THE AFTERMATH

 Dear Hearts and Gentle People,

Happy Canada Day and Happy Fourth of July, although I hate you 4th of July with your damned, fucking fireworks.

The girls and I thank you for the kind, loving words you wrote to us following Franklin's death. 

I don't think losing him really affected Princess. They behaved as if they were friendly acquaintances. 

It's Penelope to whom Princess gave her heart, and it's a good thing she did because Penelope has needed her friend. She misses her big brother so much. For the first couple of weeks, Penelope spent quite a bit of time on the doggy bed that Franklin favored, but she tucked herself against a corner facing the wall. When she walked across the room where we all hang out, sometimes she broke into a plaintive cry that was painful to hear. She still cries. I'm sure Penelope hopes Franklin will come home to her the way Princess returned after her training. Penelope has perked up enough, though, that she plays with Princess a bit in the back yard and in the house.                      

Not much playing goes on at this time of the summer, however. We have reached the days of temperatures in the high 90s, but it "feels like" 100 something every afternoon, and we have a thunderstorm every afternoon or evening. It's too hot and humid to exert ourselves. It's Don't Move Weather, Not Unless You're Getting Some Ice Cream. 

I don't feel well anyway. I still miss Franklin, too, and I have been ill. I won't provide info on the illness because it's definitely TMI kinda stuff. 

The debate shocked the shit out of me because Joe Biden obviously was exhausted and not feeling well, and then the news shocked me even more when loads of assholes said he should drop out of the race! Why weren't they screaming that the felon shouldn't be allowed on a stage with POTUS? The so-called moderators were too weak to confront the criminal about the lies he told, but a lot of people were happy to go after the president because he had one bad night.

I saw something that made me feel a little better––that if Alfred can't take care of the bat cave for one night that doesn't mean you should turn it over to Joker. I think Jimmy Kimmel said that. It comforted me because it's true. 

If any of you can make the fireworks go away, then please carry out your plans. You will have our thanks along with homemade cookies.               .

If any of you can make donald trump go away, then . . . I guess I'll build an altar to you, a monument or something, and I'll bake a cake for you every week, whatever kind you want. 

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug, Princess, and Penelope

If you'll click on this link, I think it will make most of you smile. I've watched it over and over and it's cheered me up.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/837812578325894/?s=single_unit&__cft__[0]=AZWRiLV25ottO0rUE8vYLLVC9qsEc1K9Dyq7yy7r_YKQ5cRSG7hW7VGZ_jWqjnS9UGDsWTyVtjZpI1CWNjFZ2z0xy_SaD9Uo1tkB2VX6hV2LdeLisvKLmv7B057McGpRRubZxv5Naa0YaaSYqlTjVpVKslgG3L0mna0kqWxhvGf_3wQkQIzWpTFkN4AHlOeIq78&__tn__=H-R

FRANKLIN FREDERICK GOLTZ 2009 (?) - 2024

 

the final photo

WHO'S ON YOUR LIST? A LOT OF THEM COME FROM PRISONS . . .

 

DREAM LOVER

 

Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

Last week I had a dream that Paul McCartney was my boyfriend. 

It wasn't Paul as he is now, though I'd take him as he is now.

It wasn't Paul when he was a Beatle, though he was adorable then. They all were.

It wasn't Paul when he was this incredibly gorgeous with a baby inside his jacket. This Paul was young and in love with Linda and taking care of their children. I would never be involved with a version of Paul who would cheat on Linda.

It was this middling Paul, after Linda had passed. This Paul was an ardent and devoted boyfriend.

In fact, he wanted to kiss me all the time. Big, wet sloppy kisses. 

After the dream drifted away and the day began, I realized this was my Paul, who must have been kissing me as I slept.

Sweet dreams, everyone. I wish you nothing but sweet dreams and slobbery kisses.

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug

HI! WE'RE STILL HERE

We'll try to be back to visit with you soon! We miss you. 

HELLO

 Hello, my friends. I'm sorry I haven't been around. I've been ill but I'm recovering and hope to visit with you again soon.

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug

THE COMMANDS OF A PRINCESS

 Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

During her training, Princess learned sit and down. Here's a picture of her obeying another one of her commands––place:

Place means that Princess is to go into a down-stay in her spot on the couch. Curtis, the trainer, says dogs love to have a job. When Princess is in place, her job is to watch what's going on around her. This spot is an especially good place because it's elevated and because of its proximity to my desk.

I love it that she heels when we go for a walk. When she sees a cat or a squirrel, she looks at it, but she doesn't pull on the leash to go after it. 

Princess knows, although sometimes I have to remind her, she is to sit before we go through a door. Whether she's in her place or in a stay in another spot, free means she's allowed to get up and do as she pleases (within reason).

I say all commands with her name first, such as Princess, place; Princess, sit.

When she disobeys or does something she shouldn't do, I'm supposed to say, Princess, no. I admit sometimes I raise my voice a wee bit and it can take more than one Princess, no to attain the desired result. If I stop petting her and she wants it to continue, she'll paw at me (or a visitor), which is not a good thing. It's annoying, and her paws are big and rough. A much bigger problem is her desperation to go out the front door with me because she wants to go for a ride in the car. Princess does not do well with place or stay if she thinks any chance of a car ride is in her future. 

I do take her in the car with me whenever possible. She's a wonderful companion. Princess can go in Lowe's with me, and sometimes we need to pick up prescriptions at the vet's office. She likes the drive-through at my pharmacy, where she often receives a compliment on her beauty and behavior.

The training has been a tremendous help, but it's a work in progress. We have to continue to practice. We'll train again soon with Curtis. 

And I'll keep telling her, Good girl, Princess. Good doggy.

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug