Short Stories, Around the House

My life is full of non-stop thrills (joke)... Help me?

Guess who rescued a Five Line Skink from the inside of an overly cold, air-conditioned building today? I had better things to do in the office. Hmmm...not really.

Someone once told me that our last name has an Italian meaning of ‘street cleaner’. I don’t know if it’s true, but if you knew my husband, you might think it is.

Michael’s a very tidy person (except in the kitchen) and loves his toys. I watched him grin from ear to ear when he powered up his new Troy Built Pressure Washer and put it to the test. Like a child on Christmas morning, he looked to me with wonder and amazement on his face and I was happy that the 300,000 pounds of water pressure scoured away the stained concrete instantly! How exciting is THAT? After testing a dirty spot on the back patio, he hoisted that baby into the back of his pick-up and drove to Gina’s house to zap away a large black oil stain on her driveway. It bothered him. He hated that stain…

The hummingbirds didn’t like the noise and waited for him to disappear around the corner before they relaxed.

This new toy reminds me of the first time he used a snow blower in a blizzard. Every 4-6 inches of snow that fell, he’s suit up and crank up that wonderful engine again. Just when I thought he was thoroughly frozen and finished, I’d see him across the street removing snow for neighbors. All…day…long.

Back to the pressure washer, I hope he realizes he can hydro-cut his toe off if he isn’t careful. This new machine will be nice to have when I long for a snowfall. When it gets down to 20 degrees, I’ll hold the sprayer to the sky and let it snow on me while singing “Winter Wonderland”. Don’t think I won’t do it.

Chloe visited the vet on Saturday for a booster shot and check-up. Dr. Sarah and I laughed at a note on Chloe’s chart, “Hates Instruments”. She massaged every part of her body for several minutes and checked her teeth, eyes, and ears. Chloe didn’t like it very much but tolerated Dr. Sarah. Her muscles aren’t rock hard like they used to be, her vision isn’t sharp, she's had many teeth extracted, but she’s arthritis free and very healthy. At the end of the exam, Dr. Sarah brought the stethoscope out and Chloe took a growling shot at it, just as we expected. We laughed and agreed it wasn’t worth it this time. Her distemper shot was a three-year booster. This means Chloe will be 14 when she needs another booster… I plan on being there with her. She's a determined lady who will live beyond her expected years (please).

We thought it would be nice to allow Chloe & Bella to enjoy the view from the hill in front of the house so we bought a sturdy Evenflow baby gate for the porch. If they see a dog, they go wild and shout, “Hey, we’re up here! See us? We have hula-hoops and balls!”

There were two, now there are eight. I wonder if my neighbor knows what's happening on her rooftop. In almost two years, I've only seen her outside three times. Isn't that sad?

Goldfinches sit on the hanging planters (which are empty because of the heat we’ve had for a long time). This was taken inside the house through the blinds.

Our pond plants are growing so fast and I’m so pleased! I have never had a pond with so much life. It’s work to keep them under control every day and I don’t mind at all if my knees are stained black from mulch. I’m loving it.

Did I mention how much I love my pond?

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A few weeks ago I asked for submissions of your "Eyesores". I've received a few and to those who submitted, THANK YOU! However, because you are busy and I am busy during these long summer days, I'm postponing this little project until after summer ends and the days are shorter. We'll have more time then. I know I will!