Really need to buy a new GPS. I put in the address for Chautauqua and found signs for a state forest. Let's go see!!!
It was dreary and overcast day. Saw some hunters when I first got to the forest, so drove really slow in case any deer came running through.
One of the trails. I'll have to look for a map and think about coming back next summer.
On to Chautauqua. I remembered seeing a sign when Mom & I went to Emiquon & Dickson Mounds earlier in the year. Just followed the signs.
Still trying to figure this one out. If you know, please tell me!
On edit: One of the ladies from the rv forum helped identify. It's a Gadwell. Thanks Birdie!
More coots. Wish I could have gotten a picture of them running on top of the water.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014 Wordless Wednesday - Kankakee Barn Quilts
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 Moraine Hills SP, IL - Part II
Fox River Lock & Dam
Moraine Hills SP is split in two, divided by River Road. On the west side is the Fox River and the Stratton Lock & Dam. There is also a marsh on this side of the park. Trail length is 2 miles with 2 viewing stands to watch the water fowl.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 Moraine Hills SP, IL - Part I - Lake Defiance
Moraine Hills SP in Illinois is in far north McHenry Country. Really nice paths part crushed limestone part asphalt. Some areas had a boardwalk over the wetlands - only wet in parts. Signs said the trail around the lake was 3 3/4 miles.
Starting at the nature center (which was closed due to lack of staff) and walking the loop, I think was actually closer to 4 miles because the starting post was about 1/4 miles away from the center. From this section of the trail, about 1/2 mile away.
. . .as well as garter snakes. The snakes came in all sizes. This 7" checkered garter was moving slow (too cold?) or not enough slither power. The largest I saw was about 3' and looked like a common garter snake (with the yellow stripes), but that one was over the path & back to the tall grass before it even registered that he was there.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014 Gebhard Woods, I & M Canal State Parks
Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris, IL
I & M Canal State Trail the park with two names. According to the Illinois DNR site, this park is the official trailhead of the canal trail.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014 Apple River Fort and Apple Canyon SP
Up north and west towards Elizabeth, Galena and Apple Canyon State Park today while the weather is still good. First stop, Elizabeth to see the Apple River Fort. The fort was quite small, 50 x 70. It was built quickly for a shelter from attacks. I seem to be learning a lot about Blackhawk this summer in my travels.
According to a women at the interpretive site, scouts rode from Fort Dearborn back to Apple River to warn that Blackhawk was on the way. When the attack occurred, there were 70 people at the fort, mostly women and children, but with the women and children reloading the rifles for the men, Blackhawk thought there were more soldiers and withdrew. The fort is gone, but has been rebuilt in the same footprint of the original.
On the way to Apple Canyon state park, I stopped at the scenic overlook. Always a pretty site no matter what time of year.
On to Galena to walk the Galena River Trail and see the West Street Sculpture Park. Galena was crazy. Everyone had the same idea to get out while the weather was good. Finally thru the traffic and found the Galena River Trail, then realized I walked the trail a few years ago when I went to President Ulysses Grant home. Oh well. On to the sculpture park. No where to park and it look like an overgrown mess. I did see some "sculptures" but they looked more like junk. Didn't bother with main street Galena. Too many people and I've been there before.
Back tracked to Apply Canyon State Park. Just a couple quick 1 mile loops. I hate that it's starting to get dark so early, and with a 3 hour ride back home, had to make it a quick stop.
Sunday, October 19, 2014 Keller Corn Maze with a Cousin
My cousin Roxanne and I went to the Keller corn maze in Oswego, Illinois. Neither one of us had ever done one before, so seemed like something fun to do. Mostly we got lost and we ran into one of the Keller brothers who showed us where we were on the map. Soooo Lost!! but a nice day to spend the afternoon.
The theme this year was Cinderella and the actual maze is 13 acres with 4 different mazes. Lots for kids to do. They also have a rope maze, things to climb on and little red barns on fence posts with questions like "How may ears of corn grow on one corn stalk" (Answer: 1)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014 Nachusa Grasslands, Franklin Grove, IL
A herd of wild bison have been brought from Wind Cave National park to the Nachusa Grasslands. They've only been here a week. The return of bison is a project of the Nature Conservancy. Volunteers have been helping to return the grasslands to their original state since the mid 1980's, planting prairie plants.
