potterdad

The big truck just pulled away with him inside.  No black clothes, no prayers, only silent tears.  It seemed a rather unceremonious ending to a life so long lived.  Thirty seven years is, after all, a pretty long life for an animal…remarkable even.  I remember a comment Dr. Janssen, a veterinarian who was not our regular vet, made during an emergency call once.

“What’s this horse’s breeding?” 

“Uh, I can’t think of his Dam and Sires name off the top of my head, but I think it was…”

“Is he Cody bred?”

“Yes, his sire was Dan Cody or something like that.”

“Yeah, those Cody bred horses live a long time…”

That conversation was over ten years ago.  Even Dr. Janssen retired and sold his practice.  And yet Crackers seemed to go on, oblivious of the fact that time was racing by.  Someone forgot to give him the memo that horses can quit hanging on around twenty-five or so.  He seemed happy and just kept going.  We certainly didn’t have any complaints.  About the time he hit thirty, a couple kids appeared on the farm…babies actually.  And Crackers waited around to give another generation a chance to get to know the sweet old gentleman that he was. 

Twenty four years is a long time to be a part of a family and that is what Crackers has been, a part of our family.  Crackers came  into my life when I was 19 and living in my childhood home.  My step-dad, Paul, relented to our pleas to have a horse.  Crackers was 13 at the time, middle aged (so we thought) and our first venture into equine husbandry.  He was the perfect first horse, gentle, easy going, sweet natured, and a little mischievous.  On one occasion at a family picnic I remember my aunt wanting to ride.  After some cursory instruction on guiding and stopping, she mounted and took the reins.  Off they trotted to the edge of the yard, our confidence in Crackers as the perfect family packer confirmed…until they turned back toward the house.  The sight of my Tia screaming Whoa, Whoa at the top of her lungs as Crackers galloped full speed toward his stall is permanently etched in my memory (and everyone elses who was there!)  Miraculously she managed to stay on and any doubts I may have had about guardian angels were banished at that moment!  The fact that she remained atop during the hard right-hand turn around the house is what confirmed it for me, though her tenacious white knuckle grip on the saddle horn may have played a role in her maintaining her seat.  This story has risen to legend status in our family and hardly a summer picnic passes without someone recollecting Tia Mella’s harrowing ride and the ensuing laughter that always comes with near brushes of danger.

 It was shortly after that time that Crackers moved from my parent’s home to the farm where we are now and where he spent the last twenty years of his life.  Paul jokes that before I pulled out of the driveway with the horse in the trailer, he was out pulling up the corral fence.  But I know that no one had more affection for the old fellow than he did.

Over the years, legions of families and friends have petted and rode the old buckskin gelding.  Pasture-mates came and went…Chevy, Chief, Gambler, Billy and finally young Bailey, his last friend.  And Crackers finally started to give in to the inevitable ticking of time.  He lost his sight, and gradually became more and more feeble.  His teeth began to wear out and he needed special food and hay.  Bailey, despite his great size, treated him with patient gentleness as he would slowly walk his circles looking for his food and water through his clouded vision.  Every night, when Crackers came in the barn for his special senior supper, Bailey waited beside his window, his constant companion.

I think Bailey knew Cracker’s time was near even before we did.  This week, instead of his usual boisterousness at feeding time, the big, young gelding acted especially subdued.  When Crackers went down two nights ago and Todd and I struggled to pull him to his feet,  Bailey stood near, watching intently, as if willing the old fellow to come back to us.  We did get him up, and we were thankful that he ate and drank with his usual appetite, but he was also weak and unsteady.  We knew it wouldn’t be long when Crackers refused to be led inside to his stall.  The last several days had been unusually cold and the single digit, night-time temperatures must have exacted a severe toll on his old body.  On Friday morning we found him down again, breathing steadily, but with his lashes half-lidding his dim, blue, sightless eyes.  It was heart wrenching to watch him as he lay there unable to muster the strength to rise from the cold ground that imprisoned him.  I wept uncontrollably as I tried to pull him from the indignity of the mud caused by his lack of body control.  I put blankets over his cold shivering body and hay under his head and neck in a vain attempt to bring comfort to my old friend.   Bailey stood close and nuzzled his head.

