Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy in the Sunshine.

“Come on, Dad. The sun’s shining.”

“Okay, one second.”

“Alright. Heading for the rocks.”

“Don’t forget we put up a gate.”

“Oh yeah. Tell me again why you did that?”

“To prevent a certain bulldog from running on to them in pursuit of heaven’s know what.”

“But half the fun is running.”

“Given your propensity to hurt yourself, rock running is off limits.”

“Okay, I get it. Mmm, these black rocks feel good.”

“Keep your eye out for fire ants.”

“Fire ants? What are they doing here?”

“I’m not sure they are here, but we must be careful.”

“Man, this world is full of danger.”

“There are things that can hurt us for sure.”

“What else do we have to worry about?”

“Not too much else. The ants are little devils in the spring, especially after the rain we had.”

“So far, I don’t think there are any here.”

“How about we move to the turf. I know there are none there.”

“This sun sure feels good. I kinda like this no-worry zone.”

“You stay here, and I’ll go check for ants.”

“Did you find any?”

“Nope, it looks like we are good to go.”

“All this ant worry has me ready for a nap.”

“So, no more rocks?”

“There is always later or tomorrow.”

104 comments

  1. joylennick's avatar

    What a wise doggie you have, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Joy. 😁

      Like

  2. Darlene's avatar

    Watch out for fire ants, Twiggy. We have to watch for procession caterpillars right now so no more running in the park. Dot and Lia are not happy about that but there is the beach. Doggie kisses to all. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Darlene. It seems we all have our challenges. I do miss the beach so I have some envy of Dot and Lia. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  3. shoreacres's avatar

    I wouldn’t have expected your yard to be prime fire ant territory, but ounce of prevention, pound of cure, and all that. Those black rocks would soak up the heat for sure; no wonder Twiggy looks so content!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She loves the rocks. The ants tend to bite her on her tummy. We need to make sure they haven’t built a nest. They seem to favor the rocks. Fleas and ants do not like the turf for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Glad we don’t have fire ants here. I remember them in Florida and it felt like they were everywhere. Twiggy is smart to watch for them.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She does need a reminder though. She is an ant magnet.

      Like

  5. karenringalls's avatar

    A little nap and some food are better than looking for fire ants!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think she is content to let me worry about finding ants. Thanks, Karen.

      Like

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

    Great dialogue, John, and the photo of Twiggy napping is precious. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She does love those rock this time of year. Thanks, Gwen.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. GP's avatar

    Good, no ants. Those buggers are hard to get rid of.

    PS. I had to re-follow you. I can’t imagine how we got disconnected, but other things are happening too. I do not receive any wordpress emails and my total follower count has disappeared. What I worry about is losing connection to your site!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      WP is a mess. If we don’t stay on top of things all kinds of trouble happens. I have followers that have been with me for eight years all of a sudden show up as anonymous. I have complained to the “happiness engineers” to no avail.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. GP's avatar

        I suddenly received about 5 in my emails, I just noticed, but they don’t say wordpress until you click on them. They’re coming in as the name or blog title – I’d best up on the people I follow so I recognize them. Like you said – what a mess!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. GP's avatar

          I’m not going to ask for help any more!

          Liked by 1 person

        2. John W. Howell's avatar

          I feel the same way. Awful service.

          Liked by 1 person

  8. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    Twiggy is becoming more and more philosophical. Does she even try to run or jump?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes she runs on the turf. We play fetch the ball. Like all diva the game is on her terms though.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Twiggy is so pretty, and looks like she is contemplating her situation. Thanks a heap for sharing her with us, John. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for your comment, Tim. Big smile here.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Joan Hall's avatar

    Oh, those pesky fire ants!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I know right? 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    “This sun sure feels good. I kinda like this no-worry zone.” Dear Twiggy…this is a great reminder for me…to stay where it’s warm…to walk on the sunny side of the street, and create my own personal no worry zone.

    Your father never mentioned you’re such a philosopher. Must be a French thing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Susannah. As you know when one goes through a challenge and comes out on the other side stronger, the philosophical side shows itself a little more. Yes there is a little French thing in there as well. I think staying in the warmth and in a no worry zone is something we can do for ourselves. Oh, and maybe a new frock now and then.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        I think it is high time John, that you invest in a new frock. Something silky and off the shoulders would be nice. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. I think Twiggy is ready.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          Don’t forget the pearls.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thanks for the reminder.

          Liked by 1 person

  12. Dale's avatar

    You are a wise Twiggy to listen to Dad. He knows things. Man, what would fire ants be doing amongst the rocks, anyway? Better safe than sorry, I say. What a lovely sunshiny day! We’ve not seen the sun in days and days and days. And it’s even more dreary today. Sigh. Auntie Dale needs some sunshine.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Auntie, Dale. I do listen unless it is something I don’t want to hear like bath time. This is the first sun that we have had in a long time. More rain coming on Friday. We need it so no complaints here. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Oh, I can understand that one Twiggy. Not many doggies love bath time. Rain is good for your area. We still have snow and it’s raining today. I need sun! xo

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Come on sun for Auntie, Dale.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          Thank you, you sweet thing! 💞

          Liked by 1 person

  13. lois's avatar

    Later, tomorrow, whenever. Just keep dad checking for ants, Twiggy. Nasty things, those fire ants.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He has it under control, Miss Lois. Thank you for the warning. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    How wonderful that you were able to enjoy some sunshine, Miss. Twiggy! We are due for some here over the next few days ourselves and I shall be on the lookout for fire ants!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes , Miss Annette. I hear the Michigan fire ants are the worst. 😁 I hope you get sunshine soon.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. noelleg44's avatar

    Nice to see that Twiggy has her priorities in order! We had fire ants at our old house – I was bitten in the pool several times by floaters so I had to siever the surface before I could swim. No fun! So best if she’s cautious!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They will bite anytime. Hard to believe an ant is struggling in the water and takes time to bite. 😁

      Like

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        I think they saw me as a biteable life raft!

