Had to Laugh

This morning as John was driving me to work he spied a truck off to the side of the Wal-Mart parking lot. There a gentleman and a young girl had two BT's on their leashes. John pulled over then jumped out of the truck to go visit with the Bostons. I found this funny since he told me when we first met that he did not like little dogs.
After visiting with the man and the two fur kids we learned he was retired from Houston and lives near the Caverns. I also learned that he had recently lost two males to Rattlesnakes.
We said our goodbyes and I headed on into work. After punching the time clock I ran into John as I headed up to the bakery to start my day.
"Did you get the BT guys phone number?" he asked in excitement.
"No but he said he lived near the caverns" I responded wondering why I would get his phone number.
"I just thought maybe Mater should play with his own kind since he doesn't know any other BT's"
I couldn't help but smile at this guy and must say he tugged at my heart a little. I often see him just sitting with Mater in his lap hugging him and talking softly. He tells everyone that Bridget is his because he likes Labs but I know deep down in his heart he has a thing for Mater too.
He told me a few days ago that he just didn't like small dogs.
"Is it a macho thing?" I questioned wondering why he had brought the subject up. You know those Marines have big attitudes.
"No, It's just a preference" he replied as he held Mater in his arms while we sat side by side to watch the sunset.
Today he sent me two text. The first one said remember to drink lots of water. (something I have trouble remembering) and the second was I gave the kids bones and they are happy. I think that Mater and Bridget both have became a big part of his life and John yes you do like small dogs you just need to be a little more mach to admit it.

It Was On Like Capone

This morning just before our bike ride John took Mater and Bridget next door to the big house to hang out with Lucy the Basset Hound and Coco the Pomeranian so they wouldn't be alone in the Pea Pod. When we were through with our ride John ran to the big house to grab something when he heard a huge ruckus. One of the Long Black haired house cats had started another ruckus but this time the dogs had her cornered in the Master Bath. It was like the US Military after Bin Laden. The Evil Do'er was up on the far edge of the huge garden tub tensed and in fighting stance. Mater the Boston Terrier (who must have been representing the Marines) was in the Garden Tub while the rest of the armed forces were at the tubs edge barking their heads off. Of course I am getting this all second hand. John said fur must have been flying because there was black fur everywhere. I headed over to the big house so I could start his mom's laundry and took a look for myself. Indeed there was black fur everywhere. There was only one cat in the window so possibly her twin sister had tired of the whole chase and went else where. It has been an ongoing battle between the black cats and the resident dogs. The cats will stand on the edge of the counter and hiss unmentionables at the dogs who in turn jump at them and bark back their own reply. Several times the cats have been chased through the house and out the pet door. I don't know what it is about these two particular cats. Mater and Bridget get along with the other felines that call the ranch home but for some reason the two long haired Evil Do'ers cause all the dogs to have conniption fits. Maybe it is something they say. I guess this morning the Evil Do'er didn't know that the four legged Military of the Big House were in the mood to go to war. I guess Lucy and Coco were representing the Army like their mom and dad. Mater and Bridget must have been representing the Marines. I wonder where the Navy and Air Force were during this skirmish?

Marines and x's

Life seems to love to bring you surprises. My X is now engaged and expecting a baby. I have this delightful Marine occupying my free time and the year is almost over. A couple weeks ago John took me on a little hike through a Double Horn Creek and I was amazed at how beautiful the creek was in the fall. I filled my eyes with the beautiful fall colors and loved hiking along and climbing on rocks as we were serenaded by the trickling of the water as it cascaded over the rocks in the creek. I believe John said it was a six mile hike all I know is I slept good that night. Now John has become a staple in my life from the frequent visits to say Hi at Wal-Mart to the time we spend together on my days off. I get teased a lot at work but I don’t care I like this guy and he keeps me laughing. Last night the X and his new baby’s momma drove up to bring me a few tubs of my stuff and I gave them the signed divorce papers to give the attorney. John and I met them at River City Grill and we had a nice dinner and visit before they left. Tom surprised me by asking if I was happy. I replied “Tommy I love it here and I am very happy” we said our good byes and Tom told John to take care of me I was a nice lady. John said I know that is why I’m with her. I wasn’t sure what to say so I was silent for a little while. I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders knowing that he has moved on and now I have a life of my own to live. I have realized that I am in a good place and I have lots of friends that are like my family. Now I have this romantic Marine that knows just how to make me smile and he seems to want to spend as much time with me as I want to spend with him. Life is good! Now all I need is a computer so I can finish editing Case of the Dead Husband and get it to the publisher.

Salute

I have to admit that I enjoy my job most of the time. I have a few favorite customers that I see on a regular basis and one of those we have dubbed the cookie monster because he jokes with us about hiding the free samples when we know he is in the store. Last week I had a cake order to do for the Marines 233rd Birthday. Since I love a man in uniform and respect people that belong to the military I put a little extra love into decorating the cake. On my day off I went into the store to buy some food and after a little ribbing by a few fellow associates about not being able to stay away on my day off Nickey called me over to the counter. She informed me that the Cookie Monster came in and he wanted to know who did the cake for the Marines. I replied " What did I do wrong?"
"Cindy they loved it!" she exclaimed.
Friday when I returned to work Nickey said to go to the Customer Service Desk. "I just got here how can I be in trouble already?" I mumbled.
"It's good I promise" she replied as I removed my apron and walked out the swinging door.
The CSM handed me a file folder and said congratulations. When I opened the folder I found a certificate proclaiming me an Honorary Marine. I thought this is so cool so when I got off work I immediately bought a document frame for the certificate then hung it proudly on my wall. Monday while I was working by myself Cookie Monster walked up. I thanked him for the certificate and we had a nice chat. We stood there sharing pictures of our art on our phones and I told him about Out of the Texas Mist then handed him my card. He promised he was going to Serendipity Books to order a copy and wanted me to sign it. I was so happy that I had met someone else from the Houston Area that now calls the Hill Country home and possibly gained another reader.Before he left he exclaimed "Remember once a Marine always a Marine" I'm happy to be a Honorary Marine because I didn't have to do it the hard way and endure all those push ups.