The Fates for animal souls must have been in a mood to toy with us mortals on that day.  When I called our regular vet to come, I learned that he was at a veterinary conference in Indianapolis all day.  Five subsequent calls to other local veterinary practices yielded the same response and I was beginning to feel desperate.  I finally located a vet who could come, and mercifully, he was able to come right away for which I am eternally grateful.  Ironically, it was one of the vets who had bought Dr. Janssen’s practice.   

If animal doctors take courses in bedside manner, Dr. Thompson surely aced that one.  He and his assistant couldn’t have been kinder and treated Crackers with great care and gentleness.  And when his tired body refused their efforts to bring him to his feet, they supported our choice to send him on his way to a better place.

This is not the first time I have been present as an animal friend passes into the afterlife.  We have let go of two dear dogs in the recent few years and I was there both times.  It is a hard thing to do, and a harder thing not to do.  After Dr. Thompson did his part, I noticed something that I had also seen when Daisy and Brock took flight.  As Crackers took his final breaths on this earth, his four legs made minute movements, one after the other, in a running motion, the way you often see in napping dogs.  When our pets are full of life and we see this, we laugh and say they are dreaming of chasing squirrels or some other happy idea.  But when our friends are passing through the earthly veil, what do we make of such a thing? 

I am sure someone can give me a rational scientific explanation for such a phenomenon, but I don’t care to know it, at least not for awhile.  I want to believe that the spirit of my longtime friend was finally taking flight, free from the cold, atrophy and pain that had been holding him to the ground.  And as his spirit took to flight, his old body said “wait, wait! I can’t keep up, but I’m trying.”  And his spirit turned and said, “don’t try, let go, you cannot come with me now.  I am running free.  I am running without body or saddle or rider clinging on.  I am going to a place where where I cannot be stopped, full gallop ahead.  I am going to my stall, I am headed home.”

With killing frosts for the last couple weeks, I was astounded to see this tenacious bloom fighting through its dry and wilting bedmates today.  Its especially surprising since the daisies quit blooming in late August.   I guess those “Becky” Shastas I got from Kim at Garden Thyme were a good choice.

Setting the scene:  Papa and Mari are home together on a school day and have just finished lunch.  Phone rings and Papa strides quickly over to pick it up without looking at the caller I.D.

Conversation Part 1: 

Caller with mature, warm, friendly voice: ”Hello, this is Jane* with the Indianpolis Star” (*this name is changed because I simply don’t remember!)

Papa: “Hi, Jane.  I don’t think we’re interested in taking the Star.”

Jane:  “But its only $10 a month.”

Papa: (Laughing) ”I know!  You guys do a really good job of making sure we know that.” (both of us are laughing now.) “But I appreciate the offer,  thanks.”

Jane: (Still laughing) “Well thanks, you have a nice day.”

Papa: “You too, Jane. Goodbye.”

[Note: I honestly don't mind getting telemarket by the Indianapolis Star, which is a good thing because they call ALOT!  But all you have to say is "no thanks" and they don't persist.  They are always polite and friendly and I don't think its too much of a bother to be polite in return.  Every once in a while I hang up the phone feeling pretty good about having had a nice conversation with someone I don't even know and will probably never speak to again.]

Conversation Part 2:

Papa returns to the kitchen where Mari is at the table coloring.

Mari:  “Who was that who called on the phone?”

Papa:  “Oh, just the people from the paper who wanted to know if we wanted to buy the paper every day.”

Mari:  “Did you buy it?”

Papa:  “No, I don’t have time to read it.”

Mari:  “When you get retired you can buy it.”

Papa:  “Really?  Why do you say that?”

Mari:  “‘Cause that’s what Grandma and Grandpa do.  They just sit around reading the paper all the time and they’re retired.”

Papa: (Unable to contain laughter.)  ” Oh really.  I see…”

(Models shown simulating grandparent-like behaviour described by grandchild.  These are not actual grandparents.)

