GATOR'S TOY

Gator's favorite toy is a coconut, and there is no shortage around here. The cut-out collects them with every flood tide. Gator's first stop when he goes outside, is the cut-out. When he sees a coconut, he looks at me. Yes, he has me trained... I go down and get them for him. He will spend days chewing on the outer husk until he has it peeled.

The other day, I was outside trying to work on Scoot-Scoot (no, I haven't totally abandoned Scoot-Scoot). Gator got down to the fruit, and had it cracked. I took it away from him before he totally destroyed it, so I could finally see a fresh Florida coconut. With the help of a screw driver, I pried it in two. I tasted the milk... tasted a lot like wter to me. Not much flavor. I let Gator have the rest of it, and he seemed to enjoy it.

It's too bad that I don't like coconut, because I would have an unending supply of fresh coconut. When I go back home for Christmas, I will take a couple for the family. Gator's job is to shuck them for me. He will gladly do it.

FOUR WHEELING AGAIN

For the past couple of months, I've been having issues with my joints. Started with my neck, then traveled to my major joints; hips, knees, shoulders and elbows . It progressed to the point that it was painful to get out of bed in the mornings, and simple tasks brought tears to my eyes.

Chuck felt that the four mile bike ride to work was causing, or at least promoting this pain. He offered the use of one of his vehicles, and I graciously accepted. It's been nice showing up to work not drenched in sweat. A run to the store is quicker, and I can get EVERYTHING I need without sizing up my purchase and figuring out if it will all safely fit on my bike.

How am I feeling now? I finally went to the Urgent Care Clinic, Naproxen Sodium 550mg was prescribed. That has helped, but not taken the pain away, just made it bearable. The test that were done came back normal. This next week I will see another doctor, and hopefully he can help me get back to my old active self. I HAVE TO... I've got adventures in my near future!!! You will hear all about it soon!

JUST ME AND GATOR

Nick and his baby rabbit.

When Chuck goes out of town, I dog-sit Gator. Every dog is famous for something. My childhood dog, Nick, was famous for bringing baby rabbits to the house. My son's dog, Rant, is famous for stealing food off the table and kitchen counter when not watched. She knows it's wrong, but thinks it's worth the punishment when caught. Gator is no different, he sank one of Chuck's boats. (Click here for story.)

I dropped off Chuck for his early flight, and it was only 5:30, still dark, and I was sleepy after waking up at 3:32 am. I go to Gator's house for another four hours of deserved slumber. Upon waking and entering the living room, I see Gator laying on Chuck's leather couch. He casually raised his head with a look as if to say, "Sup?" I came unglued, because Chuck has jokingly said that I spoil the dog, I surely didn't want to be accused of promoting this behavior. My reputation is on the line here! I yell at him to get down. Gator jumps down and I throw his butt outside. Within five minutes he's at the back door barking to be let in. Seriously! He gets yelled at again for barking, and I didn't heard a peep out of him again. He spent most of the day outside. Meanwhile, I cleaned the couch, camouflage blanket and Superman pillow that Gator was laying on.

Spending the day outside with his favorite chew-toy... coconut.

My reputation as a softy is not welcomed. I can't be the "good-guy", only playing with Gator, I have to wear the disciplinarian hat too. We'll see how this plays out. Gator will push as far as he can to find the edge. He better be careful, you can fall off that edge.

CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSE

For several years now, I have thought about getting a CHL (concealed handgun license). This has been a year of new adventures for me, so I thought it was fitting to get it this year. Last Saturday, I took a handgun safety class and will apply for the CHL.

The first half was the classroom lecture. It was given by a friend of Chuck, and was very informative. Lots of safety stuff and a general lesson on the different types of firearms. Then came the fun part... the gun range.

My .38 Special.

I have been to a gun range a few times, but not shot much in the last thirty years. Most of my shooting was aiming at a hay bale behind the house on the farm. I started shooting at an early age. My parents would let me take Dad's .357 out and shoot. Man, did it kick! Later, when I was a hairstylist, and carried my bank to and from work, my mother bought me a .38 special. We both took a class for women only, to learn the legal ins and outs of personal protection; in the home and when you travel. It was very informative.


I was very nervous about the shooting part of this class, because I expect a lot from myself. I wanted to do better than average. I took my revolver, the .38 special. Tom, the instructor, did an inspection and then fired the first shot. He set the revolver down and said, "The sight is perfect." I stepped in the box and saw the hole in the very center of the target. Wow, I was impressed.

Five inch circle from 20 feet.

Shooting my revolver again was fun. I love the adrenaline rush I got when it fired, and the pride I felt when the instructor told me that I did very well. I feel certain that I will go shooting again soon.