Saturday Hubby and I decided we really needed to get away from the fray, so we took off for a day together, just the two of us to get our batteries recharged. Although we had a blueprint for the day, we ended up doing something totally different. As hubby explained, this is what retirement will be like – doing what you want when you want to! All I can say is, I'm ready. And in that vein, I'm happy to report that the ad for my replacement went in the newspaper this week. Here's praying for some really viable candidates.
Our first stop yesterday was Washington Park in Anacortes. There is a winding 2-mile loop with some really breathtaking views:
I think next year we're going to have to take a picnic lunch and Maggie and spend some time there. Next stop was some furniture shopping. Our old and battered recliners with the puppy chew marks really needed to go, and since I don't need room for a lap dog anymore (sigh), we decided the time was ripe. We looked at the Ekornes chairs from Norway. After wiping up the drool, we gave some serious consideration, but were put off by the exorbitant price. They were indeed about the most comfortable chairs we've ever sat in, but some serious saving would be in order. We decided to check a few more places and lo and behold, found some Action recliners that were quite similar and about half the price. They are every bit as comfortable and while probably not as high quality, suit us just fine. The style we got is similar to the one in the link, but just a little different.
Mei-Mei had her first dental visit this week. She did pretty well for a two-year-old, although she kept saying, "I'm done, I'm done".
This afternoon is rather quiet. Ben & Abby are off doing house related paperwork (they've found a house, but the deal is not final yet), Hubby is off picking up our new chairs and Mei-Mei is napping. I gave Isobel two small skeins of yarn and a feather duster and she's been happily entertaining herself for an hour, humming and singing!
Thank you all for your kind thoughts about Kirby. I'm sure you'll understand if I don't reply individually to each one. We're so grateful that we had almost 16 wonderful years with him. I remember the day he came to live with us – Valentine's Day 1994. I had just come home from a quilting class and Ben met me at the car. He said I needed to come in and sit down. Of course, I knew then something was up. Bill came into the house wearing his leather jacket. He reached inside and drew this little ball of fluff out of his inside pocket. He said, "This is Tyler and every time you look at him I want you to remember how much I love you!" After a few days it became obvious that he was not a Tyler, but a Kirby. For the last 15+ years, Kirby has indeed reminded me of my husband's love for me. Not a bad job for a little dog!
missouristar 
I had looked at those recliners some years ago, and had the same reaction. I think they should be at least half the price being charged for them.
My thoughts are with you on Kirby. It always breaks my heart when a pet dies, and I try to console myself with the notion that he or she lived a good life with me. But that really isn’t enough. I still think about my favorite cats and birds.
I love the idea of the comfort of those chairs but with a house built in 1872 they just don’t look right. I’m on the hunt for a recliner for me to replace my wing back and footstool but it’s a difficult hunt when there’s ONE furniture store in the area *lol* I suppose when I get serious I’ll pop up to Montreal and shop.
What a beautiful tribute to Kirby. The tears are running.
I’m so sorry to read of your loss, Dorothy.
I guess we never are ready to let go, are we? But given the life span of pets compared to us, it is inevitable. But I would rather go through the loss than never have the pleasure of their company!
I’m sitting here enjoying my new chair. The less expensive ones really are comfortable and so far we’re happy with them.
Dorothy
On Sep 27, 2009, at 1:44 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
We really gave it some thought because these are a little more “modern” than we’ve been used to. But my house is by no means an “antique” and I continually struggle with style. I guess my style (if I have one) could best be described as eclectic. So I’m going for comfort and calling it good!
Dorothy
On Sep 27, 2009, at 4:59 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
I know I will shed a few more tears for him. But I wouldn’t trade the pain of losing him to the pain of never having a good dog. I know you agree!
Dorothy
On Sep 27, 2009, at 5:28 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
Enjoy the new chairs. And good luck with the newspaper ad!
Thanks Gayle – we’ve gotten a few promising leads. You would think in this tough job market we’d get a lot more, but qualified applicants are hard to find!
Dorothy
On Sep 30, 2009, at 4:16 AM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
Those trips are such a wonder, aren’t they? I’m so glad that you were able to enjoy such special time together.
Dorothy,
Stopping by to “catch-up” and so saddened by the news of Kirby’s passing. 😦 I know how hard it must be, and how much he is missed. You must take comfort in knowing that he had a long and happy life with you and your family. All dogs should be so lucky!
Certainly looks as though you are enjoying having the kids with you! I can’t believe it….2 yrs old already!!! Both are such cuties!
I say the same thing at the dentist. 😉
Oh , little Mei-mei is so cute! She’s such a brave little girl. She didn’t cry the whole procedure. It’s good that she was cooperative on her first dental visit. It is likely that she won’t ever be afraid of going to the dentist in the future.
So how was the dental visit? It seems Mei-mei did behave well. I hope she didn’t have any cavities. 🙂 Did her dentist give her something as a reward after the procedure?