Author: d.j. posner

Dirty Rotten Shame

Oh, how I struggle with Pearl Bailey and her incessant desire to be one with any pile of dirt she encounters. Now, that being said, I still endeavor to keep her clean. But I confess to you, I’m a failure at that task, Pearl Bailey sees to that! It is not because she doesn’t understand, believe me, she knows! Owning an intelligent dog is a not only a challenge, in this case it is very tricky! Miss Pearl Bailey is one smart dame.

It rained steadily last night, so when I let her out this morning I knew fully well that I was taking a big gamble. Even through my morning fog, I held strict discourse with her — ‘don’t go near the mulch beds, don’t get into any puddles, do your business and come right back in’. Out she went tearing down the steps in a burst of speed envied by any Indy car driver. Ten minutes later she appeared on the deck, nose pressed against the sliding glass door looking much like a Dalmation. Rotten scoundrel!

With only a half a cup of coffee down my gullet, and exasperated for the tenth time this week (and it is only Wednesday), I ran to get some dog towels to rectify the results of her scatheful behavior.

Some things just never change!

The Golden Hour

I looked up from my book this evening as the light in the room grew dimmer. From the windows surrounding me, I saw the softest most alluring light emanating from the dwindling sinking sun. It was golden, spreading over all its illuminated images, draping them like gilt. I was riveted and compelled to pause and let that golden light fall over me, too.

As I crossed the room headed for the door, the clock told me it was 8:23 pm. I stepped outside onto the porch and was quickly engulfed in the splendor of the sky. Yet, it was the light that was so transfixing. It was lustrous and promising. It somehow was marked by peace and a future of prosperity. A golden opportunity.

Alas, it was fleeting as is with most illuminating events. I walked back into the house and checked the sunset guide for Latitude 27, it had the sun sinking at 8:27 pm, the clock agreed.

A friend stopped by a short while later boasting of a full rainbow over the causeway. I didn’t see it, but I believed it. Photographers call this the Golden Hour, it certainly was that!

Contemplating her next move…

This is how I found Pearl Bailey this morning, apparently exhausted from her tussle with Pink Octopussy. One look at the marrow bone in line tells me it will become her next prey.

The house is quiet now with a light rain falling outside. These pregnant clouds prevent our resident diva from frolicking outside in her tropical Shangri-La. All this lends to her becoming bored and wanting to seek out another worthy and unassumed victim.

I am going to let her sleep for now while I enjoy my morning coffee. I am sure by day’s end she will have provided me with enough fodder for at least another chapter!

‘Ella Bella’ Wants Press Too!

Meet Ella Fitzgerald, also known in this household as Harry Barker. She is a rascal, delightful in many ways, but a true scamp at heart.

Even though a sturdy breed, Ella takes the wrap for a lot of things around here, Pearl Bailey sees to that! They are perfect partners in crime these two. Ella is a timorous soul, a bit afraid of her own shadow at times, so she is content in letting Pearl Bailey take the lead. It is apparent to me, however, that Ella still has not figured out that Pearl Bailey is hanging her out to dry!!

I tried to explain to Ella about yesterday’s Milk Bone caper, but she just cocked her head and stared back from that adorable face of hers (that is when I captured this shot!) I don’t think my message rang true with her.

Funny how one dog can react to you and another will remain motionless. With Pearl Bailey, I can say most anything ~ I could recite the Gettysburg Address, read her a recipe, scold her, sing to her, have a conversation of great length – and she would get it all!

With Ella, however, you just never know!

Day’s End

I am fortunate to live on an island. It is about as peaceful a life as one could hope for, and I did hope for this life many times over throughout my days on earth. Regardless, I am here now and thankful.
I captured this photo as the sun was sinking down signaling day’s end. It put me in mind of the languid days spent on my Dad’s sailboat in the Chesapeake Bay, but it also put me in mind of the folks directly across this beautiful Gulf who are now knee-deep in flood waters, the calling card left behind by Hurricane Barry.

The memory evoked by the setting sun, as well as the true concern I hold for my neighbors in Texas and Louisiana – all these feelings seemingly were presented to me this evening for a purpose. Perhaps to not only remind me where I came from, but to also clarify exactly where the island life I sought is leading me…

I am receiving these thoughts with a grateful heart.

Death by Dog Bones

OK, so don’t be horrified, Pearl Bailey is fine. Even though her overdose on Milkbones left her rendered temporarily immobile, she’s fine … and back to her daily pursuit of devouring lizards as appetizers, believe me and don’t be fooled!

For those of you who have ever owned a retriever, you know this type of food obsession is common place. Retrievers are chow-hounds. They never miss a meal. In this instance, Pearl Bailey, having been bored out of her mind with the torrential rains of late, took it upon herself to seek out a satisfying between meal snack. Now mind you, the Milkbones were not really in an accessible place. In fact, it would have taken quite a bit of acrobatic agility for a dog to reach them. But that would only be true of other dogs, not Pearl Bailey. This demon dame is a regular Houdini! And one that can not be trusted under any circumstance.

