Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Her Leash

“I’m just going into the backyard. Why the leash?

“We need to protect your leg in case you have a wild moment.”

“A wild moment? Haven’t had one of those in weeks.”

“Yes, and we must keep it like that until the end of January.”

“I don’t know, but visiting the backyard with a chaperone is not the same.”

“It won’t be forever. Just think how far you’ve come.”

“Yeah, well, at least I’m walking better. Those leaves back there need some attention.”

“You are walking better. I know about the leaves. They will be done tomorrow.

“Maybe we can take a quick sunbath. The sun is warm.”

“That’s the spirit. You want to lay on the lounges?”

“Um, no. The sun isn’t that warm. We need a geophysical boost.”

“A geophysical boost? What’s that?”

“Black rocks and exposed groundcover where Mom pulled a plant.”

“Oh, I get it. The rock absorbs the heat, and so it’s warmer there.”

“I have to wonder sometimes what they taught you in college.”

“I may have missed the class where they covered how to get warmer outside.”

“I think you guys have lost some of the skills necessary to survive out here. Too many comforts.”

“Says the dog who never wants for a thing.”

“Yeah, but I still keep my instincts sharp.”

“Like chasing things til you blow out a ligament?”

“Okay, there’s that. Let’s go in. It’s a little chilly.

132 comments

  1. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Hilarious exchange, John. Hanging out with Twiggy is always a lesson in survival, or, well, comfort. 😊

    Liked by 4 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. One or the other. Thank you, Gwen.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. karenringalls's avatar

    Love “geophysical boost”! Good news is that Twiggy is getting better.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes she is. She is walking like a champ. Thanks, Karen. 😊

      Like

  3. Jaye Marie & Anita Dawes's avatar

    It was lovely to see Twiggy enjoying the sunshine, John…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She loves those black rocks this time of year. Thanks, Jaye.

      Like

  4. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    With “geophysical boost”, Twiggy is showing off … Wasn’t she Magna cum laude back in her day?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Class Valedictorian too. Thanks, Frank 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    They really should teach how to get warm in college. Especially here in the north during winter.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Would be a useful course for sure.

      Like

  6. joylennick's avatar

    What a clever little dog! Amazing what nuggets of knowledge they pick up…Happy Christmas! Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Joy. Happy Christmas to you as well. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Dan Antion's avatar

    You guys make a great team today, John. It’s good to see Twiggy making progress.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is using her leg very well. We just have to keep her on a short leash for another month. Thanks, Dan.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    “Those leaves back there need some attention.” LOL! Twiggy doesn’t miss a thing! I’m happy she’s doing better, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She really is, Jill. Thank you for your warm thoughts.😁

      Liked by 1 person

  9. GP's avatar

    She really does look better. I can understand her impatience.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She wants to get out and run for sure. We need to keep her from herself for another month. Thanks, GP.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Yeah, I can see how being tethered to a chaperone would cramp one’s style.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Since she is a bulldog she has zero understanding of her own risks. So I’ll take the roll of pain in the butt till she is fully healed. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        Someone has to be the responsible adult in the family!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes and that honor goes to the one who is lowest to the road. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

  11. shoreacres's avatar

    Eventually, that leash isn’t going to be required anymore, and the old song — “Who let the dogs out?” — is going to be completely appropriate. It’s interesting that a documentary about the making of the song was introduced at the 2019 SXSW; maybe they can do a re-release and bring Twiggy on as a consultant.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love that suggestion, Linda. I swear without the leash Twiggy would be chasing every shadow in the yard. She tried jumping off the steps and if there was no leash she would have done it . One more month and she is free again. Thanks for the fun comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Teri Polen's avatar

    Clearly they didn’t teach you anything in college, John, lol. Glad to see Twiggy out and about.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. Two degrees and still an idiot. Thanks, Teri. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  13. John Holton's avatar

    Is your lawn Bermuda grass?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is artificial turf. We tried others and the shade trees killed it all. With dogs, mud is not an option. We are 100% water permeable zeroscape. (well except for the driveway)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. John Holton's avatar

        I wanted to install artificial turf, but Mary wanted Bermuda.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I’ll bet I know what you have.

