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Time and time again
Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 11:44AM 
Oh hey.
I'd ask where the time has gone but I've an idea you're asking yourself the same thing.
All last week I meant to tell you about my Mother's Day, and inquire about yours.
Then came Loretta.
LoLo, I call her.
No. All evidence to the contrary, we did not obtain another dog.
I did, however, sign up and train to volunteer at -- and become a foster for -- a local nonprofit no-kill animal shelter.
It happened when I took Javier's stuff that another small dog could maybe enjoy (everything except his teal crate which he used for his entire life, and which still bears the scars of his puppy chewing on its sides), and donated it to said shelter.
The folks there were glad to get Javier's wee stainless steel dishes in their black wrought iron holder, his barely-used red collar and matching harness, his pedi-paws manicure doohickey, some of his meds (which were store-bought and still fresh) and even a substantial amount of Purina Dog Chow Little Bites, which I'd purchased only days before he stopped eating.
They were even glad to get the tiny newborn diapers I'd used on him (with limited success) toward the end.
I should have just turned around and walked out of the lobby after making my generous donation.
But then I spotted a dog. Out of the corner of my eye. A really really sweet dog which from my vantage point looked like a spaniel puppy.
To make a long tail tale short, I signed up to help. Now I take pictures of dogs and cats for the web site, and I agreed to foster a pet-in-waiting whenever I could.
First up, Loretta. She's turned out to be the female equivalent of Rambo: simply one of the most precious dogs that could ever be devised or imagined, by anyone. Like Rambo, she may very well be a dog angel.
LoLo is obedient and only wants love and to have fun. Lots and lots of hugs, kisses, licking your face and romping around the yard (but only if you're right there watching), sniffing the fragrant air, gnawing on sticks and pine cones.
She adores plant life. I even offered her a moist ruby-red rose petal and she ate it with great enthusiasm.
LoLo's a love. I am glad she's not available for adoption by me -- I don't need the temptation -- as she is slated to be shipped up north to a shelter there, where they have spay-neuter laws and therefore need more adoptable pets.
I'll have her until this Friday and after that, I'm not sure what I'll do with myself. Probably listen more to Dagny, who is talking a blue streak. A blue streak with a southern accent.
But meanwhile, oh my goodness, what a time we had for Mother's Day.
On the Saturday, we all -- Greg, me, Erica, Audrey, and Dagny -- trooped up to Greenville for lunch and a visit with my mother and sister, as well as various other assorted beloved relatives.
Before we left, roses were delivered. To me from my son. What a thrill that was because not only is it an eternally beautiful gesture, but the flowers themselves were some of the prettiest I'd ever seen.
Lunch was in progress at my mother's table a few hours later when with no warning whatsoever, Andrew walked in and asked if he could get something to eat.
Yes. He drove to Greenville from Knoxville to surprise me and us all. And we were so surprised, and I love love love surprises (the good kind) and so it was just a moment.
Later as we sat around visiting and opening our presents (we exchange gifts between all mothers and daughters -- and even some others, just for fun -- on this holiday, and it is awesome) and drinking coffee, my mother went to her door.
And she came back with a large box. A mysterious box. We were sufficiently agog as she pronounced that she believed it was something "for all of us" and worked with her scissors to reveal the secret contents.
So guess what? It turned out to be two big boxes of Shari's Berries -- you know, those massive chocolate-covered strawberries -- and they had been sent to us ladies by ...
... Greg! My TG did that. He stepped up to the plate and hit it into the middle of Waveland Avenue with the bases loaded. For his efforts he received applause, shouts of approval, and hugs and kisses. Plus he helped eat the strawberries.
We were ecstatic. Out came clean plates and more coffee. You know we chowed on them thangs. They were excellent.
It was so special.
Back home and after church the next day, the girls and Andrew (he came on to Columbia with us, for the weekend) were at our house for lunch, and there were gifts from my kids.
I had asked for a berry colander and Erica gave me one in creamy-white ceramic. Stephanie had sent me two more charms for my clear-glass locket: a hummingbird and a Nikon camera, tiny but detailed. Audrey gave me a bottle of perfume I'd been hankering for. And there was a balloon, and of course my roses.
And such lovely cards. Oh and a gift certificate to my favorite nail salon, for a luxurious pedicure.
