VagabondJeep.Com
O|||||O Bernie and Dave
Jeep, Jeep. Beep, beep.
Dave makes lists. “Lists are the greatest thing since paper and pen,” he says. Then he laughs like it's the first time he's ever said that. All I can do is try to keep him out of trouble.
We have three Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro™ cargo boxes. They do a fantastic job for us. One for clothes, a second for the pantry, and a third for the kitchen, leaving room for overflow from the pantry. One list of contents for each box. It’s no good being surprised when you can’t find your left-handed, gold plated, bougie coffee grinder. Dave has Folgers™, and a Stanley® French press. It doubles as a boiling pot. They’re on the list.
We’re planning a big trip to Arkansas in a few weeks to see the total eclipse on April 8th. This will be my second eclipse trip with Dave. Read Bernie the Eclipse Chaser. We've spent nights planning where we might best see the eclipse, what the weather might be, and is there any place that won't be crowded.
So, I help pack. Before anything goes into the boxes, it must get my “Wet-Nosed Seal of Approval.” Dave chuckles, then says, “Das ist nicht für deine schnauzen gepoken,” It’s German, I think. He was in Germany for two tours when he served in the Army. Maybe he made it up. Some places, my nose does not belong. That’s about all I can figure.
This weekend's trip was to Clemson, South Carolina. It was our third year walking for Service Dogs for Veterans in the Puppies and Patriots 5K. Dave came in third in his age group and dead last overall. That was a slip from last year's finish of first in his age group, and dead last overall. Dave is at the age that whatever age group you are in matters. He blames the competition.
Service Dogs for Veterans found me in a shelter at Greenville County Animal Care, just in time. I was about to be “institutionalized.” They paired me with Dave over two years ago. Service Dogs for Veterans, SD4V, trained Dave and me for about nine months until he finally caught on. He tries hard. Now, we’re a service dog team. I help Dave mitigate his P.T.S.D. symptoms, and he keeps the food bowl full. He’s a bit tardy sometimes, but then he’ll say, “I don’t feel tardy.” He'll laugh, like there was something funny.
For everyone that supported us and sponsored us, Dave and I are so happy that you believe in this cause too. Thank you. I'm sure Service Dogs for Veterans appreciates you, as well
Vardo has an awning now. It is an Outdoor Vehicle System 270 LT Awning. We're looking forward to telling you all about it, after we've lived under it for a couple of weeks. Dave is already compiling a list of superlative adjectives.
Near home base, Dave and I walk down and up the road, and often walk a block or two. One block here is about a mile around. He says that next year, we’re going pro. Hmm, a professional 5K walker? I’ve never heard of such, but we sure do walk a lot. I must get Dave trained up. He tries hard.
Walking, we say “hi” to the cows, goodnight to owls, and we’ve even been chased by a surfeit of skunks. (I had to look that up.) Dave carefully selected a few words for the lot of them. Things are not boring, but then again, these aren’t city blocks.
Collecting memories. Thank you for riding with us.
VagabondJeep.Com
O|||||O Bernie and Dave
Jeep, Jeep. Beep, beep.