To The East Coast and Back

Whew. Jason and Leanne were gone for 9 and a half days! They left us with Jason's mom and dad which is a good place, but of course there was a storm while they were gone. Jeez Louise. Why does it have to be the weather I don't like when they're gone??? I was totally fine, but Leanne stresses when she sees rain on The Weather Channel and envisions me in the bathtub... I ate. I rested. I was fine. But I will say I slept for 2 straight days once we all got back to the den!

Making Plans

As the snow finally melts, my family is making plans for camping at the Sleepy Bear Campground in Empire, Michigan this summer. Now we all remember last summer when I somehow just couldn't be comfortable. I apologize in advance, I am NOT a good car companion. No one, not even me, can figure out why I'm so unbearable in the car. I'm simply not happy when the engine is running and hate it when the car moves. To sit in the car, no engine, outside, nice weather, cold weather, whatever weather, I'm totally happy. For the car to start and worst of all to move, I'm a mess. Regardless, we find a way to get me to Lake Michigan and I have the time of my life. Summer 2006, I just didn't like it. We all left the campground early one weekend because no one was having any fun with me panting and pacing and fidgeting in the tent, in the woods, at the beach, everywhere. I couldn't be comfortable and just wanted to be at home. Leanne remembers getting me out of the car (after wrangling with me and being drooled on for 4 1/2 hours) once we got home and I immediately laid in the driveway and went to sleep. Apparently, I just wanted to be at home.

So this year, the plan is to give me one more go. If I like it, great. If I don't, well, it may be just Jason, Leanne & Luna camping in the Summer of 2007. Leanne hates to split up the pack, but why should Luna miss out on the fun just because I want to be at home? We'll see if she can follow through on that split up the pack plan. Maybe I'll just like it and she won't even have to think about it.

You know we'll let you know!
Satchel
The OutdoorsMan

Leanne Is Adjusting

My family has been through some very dramatic days in the past 10 or so years. We are stronger and closer because of those days, but Leanne has to smother me now and then to manage the stress. Well, honestly, she has to smother me because she is crazy in love with me, but smothering and snuggling me helps her get through any day, so I let her. She catches me enjoying it sometimes too...!

The latest adjustment, is that I'm losing my hearing. I'm almost 13 years old for goodness sake, but Leanne considers me immortal, and to think that I might actually be getting older causes her to smother me with kisses and find another supplement to give me. She says she hasn't found a supplement for hearing loss, so her plan is for her and Jason to be very patient when I don't come when they call me.

Leanne says there is always a divine presence in our lives because I was taught hand commands for most basic things 10 years ago when they brought me home! We've always used them, Luna learned them too, so now we'll use them more if we have to. I'm just happy to sleep soundly not being bothered by anyone's noise making!

Life is good in the pack over here. No complaints. I'll even let Leanne smother me a little bit extra...

Until next time,
Satchel
The Great