an odd day

Lately I've been reading inspirational quotes about going hard at life, squeezing what you can from everyday. 

And, I can honestly say i've embraced the creed & begun some fresh trails. And life is feeling thrilling.

Two days ago, my oldest dog passed from paralysis tick envenomation. I laid with him on the floor as he breathed his last, then buried him on the garden.

The following day I prepared for visitors; my son was coming back from visiting his mother on the eve of his birthday, & my daughter was driving on from the Central West for the occasion. Eventually we were all united, & talked & caught up. 

The following morning we had pancakes & talked & hung out some more. Not wanting my secret to be busted by the only other person that knew of it besides my daughter, I handed Joe his birthday gift. A pair of lightly used ridipng pants that fitted him well. I urged him to check the pockets until he eventually found a set of keys. He looked at me slightly confused, I said: "Its up the top of the hill". 

When he rode a near new black Himalayan motorbike back to the house, he looked spaced out, unbelieving. As we talked, he gained more momentum & said he couldn't believe it & gave me a tight hug. Mission accomplished! I said something about it being an excellent vehicle to extend his skills, but really it's a fun machine for him to enjoy. 

We later visited with family; three sisters, a brother, my two & a niece as well as our two dogs that were enjoying their own reunion. We did some hardening, lots of talking & shared a few curries. 

Unfortunately, among us siblings we discussed health issues, we all shared cataracts, the elder sister had a heart attack a few months ago & Pete had just had a cancerous growth cut from his forearm. Sobering stuff! 

All the more motivation to keep fit & get active.