The bison are the next step in returning the grasslands to their original state, and once released will help diversify the prairie. No interference will be done to these bison, other than maybe some health screenings. They will have to forage for water and food. Not sure how long the website will be available, but is informational about the process for returning the bison to the grasslands.
I spoke to two of the volunteer stewards, who said the bison will not be viewable by the public to see until sometime is 2015, but when released, the bison will have a wonderful grassland prairie to roam.
Very rough trails, but the stewards said you could go off trail also. My total walk was around 5 miles (I'm guessing - forgot the pedometer again). The bison are somewhere over that far rise.
Then took a ride towards the grist mill in Franklin Grove. It is not the original, but has been rebuilt based on information they have found including that no nails are used in its construction because the vibration of the wheel caused the nails to come loose. The creek that runs the mill. The valve wheel opens the water gate which runs the mill. The volunteer said there is little elevation change in this area, so when they rebuilt the mill, the made the water drop 6'.
The grinding wheels are in the wooden boxes at the far end. Volunteer said since it is a working mill, the corn and wheat dust would be very thick, so they've covered the grinding wheels. To the left is another grinding wheel. The two (forget what he called them) metal things in the center right are used to start the water wheel outside.
Across the road from the mill, a horse campground. There were signs warning hunters that horses could be on the prairie. That's a little scary.
The man at the mill said the national headquarters for the Lincoln Highway is located in Franklin Grove, so went to take a look. According to the woman here, the actual headquarters is only from the front door to these first set of poles. Maybe a 10'x 10' area. The rest is a consignment shop. Really? The national headquarters? The Route 66 museum in Pontiac, IL was more impressive for being about the same size. A lot more building restoration is needed here.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014 Old Boy Zorro at Silver Springs SP, IL
Fall is upon us. Temps in the 50's today and the day started sunny. It's been a while since Zorro has been walking with me. I didn't want to take him and leave Molly alone. She was such a sensitive soul. Zorro is showing his age though. Didn't walk as far as I would have liked. He's a bit out of shape and limping a bit.
Parked by Loon & Beaver Lakes. No water fowl in site. Took the path between the lake and then north to the path along the river. Never got as far as the springs. Poor Zorro was just tuckered out by that point so headed back to Mar-E and Loon Lake.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 Mississippi and Lock & Dam No 14
Took a ride north on I-84 the Illinois scenic byway to Albany, IL. Did a short walk on the path to Albany Mounds, but wasn't dressed right to go hiking on the actual mounds trail (worried about ticks). So just stayed on the paved path for a couple of miles to stretch my legs. Interesting mushrooms on the path.
Went to find a bald eagle reserve on the Illinois side of the Mississippi that is closed to the public October thru April, but I never actually found it. So over the river to LeClair to the Buffalo Bill Cody museum. Buffalo Bill museum on the left. The right side building houses the Lone Star steam ship.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 Pelicans at Starved Rock Lock & Dam
American white pelicans by the lock at Starved Rock. Only see them this time of year when they are migrating.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 Lake Renwick & Testing The New Toy
Although I've been happy with my Sony point & shoot camera, I bought a new Panasonic Lumix FZ70 for the better zoom when hiking (or should I say longer walks?) through state parks or wherever the Moving And Roaming Everywhere (MarE) vehicle takes me. Did a quick 2 miles at Lake Renwick Heron reserve yesterday to test it out.
So many things to play with on this camera, but the zoom works good enough, but either I'm getting wobbly or the anti-shake needs some work. I do like the panorama option too.
This section of the rookery in the reserve is closed April through August for breeding season. Lake Renwick and the heron reserve are part of the Will County Forest Preserve District. Turned to continue on with the walk and this guy was standing there looking at me. He stayed just long enough for me to test out the zoom.
Labor Day weekend 2014. The end of summer. Still trying to plan an autumn vacation, and so far the idea is to drive south down the Mississippi and zigzag a bit to some sites in west central and southern Illinois. Birds will be migrating south at that time, so took a ride with Mom to try to find Chautauqua and Emiquon National Wildlife Refuges and to see if they would be worth another look for bird watching in October. Drove past Chautauqua with the idea of circling back on the way home, but the best laid plans...
