chef wannaB -

Thank you

2018-10-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Chris and I ended our Route 66 trek on Tuesday. Leaving Kingman, we decided to just hoof it home on Interstate 40 and not return to the Mother Road. The International Balloon Festival was the driving force for our trip eastward and the decision to take the old route there was one we both agreed would be a fun way to do this. Our friend Pat Dzieszkowski put the idea in motion. Thanks Pat.
But like any journey, what you learn is always much better than what you see.

The Mother Road just amazed us with each town we read about or saw first hand. The decline of motor lodges, cafes and entire towns was always a bit melancholy. Thinking that in a single instance, your life as you knew it had changed. Interstate 40 was the answer to a faster, more comfortable route from Chicago to Los Angeles. And, in retrospect, a much safer way to travel. But what also amazed us were the towns that seemed to take that change and make it better for themselves. Winslow, AZ with its name used in an iconic song by the Eagles, seemed to be in a good place. Seligman, AZ, also now on the national registry, seemed to be hopping with tourists and a financial rebirth.

So like life, change is neither good or bad, it just is. How we adapt to change will always be how we are defined as a people, or a nation.

Thanks for taking the journey with us. I hoped you enjoyed our time on the Mother Road.

From Chris and myself,

Cheers!

Dwelling on our last few Days

2018-10-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

Waking up to snow flurries, we headed out on our way West. The temps were in the mid to high 30's. We originally had planned on staying one more night in Winslow, but that would have put a long days drive home so we motored on to Kingman. Just outside Flagstaff is Walnut Canyon, a national park service site preserved in 1915. Home to the Sinaqua people, Spanish for People Without Water, they arrived nearly 1400 years ago. But they were not the first as the cliff dwellings seemed to be occupied seasonal since 600 AD. Built in natural recesses in the limestone canyon walls, the Sinaqua lived here for about 125 years until the wood ran out and a 10 year drought forced them to leave. Two walking trails, the Rim and the Island trail are each less than a mile long, but up and down steep steps. We decided against doing either but could see the dwellings from the visitor center.

A friendly visitor at the Visitor Center

We then continued on Route 66 and backtracked our way to Seligman where it was time for a Road Kill Burger.

Actually a Rueben Burger on toasted Marbled Rye bread.

Tomorrow we abandon our Mother Road and head out on Highway 40 towards Long Beach.

$ante Fe to Gallup on our way Home

2018-10-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Our last day in $anta Fe we decided to visit Canyon Dr one more time with Pat. We found an Oragami gallery that look interesting so we decided to stop and visit. Pat was undecided on this piece, but still may purchase it on-line. Good for her!

Using the lost wax process only with paper and then turned into stainless steel and painted.

We then headed back to the Albuquerque Airport so Pat could wing her way back to Maryland. Thanks again to Pat who organized most of this trip. Ok all of it! With Chris' help! I just drove...

We then motored our way out of Albuquerque to Gallup, NM by way of Interstate 40 and Route 66. Again, 66 winds its way west to Gallup with few towns to explore. It didn't keep us from looking, however.

This dilapidated building on the Mother Road with no name other than Swap Meet 66. Looking inside a window, we found books and magazines of all varieties strewn about. Obviously, the librarian had take the decade off.

Weather was coming from the West and it was getting colder and more interesting.

Just outside of Gallup is the Continental Divide. On the divide is a Native American outpost and a National Marker. Inside the outpost and I asked if it was true the water runs west on one side and east on the other. The look I got from the lady behind the counter seemed to suggest maybe not. Anyway it was a good photo op.

So we continued on with cool views looking out from our window.

The Santa Fe rail line runs the full length of Hwy 40 and 66.

We arrived in Gallup at the famous Hotel/Motel El Rancho on Route 66. Opened in 1937 as a base for movie productions by the brother of D.W. Griffith, it was full of pictures of old time actors and actresses.

The ornate lobby.

John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Spencer Tracy, Alan Ladd, Katharine Hepburn plus dozens more all had signed pictures to the hotel. Our room was represented by Kirk Douglas.

Still around at 100 and looking very cool here.

Still using keys for your room.

Our room was interesting due to an outside kitchen area and a doorway directly to the pool and patio, both closed.

A Norge electric range. And it worked!

Toasting in our small kitchen.

The bed was comfy and we could not wait to sleep after a busy day. Tomorrow 332 miles to Kingman with one more nights stay, then home.

$ante Fe at 7200 Feet

2018-10-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Leaving Albuquerque, we drove north up Highway 25 to the most expensive town in the USA. At least it seemed that way. It's also considered the highest in elevation, sorry Denver, at over 7200 feet.
Our stay was at a B&B called El Paradero, a home and former horse stable. We highly recommend this B&B. The breakfasts were great and the staff very friendly and helpful.

Pat pointing at original posts for the horse stables.

