Trashy Tuesday – Cool & Invigorating

“Never Squat with Your Spurs On!”

Today is one of those days of reflection I feel. Most of us boomers can remember what they were doing and where they were when President Kennedy was assassinated. I was in Office Practice class learning (sort of) to type as I recall. Today, September 11 marks the eleventh anniversary of the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon and the crash in Pennsylvania. A very sad day indeed. As I recall I was at my shop getting the morning started. My sales guy comes in and says “did you hear? A plane crashed into a building in NYC.” Being the boss man I wasn't listening to a radio or anything, I just wanted to make some money. We turned our TV on and spent a lot of time watching this tragedy unfold. It was a lousy day. Let's give some time to reflect and say a prayer for all of those that perished that day at the hands some deranged and misguided individuals. I bet their idea of martyrdom didn't include the fact that it was hot as Hades where they ended up. Do you remember?

Okay on to the Drivel of the Day. Trash is at the curb albeit a little tardy today. I seemed to have over-slept a bit today. Actually the alarm and a barking dog across the street woke me. I am just watching CBS while writing. They had a nice interview with Don McLean of “American Pie” fame as well as other songs. Listening to the interview promoting his newly released documentary reminded me how his poetic music affected me when I was younger. Along with singers like Bob Dylan, Jim Croce, Simon & Garfunkel, Pete Seeger, The Weavers, Pozo Seco Singers, Don Williams, PPM and Mamas & Papas, Don McLean's music carried messages and made me feel good and energized my spirit in many ways. I will need to watch this documentary.

How fortuitous to have the memories of 9/11 flooding back into our consciounees today and to also have the music of Don McLean presented in the same breath can it be? I feel very lucky to experience this moment.

I feel less that fortuitousness as I reflect on the ongoing diatribe between Charles, not his real name, and myself about a trip to South Dakota. Let me back the train up a bit. A few weeks ago I expressed my need for a reel to reel tape recorder. I was hoping one of my boomer friends would still have a working unit. So the plea went out. I got little or no response except from Charles. He told me his wife's family had one and I could have it if I went and got it. Problem is they live in South Dakota, some 8 hour drive or so. I, of course, turned the generous offer down. Why, because there is nothing else to do up there, contrary to what Charles tells me. Since that time he has kept tossing out additional things I might want to kind of sweeten the kitty so to speak. Still I hold steady and refuse each of his enticements. Last week though he presented to me a 37 year old cap he has had in his possession. His wife will not allow him to wear it. At men's breakfast held in our most sacred church, Charles presented this cap to me. The cap read “Souvenir Deadwood Whore House, where the customer always comes first, double green stamps every Tuesday & Thursday, Deadwood, South Dakota”. I quickly scanned the crowd and Pastor Tim's expression was rather comforting. All I could think of was to ask Charles if he got his double green stamps? After that I decided that I should go home and start packing for a trip to South Dakota. My current wife, Sue, has so far talked me out of going. I still have a bag packed though.

At Grandpa Bailey's Doggie Fitness Center and Spa things are slowly getting back to normal after our HUGE weekend. Wow, what an event. I don't dare try to tell you everything that went on but I will share a few. All of the rides, events and special happenings showed up and we started precisely at 9:00 am on Saturday. One of the highlights was Kay and her workout demonstrations. I had nothing but wonderful comments about her workouts. It seemed the people and their dogs really like the Zumba workout segments. Her workout book and CD sold out quickly. Thanks a lot Kay. Another very popular event was Kinnick pulling a cart around the parking lot packed full of kids. He was a real trooper and did a wonderful job. I think he enjoyed all of the attention. It sure helped that we had nearly perfect weather on Saturday and Sunday. Oh, and daughter Debby was kept busy counseling dogs in one on one sessions. I think she booked a several for additional counseling. Thanks a lot Debby. Her boys, Barney & Max the black pugs, were there also. They hooked up with the face painter. They had their faces painted and strutted all over showing just how cute a dog can look with their face painted. This guy was busy both days.

On a down side, the balloon guy showed up even though he didn't have any gas. He was a flop to say the least, the balloons also flopped. He didn't come back on Sunday thankfully. Another real downer was Billie Bob. Oh he did a nice job demonstrating how a sewer sucking machine works. He didn't really need to be so realistic however. He brought a 100 gallon tank full of actual sewage material. As you might suspect, an odor emanated from this barrel plus he was not very careful cleaning his truck and it also more or less REEKED. People were interested but unfortunately they could not really get very close to see that action.

I kind of suspected the others in the strip mall would do something at the last second to try to get some of the business that our dog days yielded. Sure enough most of them, at the last minute, setup sidewalk sales. That was fine I guess, just wish they would have helped a little with the expenses. What did surprise me were the gray hair ladies from the Library next door. I could not believe they took the time to make signs and picket my event. Good Grief? Really, I felt sorry for them as all they accomplished was to embarrass themselves. Barney & Max had fun with them too. When one of the ladies would stop for a breather, they would lift a leg. Of course, damp support hose does become uncomfortable and shrinks a bit not to mention the odor.

All in all it was a hoot. We served so many hotdogs, snow cones and popcorn it was unbelievable. Our doggie supply store was extremely busy with people buying everything dog. A lot of new dogs enrolled in the club also. So I think all in all it was a success. I really appreciate everyone who helped.

I have several commitments today so I have to keep this a little shorter than usual. My editor has already sharpened her red pencil. That is usually a signal for me to hurry up. Until we meet again, have a great week, my friends. TA!