The Oldies?

When I was young (younger) I liked to listen to the "oldies" from time to time. I got so I knew the words and could sing along with some of the early rock hits of the 50's and 60's. Those old timers used to be pretty cool.

I was recently a little surprised when i heard a middle school kid singing a song I new from my younger days. He was also surprised that I knew he words to one of the "oldies" that he enjoyed.

The same thing happens with my kids from time to time. They will find an old gem and I'll overhear and sing along with it. And, they too, will share some expression of shock that I know the song. I'm not sure if they think the song they found is just that obscure, or if they think I was never quite that cool. Either way, they are a bit surprised.

I suppose it's inevitable, but I think the era of "that's my music" could be in the past. But, I still try to find new tynes to enjoy too.

And here's the first tune that clued me in:

https://youtu.be/cpxsMyoXUZQ

Just walk away

This morning, Ethan and I went to hear a "missionary" at the local Church talk about some of his experiences here and there. One of his stories included telling about a trip to Togo, where his hosts thought nothing of inviting him to join them for a 30 kilometer walk to a neighboring village full of voodoo practitioners.

He managed to find a bus to take them all, but it struck me that we don't always get that much walking in around here.

With this in mind, the two of us struck out on the two mile walk back to our house.

On the journey, we discovered a City water worker, who was happy to tell us about what was going on with the water lines, how they worked and why he was doing what he was doing. We also saw a Jiffy Lube guy working hard to keep high spirits as he tried to attract some customers. Closer to our house, we came across some very unusually contorted cholla cactus plants, and then we spied a hawk, silently watching us from the neighbors towering Cottonwood tree.

I'm pretty sure we would have missed all of this if we hadn't walked.  I wonder what else we miss as we rush around in our cars and don't really walk anywhere anymore? Even on a Saturday.

The picture above is something else that I once found on a walkabout. I'm pretty sure it's from a buck toothed dinosaur. And here are a couple more things I've seen while out on a walk (I might have just convinced you to stay in your car):

An Empty Space

There is an empty space in our room this morning.

Penny, our regal, loyal, brave and exuberant friend showed almost zero energy for the past couple of days. She was 12, which is considered old for a dog of her size, and has been slowing down some the last year or two, but she wouldn't even rouse herself to eat after she woke up yesterday.

We took her to the vet, and, due to the nature of her illness, the decision was made to help her slip away. I know this is considered a kindness to help your pet along from this life when they are suffering, but it doesn't feel like it at the time.

All those who knew Penny, with the exception of the mailman I mistakenly opened the door for once, really liked this dog. Especially our family, so we are sad today. She really was the best dog we've ever had. Sorry to share this with those of you that knew her too.

Sometime later I will write a more fitting tribute. But, for now, when we look at the spot where her bed sat, next to ours, there is an empty spot in our room this morning.

And in our hearts.