I can honestly say Thursday was a relaxing day filled with documentaries, research, and reading for fun. The dogs seemed content that I was home almost all day without interruption.
Laura and I went to see THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING at The Neon, and I really liked it. Actress Tilda Swinton did a remarkable job as did Idris Elba. After the movie, we went to Centerville to eat at Bubbakoos Burritos.
September 15th is the opening of SEE HOW THEY RUN at The Neon and it looks hilarious. The trailer had me in stitches.
Nothing is on the docket for tomorrow and my goal, with the exception of grabbing a few items from the grocery, is to spend it doing more reading, writing, and watching documentaries.
Erma has been quite attentive this evening, more so than usual, and has even given me a number of kisses which is rare coming from her.
The deck is so comfortable and I just do not want to head inside just yet. I may move on over to my chaise lounge and watch a few documentaries before sleep forces me into my bedroom.
On this date in 1897, John William Garrett Clary was born.
My great-grandfather was called by one of his two middle names, Garrett, and for nearly all his life by the nickname, Skinny.
Grandpa Garrett was a unique, hands-on great-grandfather who loved to tell stories and play practical jokes. However, the best practical jokes were the ones in which he was mostly the target. He was a damned good sport!
Garrett Clary scored a century of life and made the world all the more richer and fun.
I am on that balancing line of what is comfortable weather and what is not so comfortable. The 58-degree temperature is pushing it, but I would still rather spend it on the deck. The birds are sparse this morning, but a few are belching out a song. The school buses have just completed their deliveries and fewer staff and faculty doors are opening and closing.
I have resumed listening to my one podcast, “History That Doesn’t Suck” and I have missed it. The leading instructor’s voice is clear and delightful to the ear. Plus, his research is unquestioningly strong.
Tonight, I am excited to be joining the celebration of Carillon Historical Park’s Volunteers as a staff-member guest. These folks to be cheered for their fine efforts are some of the neatest individuals and I am excited to be a part of the cheering block.
Other than going through some purging of a few drawers of all four desks, and working on my one project, there’s not much more to report at this writing.
One bump but it was still a day to feel good about.
My sinus infection is much improved but it’s still lingering in some areas.
This morning, I got ready and walked to CVS in Oakwood, fifteen minutes away, to use their Amazon return for a blue tooth portable typing keyboard. At CVS, they informed me the items had to be fully prepared for shipping and that I would have to take it to the UPS store which was another five to ten minutes of walking. I hauled myself down to the opposite end of the business district and got the keyboard returned.
I moved southward again to Grieve Hardware where they sell sodas for $1.29. I chatted with the fellows there and then crossed the street to Subway where I joined Mama Kay and The After-Mass Performers to celebrate Joyce Ann’s 60th birthday. Joyce is Mama Kay’s niece.
Mama Kay, Ann, and I drove over to Calvary Cemetery to see the mausoleum of Roger Glass, a friend of Mama Kay’s who passed away. Mr. Glass, the son of Marion’s Pizza founder, was the current owner of Marion’s Pizza and a wonderful asset to the community. Outside the mausoleum was a pizza floral arrangement.
Back at home, I took a nap before teaching began at 3:30 PM. Now, at 11:15 PM, I am finished teaching until Sunday afternoon.
I am seated on the deck listening to THE JEFFERSONS as I type, with all the accompanying night sounds as I enjoy the cool, comfortable evening upon me.
Whilst searching for another photo, I ran across this first photo I took of Bailey and Harrigan just after I placed them in the van near the birth home west of Mason and on LaSourdesville Road.
I placed them in the laundry basket and they whimpered for a while as I returned to my telephone call with Mother that Christmas night, 2013.
All of a sudden, the eight week old sisters had hushed and I thought they’d tired and fallen asleep. I flipped the overhead light on and peered over my shoulder and they were gone. I pulled the van over to the shoulder on I-75N and parked. I turned on all the lights and before rising to search for them, I looked down.
Bailey and Harrigan had crawled out of their non-bull rush basket and was sleeping contently next to my driver’s seat.
Monday was just a washout for me. While my sinus infection finally began dwindling down to drainage the impending rain and difference in the barometric pressures brought on some incredible aches throughout the body but mostly in my legs. Being at home, the discomfort is magnified. It’s much easier at The Park because I am so drawn into my activities with The Guests or getting to know more about different Volunteers with whom I am working that I tend to forget the fire within my legs and feet.
But this is now Tuesday and dwelling on Monday is pointless. A new day, a new chapter.
