I Think

Glad to hear that, Edgar. You've always seemed the sensible sort. Why would anyone name a beautiful animal after such a louse?

Sorry to hear about Punky.

Happy to hear that Rocky B is there to keep you company - and keep you busy with training.

Happy New Year to Rocky B and his new pack

Thanks, ehbeth. Happy new year.

They constantly give the rundown of celebrities and political figures we have lost, in 2013. I have been considering a list on a personal level. I lost a half brother in 2012, but did not learn of it until last year. My relationship with Jack was too complex and too personal to lay out here. I regret not having the opportunity to bury several hatchets before he checked out.

A German woman I knew, Gita, lived in the apartments for about twelve to fifteen years. She moved in with a young man she often represented as her son. The man had Downs and she had volunteered to raise him. I don't think he knew. He was a difficult tenant, for several years, but, that, only at times. As he aged, he became pretty mild. He was also much more intelligent than might be supposed. Gita had told us she was not worried about her 'son' in later life, because people with Downs are not known to live too long. But, she kept him sleek and healthy all those years.

Gita entered as a robust woman and became widely popular, as she made crafts and clothing, often for free, but also selling much of it. I used to meet her on the sidewalk, pulling her small granddaughter about in a red Flyer wagon - the kind with the wooden slats around it. She eventually gave the wagon to me and I adapted it to haul tools and materials about the complex. It has been rebuilt three times. The only original parts left are the wheel structures and the handle. She used to show us photos while telling tales of her young days in Germany. We knew her as a big, overweight old woman, who refused to wear her false teeth. The woman in the photos was quite attractive. She aged, as did we all, and in her later years became less gregarious. She quit making crafts. I saw her at the mail boxes a week or so before she died. I spoke, but she appeared to not hear me. She died in her sleep and was cremated, with no ceremony.

Her son was to be moved to Dallas, to live with his uncle. He insisted on seeing me before he left. I was proud to shake his hand and see him off.

That's the ticket! I worked for a nonprofit agency that provided services to the developmentally challenged. I often found them more in tune with humanity than many so-called "normal" people.

But I love okra.

"5. I think I will be dead before people walk on Mars."

Personally, secretly I believe aliens live on Mars.

Ever seen the movie Mars Attacks? 

Should I mention I'm not serious. For some reason I get this feeling I'm taken seriously on things I purposely mention that make no sense.

Happy New Year edgar. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Punky.. It is never easy and sometimes you have to hold it in yourself for a while before you can talk about them. I panicked NYE as the year before I lost Missy on that day, recently as well we lost Ruby to Cancer. Like you, we have a little Mutt Not as big as Rocky, but just as playful and loves the noisy toys and wants to grab everything in site (please hide knickers and socks)

They all hold a special meaning and the new little ones a new spot in our hearts.

In the news yesterday was a story of a family and their dog that made it out of a fire, unharmed. But, the dog ran back inside and was killed. One of the kids suggested the dog went to fetch its chew toy. I can relate to that. I think we gave Rocky his first toys. Actually, I emptied out a bag full of Punky's toys, at first. He went for the chicken. Since then he has accumulated a collection of them. When he eats or drinks, a chicken is in the bowl. He pushes it at us until we are exasperated. He even sleeps with one. The other night, about every thirty seconds, I would hear a single squeak. Had to draw the line there and put away the chicken, until morning.

There are no Martians. Perhaps there will be evidence of former life there, or even bacteria size life there, in some recess, somewhere. But the the type that builds civilizations and builds statues of Elvis Presley does not exist.

Rocky's eyes are this color.

He has the softest hair I can recall any dog I've had having. He's a barker. Every time I have gotten a dog, I have hoped to have a watch dog in the bargain. He's great that way in the daytime, but, last night I came home at ten thirty. He was asleep and did not know I was home, until after I went down the hall. Then, he sleepily greeted me, before passing out again. Possibly not a watch dog in the making. Punky did not mind fireworks that much, but Rocky hid under the guest bed as New Year's fireworks exploded. I am not used to a dog with his eating habits. If I set out his dinner too early, he ignores it for an hour or so. The other dogs gobbled it as fast as they could. He likes to beat me into my easy chair. I mostly don't mind.

Tell me about his nose. I am long time attached to dog noses.

He has a nicely formed black nose. Very handsome.

Can't decide which it is most like.

The brindle of his floppy ears, against a predominantly black head, makes him look foolish at times.

I wonder how dogs got involved.

That describes Obama to a tee..

Nice to know you're a fan.

This is the "I think" thread, Romeo. You're way way out of your depth.

I think JTT is jealous of Romeo Fabulini.

No harm, no offense meant toward JTT.