Our room, sans horse.

The cool thing about the B&B was the proximity to the just about everything.

The Plaza in Santa Fe

Native Indian vendors selling their wares.

I loved the coloums and the old style pueblo buildings.

We then drove a half mile to Canyon Rd. Now if you ever go to Santa Fe and want to see sculptures, art work and cool cafe's, then come here. So we did and I want to show you some of the amazing stuff we saw. No, we didn't purchase anything...

Titled "Listen"

The detail on these two sculptures was amazing.

Chris with Mark Twain

No, it's not a real pig.

This one was called "Buddies". I want the space to put this in my yard.

However, I need a rich uncle.

A very cool gallery.

Whirly jigs. (I made this up)

Mother nature has her own beauty.

Now I must say that all the proprietors at these galleries were nice, informative and not pushy.

Lastly, the history of Santa Fe, was fraught with corruption and double dealing.

On the Corner of Santa Fe Trail near the Plaza.

The Carton Block

The Catron Block, completed in 1891, was named for Thomas Carton. He was a member of the Santa Fe Ring, a powerful and shifting alliance of the Republican Party. The Ring was active in land grants. Carton, who was a leader in this ring, was said to own millions of acres of New Mexico Territory because of the shady dealings in parceling out land. Carton was elected as one of New Mexico's first two senators in 1912 after statehood was granted. He was defeated four years later in his first re-election bid and came back here to practice law.

I will say that the title of this post $anta Fe refers not to the art, sculptures or our B&B but our decision to pay $340 for two nights of dinners.

So, food, art, sellers and cool history is Santa Fe's story. All at 7200 feet!

Finally, Balloons!

2018-10-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

When we left Flagstaff, Chris took this picture of Humphries Peak. A storm had passed just the day before. I thought it was a great picture but forgot to put in and earlier post.

Humphries Peak

Leaving Winslow we stopped off at the Petrified Forrest and Painted Desert National Park. I think the last time we were through here was when Chris was coming to Arizona from Michigan and I was about 10 years old with my parents.

Again, photos don't do it justice.

Painted Desert

Then off to the International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque. We decided last year to make plans to attend this years offering. Thanks to our friend Pat Dzieszkowski, whom we met in an airport in Budapest, she had suggested meeting in Albuquerque for the festival. Thank you Pat!

Pat and us at Breakfast the following day.

Pat decided to crew one of the Dawn Patrol balloons so we didn't see her at the festival until later that day. So here are some pictures of the Balloons.

Pat's balloon is on the far right.

Dawn Patrol balloons go off first to determine wind direction and speed for the rest of the ballooners. (is that a word?) Then it gets exciting.

Sunrise over the mountains.

The temps were in the balmy 40 degree range.

She needed socks...

But it didn't take long before over 500 balloons ascended into the Albuquerque morning air.

Cartoon characters were the hit of the festival.

Pictures don't do this justice, but it was a perfect morning. Very little wind and thousands of people cheering. Kids get out of school for two days, Thursday and Friday, to attend.

Sadly, the Glow-deo did not take place that evening as it was too windy and it had to be canceled.

But all in all, it was a terrific day for ballooning.

That Peaceful, Easy Feeling!

2018-10-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

So if you're into the Eagles and their many songs, a road trip along Route 66 brings you to Winslow. Their classic song 'Take it Easy' has that verse that I won't attempt to sing here, but Winslow has taken it to heart and now it's a tourist stop.

Yep, a flat bed ford

The facade of a building has an eagle and a couple embracing on top floor and the Ford on the bottom floor. People all around taking their turn with the singer statue and then taking the next person's picture with their camera or iPhone leaves you with that peaceful easy feeling.

Our stay in Winslow was at the iconic La Posada Hotel. This hotel has such a rich history I thought I would share their link to explore this really cool place.
La Posada Hotel: Homelaposada.org/

But I will leave you with a few pictures.

The grand entrance.

Still a major rail stop.

You instantly want to pick these up and play with them.

The Turquoise Room's Double dark chocolate soufflé' with Grande Mariner.

The term "Win-Slow" I mentioned in my last post came from a native Navaho guitar player who was entertaining us in the lounge. Having moved back hear from Burbank in his early twenties, he was not quite ready for the pace here in Winslow. So he changed the name to reflect that sentiment.

Route 66 and the Internet

2018-10-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

Traveling this road is a trip into the past. The cars, the motels and the stories make this trip really fun. What isn't fun is connecting; not to the past but the internet!

We left Kingman on Tuesday morning but not before checking out the Powerhouse Visitor Center. A generating station first started in 1906 generating power from Hoover Dam.

Photo op.

Winding up the Mother Road brought us to the Hackberry General Store. Yet another stop that was bypassed by Highway 40.

I'm beginning to see a theme with these stops...

One cool thing were the old Burma Shave sign posts that were prevalent along Route 66.