I am sitting up in bed writing from my hospital table. The door is open to the deck so the dogs can come and go. The western sky is dark as incoming rain approaches and the air is heavy. Chief and Erma have assumed guardianship of the deck and backyard.
I do not return to The Park until Saturday, so after tomorrow’s teaching concludes, I have three days devoted to research and writing. While I am currently investing a good deal of time on the one project about The Barn Gang, I sorely miss my project on Boone Township that involves so many of my ancestors. I have not tried working on both simultaneously. I don’t know if it is possible for me to do so or even worth attempting it. I have successfully juggled and balanced many projects at the same time without missing a beat. However, a lot has changed in the past several years and I am somewhat hesitant to venture into the arena. I am sure my students, after hearing a prompt from me to “just do it,” would laugh at my dilemma.
Monday afternoon, I watched a great documentary, THE WHITE HOUSE REVEALED, narrated by Kettering’s own, Martin Sheen. I have seen this documentary several times. This viewing was more touching as it featured former White House Pastry Shop Chef Roland Mesnier who passed away a few days back. Mr. Mesnier had so much charm and humor and left a legacy of tasty offerings. I always loved his interviews and reminiscences of his time with our First Families. The documentary has so many wonderful accounts from former White House staff members. It’s so sweet.
It’s 7:30 AM and I am actually ahead of writing this blog entry. Let’s all make it a great day!
PHOTOS: White House Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier with President & First Lady, Jimmy & Roslynn Carter.
Wednesday evening, I was miserable with seasonal allergies and a sinus infection. I felt so bad that I made a morning appointment just so I could get some stronger meds, mostly amoxicillin, to combat the misery.
Thursday evening at 4:45 PM, I felt more myself and went to dinner with Mama Kay and Laura.
While I still have head congestion, some coughing, and a headache, the headache and fever are gone. I’ve not had a doozy of a sinus infection and seasonal allergies in several years. Quarantining seemed to put them at bay.
I slept a lot in the past two days. A lot. I think the stress from Erma was also getting to me. However, since Wednesday evening she has been much like her old self. I love having the old girl’s spirit and amusement filling The Haasienda once again. As I write this post, she’s in her usual spot waiting for the rest of the milk from my cereal bowl.
On with my day which will be a full one at The Park. I feel as though I could use another eight hours of sleep, but being at The Park enthuses me with tons of energy and I love greeting our Guests and getting to know the wonderful Volunteers, some of which have some remarkable ties themselves to Dayton’s rich history.
On with my day of packing lunch, showering and dressing, and heading across the street to the bus stop.
Make it a great day!
PHOTO: one of my favorite photos of Erma shortly after her August 18, 2018 arrival at The Haasienda.
I am finally returned to my sanctuary on the deck to think, research, write, and enjoy the love of The Quartet. The surprise attack by seasonal allergies and a whammy of a sinus infection waylaid contributed to my daily blog and attending to other things I prefer to do.
WEDNESDAY
Began feeling unwell during my shift at The Park. Naturally, that was the return trip home where bus No. 14 did not make its appearance and I waited over an hour later to be returned home. That has been an infrequent occurrence. At home, I immediately went to bed with cold/sinus symptoms.
THURSDAY
Went to two different clinics before finally being told I have seasonal allergies and a sinus infection. Back home, I napped and later joined Mama Kay and Laura for a Mexican dinner. Returned home and went back to bed.
FRIDAY
I spent all day at The Park and had a marvelous time. We had Guests from Nevada, Oregon, Wisconsin, New York, Kansas, and several from California. Many out-of-state Guests were in town for the women’s golf open and it was exciting to hear their accounts of family members involved with the event.
One special Guest from Colorado was at the end of their weeklong stay. Jennifer Schmidt, the mother of two of my Zoom students, was home to be with her parents, Rick and Jane Schwartz of Kettering. I got to see Jennifer and Jane for a few minutes and that made my day.
I honestly cannot recall much about the remainder of Friday but I know I returned to bed and did little in the way of writing and research.
SATURDAY
By 8:30 AM, I was on No. 17 to connect with No. 12 so I could grab a few necessary and unnecessary items from Dollar Tree and Big Lots. I caught No. 12 as it circled back which afforded me not waiting an hour and ten minutes for the next bus. I unloaded my items and decided I should treat myself to a nice buffet brunch so I was immediately on the northbound No. 17 ten minutes after returning home. By 1:00 PM I was home with the pooches for continued rest and recovery.
