Life is kind of funny sometimes.

30 years ago, I was in a far away country, doing things that had, to a small degree, impact to the future of my country, and having the time of my life.

This morning, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment because I pulled down about a dozen dead branches and widowmakers from the maple tree in our yard.

The other day, I about 3/4 filled the 23 quart turkey roaster with tomato juice and set it to about 200 degrees. Over the next 36 hours or so, it boiled down enough to fill 9 half pint jars with what is either a very thick tomato sauce or a rather thin tomato paste.

Not sure where I took that left turn at Albuquerque in my life, but I guess personal evolution is a good thing.

——————————

Our Friday evening consisted of taking The Young Prince to a Scout weekend camp, then going to a Van Halen tribute band concert in semi-rural Kentucky.

Maggie slept all the way down to the drop off point, but was awake enough to reenact the last act of Jaws II with Irish Woman as we drove through the Kentucky countryside on our way to the concert.

You’d think that a 10 week old puppy would be freaked out by loud music, flashing lights, and hundreds of people shouting at the top of their lungs, but Maggie looked around, yawned, and went to sleep. I guess all of her energy was expended wrestling with and tenderizing Irish Woman.

——————————

Taking a Labrador puppy to a farmer’s market is about the same as taking a baby to the beach – Every female you come in contact with wants to talk to you.

Luckily for my reputation and marriage, my darling wife was with me as we made our way through the crowd. I’m not very bright sometimes, but I’m smart enough to make sure Irish Woman is present whenever I come into contact with strange women.

It’s not that I’m afraid that I’ll say or do something stupid. It’s that she has eyes everywhere, either related by blood or just somebody she’s known since she was 3. I choose life.

The puppy passed judgement on several products. She didn’t care for the freeze-dried liver treats, but the home baked pumpkin biscuits were delightful. She was very interested in the bakery that had Amish fried pies, but was not at all happy with the woodcarver and his handmade bowls.