Walkies

I took a post-prandial ambulation today. As I walked, I got to thinking about how much things have changed in the 23 years I've lived in this house. I first got to thinking about Buttons the cat that used to live at a neighbors' house. It was a gray cat that loved to relax on their roof. I also miss the dog Frisky that used to live across the street. It was not the world's prettiest dog, but it was loyal to its owner. Then there was Skip, who was the dog on the corner. It was well trained, and would go to the edge of the yard, but knew not to step out of the yard. Its owner would do yard work, then sit on the bench under the shade of a tree, with Skip right there at his feet. He was a great dog.

Blue Eyes was another neighbor's cat, fluffy and friendly, but coyotes got to him. Wednesday was a tiny chihuahua that met an untimely end.

I noticed how big the trees have grown, ones that were just starting out when we moved here. The oak tree in our back yard was a nice tree 23 years ago, but now it is huge, and has to be trimmed back so its branches won't scrap the roof (thanks, Scott). One of the neighbors used to have a cement basket that was a planter, but the years were not kind, and it slowly fell apart. We used to have two peach trees and a redbud tree in our yard, but they too have met their end. I have even managed to somehow kill a photinia bush, which is hard to do. I seem to have a talent. :)

I also thought about all the pets we've had over the years. Daphne was my cockatiel that woke us up when we were living in the duplex that was next door to a fire. I'm eternally grateful to her. I was really sad when she passed away. Vincent was a parakeet given to us (thanks again, Scott). He was afraid of everything, but really loved his mirror. Waldo the sugar glider was funny. Jackson the bunny was so soft.

My kids have had many pets. Several fish, mice, guinea pigs, parakeets, a lovebird, a gecko, you name it. They have all been part of our family. They are all missed. But life goes on.

In My Life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6TvegK-IUE