          Liked by 1 person

  14. noelleg44's avatar

    So good to hear that Twiggy is very improved. But you never know when she might spot a puma or a water buffalo, so the leash is probably a good idea. I am also ignorant of a geophysical boost!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think it is a word that Twiggy made up. 😁

      Like

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        But it’s such a good one! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Susie Lindau's avatar

    LOL! I hope Twiggy is off leash and running around soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Will be another month. Thanks, Susie.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s good to see Twiggy doing better, John. Her wanting the geophysical boost of warmth on a cool day is understandable. Thanks for sharing. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is always on the look out for warmth. 😁Thanks, Tim

      Liked by 1 person

  17. lois's avatar

    ‘but I still keep my instincts sharp.’–Twiggy doesn’t miss a beat, does she?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No she seems to be with it all the time. Thanks, Lois.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. John Hric's avatar

    Glad to see Twiggy is doing better.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    I definitely missed the class about how to stay warmer outside. Good advice for me going forward…or when I’m on the ground. Hopefully, there is more forward and less ground. Glad Twiggy is out and about.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes let’s vote for more forward and less ground. Thanks, Bruce.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    Oh Twiggy, I so relate. I haven’t had a wild moment in quite some time. Those were the days alright.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Wild moments have a habit of remaining in the memory. Sometimes good and other times not so good. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        All us girls know that, those swinging from the chandelier moments. But I’m sure, a few men do too. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I remember a few times sitting in the shower cross legged with thumb and forefinger joined, repeating OMs hoping Budda would restore my body and soul not to mention prevent being fired by the boss I told off last night.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          And Budda said????

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          No one died, so face the day like a man.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          He’s tough, that Buddha.

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          For sure. Gives excellent advice.

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          He should be at the top of his game by now. After all. he’s over 2000 years old.

          Liked by 1 person

  21. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Twiggy? Get a wild moment? LOL. It’s always good to visit here, John. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you like it, Teagan. 😁

      Like

  22. TanGental's avatar

    and while she’s too modest to mention it she has kept out the pumas..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is so true. She loved your comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    Twiggy is so funny. 😀 I’m so glad she’s doing better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We are glad too, Kymber. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Staci Troilo's avatar

    There’s nothing like sun-warmed rocks to relax you. Glad to see Twiggy continuing to heal. Sending ear scratches to her. Thanks for the smiles, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Staci. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  25. circadianreflections's avatar

    It’s good to see her improving and out sunbathing and teaching. She’s becoming as wise as Lucy. 😍

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think she looks upon me as someone who could use a lot of help. Thanks, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    I’m so happy to see Twiggy doing so well and back outside!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Denise. She is really doing well. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Ah, Miss. Twiggy, how wonderful it is to see you out and about. The leash? Think of it as a stylish accessory. (well try, anyway)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Annette. I think I look rather stylish in my harness.You should see my imitation cheetah sweater. Thanks for the nice words.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. quiall's avatar

    What a wise little girl.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Pamela. I think my Dad makes me look wiser that I really am but don’t tell anyone. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Dale's avatar

    Baby steps, Little Girl! You’ll be zooming in no time! Best to heal 100% before then!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes Miss, Dale. I’m taking my time. (Well except for when I chased a deer. I got lucky there.)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Oh Twiggy!!! Yes, you did!

