Politics (more)
“Oh, no, not politics again,” Spence says.
“Can’t help it,” Admin says. “Some functionary used the neologism ‘speako’ to try to wriggle out of a hole he’d dug himself.”
“Speako paralleling typo?”
“Exactly, which would only work if his voice box was actually a typewriter. How dumb do they think we are?”
Tags: politics, speakos, typos
This entry was posted on Saturday, July 26th, 2014 at 8:59 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
9:07 am on July 26th, 2014
Hey–am I first? Good morning to all and a Happy Saturday.
“Speako”?!? Fie! No excuse at all…
9:14 am on July 26th, 2014
Good morning Diane C and all.
I won’t be able to blur to the celebration this afternoon. Thoughts about our heart friend:
She noticed when anyone had a dream and did whatever she could to help them realize that dream. Think about what she did for her family and friends, Newf clients, Snowhook, Plunderers, not to mention Chet’s Blog. My belief is that she still fulfills dreams and loves doing it. I miss her voice and I think of her when I see butterflies (and butterflies can show up in the most unexpected places…)
xoxoxo
Bluecat
9:17 am on July 26th, 2014
Good morning Diane and all.
Two walks in already this morning and now off to the Farmer’s Market for some organic veggies.
This is a picture of a slimmed down Josh zip lining this week in Wisconsin. Looks like fun for the younger and braver set!
9:53 am on July 26th, 2014
What the heck is Admin talking about? I have no idea.
My morning went to hell. I came upon a nest of yellow jackets, and tried to clean them out for Mom and Pop. I kept going back for more. I guess Karma got me because shortly thereafter, I was in so much agony, I couldn’t stay still, or stand up, or even lay down. They took me in the car, where I jumped all over the place, and even managed to jump the barrier and get myself between it and the front seat. Then we went into that v-e-t office and those folks manhandled me down to put an IV stick in me. Wow.
I am now home, getting those pill pockets that normally only Meashka gets.
10:17 am on July 26th, 2014
Greetings!
B&M: Josh looks great! Looks like he is having a good old time for himself!
Zeusikov: You may require some assistance from the Smoochers. Kat is the smoochiest of Smoochers. She can gently tuck you under the quilt, and take good care of you.
10:24 am on July 26th, 2014
My Zeus is hiding from everyone, even me! He is inside a bush and wants to be alone. Sniff
I don’t know if he will be up to going to Pints for Pups. And if he does go, he’ll be on Benadryl, so Mom said no drinking. Gasp! My boy drinks a lot of water!!!
10:24 am on July 26th, 2014
Admin: Does that of which you speak have anything to do with Barking? If not, we know not of what you mean.
Oh, NO! Zeus!
11:02 am on July 26th, 2014
I predict Speako is going to become a new word in the English language. It is actually kinda funny.
Bluecat, Very nicely said.
Zeusikov, My mom turned pale when she read your post. She knows your folks were very upset. You freaked out my mom as well as your folks.
11:06 am on July 26th, 2014
Wose and Rio, I know now who Chris Capuano is. It was in this morning’s newspaper. He briefly played AAA and AA baseball for the Rockies. He is 35 years old.
11:07 am on July 26th, 2014
I totally agree with Admin. I’ll have to try to find out who the “functionary” is.
Poor Zeus. Brandy got into a pack of yellow jackets once and I put a paste made of baking powder and water on his wounds. It seemed to help.
Good morning all.
11:41 am on July 26th, 2014
Yikes! Zeus you have to be more careful. They may be small but those yellow jackets are tough! I am glad your Mom and Pop got you to the vet! Stay cool and plunder on.
Bluecat- nice tribute. I am trying to think up mine. sniff. I think it is going to be a three hanky day here on the blog.
B, check out Jonathan Gruber…
11:48 am on July 26th, 2014
Poor, poor Zeus! Those stings are horrible!
Josh looks like he’s having fun. I would be terrified.
Bluecat, beautifully said.
Good morning to everyone.
11:54 am on July 26th, 2014
If anyone needs transport to the celebration today, let me know. We are going to blur by dog team since there are so many of us. We will have some room in the sled. I wonder if Beau ever got his mobile out of hock.
We are bringing cheesecake for the potlatch today.
The Thieves want to meet with OTAS and GLAD about offering their pupsitting services.
11:58 am on July 26th, 2014
For any of youse that don’t already have it, The Spencer Quinn Reader’s Companion is now available on Amazon at no charge.
12:03 pm on July 26th, 2014
Siber-H: Regarding this Chris Capuano guy, it seems like the Yankees LOVE to spend money on old guys, instead of nurturing their young talent.
My eyes are already getting blurry. Bluecat, that was so beautiful.
12:07 pm on July 26th, 2014
Hey! I just refreshed after my last post, and noticed the the CHET: A Dog’s Life is now yellow. And peeking from the upper right hand corner, I can see the cover of the new book has replaced the last one! Magic! Or maybe Melanie keeping us on our toes…..
12:10 pm on July 26th, 2014
Mama Luna: Please make sure your Lady is tucked under the quilt, and keep a firm, but loving paw on her.
Mama: The Giant posted some pictures of the Plunderfest Pups. One was a picture of Melanie, and one was of Rose. Is Rose the Black and Tan dog?
12:14 pm on July 26th, 2014
Luna: Can you stop by the Island? I will be Ready before 2 PM.
BTW: What is the Mushing Distance to MA?
12:27 pm on July 26th, 2014
We were not sure what Spence was talking about either.
Poor, poor Zeus!
12:29 pm on July 26th, 2014
Bluecat, your words are beautiful. Our Friend did indeed make dreams happen. When I first joined this here blog, Mom and I wanted to participate in the first Snowhook auction (or was it the Mercantile?). Neither of us is creative. Neither of us owns treasures. What did we do? We contributed a few stuffed huskies, which our good friend, Siber-H purchased.
I wanted to send him a special keepsake from me. Mom took my photo, in my Hottest pose. Mom asked our very new Friend for help. Sweet girl was able to fashion a bikini on my photo, so I could be Siber-H’s very own pinup. That was my dream. And after that, Mom and the Purple Princess became very special friends.
