Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Gets More Freedom

“Hey, Dad. Where did the fence go?”

“Well, the doctor said you can move around the house.

“so that means I can walk anywhere I want?'”

“That’s right. You have free rein.”

“Rein? What does that mean?”

“It’s a term in horse riding. It means you are free to go where you want to go.”

“How about these ugly runners. Can we pick them up now?”

“No, they have to stay for another week.”

“The leash. Do I still have to have a leash in our yard?”

“Yes, that’s another item we must use for a week.”

“How about the height of the couches? Are they going back to normal?”

“We want to wait a while on that. You are doing so well we don’t want you jumping off the couch.”

“We had stairs. Maybe we could put those back.”

“Oh yeah and you would promise to use them each time, right?”

“Well, I would try to use them each time.”

“Let us be the judge as to when we raise the couches. We also want to put back the white carpet at the same time.”

“That is a smile maker. I love that carpet. So fuzzy.”

“It won’t be long. Till then, enjoy your freedom in your house.”

98 comments

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

    Freedom is an amazing gift. 😊 And Twiggy finally gets to enjoy it — and offers a tour of your beautiful home while she does. Yay for all of us. Happy New Year, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. Twiggy loves the freedom. A wish for a very Happy New Year to you.

      Like

  2. joylennick's avatar

    It’s not often one gets to tour around a famous writer’s house, John. And all for free. All thanks to your little pooch! Tell Twiggy ‘Hi, get better soonest!’ A Verry Happy New Year. Cheers. Joy x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Joy. You gave me a big smile this morning. Twiggy says Hi back and wants you to know she feels terrific. Wishing you the Happiest and healthiest New Year. Hugs. 😁

      Like

  3. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    It seems Twiggy is turning into the Queen of Patience!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She has had to face the specter of inconvenience, and I think you are right, she has learned from the experience. Thanks, Frank.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

        Cheers to the good patient. I imagined she was still able to bark at the delivery trucks from her penned area.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          She couldn’t see them from “down there.” It is one of the reasons we lowered everything and did put shades on the windows.

          Liked by 1 person

  4. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    No ruckusing for another week, Twiggy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nope. She needs to be contained for another week. (she can almost taste it, Liz )

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Miss. Twiggy, I can see a wonderfully happy 2024 in your future! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Annette. I think you are right. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Great to hear she’s doing better. Are any changes staying for good?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We have installed a railing that prevents her from jumping off the porch. We also have installed a fence where the rocks begin in the back. This stops her from chasing squirrels over the rocks which is a high risk activity. She can still go back to the patio but at a slow speed.

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        Like speed bumps on a parking lot.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          The very same. 😁

          Like

  7. GP's avatar

    As long as Twiggy is improving, all is right in Texas!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I could not agree with you more, GP. Thanks for those wise words.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Yay! Sounds like she had a great checkup. Try to convince her it’s because she followed the rules.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was a great check-up. The implant is like it has always been there and everything else looks terrific. Thanks, Craig. She will never buy the “following the rules” argument. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Teri Polen's avatar

    Yay for Twiggy! Making steady progress.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. shoreacres's avatar

    This probably would be the longest week in Twiggy’s life — if she had any concept of ‘week,’ of course. On the other hand, have you looked under the sofa for the tiny calendar with the days crossed off with tiny ‘X’ marks?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you have come up with the little notch marks on the broom handle.😁

      Liked by 1 person

  11. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s good to see her doing better, John, and if she keeps following the doctor’s rules she’ll do even better. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are right, Tim. We will keep her down on the farm until she is totally healed.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Darlene's avatar

    One step at a time. Twiggy. You are doing so well. 2024 looks like it will be a good year!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think so too, Miss Darlene. Thank you. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Dan Antion's avatar

    It’s good to see Twiggy getting better, John. I hope she sticks with the plan (no jumping), at least for a while. Thanks for keeping her safe.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She does respond to the command, “No jumping.” Well shall see how long she listens to that. I suspect when she is fully recovered that command will go in the place where “quit whining” is stored.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. noelleg44's avatar

    Hooray for Twiggy! I’m so glad she is better. But she needs to be kept from jumping – she looks like that is a favorite thing of hers to do. Keep healing, Twiggy, and Happy New Year to you all!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Noelle. Yes, jumping is my favorite thing to do. I try to remember not to do it but it is hard. These lowered couches help a lot. I get the feeling of jumping without the distance. Mom and Dad keep the pressure on about jumping so who knows, maybe I’ll listen?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        Yes, Twiggy. Do listen. If you do, you can eventually go back to jumping – and that will be fun. Belly rubs to you!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Love those. 😁

          Like

  15. lois's avatar

    ‘You are free, Twiggy. Except for this, this and this.’ I think we need to have dad clarify ‘free,’ Twiggy. To use another horse term, Twiggy looks ready to get back in the saddle again. Wonderful news!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes Miss Lois I am ready. I have to remember how I got into the mess in the first place and hopefully avoid another episode. I’m okay with the leash part. Just hope no wild pigs get into the yard in the meantime.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. lois's avatar

        Let’s let your dad take care of that. Might be fun to watch!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I had to laugh out loud at this comment, Lois. Thanks

