Category: Tinker (Page 9 of 15)

Our first schnauzer

Retirement is not without Hassles: Lincoln City #628

August 14, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

My wife has decided that 38 straight days at home is not an acceptable retirement practice for me, so she booked a Birthday weekend for us in Lincoln City. It’s on the coast only a couple of hours away and dog friendly, so everybody gets to go but Frankie the cat. It will put an end to my 26-day stretch of being a homebody. Without this getaway, it could have been my first month since retirement of spending every night in my own bed. I’m already 16 days into “Homebody Heaven” and prepared to cook Veal Parmigiana for dinner tonight. Speaking of domestic duties, I also hired a painter yesterday to give us white ceilings and to put a fresh coat on the walls. It just might make me want to stay home more.

It’s a Spa Day for the pups, and a visit to the dentist for me once I drop them off. I will also make a stop to buy some Birthday running shoes, as I do every year at this time. I put about a thousand miles of wear on them each year, usually rotating between two pairs, and I can feel the need for fresh rubber. Last year, I bought them in anticipation of The Hood to Coast Relay that I have no desire to do again. However, with my recent weight loss of about 12 pounds, my morning runs have been easier. Traffic will pick-up a bit on my route as school starts in a couple of weeks, and I can race the bus up the hill again. Without the travel interruptions, I have maintained my 5k-a-day (3.1 miles) regimen now for 20 straight mornings, including the weekend “Schnauzerthons.”

Eye drops have become my biggest responsibility every day. Four times a day, I have to apply drops to both Tinker and Tally’s eyes. They only want to be interrupted for snacks, so they are not very cooperative. Tinker has “dry eye,” meaning that tears are not properly forming, and infections soon follow. With Tally, I continue to treat a cyst on her eyeball with a steroid solution. They will both be excited to get in the car in a few minutes until they realize that they are going for haircuts. When we take them to Lincoln City, it’s actually one of the few times where a ride in the car ends in a rewarding run on the beach. Occasionally, they get to go out to eat, but in most instances getting in the car usually results in unpleasant grooming or doctor visits. Frankie, our cat, had to go for a drive last week for some grooming, which is never a good experience. She “meows” in anger, non-stop from the minute we put her in the cat carrier. She gets to be a “homebody” today while the rest of us go our separate ways.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Bed Race #625

August 12, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

As this morning’s “Schnauzerthon” began and I started to carefully guide Tinker’s Air-Buggy down our steeply-sloped street, I couldn’t help but think of the Three Rivers Festival back in the early 1980’s. I worked for two radio stations in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and we were involved with just about every event in the festival. There was the Raft Race, Show Us Your Tan, Mud Jump, Softball Tournament, 3-on-3 Basketball, Concerts, Tug-of-War, Balloon Toss, and of course The Bed Race. It was a typical small-town week of fun that involved all kinds of silly competition, food, and fun.

My bosses were the two most competitive people that I ever met in the broadcasting business. They insisted on victory in everything we did from the ratings wars to the battle for advertising dollars. “I want their head on a stick,” was the pirate-like culture that ensued. We would meet as a team of 50-employees every morning to boast of our wins and plan for the next celebration. On weekends and evenings we were usually busy at city-wide and station events, fighting to maintain our market reputation as the best. Winning the Bed Race suddenly became the most important thing in life – losing was unforgivable!

If there was anything that I was good at – it was running fast. Sprints and dashes were my forte – forget long distance. One of my responsibilities as a new employee of the radio stations was to help them win the Three Rivers Festival Bed Race. If you’re not familiar, it’s simply a bed on wheels with push bars behind and on both sides of the frame. The lightest of us lays on a queen-sized mattress while five others push relentlessly towards the finish line. It’s like the start of a bobsled race as the team rocks the frame back and forth on the blades to get everyone in sync as the starter’s pistol goes off. As I grabbed the bar on Tinker’s carriage this morning and started to push, it took me back to that first Bed Race moment over 35-years ago.