12:29 pm on July 26th, 2014
Luna–Can you accommodate me and two cases of Korbel to drink to our friend’s memory?
Zeus–How terrible for you! We are all sending serene thoughts and prayers to you now so that you will feel better soon. Your thought to protect your people was good, maybe next time don’t proceed without backup. Maybe even human backup.
12:30 pm on July 26th, 2014
WE are here and awaiting the MA memorial to which we will blur (grammar lessons help). Took the g-son to work with granpa today so he (g-son) can get more legos. Bought extra tissues so the memories can flow. Thanks Bluekat for kicking it off. Mom is going to do a slow bake rice and chicken today so she can read over our shoulders. (Thank Dog for a “summer kitchen” in the screen room.)
12:32 pm on July 26th, 2014
Zeus, please take it easy-peasy today and leave those buzzies alone !
12:37 pm on July 26th, 2014
BSD: You got it.
Wose: The pup, not the person is the tan and black girl. She is a love.
12:39 pm on July 26th, 2014
Diane: We will stop by and pick you up after we stop on BSD’s island. We’ll bring the race sled so we have enough space for the liquid cargo.
12:45 pm on July 26th, 2014
Mama Luna: Rose, the pup, not me, does not look small or meek. I hope that I will meet her one day.
12:51 pm on July 26th, 2014
Luna–thanks. We’re ready and waiting.
12:52 pm on July 26th, 2014
Siber: What time are we (you, me, Riö) heading out in the Porsche?
12:54 pm on July 26th, 2014
Luna–thanks. We’re ready and waiting.
I was just re-reading some entries from earlier this year and found constant evidence of our friend’s generosity of heart. Here’s a photo which I tried to turn right side up,
12:59 pm on July 26th, 2014
Masquers, Open your eyes. We are on our way. I drive very fast so Smokey can’t catch us. What is Smokey gonna do anyway…radio into his supervisor that he is in pursuit of a Porsche 911 driven by a Siberian Husky with a kat and pug as passengers. Smokey would find himself in a desk job in no time flat.
1:02 pm on July 26th, 2014
SiberH: Is Beau riding with you or do you think we should stop and pick him up on our way?
1:10 pm on July 26th, 2014
Luna, Please stop and pick up beau. He didn’t want to ride with us. I can’t imagine why.
1:17 pm on July 26th, 2014
am trying to find someone who can get pictures onto the blog. I learned how, but forgot. There are some on Facebook now. Lots of family here.
1:31 pm on July 26th, 2014
Zoe: lovely photos on Facebook! On the blog you can only post one photo at a time. This is what I do….Under the blog comment box there is a tab “Choose File.” That will open up any photos on your computer (or word file) that you want to attach to the comment box. Then you hit “Submit Comment.”
1:37 pm on July 26th, 2014
Oh, Zoe, The Memorabilia is so Beautiful! Tears Here.
1:40 pm on July 26th, 2014
Thank you Staff.
1:40 pm on July 26th, 2014
DianeC: Thank you for posting the lovely photo of our dear friend. sniff.
1:48 pm on July 26th, 2014
That is my favorite picture of Our Friend. It was right after she had her hair cut.
1:50 pm on July 26th, 2014
Zoe, we are with you, in your heart, as you and Dan and Melanie are in ours.
1:52 pm on July 26th, 2014
Zoe & Dan
1:54 pm on July 26th, 2014
1:55 pm on July 26th, 2014
1:59 pm on July 26th, 2014
The Raven
2:04 pm on July 26th, 2014
We remember Dan’s wonderful Short Story.
2:09 pm on July 26th, 2014
And, of course, White Wings
2:17 pm on July 26th, 2014
Our Heart-friend loved the Piano Guys:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgaTQ5-XfMM
2:24 pm on July 26th, 2014
Amazing how many lives our best friend touched. Like many of you, she encouraged me to speak on the blog. Contacting Her and the Newfs wasn’t intimidating..1 person. A blog with many, many people, scary. Her patience, caring, humor and love, drug me (kicking and barking) to find a blog voice. She wasn’t the only one, many of you have been closer than family.
She became my weird sister in our texts. The funniest talk we ever had was on the phone.. I was in a Rite Aid when she called so I just sat on a stocking ladder since she didn’t have a cell phone.
We talked almost an hour but the funniest part was the “magical” properties of Newf hair and how it can disguise itself when off the Newf, like the time I found a “rat” in the laundry room. Goofey Newfies, gotta love ’em.
Look quickly, don’t stare. From top going clockwise: rat, pollywog,insect, baby mouse and roach.
She really laughed when I said I’d seen the “rat” ”run” in the laundry room (behind a bi-fold door) and jumped on it to dispatch it.
2:29 pm on July 26th, 2014
Last October & November she kept Nana laughing with Funny Stories of the Newfs.
and We Loved her specially baked Plunderer Birthday Cakes!
2:38 pm on July 26th, 2014
When Dan passed away I wrote his Crossing of the Bridge. His was the first. There have been additions to his story with the loss of more two-leggeds since then. Here is Dan’s story:
The Bridge: A Gift for Melanie, Zoe and CHarris
By Rebecca H. Savidis
“We got a two-legged!”
“Well, that’s not something you see every day!” Rough housing ended among several dogs, naps were happily interrupted, and a certain cat uncharacteristically ignored a slice of cheese. Gathering close, shoulder to shoulder, floppy ear to floppy ear, they watched as the form of a Raven, ushered by many other ravens took the shape of a man.
“Hey, Dan! Welcome! I’ve told everyone about you. Writer, war hero, great father, great husband, you know—the truth. Good to see you, good to see you,” the large, black Newfoundland welcomed his friend with enthusiasm and sincerity. It had been a long time since they shared the same side of the Bridge.
“Bagel?” Softened with drool, the Newf nosed half a bagel toward Dan’s feet, “They hang from trees here, you know.”
“Bear! Buddy!” Dan ran his hands into the warm mittens behind the Newf’s floppy ears. “Before we talk bagels, I have one question.”
Jowls remaining in place, Bear raised his eyebrows. Go on, then.
“Do you mind telling me where I am? I thought the hereafter would contain…a few more… humans.”
