I can be so dense sometimes. (Quiet, Marcia). I think I have cracked the code.

My trials and tribulations, my need to weigh in on every topic, have never been secret here. It took me this long to figure out their proper outlet. Son, you need a blog.

The "I just went down to the vending machine and bought a Coke" kind of blog has always been a subject of merriment to me. I will give it my best shot to have something to say. You may not be interested or agree with me when I express opinions but the intention is to make it worth reading. No more, no less.

Saving the best for last, on Friday Allie and I went to look at some golden retriever puppies and I bought one of them on the spot. It was not my intention to buy a puppy that day. Recently I became interested in getting a new dog. On Wednesday Allie, her sister Emily, and I went to the Save-A-Pet animal shelter near here. There were several I liked enough to consider. They all had issues, stated or unstated. Mostly from animal control, a.k.a. found stray. This all really started with the story about the pit bull who was put to death in Belfast. I was not going to adopt a pit bull but it got me going.

Then the free weekly community paper, heavy on classified ads, came in the mail. They say the best things in life are free. One of the listings was for a litter of golden retriever puppies. Even an idiot like me knew they were going to go fast. I was taking Emily's debit card back to her in Wisconsin when I called Allie and asked her to see if we could get an appointment to see the puppies. She could and did. We went over and saw them at 5:30. Six of the puppies were already claimed and we viewed them along with the rest. What a bunch of cuties. They are 5 weeks old now and will be ready for new homes August 13.

The one we chose is female and one of the reddest of the litter. She is healthy and energetic. I am going to give her every ounce of energy she deserves. Golden retrievers are known for their affection, energy, and intelligence. We met the mom, which is always a good thing to do so you know you aren't dealing with a puppy mill. She was friendly and energetic, which are traits characteristic of the breed. I know she is going to be a PITA for a while, middle of the night walks outside and all that, but I am ready. In a way it's like having a baby. You gladly take the bitter with the sweet.

Allie and Emily are both over the moon and have posted photos of our new family member on Facebook.

Which reminds me, we have to come up with a name for her. The breeder (who is a great lady, life affirming) named all of them and sounded like she wanted the names to stick. I would not have been bound by that IAC but the name she chose, Sophie, is pronounced the same way as that of my recent ex-girlfriend's daughter. No reconciliation is expected or being pursued by either of us but it's still too uncomfortably close. I can just imagine that conversation -- "You named your dog after my daughter?" No thanks.

One I have been thinking of is/was Billie, after Billie Holiday. I decided I probably don't need the gender confusion, not after one of her female predecessors being named Butch. (Emily, take a bow, LOL). Now I am thinking of Barb, in tribute to my ex sister in law. It's a simple name, not pretentious, as could be said of Barb the sister in law. Intelligent (4th most intelligent breed), friendly, and happy. This is singing for me so far. I have three weeks left to decide.

This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Back to the blog, details to follow. It seems like a right next step.