Tuesday, February 26, 2008

....but now we're back

This morning we got up for a good breakfast (I had granola with strawberries) and one hour massages. The masseuse and I ended up talking about our dogs for the whole hour. She has an elderly husky who used to run like Scout still does.

Then we drove down to Colvill Park, where we counted at least 25 eagles sitting on the bare trees right over the river, little specks of brown and white. When I got out of the car to get a closer look, one of them decided to take a diving glide across the river. I wished I had binoculars or even a camera with a good zoom lens. We vowed to come back in the spring, and take time to drive down to Wabasha to the National Eagle Center there.

As we headed out of town, we made a stop at Pottery Place Antiques, where the collection of multi-colored glassware on the second floor is eye-catching. When we stopped on Sunday afternoon, I found a little treasure: a very old book, "Forglemmegei," which it turned out, means "Forget-me-Not" in Norwegian. There was a Bible verse for every day of the year (in Norwegian, of course), and 12 color pictures of flowers with Bible verses. It was lovely, bound in leather, and I had to have it.

We drove straight to Scout's dogsitter, where we discovered that she had not quite been a model dog: she ate a whole package of butterscotch chips that had been sitting on the counter. They seemed to take it in stride, though ("I guess we weren't supposed to make those cookies"). And she had been sick afterwards, ("but that's understandable, after eating all that sugar.") I like these people. If only I could roll with the punches like they do, I think I'd be a happier person.

Tonight I had an appointment to get a pedicure. I know, it's the middle of the winter here, but I've decided I need to take better care of my feet. The pedicurist showed me pictures of her dog (I had forgotten that we agreed to do that) and asked me questions about churches and whether I thought the end of the world was near. I said that no one knows whether the end of the world is near or not.

And I thought, if it is the end of the world, at least I saw the eagles.

9 comments:

Fran said...

That all sounds so perfect... except for the Scout and the butterscotch incident.

Glad you had a little time away.

Marsha said...

"If only I could roll with the punches like they do...

And I thought, if it is the end of the world, at least I saw the eagles."


Sounds like to me you are there.

Sounds like you've found a great fit for Scout, butterscotch chips and all!

Elaine (aka...Purple) said...

There is something about eagles that is hopeful, free, and full of life and not because they are a national symbol. And you saw so many of them. What a wonderful trip.

Anonymous said...

What a great way to prepare for the hectic week ahead. I'm glad you had some relaxing down time.

Annie's Mom said...

It sounds like such a beautiful and wonderful retreat!

zorra said...

A friend is someone who lovingly welcomes your dog, and tells you about hers. :)

I'm glad you had such a nice time of R&R.

Anonymous said...

Diane, I'm so glad that you got to Colvil Park and saw the eagles! They are spectacular to watch!

I'm a frequent visitor to your church and will have to stop sometime and show you a couple of great photos my husband has taken. He has had some published in the National Eagle Center's calendar.

May the feelings of peace extend for a few days for you!

Julie
aka Road to Hana

Lindy said...

Now, see, I would have thought If it's the end of the world at least my toes are done..." But, the eagles are great too.

I'm glad you had a vacation!

Hope Scout is feeling better... What a girl!

Lindy

Jennifer said...

Massage, pedicure, conversations about cool stuff=a blessed break from the action.
Good for you!