BACK TO WASHINGTON FOR A WHILE

POST # 364

I have had the good fortune to travel on many aircraft in a variety of locations around the globe, but I have never had the experience that I enjoyed the other day, when I was returning from Menlo Park on my way to Washington.

As we began our descent, I decided to take a photo, just prior to going into the cloud cover, and lo and behold, I managed to capture a couple of images of the plane's silhouette.

 Here is another view.

Moments later, we were enveloped in the cloud, just before touchdown at Paine Field in Everett.  It was a shock to walk outside into the very chilly air.  I had become accustomed to the heat in California, but for now, the party was over.

Mary and Dora-dog arrived at the airport to collect me, and before too long we were back at their place.

I had fun spending time with all of my California critters, but Dora-dog still remains my favourite bonehead.

maximizing my moments,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

CHEERIO TO MENLO

POST # 363

When Cody isn't leaping into the pool to chase his toy, he spends some of his time teaching the house sitter a lesson or two.  Last night, and in spite of all of the other times he thought that I had understood this one lesson, he was forced yet again, to repeat his instruction.  I had only turned my back for a second, after having prepared a little snack for myself, and just like that, Cody was on top of it in a flash.  Somehow, I managed to save part of it, but the rest of the snack was now making its way from Cody's mouth, and into his stomach.

So I suppose he actually taught me two lessons in one.  Don't leave any food unattended, and don't get distracted.  The part about being distracted was the most valuable lesson.  Thanks Cody, for once again helping me to re-learn something that I should already know.

From sun up to sun down and beyond, Cody has been my shadow, during my short stay, here in Menlo Park.  I am not prone to suffering from loneliness, but if I were, it wouldn't be possible with him around, so I am grateful for his companionship.

Of course, as mentioned last week, he is only one part of the menagerie.  Harley and Milo, the furballs, are almost underfoot as much as Cody, not that I am complaining.  They are both lovable creatures, and I try to share my time with them as much as I do with Cody.  Harley is my lap furball, and if he happens to see me settling in for an afternoon nap on the couch, he wanders over, and settles right down on top of me.  Milo on the other hand is much more adventurous, and a bit more of a character.  He is the only one who is allowed to go outside, however I have noticed that as each day passes since my arrival, he seems to want to be inside more than outside.  I think he likes the house sitter.

Here they are, all together, pondering what's next.  Cody is the "meat" in the furball sandwich.  Milo is in the foreground.

They all seem to enjoy each other's company, as can be seen in the following two photos.

The owners arrive home tomorrow evening, and I will be heading out on Sunday.  I've certainly enjoyed my time here.  It has been very relaxing, and peaceful.  

maximizing my moments,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

WEEK #1 at MENLO PARK

POST # 362

Having looked up my current address on google maps prior to flying here last week, I had a rough idea of what to look for from seat 20A, as the flight approached San Jose airport.  The long white "line" in the above photo is SLAC, or the Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre, which is an easy landmark to spot.  If you look slightly to the right of the centre of the photo, (and just above SLAC), you may be able to see a triangular green area.  That is where I am currently house sitting.

It took a couple of days to learn the daily schedule, what with all of the critters that I am responsible for, (12 in total), but we have all now settled into a comfortable routine, and so far, I don't seem to be receiving any negative feedback from any of them.

It's a very relaxed location as can be seen by this photo,  but the temperature has been on the rather hot side.  Thankfully as of today, things are cooling off somewhat, and as I look at the thermometer while writing these words, it's only a "cool" 82F.  

Temperature at the start of this week

At this point in time, I am roughly half way through my sit here in Menlo Park, so there will be one final opportunity in a week's time to make one more blog from this location.

I'm looking forward to my remaining time here, especially the time spent with all of the critters.  Cody, the bonehead is my shadow, Milo and Harley, the furballs provide plenty of purring companionship, the rabbits, Cloe and Sweet Pea are cute little creatures, and the seven chickens, Tinker, Bianca, Daisey, Tucker, Tootsie, Rosie, and Kevin, provide me with way more eggs than I could ever eat.

maximizing my moments,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

THE MENLO PARK MENAGERIE

POST # 361***
***(Written prior to June 7th)

By the time this is posted, I will be relaxing by this pool and settling into my current house/pet sit, here in Menlo Park, California, just down the road from Stanford University.  That's Cody, the bonehead in the foreground, and he will be keeping me company along with the furballs Harley and Milo, as well as two rabbits and a half a dozen chickens.  It should be plenty of fun for a couple of weeks.  The chickens will provide the material for the occasional omelette as well.

Today, June 7th is the day I will be making the journey to Menlo Park.  The owners have offered to meet me at San Jose airport, which is relatively close to their place.  I'll probably be humming the Dionne Warwick song from 1968, "Do you know the way to San Jose" on the flight south.

I am looking forward to this sit, and some relaxing time by the pool with Cody, and the rest of the menagerie.  More details to come on next week's post.

maximizing my moments,

Paul
The Thoughtful Wanderer