Amazing act of kindness

By a dog. Saw this at work and started to cry. But totally worth it.

Fiasco

That is what I'm calling most of Saturday.

Camping was on the agenda, didn't get on the road until 2:30, and with multiple stops to pick up odds and ends, didn't reach the campsite until 4:30.

The wind picked up, making it difficult to keep a fire going. Well, that, and because we didn't use our extensive Boy Scout knowledge to build the fire properly (kindling, good base, etc.). I think we regressed to amateur Cub Scout status in our haste for relaxation.

The dogs were tied up on long leads, and I now have a nice rope-burn anklet due to chaos between a visiting neighbor dog and Oliver getting feisty. And just so you know, if you grate off the top layer of skin over a tattoo, the ink looks very fresh - you could say it even pops.

Made the mistake of giving Oliver a few bites of chicken, which had been marinated in all sorts of yummy spices, oil and vinegar. What dog wouldn't like that, I ask you?

I don't think there's anything more gross than steamy dog vomit in your lap. Well, maybe when it dries and is cold and sticky. Yeah, that might be the worst.

LET'S BREAK IT DOWN!

- 110 minutes: Drive time to campsite (it was in Babler, which is a suburb of St. Louis)

- 45 minutes: Campsite set up, including camp/cook fire

- 20 minutes: Actual relaxation time (eating, enjoying said fire)

CONCLUSION:
A pact was made that little, pampered feisty dogs are no longer allowed on any overnight camping trips, and if anyone feels the need for dining in nature without a sleepover, Forest Park is the furthest destination allowed.

Good weekend

Overall, it was a good weekend. Outstanding weather helped fuel a lot of it.

Friday night was low-key - was treated to tequila and tacos at nearby El Borracho's (highly recommended), then spent the rest of the evening watching movies.

Saturday was good - ran some very early errands, spent considerable time outdoors, talked to my mom, and had friends over during the afternoon and most of the evening for coffee, spirits, board games and switched off playing DJ. Got a bit nostalgic and brought out the Lemonheads, Sundays, and Beat Happening. It was good to hear those old tunes.

Sunday was slow-going. The morning was lazy and filled with NPR programming (Speaking of Faith, TTBOOK), went to a friend's for lunch, and then it was a dog-day afternoon, literally. Tried out the dog park on Locust (nice!) and then ran around in the park area across from City Hall. Oliver had a great time, but attempted to escape the dog park by wedging himself between the bars of the gate. Good thing he got stuck...he's a fast little dude! Ended the evening having a good conversation with my grandma, and catching up on the news.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some good news this week. February looks to be a
"make it or break it" kind of month, so I'm staying as optimistic as possible and thinking good thoughts.