Crazy For You and a Lesson in History
I don’t believe I told you about the campground site we reserved, it was three nights at this beautiful county park. Right on a stream, near the walking trail and had lots of beautiful rocks and friendly folks. There was a fish hatchery on site, a walking trail and nearby Spearfish Canyon. One of the first things that happens is the hammock gets set up for pleasure. A great gift from my husband on my 55th birthday, I remember that, because, it’s also the first year we had the camper.
What’s even better is the stand he got to with it. It has a convenient drink holder for the beverage of your choice, cell phone nook and table. Ahhh, it’s the perfect relaxation spot while camping.
Here we are, another day in South Dakota, this was another adventure in our circle through the western side of the state. I had never been to see Crazy Horse; in fact, I knew very little about it. I knew of the legend of this warrior chief from history lessons, when we actually taught history to children. I am linking the site History.com here to share with children who may be interested in learning, one of my favorite subjects. They even have a today in history daily knowledge bump here. Today, as I write, Elvis Presley made his debut on the Ed Sullivan show.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is not a National Park, instead, a privately funded memorial, made possible through a foundation and donations from patrons and visitors. It is a remarkable tribute to the Indian nations. Everyone should know the dedication of the man and the Ziolkowski family who began the process, the story of the family and collaboration of tribes and Chief Henry Standing Bear to carry through a promise made.
You need to plan on several hours at this memorial, the walking, the scheduled tram ride to see the process up close and yet another large scale nose. It is certainly humbling to see the sculpture, walk the museum full of artifacts and history, perhaps see a family member who oversees the project.
Considering we got to the Crazy Horse Memorial early in the day, we still had plenty of time to visit other places on our list. Remember, our campsite location was in close proximity to so much! We decided on Custer State Park, just southeast of Crazy Horse, The path took us on highway 385 to 16 A into the park.
Time to look for buffalo…..in this beautiful park, which meanders on all kids of roads, lots of sites to see along the path to buffalo. I was eager to get great photographs of buffalo in their native habitat, although , I learned that occasionally, the buffalo are moved to new areas. Here’s why. The buffalo roundup occurs once a year in order to keep the balance between healthy live stock and available forage. Good news, just days away on September 30, 2022 is the Livestream of the roundup. Join here to watch this roundup without being there, but, it will be like you are with cowboys and cowgirls as the plains rumble with thundering herds of buffalo. Here is the roundup from 2021, wow, what a sight and adventure. This could be or should be on a bucket list, am I right!
We were not fortunate enough to see this kind of a sight, but, on my list was to see them on the plains, with baby buffalo roaming about watching the day to day life of a buffalo. I got my wish, and, my husband was brilliant enough to locate a spot high above in the park, perfect for viewing and photos. He had recently purchased a tripod for me and I couldn’t wait to utilize it. I had purchased a nice digital camera about two years before that, I was always a 35mm film camera photog before, I had the right camera for this purpose. This tripod is affordable for everyone and I highly recommend having one. At this low price, how could you not!
Our Favorite Camping Necessities
Check out this Idea List on Amazon: Camping Travel Necessities by Patty Pickens https://a.co/hol7A12 Here is out link to favorites!
I wanted to share some of our favorite things we have used and currently have in the camper. This is not a comprehensive list but it is some thing that everyone could use if you don’t know where to start!
Where the Buffalo Roam ( But First, Faces of Granite )
We were on our way! The first night going to South Dakota, we actually boon docked in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. This was the summer of rioting, not the summer of love as espoused by some Democrats. We always travel prepared; we were more prepared this time and wanted to get past St Louis Missouri at a bare minimum. We did and we sought out campsites, but we were tired. We landed in the nearest Cracker Barrel lot we could find; they usually welcome overnighters. Did I mention it was summer? I remember we grabbed fast food that night, maybe Wendy’s, I just remember ” the night was moist “, uncomfortably so. We weren’t plugged in, so, the night was moist. We actually slept with the main door open, and the screen was the only thing protecting us from the public and the giant owl we had seen in the field behind the camper. Would we be murdered in the night? WHO would save us, surely not the giant owl who was eyeing us as his next meal, no Cracker Barrel breakfast for us. We awoke to clatter from the restaurant, I use the team awoke very loosely, as it was not a restful night. Except for the fact we do have a comfy, mattress, it was not a restful night. Did I mention the owl and the fear of being murdered with nothing but a screen and a sleeping husband between me and the world? And the firearm he swears he could retrieve quickly…the same riot shotgun cleverly mounted to the dashboard with his sturdy command strip. It did the trick, perfect for any sticky situation.
Camping NecessitiesCheck out our favorite camping necessities by clicking the link above. We appreciate you!
Next morning, we were off to Spearfish, we had reservations and a plan to get there. It was a long straight drive there, except for a left turn and an exit to get a train spike. You see, my husband collects train spikes, we have settled on collect because stealing sounds like thievery and tactfully acquiring was already taken by his process of obtaining hotel toiletries. We collected a spike in western Iowa, we have one from every state we have visited, we don’t mark these on our giant map of travel, because that may be looked at as marking the scene of the crime.
We did make a stop along the way, at the famous Wall Drugs, it’s the hugest drug store in the world. You know how I know, because there is a billboard every mile on I90 from Sioux Falls South Dakota to the Black Hills. It was a cool place, we walked through the many various stores and played in the playground. Bought a souvenir or two and played in the playground. Because we’re grown, kids. I think they’re really large sculptures you’re not supposed to climb on, so we did, and we left.
