It was late in a hitherto uneventful afternoon.
A shrill sound split the air at a pitch audible only to dogs and to humans age 24 and younger.
Suddenly, computer and TV monitors were swarmed by images of scary men in threatening poses.
The world placed its hopes in the only individual who could combat evil of this magnitude.
Wearing his lucky ID tag, he set out to vanquish the enemies unknown.
A sports figure whom I admire starred last year in a Spike Lee documentary about his work ethic. Entitled "Kobe Doin Work," the documentary followed Kobe Bryant through a day in the life.
I've been inspired by that film to present this homage, which I call, "Lambie Doin Work."
I am thrilled to report that an action version of these electrifying still shots is currently in development at a major studio.
I've been investigating substituting a new family in for my current one. Nothing personal, but the magic is gone.
So I went out to the bluff and insinuated myself next to a dad/daughter duo sitting on a bench.
For some reason, they did not seem to notice me.
Then I found another couple: sophisticated yet mellow, enjoying their wine at sunset.
I stood by winsomely, then sat there to suggest that I belonged with them.
But they were too wrapped up in each other to pay attention to me.
People are so self-involved these days.
Apparently I'd better stick with what I've got. My family is quite attentive.
I spent last night at the bar with my drinking buddy, reviewing the past year's ups and downs.
It was a good year overall. I solidified friendships, controlled my seizure disorder, and honed my connection to the bluffs. We got a new president, and he got a new dog.
Yes, there were some disappointments, notably in the squirrel department. But, as my friend reminded me, in toto it was a banner Year of Lambie.
No one can know what the coming year will bring, but tomorrow I may come up with some resolutions to guide me going forward.
So, until next year...have a safe and happy New Year's Eve, dear Readers!
This guy Pepe or Paco always arrives at the bluffs in a carriage. His owner pushes the stroller up to the curb, and then Pepe/Paco steps out like a pasha.
We get along fine but I secretly look down on the way he is pampered and infantilized by his owner.
I would never put up with that.
While I've been focusing on my Japanese study, it has been quite a week for fashion at the bluffs. The weather may be cold, but it has not stifled bluffgoers' enthusiasm for beauty and style.
First I saw a dog in a flashy racing outfit.
Then I noticed a fashion shoot taking place.
The models kindly interrupted their poses to spend a moment letting me adulate them.
Finally, I ran into my friend Gucci having a grooming session on the bench.
The weather was not great but Gucci's hairstyle looked chic and up-to-the-minute.
Perhaps it's shallow, but I must admit I've enjoyed hobnobbing with all these beauty insiders. It makes for a good break from my studies.
It's raining and the rain is supposed to continue for at least another day. Making hay while the sun shines, as it were, I have decided to apply myself to self-improvement.
It has troubled me for some time now that I do not know any foreign languages. We Americans tend to be so insular. So I have decided to take advantage of this down-time to begin learning Japanese.
I have acquired a textbook and am applying myself to recognizing the hiragana. Sadly, I do not have a live teacher to assist me with pronunciation concerns.
The work is slow,and as is so often the case with textbooks, sometimes sleep-inducing. But I continue in my effort, knowing that it is good for my mind and also good for international understanding. Also, I have to admit that I'm looking forward to impressing Pookie by greeting him in Japanese.
A dog out doing some routine sniffing....
shakes his ear...
...and discovers the bluff.
I flew too close to the sun last night. I got so involved in chewing on my rawhide that I sustained an injury to my right front paw, which was holding the rawhide in place.
First we put a sock on it, but after I pulled that off it was time for the dressing / gauze / tape treatment, which is where things stand now.
Out at the bluffs early this morning, I was appalled to notice a situation with the potential for tragedy. A bunny was hopping around in an area clearly marked "Caution -- High Pressure Gas Pipeline," as if he or she didn't have a care in the world.
Then things went from bad to worse, as the bunny was joined by an innocent bird.
I watched their deadly play for several minutes, my heart in my mouth.
Finally, they both ran off, luckily unscathed, leaving me to reflect upon the dangers inherent in everyday life.
Perhaps these animals were deliberate risk takers, or maybe they were just foolhardy. I fear, however, that the root explanation for their behavior is that they couldn't read the sign.
How many promising lives are lost unnecessarily in similar situations? This is why our nation cannot afford to let up in fighting the scourge of illiteracy.
It would also be helpful if pictograms were added to make signs more universally comprehensible.
