Miller Time

My first meeting was a hair raising affair. Not so much for me but more for Miller. It was a sunny day late in the afternoon when Louise and I pulled up . The house was a mess . Dilapidated, almost falling in on itself. You could actually see inside from the outside. All I had to say at that point was “ what a great lot”. That was twenty four years ago and things have changed greatly. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you throw money and expertise at something. I have tamed all the critters or at least expelled them to whence they came. I managed to remove the horrific odors and have covered up the wiccan and satanic scribbles in  the basement . Apparently this is where they kept the crazy old aunt. There is nothing that has not been replaced, repaired or treated in some fashion. It is amazing how much can be done with a Bobcat and a dump truck. I have tamed the vast weed field, knocked down the dilapidated pony barn. Removed the remnants of where the pit bull was quartered.

Moved driveways , built cabinets, decks and sheds. It is the deck I come here to speak of in a sideways fashion. As we pulled up to my future home at the end of a beautiful, quiet cul de sac and parked we were greeted by A ferocious beast, all, growling . Hair on his neck all a flair. I believe he was confused for his tail was wagging. I admit he did seem ferocious. I just went on about my business avoiding his growl.

As time went on we moved in and Miller , that was his name , would come a calling. No longer growling but cautiously inspecting . He was a beautiful blonde lab and named after a beer. Who would have thought ? He had the run of the neighborhood and everyone loved him. I came home one day and took a jack hammer to the cul de sac. I planted a tree , installed some rocks and built some benches. At the end of the workday the neighbors would grab a beer and visit here. Of course Miller was there and made sure he would sit on your feet to be thoroughly  petted. There was no denying this dog. I would come from work at differing times and find him sitting patiently on another’s neighbors front step. I believe he kept a strict schedule. He would show up on our back deck at the end of the day and of course we needed to invite  him in. Treats to follow.

This was the most magnificent animal I have ever seen. I miss him so.