I have to admit, growing up in my America, I had never seen buffalo, bison, wooly mammoths, unless you include that trip to the Smithsonian one time in DC. I saw creatures there that were scary! I’m pretty sure it was a wooly mammoth and its kinfolk, long tusks, enough to scare the hide off a water buffalo. Anyway, I wanted to see one up close, but, not too close! Did you ever see Lonesome Dove where Robert Duvall was out roaming the plains and he says to Pete, ” let’s chase em, you want to” ? One of my all-time favorite mini-series, one of my favorite actors. You’ll be a slow walker if a buffalo hooks you! This trip, I meant to see buffalo.
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the local restaurant , we set out to see the sites. We were to start the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It had been a dream to go there, the reverence for those who founded, directed and served our great country. George Washington, our first official President, General and natural leader; Thomas Jefferson, eloquent writer and creator of the Declaration of Independence, farmer and architect; Theodore Roosevelt ( whom I am convinced my favorite uncle was name after ) statesman, conservationist and soldier and Abraham Lincoln, layer, politician and a humble man. All well deserving predecessors to our cuurent state of politicians. That’s another subject entirely.
We realized on our less than an hour trip to the monument, we were in close proximity to many other places, again, location , location , location! Choose your site wisely, we did and we were glad of it. We could go to the monument, circle through Needles highway and visit Custer State Park, all the same area , make it happen all in one day. So, we set out to Mount Rushmore first, traveling west to east on I90, then south on highway 16. I don’t remember whose nose I saw first, I can only say I was in awe of the large granite facial structure of our leaders. I will also admit, I teared up, I was emotional, I am patriotic as is David, my entire family in fact, it meant a great deal to see this monument.
I was so excited, because, I had purchased the National Park Pass, this was to allow us into numerous National Parks, we have goals you know, after reading ” Dear Bob and Sue ” the year before . If you haven’t read their book, or listened to the podcasts, I highly recommend them. About the National Park Pass, is it a good deal? Even though it is an annual pass for most citizens, if you are in an area that has many parks close by, such as South Dakota or Utah, it pays for itself easily. Based on cost of admission alone it is valuable, however, you may still have parking fees.
Ok, we’re now at the monument of giant granite faces. I have dried my eyes, found adequate parking and are now walking through tons of people. I laughed at the people exiting trying to use the parking pay kiosk. More on this later.
We had no pre arranged plan on time, walking or what to see here, we were here that’s all that mattered. We walked through the Avenue of the Flags, then went to the main terrace to view the faces. I had my camera, we people watched, saw construction and areas blocked off from walkers, we were certain it was for safety. We briefly talked to a park ranger, who although very nice, could give us no information as to why we could not view the monument closer. We took lots of photos within the park and on the drive out, we also visited the extensive visitors gift, shop, I bought the obligatory tee shirts, which I wear often. Also, an odd occurrence of a woman chatting up a couple for an extended length of time. I was certain they needed saved from her, she invited them to her condo, commented on the ladies beautiful, braided hair and I wondered who she came with, where is this dog of whom she spoke, I had lots of questions as I listened. I really wanted to save them from her, David said no. We later learned she was a scammer, just kidding, I have no idea, I was just glad we didn’t get regaled with her stories. About a week later, we did learn that President Trump was going to be at Mount Rushmore on July 4th, to celebrate the nation’s birthday. hence all the construction, sad we missed that event live. We settle for the television broadcast; we were home by then.
After our what we considered adequate time to visit the monument, we decided, time to go somewhere else. Time to pay for the parking so we could exit. We watched a group in front of us, attempt to pay, remember earlier where I said I would revisit this, I laughed at others, this kiosk was hard as hell to figure out, we finally escaped.
Our trip after the monument was through Needles highway, a beautifully scenic drive to the west, more photos, more unique rock formations and a western view of George. There were a few pull off places for photography, we found one that suited us.
It was still early in the day, so we decided to go to Bear Country, USA, because, as normal humans, who doesn’t want to see wild animals roaming around inside a large, fenced area? We were those people, we love nature, from a distance, especially if they are larger than us. It’s quite a drive through the park, where at the first bear section, there was one ” guarding ” the road, nervously pacing across the cattle gate.
The highlight of our visit to the Country Bear Jamboree was the fenced area with all the baby bears.” Let us near the fence, we want to see too” I could hear the cries, I realized it was coming from the two adults trying to work their way amongst the kids. We could have stayed for hours, except for the bunches of unattended human children, who by this point were making the visit un BEAR able.
I remember being there until the sun was high in the sky, it was nearly time to eat, and it was an hour or more drive back to the camper. Rest assured; we would be comfy though. I want to tell you just how comfy our camper is.
Comfy life, comfy wife, or so the saying goes. I tell you, if you have a camper, and you don’t have anything but the standard RV mattress, you are wrong! It is a must have to get a gel mattress or memory foam mattress, it will change your life. And this fan, is a special item, when you don’t have hook ups or air, this will do the trick. We wished we had the fan when we hit that Cracker Barrel, I wouldn’t have heard the owl or the snoring husband sleeping next to me.
The next day awaits our rested bodies, ready to see Crazy Horse and hopefully buffalo.
America the Beautiful
Hello again, I admit, I am skipping around a little, bypassing other trips to get this one posted. This was one of the most magnificent trips we have taken to date. We werescheduled to get married in October, as everyone remembers, Covid happened in March 2020. At that time, we were in Florida visiting Davids’s parents, soon after we realized, we would be visiting family more over the next year.
In May, once we gathered all our plans for the wedding, we decided on who was going to walk me down the aisle. We had both been married before, me never having a real wedding. My Dad wasn’t going to be available since he had passed away a few year before in 2017. My niece was visiting, my great niece that is, Bella, we love when that little girls visits with us. We try to get her involved in crafts, outdoors and cooking. This day though, we had another plan. I wanted to check in with my friend Jim Brown, he worked with me at Academy Sports and Outdoors, we had both left the company at this point. He wanted to officially retire, I changed retailers. Jim was one of greatest inspirations when it came to travel. He and his wife Pam had a camper, he always showed me pics of places they had been, beautiful mountains and sunsets and weird places they had seen. Our goal was to get travel advice about places to see on our next trip.