“We, uh,” with a wag of the tail, he motioned to the four-leggeds surrounding man and Newf, “called dibs on you, just for a short while.”
“We couldn’t help ourselves,” said Bess, one of Dan’s favorite girls as she lifted his forearm with her snout guiding his hand to rest over her shoulder.
For a moment, he saw only her, “Bess! You good girl!” She leaned her head into the ear scratch. It was like old times—for both of them.
Moving as one body, the pack of felines and canines ushered Dan a few feet to a large couch draped in a coverlet. It was the color of wine and just like the Newfs’ couch at home. Dan smiled at the familiarity. He sat, flanked on either side by Bear and Bess, overlooking the Bridge. The education of Dan began.
He looked down, no longer staring at the hands that were now free of brown spots and wrinkles, but past that, past anything that was in front of him. This Hundred Yard Stare happens a lot with those new to this side of the Bridge. It is Realization.
“Dan, what’s wrong?” Bear asked with a nuzzle to his Man’s elbow.
Dan, the Dan restored to his Prime sat silent a moment longer, tucking his bottom lip under his top teeth. Bear nudged again, “Dan?”
“My mind is clear. More clear than I can remember.”
“We call that Full and Perfect Knowledge.” Brandi educated, “It comes to each one of us on this side of the Bridge.”
“I was confused,” he confessed. “For the longest time, I was confused. For a while part of me understood, and then…I just didn’t.” His bottom lip returned to its place of safe keeping between his top and bottom teeth.
They waited in silence. Mostly in silence. The tails of the three labs— the unofficial metronome of the Bridge— swished side to side in unison. Those tails never stopped, were never still. The constant purr of the felines crowded amongst canines was a soft serenade to Dan’s moment of Realization.
“I think—“he stopped. The space between those who welcomed him diminished as they drew closer to the Bridge’s newest resident. They understood what was next. Full and Perfect Knowledge wasn’t without its tears or regrets. It also wasn’t without its joy and expanded understanding.
“I think—,” he began again and stopped again. “I’m afraid I may have hurt those I love the most, my bride, my kids. I didn’t mean to, I didn’t understand and I wouldn’t on purpose… Not knowingly. I was just—“He gulped, stopping his ramble. His bottom lip disappeared again, but this time was different. Closing his eyes, the tears seeped down his face as if the pressure to hold them in would result in a cataclysmic rupture, “I was just so confused!” He was regretful, sorry and angry. Would they know he loves them? Would they understand that he had wandered in a fog for a long time? The answer was yes to both.
Howard pushed to the front, bumping Dan’s knee with his head. That head bump was a great tool for getting attention and served him well on both sides of the Bridge. Works every time. Dan opened his eyes and stared down at the gray and white sled dog. “Confused? You think you were confused—I use to stand in a corner until My Lady would set me straight.”
“It’s true. He would find himself in a corner three, maybe four times a day,” Fargo, who crossed the Bridge a year before Howard, informed the crowd.
You knew that? Howard asked with a head tilt.
“Of course, who do you think let our Lady know to check on you? She’d follow me anywhere.” Fargo, an alpha, a leader, his brother’s keeper in life remained as much in spirit.
“You helped him from this side of the Bridge?” Dan asked Fargo. The answer to this question was also yes.
“Dan, there are many perks to being on this side of the Bridge.” Bear explained. “There are the bagels, of course, and—“
“And, my tail has never looked fiercer!” Mollypop called from the crowd, her poofy tail standing tall and elegant.
“And, our bodies are restored,” cried the grateful voice of another.
Rowdy, the tall, blond sled dog cocked his head and confided, “Hey, Dan, I hope you didn’t mistake any puppies for chew toys on the Other Side. If so, you’re in for a surprise. Those tiny pups are a lot bigger on this side of the Bridge.” Dan laughed despite his tears.
“All this is true,” Bear confirmed, smiling at Rowdy’s addition to the lesson, “but the best part, and maybe the most important part of being on this side of the Bridge is our connection to the Other Side. We never leave them.”
They spoke of Love—the real lesson of Dan’s education about the Bridge. Love on both sides of the Bridge, it was explained comes in many forms. Several shared stories of how they showed Love in his or her own way. Boris was his mom’s first love—and she was his—and it is this love that cares for Sasha from this side so her mom can get some rest. Rory, too weak for more than a tail wag thanked the one who rescued her in her passing. Ishmael was ushered to his Forever Home and then held his mother when it was his time to say good-bye. Clara, the finder of lost things, shared the times she’s visited Dan’s daughter. From low in the crowd, a corgi shared about care giving on both sides of the Bridge. Blou gave the gift of Tyb to his dad. Dan listened intently to each of the stories—the tales were varied and extraordinary. While he stroked Bess’ head, Dan’s lesson continued.
Mollypop chimed in with her own story, “Just like Fargo helped Howard from this side when he was need, we can visit our Loves on the Other Side. Some times when they need us, and sometimes because we need them. My cousin Sam is convinced that every shadow she sees above her is a hawk, but it’s just me checking on her and my mom.” Cats purred and tails wagged in agreement as each thought of those they left behind as Mollypop told her story.
Love, it was explained, can determine the thickness of the Veil between both sides of the Bridge. The Veil can be thinned to the needs of those on the Other Side. Bear rested his jowls on Dan’s knee. “Zoe’s heart hears almost as good as our ears.”
“That was you she heard call her name?” The question didn’t need to be answered. Dan smiled. He now had a Full and Perfect Knowledge of Love from this side of the Bridge. He understood, and with this Realization, his grins came with ease. He laughed until the tears flowed—not tears of regret and anger as he cried before—at the reluctant confession that bears were mistakenly blamed for exciting the Pack when all those who now surrounded him went for the occasional visit. “That was you?” he snorted through laughter and tears.
The light flashed brighter for a moment, made even brighter by the happy tears in his eyes. “Whoa! We got another two-legged!”
“Well I’ll be pug’s baseball toy. What a wonderful honor, welcoming two of our two-leggeds in one day.”
“You must be C. Hobbit’s father. Jerry, isn’t it? I’m Dan,” he extended his hand in greeting, surprised at the immediacy of his Full and Perfect Knowledge. Both men, restored to younger, fuller, version of themselves shook hands. “No more age spots,” Dan said with a grin as he noticed Jerry’s examining look at his own hands.
