Holiday House Guests

In early September

We were the fortunate hosts to a very important and distinguished author

Chaucer.

(You can read about his visit here.)

He taught us so much about Honor and Longevity and Respect.

He shared with us Wisdom and calm Love.

This week our Friend and Mentor returned

for another visit

with his Family.

Including his beautiful little sister

19 month old golden lab

Brontë

We'd been so looking forward to their return.

They all battled the weather in the Chaucermobile

and routed themselves via our home

on their cross-country holiday trek

from the New England woods

to the Southwest desert.

Last summer Brontë didn't make the trip with them

but this time she was Chaucer's traveling buddy.

The relationship they share is very special.

Being around Bronë was the first time either of us

had ever been with a big doggie

on safe, familiar territory.

And it was good.

A little intimidating, to be honest,

but still good.

Very good.

And we each got a little braver and a little more confident.

I shared my toys

and Brontë gently mouthed one of our big stuffy bones

from Stanley of Gooberstan.

A much treasured gift from this past summer.

The size fit her well.

And she treated it tenderly.

while later showing us her advanced stuffie surgery skills

(with the appropriately designated patients.)

And Brontë, like we,

liked and enjoyed the pleasures of ice cream

regardless of the temperature outside.

We weren't the only ones to enjoy their company.

Our wheelie family came to life.

They always have been alive.

Been real.

But somehow the Wonder of a Boy

creates a whole new atmosphere

of Belief

of Understanding

and of Joy.

Irish Erin led the Boy on a stroll to the Christmas tree.

And Big Boy Brady took a spin, as well.

Wheeling around.

Like the young dog he was so many years ago.

Everyone loved seeing the joy and glee.

Who could question the Joys and Wonder of Life?

Of Love?

Especially those that come with the Season.

Amidst the activity

Chaucer settled into a comfortable resting place

Nestled near our beds.

He quietly and gently

peacefully and calmly

watched

listened

and enjoyed the attention that came his way.

With some gentle encouragement

Fergi lay near him

Understanding him

Simply being a quiet Friend.

And

As if he was the Skin Horse

the Wheelies learned from him

Just what it takes and what it's like to be Real.

They shared a commonality

of Age

Wisdom

and

Knowledge

Things that we are all learning

and becoming more advanced in

with each passing day.

It was nice to have the company of Chaucer

(and his family)

to move us further along in our Lives

and, in some way that the people can't put words to,

we learned from each other

We grew.

Our lives became more special

more appreciated

as we shared them with friends.

Actively

and in repose.

We are already looking forward to when they return one day

Hopefully soon.