Big Mistake..Many Make..Using the Horn..Not the Brake..Burma Shave

And lastly, Greyhound had to change their bus routes and leave the Hackberry stop behind.

The white sign in the middle of this picture.

Seligman, a thriving town after WWII, would have five to 9,000 vehicles come through its main street in the mid 1950's. In September of 1957, that came to a screeching halt with the passing of Eisenhower's signing of National Highway Bill and the opening of Highway 40. One truth, there were no highway signs on 40 even mentioning the town of Seligman.

We ended our day in a town celebrated in song, Winslow. Or, as we learned by a native of this town, Win-Slow.

to be continued...

The Mother Road

2018-10-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Day 2 dawned in Barstow. I thought I'd show you our humble abode where we stayed during our first night on this road trip.

So you travel Route 66, you stay here.

Nash Rambler, I believe!

Love the teddy bears in this car.

We rolled out of Barstow and hit Highway 40 for about 2 miles before we hit Route 66.

Just so you know what we are doing.

Traveling this route, there is one problem. Now I know why they put in interstates.

Other than the occasional train delay, we moved on to the town of Newberry. Don't blink, you'll miss it. However, the star of a 1987 movie starring academy winner Jack Palance, is the Bagdad Cafe. Which is Newberry! A cool place with one person there who takes your order, cooks it and then sells you T-shirts.

I know, food pictures put me off too, but great biscuits and gravy.

If they ever close this place, they can recoup about $1000 in 1 dollar bills plastered on the walls.

Next was the booming town of Amboy. A welcomed stop during the migration heyday was Roy's Motel, Cafe and gas station for those dust bowl travelers coming to California. Today, the hotel is closed, the cafe sells snacks and the gas is over $5 a gallon.

The small casitas were open to view.

Cool cinder cone in the background.

Just across the street is the post office.

Traveling 25 miles north of Interstate 40 on Route 66 is the town of Oatman. High up in the Black Mountains, rests one of the Arizona's largest gold producing areas. Because of the steep winding road, the route was altered to flatter landscape. But the views are spectacular and the mules, amusing.

The Black Mountains.

Legend has it Clark Gable and Carol Lombard honeymooned here in 1939.

Yes, they have mules everywhere. Coming and going!

No words needed. Oh, Chris took this picture.

Route 66 started in Chicago and was the gateway to the West after the turn of the century. During the depression, thousands of families made the trip to California on this highway. The term, Mother Road, was first coined by John Steinbeck in his depiction of the Jode family in his book, "The Grapes of Wrath". What is left of this route in California is the history of migration, hopes and shattered dreams.

What was left for us was dinner in Kingman at the Garlic Clove.

Getting our kicks on Route 66

2018-10-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today we started our road trip to New Mexico to the International Balloon Festival. Driving to Santa Monica, the end of Route 66, but our beginning. We'll drive to Barstow, Kingman, Winslow and then to Albuquerque. Head up to Santa Fe and then start back along the same route but making different stops. Should be a fun road trip.

The end of Route 66..or is it?

Reading the history books, this is not really the end of the famous Route 66. But is best known as the conclusion of this route. There was a street festival going on and and no parking anywhere. Roads blocked off did not deter us. We valet'd our car for a cool $20 for this picture. Hey, we're on vacation.

Driving east toward downtown LA, we found the factual end is at 7th and Broadway. Right near the famous Clifton's Cafeteria. Determined as the end of the route from 1926 to 1936.

Opened in 1932

Broadway and 7th

We then traveling north up the Pasadena Fwy to Colorado Blvd. Then jumping on the 210 Fwy, we made our way to the 15 Fwy and up the Cajon Pass to Victorville.

The museum was closed, so we continued up the National Trails Highway (Historic 66) to this place.

Oro Grande Bank

Then on to the Bottle Tree Ranch. Built in 2000, its full of antiques and more junk than should be allowed.

There's bottles stacked like trees. Hence, the name.

Junk abounds.

I think my mom had one of these.

Nice intersection....

We made it to Barstow and then to Rosita's for a great meal.

Coming back to our motel, we captured the SpaceX launch of an Argentinian satellite.

A nice way to end a fun day. And, it's only day one!

2018-09-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

Remembering September 11 and the United States of America

When the planes struck the towers that early Tuesday morning I was driving to Escondido. Hearing about the first plane that struck the North Tower, I was listening to Mark & Brian on KLOS. They reported it was a terrible accident and had few details. When I arrived at my destination, the second plane had struck and we knew it was no accident but an attack. Staying there for the morning, I only had radio reports as there were no TV's at the branch where I worked. I was alone and was dumb founded at the reporting going on that morning. I did not see the visuals of what took place till later that day.

