The Dynamic Duo

What beautiful summer weather we’re having. It was a long time coming, and of course we have the requisite winds, but the mornings and evenings are superb. Jim has been in Arizona for over a week; his fire engine and crew were sent to the Phoenix area, and, as of Father’s Day, had been more or less on vacation waiting to be called on a fire. There have been several big fires lately in that area, so I’m thinking his vacation is over. We haven’t heard from him, but I was heartened to note he has been using his debit card!
UltraDad was able to come home for 6 whole days; no mandatory overtime for his week off this time. I think he had a nice week. Saturday we had grilled salmon at brother Bill’s house at a neighborhood barbeque. Sunday we invited people over for a Father’s Day roast beef dinner, and UltraDad got to talk to all 4 of his progeny. UltraBob even called. I didn’t get to talk to him much, but it was, after all Father’s Day. I AM expecting a call on my birthday since he tells me another surprise visit is out of the question. Monday we spent in Pocatello with UltraHeather and were treated to lunch at the infamous Golden Corral (you know, one of those “all you can eat” buffets that makes you feel obliged to, well, eat all you can eat),a stop at the local fly fishing store and some fishing flies for Dad, and some fun card games at Heather’s house. The entertainment was Murphy, who kept digging out obscure cat toys from all the corners of Heather’s house. Several of them will never be the same or in any way resemble their former cat-toy selves. Tuesday, Dad went catfish fishing with neighbor Tom in his boat, and Wednesday spent recovering from said fishing trip. Thursday, back to Nevada, with fish packed in the cooler. I know what you are thinking. You assume just because he went fishing for catfish that the cooler was packed with his catch. That’s what you get for assuming! No, the fish in question were 2 painted tetras and one upsidedown catfish from my aquarium. I have been wanting to get rid of them ever since I learned that I would be moving and their filter quit working. It so happens that UltraDad’s sister and present landlord has an aquairum also, and I’m glad to report that all of the tropicals arrived safely in their new home.
So what have I been doing? At first it seemed really strange and almost, well, decadent, not to have a job to go to, but I seem to have gotten over that fairly quickly. The thing I miss is interacting with people. Not that Murphy isn’t sterling company, but, you know. OK, lets see…. Murphy and I have been on several bike rides. He really likes it now, and jumps around excitedly when I remove the black garbage-bag cover from his bicycle basket. We picked asparagus this morning and shared with several neighbors. I spent all day yesterday printing photos and making thankyou cards. It takes all day because my Microsoft Picture It, Publish It! program tends to shut down sporadically on a whim, taking with it any projects I am in the middle of perfecting. When will I learn to SAVE every 2 minutes? I also balanced numerous checkbooks and had several nice conversations with UD’s Doctor’s office trying to get his prescriptions straightened out. I mowed the lawn, have been watering the lawn nonstop and got the laundry all caught up. Led a WeightWatchers group on Wednesday and, or course, now I am writing a blog and watching “Pocahontas” on TV. What? Have I started going through stuff in the house? Hey, its not like I have nothing else to do. Ok, well it sort of is, but knowing me, I will require some sort of event or deadline to kickstart me.
Monday, Murph and I are off to Nevada to start trying to get on with our new lives, hopefully lives that will include much more of UltraDad.

Yours truly,

UltraMom

Murphy and Proud Parents

Goin’ for a Ride