Lost a friend today...

He was thirteen. Old age for a German Shepherd dog. He actually belonged to my daughter but, for his entire life, we shared him. When she worked during the week, I took care of him. He stayed at both our houses. I did the obedience training, she did the spoiling...of which Sambuca, got plenty of. We called him 'Sam' or 'Sammy' for short. He was a 'coated Shep'. His fur was long unlike the standard Shep. coat. He was a large boy with a dark face. Most people were stand-off-ish when first meeting him until they got to know him. 

Soon after purchasing him as a pup, he began displaying the typical Shepherd behavior. Protection and loyalty. He was friendly and playful with everyone but, at the same time wouldn't let strangers approach my daughter's car when the two of them were out for a ride. I always felt confident when my daughter went for walks in the woods near our home. He was always by her side. She had certainly won him over. They were practically inseprable.

In the last few years he began suffering from seizures. Many trips to the Vet. Several types of treatments but, the seizures became more frequent and yesterday he had several. He became unresponsive and the difficult decision was made to put him down. We drove to the Vet. Emergency Hospital. We were with him at the end, my daughter and I. He was calm but, didn't really know us or what was happening. I was ok with that. It was probably for the best.

Today we buried him in the back paddock where other family pets are are buried. He will be missed by our entire family...after all...he was family...R.I.P. Sambuca...);

An adventure in sailing...

Every year my family makes the three hour drive to Cape Cod for a much needed vacation. We rent the same cottage every year. It's a stone's throw across the beach to the water's edge. The cottage has a large deck that faces Nantucket Sound. On good days the ocean is dotted with sailboats. Relatively shallow water makes for ideal sailing conditions. I've spent many hours on the deck, peering through binoculars, watching them. Some small with only one person. Others, large yachts with many people aboard. The one thing they all have in common is...fun sailing. Not being a sailor and having never owned a boat, It has captured my attention. It appears effortless. How hard can it be to sail? All you do is steer in the direction you want to go and the wind does the rest...right?...umm...not quite that simple as I will soon discover.

I've been at the beach for a week now and my eyes are glazing over from boredom. Tv reception is poor and I already have a sunburn. Cell phone service is non existent and as crazy as it sounds, I'm not a fan of the beach or swimming in the ocean. I know..you're thinking..why are you spending two weeks at the beach if you don't like it? The answer...simple..my wife and kids like the beach and the ocean..need I say more! Today again, I'm sitting on the deck, binoculars in hand, watching the boats with their colorful sails. I see a group of small boats in the distance holding a regatta. The brightly colored sails intermingling with one another. Darting in one direction and then, in an instant, changing direction. Gradually a thought forms in my brain, which is quickly turning to mush from boredom. Sailing.....hmmm.

A cousin, also vacationing at the Cape, drops by for a visit and our discussion soon turns to sailing and "maybe we should give it a try...really, how hard can it be?" "You get in and steer". A little more talk and a few wine coolers later and its decided. We're going sailing in the morning!

Arising early the next morning, I'm greeted by a sunny but, windy day. It seems windier than usual. Good. That's got to make the sailing even better..(I'll be re-thinking that later on).  After a few phone calls, I contact a local sailboat rental. He has a 'Force Five' sailboat...I have no idea what that is but, it sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. Even better...he's delivering it to the beach where I'm staying. An hour later it's floating at the water's edge..sail up and ready to go.

Moored in front of our cottage are several boats, belonging mostly to local residents. They're bobbing about, tugging at their moorings from the windy conditions. My first thought..."it's a good thing they don't smash against each other..it would be expensive to repair damaged fiberglass".

The 'Force Five"... What can I say..it's like a surfboard with a mast and a sail. About ten feet long. It's so small, you don't get in it. You ride on top of it!  I look it over and notice a bunch of colored ropes (called sheets) coming from various places on it and converging back to where the person sailing (that would be me) is positioned. They all have a purpose, I'm sure. I just haven't a clue about how to use them. We can figure that out once we're on the water. How difficult can it be?

