Saturday, May 15, 2010

How Do You Know When...

...you've spent too much time with little ones?


Last week on Mother's Day, in addition to a special card I made for my wife, I bought her a bottle of wine from one of our local wineries, Hunt Country. I'd been there a few years ago for a "mystery tour" book signing, and had the pleasure of meeting their gorgeous dog, "Gus." Of course, it was a special treat, since my main character in LeGarde Mysteries is Gus LeGarde. I arrived early for the event, and this wonderful dog followed me on a long walk through the vineyards. I just found out that Gus, a Bernese Mountain Dog, passed away and the new label, "Sweet Gus," is a rose' in memory of him. Sniff. He was so lovely.

Anyway, I bought a bottle of "Sweet Gus" for my wife, and when my daughter offered to go get it for us in the other room, I said, "Get the bottle with the D-O-G on the label."

My wife looked at me and smiled. "What, I can't spell now?"

I'd been spelling all week around the kids, in spite of the fact that my oldest grandson now knows how to spell almost everything. And what? I didn't think my wife would know what I was talking about? I laughed so hard at my idiocy that it took me a half hour to stop the tears and chuckles. I'm such a dope!

***

And how do you know when you've become too close with your dog?

When every time you leave the house - to mow the lawn, to get the mail, or to go food shopping - he jumps all over you like you've been gone for weeks. And on top of that, Balto has now taken to raiding my dirty laundry basket. Yup. You guessed it. When I'm gone, he drags out my jeans, tee shirts, socks, and even...er... underwear. He lays his head on these smelly treasures and growls when anyone comes near them.

What's he telling me?

That he'll be really upset when I start my new job in a few weeks.

Drat. I don't know how he'll get through it...


As happy as I am that I'm now employed again... I'm going to miss my family and this big brown eyed goofball.

11 comments:

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Congratulations on the new job, Aaron. As for your buddy, he's pretty normal. My vet once told me that my dog had no concept of time. I was baffled. Until he mentioned that no dog does. haha -- did I feel silly or what. I've had a few moments over the years, stuff far worse than your D-O-G spelling. But surprise, surprise, I can't remember.

Kim Smith said...

Cute dog!! Oh I so know what you mean. Tink runs our household. If she ain't happy ain't nobody happy.

Marta Stephens said...

You know, I don't recall a time when we didn't have a dog or cat or both growing up.

Now, if having four dogs; two Boston Bulls--Maggie and Buddy, and two mini doxies--Candy and Moo Moo, makes me a dog lover, I guess I'm guilty. LOL All but Maggie were rescued. So I too know what you mean. They have such a warm and unconditional acceptance of us. As much as I may complain sometimes about pet ownership, I can't imagine life without them.

Congrats again on the job!

s.w. vaughn said...

Oh, wow! I'd almost forgotten about the "spelling things you don't want the kids to understand" phase! And all the fun mistakes that go with it. LOL Don't worry, Aaron, many a parent and grandparent has done the same thing. *G*

Even though Balto will miss you, I bet he's proud of you too. :-)

Aaron Paul Lazar said...

Thanks, Joylene, Kim, Marta, and S.W.! Hope you're enjoying this glorious day!

David Ebright said...

Timing is everything - just had our cat "Nubber" put to sleep this morning. Rough. He was our buddy for 17 years. Actually posted about him when I got home. Haven't had to spell in front of the "youngins" for about 25 years.

Good luck with the new job. Congrats.

Aaron Paul Lazar said...

JaxPop - that is one of the hardest things to do. I'm so sorry about Nubber, but glad you had him for 17 years. Wow. My oldest daughter is 27 now - but it's her little ones I spell in front of. ;o)

Hart Johnson said...

teehee--what a great story about spelling... habits form so quickly, don't they?

And I have a villain named Balto, but looking at your pooch I'm considering a name change! What a cutie!

Aaron Paul Lazar said...

Hi, Watery! I remember you told me about your villain named Balto - too funny!! Did you ever see the animated film about Balto, the Alaskan Husky who saved a whole town of sick little kids by going over the snow to get the antidote (or whatever it was, LOL). It was great, and that's how our dog was named!

J D Webb said...

Aaron, I get what you're saying about spelling. My toy poodle, Ginger, loves peanut butter. I can no longer mention the letters PB because she knows that means her favorite stuff. Nice post.

Aaron Paul Lazar said...

JD, that is PRICELESS! I spell around my dog, too, when we're talking about going for a ride in the C-A-R or W-A-L-K-S. Balto is half poodle, and SO smart! I'll bet Ginger is, too!