The newest comer took inventory of his surroundings and whispered, “I thought there would be—“
“More humans? I think we got VIP passes.” Surrounded by the four-leggeds, Dan put his arm around the only other two-legged and guided him to the couch, “Let me show you around. There is a lot to learn.”
Dan began his instruction with a question, “Did you know bagels could grow on trees?”
Jerry opened his mouth to respond—bagels did not grow on trees—but, then a fog started to clear in his mind. Bagels growing on trees somehow made sense, and by the look crossing his face, many other things were beginning to make sense. It was the Hundred Yard Stare. This Hundred Yard Stare happens a lot with those new to this side of the Bridge.
“Hey, when the two of you get settled in, I’d be happy to share my thoughts on time travel as long as it doesn’t interrupt my meals on the Other Side. Fascinating stuff,” BearSpiritDog mused with a faraway look.
“The meals or time travel?” Jerry quizzed.
“Both.”
2:38 pm on July 26th, 2014
Here!…I am here! Finally!…wheeze!…I’ve been waiting and waiting for someone to get home. In the meantime I have our really old computer turned on and am waiting for it to re-boot itself into life. There are a lot of old photos and stories on that thing…grunt!…I am going to try and find some worthy of posting on this special day for our special friends who have gone on before us…sniffle!
Pups!…Who remembers these little guys? Where there 12 or 13 baby Newfs that special year? I can’t remember exactly but I bet Zoe does….heh!
2:40 pm on July 26th, 2014
She was the secret bidder that won the signed first chapter of the Sound and the Furry for Wookie, which became Wookie’s last Christmas present to me. And when we were trying to figure out golden retriever breeders, she guided us through that morass which resulted in Teddy RR joining our family.
2:40 pm on July 26th, 2014
I met my Best Friend almost 17 years ago. She sent me an email asking about a magazine ad we were running. I responded and the next day she came to my store. We talked for over an hour and found we had very little in common except laughter, a love of dogs and the ability to solve the world’s problems if only the Powers That Be would listen to us.
She came to my store a few more times, and each visit brought us closer. Friendship, and even more, a sisterhood developed.
There have been many friends in my life. But this was my Best Friend, someone who knew what was in my heart, understood my joys and pains, who kept my secrets and shared hers with me.
When good things happened, my first thought was to call her and share. When bad things happened my solace was to call her and share.
I told her that she was my Mma Romostswa – always diplomatic, wise and kind. I was her Grace Makutsi – brash, outspoken and prone to getting in trouble.
We had grand and wonderful adventures. And we had some hard and painful times to get through. Both brought us closer.
She was so many things I admired. She wrote beautiful books, she could photograph flames and wind and the scent of flowers. She raised two wonderful sons and lived every day refusing to be hindered by her physical restrictions. She did so much for so many people, and yet she would say it was nothing.
My life was changed the day I got her first email. It was enriched and happier and expanded beyond the walls I knew.
She was a gift and a treasure. I loved her and there will forever be a hole in my heart now that I can’t share my days with her. But what a great time we will have someday when we are together again. I will have so much to tell her.
2:40 pm on July 26th, 2014
I’m sorry if the story is hard to read. The indentation of each paragraph didn’t show on the post. Gah!
2:44 pm on July 26th, 2014
The best friend I never met and her sons…
She was so proud of them and rightly so.
2:46 pm on July 26th, 2014
for Zoe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yET4p-r2TI8
2:56 pm on July 26th, 2014
For Melanie’s family and all those who love her
HeartFriend at the Bridge
by Rebecca Savidis
Her arrival was no surprise. The Veil had been thinned for constant passage from this Side of the Bridge to the Other Side for some time as they tended to her pains, strengthened her loved ones both near and far, and absorbed the hurts of the heart. She had not been left alone in her illness—not even in the quiet hours when the rest of the world slept—and as she Crossed the Bridge, she was not alone.
She was surrounded by those from both Sides of the Bridge, Love and the gift of Good Medicine—a gift from the Creator given by the Storyteller. Crossing from the Other Side of the Bridge, she was flanked by two newfs, a gentle polar bear, corgis, cats, a couple of thieves, many others, and six pups one of which who bore her name and the others the names of her chosen friends, her chosen family—Melanie, Maury, Kirby, Rose, Dawson, and Amalia. As if line had been drawn in the path between both Sides of the Bridge, those from the Side she was leaving stopped. It was not their time to Cross. Those from the welcoming Side of the Bridge fell into step to accompany her for the rest of her journey. In the final steps, she looked over her shoulder. She wanted to thank everyone for their love and support, but what she saw delayed her expressions of gratitude.
Unlike the others, the pups had not stopped at that invisible line. She knew they could not follow. They did not understand it was not their time to Cross, this she knew. She was no stranger to the minds of pups. She shooed them away from her. “Go on, now! Go back!” Pausing briefly in their play, five of the six pups listened and turned back. The sixth pup, the smallest of the litter continued toward Melanie.
“You can’t go with me,” it was explained to the black pup. “It is not your time.”
The black pup, sat, looked at her and blinked. “When I was named, I was told that you can’t have a Melanie without an Amalia.” She blinked again. “You are a Melanie. I am an Amalia. I stay with you.” She blinked a third time daring this logic to be questioned.
“It doesn’t quite work like that, but I appreciate your dedication.” The pup was like her namesake—strong willed and determined. She knew that unwavering look of resolve. She had seen it plenty of times on her best friend, Amalia the person not the puppy. “Go on, little bulldozer. I will be fine.” I will be fine—any fear she had felt about Crossing left as she spoke these words. She had fought Crossing for so long—and bravely so as those who love her would say—yet the need to fight was replaced with desire to Cross. She could not stay, the pup should not follow.
“I’m on it!” called Tomboy, a blue and brown eyed sled dog that Crossed the Bridge eleven days before. Just as in life, Tomboy was eager to prove herself. She ran past Melanie and her entourage, grabbed Amalia, the puppy not the person by the scruff and placed her on the Other Side of the Bridge. The pup along with many others watched as Melanie wrapped the Gift of Good Medicine around her and completed her journey. It was Peace.
