Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Sand Cure For Computer Problems

Unable to do anything with my computer for about three weeks, I gave it to my father to figure out, MeMa and I headed to the beach. At 83 my father is still the first person I call when it comes to techie problems and if he can't fix it then my sister's eldest son is half human and half computer. Computer problems frustrate me to no end so a trip to the coast was a must. With the loss of our Corgi, Betty and most recently our Boston, Popeye, traveling with dogs became a singular adventure. The "Little Nazi" Sophie, who was always quite opinionated in the doggie group setting, has changed a bit. She refuses to do any bidding by MeMa and has taken to howling when I leave her sight. She has never been a good car canine and has always had to have her happy pill for any excursions. With all the nice weather we decided to stay at the beach for four days and just forget life in Portland. Packing for one small dog was a breeze, a small wicker hamper with all her necessities and her new pillow basket we just purchased for the trip. MeMa worked a half day so I got the car packed up, two hours prior to leaving I popped Sophie's happy pill into her mouth. Two hours later we were headed to the coast with a very relaxed Sophie in the back seat. We were very happy with the suite which had spacious living room that offered a commanding view of the ocean.

                   

The first couple of hours were spent making the place home, at least for the next four days and nights. Besides our Sophie needed a couple hours to sleep off her happy pill.

 
We do enjoy relaxing mornings with books and coffee, but we are not the type to sit and do nothing .We enjoy the coastal weather and so as soon as our Sophie had her walking legs back on we headed for the sand. Sophie has two attributes that can make a walk difficult, the first is the fact that she is fifteen years old and the second she is one of the most stubborn dogs we have ever had. The trek to the beach is a bit long, the wind was gusting at times and there was a fine mist, at other times all things dear sweet Sophie finds disgusting. With a bit of cajoling and a bit of picking her up and carrying her we made the trek, flopped her down in the sand and just let her free to wander at her own speed.
There has never been a trip to the beach I recall that my lovely wife has not put bare feet in water. I don't know how she can stand the cold it makes my toes cramp.


I walk the entire time properly attired in both socks and shoes .........


While she runs splashing around in the surf and sand getting covered in both....and,  "No, you can't take that log home, put it down."
A palm tree would be nice but I'm not complaining
The tide pools are always teaming with life.
 
As I said earlier we are not the type that sit and do nothing so after a bit of shopping we headed into the neighborhood were the Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy is located. The beautifully maintained garden with its winding pathways is open to the public and survives on donations and plant sales.
 

 For anyone who enjoys gardens I would recommend a visit to the garden which is teaming with plants that survive our cool wet coastal climate.
 
 By evening we are back in the suite with a fire going and watching the sunset
 
 
 
 
 

19 comments:

  1. It sounds delightful even if it was a little frustrating dealing with Sophie. Funny how they rule us. x

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  2. A lovely spot. We used to give our Irish Setter Happy Pills when there was a thunder storm or gunfire.

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    1. Fortunately Sophie is very hard of hearing, we have July 4th coming our way with all those fireworks.

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  3. A beautiful getaway, and I hope you returned to a reformed computer.

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    1. Yes thanks, computer is up and running.......thanks to my father

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  4. Nice weather makes all the difference to a few days away doesn't it.

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  5. What beautiful beaches!! But I can't imagine freezing cold water and wanting to build a fire in June. It's hot as hades here and I'm sure our coastal waters are as warm as bathwater by now.

    Sophie sounds like a real character! We all need a happy pill from time to time, I suppose! At 15 years old, she certainly deserves it!

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    1. They are very beautiful beaches with the softest sand but the water is cold. July and August the water warms up for swimmers.

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  6. I've missed you Doc and wondered what you were doing? My life revolves around my pets and I know what it is like caring for the aging ones. Surely at 15, Sophie needs to be carried half the time. How beautiful the coast looks and I'd be glued to the tidal pools. You and the wife remind me of the younger ones; younger days. Hope your garden is growing and the computer is running. It is also too frustrating for me and I certainly can't figure it out on my own.

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  7. I have missed you as well thank you for your kind words. When the weather is nice Sophie refuses to be carried, as you well know those dachshunds are stubborn. We find that the wire coated like Sophie are a little calmer than the smooth, two of her litter mates are smooth coats and they are very nervous.

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  8. Lovely place to take a break, Doc.
    I especially love the tidal pool and the garden you walked through. So pretty!

    We are trying to help our son through a strange computer problem right now. And he put his own together.

    Hope you all have a blessed weekend, Doc!

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    1. Thank you Linda and good luck with the computer😁

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  9. Such beautiful views from the window of your suite - especially at sunset. Life changes when a pet gets older, doesn't it? My Border Collie and I used to walk the coastal paths all around Cornwall and Devon, but now he's 13 years old and troubled by arthritis and weak hindquarters, meaning walks are much shorter and slower. So no more coastal paths, more measured rambles usually involving water for a cooling dunk! Go, Sophie! xx

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    1. I can't get enough of the sunsets. Yes I think your wise to cut back on his rambles, I can at least carry Sophie you don't have the benefit of a smallish dog.

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  10. The beach is the best place to recover from almost anything. What a kick that your dad can get your computer up and going again. He is my new best example of what we can be. Go dad! Sophie may need to put in an order for one of those fancysmacy strollers that are everywhere these days. I think I need one. They do make it easier to take our furry ones to places where they were not always welcome because they are contained behind the zip up screen.

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    1. Our last three dogs could have benefited from a stroller perhaps that should be our next purchase.

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