For the second year, Mama Kay, Laura, and I enjoyed an evening of theatre at Shakespeare in South Park. Last year we saw their production, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST. This year’s production was Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT. I had never seen TWELFTH NIGHT and had no idea what I was in for. It was quite the romp and enjoyable to see.
SUNDAY
And, this now brings us to this moment. The 65-degree temperature is comfortable with its gentle breeze passing from the south. Cicadas (I presume) are chirping away and only a few birds of different varieties offer up their morning song. The Shroyer Road traffic is mild and the four pooches are lounging about the deck. It really is the kind of morning I would design if I had the option and ability.
In the late afternoon, the teaching week will resume. I have two new students beginning this week and another new student in the progress of joining. All my breaks are now abandoned and several west coast students agreed to back up their times to allow for the new students. It all works out.
The autumn feels is has happened upon us a bit early. We have got a few days to go before landing in September and I already feel nature has tripped and landed us at the end of September. The sun, at 8:30 AM has barely touched the western end of the backyard and typically, it has filled most of the area by this time. So be it. I am a bit more begrudging about letting go of the summer this year.
ERMA
The old gal is returned to her previous state of good health and providing me all her love and enthusiasm as before.
And with that, I need to move on to other items. Make it a great day!
I allowed myself more rest after feeding the dogs as the full lineup of Sunday’s lessons from 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM was terrific but tiresome.
It’s now 9:30 AM and I am feeling slightly lazy for just now getting my day underway. I’ve breakfasted and attended to some business items and am anticipating a quick yard mow before the anticipated rain moves in. The morning is warm, breezy, and muggy.
My Rose of Sharon is looking beautiful and some buds are beginning to reappear on the wisteria.
It is getting closer to the time when I will need to remove deck umbrellas and chairs to the basement. I loathe the thought of it, not for the task itself, but for the approach of fall weather. I stay onboard deck until the last possible second of chillier weather turning cold.
My sinus infection is dwindling down. This morning my head aches a bit and I have congestion but I am not certain if that is from the impending rain which is usually the case for a headache and stuffiness.
I need to move on with the day to make as many improvements as I can. Make it a great day!
I don’t know if I had a hell of a day or if the day was pure hell. Normally, I float with whatever happens. I still floated but struggled.
My heart rate bounced from 105-123 all afternoon. I asked a staff member if there was a blood pressure monitor I could use but there was none to be found. I felt miserable with signs of allergies or a cold in the works. I did take some OTC meds for sinus and drank two cups of heavily caffeinated coffee. Perhaps that’s why I’ve been having a spike.
Then, I picked up the No 18 outside the park and got off at Franklin & Main streets in downtown Dayton to pick up No. 14. No. 14 never came. I don’t know why the application indicated it would, but right now I’m on the No. 17 bus at 6:47 PM and should be home by 7:05 PM. For me, it was no big deal but I have four senior pooches at home that are used to eating by 4:00 PM.
I’m hoping I can turn the evening around upon my arrival at The Haasienda so I can accomplish a few more things this evening.
I finally returned to my sanctuary on the deck. Even for one day, I do miss my deck time.
The morning is bustling right along most sides of The Haasienda. School buses, traffic on Shroyer and Rockhill, folks greeting one another in the high school’s parking lot, the chatter of students passing by, birds chirping, and a slight breeze moving along. It’s 60 degrees and nice, and we are to only hit a high of 78 degrees. I’ll take that.
The dogs are spread out around the deck except for Bailey who has returned to the comfort of my bed, her head nestled into the pillow. Erma began our waking and greeting ritual without moving from her bed. Fifteen minutes later, I returned to open the gate to my room and she raced ahead of the others to get to her breakfast bowl. She remained animated while eating, her tail seldom pausing from motion – a typical scene. Upon finishing her breakfast, Erma moved out to potty, which I observed to see if there were any visible irregularities. Now, she is resting on the deck, seemingly drained of energy.
I am not at The Park today and plan to remain at my spot on the deck until it is time to get ready for teaching which will cover the hours of 4:00 PM to 11:15 PM with fourteen students. Of course, there will be a few on-the-floor naps in my study with the pooches, mostly for Erma’s benefit.
It was a productive day and by avoiding riding the bus to Town & Country, I managed to build 6,418 steps to my day.