Last Friday night, Daniel and Mari attended the PTO movie night fundraiser at their school.  They saw Hollywood’s latest version of the children’s classic book, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.  I haven’t seen it yet but it looks like a well made movie and hopefully it is worthy of the huge amount of acting talent recruited for the many animal character voices.  (Can you imagine a better choice than Steve Buscemi as Templeton the Rat?)  I also hope this 2006 live action adaptation will redeem Hollywood for the sin of the saccharine 1973 Hanna-Barbera animated version which was just awful in my opinion (with the exception of Paul Lynde and Agnes Moorhead’s voicing.)

What I am glad about is that the kids got to see the benevolent personification of the lovely and useful garden spider.  Without this gentle story as back drop, I don’t think they could have appreciated the beautiful creature that made her home next to our front door a couple days ago.

When we showed her to the kids, they were initially repulsed.  But when we pointed out how beautiful her full, velvety black abdomen and legs were and how striking the bright yellow markings looked, they were more receptive to seeing beauty in this unusual creature. 

However, Charlotte’s story truly came to life when the next morning a huge egg sac appeared beside her and her body was visibly smaller.   Surely the effort to produce the thousands of eggs must have taken a tremendous toll on the living creature and I can envision E.B. White observing with inspiration this very process on his rural Maine farm in the 1950s. 

Our Charlotte is now being very still and I think is simply waiting for the fulfillment of her time.  It makes me a little sad to pass her every time I enter and exit through that door.  Yet I am grateful for this chance to see beauty in this unexpected place and, moreover, I am glad that Daniel and Mari have a chance to watch this act of nature up close. 

This pic was just developed (yes, old fashioned silver film still is made…) and I previewed it on the developers website.  I thought I would share this great pic of my two little sweeties waiting for the bus.

School started last Wednesday for Daniel and Mari.  Today was the last day of the first full week of school and I am amazed at how quickly we have settled back into the routine.  Actually, one reason for the easy transition, for me, is that this year both kids get on the bus and ride to school together (sniff, sniff, my babies are growin’ up!)  instead of going to elementary and preschool  separately like last year.  Much easier for old potterdad.

This morning we were a little ahead of schedule getting ready and had some extra time on our hands before the bus arrived.  Daniel said to me “why don’t we go outside to play while we wait for the bus, I’m a kinesthetically oriented learner!” 

I said “you’re a what?”

“A kinesthetically oriented learner” he casually replied ”I like to learn while I play.  But I think I’m a naturalist too.  We went on a nature walk with Mrs. Underhill’s class and I liked that alot.  And I think Mari is going to be a musical learner, that’s what she’s good at” he rattled on.

“Oh.” I mumbled dumbly as we went out the front door.

“Were you a kinesthetically oriented learner when you were in school, Papa?” Daniel asked as he balanced on the rocks in the perenial garden by the porch.

“Uh, I don’t know,” I said “I don’t think we were taught about kinesthetically oriented learning when I was in first grade…come to think of it, I don’t think we talked much about kinesthetically oriented learning when I was in college.”

“Really?”  He looked at me in astonishment.

“Yeah, really.” I returned.

“Oh-oh!  Here comes the bus!  Gotta go!”  he said as he and Mari scampered down the driveway.  “I love you!”

“Love you too,” I called back “have a good day.”

Yipes! I thought as the bus pulled away.  And to think I was only worried about learning the new math…sigh.  (Dang that useless poly-sci degree…)

In my last post I promised more about Daniel, Mari, and Markie’s summer birthday party.  Grandma Tia (my Mom) always hosts the party at her house and its been her way of celebrating with the young set for the past several years.  Daniel’s and (cousin) Markie’s birthdays are in late July and Mari’s is in early September, so a date in mid August seems to be good time to celebrate all three at once and Grandma’s swimming pool is always the perfect antidote to the sweltering dog day heat of August.  Here are some highlights of this years little shindig.

 The party theme this year was Disney.

Somehow I got roped into making the cakes.  Grandma insisted on three separate cakes — one for each child to have candles to blow out!  Strawberry for Mari, Red Velvet for Markie, and Chocolate Devils Food for Daniel.  I had to improvise on the cake pans for the Mickey/Minnie ears — they’re 10 oz. chicken cans washed out.  I figured they were less smelly than tuna!  Plus I used the chicken to make a huge batch of ”Buffalo Wing” dip for the party. 