****
If it was sadness and tears on the Other Side, it was joy and celebration on This Side of the Bridge. This was always the case.
Under the guidance of Wookie and Fargo, they had run drills for this occasion. The protocol was simple—When Melanie arrives, get out of the Newfs’ way. They performed just like they practiced with the Newfs leading the way, Dan right behind, followed by the rest of the residents of This Side of the Bridge.
Dan waited patiently to greet his daughter as she was welcomed by Patsy and Clara, the first to reach their beloved. Then, father held his daughter, “You put up a good fight.”
As she nodded her agreement through tears and a smile, she felt a head bump her hip. “Bess!” The newf, Dan’s best girl wagged her tail in greeting.
“Bagel?” Bess’ offering—a delicacy as far as she was concerned and always softened with drool—was the same to each new arrival on This Side of the Bridge. “We have gluten of every flavor. Help yourself.”
With the offer of gluten, her Restoration to Prime became clear. The pain, the swelling, the hindrances of her last days were replaced with vigor, comfort and freedom of body.
“What ailed the body on The Other Side of the Bridge, does not hinder the spirit on This Side,” Patsy informed.
“You always were a beauty,” Dan told his daughter.
Melanie focused over his shoulder, past the dogs and cats, beyond all that surrounded as her father spoke his kind words. It was the Hundred Yard Stare. He knew it and the Realization that accompanied it well. The Regret and Joy of Realization was different for everyone on This Side of the Bridge. She spoke.
“There was so much left I wanted to do.” She thought of her family, her sons and their loves and all that lay before them, all that she didn’t want to miss, all she wanted to do. “I thought I could hold on longer.” The tears began. “I tried.”
“I know you did, but the flesh was weak. Your spirit is not.” He took his daughter by the hand and guided her to a couch blanketed in a wine colored coverlet just like at home. The couch overlooked the Bridge. She placed her cane next to her as they sat.
“That’s quite a view.”
As they sat surrounded by a family of canines, felines and equines—-it was a chosen family—the education of Melanie began.
“It is because of Love, the same Love that made you want to stay as long as you could, that the Veil can be thinned. We haven’t left them. You will be there when vows are spoken and to watch bellies grow with new life. When parents are at a loss, you will help calm the crying child. You will be there when choices between right and wrong need to be made.” Her tears had stopped and she nodded as he continued to speak. “Your friends, all those who love you will think of you every day. You may seem far from them, but you are not just as their love was never far from you as you fought your fight.”
She laughed a laugh from the belly and from the heart. Her laughter was a sign of the understanding. Her Hundred Yard Stare had given way to Realization and finally to the blessing of Full and Perfect Knowledge. It always happened in this order on This Side of the Bridge. Tears and then joy.
“We never leave them,” he whispered more to himself, than to her. He thought of his bride and smiled.
****
She lifted her cane from where it was propped against the couch and eyed it with wonder.
“It is purely decorative now.” As he spoke the words, she knew them to be true. Breaking the earthly burden over her knee like a twig flashed through her mind. It had been a necessity to have, but now it was a choice to keep. Instead of creating a pile of kindling, she spun it through her fingers like a baton.
“You’re keeping it? I thought you hated that thing.”
“I do.” She twirled the cane again, “But, it can come in handy as I dance through the galaxies.”
They stood. She hooked her hand in the crook of her father’s arm. They talked and laughed as they joined those on this Side of the Bridge on a walk/run just as she did with the Newf Pack on the Other Side of the Bridge.
****
The Veil remained thin.
3:02 pm on July 26th, 2014
Melanie felt joy in many things and had that rare gift of sharing that joy with others so that they too could feel it. I miss her very much.
3:11 pm on July 26th, 2014
Sniffle!…sneeze!…What a great story…sob!sob!sob!
3:13 pm on July 26th, 2014
One of the wonderful traits of Melanie’s was that she was completely inclusive. She drew us all in and was good to us! I especially loved the birthday cakes she would bake for us.
And remember the video of her and McKey at his NYC apartment? The love and enjoyment they felt for each other was obvious. And for those of us who have never set foot in the big city, it was a slice of life.
I loved hearing her warm voice filled with laughter.
And sharing her family (two and four-legged) was a gift.
3:14 pm on July 26th, 2014
Oh my. Kleenex all over while the Piano Guys play in the background.
I have no wonderful stories to tell. I can say that, when I needed support while caring for my parents, Melanie was always there for me. The fact that we never met personally did not change the love that flowed between us. As Sharon of HOH says, “She is the best friend I never met”.
Here is my contribution to the potluck. It makes a whole gallon of salad and if you want to use a little less salt and try some Stevia as the sweetener go ahead. No gluten as requested.
Vallie’s Potpourri Veggie Salad
Mr. Staff’s cousin Vallie was known far and wide as a great cook. This is one of her recipes. It is like a 3 bean salad on steroids. It keeps for several weeks in the fridge, makes a gallon and serves at least 16. Great for Potluck or Church socials. You will get asked for the recipe.
1-1/2 Cups white vinegar
1 Cup salad oil
2 Cups granulated sugar
6 teaspoons salt
Boil syrup until clear and no longer grainy. Cool.
While syrup is cooling cut up veggies:
1 small head cauliflower cut into small pieces
3 raw carrots, shredded
1 Cup celery, sliced
1 Large Onion, diced small
1- 2 oz. jar pimento’s, drained and chopped
1 can garbanzo beans, drained (I put in two cans)
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained, cut in half if large
1 can WHITE corn. (Vallie was firm about WHITE corn)
1 pkg frozen french cut green beans (Vallie was firm about french cut)
Pour over veggies and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving. I usually put it in a gallon ice cream pail for storage. They have good lids. If it gets eaten up too fast just add more veggies for tomorrow.
3:25 pm on July 26th, 2014
Zippy!…I am now able to copy old stuff from my really old computer to a zippy-drive…snort!…It says it will take 20 more minutes…gah!
3:26 pm on July 26th, 2014
Melanie shared her family with us. We grew to love and respect all of you. She shared the Newfs with us. I’ll never forget the Newf puppies that were born with the prayers of all of us on Chet’s blog.
