7.25.2010

July 24, 2010

White Dog nuzzled her head against me and sighed. "I know you really enjoy the Opera and you so seldom just indulge yourself, but I miss you very much when you are gone so long." She was responding to my preparations for attending the second Opera in our four performance series because we are gone from mid afternoon until the wee hours of the morning. The fact that this was a world premiere, Life Is A Dream, that won a Pulitzer Prize, did not hold much influence over the White Ones as Quinn joined her in looking sad and abandoned. Adding to the pull to stay was the fact that severe thunderstorms were predicted and we were concerned about how Michael (as well as storm skittish White Dog) would respond to a possible power outage or just the intensity of desert monsoons.

White Dog, TOWD, and Michael took the high road in reassuring us and encouraging us to go and have a good time. "We'll be OK, momma," White Dog whispered to me, "I'll watch over every one." Meanwhile, The Other White Dog was telling Steve exactly the same thing. Michael wrapped his arms protectively around the White Ones and insisted that "we''l be fine...I'll look after things and besides I do have the phone, the cell phone and a flashlight. Go and have a good time!"

So go we did and have a good time we did. And when we returned White Dog waited on my chair with her report. The storm failed to reach us and it only drizzled for a short time. Everybody ate their dinner. And Michael had gone on a field trip by himself and had returned safely! "What?" I asked, very surprised.

We live just a block and an half off of historic Route 66. This weekend the boutiques and stores along our stretch had closed down the street and sponsored a summer street fair with booths, classic cars, music and other entertainments. Michael and Quinn had earlier in the day walked to the end of the block to peek at what was happening and Michael was intrigued by the festival. "Maybe I'll go check out the fair while you are gone," he said after finding out that it lasted until midnight. We encouraged him but really thought the possibility of such independence unlikely.

The first clue that we had misjudged was that the deadbolt on the front door was locked. We had locked up the house when we left for the Opera and never lock that bolt unless we are travelling. When we returned it was set. White Dog's report had us happily wondering and when Michael came from his room to welcome us home (at 1am) he confirmed his adventure!

We were all so proud of him and this big step, even though White Dog and TOWD groused because he did not take them along.

12 comments:

D.K. Wall said...

Way to go, Michael!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

What a tremendous influence you all have been for Michael. We bet his mom is beaming too.

Hope you all enjoyed the opera.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Michael that is a great leap forward. I am so pleased for you.. I am glad that you had a great time and that both woofies and Michael got on just fine while you were away. Hugs GJ xx

Jacqueline said...

Glad you guys enjoyed the Opera and had a lovely evening...We are all so proud of you, Michael and just honored to be your friend!YAY Michael!!!...We hope Siku and Quinn got lots of extra cuddles and kisses when you guys all returned from your exciting adventures!!...Have a fun day and stay cool sweet friends...xo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki

Brian's Home Blog said...

Hooray Michael, ya done good!!!

Maxie said...

Yay Michael!! Cheers for Siku and Quinn too!

Love,
Maxie

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

If woo think bakhk to his arrival at your place, I bet woo didn't think such an adventure would happen THIS soon!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Cappy the Eskie said...

Hi Everyone ~~We’re glad that you enjoyed the opera and we all wish that we had gone with Michael to the Summer Street Fair. We're all proud of Michael and Ollie hopes that he bought himself lots of treats. (That Ollie ~~ always thinking of his stomach – he takes after Mom.)

Hugs and yips,
Cappy and Ollie

Teddy Bear said...

What a fun weekend for everyone.:) We're so glad that Michael enjoyed his field trip. I hope he brinsg you and Quinn next time.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear

Amy & the house of cats said...

That is great that Michael decided to venture out there on his own. And it is great that the storm missed you - I hope the opera was a good one!

And it is funny you live so close to that end of Route 66 - I work right off of our end of it (Del Rhea's Chicken Basket on Route 66 is our agreed upon meeting spot if we should ever have to evacuate the office because it is so close).

Sagira said...

Great job Michael!

Kari in Alaska said...

we've been looking Opera here in LA :)