“Plans and Detours”

Sundays are lovely in that they are flexible. If they need to be prep days for the work week, I can buckle down and get a head start on Monday. But Sunday can also be a day to kick back and step out of the routine. Many times it turns into both. Yesterday, there was simple but busy list for the afternoon including a long walk with Famous, his bath, and a jog for me. Famous had a better plan. Why not take a nap on a grassy hillside in the shade instead? So for a couple of hours until the sun went down, he snoozed in the grass while I sat reading a book and watching the birds in the yard. No other concerns to trample our moment. Great idea, Famous!

“Blooms and Tunes”

It was a lovely May Day, and I was delighted to have a beautiful Saturday with Famous. We started early with a brisk morning walk. We needed to start early because we were hosting a neighborhood garden party in the afternoon. Spring not only brings his birthday but also new life to the garden created out of love for him. Before he was a part of my life, my side yard had turned into mud and thin grass. Famous was the motivation for cultivating a small but lovely garden we can enjoy all year long. But this week it was exceptionally lovely with azaleas, rhododendron, impatiens, climbing clematis, sweet pea, and roses. It was the perfect time to invite neighbors to enjoy the deck and a little piano music. Famous greeted our guests then dozed most of the afternoon. The Kentucky Derby was won by Medina Spirit, but I have my Famous and my roses. Nothing could be finer.

“First and Last”

Having Famous by my side has constantly opened the door to discovery and new opportunity. This evening we experienced another first, and it was the last thing I ever expected. Returning home from our after dinner walk, who did we meet but the mayor of Winston-Salem, the Honorable Allen Joines! Now, I have always considered Famous the mayor of Polo Oaks, but this was the mayor of our city walking on our street. I had only seen our mayor in public functions, so it was thrilling to stop and say hello in a more casual setting. Famous was not bashful and greeted his fellow politician immediately. I received a COVID “elbow”, and Famous was honored with a benevolent pat on the head. Mayor Joines is an advocate of our city’s Physician Assistant program and apparently a dog fan as well!

“Silver and Gold”

Saturday was lazy, but Sunday was relaxed. We are long passed the days where we would rise before the sun, hit the road and climb a mountain before lunch. I might have dictated that itinerary, but Famous is now in charge of the time and place. Silver has woven its way into his ears and into my beard. If he takes us across the street to find the smells of the park, we could easily be out for an hour. Or, if instead, he stops and looks at me just a few houses from our own, I let him know it is okay for us to turn around and go back home. Life is slower as it speeds towards the day when he will no longer be able to look at me and I will no longer be able to see him. But days like today, when we abide each hour without agenda, except to be together, are golden.

“Calm and Funny”

We had a lazy Saturday as rain set in today. Fortunately, it was calm and overcast as the day started, so Famous and I were able to enjoy a walk through Reynolda Gardens which ended just as the first raindrops appeared. Famous received his share of compliments as usual, many surprised to learn he is thirteen. We napped on the bed together once the rain picked up after lunch, which is always a treat because he has stopped sleeping on the bed this past year. He turned comedian as he was wiping his chin on the blanket covering a living room chair after supper. He managed to pull the blanket over himself and had to figure out how to get out from under it.

“INS AND OUTS”

Today I was able to work two different jobs from home and keep company with Famous. He got several walks and his midweek bath and brush. On a day like today we are in and out the door several times. I feel he should have ample opportunities to see the world knowing on a typical workday he has to be inside and isolated for several hours. He knows the in and out routine, our usual directions, and excitement of seeing our neighbors and their pets. Today was cool and windy, but it was happy and productive.

“My tongue will speak of your praises all day long.” (Psalm 35:28)

“WINDS AND BREEZES”

What is the difference between a wind and a breeze? If you are walking a dog, you usually prefer the breeze to the wind. A breeze is perceived as refreshing, cooling, and uplifting whereas a wind makes you wrap up, hurry up, and look up for sudden storms.

Today was a windy day. I had to shorten Famous’s morning walk because I had an early schedule at the hospital. When I did get back, the wind kicked up the pollen and all of the maple “helicopters” on our path. But by evening when it was “dog o’clock” and the neighborhood doggie parade commenced, there was just the gentlest warm breeze wrapping around us.

“The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes;” — (John 3:8)

“AZALEAS AND ROSES”

So Monday happened, and we were back into our routines. I was back at the hospital, and Famous was able to nap at home and recover from the weekend. His birthday felt like a great accomplishment, but I understand it was a generous gift. He had well over one hundred well-wishers sending him greetings. He seemed to have plenty of energy this afternoon when I returned to take him on his walk, interacting with the other two-legged and four-legged friends in our neighborhood.

The yard seemed to be celebrating as well. Mid-spring has arrived and the red azaleas and pink roses have begun to burst open just in time to decorate our house for a party. I will always think of new life whenever I see them and remember Famous’s birthday.

Life is sweeter with a garden and a dog. And come to think of it, today was not routine at all!

“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.'” — (Psalm 118:24)

“A PILLOW AND A THROW”

Famous turned thirteen today. It has been a wonderful spring day, although perhaps one not very different from his perspective. He may not comprehend its full significance, but he is wise enough to know every good day is significant. He has noticed a few more familiar faces around our home this weekend, and he has had an appropriate complement of pats on the head, kisses, gifts and obligatory treats.

His birthday gift from me is a red plaid faux suede throw and matching pillow in the shape of a bone. I purchased them on sale after Christmas thinking they would make a nice gift for his next Christmas. Now I realize how quickly he is aging and decided he should enjoy them while he can. After all, sleeping has become one of his favorite pastimes.

This year will be filled with significant days — days full of blessing and gratitude. Each bark, each tail wag, each slumbering breath will anchor me in the present moment and soften the future quiet which is inevitable.

“. . . ‘My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint.'” — (Job 7:13)

“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” Amos 3:3

Recently I have allowed Famous to walk without the leash through my neighborhood. He is now in his thirteenth year, and even though we might still walk for an hour or more, he rarely musters a gallop. In fact, I have to usually take “baby steps” so that we stay together. If we cross the street to the school yard or another neighborhood, his leash goes on until we return to our quiet street. I think he enjoys the experience as long as I stay nearby. And if we need to turn, I can usually point in the direction we need to travel rather than pulling on his collar.

It becomes amusing to me when people see us together and comment on what a good dog he is, specifically because he walks right beside me without a leash. We must be a sight taking our leisurely strolls together. But if they looked closely, they would see it is master walking beside dog rather than the other way around. Famous is the one setting the pace, but I am the one keeping him near the curb, listening for the occasional car, and holding him if I sense he wants to move in the wrong direction.

We have to agree to walk with the Lord, to follow in His footpath, and to obey His commandments. But even so, lest we think proudly of our devotion or service as commendatory, the greater truth is the constant care, guidance, and love from our heavenly Father.

Dear Lord, my path is often hard to follow with many pitfalls, temptations, and dangers. Thank you for being my constant Companion and Protector.