Cole and I are back in San Jose. We are in a hotel, and Piper (the dog) is with us. Our room is spacious and the hotel package comes with daily complimentary breakfast and dinner. And if I don’t look too closely, and if I don’t acknowledge the taste of tin in the beans and enchiladas, I am happy and grateful to have the spacious room and food to eat. It’s all in how you look at it, right?!
The last time we were up here Dr. Zhu wanted Cole to keep the needles in his scalp until bedtime (at the very least), but Cole wasn’t comfortable going back to the house, of my god parents, with needles still intact. And I confess, I proclaimed that I didn’t want to be a part of the removal process. So it worked out that the doctor removed them just before we left the clinic, thus Cole and my inhibitions were catered to, and we did not have to rise to yet another occasion. But that is not the case this time. Being that we are in a “hotel” (I use the word loosely, only because it reminds me more of a motel–though the staff are very kind), Cole decided to give it a go…and who am I to get in the way of progress!? So just a few moments ago, after ingesting my free meal, I removed the needles. WHEW!!
By the way, we both survived. …just a few drops of blood!
Having Piper with us has been interesting. We went first to Sacramento so we could attend the memorial service of my Aunt Hilda on Saturday. My mom graciously agreed to house us all for the 2 days we were there. She allowed Piper to take over her house as well as utilize her back yard. Then we came to the “hotel”. Piper is adjusting, but not having an enclosed yard is trying–for her and for me. In fact, I need to wrap up this post because I need to take ‘her majesty’ out to do her business before we all turn in. I have been on the mad search for an enclosed dog park so our little lady can go off leash for a time (she’s not used to doing her “main business” on leash), and thanks to my connections in the bay area (Stacey), I know where to go when tomorrow comes.
Uh oh, Cole just asked me if I smell cigarette smoke. Yes I do. The “hotel” is non-smoking, but that is all a matter of PERSPECTIVE! So Cole and I (and Piper too) are deciding to like the smell of stale. second-hand smoke wafting down the hallway. At least we don’t have carpeted floors. In fact, I am sitting on the couch typing and there is a full length mirror in front of me. I have just told my mirror-image that it’s a good time for a walk. So ciao for now.
Cole and Piper on the couch in our hotel--needles still in!
living in loss and gratitude 
You are right its all about attitude but a large jar of PB&J sounds like it might be in order. Hope the progress this trip is just a much as last time you were up there. Also hope Piper adjusts to her major business tethered by way of leash to you. She seems pretty intuitive and accommodating so I bet she will get it and comply.
PB&J are on board, and the dog park was just what Piper needed! 😉
everything you want – trails, restaurants, etc.
http://dogtrekker.com/Destination/santa_clara
loved hangin’ with you both!
~ greg-e
Thank you for getting this link to me again…I need it! Loved hanging out with you as well.