P Is For...

Perpetual hope.  Bessie Anne never gives up.  Years ago, my friend Doris and I would take turns driving to town to do our grocery shopping.  She liked to go shopping, and going together made it less onerous for me.  Doris drove a van.  On one hot afternoon when it was her turn, Doris suggested getting a chai latte "for the road" home.  Back at the house, we were unloading my groceries and left the big door in the van open.  Such easy access was an irresistible invitation and Bess got in to check it out.  Getting out, I swear that dog had a blissful expression...and a muzzle covered in whipped cream.  Doris had left her drink open on the console.  Since then, whenever anyone arrives here, no drug-sniffing dog could inspect a vehicle with more intensity.  She'll check out the car before she greets the driver, and I have to explain.  After all this time, Bessie Anne has never given up hope that there might be more whipped cream.

Let a guest walk in the door and Bessie Anne is sure it's a Party and, "Let's start with treats!"  That started as a way to distract her, an incentive and reward for not jumping up on people (a dog trait I do not enjoy).  My great-niece found her way here from southern California yesterday afternoon.  Bess greeted her politely after checking out the car and led the way to the kitchen for a cold beer and a biscuit...and I didn't mix up who got what.  It was a Party!