Happy 4th of July. But we are celebrating differently. Instead of barbecuing, we are working and sweating in the garden. However, late this afternoon, we'll join our in-laws; while my older daughter will shoot off with some old friends.
For several days now, I have been "rejuvenating" my wife's flower and vegie gardens, namely cutting back overgrown vegetation, taking out death stuff, and checking whether the the automatic drip irrigation system is still working as it is supposed to do.
left: late last evening, a tree branch came down covering our driveway. My daughter, home on vacation, helped me to clear the driveway; and
this morning my son-in-law finished the job.
right: Mother nature is not perfect. A top-heavy pine tree couldn't take it anymore. That's work for after the holiday.
My daughter is loading my son-in-law's dump trailer...With T-Posts, I am straightening some of my wife's larger plants, to the left of the pot
@StarSong question about dogs and fireworks
My daughter's Pit Bull got scared to death
My 95 pound Boxer gets angry and barks to get the fireworks to shut up
My other 2 Boxers just don't care as long as they are in one room with me and get petted
We are living in an outer suburban area zoned minimum one acre, but almost all properties are larger. In other words, we just don't have as much fireworks as downtown. My daughter always brought her Pit Bull over to us even though fireworks are illegal in Riverside City and County. They have now a small Beagle, and she hasn't said anything. I think most pups don't worry and are feeling secure as long as they are close to the owner and are getting reassured that everything is all right. I think most pups take their clues from the owners' behavior although larger breeds tend to have a more independent mind.
For example, we had a 125 pound Great Dane. When I hiked three times on one trail but wanted to go differently the fourth time, then he pulled me in the direction we went previously, seemingly saying, "dummy, did you forget how we have to walk?" The only dog who ever argued with me.
And my almost 100 pound Boxer has the self-imposed duty to protect me from all evil people. It's a nuisance, but I can't change his mind. So, I have to walk with a short chain around his neck and my waist to avoid conflicts. One time he wanted to attack someone, but the short chain caused him to twist around, and he bit my leg instead. When he realized what he had done, he was crushed. It took a week before he looked at me again. I learnt my lesson and warn others not to come too close to me. Anyway, when I walk abreast with my three 65 - 95 pond dogs, then people automatically get out of our way. The dogs are my protection.
I adopted my "big guy" from a Boxer Rescue at age 1 1/2. I was warned that two previous owners had surrendered him because he was unmanageable. Yes, he was. But after one year, he had become the most loyal and trusting dog I ever had. The other two were strays I adopted from public shelters. The girl is very sweet but is still afraid of unfamiliar children. The 85 pound stray boy was fiercely independent; he was his own boss. Being age 88, the dog is stronger than I am. I had twice to use a stun gun to subdue him before he accepted me as the pack leader and became loyal and dependable.
Our calls are nearly always quite lengthy so we set up a time when both our calendars are clear.
Happy Independence Day, y'all. Without getting political, let us all hope and pray that this isn't our last.