Erma was energetic for some of this morning and by Noon, she appeared to be slipping fast. The lethargy was heavy and there were moments I thought she might breathe her last. However, at the 4:00 PM feeding, she hurried into the kitchen, eagerly ate all her food, drank some water, and moved out to the backyard for potty time. A former student and neighbor boy now in middle school, stopped by as I was taking out recyclables and he came in to see The Quartet. Erma acted as though nothing was wrong.
She was all over the place: energetic and playing the ambassador and on over to listless. As one of my students was preparing to leave, I had a ten-minute break. We leashed up Erma and took her outside where she became a healthy, vibrant old girl.
Tonight was just a fun, great night of teaching. I was finishing up with one of my female sophomore students from Beavercreek and I pulled my former student, Katie, in to sing a duet with the song on which my sophomore was working. It was a nice moment.
I finished with Kate at 10:15 PM and hit the last three students, ending the teaching day at 11:45 PM. It was a fine day.
Tomorrow, I have the morning free before spending the afternoon at The Park.
And with that, it is time to retire to my bedroom.
I woke nearly every hour to check Erma’s respirations and call out her name to see a response. Throughout the night, she was lethargic; however, when Erma wants to sleep, she sleeps!
I often return from the bathroom breaks and kiss each pooch. The Sisters are up and bouncing. Chief raises his sad-looking eyes with appreciation. And Erma? She will turn her head, cover her face with her paws, or even offer a pretend snore! Yes, she does a fake snore to pretend she is sleeping!
By 6:00 AM, I was restless in bed, wrestling with physical and emotional tiredness and just not feeling the weight of continued sleep. I went to do a pour-over with coffee instead of using the coffee maker and into the kitchen trotted Erma with her usual joy and tail-wagging exercises. Before my LonKet Zoom session, I went ahead and filled their bowls for breakfast. Erma returned to the kitchen for her morning game of walking into the middle of the kitchen before the dogs are invited. I remind her to “back it up, Girl.” She sits and scoots back toward the entrance. We’ve done this for four years. Erma gobbled up her breakfast, drank a healthy amount of water, and moved to the backyard for potty time.
Now, at 8:15 AM, she and Chief are in identical profiles as they nap on the deck. She’s been playing with “Baby” and giving me her regular greetings while I have worked from the deck table.
My unbending optimism knows not to overdo it but I am delighted to see this rollercoaster high for the moment. Yesterday, at 1:00 PM, I was in contact with The Pines, a pet burial and cremation business south of Dayton.
I am comfortable on this 60 degree morning. I do hate that by 7:00 AM it is still mostly dark. I miss those golden mornings that blast through the kitchen window.
I have two hours before I must get ready for The Park. I have things to research and write.
This morning’s shift at The Park was such extraordinary fun! I got to work with three volunteers I admire, Charlotte, Jamie, and Mary Lou. The Guests poured into The Park as though the threatening skies were joking.
One couple was from Gas City, Indiana which is only fifteen miles from where I grew up in Elwood. There were many Guests from California, Michigan, Maine, Alabama, and Kansas. I love meeting our Guests from all over the country, and the rest of the world.
Despite so many of my students are in the midst of getting used to being back in school following two years of so many disruptions, they have worked hard and many are making some very nice advancements.
Erma is like a ping-pong ball, all over the place, her energy vs. her lethargy. When she’s “up” she is the same loveable and eager-to-love-on-me gal. However, when she’s listless, I am touched by the effort she makes to show her awareness of me, and still, her devotion. How I do love this old girl.
My last lesson concluded at 11:30 PM here in Ohio, but he was only at 8:30 PM in California.
Tomorrow, I got to squeeze in a former student who returns to college but was needing some coaching on an audition piece. I have missed Katie a great deal and I am so glad I get to spend some time with her, Tuesday evening. And, I am grateful my one student had a school event that called them away from their lesson opening up some time with Katie.
Rain is eminent for the remainder of this Sunday, and I am on the deck to grasp every ounce of outside time. 67 degrees is quite comfortable, and a breeze holds the 96% humidity at bay to maintain the comfort level.
Erma slept well through the night and was the first one out of the gate for the breakfast rush in the kitchen. Nearly an hour later, she’s resting on the deck but lethargic, not even wagging her tail when I call to her. My worry-meter charges from one end to the other.
This afternoon my studio’s academic year schedule commences. I will begin teaching at 4:00 PM on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays and go until 11:30 PM most evenings. While the vast majority of the early lessons up to 9:00 PM are for local students, the remainder of my evenings is for students who Zoom from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Colorado, Nevada, and California.
