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”
Phew a successful visit all round! Off fto go and read about Dragonflies,the world is a fascinating place so thank you.for the link
The world is fascinating and I am also particularly fond of dragonflies! Morning Claire!
What a treat. I love posts on TonTon and your picks!
Morning Greg. i think Ton is turning into a bit of a poser.. he is developing a certain look when the camera comes out!! c
Well done Cecilia – sounds like you made both their days 😉
Morning Mad!! c
I just love the picture of the Old Codger’s hands on TonTon…it makes me tear-up! What a loving contribution you make on your Friday trips, Celi. I hope the blowing around isn’t too intense, and that storms are not placing you in any danger. The news reports are very “scary” to those of us so far away who can’t possibly know the detailed geography…so be safe. And I will check out your reading list. Such unique offerings! Enjoy your very full weekend 🙂 Debra
Morning Debra, We don’t get many tornadoes up here, as we are a little more North, though some have come through very close in the past. The plains are perfect for these weather monsters to rush over! c
Oh, I’m so glad that you all had a lovely trip! 🙂
Thank you and good morning!
Excellent. I knew it would all go well! What a clever boy! Kiss kiss, TonTon
TonTon says thank you and kissy kissy Misky Misky!! c
How very blessed is the “old codger” and Ton Ton — you are a very special friend, Celi. Thank you for caring so much. The pictures are wonderful.
morning Lois.. wonderful to hear from you again.. Take good care now..c
Oh, I just love the expression on TonTon’s face while he’s being petted by the old codger…and also the satisfied expression afterward…those really do tell a wonderful story of the good work you two are doing, bless your hearts. I’m excited to check out this dragonfly lady. I love dragonflies and used to make them out of clay coils for garden pieces. Also have some dragonfly friends I will send her way. Good morning, Celi and happy weekend to you, TonTon and your crew, too!
good morning, Hope you all have a fab weekend too! c
TonTon is an amazing dog and has an equally amazing owner. Thank you for sharing this visit with us!
~ Lynda
I’m so glad the visit was a success. Ton won’t mind the lift so much next time. Nice pix
Oh I hope not sally, poor wee fella! c
Well done TonTon and lovely images c.
Thank you! c
Oh, those beautiful pictures, Celi. Just gorgeous. Thanks for the weekend reading!
Morning Kate! c
Have a great weekend C!
I loved TonTon’s reaction when he saw the Old Codger – what a wonderful greeting! They were so happy to see each other and enjoy each other’s company.
Am checking out the other blogs – Gretchen sounds very interesting.
Grand to hear of the old fella’s face lighting up. If you didn’t say it, I imagined the joy. TonTon, you dear little friend.