema got married.
Seema's mom and dad and sister Rinki came from India.
Sage came, and Grandpa and Marj came.
It was a very happy time.
So much to catch up on. The past two months have been exceptionally action-packed, even for me.
In October we went on a stair walk with Teresa.
In early November Aunt Margie drove down in her new car for a visit.
The next week Thomas and his friend Devin were here for a few days on a film shoot.
And the end of November was marked by fireworks: Charlie's 21st birthday, Thanksgiving, and, most remarkably, a wedding (to which I was inexplicably not invited).
It was either this or a tattoo.
I've been working with law enforcement on issues related to the Samulon bench.
In recent days, the bench has fallen victim to graffiti, then to paint to block out the graffiti. The latest development is writing exhorting bench-sitters: "Don't talk. Just sit and look..."
It seems like everyone feels entitled to render their thoughts using the Samulon bench as a canvas. The cops and I really have our hands full.
I've been staying at Earnest's while my owner is gone. Nancy sent a glowing report about me:
"He's
been a joy and is eating well, snuggling a lot, walking energetically,
guarding the house from his couch top a lot, and happily sleeping with E and me on the
bed! A 100% Angel Gentleman!"
And here's one from Jackie, owner of Winnie and Oliver:
"Wanted to let you know that Jeff and I bumped into Nancy this afternoon while walking the dogs and that Lambie looked very happy! He was spry and gave me a nice friendly greeting."
It's so nice to have friends who care.
Here I am with my pal Hannah trying to combat my tied-to-my-mother's-apron-strings complex.
We went back up to Ojai for a sleepover visit before the cousins' upcoming move.
We all sacked out in the playroom, but I couldn't fall asleep. I was worrying about how I would acquit myself on the hike planned for the next day. Ella, Leo, and Annie are all such accomplished hikers, and I'm more of a tenderfoot.
Annie was on edge as well.
In the morning we set out on the hike. At first I stuck close to Aunt Margie.
Then I spread my wings and flew.
Charlie came down for the weekend with some friends, Connor and Kathleen. We had a convivial time -- until they started playing with an old gun. In a flash, things turned deadly.
I found myself looking down a gun barrel held, in the ultimate betrayal, by my own brother. This Thiel Fellowship may be disrupting his moral compass.
At least he did put the gun down after I remonstrated with him.
That's when he told me it was a toy. Ha ha ha.
Once they'd had their laughs, the three of them fell all over themselves apologizing.
Could they have had too many Twinkies?
I forgave them, and we went for a nice hike.