As I was just taking some photos of Erma and Chief, I could feel light droplets of rain and hear them beginning to tap against the canvas umbrella. I had hoped for more time at my sanctuary. The umbrella will cover me for the time being but not ere long, I fear.
My plan for the day is to research and scratch out some drafts before tidying up the house and preparing to teach. A load of shirts and shorts is in the wash and shall be dried by electricity rather than hanging on the line. Other than that, the day is pretty ordinary until teaching begins. And of course, tending to Erma…
In the past several minutes, she has been my shadow, following me from room to room, and wagging her tail.
Rain or shine, go ahead and rise to shine so you, too, can make it a great day!
The entire day never ceased feeling muggy, even inside the comfortably air-conditioned Atrium at The Park.
I arrived a little after Noon and chatted with the Grounds Crew couple who do a damned good job of making the entire campus look beautiful. Once I entered The Atrium, I could tell the volunteer was frazzled. Earlier in the week, the supervisor posted a need for someone to man The Atrium from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Since I would be there from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, I tagged the button to indicate I could take that shift. For some reason, it was not accepted and this really heaped a good deal of stress upon the volunteer, one of my favorites. She was covering the carousel operation, “Wayfinding” through The Heritage Center museum, and greeting Guests at The Atrium station to explain their visit. It had been a particularly busy morning and that shift could have easily used an additional volunteer plus a staff member at The Atrium station. I briefly considered signing in, but decided to proceed with eating my lunch from the covered portico looking out at the park and its historical buildings.
The shift at The Park was fun and absolutely delightful. I greeted Guests from Indianapolis, Columbus, Michigan, Australia, England, Chicago, and a couple from Mooresville (Indiana) taking a break from moving their daughter into Cedarville College. One group wanted their photo taken with the replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1902 glider that hangs in the upper regions of The Atrium. They gave me several suggestions as to how I might take the photo but I knew the only way to make it happen with a sense of practicality and artistry: I lay down on the floor with them gathered around!
It worked. A friend saw the photo of me taking a selfie with the group and sent the photos my way.
Between Guest arrivals, I absorbed the history of Kettering, Deeds, and the Deeds’ Barn (The Barn Gang) and pulled in as much of that history as possible. I had one staff member from curation assist me with a question regarding one of Kettering’s inventions. His explanations were clear, but some of my books and items on the internet are not consistent with titles and wording and I have had some frustration understanding the concepts and process. Last Tuesday, Chuck Johnson, who actually worked with Charles Kettering, explained things perfectly as well, but the printed sources are exasperating.
However, it was a kick-ass day!
I arrived home shortly after 6:00 PM to be greeted by four happy dogs, Erma at the head of the welcoming committee! Her lethargy seems to have passed and her usual energy restored. I am relieved but I am also a doggy dad of four senior dogs, Erma at thirteen, Chief moving in on twelve years, and The Sisters are almost nine.
Now, at 7:30 PM, I am on the deck where a light breeze occasionally passes through, listening to ROMAN EMPORERS: TOTALUS RANKIUM, by the same guys whose podcast, AMERICAN PRESIDENTS: TOTALUS RANKIUM captivated me for nearly a year. Their work is incredibly thorough and filled with amazing amounts of humor. Cicadas serenade, as well as a neighboring pooch down Rockhill Avenue. And my precious Erma has come over to lay her chin on my knee, a most welcome ritual that occurs often throughout my day.
There is a hint of impending rain but nothing is expected until before midnight. As for now, it’s a perfect deck evening with my pooches scattered about the deck, my audio history, and my current project.
Yesterday there was a knockout storm that passed over Kettering and Oakwood, leaving thousands without power. We, however, were fine. Many blocks to the north and east had no power for quite some time. I’ve not had time to investigate but there was mention of a tornado in Oakwood. My phone and watch tornado alerts went off at 5:54 PM but I did not hear the emergency siren until at least ten minutes later and only then, faintly recognizable. On test days, the first of each month, there is no problem hearing the siren.
This morning, the skies are leaden and gloom-filled but there is no forecast for rain. Due to the extreme wetness outside, I am forced inside to my study to offer this morning’s post. The day is expected to remain cloudy.
It was a full day of research, mostly on the deck except for the few times when I was chased back inside by teasing droplets. Teaching was fulfilling and the students were on their game Sunday evening. It was so refreshing and invigorating. The only issue with last night’s lessons is that getting to sleep was not as easy, despite teaching until 11:30 PM and having an early shift at The Park.
