This is a calendula that we bought from the herb man at the Jester Festival last weekend. (Yeah, I know, it looks a lot like that zinnia I posted about a week ago!) We got two of them -- I put one in the garden and one in a pot in case the garden specimen gets devoured by slugs. Hasn't happened yet, which is a good sign.
We have finally reached the point where all our July social and political obligations have been fulfilled. Now we're just biding our time until we take off tomorrow for Southeast Asia. It still doesn't seem real to me. I haven't even started to pack, but I'm thinking about what to pack -- so I suppose I've started mentally.
Yesterday I never left the house. With Olga already off at her kennel, I don't even have a dog to walk!
Speaking of Olga, her kennel has a webcam feature that allows us to check in on her at any time. When I set it up yesterday, this is what I saw:
Somehow, that's not very comforting. She looks like she's not sure why she's there. That's just her "bedroom," as they call it -- she supposedly also has access to a "private, fully covered exercise area," which I think is through that little doorway at the back. As you can see, she took her bed and her Kong with her.
I think I may have to take this app off my phone. Otherwise I will be compulsively checking on Olga the whole time we're gone.
It looks like a much smaller right-wing response to Friday's anti-Trump march did indeed take place in London yesterday, but it appeared to be less about Trump and more about supporting an English far-right leader who's currently in jail. Isn't it interesting that virtually all of the demonstrators seem to be white men?
Last night we finally watched the charming movie "Lady Bird," which I really liked.
Mental packing is infinitely easier than physical packing. Always.
ReplyDeleteYes, get rid of that keeping-an-eye-on-Olga app. Remember, what the eye can't see, the heart can't grieve over.
Alphie
It is a bit late for this trip, but are you aware of businesses that run " home from home" boarding for dogs? They fit you up with someone who will have your dog in their own home. You meet up beforehand to see if you are all compatible and you can say no, and they will find someone else. Usually quite strict rules, insurance, can't have their own dog, keep dog on lead, no children etc etc. I haven't tried one yet but a friend has several times and been very happy. After the first time you can request the same home if available. A local one to us here in Herts is called " Wagging Tails". I think they cover quite a wide area.
ReplyDeleteHave great holiday. Will you be posting?
I don't think I like the kennel cam
ReplyDeleteI'd be watching it too much
"Private, fully covered exercise area" = prison yard. It's surprising that Olga isn't required to wear doggie pyjamas with an arrow pattern design.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I feel really sad looking at Olga just sitting there. How long are you gone for?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure once she gets outside with the other dogs she'll be okay but maybe it will be a good idea to take the webcam off, I know I would be checking it all the time.
Have a really lovel holiday both of you and take loads of pics.
Briony
x
I used to agonize over leaving our kids, and then after my dad's stroke I agonized over leaving him in the nursing home every minute of every day in the care of others (some of whom I did not care for at all). I learned for my sanity's sake to shut my mind off. There was nothing I could reasonably do unless there was a high chance of poor care or health issue. It took the better part of two years to reach that point, though, but the ability to do it stayed with me. Is that considered hardening one's heart? I don't know. It's the only way I could cope.
ReplyDeleteAnd with that cheerful comment, I wish you Bon Voyage! Have fun :)
Okay. I don't want to talk about Olga. That makes me sad. But yes, jenny o is right- you just have to get it out of your mind by realizing that she'll be fine and there's nothing you can do. As a human being it is your right to have adventures and travel with your husband. Good for you, good for him, good for your relationship and thus- good for Olga!
ReplyDeleteOh. I guess I did talk about her.
She will be fine, and so happy when you come back. I cannot wait to see pictures of Southeast Asia on your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat all the commenters have already said, I agree. I can't think of anything to add other than good wishes for a truly wonderful adventure and journey to southeast Asia. Looking forward to seeing what you see there.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip. It must be nice to think that you've completed the master plan for the summer.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, I'd rather not look at my dog in that sterile 'bedroom'. just remember you have trust and faith in the place or you wouldn't leave her there. and I think right-wingers are all white men because right wing is all about white on top of everyone else. the women are just too brainwashed by their religion that tells them they must submit.
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to pictures of your trip. We have not be there, and it's doubtful that we ever will, it's so far! So we'll enjoy your narrative.
ReplyDeleteNoodles! You're gonna get noodles! Have a great trip.
ReplyDeleteYou are heading off on another adventure....have a fabulous time!
ReplyDeleteI've just spent a half hour reading all the posts I missed - ha! So, gorgeous zinnia & thanks for the protest pictures!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend in Texas who boards dogs in her home - for the day, or for longer if the owners want. She posts pictures & the dogs always seem to be having a fabulous time with her chocolate lab.
Alphie: And yet mental packing is an essential first step! I think you're right about the app.
ReplyDeleteFrances: Yes, I have heard of people who dog-sit in their homes. We've had mixed results. Olga stayed with one woman once and came back with a crazy rash all over her belly -- no idea why! We would ideally love for someone to stay here with her, but those people can be hard to find -- especially in summer when all our colleagues are traveling. I hope to post. We'll see,
John: I know! It seems like a good idea until you actually SEE it.
YP: Ha! You are always so comforting, Mr. P.
E: Thank you!
Briony: I think she'll be fine once she gets settled, but yeah, it DOES look sad right now.
Jenny-O: It's always so hard. We're entitled to our lives, but at the same time, we have care-taking responsibilities. It's a tough balance!
Ms Moon: The thing is, she looks sad now, but I really DO think she'll be fine. Once she gets used to that space she'll be asleep 3/4 of the time anyway.
Colette: Yeah, she'll be CRAZY when we return! LOL
Robin: Thank you!
Red: It IS a relief to know we're on schedule! There's more to do, but that comes next month. :)
Ellen: The weird thing is, I don't think most people here in England are particularly religious overall. But I guess there are cultural norms in some communities that keep women subservient.
Allison: It IS far! We are not looking forward to the flight. But stay tuned!
Catalyst: LOTS of noodles! Fortunately, I like noodles. :)
Sharon: Thank you!
Bug: Apparently this kennel also posts pics to its Instagram feed, so I'll be watching that for evidence that Olga is having fun!