In the aftermath, President Bush told us to be brave. That the people responsible for the attack would hear from us. They and the countries that harbored them would pay. The resolve he demonstrated gave us hope and encouraged unity. I don't ever remember the unity of this country being so strong. Being born 8 years after Pearl Harbor, people who remembered that attack said it was just the same. Flags were flying everywhere. There seemed to be a unity of all people. Party affiliations did not play into our agenda and name calling was reserved for the terrorist. We went to Afghanistan and people knew it would be a matter of time before the leader, Osama bin Laden, would be found and made to pay.

Sadly, by 2003, a decision to attack a country that had nothing to do with the attack on September 11 divided us and the unity and our resolve seem to erode every month as the war in Afghanistan continued with no capture of the fugitive bin Laden and a second war in Iraq went from mission accomplished to a quagmire that continues today there and in many Middle Eastern countries.

Today there is no unity among the people of the United States. Democrats are compared to communists and Republicans let a president continue to bully and belittle anyone who questions what he's doing. His aides are charged with crimes and in some cases convicted and it seems it's business as usual as each day brings a new tweet or revelation about the chaos in this administration. His supporters stay steadfast in their support of the President where others try and find ways to bring him down.

President Trump is not a comforting person. It's not part of his DNA. He will relish in an accomplishment and rail against those who see otherwise. Attacking their gender, ethnicity or whatever seems to get the most support from his base. Bullying is on the rise everyday and support for white supremacy groups is surging throughout the world.

I don't know how this will all end. I don't have answers but can only do what I can do. I will not use derogatory terms to describe people and my friends with whom I disagree with. It just perpetuates what is happening on social media and I will no longer be a part of that. I will also not support this president as I do believe he is bad person. Controlled by outside influences that mean to bring harm to our country.

September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in our history. Looking back, it is hard to watch where once we were united and how far we have fallen from the unity of that time. Lets hope we can find a way to get back to being the United States of America.

Standing on Ground Zero with a Hero

2017-05-05T00:21:00.000-07:00

Mr. Dick Girocco, a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec 7, 1941.

We have been on Oahu for the past 11 days staying in Kailua Town on the windward side of the island. It's our first time on this side of the island and really our first extended stay on Oahu. Most of our island visits have been to Maui or in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Kailua on Oahu is a great town. Up until a few years ago, there wasn't much development, I can't say that now, but it still has the small town feel and the residents here are quick to befriend you and offer their aloha.

Today, we made plans to visit Pearl Harbor. While in the Navy, I stopped at Pearl on our way to WestPac and our tour of duty supporting ground forces in Viet Nam. But, I never did visit the memorial due to time constraints. We didn't visit the Arizona Memorial or the USS Missouri this day either, but instead went to the fairly new Pacific Aviation Museum. Only 10 years old, it is the newest of the museums on Ford Island. Our guide Solomon, a native Hawaiian, was a retired teacher and worked at the shipyard for over 30 years before becoming one of the original tour guides at this museum. His knowledge was amazing and the 90 minute guided tour seemed to last 10 minutes.

Missing panes of glass and bullet holes greet us at Hanger 79.

We were then sent off to visit Hanger 79 on our own. There they are in the process of the restoration of many aircraft that have been donated. The Swamp Ghost is one such plane. Ditched by its pilot in 1942 on Papua New Guinea in a swamp when the plane ran out of fuel after taking a hit from a Japanese fighter that punchured a hole in the fuel cell, it sat for decades before being brought out piece by piece. It now sits intact but unrestored in Hanger 79. There is no plan to restore this craft. The crew all survived and actually continued to serve and fight during the rest of the war.

The newly named Swamp Ghost, recovered from the swamps of Papua New Guinea.

The highlight of this tour was meeting a true hero, Dick Girocco. A Pearl Harbor Survivor who was stationed on Ford Island as a crew member on a PBY, a flying boat used during WWII. It was parked at Hanger 39, right next door to Hanger 79 on the infamous day. He was gracious enough to allow Chris and I to take a picture with him. Sitting next to Dick was Ian Birine, who was only 6 on Dec 7, 1941. Ian, born and raised on Oahu, told us he remembered being excited to see so many airplanes in the sky over his house. Little did he know.

Chris with Mr. Girocco and Ian Birine.

Trying to explain my emotions today is difficult. Walking the tarmac and visualizing what happened that day was chilling. The unbelievable loss of life and the shock of such an attack is not lost on me. Having served onboard a ship, feeling a kinship with those sailors, soldiers and women who died and survived this attack and standing at ground zero with a living survivor made this a day I will never forget.

My Irish Eyes are Smiling

2017-03-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

March is one of my favorite months. Mainly because St. Patricks Day falls on March 17th and I get to do one of my favorite things, cook! Or more exactly, bake, as in Irish Soda Bread.