Melanie’s love of nature shinned brightly in the pictures she put up on the blog.
Her kindness, joy, love, and humor is a part of each of us now. I miss her very much, but I know I will meet her and the Newfs again someday.
3:27 pm on July 26th, 2014
Every time I hear this song, I think of our Heartfriend on the Other Side of the Bridge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uPNPZygLH4
3:28 pm on July 26th, 2014
Could somebody please swing by and pick me up? Mommy is going to a party and I’m being left home all alone. I want to go with the rest of you guys.
3:30 pm on July 26th, 2014
Since I’m a relative newcomer here, I didn’t get to know Melanie as well as many of you. But just as so many of you describe her as the best friend you never met, so I can say that she touched my life relatively briefly and made a huge impact. (The fact that we both love purple didn’t hurt either.)
Dear Melanie, thank you for making a place at your figurative table for me as well as for your friends of many years. Since we’ll all “be along presently” I’ll look forward to catching up with you then. For now, I’m grateful that out paths crossed when they did. Thank you for being there. (Also, if you had any hand in the sprinkler miracle of last night/this morning, thanks for that, too.)
3:31 pm on July 26th, 2014
LouLou: We will be by to pick you up and bring you to the celebration. For the record, we don’t have rules about blurring that Luna does except the one about bringing enough snacks for everyone.
3:37 pm on July 26th, 2014
Staff: Please pass the Box of Kleenex…we are running out of Tissues here. Sob, sob, sob.
3:40 pm on July 26th, 2014
This is the one photo I have of Dan the Man and Zoe from my visit to MA.
3:49 pm on July 26th, 2014
This is the only photo I have of Melanie and I together. It was taken at the end of a fun filled day on my visit. It is grainy and dark, but I will never delete it.
I remember when I did my one woman show, Melanie sat in the front row and smiled throught the evening. Her smile was encouraging and let me know I was on track. She also had her cane in case someone thought to leave early. She was not only a great friend, but one hell of a bouncer.
3:51 pm on July 26th, 2014
Rebecca’s stories about Dan and Melanie bring tears to our eyes. A picture of the birthday cake she did for Maggie was on our fridge for about a year. I almost got to meet her in person in March, but nevertheless, she was a special friend to me and to so many of us. She truly was The Heart of the Blog.
3:58 pm on July 26th, 2014
We’re back from picking up LouLou. We stopped to pick up a lot of Melanie’s favorite food group—orange—for the potluck. LouLou is now more orange than white. We wonder if MPM will notice.
3:58 pm on July 26th, 2014
Picturing our HeartFriend joining us
in this Celebration of Life.
4:04 pm on July 26th, 2014
I could only lighten it up a little Rebecca.
4:11 pm on July 26th, 2014
Here is a purple butterfly bush that reminds me of our friend.
I had no time to cook but I brought cases of Nut Goodies and Salted Nut Rolls- gluten free
I found a friend with wifi who doesn’t mind if I sit on her deck and laugh and cry. She comes out and checks on me every so often to make sure I’m okay.
4:12 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:14 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:15 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:16 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:16 pm on July 26th, 2014
Staff: Thank you.
4:17 pm on July 26th, 2014
Patsy!…heh!
4:17 pm on July 26th, 2014
Patsy!…heh!
4:17 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:18 pm on July 26th, 2014
I never got the opportunity to meet Melanie in person but loved her stories about the newfs and the stories of her boys. She shared her family with all if us. She is missed every day by all of us.
Much love to all of you.
4:18 pm on July 26th, 2014
Patsy!…heh!
4:19 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:20 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:20 pm on July 26th, 2014
sniff sniff sniff
4:22 pm on July 26th, 2014
sniff sniff sniff
Dawson, did you bring your own kleenex or did you have to borrow theirs?
4:22 pm on July 26th, 2014
Remember!…Greedy Guts?…snort!
4:23 pm on July 26th, 2014
Love the pictures!
4:23 pm on July 26th, 2014
The Newfs are Here!
4:24 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:25 pm on July 26th, 2014
We should have taken covert ops lessons from Patsy. Who would have thought about going disguised as a wine glass? That is brilliant!
In addition to orange, we brought gluten-free cheesecake for the potluck. Unfortunately, there is indent on it that looks a lot like Beau’s tail. He used it as a cushion while riding in the sled. Luna says it is okay because the cheesecake was covered with saran wrap. She also says if everyone drinks enough boot rear floats, they may not notice the indentation.
4:27 pm on July 26th, 2014
Mom found tissues on sale, so glad and is willing to share. Cry for happy and memories.
4:27 pm on July 26th, 2014
4:27 pm on July 26th, 2014
Dawson: You are here. sniff.
4:30 pm on July 26th, 2014
Greedy Guts…..it there anything cuter than a Newf puppy I ask you?
4:32 pm on July 26th, 2014
Question–in the post with the picture of Zoe and Dan, is that a picture of Our Friend in her high school graduation picture?
4:32 pm on July 26th, 2014
B&M: If your reasoning is sound, and I have no reason to believe that it’s not that must mean I am part newf.
4:34 pm on July 26th, 2014
Sniff
4:35 pm on July 26th, 2014
Thieves! Agent Patsy, the (Master) Mistress of Disguise.
4:38 pm on July 26th, 2014
And she’s bulldozing her stairway to heaven.
4:40 pm on July 26th, 2014
from the HOH:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RklCTVforLY
4:41 pm on July 26th, 2014
My Best Friend on one of her best days
4:43 pm on July 26th, 2014
Clap! Clap! Clap! Now, I have two photos of me with our Heartfriend.
Memories! It was later the same day of that photo that I met the newf pack. They were in another room. Before I could meet them, Melanie told me to sit in a chair and placed a towel on my lap. Did she think I was a messy eater? I wondered. She opened the door separating me and the pack, the pack pushed me and the office chair I was sitting in all the way to the wall, and then I understood the need for the towel. Once I came up for air from the bottom of the newf pile, my jeans were soaked.
That day was full of giggles between Melanie, Amalia and me. It was a great day.
4:45 pm on July 26th, 2014
Thank You, Herd of Hounds, for that Wonderful Newf Pack Memory. Sniff.
