Povey Prattle

Such a good day!     *  Walks with my dog (who spreads joy all around) ;  *  Simple and gracious  conversations with others;  * Relaxed and at peace at a regular Friday gathering known as  "Ben's Bar" ( hosted this week by Rick and John). *  A fabulous and unexpected phone call from an old friend. * Nothing to make me whine or complain.   That's unusual! Gratitude is a good attitude!

My 'phone rang and I did not recognise the number. The male voice at the other end said "Is this His Highness?" Then I knew who was calling.  It was John, the dog behaviourist  at the Humane Society of Sarasota County. He knows me as "Your Highness". When John first called me about my Izzy/Cat issues he asked "what should I call you?"  e.g.  Michael or Mr. Povey. I responded "Please call me Your Highness " That tickled his funny bone! John called me today to ask if Zion and I would be willing to take some HSSC training which would clear us to visit Nursing Homes and Schools where Zion could charm, delight and educate frail seniors or young children. "Betcha" that   I said yes.  Zion could charm a squirrel out of a tree!  He is my daily joy and delight. School for Zion and for me begins on February 9th 2018. Who would not love him!

If we are determined to be wise we must de-construct and examine  our personal, social, religious and national myths. ------------------------------------------------------------------ The 2017 film  “The Darkest Hour” has once again fanned the embers of interest in Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill.  Churchill played an important  role in British History (1940-45), to the extent that he has been lionized to the point of idolization. 1. It’s most likely that he got the job of Prime Minister because no one else wanted it (and he wanted it badly).  He built a strong coalition Cabinet.   2. And to most British people he was the rock of stability in those dreadfully uncertain and dangerous years. 3.He could be an irritant to his Generals when he wanted to micro-manage military strategy. 4.  He treated  Charles de Gaulle most shamefully. 5. Roosevelt thought him to be pesky “pain in the neck”, but he knew that the Old Man was susceptible to flattery. 6. Stal

My best beloved Penne lived with me for nearly ten years.  I cried for three days when she died. The Humane Society pegged her as a terrier/retriever mix.  But when people asked "what breed is she?" I would reply "she's a darling". Now I have a new best beloved dog. His name is Zion. The Humane Society think that he is mostly spaniel.  I am not so sure, but he has the Spaniel "sad eyes". English Cocker Spaniel A neighbour suggested "maybe a Brittany Spaniel mix".  Apart from the colouring I think not. Brittany The Brittany were once called Brittany Spaniels and were bred to be hunting dogs and companions. Bred mostly for bird hunting they still have that absolute focus on birds today wanting to chase them. It is an energetic dog who takes parts in activities such as pointing, retrieving and hunting. While it might have once been named as a spaniel it is more like a setter or pointer

When my good friend Bruce W died at home, his partner Ben M and some of Ben's friends took ourselves to the Lanai with our backs to the home 'cause Ben couldn't bear to see Bruce's body being removed by the undertaker. That being done the hospice worker joined us on the Lanai and said "at least he is in a better place now". I wanted to hit the roof and scream " you mean the mortuary". My brother Steve died in his sleep,  His wife, children, grandchildren and siblings/siblings in law were (and are)  cut to the core. On my return to the U.S.A. I was telling some friends about Steve's sudden death,  An acquaintance listening in to our conversation said "what a way to go". This time I did scream, and was very angry. "What do you mean" I said, "my brother has left so many family members and friends who are in deep grief.  How dare you say "what a way to go" without even saying "I am sorry he die