My cousin and I push off from shore and jump aboard. Things go wrong quickly. The wind seems to be against us. As soon as I pull on one of the sheets to tighten the sail the boat takes off as if shot out of a cannon. We're heading directly at one of the moored boats. I can't grab the tiller quickly enough and crash into it with a sickening thud. Our small boat ricochets off the hull and heads straight toward another moored victim. The hard impact throws us off balance. Before we can recover, Crash! My cousin is thrown into the water from the impact. I'm unable to get control.. Another collision...this time a glancing blow. Finally, I get a grip on the tiller and steer clear of any more boats. 

For the remainder of the day and several more attempts, we've figured the whole sailing thing out. Some time later, after drying out and tending to a few minor wounds we push off from shore again. This time with increased confidence. 

Our wives and kids are sitting on the beach holding their collective breaths. I'm told later, other beach goers were mesmerized by the spectacle and stayed longer to see if more excitement would unfold. Two young girls sitting close to my wife, unawares of who she is, are laughing uncontrollably and one shouts to the other "Oh my God....they're going out again!" apparently it was heard by all. The beach crowd erupted in laughter.

Undaunted with several bruises, sunburn and too much salt water, it all ends well. No boats were damaged. There were no broken bones. Thankfully, the Coast Guard didn't have to rescue two beginner sailors.

Since that summer I have owned several sail boats...become a fairly skilled sailor and love being on the water more than any other hobby. 

Jake T

It's been on my mind.....

I haven't  blogged in a while. Didn't have anything on my mind but, until now. I'm writing this, more to vent my frustration than for any other reason. In some strange way, that I can't explain, it helps calm me. Normally I'm a happy guy. Not many things bothers me. I try to keep things in perspective and what I can't change I just deal with. I avoid arguments and confrontations if possible....anything that makes me unhappy.

I woke today and my normally cheerful demeanor was sorely lacking. My best friend, a German Shepherd named Zack is ailing. He has a bad hip and it's getting worse each day. More noticeable in the last week or two. I've noticed him having difficulty getting up and walking. He favors the rear leg and isn't sure footed. He'll turn ten in July. When he was a pup the hip began bothering him. I took him to a Veterinarian that specialized in hip problems. He operated on his Cruciate ligament and after some time, Zack made a good recovery. I couldn't let him chase a tennis ball anymore for fear of damaging the repair but, I was still able take him swimming and for long walks. 

It's frustrating not being able help him. Tomorrow I will call my veterinarian but, I already know how the conversation will go. She'll write a script and tell me to keep him calm. I've had dogs as long as I can remember. I know where this is going. If the hip fails, I won't be able to save him. He weighs over 100 pounds. Too heavy to carry around. Making that " dreaded" decision is already weighing heavily on me. I had to do it many times in my life in the past. It never gets easier. If anything, it's harder each time...I hate thinking about it but, can't STOP thinking about it. I tell myself "that's it!!....no more dogs!". In reality, I'm kidding myself. Zack is....and all the dogs before him, have been, some of my best friends.

I had to write this blog to get my feelings under control. I haven't read back over it or made any corrections, which I'm sure it needs. My intention was to just write it. To get it off my chest, so to speak...I feel a little better...hope it lasts a while...(-;

Jake...

 Lowering the American flag....

A debate has surfaced concerning flying the American flag at half mast in New Jersey. The reason....a celebrity has died. Governor Christie has decreed it be flown at half mast to honor this individual. Despite numerous complaints from outraged citizens he did not reverse his decision. His rational... she was a musical icon from the state of New Jersey with a long career as an entertainer. In all fairness, she was a musical icon. She was known to millions of people. She had a stellar lengthy career. These points are not lost on anyone. 

Lowering the flag to half mast, has for the most part, been to honor presidents, dignitaries and others who have served our country in important and honorable ways. In recent times, it seems the significance of this action is being diluted by using it to recognize individuals that, though famous, haven't served the country in a manner befitting this honor. 

How many times has the American flag been lowered to half mast in New Jersey for our soldiers, police officers and firemen? These heroes are what lowering the American flag to half mast should be for. Has the Governor lowered the flag for any of these?