The planned trip was to be one before our wedding, to Wyoming and South Dakota. Our plan was to camp on our longest journey yet with the Patty Wagon, David named it by the way. Jim and Pam had taken this trip, by a different path, but the destinations were going to be the same. I told Jim we wanted to come visit for info and guidance. He obliged willingly. An opportunity to show us photos and brochures and share some of the pamphlets we could review before leaving on our trip. We got to Jims, Bella alongside us, he already has all the info layed out for viewing. I am not sure how long we were there, but by the time we finished we had new goals. We also could not leave his house without completing one other detail, the real reason behind us visiting that day. You see, Jim was the person I wanted to walk me down the aisle for our wedding. We had become close friends over the years, and he was who came to mind. Because Jim is who he is, and rarely says no to someone, he agreed. David filmed me asking Jim, some tears were shed and I knew I made the right choice.
Getting a camper ready for a cross country trip is no small undertaking. We had been on several small trips, local campgrounds, family in Kentucky and to neighboring state Tennessee. All relatively close and knew the location. Our questions were, will the truck withstand the mountains, were campsites going to be available, will we get eaten by a bear? We only had one reservation, aside from the bear part that was. A reservation in Spearfish South Dakota, for three nights at the Spearfish city campground. We chose it based on location, you know that’s everything, not just for house hunting. It’s close to Crazy Horse, the never-ending monument. What a great place to visit and the history and dedication by one man’s family to it’s completion. We would be close to Mount Rushmore , Custer State Park a beautiful place to view, also, that is where buffalo roam. Yep, this was where we wanted to stay for three days. We chose wisely what a beautiful campground. Extremely well maintained, friendly staff and beautiful surroundings.
These are pictures taken at our campsite, that’s me in the hammock! Rocks that were left from previous campers, our chairs for viewing , rocks I wish I collected and the stream. A beautiful location for relaxing , claiming rocks and seeing flying objects.
We were definitely set up to camp, but, honestly, we ate out every morning at a local restaurant. The omelets were amazing, I usually make those when we camp, but, theirs…let me link their info here, the food was amazing for breakfast and dinner, at least three of them! The Millstone Family Restaurant is just a normal family fare spot, but, we found it very appetizing and delicious.
Now, had we not eaten out those three days, I would have used all my supplies. I want to give you a rundown of those items, I always set up first. In the three years we have had the camper, we have come to know what we can take with us because of space allowances. A kitchen set up is crucial and I have it going on at the campsite.
Collapsible items are easily carried and stored, and yes, mostly from Amazon! I have many purchases we have made to make it that simple for us.
I will show you some of those products after the breakfast pic, getting hungry?
My camping style is let’s make it easy but let’s eat fantastic! Like we’re at home, it can be done. You just have to plan and be well organized. I do both very well. One of my favorite things though is this map, I got it for David the Christmas of 2019 to track our progress across the states. I have these cute flag push pins to track locations, prettiness and restaurants!! Get you a map, whether it’s a magnet one for your camper, or like ours, on a big corkboard in the office. You won’t regret it, and you will create new goals.
Tracking where we've been, one trip at a time! #founditonAmazon
I love camper designed stuff! These bowls are cute and useful, and they match my melamine dinnerware too. Look at the little pattern on them, I find a use for them every camp trip, whether it’s for Pico de Gallo that David makes, prep for fajitas or a salad, they work and store great!
My wonderful camp bowls with cute design #founditonAmazon
Our melamine dinnerware set
#founditonAmazon
We did stay in Spearfish three nights, beautiful weather for flying saucers. The skies are so unobstructed, so clear and so dark. One night, by the fire, about midnight, I in my hammock and pa in his cap, no wait, wrong story. I was in the hammock he was in his chair, we both were looking up in this dark sky, unobstructed when one of us says, ” what is that? ” Really far off, too far to be a jet, maybe a satellite, maybe the shuttle? It looked like it could have been a satellite, but the path was not direct. Kind of wobbly, like a loose superball, bouncing around with no direction or a dog’s Chuck It toys, that is random and erratic. We didn’t know, but we both saw something. Very bright, extremely distant and definitely unidentified. We didn’t know, so, we continued on with our adult beverages.
And, hey, if like me, you gather rocks while camping, and paint them as I enjoy, here are some of the supplies I use. Who knows, you may be the next Bob Rocks!
50 Piece paint brush set
#founditonAmazon
Mandala dot tools
#founditonAmazon
Brush organizer #founditonAmazon
On the next episode of Two People on an Adventure, go to Mount Rushmore with us! Just a heads up, I cried coming around the mountain !
LONG TIME GONE
What’s been going on lately?
It’s been a long time since I posted any of our travels, no particular reason, but maybe it’s because I was working in retail. That will do it, wear you out, walking all over a big box store, moving, running, lifting all of the above. I was done with it! I had been in retail, mainly as a manager since 1981, yep, that’s how old I am. I was starting to feel it too. Someone I had connected with previously on Linkedin,, contacted me about a position as a stylist. Clothing you mean, I can do that! I love clothes, I love to shop. After three interviews, various documents, many weeks of waiting and a pay cut, I now had a work from home job. Me, who laughed about the change during Covid initially in March of 2020, it seems so long ago. I was working for Belk as a manager, I loved the job and the people, I did not like being tired all the time. Is it age or is it work? I found after just two weeks, it was the work.
I actually have a subscription to my tried-and-true friend of the below, Bio Freeze, when it comes to quick relief, this is what I keep on the bedside in camper and at home. I will be honest, I do not need it as much anymore, but it is a lifesaver for quick relief.