Traditional soda bread consisted of four ingredients; flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk. Also, it wasn't really invented by the Irish. The first reference of soda bread was established by the American Indians. But the Irish baked a bread during the famine years that was easy, cheap and used just those four ingredients. It became widespread throughout the country and they laid claim to this bread. Soda ash was used, hence the name, but it was refined to use baking soda. Made in cast iron pots over open fires, the bread was round, crusty and filling.

Coming to America, immigrants baked this bread and thankfully, more ingredients were used as they were available. Currants, butter, sugar and eggs were added to make a more flavorful bread. Then someone decided to add caraway seeds.

So why post this? Well, like I mentioned earlier, I'm baking Irish Soda Bread and if you would like to purchase some, drop me a line at tsrichey@yahoo.com before March 12th and you can purchase a loaf or two.

It's $8 dollars for a single loaf, or $15 for two, all the bread is hand made using just those ingredients mentioned, which include the butter, eggs, sugar, golden raisins and caraway seeds.

It goes great with corned beef and cabbage as it is a sweet component to the brined beef and cabbage. It also makes a great French Toast and a killer bread pudding.

Hope to hear from you all.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Getting and Giving Back

2017-02-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Tuesday we were out and about doing stuff. We had updated our family trust and were on our way to lunch when Chris received a call from the 818 area code. Now that area code is where Sylmar resides and we instantly knew something was up with Dylan. The GDA veterinarian was calling to explain that Dylan was continuing to show signs of ear infections and spotting on her skin. In short, they were dropping her from the program. She explained that the blind are unable to spot these conditions, therefore it is in their and Dylan's best interest that she not continue. As I explained in my last post, the first two weeks are used primarily for health exams. Dylan was not able to get pass these two weeks.

So now what happens?

Today we traveled up to Sylmar and brought her back. She becomes our new pet and a member of the family. We'll get her medical records and have her examined again to see if these allergies are food related or related to something else. Bailey gets her baby sister back. She may even stop moping around. I really think this has been hard on her without a playmate to pal around.

Hey, remember me?

Dylan still needs more training. She is apt to run off when she is off leash, so boundary training is in my immediate future. She can't go into restaurants anymore, or visit museums or the Hollywood Bowl. Small prices to pay when you have a gift like Dylan.

So we ask ourselves this question; would we again raise a guide dog puppy for GDA? Having two dogs now plus training a new puppy seems daunting. Just this Monday was our monthly GDA meeting and two brand new puppies were present. Eleven week old litter mates, one black one yellow, both females and as cute as could be. Sigh...

The people of this organization are so great. Regardless of what we do in the puppy arena, we will continue to be part of GDA. I would think that given a little more time, we would jump in and see if we could get a dog all the way to graduation. My sanity may suffer, but my heart would be glad.

In the meantime, we will look to take advantage of Dylan's training. Therapy dogs are always needed and we believe she would be great at this. Also, working again with BARK, (Beach Animals Reading with Kids) is something that both Chris and I have done and would do again in a heartbeat. I believe giving back is what's important. More that ever, it's what I see us and Dylan doing.

Ah yes...Home!

Turn In Day

2017-01-29T10:04:00.000-08:00

The day broke bright, a warm wind blowing from the East greeted us on turn in day. We drove up to Sylmar with Brian and Nancy, our area leaders, who were also turning in their dog Morgan and a third dog, Addie, was being brought up by Paula. Peggy, who interviewed us as potential puppy raisers, also was along to see the graduation. Six adults, three dogs in the van, ten dogs graduating and 28 dogs being turned in for formal training. A very busy day.

Graduation was great, 10 people getting a new lease on mobility. Two were getting their very first dog, others as many as their sixth. After graduation, we milled about waiting for lunch and pictures to be taken with litter mates and such.

Litter Mates, Dozier, Dusty, Daisy, Dylan and Dinah along with their mom.

Then, GDA explained what was to happen during the next 6 to 8 months. Two weeks of medical testing was first up. Then skills assessments, followed by intense training as guide dogs, then 3 weeks with their new handlers (blind person) and then graduation. Fairly straight forward process. About 50% decide not to become guide dogs. GDA also works with veteran groups and place many of the dogs who decide not to be guides as therapy or service dogs for those veterans. Some are returned to their puppy raisers as pets. GDA told us, "we puppy raisers have done our job, regardless of the outcome of the dog you raised." No blame, no shame, just gratitude for the job we as puppy raisers have done. The dogs are then paired up and we walk them down to the kennels, say our goodbyes and cry.

Chris and Nancy both said, "coming home to the house without your puppy was the most difficult."

There is no easy way to explain the feeling of knowing you're helping someone and at the same time the loss you feel in doing so.

Bailey feeling the loss

Would we do it again? In talking with others, not one person said they would not do it again. Some get a puppy right away. "You replace the tears with the smell of new puppy fur" one said. Some got another puppy before turning in the one they were raising. Us, we are going to wait a bit. See what happens and then decide.