        Liked by 1 person

  30. jilldennison's avatar

    It’s so good to see Twiggy out and about again, even if it is with a leash. She’s one smart pup!!! Sending her pats and loves!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill. She loves the pats and loves. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Debbie's avatar

    When I was acclimating Monk to leash-walking, I’d take him in the fenced backyard and mosey around, but he didn’t particularly enjoy it. Too many squirrel-distractions! I’m glad to see Twiggy is better-behaved, and I love how she’s found the warm spot next to the fence.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debbie. She finds the warm spots wherever they pop up. She is very good on a leash unless the FedEx truck goes by.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. roughwighting's avatar

    Haha. Smell the roses, Twiggy, smell the roses! And heal. (Not heel, what fun is that?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like your play on words, Miss Pamela. I did smell the roses and new buds are forming every day. It was a lovely afternoon. Thank you for the smile.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. roughwighting's avatar

        It was an easy pun because a friend had just given me Rose potpourri that she made from her rose garden! 🌹

        Liked by 1 person

  33. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    It is good to see her out in the sun even with a chaperone to keep her from wild moments!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jo. She did enjoy it.

      Like

  34. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    You Two always make me smile… 🙂 So glad you got some Sunshine…. And some black-rock Heat… 🙂 Good to see Twiggy healing so well John..
    Have a lovely weekend xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Sue. She is doing quite well. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

        ❤ 🙂 good to know

        Liked by 1 person

  35. Darlene's avatar

    Glad to see Twiggy outside, although being cautious. It seems like a long haul for her. Hopefully, the end of January comes quickly. Dot and Lia say Hi and Merry Christmas Twiggy!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you Miss Darlene. Merry Christmas to Dot and Lia. It is a long road but it is coming to an end. In dog years it is 21 Months total. (Whew)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Darlene's avatar

        😊🐶🐶

        Liked by 1 person

  36. Mae Clair's avatar

    I’m so glad she’s improving and is able to be outside in that beautiful warm sunshine. Loved the chat you too had. And she is definitely a dog who “never wants for a thing!”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mae. We commit to our fur kids “Their best life.” 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  37. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Oh, Twiggy Zen stone lessons! Wonderful practice for winter! I’m glad that she is better. Let’s hope that the Chinese New Year will make her as reactive as she used to be, dear John. It will be the dragon year…It means something. 🍤🍤🍤🍻😊🎄🧨✨

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is much better. The year of the dragon sounds perfect for Twiggy.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Sounds like she’s healing, despite her protests.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes she is in spite of some risky behavior too.

      Like

  39. Eilene Lyon's avatar

    Twiggy seems to be taking it all in stride.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is Eilene. She is doing very well. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Twiggy’s right there with the rest of us. I wake up wondering what body part will break down today.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Welcome to senior living, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    It’s always a treat to see Twiggy. So glad the healing is still going well!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Your foot looks great too. 😁

      Like

  42. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous · ·

    I love this banter between you and Twiggy. I can imagine you both actually talking to each other … lol 😉 At least she’s on a long leash 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Marie. Your comment came in as anonymous but I knew it was you.

      Like

  43. Sorryless's avatar

    Patience grasshopper. You are looking great.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Sensei

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Jennie's avatar

    Twiggy, you are wise.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You are welcome, Twiggy.

        Liked by 1 person

  45. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    Now that she mentions it, what exactly did you do in college?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Studied Social Science and Business, BA & MBA + the beer drinking championship

      Liked by 1 person

  46. srbottch's avatar

    Good to see her progress.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We are very happy with her progress. Thanks, Steve.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. Resa's avatar

    Well Twiggy, you certainly are a loved doggie. I had to scroll and scroll to get to comment.
    Your dad’s right. Look how far you’ve come!
    Will you be getting a ramp from the porch to the yard?

    The end of January will come faster than most of us want, in spite of cold weather.
    Say hi to dad for me!

    OX OX OX OX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I will not be getting a ramp, Miss Resa. There are steps that are gentle enough for my delicate bones. Dad says Hi back and sends this
      OX OX OX OX

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Oh good!
        OX OX OX OX 💋

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Resa's avatar

          💋💋💋💋

          Liked by 1 person

  48. dgkaye's avatar

    It looks and sounds as though Twiggy in good form. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is. Strong like bull.

      Liked by 1 person

  49. markbierman's avatar

    Twiggy is one smart pup. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person