August 3, 2013

White Dog declared today an official "Day of Recuperation." Everyone was feeling MUCH better. They had vitality, an appetite, and enthusiasm for the normal routine. Nuka even demanded her duck jerky treat! The plan, as we sent Steve off to school, was no stress rest and relaxation.

The TRUE plan was revealed as Pumpkin backed down the drive whisking Steve to his duties. Suddenly the lolling White Dog Army was at full attention and gathered around the chair where White Dog and I sat. I looked at her. "?"

"Don't be coy, momma, spill it!" WD demanded. "What?" I asked with no clue to her meaning. The rest of the WDA inched closer waiting for...I wasn't sure what.

White Dog sighed with exasperation. "Really, we all know dad's birthday is just two weeks away. What is the plan?" "There is no plan, Sweet Ones. You know dad is not fond of being reminded that he is getting older and has asked that we not make a fuss about it." "And you are going to just ACCEPT that?" WD challenged and was backed by the snorts of agreement from her siblings. "We can't just ignore such an important day!"

Quinn and Oso had been whispering to each other and The Mighty One spoke. "What if WE came up with a plan to honor dad on his day? Do you think he would be mad? Would you help us make it work? We love him and want a chance to celebrate him." I looked into their serious eyes...and the eyes of Puff as she pushed herself between her brothers. "PLEASE?" YoYoMa and Nuka pressed into the others and added their imploring looks.

"Please try to respect dad's wishes for nothing over the top," I said looking at WD who tends to lavishness. "Keep it small, preferably just us, and make it meaningful not materialistic...Dad is past needing things. Work together and create a plan. Then we will discuss this again."

"Deal," they all agreed. "And momma?" I looked at White Dog. "TRY to keep this secret!" With that the WDA went into the kitchen to plot and plan.