Today could've started better but there were three rays of sunshine

Waking up with a pounding heart and feeling like you're about to pass out if you try to stand is not the most peaceful way to start any day. But yup, that's what happened. Long suffering partner tried to convince me to call 911 but of course I was just gonna ride it out. Then he did convince me to call Nick's Mom and dear friend K, who is very good at convincing (bullying) stubborn old ladies to do what's good for them. So, off in the ambulance I go. It was a little scary that we bypassed three other gurneys waiting in the entrance to be ensconced in a room ASAP. Next came all the wires and drips and other things to make your day very interesting in a scary sort of way. K showed up while long suffering partner stayed home to deal with our dogs. To keep my mind off any impending doom, K provided great companionship and kept the conversation riveting while constantly monitoring all the monitoring going on. It was the perfect setup. Then, it got even more perfect. K spotted a therapy dog in the hallway and went out to see if she would be allowed in the emergency room. The answer was a heartwarming yes, and in walked Maisie. Maisie is a 13 year old Goldendoodle who can bring anyone's blood pressure down just with a glance. She's beautiful, calm, and so cuddly. She came right up to the bed, put her head next to me, and allowed pets and scratches. Maggie, her handler (and Mom) was just as delightful without the petting and scratches of course. The good news is, that after Maisie's magic, I am safely home. Meet Maisie for yourself and see her healing power energy.

This is her story:

So to sum up: the three rays of sunshine were long suffering partner, Nick's Mom K, and Maisie the wonder dog.

 

One bundle of cuteness after another

Yesterday's post featured Toots being all cute and fancy. Today, she has competition. This adorable Samoyed puppy (still waiting to inform his folks of his name), has come to enchant the neighborhood. My vote for his name is Cloud (because yes, petting him is like petting a cloud), or, if they want to create intrigue, the Japanese word for cloud, Kumo. No matter what his name ultimately turns out to be, he will always be Sweetie.

Ahhh. Spa day

There's nothing better than a day at the spa. Or at least a bath, a good clip and brush out, and then putting on the fancy bow. Life's good when you're a pampered pup. Toots LilMaMa is the size of a tiny bunny, and oh so cute. That's not a puppy beside her.... Just sayin'.

  And now looking very fancy:

Finally a place that welcomes people like me

As a seriously lazy person, I felt so welcomed, I very nearly just walked up and knocked on the door. But better sense prevailed. 

Some people have all the luck

A close neighbor (M) had to go to help out with her mother-in-law's recovery from knee surgery. Though caregiving is definitely a chore, she knows how to make things fun and apparently the two of them are having a great time together. But enough about people. M sent pictures of the real bonus of the visit - getting to know Javelinas. For those who don't know, they are prevalent in the Southwest USA and the babies are called Reds for their reddish coat. Not particularly inventive in my opinion, but nobody asked me. Anyway, this mom and her kids are adorable. And YES! I AM SO ENVIOUS she got to play with them.

Barren and blooms

 It's kind of amazing the different approaches people take to their front yards. Some are meticulous gardeners who actually not only know what they're doing, but have curated their areas to perfection. Others seem to ignore their yards completely. On one block in particular, there is the divide between having what looks like a barren wasteland, to having color and joy. While I deplore the number of people who have lawns in an area where water is scarce, having dirt and weeds isn't great either.

The other side has native blossoms...good for bees and adds color without too much work (except for pesky weeds that are hard to eradicate).

Then there are other streets where artistry is a thing, like this parkway that is being revamped.

An interesting mix for animal lovers

One of the many things I love about the surrounding neighborhood is the variety of little surprises encountered on walks. One such example are these two beautiful dogs taking their job of guarding the house seriously. Nearly hidden behind a tall hedge, if you're not paying attention (i.e. being very nosy), you would miss the elegant path to the front door where the dogs are stationed.

Another fun find was this catio someone thoughtfully built so their kitty could enjoy the outdoors without being hurt or preying on hapless birds. The cat is in the lower left corner.

Last, but not least is one of my favorites. This statue of St. Francis is outside a school we pass by from time to time. It's set in a garden the students maintain, which is a great way to teach children to have respect for nature. Just love it.