Erma is about the same. Sometimes she is filled with her familiar energy while other times she is lethargic. She loved the students last night and took her typical spot near each student. This morning she was the first in the kitchen to eat, per usual, but without her zest.
The high school buses are arriving to let out students and it’s almost time for me to begin readying myself to catch the No. 17 bus at 8:10 AM.
Make it a great day!
PHOTO: my student, Sarah, wrapping up her lesson as I was about to begin Zoom lessons with her cousins in Colorado, Hayley and Ryan. Sarah was two years old when her sister, Katie, began taking piano lessons with me. Sunday night, Sarah drove herself for the first time to a lesson!
I have a cell. I’m using it to write this blog entry. I use my cell phone for everything but talking on the phone. As you can see from screen shots of my cell phone, my phone icon is on the back page to protect me from butt-dialing and simply because I don’t use it.
I’ve always detested phone chatter. It’s just not me. After meeting Rick in July 1979, we spread out our individual long distance calls throughout the week, but we were letter writers. Starting in 1983, as I entered Ball State University, I did chat weekly with Mother and my grandparents. It continued after I moved to Dayton in 1990.
Mother was basically the only person I ever really chatted with on the phone, long term. I especially loved talking to Mother while I was driving. It helped occupy the time and was a break from listening to music or a video documentary. Since Mother’s passing in August 2019, my sister and I now occasionally chat on the phone.
If I am talking with someone face to face, I am occupied. However, concentrating for a phone call and watching television or a movie at home is difficult for me. I keep busy and can maintain better attention. It is the same with audiobooks.
Thirty-two years ago, today, I moved from Muncie, Indiana and officially became a Buckeye living in Dayton, Ohio.
I moved into a Victorian townhouse on McPherson Street in historic McPherson District just across the Great Miami River from downtown Dayton. My roommate, Mark, was a local television producer and had tons of connections with many of my former, current, and soon-to-be theatre colleagues. His girlfriend, Pam, knew Rick and I from Smith-Walbridge Drum-Major camps which were held in Syracuse, Indiana. Pam’s sister, Tammy, had been a clarinetist who I sat behind in symphony band at Ball State University’s Summer Music Camp for several years. Pam and Tammy were first cousins to local Dayton actress, Kay Bosse, with whom I would share several theatre projects.
Thirty-two years. Much has happened these past thirty-two years and I am proud to call Dayton “home.”
Yesterday afternoon, The Glass Festival in my hometown of Elwood, Indiana, kicked off. It has been an ongoing event since the early 1970s, replacing the long-held Tomato Festival when Elwood reigned as “the tomato capital of the world.”
We lived on the largest hill in town at the corner of Main and Ninth streets which offered my family and our friends and neighbors’ perfect amphitheater-style seating to watch the enormous parade that passed by our house. For four years, I eagerly led the marching band down that long stretch of crowded spectators. My band and choir director who I had from middle school through 7th grade to graduation is still at the helm. Paula Simmons has devoted her life and career to the Panther Music Program.
I’ve not been to The Glass Festival in years but remember with such excited anticipation of its arrival.
Although I have been a resident Buckeye longer, my roots will also be planted firmly in the Hoosier soil.
ERMA UPDATE:
Last evening, Erma was a tad more energetic but still not her usual self. She slept in the bedroom with the rest of us, only moving to the hallway as it neared breakfast time. Erma appeared more alert and even sat in the kitchen as I prepared food bowls, something she has not done for several days. As she ate, I would talk to her to check her alertness and she wagged her tail as a sign of connection.
Right now, she and Chief are side-by-side at the top of the deck’s steps.
The morning offers a gentle breeze but at 65 degrees, it is muggy. My skin is clammy. Rain is anticipated for the afternoon; about the time I will be leaving the park to return home. Sunday’s forecast is projecting a 93% chance of rain. My sinuses are packed, my legs are annoyingly tense, and my gut in a state of discomfort. Growing older, dealing with health issues, and combating the effects of nature on the body is not desirable but one must not wallow, ever. Staying mentally and emotionally strong can be, and often is a challenge, but it’s imperative to forge ahead.
Therefore, I intend to make it a great day!
PHOTOS: Erma; Chief, Erma & Bailey; my Jr. & Sr. High band and choir director, Paula Simmons.
I took the No. 17 bus to Town & Country shopping mall, just down the road, to get some dog aspirin and due to the heavy traffic on Shroyer Road, outside the mall, I watched the northbound No. 17 bus pass me by. I needed the walk.
