Copperheads -- and I'm not talking about snakes

If you haven't read Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, go to your nearest library, bookstore, or ebook reader and read it. It is a powerful look at a part of the country that has been disrespected for too long and left to deal with the aftermath of uncaring companies and government. The story is told through the eyes of a young man who is orphaned as a child and has to navigate the foster system and beyond in an area known for poverty. Once you pick it up, you won't put it down. And it's not lollipops and roses, but oh so powerful.

Do it. Do it today.

Kidnapped...but a happy ending

"I'm being kidnapped," thought Nick as this stranger was trying to wrestle him into his harness, on a Monday, when Mom was supposed to be home. His mind raced to all his options for not going with this nefarious criminal. He thought it was very clever she brought along his buddy Nellie for the heist, but he was on to that. "I know," he thought, "I'll drag behind like a 300 lb. weight. She should give up after a block and bring me back home." His plan failed and he was taken to a house he recognized, only to be met by another buddy of his, Rascal. "This is weird." "Why am I here?" "What's happening?"

So, let's back up a bit and start at the beginning. On Mondays Nick's Mom works from home. We usually don't meet up with them until the evening stroll around the neighborhood, for juicy gossip, judging people's houses, running into other dog walkers, and letting Nellie and Nick sniff, try to find things to eat off the sidewalks, and otherwise get business done. On Tuesdays, because some people are forced to go into the office whether it makes a difference or not, Nellie and I show up at Nick's house to render the first class concierge service he is accustomed to. We also distract him a bit from his wailing in sorrow that he has been left alone without constant attention to his every need. So, strangers we are not. In fact, I have proudly been his auntie for quite some time now, and though he is not a cuddle-bug by nature, he happily allows ear and back scratches before he settles onto his bed.

Alas, Nick's Mom had an emergency to deal with and had to leave Nick behind. Being alerted to the issue, naturally Nellie and I went over to check on her best friend. Turns out the issue required more time than expected so a decision was made on the spot: Nick naturally would come to my house to stay until things were sorted. That's where his angst kicked in. And that's where the harness wrestling ensued. Fortunately I had already experienced that Olympic sport with Paco the Pug, so it didn't take too long to figure out how to best deal with the situation and we were ready to head out. Only Nick, in his confusion, didn't much like the idea, so for 4 blocks, tried to indicate his displeasure by insisting he was being kidnapped to anyone who would listen, and making his 20 pounds of angst weigh as much as possible to drag behind. Once we made it to the house, however, he realized that this was a safe place to just hang out and concierge service would be provided as usual. Which, of course, it was. He supervised kitchen duties, was supervised in turn as he roamed the backyard, and happily bounced ahead of us on the subsequent two walks we took. All was back to normal. 

Fortunately Mom was able to come home earlier in the evening than expected, and Nick's response to that was to curl up in an exhausted ball and go to sleep. 

And now, to make up for his confusion about the affair, he would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

HO HO HO and a stinky start to the day

Merry Christmas was all the skunk was trying to say at o'dark thirty this morning when we wanted to let Nellie and Rascal out for their business first thing. Fortunately, said skunk wasn't in our yard as the bomb went off and we were able to corral the doggos immediately. Sooo, interesting start to Christmas Day. As a Bah Humbugger, it was to be expected. But, lest you think the day has been spoiled, think again.

Nellie and I decided to go in search of the last amazing decorations in our far-flung neighborhood. We hadn't been able to take super long walks of late, so this was a big deal. We set out and not only enjoyed the fresh, crisp (but not cold) air, but the quiet that is Christmas morning. Our walk took us down a couple of streets noted for holiday decor. 

First, we spotted our favorite (goofy) snake who dresses appropriately for all seasons. 

Next, we ventured upon an assortment on the roof that made us wonder how and why all those figures got up there. Magic I suppose. My favorites: Minions and the tiger. What the Sam Hill tigers have to do with Christmas is the big question of the day.

Then, the house that truly goes all out for Halloween and Christmas, this wonderland:

And let us not forget the dinosaurs which somehow escaped extinction. And know about Santa. And don't eat penguins.

Keep your holidays safe and happy.

The arches are growing

While we had to say goodbye to the wonderful foxtail agave arch that entertained passersby for a couple of years, the two new arches are growing rapidly. Yet another opportunity to have an enchanted ceremony, or alternatively, get whacked in the face when we're trying to get the waste bins past the cars down the driveway. Either way, a win.

 

The best cards come from dogs

This holiday has brought out the Bah Humbug in me as always, but then two dogs had to go and spoil it by making me smile and laugh out loud. The first is my hunka hunk of burning love, Elvis, who lives next door and who allows me to look after him while Mom and Pop are at work. He curated a gift of cookies and this wonderful portrait of himself. You cannot look at that face and not think what a handsome boy he is. 

The next card is from Nellie's best buddy Nick who not only walks with us three nights a week, but we also visit to make him more comfortable when his Mom has to go into the office to work. Being the extremely pampered baby he is, he takes umbrage at her having to leave him alone two days a week. Nellie and I feel privileged we can enjoy his company and just chill for a bit. He has been working hard on his penmanship and spelling, as is evident from the card.

And just in case you need another cuteness overload, Nellie and Nick:

Does it get any better than that? (The answer is NO).

Slowly but surely, things are happening to the corner mess

The post dated November 16 showed the corner area of the yard that was seriously overgrown. While it had a certain charm, the plants there were not really doing well after our two years of super heavy rain (for us) and this year's lack of rain. The ferns have a rust fungus and there were volunteer plants that simply didn't belong there. Time to rethink. As an old cranky lady, I can only work for an hour or so at a time. Arthritic hands and bad backs don't mix with heavy yard work. But today I'm proud to say that it actually looks like progress is being achieved. In fact, a runner passing by was delighted to see the marble sink that has been unearthed. The bottle border is slowing coming back into view, along with the rock border. Believe it or not, there are slate pavers under that mess as well. Still a looooooong way to go, but we're getting there.

Is there such a thing as conjoined triplets?

It is rare to see inflatables still fully puffed up during the day, so it pays to notice. What caught my eye first was the dinosaur in the Santa hat. Seems Dinos are very in this year. Cute. But what really intrigued me was the Snow family figure. You tell me -- are they climbing on each other or are they somehow conjoined. Inquiring minds not only want to know, but want to know what in blue blazes is happening here.