Monthly Archives: July 2013

The past few days have been incredibly moving with the outpouring of affection shown Flyer, and me.  I look at the collection of flowers, cards, books, Bills Donuts, Killer Brownies, emails, Facebook posts, and private messages, and am touched, even … Continue reading →

The Pines called this morning to let me know that Flyer has been cremated and I can pick up her ashes any time. I decided it was a good time for a family portrait.  The Kids were troopers, and behaved … Continue reading →

Dear Darin, I can see you are being swarmed with many beautiful condolences at the passing of Flyer. I hope I am not burdening you with more email but I wanted to send my love. When I first met you … Continue reading →

Around 5:00am, Monday morning, Chief alerted me that something had changed with Flyer.  I was in one twin bed, and Chief and Navi were snuggled in the other.  Sure enough, Flyer’s breathing had changed.  I snuggled next to her, continually … Continue reading →

This is a letter from a former student: Mr. Haas, When I opened up Facebook this morning and read Flyer had passed away I rose from my desk and closed the door so band students wouldn’t see me crying as … Continue reading →

I learned Steve Martin was coming to the Fraze Pavilion, and had been wanting to go.  I met Mr. Martin in 1992 or 1993 at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art as I was viewing Degas paintings.  The man … Continue reading →

This summer, as is generally the case, has passed by too quickly.  I missed having a small out-of-town adventure, but with Flyer’s unpredictable health it would not have been prudent. The end-of-summer activities are in full swing: cross country runners … Continue reading →

At daybreak, the rain was shrouding the Miami Valley in a dull grey that seemed to precipitate the day ahead.  I remember my grandmother use to say that ‘the angels were crying’ whenever it rained after someone had died.  This … Continue reading →

When I was a child growing up, I was often sandwiched in between older or younger cousins. Since both of my parents for the oldest, as was their parents, it seemed to work out but most of my first and … Continue reading →

I strive to steer clear of politics, religion and sex as topics to post or discuss.  All three are very personal, and have caused wars throughout history. A dear friend of mine, Sue B., offered this incredible, thought-provoking post regarding … Continue reading →

Flyer survived the night. I rose at 3:30 AM to check on her, and remained up the rest of the night.  By 6:00 AM I was busy with odds and ends, more to keep busy than to accomplish anything.  By … Continue reading →

My bedside clock currently reads 12:57 AM. I had anticipated being in bed by 11:30 PM, but other things took priority. As I prepared to head upstairs to my bedroom, Flyer was still with us. Her condition has vacillated throughout … Continue reading →

My dear girl still hangs on, but barely moves. She does not seem to be in any discomfort or distress and seems very much at peace. Flyer seems to know that she is loved, and raises her eyes up to … Continue reading →

Tuesday did not move smoothly as Monday. I am hoping today, Wednesday will run much smoother, and faster. I finished teaching at 8 PM Tuesday evening, shoved food down Navi & Chief, let them potty, and then headed to Beavercreek. … Continue reading →

A former student, Rob, sent this song to me in honor of Flyer, who, once again, seems to be sinking rather quickly. Dry away the tears Lay aside your fears No more pain, for my love I am here, now … Continue reading →

I can’t say whether or not it was a good Monday, or a bad Monday, because it was neither. It was simply a mundane Monday. Grant it, there were a number of things that actually made a good Monday, but … Continue reading →

My day got off to a much later start than to what I am accustomed. By 8:30 AM with Navi and Chief still sound asleep, I began stirring. The additional sleep did feel refreshing, but he had a sense of … Continue reading →

I grew up in a family that was accustomed to taking spontaneous trips. I can remember one Friday morning in the summer of 1973, when my grandparents joined our family for breakfast and someone mentioned that they would love to go to Holland … Continue reading →

The week did not feel exceptionally long, although Flyer’s most recent dip in health did add a good deal of worry to the entire week. The old girl seems to have bounced back, but still seems a tad bit weakened. … Continue reading →

Wednesday night, Flyer seemed to have a little more pep, but still not much. I let her lick off of my salad plate when I finished eating, and added water so that she would drink. And she did. The Kids … Continue reading →

Today is predicted to reach 93-degrees.  Tomorrow, we have a cool front approaching as the temperature dips to 92-degrees.  I can hardly wait. Flyer continues to sink; this latest episode began Sunday night.  Last night she refused food, and this … Continue reading →

AFTER A WHILE Veronica Shoftshall, 1971 After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t always mean security. And you begin to … Continue reading →

Sunday, July 14th, I killed two birds with one stone, and what a delightful stone that was to toss. Presidential Bird: I got to visit President William Henry Harrison’s tomb, again. Love Birds: I was present, and sang with a … Continue reading →

My Sunday adventures took me to the furthest Southwest reaches of Ohio.  I’ve been in this neck of the woods before, and love the rolling hills of The Ohio River Valley. I chatted on my phone with Mother during the … Continue reading →

The morning walk began about 8:15 AM, and I am going on about four hours of sleep. This normally is not a problem for me, but after the past few days I could have used a little bit more slumber. … Continue reading →