05/16/2021
What is for breakfast. Well I can tell you today. For two days I have had a very light breakfast, then off to Lab Land to plan tracks for out two campers who came all the way from Findley Ohio to work. (Oh Breakfast, three cups of coffee, I used the Kureg my neighbor gave me, Green Mountian dark roast, Dunkin' Doughnuts original, Dunkin' Doughnuts Columbian, don't remember what order, pancakes, smokey links, butter on the pancakes and your choice of either Maple Syrup or Blueberry Syrup from Cracker Barrel, thanks to Laura, Jeff, Lisa!!) Jeff is Laura's husband. He is a fisherman and wine maker. Jeff would have sent wine, but he knows I am a drunk so he doesn't do that.
Laura and Lisa came for a min-vacation, some tracking camp to sight see and shop till they dropped. Of course they had to stop at all their favorite places to have something to eat. They worked hard for two days and they will now shop, sight see and enjoy being Up North.
We went to Jim's Joint BBQ for lunch on both Friday and Saturday. After working on Friday, there was a trip to Moomers with some sight seeing thrown in, not by our choosing. A road was closed so we had a small detour through the countryside and then back onto US-31 just beyond the construction. They are grinding down the road, then they will fix it and then re-pave it. US-31 will be as smooth as a baby's butt when they are finished. Right now it is rough as a corn cob.
Both Laura and Lisa have Border Terriers and they are willing to work. Both dogs learned a lot, the handlers did good most of the time. Of course we all know how it is starting out. By the end of the second day, both Laura and Lisa were just about in the groove.
After Lisa had run her dog, I let Mr. Mavrick out and he ran to greet Lisa's dog. I was not sure how Mavrick would react to Lisa's dog, they play bowed, then Royce wanted to go play with Mavrick. Lisa dropped the lead and it was off to the Preakness. Off they went, as fast as Royce could run. Mavrick ahead, then the roles reversed. Around and around they wet. Seemed lit 20 minutes they were full on play mode, I think it was really 5 minuters, but seemed a long time. The roles reversed more than once and it was just what Royce needed. He had worked hard and needed some play time. The game of chase is a great game for those two.
Both Griffin and Royce worked hard and Friday night they crashed at the motel. I am not 100% sure the handlers didn't also crash with them. Friday was bright sun and a light breeze and lots of clouds in the sky, those "cotton ball" type of clouds. One of those "Michigan Blue" skies and as I said those "cotton ball" type of clouds and it was delightful You could get sunburned if you were not careful.
Saturday was a very nice day. Cloudy and not super hot, overcast and a nice breeze and then the wind came up more. Was just right for small dogs to work in that kind of weather. Morning was spend with some nice tracks that taxed their abilities and then lunch and then back for another short easy track for both dogs and then Laura dnd Lisa were going to go back to the motel and inspect each other for ticks, we found some on ourselves and so just to be sure, we suggest that. Then they could do what they wanted.
Today is overcast with some showers forcast, but not heavy rain. Both of them are off to have fun
So before the both of them left yesterday, they gave us a some presents. A book, a box of Cracker Barrel Pancake Mix and a bottle of Blueberry Syrup and a gift card. They had already sent a deposit for camp and Susan had figured out how much more they owed her. You see I go along to pick up flags and to watch dogs work and see how the handlers are doing. I try to stay quiet while they are working, but now and then, that is impossible for me. I try to help evaluate what they did after the track. Friday I walked all the tracks, Saturday I walked one of the tracks in the afternoon. I cut up small limbs and other stuff while they were working.
There was a lovely card and it was great to see them both since most of our communication has been via either phone, text or Facebook. It is fun to see little dogs work and learn.
We are very grateful for both Lisa's and Laura'a generosity while they were here. They are way too kind and we appreciate everything they did for us.
It was a fun two days, lots of work, I got one of the best night's sleep in a week, walked a lot and feel better for doing all that work. I got most of the tings done I wanted to do. I didn't run any mowers while dogs were working, I usually do add that kind of distraction so the dog get accustomed to noise that may occur at a test. The handlers worked quite well, asked good questions and had some fun.
I thank both of them for coming. Their mini-vacation I hope is turning out to be a huge success. Now and then it is just plain great to get away from some of the same old routine of life and enjoy the sunshine, the beauty of the season changing and to listen to the sounds of Mother Nature. ( well for a while I think Mother Nature was having a temper tantrum!!)
We thank both Laura and Lisa, God Bless them and take care of them when they travel home.
The Lord bless you and keep you,.
