A Boy and His Dog

     He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)     When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself.     He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.     His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever—in case I need him. And I expect I will—as I always have. He is just my dog.  -Gene Hill

 While Kevin was working and attending the Big Ten tourney with buddies, I jumped on a plane and headed south for some "son time" in the sunshine.  Even just a few days of sunshine is really good for the  soul.  After spending the weekend with Eric, I realized the ONE thing he misses the most from home is....his dog.  Hence, the poem and the photos from years past.  Just looking through all the pet photos brought me joy.

Back to the weekend.  While Eric continued his hectic college schedule I watched from the sidelines as he rowed, and rowed, and then rowed some more.  While he was busy with class assignments and fraternity requirements I had time to attend a Florida Tech Athletic fundraiser called Chopper Dropper, where I saw 2000 golf balls dropped from a helicopter onto the golf course.
Unfortunately for me, my number was not on one of the closest eighteen balls, so I won zip.  It was nice being outside on a lovely evening though.  We were able to get several beach walks in, but missed the opportunity to get the boy a much needed haircut.  (He promises that Friday is the day...)  The best mom moment of the weekend was being with my son in the fresh ocean breeze on the beach at night with a million stars above us and the vast ocean before us.  I felt pure happiness, love, and peace.  It will be one of those moments I cherish forever.
Blessing abound.  Give your loved ones a hug today!

One Week Later....

With blue skies and mild temps bright little crocuses greeted me today hinting of spring!  Always makes for happy people and animals. 

Gotta love Purdue Pete!

If you have not heard the news (only if you've been living under a rock)...Indiana University Men's Basketball won the Big Ten for the first time in twenty years.  Hmmm - funny to think that my Boilermakers of Purdue have won it seven times in that time, but the local media seems to think that THIS year, it is extra special.  Oh well, I'm happy for my IU buddies, all the same.  While IU was winning the Big Ten, Kevie and I enjoyed the last home game of the year in Mackey Arena.  Senior day is always heart warming, and this year our dear family friend, Andrew, was honored during half-time for his contribution as an amazing Purdue student.  He even gave his mom roses - sweet.  It is great being a Boilermaker!
 Before arriving at Purdue, I had spent the day at the NCAA Div 3 Indoor Track and Field National Championships watching Sarah's Tufts teammates compete.  Our Jumbo Pentathlete pictured here was an All-American for the third time in her career - Congrats Jana!

As I sign off this entry, the weather has changed yet again....to snow.  Those poor little crocuses may have shown their bright colors a little too soon.

March Madness

Usually the most exciting part of March in Indiana is basketball.  While 2013 might not be our beloved Purdue Boilermaker's year for a title, we still love the game and watching Butler and even Indiana make their way through the NCAA tournament.  Of course the Big Ten tourney will offer thrilling competition next weekend.  But before all that fun starts, Mother Nature had to bless us with a wintery blast one last time (hopefully) before spring officially arrives.

The horses are extremely bored since I have them confined to the sand pad due to the shoe pulling muck everywhere else.  Leo is my tried and true helper, happy "help" me with horse management.

Arriving at my parent's home (where I was born and raised) I was prepared to do a "functional" workout to clear their driveway of this heavy snow.  At 85, my dad is still stubborn enough to do it himself, but I figured I needed a workout more than he needed to end up in the hospital.  As I took the first pass of the shovel, I was reminded of how nice Indianans are....their neighbor waved me down, telling me her plowman was heading over to do it for them.  On that note, I'll be sure to pay it forward today.  

 As I made my way around town this morning, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of this snowfall. Everyday roads had transformed into a magical sparkling world overnight.  Here is Kissel Road and the Salem Cemetery.

I hope you take the time to appreciate the beauty around you today, and have yourselves a great week!