The Mountain bathed in a different light this morning.
Deb, Scout and Dipstick came downstairs around 7am. When I opened the door to take the older dogs outside, I stepped into a strange glow, in that first instant seeming more golden than anything else. I looked up at the sky behind the tall cedars.
A canvas of powdery blue, dusty pinks and rosy grays arched overhead. Here where we have a front-row seat for dramatic sunsets, today we enjoyed the rare morning show.
Deb’s phone rang around 10am — it was the owner of the shop where we’d left Mercy yesterday afternoon. He was calling from the road, taking the wobbly Wrangler for a test drive and trying to pin down exactly when the shakin’ shows up.
I want to point out that this shop isn’t what you’d call a small operation. It stays busy, and so does the boss. I was impressed with his hands-on approach when they replaced the tires on my Silverado a few months back, and here he was today, directly involved in diagnosing the wiggle in our Jeep.
Believe me when I tell you that this is typical of businesses we patronize in Ozarkansas. That’s not to say, however, that this guy doesn’t stand out from the rest — he truly does.
Sorting out the wobble (and fixing it) is a little tougher than anticipated, so Mercy will remain in the shop into next week. Deb will be taking the Silverado to work.
We got some sobering news today. You may recall that earlier this year we enrolled young Smudge in obedience school over in Harrison. Week after week she worked with the facility’s owner and another trainer, and although our Happy Heeler wasn’t the most receptive pupil, our experience with these people was great.
According to reports, the owner was working at the school early this morning when he was shot and killed by his 23-year-old son.
We’re saddened, of course, but mostly we’re pissed. So damned senseless.
I don’t know what else to say.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable
#LetsGoBrandon #FJB