        Liked by 1 person

  16. circadianreflections's avatar

    I could almost feel the warmth of those rocks watching her basking in the sun. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are warm. This time of year very comforting. In the summer not so much.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

        A valid concern. Long ago and far away I stepped into some fire ants. Miserable experience. But a fun visit today with you two. Hugs!

        Liked by 2 people

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Those bites are no fun. I’m glad you enjoyed being with us today, Teagan.

          Like

  17. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Hmmmn, a little snooze sounds like a good remedy for worrying about fire ants. 😱

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A snooze might be a remedy for most worries.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. quiall's avatar

    A nap sounds like an excellent idea. Such a smart pup.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Cures a lot of ills.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Gotta love the ‘no worry zone.’ And the sunshine is very welcomed! Now, that nap sounds good, too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes all three sound good to me.

      Like

  20. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    “Man, this world is full of danger.” Isn’t that the truth, Twiggy? Between pumas and fire ants, it’s hardly safe to go outside anymore.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes sir, Mr. Pete. Just think how small I am in comparison to those big dangers. Of course, I do have my bark ’em to St Louis skill.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Debbie's avatar

    I remember fire ants from my time down south. Terrible critters! Thankfully, Monk has never met one. I’m glad you’re keeping Twiggy away from them, too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We are trying for sure. Thanks, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Sorryless's avatar

    As Twiggy learned, life is so much easier when you don’t have ants in your proverbial pants.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      YES indeed. Well said, Marc

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Dan Antion's avatar

    Late again, John. Tell Twiggy I’m sorry I missed her (and I hope she can avoid the ants). That picture of her in the sun on the turf is a winner. That frame worthy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like that photo too. She had a very content look. Don’t worry about being late. You are very busy.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Staci Troilo's avatar

    I would also have a problem with rock running. Someone needs to erect a fence to protect me from all my clumsiness. (I suspect it would be easier to clothe me in bubblewrap.) There’s something special about sunning on warm rocks. I’m glad Twiggy’s oasis is fire-ant free. Sending belly rubs her way. Have a great weekend, John. Thanks for the smiles.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I loved the bubble wrap idea. Thanks for the belly rubs, Staci. They are always appreciated. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    I think if I visited you, John, I would be very happy to sit on your back porch, cuppa in hand, and watch Twiggy’s shenanigans. There is nothing like a dog.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have to agree, Jacqui. She provides many laughs during the day. You are welcome on my porch any time.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Jennie's avatar

    Fire ants. Love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes they are a curse for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Don’t worry, Twiggy can take care of them.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hi John, fire ants don’t sound nice. I seem to recall that Sally was bitten by some while in the USA and she went into anaphylactic shock. Turf sounds good.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes she was and it was serious. Thanks, Robbie.

      Like

  28. Teri Polen's avatar

    Fire ants are no joke. Son #1 got into a nest of them when he was younger. The no worry zone is definitely a better idea.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like the idea of a no worry zone too. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    We have a zone our neighborhood ants can frolic in without advancing towards the house. They know the rules, and they know should they ever leave their “no worry zone” they’ll need to start worrying.☠

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes I agree. I only have to check a couple of times in the spring and if they are there it is nuclear time.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Twiggy’s such a good little girl. I love the photo of her lying on the black rocks. Cute!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Marie.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Resa's avatar

    LOL! Twiggy, you’re looking at those big rocks like you’re missing out.
    I assure you the black rocks are way more cool, chic, rock’n’roll.
    Say hi to dad for me!
    🪨X 🪨X 🪨X 🪨X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Resa. Yes, the black rocks are my go to places. I agree they are cool but yet warm. Dad says hi back.
      (🔒-l+r)X (🔒-l+r)X (🔒-l+r)X (🔒-l+r)X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        The emoji line-up rocks! 💋

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Getting a little skimpy on the kisses. 💋💋

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          Hahahaha!!!
          💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          NOW YOU”RE TALKING.
          💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋
          AM I TOO LOUD?

          Like

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          NOPE
          💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Resa's avatar

          Okay… You win! My lips are killing me!
          OX

          Liked by 1 person

  32. dgkaye's avatar

    No rock running for you Twiggy. Good idea for the fence. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is forbidden to run on those rocks..

      Liked by 1 person

      1. dgkaye's avatar

        Sound advice. 🙂

        Like

  33. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    Living in the moment, as many gurus will philosophize.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She does that for sure. Thanks, Ankur.

      Liked by 1 person