While driving around Emiquon to find the different access points, stumbled upon Dickson Mounds Museum. This article explains that the mounds are over 10,000 years old when roaming Indian tribes settled in the Illinois River Valley in large villages. Mastodons, bison, and elk were found as well as many artifacts of pottery, arrow heads, etc. From the observation deck on the third floor, all of the views on the horizon were part of the Indian city. Some mounds were visible, and others were obstructed by trees.
Back to Route 78 to check out Emiquon. Definitely want to try to get back in October when it should be full of water fowl migrating south. Just a few of American white pelicans and some gulls for now.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2014 Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens
Went towards my high school area to see Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens . It's relatively new. Used to be just unused forest an illegal dumps next to the Cal Sag Channel. Palos Heights has created a lovely little nature area. Trail loop is only 1 mile and benches around the lake to sit and take in the view.
Since I've been trying to go to as many Illinois State Parks as possible, today was a trip to Illinois Beach SP with Gayle from work. I've lived in Illinois my entire life, and did not know this park existed right on the lake at the last dune shoreline in Illinois. Glad we got there in the early morning, by the time we left, it was getting warmer.
Another surprise about this park is the campground. You cannot see the beach or lake from the campground, but it's maybe only a 30-40 yard walk thru the dunes. The sign said the campground was full, but there were quite a few open sites, some on grass, some on asphalt. The sites are close together, but it may be better in early spring or late fall when it may not be as crowded. Brochure say there are 241 Class-A premium sites, showers, electricity and dump station. Huge parking lot with barely any cars. I think this SP may have been popular in the past, but the beach is a lot of gravel and the trails not taken care of very well.
There were two old concession stands with outside showers, and I'm guessing lockers also on the inside. The looked like they haven't been used in quite a long time... maybe not even used for the last 21 years. Looks like Illinois does not spend much money maintaining this park.
Had a little visitor yesterday. One of the ladies from the RV forum bought a puppy and was looking for a pet transporter. I volunteered since the puppy was in Michigan and she's in southern Illinois, so I was a good 1/2 point. Her name (from the breeder) is Charmed. She's a Havanese. Brought her down to her new mom today. It was fun having a puppy in the house, but I forgot how loud they can cry.
After lunch with Roxanne in Fulton, we then visited Heritage Canyon which is a limestone canyon dotted with buildings from the 1800's. The church which can be rented for weddings, but on this day, an outdoor wedding was going to take place a little later in the day. The inside reminded me of Wayside Chapel where Dad & Chickie, Mom & Ron and Lynn & Ken all got married (as well as couple of friends).
Need to identify this little (3") bird. He was singing in the tree, but flew down to this tree branch to say "look at me singing"! Maybe a Kentucky or Nashville Warbler (?)
Pine casket, children's caskets (black one has a window to see the child) and the embalming table. Just looking at the dentist office was painful. I should have taken a picture of the tools used.
Saturday July 19, 2014 Tilting at Windmills, Fulton, IL
"Take care, sir," cried Sancho. "Those over there are not giants but windmills. Those things that seem to be their arms are sails which, when they are whirled around by the wind, turn the millstone."
- Miguel de Cervantes
"Take care, sir," cried Sancho. "Those over there are not giants but windmills. Those things that seem to be their arms are sails which, when they are whirled around by the wind, turn the millstone."
- Miguel de Cervantes
It's that time of year again 'do lunch' for my cousin Roxanne's birthday. Pick a day and place I told her, except for Saturday. I want to visit Fulton, IL where our Dutch grandmother was born. Roxanne had been there about 26 years ago with her Mom & our Grandmother for a Hollander family reunion, and wanted to go back again.
With our wishy-washy plans for the route, off we went. First a quick 15 minutes stop to see the Wild Bill Hickok memorial in his home town of Troy Grove, Illinois. Wild Bill then went on to become fugitive, gun fighter, scout for the Union Army, marksman and gambler. Troy Grove now is one of those town that you blink and may miss it.
On to Fulton! Deciding to stay off I-80 for more scenic route we saw a few small towns and lots of corn and soybeans. Fulton, Illinois is on the route of the Mississippi River Road National Scenic Byway. First a quick walk north up the path by the windmill.
Around to the Windmill Cultural Center. Very informative of the countries (The Netherlands, France, Germany, etc.) that have windmills and their uses of grinding wheat, rye, flax, as well as sawmills, paint manufacturing and much more.
