We are now at our new home in the Austin area. Lucy and Twiggy are adapting quite well. There are some differences, but I’ll let them explain.

“Lucy. What are all these little crispy things on the ground?”

“Leaves, Little Potato. The trees around here shed in the winter.”

“I think walking on the road is harder than the sand. Where is the sand?”

“We don’t have a beach here, Little One.”

“How come I smell water then?”

“Yeah, I smell it too. Let’s go a little further.”

“Twiggy look. Do you see what I see?”

“I’m still wondering about those bushes I saw move.”

“Look over here, Twiggy.”

“Wow. That is water.”

“Do you suppose there is a beach there?”

“I don’t know. Hey Boss. Any beaches around here?”

“We’ll have to explore, Lucy. I really don’t know.”

“Lucy look. A person in a truck.”

“Calm down, Twiggy. You’ve seen them before.”

“Now here is something you haven’t seen before. A yard full of deer.”

“OMG, Lucy. They are huge. Can we chase them?”

“What? And drag the boss behind you. I don’t think so. I’m worried that they are gathered in our side yard.”

“Do they eat dogs?”

“No just plants. I think we should just leave them alone though.

“Hey, dad. Check out Lucy on the couch.”

“She looks happy.”

“Did I hear my name?”

“That’s okay, Lucy. Dad and I were commenting on how happy you looked.

“Why do I think there is some kind of catch?”

“How about we play with some toys?”

“Hey, Dad. Can you toss the pink cow?”

“Maybe Lucy wants to play.”

“How about it, Lucy. Want to play?”

“I think that would be nice after our walk.”

“Dad. You aren’t going to make us go out in that cold and rain are you?”

“You know if you don’t go out you are like a whirling dervish for the rest of the day. Besides the sun is coming out later when you get back from the beach.”

“Oh man, Lucy. I’m sorry I gave Mom such a hard time about the sweater. Now I’m freezing.”

“Yeah and because of you, mine’s still back at the house. Let’s get this over.”

“That walk was miserable, Lucy.”

“I know next time just stand still and let mom put on the sweater.”

“Wait! What is that bright orb in the sky?”

“Remember Dad said there would be sun after the walk. This must be it.”

“What do you think Little one? Maybe stay all afternoon?”

“I think I could do that, Lucy. This is the best.”

“See these big tracks, Lucy?”

“Yes, Little One I see them.”

“I’m telling you there is a big machine up there somewhere.”

“Okay, Little One. Could you slow down a bit? The Boss and I are too old for this sprint.”

“Hows this? I’m almost standing still I’m going so slow.”

“Better Little One. Much better.”

“Ah. What did I say?”

“That there was a big machine up there. It is heading right for us.”

“Yeah. I see that. You. Yes, you. Big ole machine. Come and get it.”

“Hey, Boss. I’m not sure about this.”

“Let me at em. Let me at em. You want trouble machine you’ve come to the right spot.”

“I must say, Twiggy, you are frightening me.”

“Ha. Look at that. The machine has stopped.”

“You don’t suppose you’ve killed it do you?”

“That was some adventure Little One. You were very brave.”

“Aw, Lucy. That was nothing I was worried that the machine would hurt you.”

“But now we are safe in the backyard with no worries.”

“Yes, it feels good to rest after a battle, Lucy. Wait what is that?”

“You think that machine is in the neighborhood?”

“No Little Potato. It only works on the beach. You can relax. That was a truck.”

“They are a little worrisome too, Lucy.”

“Hey, Lucy…. LUCY.”

“Huh? I was looking at that bumblebee.”

“You want to play tag?”

“We always play tag. How about another game?”

“Ha. You’re it.”

“Oof. My goodness kid.”

“Can’t catch me.”

“I’m still trying to catch my breath.”

“Okay. I’ll wait for you.”

“You are so kind, Little one.”

“OMG for a big moose you sure are fast.”

“They called me the freight train at the shelter.”

“Shelter? You are a rescue, Lucy?”

“Yes, Little One. My old family didn’t want me anymore.”

“Oh gosh. Who wouldn’t want you, big sister.”

“Well let’s just say, some folks deserve to be alone. Now, you are it.”