We Needed To Get Away For The Weekend ..
So we packed up the car with a handful of items and headed to Lancaster Pennsylvania. Of course, this trip would be our first without Pepper. The past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for us, including Molly. Imagining another weekend puttering around the house, and seeing everything that reminds us of him, was unacceptable. This pattern of feeling sad, sprinkled with a little smile here and there, needed broken.
A cousin of mine (who lives in PA), and her family, are having a rough go of things lately and needed us as much as we needed them, so it was a welcomed visit. We had a few tears in our eyes as we finished loading the car, and readied to depart. The three of us gathered in the car with heavy hearts. We began pulling out of the driveway feeling a little less enthusiastic about the journey ahead, as compared to so many other times we had taken the trip in the past.
This shot was from a recent trip to Delaware, and about 10 days before he passed away
The extra room felt a bit awkward. When you have been used to something being a certain way, like in this case, it's hard to adjust to the difference. Molly, although sad and possibly wondering if we were heading somewhere to pick Pepper up, settled right into the center of the console.
It was a given that on every trip, Molly and Pepper would assert themselves and jockey for center position. Not this time. This time Molly had the entire (small) center console area as her thrown. It a quiet way, I think she was sort of happy about this change. It really amazed me how they both fit in that center part, for so many trips. After about 15 minutes into the trip, they would settle down and be somewhat content.
All Attention On Molly ..
It is no secret that I love to take photos of our pups. Pepper was so photogenic, where Molly is not as camera friendly. I have a harder time getting her to look in the direction of the lens. I have to quickly whip out the phone and snap a shot before she notices what I am doing. She hates the small (Big to her) square thing that makes noise.
Since Pepper is not here to occupy my time and eat up the camera time, all my attention turned to Molly. I am pretty sure she hates this change in her life. If she could only talk I suppose. So as not to entirely bore you with a thousand details, I go ahead and show you the shots. Also, don't expect anything more than her sleeping or laying around; She's just that kind of dog.
She was a bit off, in part by the fact her side-kick was not with her to keep her calm. I was awoken at night to bouts of diarrhea, every hour or so until morning light. Fun times! This most definitely contributed to her wanting to just lay around as well.
Not wanting to come out of the blanket cocoon.
She never travels without her puffy bed!
A little more alert after a very rough night of bowl issues.
She stops shaking for a minute or two, as I lay my hand on her back, applying gentle pressure.
Fast asleep. Maybe I can grab a cup of coffee now??
Ahhhhh... COFFEE!!!
She did eventually feel like sitting on our laps as we ate breakfast or played a game or two of dominoes. I'm sure that the possibility of a edible hand out wasn't a
factor in her decision to hang out at the table with us.
By Saturday afternoon, she was starting to feel better, and decided to join us outdoors for some sun and fun. Her idea of outdoor fun is laying down in the sun or shade. She really is just a chill doggo.
Molly really looks happy in this one. She is soaking up some rays and will stay here relaxed as long as daddy and mommy don't stray too far from her.
Daddy wasn't going that far, because he had a cold seasonal beer in hand. I picked up a six pack of Dogfish Heads', Belgian style Pumpkin Ale. Very tasty
Before you ask, yes there is a frog, a mouse and an owl riding in some sort of balloon flying machine. Looks like Big Ben there in the background too, although this brew is made in good old Delaware.
After a beer or two, I went to check on the girls and to take a look at my cousins Halloween decorations. This year she had a few skeletons around a fire and drinking some Captain Morgan rum. They must be pirate skeletons. The fire was made of yellow/orange twinkling lights. It really looked cool.
I scooped up Molly, against her will, and took her to the front yard for a picture by the real scary bone people. Needless to say, she was NOT happy with me for pulling this stunt. My wife got one good shot and I let her go.
The Night Shot..
She thought it better to hang out near a bush, rather than near skeletal figures that had the potential of harming her. It was also a little cooler in the shade, so win win for her!
Mommy is close by too in case things get out of hand here. Mommy never makes her take pictures against her will.. haha.
Chicken dinner is almost done in the smoker, so I have to run for now. I'll catch up with everyone on Monday. I better get back to catching up with family and drinking beer. Sunday will be here before I know it and we'll be heading back home for another week of work.
We Missed Having Pepper Along On This Trip ..
We will miss having him there in the center console next to us. Those fun moments will never be forgotten buddy. We know you were with us in spirit.
On Another HAPPY Note ..
There was a moment on Sunday evening, when I checked in on Hive, that I became aware that I had a super, awesome surprise waiting for me. I found that a fellow PHC and Hive friend of mine, went out of his way and felt moved to create a drawing in memory of Pepper.
Thank you for swinging by my blog and checking out the post. Have a great day!
“When we fully understand the brevity of life, its fleeting joys and unavoidable pains; when we accept the facts that all men and women are approaching an inevitable doom: the consciousness of it should make us more kindly and considerate of each other. This feeling should make men and women use their best efforts to help their fellow travelers on the road, to make the path brighter and easier as we journey on. It should bring a closer kinship, a better understanding, and a deeper sympathy for the wayfarers who must live a common life and die a common death.”
― Clarence Darrow, The Essential Words and Writings of Clarence Darrow
All words, pictures and art pieces are the sole property of B D Miller Gallery, unless otherwise noted and credited, and are not to be reproduced or copied without the prior written consent of B D Miller Gallery.
About Me ~ The Artist
My art work incorporates a wide variety of subject matter, including landscape, seascape, cityscape, and still life images. My works are the product of a continuing process of exploration through which I seek to portray personal and visionary interpretations of my surroundings. My paintings are impressions of places and events from everyday life, an interpretation of my imagination, and personal responses to what I see and feel on a daily basis. More recently I have invested generous amounts of time into my landscape painting. I am surrounded by natural and man made beauty, which inherently presents itself in the tri-state area, and almost demands that I paint it.
Not everything is art. Art is not everything, but it comes close. Art is everywhere and all the time. Art makes you experience the beauty of the world, the people in it, and the places we call home. Art itself is so influential that it can tell stories, show feelings, and express passion or fury. Art exists in addition to language; expression of sensations and thoughts, revealing a way of thinking too subtle and delicate for words.
For me art requires love, honesty and perseverance. In return, it reveals some personal, non-analyzable, and creative untamed passion. For the public, art with its magnificent beauty, improves mood and health and builds better human beings and communities. It engages the intellect, softens the heart, strengthens the soul and frees the spirit.
If Your Interested In Purchasing Any Of My Work:
They can be found for sale on
Saatchi Art
Or
Etsy
If you don't see the piece in either shop, It may still be drying. Let me know and I can upload it as soon as possible to be available. Or you can always make me an offer (in HBD, Hive or any other crypto) in the comments section of this post. If we agree on a price, I will then ship the painting to you. (shipping costs will be determined by your location).
