Stuff in My Brain

 

A week long media fast might help purge the mind.  Worth a try…

Blue Moon’s Lucky Chance

Like all of Mrs. Pondero’s dogs, he’s lucky alright. He was found shivering in a ditch on a cold rainy day. Witnesses say he had been there for hours. He was nearly dead (literally) with Parvovirus. But he was lucky that when Justin Animal Control was called, Mrs. Pondero responded.

It was late in the day when she picked him up, and the usual vet was already gone. She took him to an emergency clinic expecting them to end his suffering. But he was lucky that they offered to treat him for the cost of what they would have charged to put him down. Mrs. Pondero agreed, and, perhaps more than anything, he was lucky that it wasn’t until AFTER she agreed that they told her he couldn’t return to the shelter for at least two weeks. That meant he would be temporarily boarding at my house.

She named him Blue Moon’s Lucky Chance, and that was at least two years ago.

Blue Moon is Mrs. Pondero’s dog I identify with most. Not because he is so lucky, but because when I see him, I am reminded of me. He is easily distracted. When she runs him through agility courses, it is common for him get distracted by other dogs or bystanders, leave the course on a sprint and decide it is time for socializing or rowdy play. He loves affection. He is large for a Pit Bull, but will curl up in your lap in an eye blink. Or he will find you, walk up beside you, and lean against you begging for petting. Finally, he’s not a bright dog. He is oblivious to so many things. A lot of life just passes him right by, but he gets along as best he can.

Me and Blue Moon, the rescue Pit Bull, we have similar limitations and we’re both furry rascals. But most of all, we’re both incredibly lucky that Mrs. Pondero saw something worth redemption in us and allowed us to become a part of her life.

Multi-Objective Exploration

Because outings on the bicycle are about more than miles, I didn’t travel far today. The trip took about five and half hours, but I only pedaled about 30 miles. The agenda included (a) exploring some trails I didn’t get to during last last trip here, (b) searching for a new, nearby, free S24O spot, (c) a coffee brew-up, and (d) a test hang of my new Hennessy Hammock. It was, you might say, multi-objective exploration.

My preparatory study of aerial photos paid off.  I found what appears to be an old home site that was abandoned prior to, or as a part of, land acquisition associated with creation of Lake Ray Roberts. What a lovely place for a homestead! With some strategic clearing (which probably was the case at the time) one could enjoy great views and hilltop breezes. Even now, I found it quite satisfactory.

There are plenty of trees allowing for a variety of hammock orientations. There is also alternations of clear and brushy areas that could allow a breezeway or wind block as desired. At least for an hour or so, testing indicates that laying in a hammock is more comfortable than laying on the hard ground. I don’t think I actually fell asleep, but I was definitely relaxed to the point of obliviousness.

The grassy hilltop view of the lake was a perfect brew-up spot…wind protected and sun-warmed on this windy, chilly morning.

Since this place has been abandoned for years, there are a few hazards to avoid. Cactus, and thorny trees or vines, was prolific.

We have a boil!

Is this man smiling because he has coffee, or because he’s smugly hiding any evidence of chocolate-topped donuts? Hard to say…

Hammock view, with brew-up gear just right of center at the shade/sun interface.

The old home site was surrounded by lovely new spring grass. This will bake to brown when summer arrives, but it’ll still be a good place for an overnighter.

Old foundation beams…

All objectives met, I give myself an “A” on this outing. Now on to planning the S24O…