In February of 2022, hang on let me back up, in July of 2021, we started selling on Amazon, fairly small time. Kitchen goods, food, Halloween and Christmas. Retail arbitrage mostly. It was a good extra income. Now, February, we got into watching thrifting, Goodwill, yard sales and assorted resale videos. We already loved thrifting, this can’t be hard, right? And, now Ebay as another income source. I have inventory organized in excel, labeled totes and soon a storage building. We now have an antique booth too, at El-Maries Antiques and Art Marketplace in Hartselle Al. Our booth is The Purple Crayon more on that later about the name and why. All of this was the catalyst for taking the at home job with Amazon. We wanted to be self-sufficient, two people on an adventure. Being able to travel, work on the road if needed and eventually have a brand. The brand part hasn’t happened yet, we have ideas though. I am currently working on logos, getting the right picture of what our products will be. Home 2 Camp is our Amazon name, and the plan is to have products used for camping, storage, kitchen pet supplies etc. Easy travel items for the organized camper.
We love to camp! In March 2019, I bought a camper for my 55th birthday, see I am that old. We did not want anything too large, just enough for sleep, cook in an emergency and a bathroom. The Forest River Wolf Pup HQ is what we finally settled on buying. It still is perfect for us. We did not want a huge payment to add to no debt, so, it was the 16 foot trailer we purchased.
I know I am all over the place here but getting to now is an adventure in itself. The goal is still to travel as many places as possible and do it sooner than later. Current situation is I am working from home with Amazon, set up in my already office for crafts, lol, and so far, so good. I have yet to work on the road. That may happen during October on a vacation we have tentatively planned.
So, catching you up on the latest was my goal here. We have only travelled locally lately, but I will be doing a post on our last long trip here soon. I am also going to start rating products we have received and purchased for our camping trips and storage. I will only post things we have actually used so the review will be honest.
Stay tuned for another post for Two People on an Adventure!
Lola’s Treats of Love
We started a GoFundMe in memory of our dog Lola, to help other dogs in need.
Our dog Lola , who we adopted from her homeowners when we bought our house. A truly loving dog that made friends with everyone she met! She adored Barbara her mail carrier and looked forward to her Monday -Friday treats fom her. It became a ritual for us to watch Lola get her treats in the morning. We gave the remainder of Lola’s treats to Barbara to give away to other dogs on her route, to make them happy. We want to raise money to buy treats/ food for shelter dogs and to give to mail carriers to give to dogs on their routes. Lola would have wanted it that way. We lost her Thanksgiving night November 26, 2020. We are still devastated by her passing and wanted to do good with other dogs. If we can help some or many, that will be good enough in Lola’s memory. She brought joy to everyone who knew her . Read her story in our previous post
gf.me/u/zcfnpb
Our Adventure with Lola
This post may seem a little out of sequence, considering I have yet to finish the All about Fall post from two years ago …..yes, I’m a little slow in writing!
Our latest adventure with Lola was a short camping trip. I had two days off together and we decided to go to a local campground, close to home.
We had always talked about taking Lola on a short camping trip, just to see how she would do. This time, we had decided against it. When we got to the local campsite, there were electrical issues. Great campground, just hookups were not working. David decided to come home, the thirty minute ride, to get an adaptor, to see if this would work. I got a message from my neighbor, Nancy, asking if we had Lola. She said that both garage doors were down. We always left one open about a foot for Lola to go outside. I responded to her, saying that ” I bet David has her”. When he got back to the camp an hour or so later, out jumps Lola from the truck. He said’ she looked so sad when I was leaving, I decided to bring her ” We are so glad he did! Most if not all campgrounds require your pet to be on a leash, of course, we had hers. I had it tied to the grill leg, she had a warm blanket to lay on as well as all her treats and food. Camping certainly was something she loved to do. We never knew! She watched everything around her. She met several friends of the human variety, took long walks through the park, walked near the water, through the playground and also enjoyed the sunrise. Overall, I would say, she was adapted to this life, she could learn to love it and we would love to travel with Lola more.
During this short trip, I read a book a neighbor, Jean gave us as a wedding gift. While laying in my hammock, I giggled a lot that morning into evening. The next day, David asked, ” what is so funny ? ” I told him it was the book Dear Bob and Sue, adventures of a married couple traveling the National Parks and writing their friends emails about their adventures. Matt and Karen had a terrific way of describing their visits to the parks, adventures and people they encountered. Along the way giving reviews about places they stayed, best parks etc. I continued reading almost the entire book aloud on that trip, David enjoyed it too.
At night, she slept on the table that turns into a single, bed, not once making a noise or moving. In the early am, when I would look over at her, she was enjoying the sunrise, surveying all of the campground she could see from her view. I do not think she wanted to leave the campground, neither did we!
I can’t tell you the rest of the adventures, without first telling you how we came to acquire Lola.
We first met Lola on November 29, 2017. I was looking to buy a house after staying with my mom, I had been divorced and needed my own place. I knew David and I would be together at some point, so he visited. He and I both had looked at numerous houses online. We decided to see the house on Paradise Lane. We arrived and running up to us was a big black dog. Now what? Is it friendly? Will it greet us in a neighborly fashion? We waited until our realtor arrived. She assured us, Lola was friendly. It’s necessary I tell you this, to explain our house we were about to purchase. We looked at no others, this felt like home. Inspection was done, closing was set for February. Some small repairs needed done and I being a retail manager, needed the extra time to close. The owners were accommodating to all of these things.
Now, you’re probably still asking yourself, but, Lola had a home. Yes, she did. Johnny and Lillian Sivley had lived in this house quite some time. We later found out neighbor Nancy had lived here before them. Small world right? But, here is where Lola comes into the story. I had heard from the realtor that the Sivleys were looking to rehome Lola. Being an older couple, they were looking to downsize. I started asking around if anyone knew someone who might take in this sweet dog. I was certain I could not, I was going to be alone until David was able to move to Alabama. I was not sure at all that I could take on a dog with my work schedule. It had been nearly fourteen years since I had owned a dog and was currently sharing custody with two cats Cosmo and Miss Daisy with my ex husband. Yep, sharing. We had worked out a plan.
