It Stops Here

This is the first time I've been 'tagged'. Reading one of her last posts on keira-anne.com, I had been requested to reveal six of my quirks or habits. Seeing as I have virtually no one on my blogroll, the tagging stops here. So here goes...

1. I always have to eat my Chinese food with chopsticks....never ever cutlery. I even have a special bowl and sticks at home.

2. I can never listen to a new CD in the presence of someone else. I crack the case and always play it in my car...loud.

3. My morning ritual is always the same and in the same order every day.

4. I can't seem to stop giving advice....thanks, tips ;)

5. I carry my camera with me every day and if I forget it, I worry that I will miss a 'good' shot.

6. I can't leave the house without putting my 'face' on...even to take away the recycles.

In Praise Of The Younger Man

Charley had a date the other day...with a much younger fellow. What a lucky girl. At first they eyed each other a little warily, sniffed around and she tried to ignore him. He was persistent but then after all he's only nine weeks old. He wouldn't let up. I think he liked her or he just needed someone to play with. We took them on their first play date into the woods, down a winding path covered in leaves through a deep forest near a rushing river. By the time we finished the walk Charley was starting to come around. Maybe this young guy wasn't so bad after all.

A couple days later they went on another date. This time it was to the beach on a blustery Tuesday. This was the first time Charley was let off leash at the beach and it won't be the last. She really surprised me with her obedience and the joy she showed at being able to frolic with her new buddy.

Lex is a German Shepherd and before long he'll be four times the size of Charley. He is already demonstrating his intelligence in his behaviour and attitude. Being a puppy and so playful did finally irritate Charley and she snapped at him a couple times...but then every male needs to know his place!

Today is just the start of many visits between these two sweethearts. I think they'll become fast and furious friends. Charley is such a little tease...a kiss on the second date...shame!

The Constant

Fifty odd years ago two sisters were born...eleven months apart. One was fair and looked like her mother and one was dark and looked like her father. They grew up in the NWT and had a very close family. Throughout the years they celebrated many birthdays.

The birthday parties were always combined into one right in between the two actual birthdays. They always had a bunch of friends at the party and always at least two cakes and or cupcakes. Mother always made it such a formal affair with her best (only) china and a lacy tablecloth.

They spent a lot of time together as a family, camping, fishing, hiking and going for many picnics. Much of the time they had the same friends and spent endless hours hanging around with them.

As they grew older they maintained their closeness for the most part. Typical teenage garbage came between them on occasion and they had quite the fights...emotional and physical. They always made up.

When they finished school, they took a European holiday together. For two months they traipsed through a number of countries...and what a time they had!

Throughout the next twenty-five years they lived their separate lives but were never further away than the phone. Always there for each other through thick and thin until circumstances brought them together again into the same household. Now they again celebrate their birthdays together but with one difference...two dinners and two cakes on the actual birthday!

Another birthday has gone by for both of us and I am so happy that she has been the constant in my life for over fifty years...and I hope for many more to come.