Anyway, this is how I found her – in Carb-Overload and dreaming of something fantastic. I shook her out of her coma with words of “…what’s this all about?” She simply raised her head and spoke to me with her eyes, ‘It wasn’t me,’ she said, ‘It was Ella…’. Exasperated, I walked away shaking my head in dismay. Children!

Tropical blow, Wet dogs & Mavis Staples!

Living in a tropical climate can be both deeply gratifying and down right exasperating. It seems to me the past 96 hours favor the latter. It’s been raining for days down here on southwest Florida’s Suncoast, our islands are drenched and so are my dogs. As you can imagine, even without the benefit of Smell-O-Vision, my house is pungent! There is nothing quite like the aroma of wet dogs!

I am not complaining, I never will when it comes to the Florida climate, but I do look for ways to engage and amuse myself when circumstances such as a dreary overcast and insanely sopping skies present themselves and then linger for days on end. Having reached that point last night, I started channel surfing on the ole’tube.

I landed on a channel just beginning to air a beautiful 80th birthday tribute to one of my most favorite performers, Mavis Staples. I am certain most of my readers are familiar with Mavis, her career having begun way back in the 1950’s when she performed within her family group, The Staple Singers. Her legendary career, spanning more than 65 years, lists accolades too long to mention here. But it is her indomitable spirit that is most attractive and alluring. I do not know where such benevolent joy comes from, whether her deep roots in gospel began forming it in her at a young age and now it is ripened, or no…I think not. I believe this kind of pervasive joy is one’s gift given at birth. This diva has certainly taken that gift and served it well. I felt deep satisfaction in my soul watching Mavis’ performance in this wonderful homage, I got lost in that joy she served up. For that is the best part about Mavis, she doesn’t keep the joy she has to herself, she allows it to seep out of every pore and in that regard, reach the masses. That’s the way it is with Joy! it’s contagious!

After spending an hour being mesmerized, I got up and returned to the kitchen, there was a load of freshly dried towels to be folded in wait for the next deluge of drenching rain and wet dog pelts!

Notably: Pearl Bailey is not amused by these weather events either, it puts a ‘crimp in her style’, she says! I’m staying mute on my response to that! I am keeping Joy in my heart instead!

Grab some joy from tonight’s performance featuring Mavis and friends… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dLxmameRQ8

Sittin’ On The Porch

Sittin’ on the Screen Porch…

There is music in the air!

The occasion of being able to sit out on your screen porch in Florida in the summer is rare. But earlier today we had a breeze, after a string of some really hot, humid days. I have a world-class screen porch as screen porches go, it is a serene and refreshing spot. It was while I was in restful repose, the rattling started. At first I was just alerted to the break in silence, then the hairs on my neck began to stand up! A clear sign that Pearl Bailey was up to something.

Note: Owning a devious dog is a challenge, one always has to be on guard. She is a demon.

I shook myself awake. I hollered down to her, “What’s going on down there, Pearl Bailey”. A frantic scratching ruckus began and I jumped up. There was something going down and I thought I’d better get to it before the Professor grew wise. As I approached the french doors, I heard a crash, running down to the deck I see the rain spout hanging down by a thread and Pearl Bailey in a frenzy behind the arecas holding the end of the spout crushed beyond recognition. Oh crap, I thought, how I am going to get around this one?

Now, I’d like to write you a happy ending here, but I can’t … at least not yet. You see the Professor was tied up in the office until sunset so I never uttered a word about it. I said to myself, “Tomorrow is another day, Delilah” and left it at that. I guess tomorrow I will have to spill the beans. Meanwhile, I hope it doesn’t rain tonight!

Dog Days With Pearl Bailey

Pearl Bailey and Me…

by d.j. posner

I have a dog that dreams.  No, I do not mean occasionally, I mean constantly.  When she’s not awake stalking and devouring lizards, she is dreaming.  Now, if you are inclined to believe, this diva has a flair for the dramatic.  The theatrics that accompany her slumbered visions are nothing short of a performance.  She is settled now at my feet, but her yips and yaps have her 2 years old again following that mama rabbit down the warren hole.  She is satisfied with her efforts apparently, as indicated by the smile on her face and her prancing, dancing paws still going strong.  I marvel at the unabashed joy Miss Bailey has within her soul.  She certainly knows how to let go and allow sleep to deliver her some entertainment. 

Yesterday, I took her to the Bank.  She seriously thinks the drive-up window is a cookie machine.  I put in money and the drawer comes back out with a piece of white paper and a cookie for the prima donna.  I suppose the idea of this formula is appealing to her, because as soon as I say “I’ll be back, I’m running to the Bank” Pearl Bailey is hot on my heels. The antics of this canine are a constant reminder that as her guardian I need to be on my toes at all time!

It’s nearing day’s end here on the island, a soft rain has been falling for hours.  I am sure our resident actress would be delighted to meet face-to-face with one of the new puddles that have formed, but she will have to wait, I just had the house cleaned!  Jeez, Pearl Bailey – give it a day, would ya’?