November 29, 2009 – Fort McDowell

Sometimes I’m just not exactly sure what’s expected of me. I think I read situations pretty well, and I’m really good at knowing what Geri and Don want me to do. Like today, when Don and I went to get a newspaper out of the rack at the office, and he had to carry it back to the rig because it was too big for me to carry, I knew it was Sunday, and would be getting off to a very slow start. So I knew to keep my expectations for the morning walk kind of low as far as starting time. When we finally headed out, we went over to the undeveloped end of the park, which is pure desert terrain. It’s a lot better than pure gravel terrain. There’s a lot of wild smells in this area, and I enjoy sniffing and investigating them. We were headed back toward the civilized part of the park when I spied a lady taking a photo of her kids in front of a saguaro cactus. Well, Don usually wants me to get into the picture when he’s taking a photo, so naturally I thought that this lady would be pleased to add the image of a handsome dog in the photos of her kids, so I ambled up to the group and offered my services, sitting next to one of kids and smiling broadly. I have no idea why everyone started laughing and why Don was screaming at me. But I obediently returned to him, and he gave me a severe lecture on my lack of judgment. I still think they wanted me in the shot.

After lunch, Geri needed to do some shopping, so we went into Fountain Hills. Don and I schmoozed in the truck, hoping to attract the attention of some of the babes passing by, but they were few and disinterested. Geri returned with her booty, and we headed up to the Lake and the Fountain for some walking. Well, the lake and the park were there, but the Fountain wasn’t fountaining. The last time we were here, we were all very impressed with the Fountain, which shoots more water higher than any other fountain in the world. It’s really quite a sight. But today, no show. Guess they have budget problems. I got to do some really enthusiastic rolling in the beautiful grass, and Geri played her little game with me where she makes me sit and then walks away from me. When she gets so far away that I can hardly see her, she signals me to come to her, and I burst into a run at close to top speed right at her, swerving away at the last second, and then going into a crazy dog routine. It’s kinda fun.

Back in the truck, we headed for Scottsdale and Craig (David) and Jane’s house in Paradise Valley. They have a really nice place, with a big back yard with some nice grass and a pool. My old mentor Buddy would have dived right into the pool, but that’s not for me; I don’t look that good when I’m all wet. I was invited into the house, where I met their birds, who make outrageous noises. I also met their cats, Charlie and Olive, who were rather reserved, but not at all hostile. The smell of good food filled the house, and I realized that I had been invited to a dinner party! This doesn’t happen too often, and I’m thrilled when it does. Don took the edge off my appetite by feeding me my dinner, which he had brought with us. But the kitchen was still smelling great! My old friends Robyn and Bob showed up, and Jane’s brother Ken and Grandma Laura came soon after. Wow, what a big party! Everyone sat down at the table and I laid down, as instructed, next to Don. There was a whole lot of eating going on. I was speculating on how many of those plates would wind up in front of me. Turned out that only one did, but it was loaded with scraps from all the others! Quite a feast! My commendations to the hosts, David (Craig) the estimable chef and Jane (who is not a jerk) for the salad preparation and serving wench activities. I can’t remember a better dinner party!

I slept happily on the way back to the rig, and we all went to bed shortly after arrival. Hope your evening was good, too!