Erma eagerly ate a chunk of cheese with the aspirin hidden inside. I have seen improvement, but it’s not been consistent. I spent another three hours on the floor of my study, and she snuggled beside me, resting.
I decided to head downtown to take photos from atop several parking garages. The funny thing was that I had planned on leaving with the 4:40 PM northbound 17 but after crossing Shroyer Road in front of my house, realized I had not packed my camera. I hurried across the street, grabbed my lens buddy, and stood in my driveway to watch that No. 17 pass by.
At 5:20 PM, I grabbed the northbound No. 17 bus to downtown Dayton where I took over one hundred photos from the top of two different parking garages. I could see the blue clock over at Carillon Historical Park and the gazebo at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.
After blowing the dead leaves from the walnut tree, I came inside to upload my photos and am pleased with the batch, only needing to delete six photos.
It’s 9:30 PM and owing to discomfort from ongoing gut issues, I am going to turn in for the night after letting the dogs out one last time.
Saturday, I have an afternoon stroll through the park and Sunday afternoon will begin the academic year teaching schedule. I have several new students and two returning students who have left college, settled into their careers, but want to continue with their piano and vocal studies. I am thrilled.
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS audiobook written and narrated by David McCullough just ended. I had tried several times to engage in the book since acquiring it in 2015 but could never hook myself to it. I am still not keen on it. For me, I learned nothing knew and it was merely a repeat that I cannot determine if was even told well. Mr. McCullough is one of my historical and literary heroes, but I am of the belief Tom Crouch’s THE BISHOP’S BOYS is far better and hammered with the enormous, little details I adore. Still, I am a terrific fan of David McCullough.
As midnight turns over to August 20th, I will have lived in Dayton thirty-two years. I only lived in Indiana just shy of twenty-six years.
Happy birthday to Orville Wright and his sister, Katharine Wright Haskell.
Orville was born in the front upstairs bedroom of the family home at 7 Hawthorn St., Dayton, OH, on August 19, 1871. Three years later to the day, Orville was led into his parents’ bedroom where he was born and peered into the crib and met his new sister Katharine. It was his third birthday.
52 years later, while Katharine lay on her deathbed, Orville reminded her that the first time he peeked into the crib to see her for the first time, he thought, “I knew I would be in trouble from that day on.“
Yesterday was not the kind of day I would have chosen, but I chose to deal with it with a positive attitude and with the determination to make it a great day despite a worried and heavy heart.
This morning appears and feels brighter but that could be my cockeyed optimism. The season is adjusting toward the autumn months and though I seldom complain about weather, I do prefer the late spring and summer months. The high school buses are now arriving about fifteen minutes later than in previous years, now belching out the students at around 7:15 AM. Yesterday afternoon, the buses also departed closer to 3:20 PM rather than just past 3:10 PM. Although the bus schedules do not affect me, they do become a part of my routine, even if from a distance.
Yesterday, what should have been a more celebratory setting at The Haasienda, was clamped with an emotional cloud due to concerns with Erma’s health. Her fourth Gotcha Day was spent with me attending her while she anxiously paced, panted, and moved in circles. Only when I laid on my study floor with my arm around her or my hand on her did she calm her anxiety. Still, her tail wagged when I spoke to her and she did eat her kibble and drank a healthy amount of water. By 8:30 PM, Thursday evening, she had ceased pacing and panting and laid down in the hall in her usual place.
Last night at midnight, I let Erma and The Sisters out to potty. Erma seemed to treat it more as a game than a necessity. I had to coax her down the steps, of which she seemed unsure, and she went to the yard to complete her business. As I again coaxed her, she seemed hesitant to return up the steps, but treated it more as a game, her tail wagging furiously. Finally, I lifted her up the steps and thought she moved in circles a number of times, she came inside and returned to her bed.
Throughout the night, I checked on Erma, mostly to see if her respirations continued. I was relieved each time I saw the rise and fall of her abdomen. Several times I joined her on the floor for some shared loving.
Since my London Boys have Wifi-free Friday (though Joshua does cheat) we did not Zoom and I allowed myself to sleep another forty-five minutes, rising from my bed at 7:30 AM. The other three rose to the occasion of our morning ritual of pets, hugs, kisses, and “I love yous,” but Erma remained poised, Sphynx-like; generally, she’s in the middle of all the loving and then positions herself so she is the first to leave the gate for breakfast. This morning, Chief, Bailey, and Harrigan rushed to their food. Erma remained in her bed. I asked if she wanted to eat and received a tail-wagging response. With more difficulty than yesterday or these past four years, she carefully and slowly rose, walked to the kitchen, and aimed her nose at the bowl. A few times she attempted to move away from her bowl but I encouraged her to eat, and she did. Upon eating her food, she moved to the water bowl and drank a healthy amount of water.