4:51 pm on July 26th, 2014
Snowbella–I had never seen your stories before, and they are beautiful. (There was a pause for me to write this while I dabbed at my eyes a bit–OK a lot. Is it OK with you if I send one or both along to others?)
I am so happy and touched to read everyone’s memories. Let me not forget to also be thankful that I have crossed paths with all of you as well. (There’s Korbel around here someplace–please help yourselves and recycle the empties after raising a glass to our absent Friends in an asynchronous toast…)
Newfs! I knew they weren’t really bears…
4:56 pm on July 26th, 2014
I remember not only Melanie’s love for her parents and her sons but how much she admired Zoe. She mentioned once that ‘she would like to grow up and be her one day.’ And here all along I was thinking that I would like to grow up and be Melanie someday. She inspired me and inspires me still.
Our dear friend: so funny, so smart, so determined. . She posted multiple times a day with newf stories and helpful comments to us all–it was a lonely time on the blog for a long time after she was gone. In her final days she said that “that she wanted to be remembered for her tales of Newf antics, and puppies, and blurring to parties, and her videos and the laughter.” For all that and more, we will remember her.
P.S. I miss hearing about her sons.
4:57 pm on July 26th, 2014
Does anyone have the photo that M. took of one of the newfs in a meadow? It was my screensaver on my computer for a long time but when my computer crashed, I lost everything.
5:00 pm on July 26th, 2014
I love all the pictures and the memories.
5:10 pm on July 26th, 2014
C.Hobbit: While Nana was searching for the photo of Patsy in the Meadow, she came across a folder of emails between her and Melanie. Now she is off in the other room Reminiscing and Sobbing.
5:26 pm on July 26th, 2014
Patsy in the Meadow
5:27 pm on July 26th, 2014
I met Melanie on the blog at a period of my life when I was down in the dumps. I found that I could click on her name and go to the RiverBear Newfoundland web site. That site cheered me up so much that it became my go-to place whenever I got too low. I never failed to get a sense of joy and wonder at the stories of those wacky, exuberant, happy-go-lucky and fun loving Newfs.
Dan gave all of us copies of his book, For the Love of Puppies, with the drawings by Rob. That volume is a beautiful little treasure.and endeared me to the Newfs and those that raised them even more.
Melanie and I did exchange many e-mails while we were both being care givers- she with Dan and me with Mom (Maggie). It was nice to have someone to talk to and we both agreed that it was very difficult but also a wonderful gift to be able to care for a cherished love one.
Melanie was one of the most giving people I have ever met, with a wicked sense of humor and her number one focus was always her boys. Her wonderful dyslexic actor and tattoo artist sons. And the fiancé and GLAD.
I always knew I was going to visit Melanie and experience some of that Newf drool in person. I didn’t make it in time.
She sent me some Newf hair! crazy wonderful lady! You too, Zoe.
Thank you for letting us be part of your family!
Love you all.
5:35 pm on July 26th, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW-tGKsorXc&index=2&list=PLAD0502ADEB2B5E21
MOre RiverBear Newf Videos
5:44 pm on July 26th, 2014
Dawson!…My friend brought down the “For The Love of Puppies” book and set beside my computer…sniff!…We are going to re-read the book – but right now it is too hard. Dan pawtographed my copy and also wrote a short note to me in the book. It is very very special to me…sob!sob!sob!
5:52 pm on July 26th, 2014
We wonder if Zoe, Martha, Melanie’s boys, GLAD and LLL know that we think of them often?
5:53 pm on July 26th, 2014
Rio: You Are a Lucky Dog. We have a copy of Dan’s Book but it is not Pawtographed.
Nana was thinking maybe Zoe or Rob could do the honors sometime.
Dawson! Remember when we were all reading White Wings and Sending it around the country for Plunderers to sign for Dan?
5:55 pm on July 26th, 2014
I just looked out into the kennel and saw something that made my heart smile. Wyatt is spooning Melanie, the puppy. They are sunning themselves and napping.
6:04 pm on July 26th, 2014
Isn’t Rob’s and GLAD’s baby due in a couple of months?
6:19 pm on July 26th, 2014
The Thieves just left for a beer and hot wing run.
6:26 pm on July 26th, 2014
This raven was about 20 feet away from me and talking up a storm the whole time I was posting. I hope ypu can see him. The tree is purpley colored too.
6:27 pm on July 26th, 2014
All this reminiscing brings to mind a song:
Memories, light the corners of my mind
Misty watercolor memories of the way we were.
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
smiles we gave to one another
for the way we were.
6:41 pm on July 26th, 2014
Paw!…I think Wookie and Teddie’s Paw is the most sentimental guy I know…snuffle!…I really luv that guy, he reminds me so much of Wookie…chuffle!
6:44 pm on July 26th, 2014
Ah, Rio, you make me blush. You even used to make Wookie blush, which was very hard to do.
6:51 pm on July 26th, 2014
We can’t speak to the current status of Wookie or his paw’s manners, but we are currently being accused for playing keep away with Maury, the pup not the person’s manners. He tackled our Lady yesterday during evening chores and then stole her glove. He makes us so proud.
6:55 pm on July 26th, 2014
We wonder if Beau is going to read from the Bible for the Celebration of Life. We heard a lot of thou-shall-nots while he was riding in the sled on the blur over here. It sounded a lot like thou shall not go so fast and then thou shall not blame the indentation on the cheesecake on me. Beau—we love that guy.
6:59 pm on July 26th, 2014
Thank you, all of you, for the wonderful pictures. They are good memories.
Rio, I am so glad you were able to save the pictures from your old computer.
7:06 pm on July 26th, 2014
Melanie,
Thank you for allowing me into your world. You shared your family, both two and four-leggeds with us. What an honor. Thank you for your kindness, your beauty, your humor, and your friendship. I feel your hand in my life everyday.
Anyone would have been so lucky to have called you friend. I consider myself blessed.
I miss you.
Head bumps,
R.
7:18 pm on July 26th, 2014
Zoe, thank you or setting up this time that we could reminisce and remember special and good times and share times with each other.
You, Zoe, are one special lady, also 🙂
7:23 pm on July 26th, 2014
Many have said it & we say it again:
Melanie, you are the Heart of this Blog.