Tinker, our 100-year old Schnauzer, had nothing to fear as we started this morning’s “Schnauzerthon.” There is no speed left in these legs, just as Tinker’s legs are starting to fail her. She limps instead of runs and this is why we invested in the stroller. We let her out to do her business along the way, while my wife and I take turns with our younger schnauzer Tally on a leash, and with pushing the Air-Buggy holding 26-pound Tinker. It’s the latest in weekend workout routines for us. Other dogs seem jealous of Tinker’s new status and want a carriage of their own. As I pushing from behind, I could imagine Tinker in her pajamas, wearing a sleep-stocking-cap just like the rider we once easily propelled to victory in the Three Rivers Festival Bed Race.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Twist #618

August 5, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Yesterday’s “Schnauzerthon”post (See #617), took on a new twist this morning. My wife and I went to the Soulful Giving Concert yesterday to benefit the Yoshida Foundation. It was a beautiful afternoon and evening with friends that involved several cover bands including Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and Journey along with other groups that played Top 40 hits from the 80’s. We sat in lawn chairs under cover of the VIP tent, had a great lunch provided by several local restaurants, and enjoyed wine and of course the music. Part of the event was a silent auction that kept us engaged most of the day, and we ended up with a dog stroller for our aging pup, Tinker. Our friends bought a wicker picnic basket ensemble that we’ll all hopefully get some use out of on our frequent trips to wine country. We’ll all be together next weekend again at another outdoor, afternoon fundraiser, Polo Noir. It will feature “Nacho,” the polo “god” and the music of The Head and the Heart. Thankfully, there will be no silent auction to further drain our retirement savings.

From the minute we walked into the silent auction tent yesterday afternoon, my wife had her eye on this Air Buggy dog stroller, and frequently updated her bid while the bands played on. Our 100-year old schnauzer, Tinker has struggled on our last couple of weekend exercise outings that I just yesterday dubbed as “Schnauzerthons.” I run, my wife walks, and our two schnauzers get an hour-long airing each weekend morning to break-up their lazy condo-living routines. That all changed with the winning silent auction bid, as Tinker got to ride in her new Air Buggy rather than walk on sore feet this morning. Her schnauzer sister Tally I’m sure was envious, as she seemed even less anxious to run with me. I looped-back several times in an effort to coax her to join me in a sprint. Instead, she seemed even more protective of the pack and refused my invitations by sitting down to anchor any forward movement. I left her with my wife and took Tinker on a fast-paced buggy ride. Her ears were pinned-back by the wind just like when she was able to run, and I’m sure there was a grin on her face. This was the newest twist to the “Schnauzerthon,” that adds a little resistance to my run, especially on those up-hill segments. I do, however, feel a little silly pushing a dog in a stroller.

It’s like a fancy convertible, and looks far superior to the other baby strollers in the park. Tinker gets to sit up high and look down on even some of the tallest dogs in the park. Because of her appropriate nick-name, “The Poopingest Pup on the Planet,” we did have to stop on several occasions so she could do her stinky business. My wife apparently already recognizes her signals to “pull-over,” and we carefully lifted the princess in and out of her carriage, that comes equipped with a multitude of pockets to hold extra doggy-bags. I couldn’t help but notice the smug look on her face that erased the usual grimace of arthritic pain. My wife also felt like she got a better work-out since she could walk at a faster pace and enjoyed the resistance of the stroller as 26-pound Tinker’s primary limo driver. It was Good-Old-Tinker’s lucky day with new wheels thanks to my wife’s generosity, and the beginning of new “Schnauzerthon” twists and challenges that might be easier now that we’ve filled the tires with air.

