Catching Up

   Time to think and write a bit.  It has been slightly over 4 weeks since Pepper joined the family.  That explains why I haven't been thinking blogish, but have been working through the puppy stage.  Pepper is a black toy poodle who makes everyone smile and reach out to touch his soft, curly coat.  One has to be careful, though, 'cause the sharp little teeth clamp down speedily and leave their marks.  Guess this would be the spot to insert a pic of the little 'angel'. He's showing some growth now, so as soon as he holds still, I'll post some more on him. 

 Simba's Black Pepper at Jennifer's, his groomer.

   In the meantime, life in Clare, Michigan is nicely summery, with delicious waves of coolness late in the day.  Each Thursday evening through the month of June and perhaps July, the park across from my balcony holds concerts, arts and crafts offerings and fresh produce.  Lots of folks bring their chairs, have picnics and seem appreciative as they listen to the musicians who perform golden oldies.  Pepper and I have enjoyed it too. He and I walk the perimeter and later end up back on my balcony. Soon the Arts Council will present a play at Shamrock Park with an Irish theme.  'Twill be grand, I'm sure.

   Last weekend community churches banded together for a giant yard sale at my church, Brown Corners United Brethren.  They raised over $8,000.00 to benefit Love, Inc., a local and very effective helping-arm to folks in need.  Clare County at its best!
   

Daily Sightings

The last blog entry was April 29th.  Today is May 17th.  (I won't say it!)  I'll try to recap a bit.  Spring is here--off and on--and I have begun a walking endeavor.  I try to avoid the voice that whispers "tomorow".  Already 10 miles plus have been recorded on my trusty pedometer...spread over several days, of course.

On the walks I have taken along my camera, so will try to include two from last Thursday.  The first shows Amish children waiting in a wagon for the Clare 'parade' honoring hero Robert Friese who lost his life in Iraq.  The second photo was taken as the hearse passed the Doherty Hotel.  Several hundred citizens calmly lined  a long stretch of McEwan Street.  The event moved me greatly.

Amish children waiting for the hero's solemn procession.

Cortege on its way through Clare to Harrison, the home of Robert Friese.

(a click on the pics will enlarge them)

Prayers go up for the family of Spc. Robert Friese. 

Clare, Michigan is taking on the green aspect of good old County Clare, Ireland.  Nearly forty shades are dazzling the winter-weary folks here.  Me, included.  Here's a touch of green found on my walk around town.  Yellow ribbons provide a beautiful contrast.

Love these long afternoons.  Maybe I'll venture out of my apartment again, although  I seem to hear the cheeky whisper .  It sounds like, "Don't overdo it, girl."  We'll see about that.  As one of my favorite blog authors often says, "Stay tuned."  (Assuming anyone is actually reading Dot's Stuff.)