I had told the Sivleys where I worked and one day, Johnny Sivley paid me a visit. I was still at Academy Sports and Outdoors . He saw me near the front of the store and came over to reintroduce himself. We talked briefly about the house I would be moving into soon. Then he asked if I might take Lola, he said he had been praying about it. I told him I would consider it. I talked to David on the phone and it took a couple days to come to the decision, but, Lola would remain in her home she had known since she was a puppy. She would adopt us and us her.
Mrs Sivley had emailed me some regarding the house and Lola.
From her emails
” Would you like for her to stay with you. She is so easy. Just had shots updated this week. Electronic collar. Always stays in yard. You would love her and she would you, So gentle. ”
” Patty, Lola is almost 4. The shots last for a year. We will be glad to pay for a hair cut when the weather turns warm. My husband suggests that you might consider keeping her a month or two and have the option of changing your mind. I hate giving her up, but I know she would be happy with you here. Thank you for working with him this morning on the issues. Leaving the dog is harder than leaving the house. Thanks again Lillian “
“Lola would make a good watch dog. She will bark if someone strange comes around at night. Lillian”
“Hope you are well. We would like to get Lola a haircut one day next week. Is this ok with you? We will need to make an appointment. Johnny will pick her up and return her. Thanks , Lillian “
” Soon as I have appointment will let you know. Will have records sent next week from Dr. Bryan on Strafford road. I miss her. Thanks Lillian “
More emails ” Thanks. I noticed the bandanna. Lola seems very content and happy. We are so glad.” ” Picture made my day. I had records sent to your vet.
Everything up to date until Feb next year. Thanks, Lillian ” “ We miss her a lot, but we know that being with you is the best thing for her. Thank you again for taking her and loving her. We might drop by soon and see her. Lillian ”
They continued to drop by often their visits were encouraged by us both. I continued to send photos of Lola’s car rides and burger treats.
It wasn’t too much later, a few weeks maybe, that we discovered Lola had a relationship with our mail carrier. I was getting many things delivered from just moving into a new house. We noticed she would walk out the driveway, as far as her perimeter collar would allow. She would hear Barbara’s jeep , then see her pass by , turn around on the cul-de-sac and approach our driveway. Barbara would call her and give Lola a treat. We never thought such a simple ritual would become so endearing and a daily delight. Both for us and especially for Barbara.
Lola would go out just as she knew Barbara was coming to our house next, even if it was raining. She would get her treat, on special days if there was a delivery of a box, Lola got petted and followed Barbara to our door. When she was thrown a treat and retrieved it, she would then turn around and look through the front window, as if to say ” see, I got my treat ” Lola knew when it was mail days , even on Saturday and Sunday, she would not look for Barbara. Now, I am not saying Lola knew her days of the week, but, she knew Barbara’s jeep. All three of them! She never would expect a treat from replacement drivers. It was always a funny and sweet sight to see their interaction.
Slowly, we saw how much Lola meant to others. The Fedex guy who said to David one day..” this looks the the same dog who was here before” it was, and he heard the story of our adoption. The utility worker who came to read our meter and stay to pet her. A family down the street who would walk with the five kids, children running up to Lola and us not knowing how she might react. They hollered ” Lola!! ” They knew her and she knew them, and rolled on the ground with them. Our neighbors Richard and Nancy who loved Lola so much, she would watch Nancy work in the yard, bark at anyone strange who would walk by and bark for Nancy to give her a treat. Nancy always did.
A few weeks after moving in to the new house, I wanted a birthday/housewarming party. David had decided to come down from North Carolina ( still not living here yet ) to cook for the party. There were probably a dozen or so friends here, David had never met. And they had never met Lola. Calley and Cody, Celia and Garrett, Hope, Paula, Tina, Carrie and Mechel and a couple more. We had a great time, There were some leftovers for everyone to share, plated were fixed and left on the table.Celia and Garret stayed a little while as the guys talked firearms. As soon as those two were ready to leave, they wondered where their plate had gone. Evidence of a Lola attack was soon found by the driveway. Yep, jalapeno poppers, pulled pork and tater skins, she loved it all. What were we thinking? I had not thought about it at all, we learned quickly not to do that ever again. Celia and Calley along with husbands were about to become pet-sitters as we travelled. They sent the cutest messages about their visits. By this time, I would have the cats more often and later got them permanently. Lola loved her visits from these friends. I always knew if Lola was dognapped, where she would be!!
LOLA TELLS HER STORY
When I heard my birth parents had to move, I was scared. I did not know who would live with me. Could I stay here? Would they love me? Would they play golf ball fetch with me? So many questions. When I met them I tried to be as well behaved as I could be and listen to Dad. I was really cute and playful. I liked them when I first me Patty and David. They decided to buy my house, and I was still wondering if I was staying. The best news is when Mom and Dad told me I had new parents if I wanted and I could stay in my home, my same home I lived in since I was a puppy. It was the only home I knew, I knew the neighbors, the delivery people, this was gonna be PAWSOME!! I was so happy! I let them move in and helped them all I could to make sure they would love it here.
I never told Mommy and Daddy I loved to go for car rides. My birth Daddy Johnny would take me out sometimes. They wanted to take me on one. First, just to see how I would do. I loved it! I sat in the front seat like a good girl. If you said ” get in the back ” I did, some times I wanted to drive….I was an experienced driver!