Creature Features: Schnauzerthon #617

August 4, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

While many active adults spend their weekend mornings running in races to collect medals & t-shirts, we do a “Schnauzerthon” first-thing each Saturday and Sunday. Those of you familiar with Triathlons and Marathons may not be have heard of this particular event because I just made it up. A “Schnauzerthon” consists of at least two schnauzers and two people walking and running together for about an hour. You simply hop out of bed, put on some tennis shoes, do some stretching, grab some extra doggy-bags, leash-up the pups, and head out the door. The dogs are usually more excited to go than you are, but all of you may quickly lose interest. Our schnoodle-schnauzer, Tinker, is a bit gimpy in her old age and walks slowly, while Tally, at nearly half of Tinker’s age, is much more adventuresome. However, Tally has recently slowed to match Tinker’s pace in an effort to keep the pack together. She is content only when the four of us are all safely within her sight while she guides us along the route. She also likes to blaze her own trail rather than just follow along, so that she can be “the leader of the pack.”

With my current running streak at 3,506 consecutive days, I need to get in at least a continuous mile of running every day, so the “Schnauzerthon” is a compromise. My wife wants to move along at a brisk walking pace, and the dogs certainly need the exercise, so we all benefit from this activity. I will run ahead and then loop-back to take the leash of Tally to give her a chance to run with me. Tinker once was part of this exchange, but she can no longer keep up with my “blistering” pace. Tally is definitely ADHD, often stopping for smells, other dogs, squirrels, birds, and any other little distraction. I use a retractable leash because she will also suddenly halt if we get too far separated from the pack, and a whip-lash effect will literally stop me in my tracks as she stubbornly sits down on the pavement. While Tally is “running” with me, I’m constantly changing direction trying to keep her moving. I have the most success after taking the leash from my wife by back-tracking so that Tally has to run to try to catch-up with them. Also, if she can chase another runner or dog that is in front of us, she will actually pull me forward, despite her small size. I guess we all need that carrot of motivation.

After I complete my three-plus miles of running, I will then grab both dogs and walk them home. My wife will take an extra lap around the park at a much faster pace to make up for Tinker’s slowness, and will eventually join us for the home-stretch. At that point, Tally is relieved that the pack is back together. As we separate from my wife, she tends to drop behind me with her head twisted backwards, looking for any signs of her missing master. She does the same thing when my running path loops behind the three of them. My most important responsibility on the “Schnauzerthon” is to take any full bags of poop from my wife for proper disposal. Since we own Tinker, “The Poopingest Pup on the Planet,” this is a constant duty that I must fulfill along the route. Just doing my doggy-dooty. (See Post #501).

As you can clearly see, the “Schnauzerthon” would be a tough challenge for any great athlete. It involves miles of quick turns, sudden loops, leash exchanges, and varying paces. On some occasions, I have a leash in one hand, an on-coming dog, and a heavy poop bag in the other hand. Other times, it may be just a poop bag in each hand and only a hill to climb. There is stop-and-go, followed by jumping over a twisted dog leash, or untangling one from around a mailbox or tree. Our former dog, Belle, would wrap herself intentionally around anything just to get out of running with me. Both Tinker and Tally used to “run like the wind,” with tongues hanging out and ears flapping in the breeze. Anymore, it’s just to chase a squirrel, and Tinker has a hard time now even seeing them.

Creature Features: Steroid Sandwich #616

August 3, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Our 100-year old dog, Tinker, is feeling better after a steroid sandwich every morning. Over the past year, we’ve tried a number of medications to ease the discomfort of arthritis. As in her feet. As a much younger 66, I can certainly relate to the aches and pains every morning and the need for regular doses of Aspirin. Tinker would resist each time I tried to take her outside to do her business, but with the title of “The Poopingest Pup on the Planet” she would eventually slowly limp down the driveway and sidewalks to a grassy spot. This had escalated to the point where we’ve had to leave her behind on some of our long weekend walks. Watching her awkward movements was as if every step was like walking on hot coals. We tried mild doses of pain relievers and even CBD oil until we finally decided to use Prednisone, an oral corticosteroid used to suppress inflammation. We’d been debating about using it for some time, but were concerned about side-effects. (See Schnauzer on Steroids Post #67). What happens to the “Poopingest Pup on the Planet,” when her urges are more frequent and deposits larger? Do we have enough Spot Shot in the house to clean any soiled spots on the carpeting? Fortunately, most of our floors are wood or tile.

