Ramblings

Don't really have a whole lot to write about today, so it will probably be a bunch of unconnected ramblings.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I turn 59. Honestly, I never thought I would live this long. I grew up during the cold war. We used to practice nuclear attack drills in school. Then it was the 60's - 70's. Everyone was doing drugs. Then we moved to California where it was all gratification now. So I really didn't have a view of the future as I grew up. My Dad died when he was about 52 - that is so freaking young. I just didn't have any concept that I would live to be this age let alone what to do to prepare for it. I lived my life not really thinking about the future. And now, the future is here. Wow, wasn't expecting that. Anyway, the job I have now has a good retirement system and at this rate, I will collect about $400/month at age 65. Not great, but better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

Today we are taking the dogs to the Riparian Preserve. It's a nice place to walk the dogs, which is why we are going. We are going to walk the dogs and then go get lunch. Tomorrow morning I'm going to take the new addition, Maverick, to a little training session in the park. It's done by the guy who runs the mobile doggie treadmill company and I'd like to get Maverick out and about whenever possible. Next week we start training, but I'd like to get a jumpstart on it by taking him this weekend.

Speaking of which, this is the new addition to the family:

Maverick. We adopted him 3 weeks ago (I think) and he is adjusting nicely. He is a border collie mix about 1.5 years old. They think he is mixed with husky and that makes sense by his coloring and his height - the boy is tall. I got him for a number of reasons. First, the girls are getting old and slowing down. I can't take either of them for a long hike anymore. Lola used to be able to hang but not anymore. Second, I have always wanted a dog to do dog sports with. Bella was supposed to be that dog, but her wrists started acting up before we completed her training. So that never happened. Then we had Axl for so long. He required a lot of love and attention and I knew I couldn't bring another dog into the house. Then we moved and blah, blah, blah. So having lost a considerable amount of weight in the last 6 months, I want to do more things. Also, since I'm not finishing my Ph.D. I need a hobby. So Maverick is my new hobby. He starts basic obedience training next weekend and from there we go on to dog sports. He is wicked smart and I mean wicked smart. This should be fun.

School is almost over. 5 more weeks and we are done. I can not wait. I'm really over this year and I just want it to end.

I guess that's about it. I don't really have anything more to say. I do need to go take a shower and get more coffee and get ready for the day.