          Liked by 1 person

  16. markbierman's avatar

    Nice to see Twiggy getting better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mark. Long haul.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. circadianreflections's avatar

    Yeah, she’s getting so much better! I hope the new found freedom helps the week go by faster.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m sure the penned up feeling could be a time drag. She is able to take a stroll at will.She does like it.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Hurrah! What a wonderful New Year gift for Twiggy, dear John! What might be better to enter the New Year free & careless as before? 🥳🥳🥳🥂🍾🎄🍻🍤🍤🍤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. It is a wonderful way to enter the New Year and I am very thankful she has that opportunity. Thank you, Dear Maria. 🥂

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    Awe, she wants to be her old self without any restrictions. You can’t blame her. Love the Xmas stockings hanging majestically in the foreground. Remember them from last year…Lucy had one too. Double awe, that Lucy girl.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Lucy’s stocking is in our treasure place. We do miss her.

      Liked by 2 people

  20. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Ha! I must need more coffee. I kept looking at the couches and feeling something was wrong with them. Then with the next caption I realized how low they were, and wondered if you had temporarily changed them out. Lord help me, sometimes I wonder if I have a brain at all. You took the legs off them…
    Thanks for another fun visit, John. I’m glad to hear how much Twiggy is improving. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That’s okay, Teagan. Figuring out stuff is best put off until tomorrow. 😁

      Like

  21. Mae Clair's avatar

    What a wonderful gift for Twiggy to get at holiday time. She’s going to be starting off the New Year just right!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mae. I agree. She is feeling fine.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. quiall's avatar

    A little freedom can be intoxicating! I hope she continues to heal.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is doing very well. Thanks, Pam.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    So very glad to hear Twiggy has a bit more roaming privileges. Sending hugs her way!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Bruce.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    I am sure Twiggy is appreciating her freedom in the house. I’m glad she is doing well. You have certainly done well to accommodate her rehabilitation.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah we sure did not want to be forced to repeat anything. Thanks, Jo.

      Like

  25. roughwighting's avatar

    Free rein indeed. Here in the East Coast, the rain has felt free to ruin many a good holiDAY. Makes me want to take a “runner” and move to Texas. But I don’t want to get Twiggy too excited with my company, so I’ll hold off. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love your riff on the words. She would be very excited to see you for sure. Thanks, Pamela.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Yay, Twiggy! Good things come to those who follow their doctor’s orders 😉 (I’m looking forward to seeing the fuzzy white carpet too.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Marie.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Free at last, free at last, thank dawg you’re free at last. Happy New Year, Twiggy and also to your Dad.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Monika. Dad says Happy New year to you and Elsa.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

    Great to see Twiggy doing so well John.. and hope she gets her fluffy white carpet back soon… She looks like she has a Ninja Warrior training set up at the moment…lol hugsx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is rather utilitarian isn’t it. Thanks, Sally.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

        But necessary John… she is making great progess… hugsx

        Liked by 1 person

  29. cheryloreglia's avatar

    Awe, Twiggy is do so good, I love that! You are taking such good care of her and she knows it. Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Cheryl. Yes she gets the royal treatment for sure.. Hugs back.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    One step closer to freedom, Twiggy.

    “I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.” — Rosa Parks

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like Rosa’s statement. Thank you, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Jennie's avatar

    One more week, Twiggy. You can do this!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Jennie. I know I can too. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Joan Hall's avatar

    I’ve missed Thursdays with Twiggy. I “think” I’m getting back into the swing of things in visiting blogs. And I can so relate to a “gradual” progression toward freedom.

    Please give Twiggy some ear scratches from me and tell her I’m available to commiserate. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Joan. I love the ear scratches and it is nice to see you get back in the swing of things. A slow take on freedom seems to work best. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Resa's avatar

    Dear Twiggy,
    You look somewhat flummoxed.
    I don’t blame you. That fence was there for a long time.
    In the end, I see you smiling in the knowledge that the white carpet will return.
    I think you are very brave. White carpets scare me. Last time I faced a white carpet was in Charles Bronson’s home. I was terrified.
    I like the carpet that’s there now… nice’n’safe from stains.
    Sending love all around!
    ⚪️𝖃 ⚪️𝖃⚪️𝖃 ⚪️𝖃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Dear Miss, Resa. I like to snuggle in the white carpet. There is a place to hide my nose so it doesn’t get cold. I don’t worry about stains cause my mom keeps me pretty clean. She has to watch out for Dad and his coffee cup. Thank you for the love. 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂

      Like

  34. Lynn's avatar

    Awe Twiggy, so good to see you are successfully moving forward in your recovery. It’s so hard being patient in wanting to resume all of our “normal” routine. Almost there sweet Twiggy!❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Lynn. You are so right it is almost over. I wonder if I have to relearn barking FedEx to St. Louis? We shall see. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynn's avatar

        I have a feeling that will come back naturally!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I think you are right. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

  35. Sorryless's avatar

    Closer and closer and closer she gets! . . . .

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        She’s looking great.

        Liked by 1 person

  36. dgkaye's avatar

    Yay! Twiggy gets her legs back! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes she does. Almost as good as new.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    Well done, Twiggy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mr. Ankur. 😁

      Like