My wife’s long-time, Chow companion, Belle, had temporary problems with an uncontrollable bladder when she first tried Prednisone. She would drink excessive amounts of water and have to go out in the middle of the night. I did not want to repeat this experience with Tinker. Our first step for Tinker’s discomfort was Cortisone that proved to be successful temporarily. After an injection of this “wonder drug,” she was bounding up steps again, but it never lasted for more than a week. Additional injections were unfortunately less effective. I prefer injections with Tinker because she fights off any attempt to take pills. Between her allergies, infections, and pain medication, we were forcing pills down her throat regularly. At first, I tried to hide them in her food, but she would spit them out and eventually stopped eating – a major sacrifice considering her voracious appetite.

To solve this pill ingesting dilemma we tried Pill Pockets, hiding them in turkey slices, and covering them with honey or peanut butter. Just when you thought you had solved the problem, a rejected pill would show up on the floor. It was frustrating for both of us, until we discovered her love of Tillamook cheese. My wife was buying these snack packets to put in the lunch she packs every morning. They are 1/4″ thick slices that are soft enough to allow you to press a pill in the surface and then fold it over like a sandwich. The pill will not fall out and is cleverly concealed enough that even a dog this smart has not figured out its hidden secret. The cheese must also disguise the bitter flavor of the pill because she gobbles down this “steroid sandwich” every morning without hesitation. The other half of the cheese goes to her Schnauzer sister, Tally, so they both get an extra treat as my wife heads out to work with her cheese snack.

After her first week on Prednisone, Tinker seems to be smiling again. Say Cheese…. Hopefully, she’ll join us tomorrow for a long walk. The medication also seems to have relieved some of her incessant itching that we treat with another drug called Apoquel. Apparently, you can’t mix the two. Apoquel is very expensive, so it would be great if the steroid works for both, but that might be too good to be true. Pet.Vet.Debt. Tinker does seem to be panting a bit more, drinking more water, and seeks a grassy spot with more urgency when I take her out, but thankfully sleeps soundly overnight. She still needs help getting up on the couch, in the car, and into our bed, so no miracles of returning to puppy-hood have occurred so far. However, with a few more cheesy “steroid sandwiches” maybe we’ll get a glimpse of her good old days.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Thirsty #602

July 20, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It was a cool 48 degrees outside this morning when I started my run, so the warm sunshine felt good on my face as it popped up over the surrounding hills. I like the sensation of cold air in my lungs, reminiscent of the ski slopes. I was a bit hungover from last night’s Outstanding in the Field dinner at Archery Summit. The long table for about 200 of us was set in the midst of a vineyard overlooking the distant mountains, and the wine was flowing. One of my wife’s co-workers and husband-to-be from Austin are in town for a long weekend, and they had planned around attending this event. We will go to their wedding in a few months, returning to the Lonestar State for the first time since we moved to Portland. It’s been Texas-like hot here the past week or so, but more comfortable temperatures settled-in last night.

I’m looking forward to today’s “Leadership Luncheon,” a “tongue-in-cheek” title I’ve given to our end-of-week get-together at Buffalo Wild Wings. At one time in my business career, I used to attend Leadership brainstorming breakfasts and luncheons where we would offer solutions to city problems. The retirement version is much less serious and usually involves some day drinking. It will be an early start today because of the Cubs vs. Cardinals game on the big screens. There may be four of us today, which qualifies it more as a “conference.” If five or more show up, it’s a “convention.” The term “tongue-in-cheek” is a variation of biting one’s tongue to keep from laughing. Laughter is what “Leadership Meetings” are all about when you’re retired, like the majority of the attendees.

