Pound Puppy

My little brother recently moved out of my dad's house and took the co-owned miniature Daschund "Sprocket" with him. Dad has been fighting a 'custody battle' with Josh for several weeks now. The thing is; it's Josh's dog. Today I went to the pound and picked up a pooch they called Ironman. So far, his name is Buster. Josh went to the pound with me and that's what he called the mutt. We picked him up and Josh scattered, citing 'things he had to do.' I think he was just scared to show up and hand a dog to Dad.

Buster and I get in the car and he crawls into my lap, where he stays for the whole ride. We go to Petsmart where I get him flea medicine, a leash, collar, chew toys, and puppy chow.

I leave Buster in the car while I go and find Dad. I throw Dad the package of flea medicine and say "Happy Early Father's Day!" He gives me a "What the heck?" kind of look so I tell him "The rest is in the car." Then I Really get the look. We go outside and I introduce Dad to Buster.

He likes the dog! Thank Goodness because I had no back up plan for the pup. Buster sits when told, walks well on a leash, comes when called, and is the cutest little ball of fleas this side of the Mississippi.

Hooray for matchmaking!

Memory and Motorcycles

I was in Jackson today. My grandmother had let me borrow her car for my lovely trip to Asheville and I returned it today. It felt strange to drive my 5-speed again. The automatic spoiled me a wee bit, but I'm happy to report that I only stalled out once.

Dad treated me and Mamaw to lunch at Primo's Cafe; a staple in any Jacksonian's diet. I had spaghetti- and then had some more of it for dinner tonight. Mamaw was in good spirits and we all had a nice visit.

Mamaw's short-term memory has really been going down hill for the past year or so. We are all starting to worry about her a little bit. I love my Mamaw dearly and am afraid of the possibility of her slipping away from us mentally. She is such a sharp lady and it's alarming when she pauses before stating my name or tells me the same story three times back-to-back without even considering that she might have said it before.

I'm scared of the possibility that she may not be around for my wedding. As I have stated before, her marriage to my grandfather is my inspiration for how to have a successful marriage. I can't imagine getting married without her there. I want to be the one to carry on her legacy as a devoted wife and mother and I want her to see the beginning of that. I have to consider that this may not happen; but I know my grandmother is a strong lady and I am hoping that she will be here for a long while yet.

After lunch, I pleaded with Dad and he took me out on my brother's CBR 1100. It was a beautiful day and I had a wonderful time. My Dad raced motorcycles in his younger days and he and my brother are avid riders. Rumor has it I was conceived on a motorcycle road-trip. It's in my blood. But I haven't been on a bike in years until today. Just like riding a bicycle, you never forget how to ride a motorcycle.

There is such a feeling of freedom when I am on a bike. I don't have to think because I know my dad is an excellent rider and I'll be safe. The wind is so loud that there is no point in trying to think about anything. You just ride. It's life at its most simple.