and then there were two... again

Sparky the Space Dog
October 1994- July 18, 2008


We said our final goodbyes to Sparky today... end-stage renal failure.

Sparky, I knew that when you didn't notice the rooster in the vet's lobby, that you were very, very ill.
Almost thirteen years ago I saw you at the shelter. A timid, but obviously intelligent dog... stuck in a cage for over 6 months and terrified of your bully cellmate. We brought you home, let you into the back yard and you ran. and ran. and ran. I've never seen a dog with so much energy. Your vertical leap was amazing! You almost hit the ceiling every time the doorbell rang.
You were the healthiest dog that I have ever had. That's a good thing, since you turned into "Evil Sparky" when you saw the vet. It took him ten years until he became your friend.
After Pumpkin died last year, you began to show your age. You must have missed your friend. I didn't even think that you liked each other.
I'll miss your boundless energy and your cuddles (you pillow hog) :)



the 3-musketeers a year ago

Sparky is really sick. She's eating, but barely, and seems so confused.
Earlier in the week, I made an appointment for her tomorrow for a routine vaccination and checkup. I'm really anxious for the appointment now. I wish it was in the morning instead of the afternoon.
She's been going downhill and finally showing her age the last few months. After having her age as 12 years on my sidebar, I remembered that we got her at the same time we bought the house, and she was a year old at that time. So, I updated her age to 13 (almost 14).
I'm worried about her.

It's been a year

I've been blogging for a year. A year…
Actually, 13 months, but I finally have a chance to review...
It began as a way for me to document the deployment and it’s ups and downs. I never really thought that anyone would read what I wrote. Still, not very many do, but that is still more than the zero that I predicted.
I’m looking back at what has happened during the year. Some feelings that I wrote about seem so foreign to me now, and some seem so fresh.

June:
my very first entry
I’m glad that I didn’t get my wish of a year-long hibernation. I would have missed so much.

July:
I still cringe when I remember our trip home from San Diego.

August:
There was a time when E3 was easier to catch . Man, that seems like ages ago!

A typical time of rest during the deployment, and a summary of all days.

September:
I forget how much work was done around here in the last year. Now, Stuntman is home to enjoy it.

October:
I finally told Stuntman my blog address.

November:
We lost a furry member of the family. I still miss Pumpkin , she was one of a kind. Sparky’s health has really deteriorated since Pumpkin died. She must miss Pumpkin as well. I didn’t even think they liked each other.


December:
I met a good friend face-to-face. She does exist ☺
Later that month, I was tattooed.

January:
My typical thoughts about the unit with whom Stuntman was deployed… I didn’t mention them a lot just in case anyone was reading. I didn’t want to rock the boat when Stuntman was with them, but the leadership totally sucked. There, I said it.

February:
Stuntman returned home for R&R. R&R was just an odd experience. Stuntman was home, but not really here. We did the best that we could, but couldn’t forget that it was so temporary.

March:
A memorable trip to Legoland, not.
… and I got old .

April:
Stuntman’s love for me easily survived the distance.

May:
Stuntman came home. Seeing him in person, and knowing that he would be staying home indefinitely, was one of the best feelings that I have ever felt.
… and life goes on.

June:
After a year of trying not to worry each other, Stuntman and I have had many open conversations .

The last year has been a crazy and memorable experience. I’ve learned more about myself in one year than I ever have. Sometimes exciting, sometimes boring, sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes full of love… and life continues…

Things missed (not by me!)

When Stuntman was deployed, this photo would NOT have been taken.
He caught a snake in the walkway (while it was busy eating a lizard). E1 retrieved the snake book and they all found the photo of the snake in the book to identify it before they released it.
A California King snake, I guess.
A good snake to have around since they eat rattlers... but I prefer to not see them this closely.

Helicopter Show

We attended the Heroe's Airshow on Saturday. We attend every year. It's a fun, free day for the family with a ton of great photo opportunities. This year, it was extremely well-attended. It was somewhat disappointing for us, because usually it is not crowded and easy to park, walk around, etc.. Luckily, we arrived early, so we had ample time before the crowds descended upon all of the displays. It took 30 minutes to exit the parking lot. 30. minutes. arrgh. We were laughing and cracking jokes most of the time while we were waiting in line, so that helped us avoid the frustration that could have been.
Here are a few pics from the day:
E3 inside one of the helicopters

E3 was looking for "the key!" for this SWAT vehicle.
Then spoke into the radio "niner, niner... I need a tank!"

What every toddler needs

a rescue demonstration

My new method of BBQ Grill cleaning

Step 1- Remove all grill grates and place them on the patio

Step 2- Go into the house to retrieve cleaner to clean the grates

Step 3- Return outside to see all of the burnt on crud removed by the dogs

E3 has been an eating machine lately. I swear he eats more than his sisters do, combined. He awoke at 0600 today, again, starving, and has eaten his way through the day. He stuffed his face with grilled asparagus tonight at dinner, whoda thunk?
I’ll need to get a second job in order to feed him when he becomes a teenager