Come Monday

 Well, Campers, had a pretty different week than usual here at Rancho Juvat.  The Rev was asked if he could officiate a wedding down in Houston.  The Bride and Groom were friends of MBD and he, so he said sure.  The personnel and logistics aspects of the project (AKA Grandkids) required a bit of tweeking. 

So, Mrs J, being the caring person she is, told them that she'd drive over and take care of the grandkids for the rehearsal day, the wedding day and the RTB day.  Unfortunately, since we have 9 animals on the property, I was going to stay and handle their needs.  

It was interesting,  I don't know the last time Mrs J and I have been away from each other for more than a couple of hours.  I gotta admit it was a bit lonely round these parts.  

Spent a lot of time on the computer searching the internet and in so doing learned a thing or two.  Now, I may have told you that I'm a big Jimmy Buffett fan, may he rest in peace.  One of my favorites is also his first hit, Come Monday.  

Did a little research on the background of the song (also known as clicking links on DuckDuckGo).  Seems Mr. Buffett was having a bout with depression.  He hadn't made it big yet but was traveling to various gigs.  His Wife was staying at home.  He had just finished one performance and gone back to his hotel.  According to this article, he was seriously thinking of calling it quits, in the bad way,  But, the lyrics came to him and in the course of the night the song was finished.  And was an overnight hit.  It was released when I finished HS and has been one of my favorites ever since.  Glad things worked out and he changed his mind.  As I said, I like his music.

Unfortunately, he has passed from Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

Damn!

My next most favorite musician is Toby Keith.  I kinda think of him as a Country and Western version of Jimmy Buffett.  His songs are lively and a lot of them are downright funny.

I can't think of one of his songs I don't like, but there is one that is my favorite.

 Unfortunately he also died from Cancer. RIP both of you.

My own personal "Come Monday" with Mrs J in College Station wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped.  Not having any adult supervision within a couple hundred miles seems like it would be a thrill.  Not so much.  

Played quite a few games of "Bloons TD6" on my new iPad. Surfed virtually all the links on Sarge's site (Well those who have posted in the last month or so anyhow).  Had a Steak and Baked Potato dinner the first night, and a Pork Chop and potato salad the next night.  Tried to finish up the Book Box Christmas Gifts, but couldn't get the rubber edge trim to look right.  

 

That's one of Mrs J's talents, so I waited until she got back.  

My big requirement was caring for the animals.  The two horses, Cabernet and Merlot are my usual routine so no big deal, hay and grain morning and evening.  The two cats, Schmedley and MouseKa are also no big deal,  Kibble in the bowl and water in the gravity waterer.  

The five dogs however...

As mentioned here, 80% of them are generally calm, quiet and well behaved.  Gryndll, however, seems to be changing the rules and attempting to seize power over, initially, the other dogs.  But I can see it in his eyes.  He wants to rule Rancho Juvat and all it's occupants.

First indication of this is any food in sight is his, at least, in his mind.  The cat's food is safe for now as they're behind closed doors in the master suite.  The horse's are also safe being in the barn/paddock.  The other dog's food as well as the human food however...

We've achieved a temporary victory in the battle of the dog food.  Each of the dogs is put into a separate room with the door closed.  Other than scratch marks on the doors (Beans, on the inside, they want out, on the outside, Gryndyll want's in) this seems to be working. So we'll see how this ends.

The human food is another issue.  As mentioned elsewhere, I am the cook.  I like to try new dishes and I enjoy the cooking process.  Mrs J seems to like the results so...so be it.  However, I am notorious for turning my back on a plate of something as I'm doing  a different preparation.

Yep, the first clue that I screwed up is a munching sound behind me.  Son of a Bitch! (Literally, so not cussing.)

Just got to have more situational awareness of the location of the canine foe in the battle space.  Probably need to invite Sarge down here to install some Radar and RHAW gear.

Or something.

Finally, we've been putting the GP's outside at night.  Gryndlyll barks which irritates Atticus who barks.  Usually this occurs right outside our bedroom window.  While Mrs J was away, this happened both nights.  Little to no sleep.  This morning, I logged on to Amazon and took the advice of several commenters from the aforementioned post.

The Bark Collar is supposed to be delivered tomorrow.

We'll see how Gryndyll likes it.

And...Since yesterday (Sunday) was Mrs. J's Birthday and another decade in the record books, we opened one of my Dad's Pinot Noirs.  I'd inherited them when he passed.  Never could bring myself to open one.  Got past that hurdle, finally.

 Man, was it good! Even for a Monday!

Peace out y'all