New Puppy Arrives Late October

Sadie, my dachshund, missed her companion Spencer since his passing in August. We decided to take the leap and acquire another dachshund as a companion for Sadie. The new puppy will be Sadie's brother from a recent litter of her parents. We are already looking at the best options for the introduction of Sadie to her bother to minimize any behavioral or jealousy issues on Sadie's part. My hope is that she will help us care for him. My other hope is that he will be a bit more laid back than she is. I have a list of names going for potential names. The breeder named him Spats but will not be keeping that choice.

Spencer Memories

Spencer would sit patiently during Christmas time photo shoots. He would often strike a classic pose perfect for holiday cards. Note the perfect stance in the first photo and the classy bow tie in the second. He looks huge in these photos. Yesterday he weighed in at a mere five pounds. I will also note that when a vet tells you to put your cat or dog on a special diet it is worth the extra expense. Spencer had been on a special diet since November 2008 due to his kidney problem. The special diet bought us close to two years more of added companionship. I learned this lesson early on in my care of Spencer. When he was a two, he had a bladder infection that was most likely due to the high ash content of inexpensive dry cat foods. I switched over to a better brand and he was much improved.

Spencer 1993 - 2010

Today, I had to put down my Spencer. I had the pleasure of his company for over 17 years. He quickly deteriorated over the past week. I feel numb about his passing but am glad I was able to be with him as he took his last breath. I love him and will miss him meeting me at the door when I come home from work. Spencer, you were loyal and the time passed too quickly.

"I Am Love"

"I Am Love" is a welcomed relief between blockbusters. Current summer film season has not been one of the greatest when compared to past years. Comic book adaptations and sequels are more stale than usual. I would settle for day-old bread sequels verses ones not fit for croutons on a bland Cesar salad. Food, love and passion are the elements of this vivid Italian melodrama. American independent films often go for the bland looking and the tragic. Colors are on vibrant display and most beautifully worn by the films star. The director reminds us that film is a visual art that needs not rely on 3D (which can be wonderful) or cumbersome descriptive dialog. He chooses to show the audience the story rather than unravel it mater-of-fact like.

Review of music composed by John Adams used in film

T Meter Rating

Reading on the Train, Pat Conroy, First post from iPad

Today is my first post composed while on board an MBTA train. I "just" missed my train and had to wait for 45 minutes for the next train to Boston. Thankfully, the heatwave that has enrobed the Northeast the entire week relented a touch and allowed a sea breeze to cool me on the raised concrete platform. I passed the time in the company of my second Pat Conroy novel (Beach Music) of the summer. Now arriving at the station. More to follow soon.

Line from Chapter Twenty-two: "The world was my subject and my hometown was the stimulant that drove me out to seek the world." Choice of "drove" definitely implies a complicated relationship with home. Have to read the book for more clues!

Coastal Design in Gloucester, Mass.

Photo Credit: Trent Bell for The New York Times. My Favorite Room!

Home & Garden
On Location: Coastal Design in Gloucester, Mass.
NY TIMES
Published: June 2, 2010
An antiques dealer’s Massachusetts home that is anything but a standard-issue New England clapboard house.

"The 42-foot-long living room has a Moravian tile floor. The oil-on-canvas frieze that encircles the room is from a lodge in the Adirondacks. An Anglo-Indian chaise is upholstered with “guerande” velvet from Manuel Canovas."

My favorite room is the living room featured as photo three in the slide show.

Tribute to Rue, The Sexy, Sassy Golden Girl

Above, two scenes in which Rue's comedic timing shines.

Arts
Rue McClanahan, Actress and Golden Girl, Dies at 76
By DOUGLAS MARTIN
Published: June 3, 2010
Ms. McClanahan, a screen and stage actor, helped make “The Golden Girls” a long-running television hit by playing the saucy Southern belle Blanche Devereaux.