After running, my morning ritual currently involves watching the Tour de France coverage, trying to remember how long it has been since I’ve been on a bicycle. There’s one in the garage with a flat tire. I do have a tight-fitting rider’s jersey that I bought promoting the Ravenswood Winery racing team from Napa Valley wine country, keeping with the eating and drinking theme of today’s blog. I do have several friends that take their riding seriously, but I haven’t ridden competitively since Indiana University’s Little 500 back in 1972. That’s only 45 years ago and another reminder that my 50th high school reunion is coming up next year. This is probably why genealogy has become a recent fascination.

I took the pups on a car ride yesterday to break-up their daily routine a bit. Tinker has trouble getting in and out of the car, but her ears still perk-up at the mention of the word “ride.” It’s right up there with “hungry” and “go.” Younger Tally gets stuck in the back seat, particularly if I don’t have the elevated bed set up. Today will undoubtedly be a convertible day. Yesterday, we went to the library to pick up some more Ken Burns’ DVD documentaries. In retirement, I do make every effort to balance watching sports with continued education. The Central Park Five along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony will be next week’s history lessons. I’ve watched over 25 of his productions since I’ve retired, starting with Baseball, and have enjoyed the diverse nature of each and every one. (See Post #430). I guess I’m also thirsty for knowledge.

Creature Features: Bang! #588

July 4, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Creatures of any kind do not like loud noises so I was pleased to see that the country of Italy was touting “silent fireworks” to reduce animal stress during this year’s celebrations. Obviously, they are not celebrating Independence Day today as we are in America, but rather Liberation Day on April 25. For Germany it’s May 23, the United Kingdom May 1, Greece Feb. 3, Portugal June 24, and Turkey Oct. 29, just a few of the occasions around the world for lighting firecrackers and scaring pets & small children. Our two schnauzers, Tinker and Tally, are wearing festive red, white, & blue collars in anticipation of the big bang.

Tinker will probably not hear the bottle rockets, M-80’s, and roman candles that are inevitable in the neighborhood tonight. We intend to drive downtown for the Blues Festival fireworks that we’ll be observing from a quieter distance, so both dogs will probably ride along. Tally freaks at any loud noise, so she’ll probably be on my wife’s lap. Frankie our cat will be hiding under the bed, as she does every day. Of all the pets we’ve owned together, my wife’s first dog Belle was the most sensitive to noise and usually required some sedation. Like Tinker, as she got older her hearing began to fade and the Fourth became less frightening. We would later discover through X-rays that there was a “BB” lodged in her leg, so at some point prior to adoption, she was shot. As a result, she would always associate fireworks with pain.

I would prefer quiet tonight, but there were times in my life when I enjoyed making things explode. (See Post #107) We would also make frequent stops in Tennessee on our way home from Florida to buy legal fireworks, and illegally bring them into Indiana for Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve fun. I used to collect colorful firecracker labels like Black Cat, Dixie Boy, Lion, Silver Bird, Double Dragon, and Lone Eagle, and would display them on a bulletin board to show-off their unique oriental designs. It’s ironic that most of the brands featured animals that we now realize are the biggest victims of the noise. Fireworks were not the only insensitive thing that I did as a young boy, but at least now I’ve outgrown it. Anymore, firecrackers are nothing but dangerous noise pollutants.

Prepare your pets for a noisy night, and be thoughtful of those who earned us Freedom. Our soldiers and Veterans have made it possible for this night of celebration. However, the sounds of fireworks probably only remind them of the terror that they faced in battle. They fought for peace and instead we honor them with loud noise. “Thank you for your Service” is the only noise that I want to make tonight. Happy Fourth, and may your pets be safe on the Fifth.