In Appreciation

My next post will be when Dylan decides what she wants to do. Until then, thank you to all who have followed along with us during this adventure. Your comments here and on Facebook have been uplifting and reassuring. I urge you to look into GDA by going to their website, www.guidedogsofamerica.org and consider helping in their noble effort of helping the blind.

The Village

2017-01-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

Sunday, we had a party for Dylan. We had asked neighbors and friends to stop by for an open house to say goodbye to our girl. She gets turned in on Saturday, Jan. 28 and we wanted to give people a chance to see her one more time and to say thank you for their support raising Dylan.

Of course it was the wettest day since 1995 and the rain was a coming down hard. It may have hid the tears, but the mood was festive and Dylan was great moving from person to person.

We wanted to let all our friends and neighbors who have been so supportive in helping raise Dylan know, it truly does take a village.

Thank you.

The Village

The Fire Academy

2017-01-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

Chris was asked to go back to work part-time with Orange County Fire Authority and is now working with the newest class of recruits in the fire academy. Working on skills they will need to become the next generation of firefighters and/or paramedics, Chris is helping by teaching skills classes. She was hesitant to bring Dylan to these as she felt Dylan would be in the way and she did not want to upset the process of this very important time for these recruits. But after reassurances from the cadre of instructors, she took Dylan to work with her.

Recruits working on first aid while our girl just chills

With her jacket on Dylan is a different dog. It is amazing to me that she somehow understands that this is no time for being a dog, but a time to be a service animal. How? I wish I knew. So as the nurses were teaching skills to the students, Dylan was placed into service.

After having Dylan go into "cradle mode" Chris told a few students to place a splint on Dylan's leg as if it were broken. Three went into action and with great affection and care, proceeded to work on our girl.

Getting ready with Dylan as the patient

Reassurance is important when working with a patient. Face and belly rubs help.

On goes the splint. Good job!

Then it was time to place their new found knowledge to the test by working on each other. With Dylan acting as emotional support, the recruits begin to work on a fellow trainee.

Being the support dog

Dylan is reassuring the patient.

Recruits breaking character by laughing

It was great to see our Dylan in action. Doing what we hope will be her new lifetime job of being there for those in need. Chris also said she could see it in the faces of the recruits, the stress of becoming a new firefighter seemed to melt away with our girl there working hand in hand with them.

Maybe a new chapter for the fire academy is being written. Emotional support dogs for recruits.

I could see it happening!

Health Update ...Final Monthly Report

2017-01-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

We continue to monitor Dylan's skin and ears. Her itching seems to have quieted down some and the blotches seems to be clearing up. Her ears are also better as we continue to put drops in twice a day.
The pills will be gone just about the time we turn her in on January 28.

This is our last month for Dylan's monthly evaluations. Seems like these 18 months have flown by. Each category is broken down with ratings 1-5 with 5 being best. For example:
Obedience Commands

Sit - 5
Down - 4
Formal Come - 4
Heel/Loose Leash Walking - 4 (maybe more like a 3.5)
Sit/Stay 1 minute - 5
Down/Stay 3 minutes - 5
Down/Stay 5 minutes - 4 (I can't even stay for 5 minutes)

Discipline issues - Well Dylan likes to nose job you right in the crotch when she first greets you. Not sure where she got that, but we listed that as an issue.

We also have to list any social exposures for the month. In December, Dylan saw the King and I at the Pantages Theater, walked in the Downey Christmas parade, went to two pot lucks and visited a fire station with Chris.

So as you can see Dylan has been exposed, trained and is now ready to move on to her next step. We can only hope it's enough. The rest, they say, is up to her.

Just two of the many things we will miss with Miss Dylan:

Sleeping on her bed bug

And...

Her sitting position

Health Update

2016-12-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

We survived Christmas without Dylan eating the tree, or the baked and candy treats that we had way too many of. However, just prior to Christmas, we noticed she was scratching more than usual. It's been very dry here and even Chris and I have been a bit itchy, but this seemed to be getting out of hand. Also, some black splotches started to appear on her skin, then the inside of her ears started turning red, so we new that that was more going on then we first suspected. So Tuesday, we made the trip up to Sylmar to see the GDA veterinarian.

Now allergies are one thing that GDA dogs cannot have. It doesn't matter how good the dog is at commands or how disciplined they may be, a blind person will not be put in a position to have to worry about their dogs health. And allergies are that big of an issue that many dogs are careered changed because of allergies.

So as we were in with the vet, he did scrapings of Dylan's skin and scoped both her ears. Yes, she has a yeast infection which is causing her skin to itch and her ears to turn red. Her paws are also red and she is continuing to lick them relentlessly. This infection is also the reason her skin was blotchy.

To ease the scratching, he gave Dylan a steroid shot and some pills to take for the next thirty days. Drops for her ears and a kiss on the nose for good measure.

