The last few days

My sister is here from Montana for a few days and we've been busy. She's been helping me sort through stuff and decide what to do with it. Even better, she's taking as much as we can fit into her car for the trip home. She's probably the first house guest we've had since having Bailey. Bailey still barks when she hears her moving around the house but she's been very friendly with her and seems to like her. Maze has been here too, and Woody, and those three dogs have a great time playing together.

The first day we worked outdoors and the dogs were with us all the time. Maze finally got exhausted and wanted to go inside for a nice nap. Bailey was tired too but wouldn't ever quit. She refuses to miss out on anything. Woody seems to have endless energy but he slept solidly and quietly that night. Their most active play is first thing in the morning so I hate to break it up by feeding them because always seems to bring the active play to an end (except for Woody, of course). 

We've been to Patch and to Decipher for food and beers. We're making a big trip to the dump Saturday morning and going to a concert Saturday afternoon. 

The dog fountain headed to his new home at Green Dogs. 

My sister Paula cleaning up some garden things while Bailey tries to play with the water as it comes out of the hose.

Woody has found more balls than I knew we had.

Bailey playing the water game, it's her favorite.

Maze having a roll in the grass in the shade.

Maze taking a break.

Bailey waiting for the water game to resume.

Maze finally had to come in for an afternoon nap.

Bailey at Decipher

Musical fosters

We moved Woody to another foster home when we went away for a week. I had my shoulder surgery right after we got back so he stayed with another foster for a while before returning to the first alternate foster recently. However, that person had an emergency appendectomy the other night and needed a break, so today Woody came back to us. However, Ted moved to a new foster home today to keep our numbers constant. 

Woody seemed very happy to be back and he played with Bailey and Maze. I think Ted will be better in a home with fewer dogs anyway. He doesn't care so much about the outdoor activity, Ted just wants to be with a person. 

Anyway, we had some dog movement around here today, and my sister arrived from Montana. I was happy to see that Bailey was very friendly and welcoming to her. 

A-Maze-ing

Maze (Della's first born) came to visit today. She's with us until Sunday. She and Bailey and Ted are having a great time together. That's good for all of us. 

I had my first physical therapy appointment today. It went well. He emphasized that this is a long, slow recovery, but he was pleasantly surprised at the range of motion I already had. I have at-home exercises to do, of course, which will increase in intensity as time goes on. 

Bailey's play is a bit in-your-face.

A high altitude pounce. Later I saw her do a double hop, where she bounced off her hind legs only and did a second leap, kangaroo style.

Ted and Bailey have been playing together a lot. He's sort of hanging back and watching Bailey and Maze engage now, which is smart.

Buttercups in the dog yard growing where grass doesn't.

Candace is sure a tough old girl. 

I've been sleeping upright in a recliner in the guest room. 

Bailey is in the bed next to me keeping an eye on me.

I'm going to try moving back to the bed in our room tonight.

On the road again

I saw the surgeon again on Friday. He showed me some cool but rather gross pictures of the repairs he had done in my shoulder. He seemed quite proud of them so I didn't want to tell him they were gross. He told me it went well, to continue wearing the sling until four weeks after the surgery when I'm up and about, but most importantly, he said I could drive again.

Saturday I drove Ted to an adoption event at Bonefish Grill in Charlottesville. I don't think we met any potential adopters, but the outing was a good experience for him and he was good with everyone he met. Woody was at the event too and he was happy to see me, but he's staying with another foster for another month yet anyway.

I start physical therapy on Monday. My sister from Montana is coming here next week. I been sleeping in the recliner in the guest room since the surgery, but we can move it into our bedroom. I tried going back to sleeping in bed the other night but my arm/shoulder/back wasn't ready for that yet. The recliner has been very comfortable. 

Three months and counting

If all goes according to plan, three months from now we'll be beginning our new life in France. August 1 is the starting date for our initial rental there. Clay submitted our visa applications today and we already have an interview set up in D.C. for May 13th. Three months seems both a long time and also an impossibly short time for all there is still to do. It's an exciting time, and a little scary too. 

By the way, we are planning a party on Sunday, July 6th, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., at Patch Brewing Company in Gordonsville for anyone who wants to come out and say farewell. 

The pictures today are of Bailey at Decipher Brewing this evening, where we went to watch the World Beer Cup awards. Bailey and I stayed outside because it was a bit crowded and loud indoors. I tried out a new package of treats that I had brought to her from France, some sort of dried chicken parts. She liked them very much.