After the other three had completed their morning potty business in the yard, Erma moved down the steps upon my command and pottied. Upon her return to the deck steps, she seemed hesitant to come back up but she did. She has already visited me once to show her love and is now laying a few feet away from me in her normal spot on the deck.
While there is improvement there is still some concern. I am pleased to see she is more alert, eating, drinking water, and wagging that precious tail.
8:30 AM is my designated writing time this morning and since I had devoted time to Erma on Thursday, I am hoping to accomplish much this day.
Four years ago today, I entered SICSA and left with a nine-year-old bundle of sweetness. Her original name was Precious, but we tend to shy away from those names. Thus, my newly adopted senior dog was christened Erma.
This morning, however, Erma is not herself and something seems wrong. I normally shut the gate while I prepare their breakfast but this morning my schedule was a bit off and I forgot. Erma entered the kitchen, with no wagging tail, no smiles, and sat with her head aimed toward the floor. I guided her back to the bedroom and shut the gate.
When I returned to open the gate for their rush to breakfast, Erma, normally the first to race to the kitchen, simply stood there with her head down. The Sisters ran to their bowls and Erma stood in the kitchen entry blocking Chief’s path. She refused to eat and followed me to the deck. She wandered about the backyard a few minutes and slowly crept, not scurrying up the deck’s steps.
Right now, she is reclining next to me on the deck, very calm and still. I rose from my chair to take a photo of her. Normally, she is up on her feet when I am, excited about what I am going to do. This time, she simply remained in her position. She did wag her tail but has remained motionless.
While it feels more like a morning in autumn, the birds are a bit more chipper at the moment. Traffic is heavier on Shroyer Road and it’s the first day of school. The teachers and staff began arriving and the school buses have finished up their drops next door. It’s 7:40 AM, and the day is underway, but my heart is being tugged by Erma, and not in its usual manner.
I need to keep moving with the day while keeping an eye on Erma, giving her additional attention and love.
After my late-morning MAKE IT A GREAT DAY post, I went to two different Krogers, CVS, Rite Aide, Walmart, and Meijer in search of magnesium citrate only to find shelves empty of the product and to discover there had been a recall. Ugh.
My studio manager sent me an email Monday stating the Chinese restaurant had double charged me for my order last Thursday. I had finished up the last of the hot and sour soup as a base for making my own concoctions and was needing more. Instead of either of us going through the process of contacting our banks, I asked if I might obtain an identical order and call it even. She was happy to comply.
Back at home by 2:00 PM, I returned to my sanctuary on the deck and worked until 4:00 PM when it was time to feed The Quartet. I napped from 4:30-5:30 PM and returned to the deck for the next three+ hours to work.
I put on the audiobook of David McCullough’s THE WRIGHT BROTHERS. Truth be known, I had never read my copy of the hardback. Two previous times I attempted the audiobook and stopped. I am two hours in and to be honest, I am finding it on the dull side. I am learning nothing new and there are a number of details to different stories that I wish were elaborated on. Now, don’t get me wrong, David McCullough is one of my heroes but this particular book is just not settling with me. I will hear it through to the conclusion but I am just not satisfied. Maybe, I am just too close to the subject matter.
The night is exceptionally beautiful and comfortable. The crickets or cicadas, whichever they are, create a lulling vibration that has me relaxed and ready for Part II of my evening which will be working from my bed before engaging in slumber with Bailey and Harrigan snuggled against me.
Tomorrow, August 18th is Erma’s GOTCHA DAY. I have only had her for four years but it seems as though she’s been with me much longer. Getting onto the wrong bus that afternoon was a disguised blessing and surprise. The photo below exemplifies that afternoon when I returned to The Haasienda to introduce Erma to The Trio, now known as The Quartet. Erma’s smile stands out among the seeming sour expressions exhibited by the other three.
And, with this, I am taking leave of the deck, walking about fifteen steps inside, and setting up camp at my hospital table, a most pleasing purchase from 1992 so I could work from bed. It has either been a workspace or a rectangular table on wheels stacked with tons of books.
The Haasienda on Shroyer... 