The main attraction in Fulton is the De Immigrant windmill which was manufactured in the Netherlands, shipped to Fulton, and assembled by Dutch craftsmen. The windmill itself is run only on wind power. Windmill turns every day except when the winds are too low ~ today about 15 mph, so the brakes are on (chains).
Beautiful day for a 5 mile walk around the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Temps in the low 70's and a strong breeze. Being a prairie, and there being minimal shade, the day was perfect.
Information found is that it's the first tallgrass prairie established in 1996 and 19,165 acres of land in Illinois, donated from the U.S. Army to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Midewin was formerly the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant or Joliet Arsenal.
Same cow herd on the way back. They were closer to the fence now, and were very interested in watching me watching them. Number 13 here was sniffing the air a lot to get my scent.
My own private cattle drive. They followed me for a bit along the fence line.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2014 RV Ladies GTGs 2 and 3
It was another driving weekend. One short trip on Saturday to Illini SP in Marseilles, IL for a few hours to visit with Kathy from the RV ladies forum and her friend Carrie. I met them both a month or so ago, and this weekend they were camping. They are longtime friends and camping buddies. Sometimes, hubbies just don't want to camp. Here is the site they had tucked into the woods. Quiet loop for this weekend, just a handful of other campers. There are also sites right on the Illinois River, but I'd bet those sites reserve quickly.
Sunday was another trip west on I-80 to Bishop Hill, IL. Sandi, another RV lady from California, was passing through to see the house in another close by town where her mother lived.
Since my little buddy Zorro decided 4 AM was the time to get up today, I had plenty of time to do the drive, so, a little off the beaten path I went. First stop, Ottawa, IL to Farm & Fleet. God I love that store, they've got everything, including some of the same brand name apparel and housewares that you find in the big mall stores, but a lot cheaper.
Then on towards Kewanee, figuring I could spend a while wandering thru Good's Furniture (they carry all brands and have a wine cellar and restaurant), but didn't make it that far. Quick left to...
Bishop Hill is one of those small little towns that you could sneeze and miss it, but there is a museum, an antique store, and an eatery / bakery. We were supposed to meet at the bakery, but the town was so small I actually found her in the museum. Had to be her, it was the only Itasca Navion with California plates! After lunch was the chance to meet her traveling companions, Krissi & Abby.
Unfortunately didn't get to spend a lot of time with Sandi & the pups because she's on the road heading south & west.
One more look see and a mini-hike (more of a walk around a park). The Hennepin Canal is a sister to the I&M (Illinois & Michigan) canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Unfortunately the visitor center was closed today.
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014 Butterflies Flutter By - Geneva, IL
Time to visit my travel bug at Peck Farm Park in Geneva, IL. Monarch - bigger than I remember. Maybe 4" across. Four generations of monarchs make the great monarch migration (Nova PBS special). The first generation from Canada makes a 2000 mile journey to Mexico. They will hitch rides across the great lakes, and studies have shown that if captured, and release elsewhere (i.e. other states, the Caribbean, etc.) they get their bearings and continue on to Mexico.
The second generation born in Mexico, starts the migration north and lay eggs in the continental US somewhere. The third generation born in the continental US, continue the migration north and end in Canada, laying eggs and starting the cycle again.
This lovely barn swallow stayed for the longest time. Guess he wanted to make sure I got a good picture.
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014 Grosse Point Lighthouse
The Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, IL is on the national register of historic places. Also on the property is the Evanston Art Center; however it was closed in preparation of the next exhibit.
HUGE fish - no idea what they are, but some of the larger ones looked to be 8-10" around and 2 1/2 - 3' in length. This is on the Lake Michigan side of a small bridge.
On the other side of the bridge, the fish were gathering at this rock wall, looked like they were trying to get over the rocks to the lagoon.
Rock wall / breakers. Couple I spoke to at the lighthouse said the students paint them. As far as you can see they are painted with pictures, proposals, anniversaries, and Bible quotes.
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 Wandell Sculpture Garden, Urbana, IL
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014 Country Roads, Cows and Currents
White Pines Forest State Park is a lovely state park with short & easy trails to medium trails. According to the IL DNR site, this state park is the "south boundary of the old Chicago-Iowa Trail and lies in the heart of Black Hawk Indian country and is rich in historic accounts of the warriors who resisted the efforts of settlers to drive them from the beloved Rock River valley. Eventually, however, the Black Hawk War forced them out and Warrior Black Hawk himself was sent into exile in the custody of his rival, Keokuk."