I am such a good girl, that I deserved a treat. I got used to going out on beautiful days, maybe a walk to the river or to a local park. I love parks! Always well behaved and looking to get petted by any small child. I never wanted to get into the car, there were so many times after visiting a park, all these new smells, seeing people and other dogs who may or not have been as lucky as me. I just want to ride with the wind in my hair!!
When Mommy took me out to dinner, I knew when we were at McDonald’s drive thru , their burgers are the best. Cheeseburger please!
This became somewhat of a ritual and I never would try to get the bag of burgers
So many visits to parks I can not count. I just wanted to be outdoors and with my people. I loves to go down slides with mom and sit to watch sunsets. Parks are the best mom, when can we go again? I love having fun!
I think I loved this place the most. Clarkson Covered Bridge is a beautiful park about 30 minutes from home. I walked freely most of the visits and quickly came when called. I really didn’t mind a leash and walked really obediently on one, I preferred my freedom though. Fall was a beautiful time for this trip, though, I am sure I would have enjoyed it any day.
I love it when Bella visits Mommy and Daddy!! She is my best buddy and we play really good together , I look forward to this little girl visiting. We would run and play, I listened to Bella. I would follow her to the rope swing and sit quietly by and Bella swung from the big rope swing her uncle David put up the first spring here. We were friends from the beginning.
When Bella came to visit one time, there was a really large dog in a fence in the back yard. I did not know what it was, but, I wanted to play with it since Bella was. I listened really good to Bella when she told me to stay. She said it was not a dog but a horse. I dunno, but, he was so big!! His name was Wiley and she got to ride him! I hope she doesn’t try to ride me!
There was always a lot of action going on in the kitchen when Mommy and Daddy were both home. They liked to cook all kinds of yummy food. Daddy would let me hang out with him in the garage while he used the grill. I would make sure if anything fell or dripped I was there to clean it up fast. He would make me crispy ham pieces on there too. They are so good!! Sometimes I would look in from the back deck or just sit by the kitchen door, peeking in if they opened either, taking a chance on coming inside, I can try!
I discovered hanging out here was the best way to get treats, I would sometimes tell mommy that daddy didn’t give me a treat, what dog wouldn’t lie to get another treat!!
I discovered after a few months there were two furry smaller animals living inside the big house. They looked strange to me. They always seemed to be looking out the back door if the sun was shining. I loved the sun too! Maybe we can be friends….it took a little longer than I though, but, they tolerate me. The little grey cat seems to tolerate me , but, the weird big cat seems to have an attitude. Trying to work on her with my cuteness though. I tried to steal her blue toy, she did not care for that at all!
I started doing this weird thing in the following spring. I had my dog house in the garage, but, when it got nice, I wanted too see what was going on outside, but, still stay warm. Mom and Dad leave the garage door up so I can go out to potty and discover. I started dragging my dog bed to the door so I could be comfy yet still see everything and guard the driveway. It worked!
I always get a little nervous when a storm is coming. I started to just hang out behind mom’s car in the garage. Then, I discovered if I hit the kitchen door or forced my way in, they would let me stay. I felt safer that way. At first, I would go in the laundry room and steal the food from the spoiled cats, they were already fat. I got in trouble and if I stayed in all the night, the cats might starve, I doubt that! I was scolded not to do it, and I learned not to eat their food. I would lay in the bathroom or by the big bed and stay away from the noise. One time, me and the grey cat Cosmo collided in the hall trying to escape the loud noises from the storm. Dad thought it was really funny!
Cosmo and I kind of became friends after big attitude cat passed away Aug 1 of this year. I guess he was lonely and scared so they let me come in some nights when we would all watch tv together. I liked that so much!
Bath time was never something I was quite sure I wanted to happen, I would do it of course, because, I am a good girl! I liked the pool the best and this last October, Aunt Terra gave me a nice bath before Mom and Dads wedding. So I would be all fluffy and smell good! I always got a pretty bandana to wear, it made me feel special and beautiful! My aunt Marie got these smell good things just for good dogs, so of course, I got some! Mom likes to spray it on and bathe me in the Best Bud Suds to make me clean and shiny.
The best time spent together is when Mom and Dad are outside. They like to sit out back on the deck and listen to birds and watch the critters. I sit up there too and keep them safe. Its’ so quiet and peaceful, I can understand why they enjoy it so much too. I will give them lots of kisses and if they move their hand I will nudge them to make the petting start again, it usually works good. Mom likes to get in her hammock to relax and drink her red drink, she calls it wine. I can’t have any. I love this time together with them. They love me so much.
They love me so much they get me toys, purple is my favorite color to play with. I protect them when they squeak. Sometimes I hide them in the bushes so they are safe from being squeezed. Here I am with my purple friends.
At Christmas time, they are especially good to me and the furry cats. We get stockings! They are filled with toys and treats. YUMMY!
They even let me dress up in a funny hat and walk around the house. They cats laughed at me and said they were too good to do that, I should have been embarrassed , it made mommy happy so I did it. I was cute of course.
One time when Daddy was gone to see his parents, Mommy and I went to look at Christmas lights, they were so pretty. I had her all to myself.
When Daddy and I had days off, we had special things we did together. When he would mow the grass, I would chase the lawnmower. I loved when we played together. Sometimes, he would let me ride in the pull behind trailer for a fun time.
I would help him with stuff, like cleaning up the garage, licking up ham juice and moving his grilling tools to the yard. It was a fun game for me and then he would find them. We had fun.
One time, before he moved here forever, I sat on one of his totes to keep him from leaving. He came back though . I missed him a lot. I always ran to him when he would come home, sometimes when he left I would bark at him to come back.
There were so many of Mommy and Daddy’s friends who took good care of me and the furry cats. My friend Calley and her husband Cody, Celia and her husband Garrett and my friend Hope. She joined in this year watching us while Mommy and Daddy travelled. They love to go pretty places, they show me all of the pictures, some of funny looking animals. I miss them when they are gone, but, my friends love us enough til they get home.
