The Rest Of the Summer

Dear Cubby,

I already wrote up your trip to the reunion in Virginia, so let's catch up on the rest of the summer by going on from there to Montana to visit Ginny, and somewhat belatedly celebrate her and Doug's 50th wedding anniversary, and socialize her new puppy.   You surely did have a good time with Ruger, and he taught you a thing or two as well.  On the night of the Perseids meteor shower which was supposed to be especially spectacular this year, we all traveled up the Going To the Sun Road to a big parking lot at the top of a mountain in Glacier Park.  Just before dark, we were greeted by a herd of bighorn sheep who made their way through the parking lot and up into higher wilderness.  That's the closest I've ever been to them!  I watched you pretty closely because I'd imagine they could do some damage if they felt threatened by another animal, but they never even gave you a second look.  And yeah, the meteor shower was awesome!

Then you racked up a few more flights and two new states in September.  We went to Kansas by way of Texas to visit a cousin I hadn't seen in 45 years, and you were just perfect the whole trip!  We had a little trouble getting home as every flight was full and the non-revs were going pretty much nowhere, so we stayed in Dallas overnight. Remind me never again to go through there in the summer!  After about an hour in that heat and a non-air-conditioned transport, we both got pretty overheated and, you know me, I was barely walking or talking.  If hadn't been for you I'd have surely had the paramedics called on me.  The hotel clerk even walked us to our room for fear of us not making it.  But with your expertise in bracing, leaning, and catching, you were a real hero ... the only medic I needed.

So now, thankfully, we're back home and settled again so you can rest up for next time.  I'm sure proud of you, you little trooper.  I just don't know what I'd do without you!

Photo Descriptions: Cubby and German Shepherd pup named Ruger, and two mini-family cousin reunion groups.