Since this area of northwest Illinois was Black Hawk Indian country, many areas have teepees (actually know as tipis). Nearby Oregon, Illinois has a Trail of Tipis.
After White Pines, headed to Mississippi Palisades SP located in Savanna, IL. An hour drive farther north and west to the Mississippi River along country roads. Obviously farm country, saw a John Deere dealership in the middle of nowhere. Remember the song John Deere Green? Sung by Joe Diffie and released in 1993.
Stopped to see this historical marker on the side of the road on the way to Savanna.
Smokey Bear (not Smokey the Bear) is officially 70 years old this year. Most people know this mascot is based on a real bear, who at 4 months old survived a forest fire. His original motto "Only you can prevent forest fires" has been recently updated to "Only you can prevent wild fires".
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014 Two-fer Tuesday in Rockford, IL - Second Stop
I've been to Anderson Japanese Garden before, maybe 10 years ago, so since I was in Rockford, went to see it again.
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014 Two-fer Tuesday in Rockford, IL - First Stop
First stop was the Severson Dells Nature Center. Less than a 3 mile loop. No pets allowed although I did see someone with a dog. A few end-of-year school trips in the nature center that were going on a guided tour.
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2014 Chicago Botanic Garden
A grey May day, but kept the trip to Chicago Botanic Garden. Other than the tulips and daffodils, don't know any of the flowers names, but didn't really care to learn them. Was just out for a stroll in a pretty place.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014 RV & Motorhome Hall of Fame
According to Wikipedia "Elkhart is best known for two industries: recreational vehicles and musical instruments. It has been referenced as the "RV Capital of the World" and the "Band Instrument Capital of the World" for decades". Took a ride to go to the spring RV show, hoping to see some other models of C class (for retirement full-timing hopefully), and if there are any other TT's that I like for 'in the mean time'. Still like the Keystone Summerland 2020QB, so it's all going to depend on $$$ (isn't everything?).
The RV show is held on the ground of the Motorhome and RV Hall of Fame in Indiana, which houses the hall of fame (founding fathers of some of brands like Winnebago, dealers, campground owners), and antique motorhomes and TT's and a full library.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 Illinois Route 66 Pontiac, IL
Took a day trip to Pontiac, Illinois with Dad now that he's returned from being a snowbird in Florida. Dad has wanted to go to the Pontiac Car Museum, and I've wanted to go to the Route 66 Museum, plus Pontiac RV has the TT that I like, so we decided to make a day of it and do all three.
The town of Pontiac itself is mostly small storefronts, cafes and various museums. One, the mural museum we didn't go into, but just about every building has some type of mural on the wall.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014 Chain O' Lakes State Park
Had to go pick up the plates for Mar-E today and with the weather finally feeling like Spring (at least for today), took a ride up to Chain O' Lakes State Park. I actually wanted to find Moraine Hills SP, but my GPS couldn't find the address on the DNR Illinois site.
Temperature was warm, but storms are moving in so it was quite a grey day. Chain O' Lakes is a large park with camping, fishing, hiking, and biking. I didn't get to hike like I planned, but I think it would be a beautiful hike in the fall when the trees change color. Hopefully fall of 2014 will be more colorful than 2013.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014 The Never Ending Winter of 2013-2014
It's been a long and horrible winter. Snow then cold, then snow and so on. It's the middle of April and the talk is of some snow showers again next week. This is the never ending winter.
To make the winter worse, I lost my girl Molly 2 months ago and still miss her every day and I think Zorro does also. He is now staying closer to me and is starting to play with toys. His idea of play is grab a toy and throw it in the air or at me. He tries :-) Unfortunately, my little buddy, is scheduled for surgery. It may be skin cancer. I'm trying to stay positive. I don't want to loose him too so close to losing Molly.
As part of my plan to RV full time when, and if, I ever retire, I'm back to RV shopping. Over the last 1 1/2 years, I've been focusing on Class C's or a small Class A, but at the Rosemont RV show, I walked into a travel trailer (TT) and loved it! People said you'd know it when you see it. I guess there is some truth to that. Also went to the Loves Park and Springfield shows over the last few weeks, and none have hit me like the little TT.
