Our trip to the old folks home was a wild success. Although apprehensive, the moment we were through the two big sliding doors Ton’s nose hit the floor and he smelt his way right down the corridor to the lift. We had to have a wee pause after the lift to catch a wee doggie breath because someone had an attack of the shakes. So we sat for a bit and he laid his head heavily on my knee for a bit and blinked rapidly. Soon he nodded and said OK I am better now and we went down the long corridor.
Much to TonTon’s surprise there was The Old Codger sitting in the corridor. His tail and indeed half his doggie body began to wag and his head and feet picked right up. The Old Codgers whole face smiled when he saw Ton and poor old TonTon tried to bury himself IN the man and pushed him in his wheelchair right out into traffic trying to get as close as he could to The Old Codger. The Old Codger decided maybe Ton would be happier in a side room and off they went for a little korero. Neither of them would stay still for a shoot so I just took a few photographs and left them to their reunion. It was lovely seeing this old man’s hand pushing and pulling through that dogs coat, his hands were never still. You want to get into my lap he said to the dog.
Don’t encourage him I said and they both looked up at me as though they had forgotton I was even there. Wonderful.
So now to a little weekend reading. Just a little as it has been a busy week.
The Dragonfly Woman – This young woman works tirelessly to document and study and research dragonflies. She is a scientist, so there is much that she writes about that I do not understand and much that I am learning, but if you see a swarm of dragonflies, take a photo and let her know, she tracks them and would be very grateful for the information.
Gretchen – This blog is the most amazing find. The words were written by Margaret Shanks for a column in a Scottish newspaper from 1893 to her death in 1925. Yes, an original blogger. The short pages are published one by one by a descendent of hers. Margaret who published under the name Gretchen, lived on a farm and I am absolutely entranced by both her language, her ironic dry humour and this fabulous gorgeous intelligence. We cannot exchange comments but still I feel a connection with her that is ethereal and yet so grounded. I would love to know what you think. 
Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome. She is a published writer, born in the US and living in Rome with her Italian husband. On her pages we see a little of everything. She loves balance, beauty, gardens, food, lists and wine. And if you are visiting Rome I hear that she will also arrange a tour. Certainly a lovely page to relax and visit and find good things to eat.
Granny’s Parlour Granny’s pages are affiliated with a company that makes garden implements and kitchen thingys and so forth. Granny tries these things out and tells us about them. I have to say that usually I do not point you into commercial blogs but Granny is a real person with a delightful sense of humour and also researches both the history and impacts of many of these gadgets. Yesterday it was a wheelbarrow. She has a particular love of preserving so I am sure we will be exchanging info when the season starts. As well as that Granny also does what she calls a weekend round up of blogs who have visited her pages, which is fun.
So I shall leave you there. While my internet is actually working I want to race about and visit some of YOU before I go out to do chores. In the evenings lately my computer freezes again and again and again trying to get enough signal to turn a page. It is so frustrating.
Windy here still, windy but just above freezing. Have a great weekend and don’t forget that tomorrow I am writing on another blog. I shall post here as usual in the morning and give you the co-ordinates, though they will not post that page until about 9am.
Good Morning!
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
80 responses to “Dog Cuddles and your Weekend Reading”
Your dog is simply gorgeous! WHat beautiful, sweet eyes!
our weekend starts with taking two of our three pups to the vet – not fun. It will be an ordeal for all the involved… (sigh)
Nice post, loved to read it first thing in my morning….
Oh no poor you, dogs hate the vet! morning sally! c
Oh, I’m so happy to hear the visit went well! Will you be going back soon?
Morning, TonTon and I hope to go every friday now.. c
That’s so cute that TonTon does community service!
Morning Yummy, he seemed to enjoy it tho he spent quite some time asleep on the floor next to the wheelchair.. c
Oh how wonderful to hear that it all went well! Everyone so very happy to see each other 🙂 TonTon looks pretty excited!
TonTon could not believe he had found his old friend in such a strange place! morning Ksenia! c
I am so glad that TonTon got to visit! That is wonderful!
I’ll be stalking the Dragonfly Woman. That kind of research is right up my alley!
I am glad, she does some fascinating stuff and quite delightfully does not dumb down her language .. so all the good stuff is there.. c
What a gorgeous dog! They are such great company, and give so much and ask for so little in return.
Cheers
Marcus
Morning Marcus, Ton said no you cannot have his guineas for your dinner! c
Good Morning Celi! The last picture is awesome. Thanks for the links as the Rome site peaks my interest. Our weather may be cool today, but better than yesterday’s torture.
We have snow forecast so we will see, were you caught in the big winds?.. c
Yep … tornadoes at the other end of the county. Although far enough away, still too close for comfort.
Thanks, c! I’m so glad that Ton and your oldie had such a wonderful reunion. 😀
Morning Ted, it was all so much easier than i thought it would be! c
Great to hear that the visit went so well, although, did any of us really doubt TonTon? He never ceases to amaze! Thanks for pointing out a few blogs to read. It’s going to be a busy weekend around here but ‘ll get to ’em eventually. Have a great day, Celi, and good luck with the ISP gremlins.
morning John, it is good to have a busy weekend! c
Fantastic post. Just beautiful pictures of Tonton’s visit and moving words. I’m going to check out the links you’ve suggested.
Morning roger! c
This post really moved me, I feel so humbled by what you and TonTon are doing.
Morning tanya, i am very tempted to take in a chicken or even a lamb when they come!! Wouldn’t that be hilarious! c
But as the nurse said … are they toilet trained?! I know my chicknes poop everywhere 🙂
ha ha ha ha .. c
I’m sure that Ton Ton’s done your Old Codger a power of good! Presumably not a whistling lady in sight!
Christine
No we did not see the whistling lady, in fact it was such a rainy day that most everyone was sleeping in their chairs! c
That’s a wonderful thing to do!! he is so cute!
morning mimo, I wish we had you and your camera there, I need to take some better shots next time! c
You and TonTon are the sweetest duo! TonTon was brave to continue on when the so scared..my heart has melted. Can I truly love a dog I have never met? I think, indeed I can!
What that visit must have meant to the Old Codger..you are an inspiration C.
Jess
Poor TonTon, his whole body just started to quiver with terror, and his head on my knee was so heavy, but once he saw that yes we did have to go on, he was ok.. morning jess! c
Good boy Ton Ton!
🙂 Mandy
I will tell him for you Mandy, Have a great weekend! c