Retirement is not without Hassles: My Life by the alphabet: #586

July 3, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

If I had to describe my life alphabetically, this would be my answer:

A Adam my only son; A- blood type; Albion College Sigma Chi; 5-year Austin resident; Alpha Media President’s Club

B Banister at birth; Burt my dad; Baseball cards; Burger Chef & B.J. Thompson; Blue Blazers; Beardsley Bombers

C Certification with RAB & IAB; mother Cathy; NewsCenter 17; ACBJ Chairman’s Club; Colts; Coverdale Lake

Dee loving wife of now 17 years; Daytona 500 w/grand kids; Detroit Marathon; Diet Coke; George Dickel; Disney

E Eliza, my daughter-in-law; Elkhart High School graduation; Eagle Lake; Ernie Banks; Ford Edsel

F France trips, Future European travel, Final Fours, and World Series Finals

G Gavyn my first and only Grandson; Greek Parthenon visitor

H Homes in Indy, Sarasota, Edwardsburg, Union, Zionsville, Decatur, Austin, and Portland; Hall of Ivy

I Italy, my favorite country to visit; Indiana born Hoosier; Indy 500 team member; Indy Ad Club President

J Johnston name for life at adoption; Judy, my sister’s name; johnstonwrites.com

K Kitties named Marilee, Macey, Dimey, & Frankie; KXL, KINK, KXTG, KUFO, KUPL, KBFF, WE 96.3; Kidney Stones

L Lin Television retirement pension, Love of sports; Sherm Lollar; Lake Decatur; Lookwell Dairy; Limoges Boxes

M Megan & Miranda step-daughters, Granddaughter Maddux; Marriott Rewards; Middlebury Independent; Mustang

N Nora Grace my youngest Granddaughter born this year; North Side Junior High; No Alaska or Maine

O Over 40 years in the media business including agency, radio, digital, newspaper, magazine, & TV

P Politics, religion, & Bobby Knight not to be discussed; Portland current home; Poet; John Purdue Club

Q Quit working last year to retire at 65; Qualified blog writer

R Running Streak of 10 years; FOX 12 Hood to Coast Relayteam; Reggie Miller Pacers fan; Rice Krispies; Roxie

S Schnauzers: Gizmo, Tinker, Tally, and Roxie; States lived: Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Oregon. Sherm Lollar fan.

T Toastmaster’s DTM, TV GM; Travel enthusiast; Toyota Solara; Taylor Univ. Jr. BB camp; Timbers; Top Dog Award

U University of Indiana (IU) diploma; Ukulele player wanna-be

V Viking Cruises to Normandy, Athens, and soon Egypt; Volcano Pizza

W World cruise on bucket list; White Sox, Bears & Cubs; WYEZ, WTRC, WIBC radio; WISH, WLFI, WAND TV

X-Wife Marcia of 27 years

Y is for Yesterday the last book that my favorite author Sue Grafton wrote as part of her alphabet series

Z Zanna my 96-year old Mother-in-Law

Creature Features: CBD #579

June 27, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

CBD Oil is quickly becoming a popular pain and anxiety remedy, even with pets. We were concerned about putting our schnauzer Tinker on steroids to relieve her joint pain, as her abilities to maintain mobility has further declined in recent months. Cortisone seemed to provide temporary help but an injection would only last for a week. We were thinking about Prednisone, but my wife’s dog Belle, who passed away years ago, had to relieve her bladder frequently, leading to several unfortunate accidents. Tinker is already the “Poopingest Pup on the Planet,” so we weren’t exactly excited about adding any more Pees to her title. There have been a few accidental discharges of poop, but for the most part she has been able to wait. Also, she’s learned to confine these misfires to our tile floors. This was not the case in her early years, as she came to us without proper potty training and ruined several areas of carpeting. We do not want a relapse in this form of behavior.

Before we take this serious steroid step, we decided to try CBD oil. So far, it’s made her so calm that we sometimes have to carry her out the door. We cut back a bit on the dosage, but she apparently is still too stoned to care about going outside. She does not like to walk down the rough stone bumps that form the steep incline of our driveway, and likes to scrape her itchy butt against its surface. It’s almost like we have to drag her to the smooth pavement of the street below. In the meantime, Tally our other schnauzer is already half way down the street, while their leashes are stretched out to the max in both directions. A passing motorcyclist or pedestrian would need to worry about being clothes-lined. Tinker must really enjoy being dragged down our driveway, and continues to scoot her rear-end along the street, or pause frequently to itch, as we lead her to that grassy target of bladder relief. She’s very good at controlling her water intake during the day, so often the five times a day that we take her outside is just too much anymore. However, she still manages to poop on almost every trip, maintaining her “Poopingest Pup on the Planet” reputation. We’re not sure where it all comes from, since she only weighs 26 pounds.