One of the last things he mentioned was 'why' she was getting these reactions. "It could be allergies and he would have to bring it up with management." Ouch!

But in the mean time, she is playing with her new Christmas squeaky ball toy and tormenting Bailey.

To be continued...

The Letter

2016-12-18T09:12:00.003-08:00

Upon returning home from the potluck, the mailman had brought a letter we were half expecting to receive a bit later. The letter read:

"Dear Tom and Chris,"

"Well, the time is here, the day you've been anticipating since you picked up Dylan all those months ago. It is now time for Dylan to come in for her formal guide dog training."

Dylan is to be turned in after the graduation on January 28. The fine people at GDA will have a luncheon for all those turning in their dogs for formal training.

I'll have to say about this in the coming weeks. But for now, we are very excited and melancholy about Dylan leaving us to continue her journey towards helping the blind.

At eight weeks

Sleeping with Cade

To this:

All Grown up

The GDA Christmas Potluck

2016-12-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the Christmas potluck at GDA. Lab puppy raisers were to bring a main dish. I whipped up a lasagna and presented it to the masses. It was gone in minutes. However, one lasagna will only last a minute when you're feeding 75 people. There were so many dishes of food, going through the line with your dog in tow was lots of fun.

Lots of photo ops were presented for the puppies and their humans.

Presents by an open fire.

It is always nice to see the people who are raising the siblings of your dog. Because of rules put in place by GDA, for good reasons I might add, the sire's and bitches are not revealed to the puppy raisers. So it was a lucky happening when talking to an owner of a black lab only to discover this was Dylan's mother.

Meeting Vivienne, Dylan's mom.

And no, there was no recognition between the two. Even after sniffing butts! But it was fun to meet the owner and talk to him about his dog.

And of course, when you have a Christmas potluck, you have Santa.

That attentive look is owed to the cookie the photographer was holding.

We were also asked to bring an ornament for the Christmas tree to be put up in the main office. We obliged with a bone painted with Dylan's name.

It was a fun day and possibly the last Christmas we will have with Dylan.

The Seeing Eye Dogs and a Drowsy Parade

2016-12-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

Dylan spent a week up at GDA. They want us to do this for longer periods of time so the dogs get used to staying up there and aren't shocked when they are left up there for 8 months going through formal training. She also was one of many dogs in her age group, 16 to 18 months, to have their eyes dilated and checked for any issues they might have. Its kind of important that guide dogs for the blind have good eye sight. The puppy raisers were asked to put on blindfolds to simulate a blind person sitting in a waiting room with their dogs.

Next!

Dylan... "Is this almost over?

Luckily, it wasn't a real bright day so there wasn't much squinting by the dogs as they emerged from the kennel with their pupils dilated. Dylan passed with flying colors.

The following Saturday, our South Bay Puppy Raisers participated and walked in the Downey Christmas parade. This was our second parade and the 18th for the South Bay group. We took Dylan last year when she was only 6 months. Actually, she was a week shy of six months, but they let us walk in it anyway. They stress that the puppies need to be at least six months old to participate in any of these big events. In last years parade, we were number 25 in the parade lineup. With more than 90 different groups, bands, twirlers, dignitaries and such, going off early was a good thing...even for the dogs.

Morgan and Dylan at 6 months during last years Downey Christmas parade.

This year, we had a slight snafu regarding our entry and we were placed 81st out of 100 groups.

Arriving at our staging area.

Ready to roll.

To make matters a bit more trying for us was Dylan had been given an anti-itch medication while she was up at GDA. One pill twice a day, morning and night. Its sort of like Benadryl, the drowsy kind. The morning of the parade I gave Dylan her pill, which I never do as Chris is the nurse. However, I failed to mention this until I saw Chris giving Dylan her pill as I was shouting, NO WAIT...too late! She got a double dosage of her meds. Calling vets all around, we finally were told she would be fine, just a bit drowsy.

A bit sleepy with Avery

Needless to say, we had a sleepy puppy up in Downey. But it kind of worked out, because our neighbor's daughter, Avery, had made a Santa hat for Dylan. She could have cared less that something was sitting on top of her head. Plus, she was the hit of the parade with her cute Santa hat and garland trimmed vest.

A bit spaced, but looking good.

The days are counting down for our time with Dylan. She is scheduled to go into formal training in February. I have to say that in the beginning it seemed like 18 months was an eternity. Raising and socializing her to be ready for her next move, we felt like this was never going to happen. Just two months left. We are hoping she brings love, sunshine and trust to her new owner. Also, secretly hoping that just maybe, Dylan changes her mind about this guide dog thing.

Schmoozing with OCFA

2016-11-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since my last post. Dylan is still progressing toward her goal of becoming a guide dog. Also, while I have been absent from posting, Chris received an offer to work part-time for the OCFA. (that's Orange County Fire Authority). Working occasionally from home but also attending classes, keeping the firefighters up on their immunizations and various other duties, it has offered her a chance to take Dylan along to the fire houses she visits.