You continue to be an inspiration to us all.
Missing you.
7:32 pm on July 26th, 2014
Sending Hugs to Zoe & the Family on this Day of Remembrance and
Celebration of Life for Two Very Special People.
7:48 pm on July 26th, 2014
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XdBG3GxmMHs
I do not have any Melanie stories, except for my very first time on the blog.
Her avatar was a picture of one of the Newfs. The name was Melanie. Naturally I answered Melanie in a dog conversation. I was so embarrassed to learn Melanie was not the Newf.
I miss you Melanie.
sob
7:50 pm on July 26th, 2014
Please open the link. It is one of my favorite songs, and made me think of the Purple Princess.
7:56 pm on July 26th, 2014
Wose, OMD, what a marvelous memory or you to post. Thanks, sob.
7:58 pm on July 26th, 2014
Wose, thank you that was very nice, and thank you to all who posted all the wonderful pictures. I think Our Friend is pleased with the tributes to her today.
8:01 pm on July 26th, 2014
More Kleenex needed as I go back and look at the pictures, and read the stories.
8:08 pm on July 26th, 2014
Rose: Love the song. sniff.
8:08 pm on July 26th, 2014
Dear Friend,
Thank you for not wanting a funeral but rather a memorial. For wanting a time when we could step a bit away from our loss, grief and selfishness. You were wiser than we knew and we will think kindly of you with pleasant memories and reminiscences. You were the BOMB 🙂
8:11 pm on July 26th, 2014
Thank you BSD for the photo. It is such a perfect shot. Our friend was very talented.
And is it wrong to say that in the end I am still angry that life is so unfair and cancer is so destructive {{{sigh}}}
8:22 pm on July 26th, 2014
I remember at time when Melanie posted that when she was new to this here blog that she was trying to figure out Rio. I can’t remember her exact words but they made me laugh. She said at first she was under the impression that he was a grumpy guy, who had a friend and wasn’t allowed to leave his yard. After a time she realized that Rio was a grumpy guy/pug, who had a friend and wasn’t allowed to leave his yard. I miss her sense of humor.
8:26 pm on July 26th, 2014
White Wings
8:29 pm on July 26th, 2014
(better photo from an earlier auction)
8:30 pm on July 26th, 2014
We just returned home. All of your stories have made our mom cry. Thank you all for sharing your memories, and your pictures, and your stories. Melanie was Mom’s friend, pure and simple. We are lost without her, yet so much richer for having known her.
8:33 pm on July 26th, 2014
Love you, Melanie.
Always will.
8:37 pm on July 26th, 2014
We’ve been called a lot of things: Snowhook’s resident thieves, outlaws and damnit. But, we remember most fondly the day Melanie called us lovable miscreants. We knew we were lovable, sure, but miscreants was a new one to us. We wear the title with honor because Melanie gave it to us. We are thinking of adding it to our business cards.
8:53 pm on July 26th, 2014
You do that Thieves. It is fitting.
9:04 pm on July 26th, 2014
We love love loved Whhite Wings.
9:06 pm on July 26th, 2014
Family!…I hope Dan and Melanie’s family and friends who could be there for Zoe had a very good day today….sniffle!…I would love to hear from my pal Clarkson..snorkel!…But I understand if he is busy or emotionally drained and stuffed with good food right now …sniffle!
9:09 pm on July 26th, 2014
When we planned our trip to Massachusetts, it was last fall and was to celebrate Melanie’s 60th birthday. We made it to Massachusetts but not in time to see our HeartFriend. After I got back home, I thought about that I hadn’t been able to say goodbye. I went on my iPhone to respond to Melanie’s last text to me and I texted her back one last time to say that goodbye and Godspeed. I know that it reached her.
9:12 pm on July 26th, 2014
We can’t let this day go any further without thanking Melanie for all she did for the kennel from primping photos to making a video. She was one of the loudest voices in our cheering section. Sniff.
9:30 pm on July 26th, 2014
MPM: What a beautiful story and photo.
I thought the tears were over. I was wrong.
9:31 pm on July 26th, 2014
What a beauty! We have never seen the photo MPM posted.
9:39 pm on July 26th, 2014
A fitting tribute. Thanks to all.
9:49 pm on July 26th, 2014
What an amazing day! I am only now upstairs, reading the blog, crying, and basking in the love that you all brought to the day. The memorial was just what we hoped for: a joyous time of remembering. Older son William and another good friend brought us together for a time by playing bagpipes and drum. My brother Daniel read two poems, Andrea recalled conversations with Melanie, and Dan’s college roommate spoke about Dan. There was good food, fun games, remembering, and discovering about two people we dearly love. Zoe wants all of you to know that you were here with us. Both of us will write more tomorrow. To answer a few questions… The baby is due October 22nd. Actor son, his intended, and her parents (who drove here from Ohio) are looking at wedding venues in the Hudson Valley tomorrow. No firm date yet. Spring or summer of 2015.
10:03 pm on July 26th, 2014
Zoe, Martha and Melanie’s family, Thank you for inviting all of us to this very special Memorial.
10:07 pm on July 26th, 2014
Martha: Thank You for stopping by the Blog.
What a Wonderful Family Melanie has!!!
10:16 pm on July 26th, 2014
“I’m so glad we had this time together
Just to have a laugh or sing a song
Seems we just get started and before you know it
Its the time we have to say ‘so long'”.
So long, my Best Friend. See you soon.
10:17 pm on July 26th, 2014
Through grief and tears, laughter and joy we plunder on!
10:37 pm on July 26th, 2014
Good night all, and thank you for sharing all the special memories.
11:03 pm on July 26th, 2014
Good night, sleep tight.
11:43 pm on July 26th, 2014
Goodnight. Sleep well everyone. Let the quilt keep you warm and safe.
12:29 am on July 27th, 2014
Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is nigh.
[TAPS]
1:16 am on July 27th, 2014
Dear Creator,
Thank you for Melanie. Please bless and keep her spirit until we meet again. I pray you eased her suffering. I pray you comfort those who grieve her loss. Please bless she know she was loved and thought of in her passing. Thank you for our Heartfriend.
Amen.
1:27 am on July 27th, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDgT0a6hepg