We had a lot of excitement this October when Mommy and Daddy got married. We had family come to visit . Aunt Terra and Aunt Becky, a new man called Pastor John and one night lots of people sat around our bonfire. I became friends with all of them. My Aunt Terra gave me a really good bath and brushed me, I was so fluffy and pretty and ready for my big performance. On Sunday, I got play dress up with my friend Bella. I had a big necklace and a fancy collar and leash. I was told to listen to Bella that I would get treats from people. I did so good and they all loved me. I was a star!! I saw so many people I knew too! They are my friends, I met some new friends too!
Here I am sitting with Granny Louise and Aunt Chris after I did my walk of fame.
This year on Halloween, we had lots of fun. I watched everyone make funny faces on pumpkins. I tried to steal the seeds but they wouldn’t let me. We listened to music and had lots of fun.
Aunt Terra dressed me up on Friday, I let her do it, she said it would be lots of fun. We were going to surprise Daddy and my friend Barbara . I looked super cute and knew, I wanted to run to see my friend. She was so excited to see me in my postal uniform.
Mom and Dad love Fall O Ween too. They put Halloween and Fall together.They love to decorate. They put lots of stuff out on my front porch. Sometimes they scare me ,but, mostly we get along. Here I am with some of my skeleton friends.
It was just me, Mommy and Daddy after all the people left the house. They took me on a camping trip not too long ago. I always wanted to go. This time, they let me go camping! Daddy forgot or needed something and took me to camp to see Mommy! She was excited as I was. Her hammock was there too!
I was so excited to see what they do there. Before they would camp, I would help them pack . I liked to go up the steps of the camper to see what Mommy was doing.
She would always take food in there and not give me any, unless there was bacon!
My birth Mom and Dad the Sivleys came to see me the day before Turkey day and gave me a big bone. It was delicious. I always know it’s them when they come to visit. I am so glad they let these nice people stay in their house.
On what people call Turkey day, mom was busy cooking. Dad had did a big bird on the grill. I knew something big was happening. Mommy gave me a hardboiled egg to eat. I took it outside like a big treat , I do this with all my big treats. Mommy and Daddy loaded up all kinds of food into their car. Was I going? They told me no. I sure did try though and followed them and sat where I normally do after they leave.
I always wanted to take care of Mommy and Daddy. I think I do a really good job, and for that, I get treats.
I sat there after they left and let out a bark telling them I loved them. They always tell me when they leave. Mommy and me have a special goodbye every time she leaves. She takes a treat out, and I do a bow. I used to just sit or lay down, She taught me how to bow. I do it without her saying a word. Then I taught Bella how to make me do it.
Turkey day, Daddy came back home. Was he getting me? No, he forgot his phone, I got to say goodbye again though. That’s the last time I saw Mommy or Daddy. I couldn’t tell them I was sick, I didn’t know either. I had fun all day with them, getting treats and playing. I saw my friend Cosmo too when I snuck inside to the kitchen. I hope they will be okay without me. Who will take care of them? Who will clean the kitchen floor? I hope they can teach Cosmo how to clean up after them in the kitchen.
Thursday November 26th.
We got home about 730. Lola did not run to the car as usual. We both saw her laying on the driveway by the garage door. It was too late. It was a difficult and angry night. What could have happened to this full of life beautiful creature? We had so many questions and feelings. I called Dr Steve Osborne asking to bring her in Friday morning for an autopsy. David took her the next morning. We were both too distraught and distracted to work. The day was full of tears and emotion. We wanted answers. Dr O called later that day and told David it was an odd thing that happens sometimes with dogs. Her stomach had flipped and caused obstruction. Lola did not know she was sick and never acted like she was. Nothing was out of the ordinary.
Saturday Nov 28
David picked Lola up from the vet Saturday am. He had dug a grave for her on Friday , next to the one he did for Miss Daisy on August 1st. They would be next to each other. I gathered her purple toys and her favorite treats to put with her. I could not go down there, I really tried. Cosmo and I watched from the dining room window as David buried our girl. Watching this man, my husband be on his knees as he carefully placed her toys and treats was more than I could handle. Cosmo and I had watched from the same spot just a few months before as he buried Daisy. I went to work later that day, David was going to be home alone. David went to tell Mr and Mrs Sivley about Lola. We had kept in touch with them, sending photos and they would visit Lola, they saw here on Nov 25th.
David cleaned off the back deck of leaves because they had piled high and a quick glance looked like a dog there. Any noise in the garage we think it’s her.
Sunday Nov 29
It was my turn to be home alone. It was a sad day as David was working. I could not go outside. Going to the garage made me cry. It was setting in that there was no longer going to be a Lola greeting me at the door. I stayed inside, and today, finally ate some soup. Neither of us had eaten since Thursday.
Monday Nov 30th
I worked today, and was visited my the Sivleys. They hugged me as they saw me. They really appreciated David coming to tell them about Lola. They shared some stories about Lola’s dog mom who had crossed the rainbow bridge on Tuesday. They talked about Lola as a puppy. They said ” you two were able to do so many more things with Lola than we could ” I told them, they gave us a gift when we got Lola. They said, ” no, you did by keeping her. ” Johnny said he was sure Lola went to heaven. When she was in the tearing up of things puppy stage, one morning he got up to find his Bible shredded. Yep, Lola did it!
Monday night, we decided to go see my mom and tell her about Lola. It was so hard, David had to start the conversation. It was days before I could really talk about it. I asked my niece how to tell Bella. She said she did and Bella was extremely sad. They were good friends. We wanted something easy for dinner. And in the tradition of Lola, we decided on Mcdonald’s hamburgers.