While attending a class being taught by another nurse educator, Dylan sat in with Chris and was somewhat of a hit of the class. I know, hard to believe, right?

Dylan hanging with the firefighters

And, although the class was stimulating for them, Dylan found a comfortable spot and decided to dream doggy dreams.

What class?

Waking just long enough to see if she could garnish anymore attention.

Am I going to be tested on this?

Leaving class, she could not help but get just a bit more firefighter love.

That's right, I'm cute...

As I mentioned, Dylan is doing very well in her training and time is running short for us to keep our girl. But, that can wait for now. Coming up is the Downey Christmas Parade which we will march in and the opening of a new building on the Sylmar campus.

And finally, there is still time to purchase your Guide Dogs of American 2017 Calendar in time for Christmas gift giving. Only $10 with all proceeds going to GDA. Just let me know and I'll get the calendars to you. Free shipping is included and supplies are limited.

How could you resist...

Lifting the Cone and Watching Chess

2016-11-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Well it's been two weeks since Dylan got spayed. You would never know it by her actions. After the first few days of being groggy, we kept her "cone of shame" on for a few more days. Then it was like nothing ever happened. We weren't able to go to the graduation as it was just 5 days after her surgery, but I think we could have gone and she would have been fine.

Late last week, we took her to see her first movie. Trying to pick a movie that's not too loud, not too long and doesn't have any animals or barking dogs in it was a challenge. We discovered months ago that Dylan will bark at our TV screen whenever there is an animal shown or if she hears an animal, even if it's not a dog. So we picked The Queen of Katwe. It's a great movie and a true story about an Uganda girl who becomes a Chess Master. No guns, no barking dogs or roaring Lions. It was a bit long, 2 hours, but she laid down on the floor and just chilled the entire time. And, as it was the first showing of the day, no popcorn was on the floor when we got there. That is until Chris dumped hers on the floor and then it was a free-for-all. That dog can suck up more food quicker than you can say, NO!

Going in to see her first movie.

Our next experiment is to take her on a plane. Maybe a short trip to S.F with an overnight stay. I wonder if that's tax deductible? Anyway, hopefully we'll be going some time this month.

The latest word is we will be turning Dylan in sometime in February. Can't believe she has been with us since August of 2015. We have learned so much and it's been fun sharing her adventure.

Buckets of Shame

2016-10-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

After returning Monday from our out of town visit up north, we drove up to Sylmar on Tuesday afternoon to pick up Dylan. Her kennel stay included her being spayed. We arrived around 2:30 in the afternoon and were told she was still sleeping from the anesthetic and it would be about 20 minutes before we could take her home. When she did come out she was a bit groggy, to say the least, and could hardly stand. And of course she was wearing that, "cone of shame" collar.

Groggy after surgery

It seems all the GDA puppy raisers call it that, not because their dogs are to be shamed for being operated on. But because the dogs hang their heads down and it looks like they are ashamed of how this silly cone makes them look.

She got home and we placed her in her crate so Bailey wouldn't bother her and want to play, although any chance of Dylan playing was between "forget about it and none"!

Out for the count. Bailey wondering what's up?

She came home with some meds and ointment for a rash. Seems she always picks up something at the kennel. But this morning she was a bit better and ate some and thanks to our area leaders Nancy and Brian, we were able to put a soft cone on her that allows two things. It doesn't kill you when she runs into you and she doesn't clank into everything while she's walking.

Really! I gotta wear this thing?

One dog we saw while up north visiting Paul and Robyn had no shame. He would walk around with an orange bucket in his mouth. Say hello to Axel...whom we met at the Sunset Magazine Center in Napa.

With Paul and Robyn

and Axel!

As much as you tried, he would not let you take his bucket. And, after you tried removing it, but walking away frustrated because he would not let go ever, he would come up and bump into you with the bucket. Too funny!

So for the next 10 days its easy does it for Dylan and then it will be the home stretch for her until she goes in for formal training.

There is a graduation this Sunday and if you are available, you can come and see the next generation of Guide Dogs. It is free and open to all. Just go to guidedogsofamerica.org for details. (or maybe sign up to be a puppy raiser)

When a Spayed is called a Spade

2016-10-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

We dropped off Dylan today at the kennels in Sylmar. She will be there till Tuesday. During her stay, she will be spayed. I always feel bad leaving her there knowing she is going to have a medical procedure and we won't be around. I believe dogs remember when they go to the vet or someplace where things are done to them. Its like they lose a little trust in you. Can you blame them.

My last post I think I used the wrong spelling for the procedure Dylan is going through. Even my editor missed it.

So I'll report back when we pick her up and let you know how she faired.