It was a short night. We watched the Toronto Raptors compete until it was time for hockey. My HABS were playing Calgary Flames, and the game only started at 9:00 because of the time difference between Western Canada and here in Quebec. The overtime had it ending even later, but was well worth staying up to see, especially because we won. Again!
It was past midnight before the fire was stoked, the bird covered, the beasts’ water bowl filled, and we were settled into bed. The dogs actually gave me some space, and I slept deeply until Elie decided to push on my bare toes with her wet nose. It’s one of her quirky ways of showing affection, so I can’t scold her for that, even if the clock read 4 AM. I groggily moved my foot, but she followed right along, her head now fully under the blankets and, as pleasant as it was, it woke me to the point where there was no use staying in bed.
My dogs rarely wake me in the morning, or anytime I go to snooze really, and I count myself lucky. I hear so many people complain about being pestered to go outside early, or for food, or just to play. Mine are usually quite willing to wait until I give sign that I am ready. If they hear strange noises they bark, of course, and that is what they are supposed to do, and on occasion they will be sick during the night, or Mommy will shake the whole bed with her terror of thunderstorms. Truth is, the mouthy bird is far more demanding that the 3 beasts altogether, and if she doesn’t get her 8 to 10 hours of sleep, she can be a real harridan. Her squawks can be heard all over the house, even by the neighbours during the summer when the windows are open. In spite of that, I’m quite fond of the little mouthpiece. She certainly keeps things lively around here.
I heard Karen downstairs when I made my first coffee, and her answer to my text asking if she was ok confirmed my suspicion that she had spent the night up. What a pair we are!! Regular hours are not observed here, and the older we get, the less it seems to matter. She did say she was off to bed now though, so I figure I should do the same. A couple of extra winks will keep me from getting grouchy during the day. The beasts have been fed and out for their needs, as was the bird; I was wise enough to make my coffee decaf, so this should work out. Thinking of cuddling up to the doggies under warm blankets with the perfect chill in the bedroom makes me SMILE.
Wishing you a great day and sharing the SMILE with you…just because!
LUV FROM THE BUSH IN QUEBEC
Tales from the Bush in Quebec 