We said goodbye to our beautiful Beorn on Columbus Day, 2023. The hole in our hearts is massive, but we remember Beorn with great fondness, and are pleased to have loved such a gentle giant.
Beorn Is Dying
We’ve been on a pseudo-vacation for a couple weeks with the dogs (more on that later). When we came home we took Beorn to the vet for some tests, as he’s been having trouble breathing. The tests showed that Beorn has a cancerous tumor in his lung(s). We’re meeting with the vet today to sort things out, including possible treatments. This is sad news. We love Beorn tremendously, as we do all our dogs, and …
The Oldest Conspiracy Theory
“They want us to think it’s all down there,” he said with disdain in his voice. “What?” I asked. “The crust. The mantle. The molten core. All of it.” “Oh! You mean the Earth!” I said, catching up. “You’re talking about what’s down there below the surface and all?” “What they want us to believe is down there, you mean,” he corrected. He kept saying things like that. As though knowledge was some great secret …
Welcome to Lovely Smokane!
After a relatively calm summer for this region, the wildfires finally struck last Friday. Dry late-summer conditions and high winds combined to form the perfect combination for wildly destructive firestorms. All that was required was a spark. Which – I assume – some people helpfully supplied. I “assume” because the fires are still being fought and the causes have not been determined. However, there were no obvious natural causes; no thunderstorms; no volcanic eruptions; no …
Music Makes a Difference
I’m not a musician, but this is how music woke me up to a big amazing world and made me a better visual artist.
Sleeping Arrangements
Our friends looked at us in shock when we told them of our sleeping arrangements. Previously, the only decision regarding sleeping arrangements in our house had to do with who spoons who. That was until we started letting the dogs sleep on the bed with us. After that, there was no spooning. In fact there was no room for any utensils. Frankly, I do miss the forking. We’re accustomed to strange looks when people learn …
PRIDE and Pity
I was going to wait until next year to purchase a new computer. That was when I thought Apple would announce new models of the Mac Studio (my preferred desktop). But they announced new models in early June, and immediately the prices dropped for last year’s model. So I pulled the trigger a year early, saving roughly $600. The computer arrived last week. I’ve been working on moving my files and apps from the old …
Tower Rock – CDA
My latest graphite drawing of a rock formation in North Idaho I’ve been enjoying for years.
How Nuclear War Nearly Ruined My Anniversary
It was late September, 2022. The Missus, the dogs, and I were camping in Farragut State Park in northern Idaho. The weather was beautiful with warm days and cool nights that herald the approach of fall and the reluctant passing of summer. We were there to enjoy nature and celebrate our 30th anniversary. On that day, we decided to drive to the east side of the lake, looking for a way to an isolated campground …