New home

Smokey loves being a country dog. The darkness is a stark contrast to the constant buzz of city street lights. And quiet. At night not a sound other than a frog croak or cricket chirp. Gone are the hospital sirens, car doors slamming and occasional gun shot. Our new home has a screened porch overlooking a pond. There are weeping willows along the bank. About 100 yards from our front door is a boat ramp with marsh access. With one small road leading to this area Smokey has the privilege of running off leash. Earlier this week he met two Black Labradors who live nearby. They jumped and ran together..... for a 86 pound Labradoodle life does not get any better than this.

My favorite part of our new life is the in-ground neighborhood pool. It is surrounded by over sized deck chairs, tables with large umbrellas, oyster roasting open fireplace and grill any man would salivate over. The shallow end is zero entry with jets of water that shoot up, indeed fun for the little ones.

If I swim from one end to the other I think it is about 20 yards. Not exactly regulation but you cannot beat swimming under the sun (or moon) walking distance from my house. The water is gentle and healing for my sore hips and back. Almost like magic the sore spots melt away after floating and stretching in the water. I am still wearing a normal swimsuit but the boobs and belly are pulling tight. I wonder if the baby is learning to to love the motion in the water?

Two nights ago my swim was shared with a large frog. Apparently he found the pool most delightful as well. Lap swimming with my goggles on I could see how graceful he moved through the water. A big frog kick, glide, kick, glide, kick, glide. And funny, there were noticeably fewer little critters buzzing over the water surface.