Out of control

"Dibs on the pillow!" she says...

Aviation 101

Flying has been a part of our family for years (indeed, for generations), and it appears that will continue with Peleke and me. Consequently, The Beast is being introduced to the lifestyle as well. She loves the hangar because it means playing ball, treats, and things to explore, and she's also getting plane experience. She hasn't shown much interest in the cub, but she doesn't seem bothered by it either.

The Bonanza, however, is a different story. She was thrown headlong into the experience with a night flight from Rapid City, IA, to Valpo. I don't think she got that we were moving anywhere (let alone even off the ground) because she kept staring at the door and out the dark windows, shooting me questioning looks. The noise was disconcerting, and she kept close to my feet, but she was consolable and overall did well. 

Clearly it'll take more time to be completely comfortable...

Real life foreshadowing

There was an old store here in Valpo that we'd frequently drive by. I'd actually been inside it once or twice and was sort of hoping to go a few more times because it was such a fascinating place to wander in. It closed in early 2008, though, and the building still stands (it's been there since 1915 after all!). So for over a year we've driven by the abandoned Fetla's Trading Post, watching it fall further into disrepair. There are three things that catch your eye on Fetla's property: the old military looking store itself, what looks like an old stable to the side of the parking lot, and an ancient blue and white wooden fishing boat with "Fetla's" painted on the side. 

The boat has been on a trailer, stern to the road, for as long as I can remember, but I'm not sure why. Anybody with a lick of sense would know that the thing isn't going anywhere except for the termite mound! People don't seem to really talk about it, but I think it's because it's one of those things in a community that's accepted as a permanent fixture- like the Frost Top sign by the highway. As my parents, brother, and I were driving by the other evening, though, we all commented on the boat- how much it would sell for (if anybody would buy it) and its potential place in the roadside collections of Americana memorabilia. 

Not twenty-four hours later the boat was gone. Eyesore though it may have been... I'll miss it.

T minus 70 days

May 30th, y'all. It's not just The Brother's birthday anymore...

Let the countdown to a big adventure begin :)

Settling in

The Beast is doing really well in this transitional phase. We introduced her to Chuck'n'Rudy outside playing ball, and it was pretty uneventful. Chuck chased her around the field and she played with him a while. Rudy doesn't really care one way or the other as long as he gets to chase the ball. They more or less play alongside of each other, letting the dog closest to the ball bring it in without any fights. She gets a little snarky with Chuck'n'Rudy sometimes, but overall she's pretty tolerant of them and enjoys their company I think. She's picking up their barking habits, though.

Already a defensive barker where I'm concerned (actually a comforting thought when it's just her and me), she sometimes barks when somebody comes into a room. When the boys go nuts at the front door, she's taken to barking along with them too. I've noticed, though, that while they are pawing at the door or focused on something outside, Gazza stands there barking at the ceiling or nothing in particular. I don't think she really gets what they're barking at, she just wants to join the cacophony. Power of the pack, I guess.

Also, we've been sleeping in the downstairs bed, and The Beast's bed hogging tendencies have gotten seriously out of control. I find myself squished over to one side or even sleeping diagonally on the bed to accommodate her. Once Peleke joins us, she'll be hogging the floor, but what with all the recent changes I haven't told her yet. Beast, enjoy this while you can!

Road trippin' with The Beast

Total distance from Seattle to Valparaiso: 2232 miles

Total time: four days

The Beast did great on the trip- between roadside stops (with some stretching, Chuckit-ing, and treats), she slept or sat looking out the window quietly from her nest in the back. For a little while, though, she stayed in the back seat with me. After some mutual pushing and shoving, this was the end arrangement:

Until Iowa there was varying amounts of snow at the stops. I forgot how much she loves playing in it. The last break had a pile from the parking lot plowing. After chasing the ball in relatively warm weather, she ran towards the mound, splayed out on top, and started eating it (yum- antifreeze and winter grime!). Funny beast, this dog o' mine...

Overall no complaints, though. She's a good traveler.

Addie was here

There's a dog, Addie, at Magnuson who for some reason had a crush on The Beast. When she'd catch sight of us from across the park, she'd make a beeline and pounce on Gazza. Although Gazza acted aloof and sometimes even mildly annoyed by Addie, I know she actually loved it. Addie's family is really pleasant to spend a few hours with at the park too. They just had a baby who sleeps, well, like a baby when they push her around in the stroller over the dog park gravel, wood chips, and rocky beach. On our last day there, they were also enjoying the sunshine. In her own doggy way, Addie gave me a goodbye present:

Dogs in space

So we made it to Indiana, and the past two days have been beautiful. More to come later, but for now I leave you with this hilarious video:

The Beast says she can relate after these few days...

One word:

Jealous. All of us.

Oh, and hi from Missoula!

Community

This past Tuesday was my last time at the small group I've been in. While I go to church on the Eastside (a great church for anybody who is looking), I've been going to a small group for bible study and fellowship through a church over on the Seattle side. I'm not really sure what to say except that they are a group with a heart for God and the world. I'll miss them a lot.