Here are the finished products.  Oh, by the way, if you’ve never made a cake that requires black icing, don’t!  It takes so much black tint that the icing is bitter and inedible!

Grandma and Grandpa rented an American Gladiator style jousting pit for the “big kids.”  It did a fine job doing double duty as a bouncy bouncer (and it was twice as big!)

What would a birthday party be without a pinata?

Daniel is ready to finish the job!

Sweet!  Now it’s time for Cake!

I love this picture!  Markie doesn’t want to disappoint the paparazzi photographers!

 Happy Birthday Kiddieos!

Mari, Daniel and Markie’s combined birthday party was yesterday at Grandma’s house.  (More to come on this subject later.)  This, of course, was an opportunity for family members to contribute to the kids’ ever expanding collections of their favorite little plastic things … you know, those things that go snap underfoot in the night when you make that dark trip to the bathroom… Star Wars action figures for Daniel and Polly Pockets for Mari. 

Since Polly Pocket and her gal-pals reside in a pink palace in Mari’s room, and Luke Skywalker and his buddies live on the wrong side of the (Thomas) tracks near Daniel,  I realized that the two communities had probably never been introduced properly.  Mari and Daniel brought the folks together downstairs for a little mixer!  You would be surprised what happens when people meet in new places outside of their familiar environments…

With a little encouragement from Polly, Luke and Obi-Wan get in touch with their creative sides.  Obi-Wan has some ideas about adding body to Luke’s fine textured hair.  Luke is still feeling a little uneasy.  “Relax Luke, Relax.” Polly coos.

Polly suggests a little more lift in the back and Obi-Wan concetrates on understanding Polly’s vision.  Luke is finally starting to enjoy the spa treatment.  Polly suggest a pedicure and massage for both of the Guys when they’re done with their hair.  She’s going ask Chewbacca to show her the Jedi Starfighter.  “Ooooh how fun!” she giggles. 

“Wheeeee!  Can I push the buttons?  Oh, careful, my little pookiepets…”  Chewbacca is a little bit overwhelmed by Polly’s glittering personality and Darth is secretly laughing at Chewbacca’s bashful bemusement.

Uh oh, here come Padmai.  Polly employes her usual strategy, just ignore her.   She thinks “…Who would pay attention to anyone in that outfit anyway!  My gosh where did she get it, the Imperial Surplus Outlet?  eeeoouu.”

 Whoops.  Bad move Polly.  Fortunately, Darth is there to come to the rescue.  He remembers how cranky Padmai can get when she’s six months pregnant and carrying full rebel fighting equipment.

 Polly digs down deep, (changes her outfit, hello!) and reaches out to Padmai.  She suggests a new ‘do, makeover and a little accessorization for Padmai.  She even opened up her own personal wardrobe for Padmai to pick out something a little glittery from.  The hot oil treatment for Padmai’s hair and the cucumber mask worked wonders on the uptight mother-to-be.  (And the coral pink foulard does wonders for perking up that drab olive maternity frock!)

“Ahhh, lets be friends.”… “best friends!”

Daniel and Mari came back from a visit at Grandma and Grandpa’s with these little snackeroonies.  They looked like the miniature offspring from crossing a northern Whoopie Pie and a southern Moon Pie.  Whatever their origin or inspiration, they appear to be a serious improvement over the ubiquitous, bland “chalk-olate” cookie whose name they still are burdened with.  From the visual evidence of the dropped crumbs that smooshed underfoot on my clean kitchen floor (as opposed to crumbling to dust) the little cakelets appeared to be pretty moist.  However, since I was offerred nary a nibble, I cannot relay to you the complete sensory experience.  You’ll have to ask the two little munchkins when you see them next.

I thought it might be a good time for potterdad to get a fresh facelift.  Of course I know where to find the freshest faces around.  The two most beautiful kids in the world were photographed at Symphony on the Prairie this July 4th.  We’ve gone to Connor Prairie for the last five years to enjoy a picnic, patriotic tunes and see a great firework display close up.  Its a family tradition we’ve really come to look forward to every year.

I thought this picture in the header which was taken by Grandma Diann was so beautiful I made it my wallpaper on my computer and had to find a new blog look to show it off too.