These last twelve days have been so lonely. Lola will not be at the door waiting on her treat in the morning. There is no joy in getting the mail from Barbara, or looking out the front window watching Lola walk out to greet her, then turning toward us as if to say ” see me ? ” We told Barbara on Tuesday . We are donating Lola’s treats to her so she can make other dogs happy! She so looked forward to seeing Lola.
There’s no big nose pushing your hand to pet her or have her lick you incessantly. Being outside is not the same. Sitting out on the deck to watch the sunset….tonight, I waited to see her run up the steps, she always paused at the corner of the house until she spotted us, then ran to see us up on the deck. There is no friendly happy dog greeting either of us when we get home. David brought in the Christmas decorations only to realize Lola wasn’t following the mower and trailer. The garage doors are both now closed as if no one is home. There is no black dog looking in from the back deck, waiting to come in and watch tv. When it storms, there is no Lola hitting the door waiting to come inside. I can no longer pick up her purple squeaky toy, squeak it and have her run to take it from me, thinking she is saving it. My morning routine with her is absent.
It has taken me twelve days to get to this point. Daily there are tears and memories that flood through us. I had to tell Lola’s story. I had to write this in hopes of getting through the sadness and moving forward. She deserved more than a note that she had passed away. Anyone that knew her, would understand completely. Lola made us better, you could see so much joy in her every day.
Anyone who has ever loved a dog understands that a love of a dog is one that is different than any other. We had both had pets both cats and dogs. They were all special on their own. This Lola, this fluffy dog , lovable, fetching and licking dog grabbed hold of us from the beginning. She took us in and let us be a part of her life. She did not know it was us she was giving to by being here. Lola did her job well taking care of us, our 2 years 8 1/2 months together was one long adventure. One that will be treasured FUREVER.
The All About Fall Tour
Pumpkin Farms, Tim Curry and a Long Time to Get There
This was our first really big trip together. I had many things planned along the way, but, only one destination in mind. David had told me many times about a small town he once visited in Indiana. I had never been to the Hoosier state, so I was “all in” for this. Exactly, what is a Hoosier anyway? He was afraid that maybe the quaint town he remembered was obsolete , like so many towns that had been a thing of the past. Literally, a thing of the past is what we are all about when travelling. We set our sites on the dates we had planned. David was planning on returning from taking his daughter Terra to Camp Pendleton, she had reenlisted in the Navy and decided to be a Navy Corpsman. The training was to take place in Oceanside California, at the Field Medical Battalion training unit on Camp Pendleton. They took their trip , along with Wiley her horse in the trailer. They had a great trip there together as father and daughter. A start for a new life and career for Terra and soon to be a new life for us as well. I couldn’t wait for him to get back from their trip! I had watched the weather coming closer to the trip. It was fall and we were going further north. I decided to layer. That does not mean I didn’t take lots of clothes. This was a trial run for David and my packing. He is now used to the weight of my suitcase. He never complains about what I take on trips. He has got this loading/unloading the car down to a science and does not want my help. It’s a good thing too, it’s all so heavy!! I think I’ll keep my bellhop!
https://amzn.to/3PXLh5E
My great niece came to visit the weekend before David took Terra to California……because, mainly she had a horse! we had so much fun! She stayed with me after they left and we visited the Huntsville Botanical Gardens for their Scarecrow Trail. it was about to be a great fall season!
Our first stop not far from home was to find food, good food! We found it in Whitehouse Tennessee, sorry, we ate the food ..I only had these pictures on the wall that inspired me. Perry’s Smokin Pig is small and delicious! If you want good food just northeast of Nashville stop and try it! Note….we also got a new idea for smoked meatloaf. We have a dealer too, mom mixes the meatloaf and David smokes it at home. It’s freaking awesome!
Antiquing in the South
If you grow up in the south or even lived in the south you may know a little bit about antiques. Perhaps not an expert ,but , the type of knowledge you would have from visiting your grandmothers house or even great grandmothers and using certain things. Maybe it was a certain set of china that came out on special occasions, a specific set of salt and pepper shakers or more recently old Tupperware items that were always seen on the countertop.
I am fortunate enough to have some of my grandmothers things from both sides of the family. And yes, I do you use them.
David and I both have an affinity for antiques. He is definitely a collector of childhood items such as toys he used ,maybe his father owned or specific items related to movies that were familiar in the 60s and 70s. I, however, am a bibliophile. I love all old books. I am particularly interested in books from the 1930s to 1940s with a few favorite writers such a Steinbeck.
Several years ago, I discovered the antique trail. This is a listing of antique shops that are listed and the map locations around Alabama and Tennessee. It lists other locations as well, but, we live in Alabama and frequent Tennessee.
This trip was taken late July 2018 , so, I have a lot to catch up on if I’m going to post it all!
We took the path from Columbia Tennessee east toward Bell Buckle. Columbia has an awesome town square with plenty to see, including history of a president James Polk, his home is there and can be toured. We went east to Lewisburg, Shelbyville and Bell Buckle. The quaint little town of Bell Buckle has a very small shopping area ,but, extremely friendly folks. Not to mention an ice cream counter within an antique store . Bluebird antiques has numerous ice cream flavors from which to choose. There is a general store in the town that is incredible! Phillips General store has something for everyone from toys to books!!! The owner is so nice and his mom bakes at the town cafe. Small town charm flourishes here in the town of Bell Buckle. This small town also known for the RC and Moon Pie festival held in a June and has a wonderful holiday theme. If you visit , consider staying at of one several inns in town .Just outside of town is JRs antiques where the owner sits in his old barber chair and his dog alongside him. Old oil company signs, pedal cars and a beautiful 1929 Ford that still runs.
We continued on to Manchester and Winchester then to home. I don’t actually remember if we purchased anything , but ,we certainly had a great time checking out the small towns in these wonderful antique stores. If you’re interested in antiques the way we are ,you should really try the antique trail.
Two People on an Adventure 