The great escape

So. We have smart dogs. Perhaps they're smarter than we are.

Envision the four of us at S&J's cabin, which is absolutely lovely (he loves to build, she loves to decorate--it's really something!). Know also that Beloved and I are hyper-vigilant about the pups not messing it up via tiny teeth or even tinier bladders.

Finally, Beloved and I are in SUCH need of a getaway; it's been a busy, somewhat stressful summer, and we really need some quiet time.

Oh, and sleep. Did I mention sleep?

First night there, we've put Linus & Lucy's yellow and blue nylon travel kennel in the living room, outfitted it with chew toys and got them into it. We're in the bedroom, discussing whether or not to close the bedroom door (I think it'll comfort them to be able to hear us; Beloved wants not to hear THEM, just for the sake of one good night's sleep.) We close the door.

In the morning, we open the door to be greeted by a flurry of wagging tails. They've escaped. They're pleased with themselves and excited to see us.

It's cute. And there's no damage (alleluia).

Night two: we're ready for 'em. There are two zipper tabs that close the kennel. We've hooked them together with a paper clip. We're pleased with our problem-solving.

Let the tooth-brushing begin!

Five minutes later, there's the tailwagging thing again. In the bedroom, next to our bed. Really can't help but laugh. They're grinning.

Smart puppies. Tired mamas let them into the Big Bed for the duration of the trip. Much sweetness, but it's continually amazing to me just how much room a small animal can commandeer in a people-sized bed.

How do they DO that?

We got played. :-)

Friday five: my old kit bag

OK, so it's Monday. We just got back from the cabin, and this Friday Five was too appropriate NOT to play! Singing Owl writes:

We will be at a chaplain's convention when you all are answering the Friday Five Questions. I'll look forward to reading your answers next week when I get home. At the moment we are trying to get the car loaded so we can hit the road, so this will be a simple F.F. This running around madly in order to leave has me wondering: what are the five things you simply must have when you are away from home? And why? Any history or goofy things, or stories?

1. If I don't have an extra-large, fountain diet Coke with ice within 2 miles of leaving my driveway, I get very Veruca Salt about it ("Daddy, I want an oompa loompa, and I want one NOW!!!"). Don't test me on this. In most other ways, I'm a reasonable traveling companion--I think. :-)
   
2. Copies of Beloved's and my medical power-of-attorney. 'Cause we're married, but we're not married. And if anything terrible happened, I'm thinking her family would be fighting me about any decisions I tried to make on her behalf. So we've got the paperwork, and it comes along wherever we go, in case my least rational fear is not groundless (click here and scroll down to #89, just under the penguins). Looking forward to not having to worry about this someday.
3. Books. Must have books. Beats the DTs.
   
4. Traveling music for the car's CD player, please...either some playlists we've made from iTunes (in which Beloved and I will enthusiastically sing several different voice parts, to the annoyance of the pups) or an audiobook with a well-told story; the Harry Potters are excellent for long trips!
5. Comfy jeans, t-shirts, my oldest Birkenstocks and my favorite hat. I'm on vacation. Mmmmmmmmmm...
   

Thanks, Owl! Great idea!

And in the seventh month, they rested

Beloved, the pups and I are going camping for a few days with M and B, who comprise one third of our mishpacha. We try to get out in the woods together at least once a summer, and always have a great time together. We'll walk in the woods and make s'mores and sit around the fire and play games and read and wander into town when it rains. We'll be quiet. We'll enjoy each other's company. We'll rest. And this time, we'll have the fun of taking the pups along.

(They made it through the whole night without getting up again last night, BTW. That's two in a row!)

Thanks be to God for times of rest, for beautiful creation, for the sounds of wind in the trees and waves on the shore, the smell of a campfire, and loved ones to shared it with.


See y'all next week!