Look up!

The summer is upon us.  Here comes the sunburns, loud music and lake life.  It's time that we hit the water and sit by the campfires...play volley ball, cruise with the top down and rejoice in the freedoms the outdoor gives us.  Wouldn't it be nice to NOT be tied down to an electronic device?  Actually visit with the people that are with you instead of the ones on your friends list?  Your youth is leaving you... One day at a time... And before you know it these summer days will be gone.. And years from now you won't remember it because you seldom, if ever, looked up.

I am invoking a new rule at my house.  When more than one is present and wanting to visit... NO cell phones or any other electronic device that holds your attention hostage will not be allowed.  I will place a basket by the front door with a note that tells them to surrender it or I will zap it in the microwave!  Okay maybe not the microwave but it will get ugly!  Make the effort to enjoy your surroundings and the people you have in your life right now!  Live in the moment and be grateful that you have friends outside of social media, not everyone does!

We Were His Forever Home

He bed hopped all night and slept with anyone that would let him on thier bed.  He loved our back yard in Guymon that over looked the park.  He would chase the squirrels until he almost caught one and decided he really had no idea what to do with a squirrel.

As a puppy he was a chick magnet at the ball park for Tanner.  He was glad to help... he got lots of attention helping Tanner met girls.  He was on a monthly grooming schedule and strutted his stuff after a visit... but gave me the stink eye when I took him to his appointments.

If we went out of town he would snub us for hours when we got back.  So mad at us for not taking him.

He always had his independence with the convenience of a doggy door.  Coming and going as he please.  He loved not having to ask or wait.

He was 9, when we got Belson, and he became a big brother.  He was extremely annoyed and bothered by the hyperness of a new puppy.    Just when he was getting use to a quiet house with Tanner and Katie both moved away to college, Belson became his new playmate.  We think that Belson kept him young.

Over the last few years of his life, he became the old dog.  Sleeping all the time and not wanting to be bothered much.  Occasionally he would play, but not often.  His tail hadn't been held up in years and  we noticed that he stared off into the distance.

He got to where he couldn't hear or see.  And he became dependent on us to help him outside and bring him back in.  He was letting us know he was ready to say goodbye.

So after 15 years I fixed him a steak dinner and gave him two chocolate chip cookies.  Katie came over and loved on him and took pictures.  Matthew came over too and loved on him, telling him goodbye.

Dennis, Tanner and I were with him when he fell asleep.  He was ready.  He had been loyal to us and loved all of us his whole life.  We were his forever home.

Alex years ago getting loved on my Katie while Belson waited for his turn

Taking a nap on the back patio 

When we brought Belson home.

Alex reading a book. :)