It was quite a time. I'm so glad we are into celebrating. Making a big deal out of it. Life is short long and too full of heartache, not to take advantage of every possible joy-filled moment.
And that is all for now.
=0=0=0=
Happy Tuesday
Reader Comments (14)
What a joy-filled post, from LoLo to roses to strawberries to family gatherings. I liked seeing Dagny's gorgeous little face. She's clasping her hands and giving a demure smile like a real Southern lady. I was away from family over Mothers Day but got many phone greetings and am still receiving some mailed surprises. You're right, Jenny - try to enjoy every lovely moment!
@Barb ... you're so good at that. I am already get-into-the-moment prone but I have learned so much from you. God bless xoxo
We need to celebrate every Holiday and some just plain Saturday/Sunday get-to-gethers!
My friend started fostering doggies after hers died. She knew she didn't need another life-time pet and does enjoy the taking care of the fosters. I don't know where Dagny got her name, but she is the cutest little thing!!!
@Judy ... fostering will be a great way for me to "scratch the itch," I think. I don't want to lay another dog to rest. But dogs are just so much fun. I agree about making everyday occasions interesting and memorable, turning ordinary moments into precious ones. They are all irreplaceable so we may as well make the most of them. Dagny got her name from Dagny Taggart, spirited heroine of the book "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. Audrey, Dagny's mom, loves the book. Dagny's middle name, Clare, was inspired by Clare Boothe Luce, a noted conservative stateswoman and wife of Henry Luce, who founded Time magazine. Both Clare and Henry, along with Clare's daughter, Ann Clare Brokaw, and Clare's mother, Ann Clare Austin, are buried in Moncks Corner, South Carolina -- on the grounds of the monastery known as Mepkin Abbey, no less -- and we have visited their graves. xoxo
you are so right, life is too short and filled with too many "issues"
Awww! Hooray for LoLo! I'm glad you are enjoying her and I know she couldn't have found a better home to stay for a short while.
I loved reading about your Mother's Day. Those men of yours really hit a home run with the special surprises. I know that spending time together is such a treat too.
PS - I can't believe how Dagny is growing. What a darling girl!
@Irene ... that it certainly is. xoxo
@Mari ... Dagny is SO big! I keep forgetting I haven't shown her to y'all in a while. And I wish you could hear her talk. I know you get it, what with Ruby also becoming such a big girl. Precious times. xoxo
What a heart-warming read❤️ I'm so glad you had such a lovely Mother's Day!
@Anna ... Thanks my dear friend. I hope your day was lovely too. You were on my mind and in my thoughts and prayers. As always. xoxo
What a great post! Just what I needed this morning. LoLo is such a cutie. I would snap her right up if I could! Sounds like you had a fantastic Mother's Day. I, too, love surprises. The good kind, of course! Dagny is such a little cutie. I so enjoy seeing your pictures of her!
So glad to know how Dagny got her name; it's beautiful and the thinking behind it so special. She's a doll baby, and yes has grown so much since I saw her last. She's so precious.
I really enjoyed reading about your mother's day festivities! And, good for you, Jenny for being a foster. I'm sure there are so, so many dogs that could use that. We can't do it, at this time, because of Hopper Henry. He's starting to act his age at 12.
Love ya!
@Heather ... I'm so glad you stopped by. I am going to miss my LoLo, that's for sure. And Dagny is even cuter in person, if you can believe that. xoxo
@Sally ... haaaaha Hopper Henry. I'd like to sit down and have a convo with him. xoxo
Was thinking about you lately and have only now taken a minute to say hello. I had David Smith and his wife and daughter as guests last week and of course, we "remembered" the old days of school with his dad and you and the Mr.
I am so happy that you had a beautiful Mother's Day. I too, had a surprise visit from my youngest son Max on Mothers Day. (he lives in Detroit - an engineer) I must admit it was the best gift that i have ever received. He had called, in hopes to be the first of the boys to wish it, and after we hung up i went upstairs to dry my hair and 20 minutes later i heard commotion at the front door and there he stood, in all his glory - with his girlfriend. There is something about seeing the face of your child and not expecting it. Pure love!
Love to that whole big family from me.
sal
Awww! SO glad he got to come for a visit! I think you needed it...very much!
Happy belated Mother's Day friend!
hughugs