One of the items imported from the camper to the cabin is a “baby gate.” It was used in the motorhome and later in the fifth-wheel to fence-off the dogs from places they shouldn’t be (and to keep them where they should be).
It performs the same function in the cabin. Most of the time I set it up to corral Scout and Smudge in the kitchen/living room. When we’re in the bedroom, overnight or just chillin’, it blocks-off the “hallway” at the south end.
Simple. Useful.
While the gate contains the dogs, I still have to get past it myself multiple times a day. I either move it or, because moving it and putting it back is a pain in the ass, I step over it. And it’s the latter that gets me into trouble.
It’s been over 50 years since I was a high-school hurdler. I ran the 120-yard highs (42 inches tall) and the now-defunct 180 lows (30 inches). I wasn’t very good, honestly, but at least I could clear the hurdles while sprinting.
Now, not so much.
Flexibility and balance ain’t what they used to be. Getting over a 24-inch baby gate — which requires but two steps — demands my full concentration and deliberate movement. If I’m casual about it, I’ll misjudge that first step or catch the toe of my trailing foot.
I’ve hit the deck twice in the last few weeks.
That, I suspect, is how I’ll meet my end. They’ll find me dead on the floor of the cabin, feet tangled in a damnable baby gate.
Smudge has claimed her spot — the cabin’s northwest window. She perches on the arm of the love seat and keeps watch. She’s especially fond of mornings, when she can enjoy the cool breeze coming through the screen.
My Wednesday was productive only by comparison to Tuesday.
The Mountain got a ten-minute downpour around 3:30am. A day I’d characterize as “mostly cloudy” (blessedly so) was punctuated from time to time by drizzle. Storms came later, noisy ones overnight.
The cabin stayed comfortable all day.
I spent a lot of time with my girl Scout, carrying her to special places, holding her close, giving her treats. Miss Smudge does her best to understand.
I went for a walk in the rain. I did some pruning along the driveway. I cleaned the shower and the porcelain fixtures.
For dinner — and for Scout — I made pizza in the oven. (Small bites of pizza crust have restorative powers.)
Now let’s see what today brings.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable