Surrounded By Friends

Bear was my traveling partner from Tulsa to KC this past Monday, the day after Christmas. All 8-pounds of this Yorkie were a welcomed treat on the roadtrip. He was staying with his great granny (my mother) while my niece was away to North Carolina visiting her mother (my sister) and family. Ton, the niece, found a fare about $250 cheaper roundtrip from KC to NC. Plus she got to see the Uncle (moi).

I decided Bear should greet her plane and then make the 4-hour return drive with her back to Tulsa. He likes to travel and loves sticking his head out the window, but the 75-mile-per-hour (or more) gushes were a bit much for him. He quickly retreated. He preferred the AC vent and did like checking out the toll-booth guy.

Friday night, Dec. 23, Sexy Lady came by with Daphne and Christmas treats in tow. And later The Sailor stopped by. They shared stories about Tucker and Buster. Two great companions that were greatly loved and are missed. Sailor said when he lost Buster, he thought the whole world hated him. Grief is a strange thing.

Once arriving in Norman on Christmas Eve, I was greeted by the 5-pound Muffy at JMc's and Gene's. If put in a chair, Muffy doesn't have the courage to jump. She ends up staying in the chair all day. She doesn't have accidents either. She'll run around outside and then'll come inside to purposefully (according to JMc) take care of business. She did hump my leg once too.

JMc, Muffy and I talked, walked around the yard, and visited Vincent's grave. He was an incredible Brussels Griffon. Vincent shared their home for many years. His grave is marked by a huge Saint Francis. JMc stresses some because they are building a new home.

Molly, Charlene and Cookie provided entertainment at the home of The Artist, The Wife, O & M. They were each all excited about fun items from Santa. Tigger hopped around with his Christmas scarf and bells at VMc and RMc's home. Generally he avoided Mace and Chap (6 and almost 2-year-old kids). Tigger is getting pretty old and last summer took on a lawn mower.

Uncle Bill and I sat outside and visited some about the poodle he and his wife had. They swore they would never have another. About 20 years later, they now have Bullet. They "borrowed" him from their niece. He's an orange poodle who thinks he's the OSU Spirit Horse. Oh, I forgot, Bullet was running around with Tigger.

Eddy, Cow, Pudgy, Baby (cat), Baby (dog), Rocky, Spot and some other canine greeted me at Mom's. Many were guests, like me, but all were welcome at Mom's for Christmas. Only once did I get teary eyed.

Obviously, I'm surrounded by animal folks. I think much can be said about me by the company I keep.