The TT is a Keystone Summerland 2020QB - a new model this year. It's got just about everything on my 'would like to have' list except a motor!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 My Sweet Molly Crossed the Bridge Today
It is with a very sad heart that my sweet, happy Molly girl had to cross the bridge today. Although I've had dogs in the past, they weren't mine because they favored someone else in the family even though they knew I was mom.
Molly was and will always be my heart dog. She was my girl through and through. The best definition I've ever heard for heart dog is that your heart dog is that once in a lifetime – soul mate dog. One you click with. There’s an understanding, a bond stronger than most, and a special level of communication. Your heart dog “gets” you and you get him or her right back. She was my shadow. Where momma went, Molly followed.
How can you summarize your heart dog / best friends life? Is it possible? Molly was my pedigree challenged girl. The shelter said she was a cockapoo, which meant 20-30 pounds. Well, unless she came from a standard poodle, they were way off in their guess. She was tall (all legs) and up to 80 pounds. Depending on if she was shaggy (in the winter) or clipped (in the summer), everyone had a different guess on what she was. Bearded collie? Some kind of terrier? Afghan mix? Poodle mix? Other?
As a puppy, Molly just seemed to know what to do and when. She never made a mess in the house, never cried or whimpered, and never bothered me in the morning if she woke up early. She would lay quietly until I spoke to her and then would rush to the bed, sliding those big paws of hers under by back to say 'happy morning mom! what are we doing today?'. So polite!
And she figured out mirrors almost instantly. She saw our reflection in a mirror and ran to say hi!, but when she didn't actually find anyone, she came back, looked at the reflection one more time and you could see her comprehend 'oh! that's us!'. She never gave any reflections in mirrors or windows a second thought after that.
My memories of Molly will always be that she was happy all the time and never met a person or another dog she didn't like. She loved her doggy play dates with Justice the sheltie, Claude the St. Bernard, Chaos the akita, and the rotties Biggie D & Heavy Small. And with the teacup yorkies or other small dogs, if I said 'baby' she just knew to be gentle. She only met one cat, George and didn't quite know what to make of him.
For her entire life, Molly was so observant and saw everything new. New for sale signs in the neighborhood, new playground equipment (which she loved to climb on & go down the slide!), etc. She saw a squirrel only once (since we live on old farm land). For anything new, she would stop & look at me like 'what is that?!?'. 'Go see' was her queue that it was OK, and she could go check it out.
And then Zorro came along because her boyfriend Justice was moving to Russia. Zorro, to Molly was just 'there'. They kept each other company. Molly was a great watcher or should I say snitch if Zorro did something bad. She would sit in the corner because she knew he would get yelled at and if Zorro went on one of his nut runs in the house, Molly knew that was outside play and would run the to the back door with the look in her eyes of "hurry mom! we're going outside to be silly!"
Molly was so smart! She learned words easily and quickly. Her nick names of Baby Girl, Happy girl, silly girl, Molly O-Molly. Molly's tail even had it's own name - Thumper. On the floor 'thump, thump, thump'. On the wall 'thump, thump, thump'. And if asked 'where's thumper?' - 'thump, thump, thump'.
She even knew commands that were unique to her. "Molly itchy nose" would make her rub her nose on the rug, grass or whatever was handy. "Molly pretty" would cause her to rub the top of her head with her paw. She would know "momma help" for getting in the car, and more recently, helping her down steps and outside. But she knew she was safe with me and never questioned what I asked. Of course all the usual commands, sit, stay, down, rest, paw, other paw, etc.
She knew all of her different toy's names spider, octopus, piggy, thingy, ladybug, lamb chop, puppy, kitty, Santa, pumpkin, froggy, tiger and many more over the years. All of which had to go to toy heaven when Molly wasn't around to see or she would cry. And tennis balls! She was more than happy to keep playing catch all night from the time I got home from work until bed time.
Molly was never a real fan of car rides. All that stop & go made her a little jittery, but highway driving she loved. Trips to Colorado, getting to stop and smell new smells at every gas stop or rest area.
Her last trip was to Iowa even though her pain was starting, she still was happy to go with - as long as she was with momma.
Rest easy my happy sweet Molly girl. You are healthy again over the bridge. Momma will see you again someday.
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