Molly Brown

She was more than a dog, yes we are "those " kind of people, she was family. Our home has her paw prints all over it. We see her and can still smell her, if we try hard enough. She has now taken her rightful place  among the many  beautiful memories we hold preciously dear. I am deeply grateful to our Vet who had taken care of Molly from the time she came into our lives at 6 weeks of age, and who peacefully put her to rest at 13 years and 2 months.

The first time we saw Molly she was sitting in the back of a very large box looking quite disgruntled with the 4 yippy bouncy boys sharing the box with her. We picked her up and fell immediately in love. My son ,who was infatuated with the story of the Titanic, decided to name her Molly Brown. She looked like  a Molly Brown, it fit and so we had our new family member Little Molly Brown. It was quite humorous to find the man of the house home from work unusually early with a puppy bed, collar,toys,and food in tow. We were all ready to share in the joy of what was to be the beginning of 13 wonderful years with Molly.

Molly was lolly -wagged all about by a very excited 3 year old  red-headed little girl from the time she was 6 weeks old until she was just too heavy to be carried any longer by such a small individual. I think Molly was relieved and the "little one" was quite disappointed. Molly loved the children of the house, which included two 6 year old boys, who found no better past time than to hide her toys and watch her hunt for them, and her favorite "little girl". Molly always found a safe haven with the young adult of the house, the twenty year old whose heart was immediately stolen by the new member. She often shared her bed, and her pillow!

This was a family that was comprised of extended family, one 6 year old grandson, and  the precious little red head. Molly eagerly awaited there visits and became even more excited when she knew she was visiting them. It was fun to watch her excitement grow as we would make the turn onto their street; she knew where she was going and who she was going to see.

As it always happens, children grow up, and puppies get older. Molly was my baby, she was dearly loved and spoiled. She loved car rides,vacations,walks, as long as it did not require her getting dirty, doggie cookies,new collars, new beds, and always being near her human family. When it was not possible for her to travel with us she had dog sitters that she loved and again she was spoiled. Her favorite time was Christmas because she knew that on Christmas morning she got her stocking that was filled with new toys and treats, many of those 13 Christmases she would beat us to the tree.

It is hard to say good-bye to family, whether it is human or animal, and we are certainly no exception. It was easier saying good-bye when we could do it together as the family she trusted. I am deeply grateful to my daughter and son who were with me as we said good-bye and Molly peacefully fell asleep.

Making Plans

       Spring is a beautiful time of year in my home town, basically because the summers are so Sahara-like. However, Springtime is mild and brings with it the occasional mild sweet rainfall,flowers are blooming and the hummingbirds begin to return to enjoy the nectar that is being produced. The mornings are usually spent sitting out by the pool ,enjoying a latte and watching and listening for our backyard to come alive. It is peaceful and it is a time to reflect. 
        Typically, we have all of our summer plans in place. Vacation reservations have been finalized and the excitement of the adventure begins to happen. This year is different, no real plans have been made and we are still tossing around possibilities. My baby boy turns 21 this June and his past birthdays have been spent in some pretty incredibly exotic locations. He had his 16th birthday in Hawaii, his 17th on the island of Kona,his 18th in San Diego with friends who enjoyed a night at Hard Rock Cafe and an evening of gambling at one of the close by Indian Casinos. His 19th was spent in Paris and his 20th in Rome. This year we thought we would be in Monaco at the infamous casino made famous by Sean Connery, however we remembered a promise.
        Years ago, it was decided that the whole family would make the trek to Las Vegas to celebrate the birthdays of the youngest boys in the family beginning with mine. His big sister reminded me of the old plan and we all looked at one another and decided that it was a promise worth keeping. So for the first time in quite a few years we will not be hoping a plane for destinations across the pond, this June we are caravaning across the desert to keep a promise.
        We are booking shows,planning on utilizing the zip-line down Fremont Street, and keeping the craps tables and slots hot hot hot. It has been a while since we have gathered for an adventure with extended family, it is well over due, and is now being highly anticipated.

Now we need to prepare for the fun in July as we possibly walk the streets of Berlin and enjoy a tasty sampling of Zurich, we wish you could come with us..it is so much fun :)