If the CBD experiment eventually works for her, I may try it myself, since several of our friends have found some benefits in its use. Tally could probably use some calming, as well. She pulls us along on the leash anytime she’s free of the house. Tinker just can’t keep up anymore, so I see separate walks in their future. Tinker has just passed one-hundred dog years in the past few months, so to presume her to be pup-like anymore is beyond anyone’s expectations, with the exception of her prolific pooping power.

Retirement is not without Hasssles: Family Ties #557

June 9, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

“And they’re off!” Appropriate words on the day when Justified wins the Triple Crown. Instead, they signify the beginning of another adventure as we travel back home again to Indiana. This time, however, we fly into St. Louis instead of Chicago O’Hare or Indianapolis. We’ll spend the night there and drive through Illinois tomorrow, arriving in the Hoosier state in time for dinner with my wife’s mother.

We already went through the “you’re on vacation while it’s just another day for me” discussion, as my wife gets a well-deserved week off from work. She got through last week by dreaming of the Viking Ultimate World Cruise. We can only hope that this incentive lasts four more years until she joins me in retirement.

I’m sure she would rather be traveling elsewhere – say Bali. These quarterly visits to her home town eat up most of her vacation time at considerable expense. Only my sister, her kids, and grandchildren are left for me to visit, but mostly we stay in touch by phone. There just isn’t enough time to cover all our bases in the state, so I try to get with them for Christmas each year. They are celebrating the high school graduation of my nephew’s step-daughter this weekend. They are all growing up fast.

The Midwest tour will include a trip to my 96-year old mother-in-law’s doctor, a visit with my newborn great nephew, a couple of nights with my brother & sister-in-law, lunches & dinners with friends, some research on my birth mother’s family, and a Cubs vs. Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.

Our pets are home with a house sitter. Tinker our 100-year old schnauzer a.k.a “the poopingist pup on the planet,” was left pouting on the rug in my office as we tried to sneak our luggage out to the car. Tally, her younger sister, will like the attention and exercise she’ll get in our absence. Her eye is healing thanks to steroids, and we’re thankful that the biopsy proved benign. Otherwise, she might have become a Pirate dog sporting an eye-patch. AARRRRR….

It’s Father’s Day tomorrow, and I will probably hear from my son who lives in Florida. He’s busy with a new baby that I won’t see until our next trip to Illinois in two months. Hopefully, she won’t be graduating from high school in a blink of an eye. We’ll all meet at Wrigley Field, a sacred spot for my son and I. We took my grandson there when he was a baby, and my granddaughter a few years later. My son’s wife is from Chicago so they happen to be visiting for their annual vacation.

Keeping up with family is our greatest challenge. Only my wife’s eldest daughter lives nearby in Portland, while her youngest daughter is in D.C. I’m stopping over to meet my granddaughter in Chicago on the way to shake hands with a man who may soon become my (step) son-in-law. We’ll all have dinner in DC before they come to Portland for a wedding. It’s all part of the engagement process, or at least we hope.

So, we’re off for another “Planes, Trains, and Automobile” experience. “Back Home Again in Indiana,” where my wife and I met and had our children. Now, everyone is spread out all over the country, and we look for opportunities to get together as a family. It’s hard to believe that I’m actually trying to add a birth mother and other potential dna-based cousins to an already overwhelming puzzle of relatives. I don’t even have time to stay in touch with the Indiana cousins from the parents who adopted me 66 years ago, except through Facebook. Oh, the family ties that bind me!