I'm concerned that as time goes on we will continue to dilute this honor. We will lose sight of what lowering the flag should represent. It's in honor of people who have served our country honorably and to a full measure. For those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. I hope I'm proved wrong....time will tell.

Jake T

Coyotes on the prowl....

It's early evening. The sun setting behind tall trees. Darkness closing in, wrapping the area in a cloak of darkness. Muffled sounds..an owl hooting in the distance. Peepers, in the swamp, calling out for mates. Cracking of branches in the woods. The air is still.

It starts with an almost imperceptible whine and steadily increases in volume and intensity. The sound is like a baby crying and first but, then other voices join in and suddenly there's a crescendo of howls and yelping. The hair on the back of my neck bristles..their back! Coyotes..probably six I'm guessing. Each one making a unique sound of their own. Some bark while others yelp or whine. They blend these vocals into a high pitched eerie chorus. It's chilling to hear and lasts for several minutes or longer.

I hurry outside and stand on my back porch. They're just  yards away from the wood line perimeter. It's the closest I can ever remember them coming to my house. Zack, my German Shepherd, is by my side, mildly interested. He leaps from the porch and begins prowling the yard perimeter, undeterred by the howling and yelping just yards away. As for me..I'm alert, standing there, flashlight and semi-automatic pistol in  hand..my motto...always be prepared. Must be my boy scout training. I clap my hands loudly in an attempt to get their attention to no avail. They continue the raucous behavior for several more minutes.

Then as quickly as it began, it abruptly stops. They're gone again. Not very far to be sure but, now quiet. Most likely lurking just inside the wood line, waiting for some unsuspecting critter to come within striking distance and an unsuspecting meal.

On that note, Zack and I retreat to the safety and security of the house. I'm sure it won't be long before they return and sing that familiar chorus once again! I'll be ready...flashlight and pistol in hand!!

Jake T

The Resolution......

It's the beginning of another New Year. The period when we first test the New Year Resolution. I'm feeling confident. My resolution is the same one I've made for the last decade or more. Again this year I'm going to quit smoking. I like this particular resolution because I haven't smoked in a long, long time. Not much chance I'm going to fail this one. My initial reasoning was...wanting to see my kids grow up and witness how their lives develop. Being a part of their lives was the great motivator. Needless to say, I'm still here and hoping to be around long enough to witness the next generation. It's a good feeling!! If I hadn't quit a long time ago....who knows what the present would be like. 

Making a New Year resolution should be a reasonable challenge. One that can be easily reached. By selecting a 'doable' challenge, you also eliminate the stress and guilt that often plagues us if we fail. A small resolution is perfectly fine. An easy one is too.

If you think you reached too high, there is a solution. Trade down to a resolution that you know you can can keep. It'll make you feel good because you know you will be able to meet your goal. 

Happy New Year!!    Be strong!! (-;


Jake T

To All.............


Long, long ago when I was a kid, Christmas held different values for me than today. Back then it was Santa Claus, Reindeer and presents under the Christmas tree. Time has a way of changing ones ideals and values. As I grow older and hopefully wiser material things, at least to me, have become less important. An object that I once thought of as important, no longer is. I have accumulated many things over time. I enjoy most of them. However, if I was to lose all these things tomorrow because of some unforeseen, catastrophic event, it wouldn't be the end of the world for me.

The things that are important to me today are, family, friends and life in general. These are very tangible things. Things we feel every day. I enjoy them immensely. This is especially true during the Holiday season we are in. Christmas and the approaching New Year are times that bring family and friends together. At times, we drift apart because of outside pressures exerted on us by work and other responsibilities. It's important to keep things in perspective. We need to step back, once in a while, and re-assess what's most important.

Having said that, I hope all that read this truly enjoy this Holiday season and all the joy it can bring. Embrace the good feelings. Hug your significant other, whomever it may be. Take a closer look at your kids. Listen a little closer to what they are saying. Get in touch with your friends, just to wish them a happy Holiday. Do this and I'm sure this time will be a little more special this year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.......hope no one gets coal in their stocking!! (-;