Gracie & Me #6: Bob Barker Told Me to do It

     "Gracie! C'mon down!" I remember a summer in 1980 when I worked for my uncle Jimmie at his New Mexico ranch. I lived in the ranch hands house. It was a lil' square house, three bedrooms, one bath, an old fashioned kitchen, eating area, living area, but NO air conditioning. The lil' house was surrounded by a chain link fence because it literally sat in the middle of a pasture at a horse ranch. If we didn't have the fence, we'd have horses at the front door. In fact, a horse bit off my VW Rabbit's antenna.
     I remember a young guy named Troy from anywhere USA, but mostly I remember Rudolph, the illegal from Mexico. Back in those days, we called him a 'wetback.' We probably can't call him that today.
     My uncle Jimmie's ranch, 21-miles west of Tucumcari along I-40 in Montoya, NM, was hot in the summer... Very hot. We'd go home for lunch and siesta and watch The Price is Right with Bob Barker.

Bob Barker/The Price is Right

   
     Rudolph would prep his part for lunch. I can still see him heating up tortillas on the old, white electric stove top, the type with the circular burners. We'd roll 'em up with everything from this, that and the other thing. Then, we'd each get our chairs and watch Bob Barker and The Price is Right! with Bob Barker. The host ended every show with "Protect the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered." Rudolph probably doesn't remember. He ate more than he watched as he didn't speak English.

     This is where Gracie enters the blog. We didn't expect Gracie on our front porch. We sure didn't expect her to adopt us. And while we are  grateful for Gracie, we definitely don't want any little Grace's'. So, we pulled the trigger.

Gracie Goes to the Vet/June 2019

     The picture at left is Gracie going to see our friend Dr. Church. He's an Aggie, but a good Aggie.
     What you need to know about the picture is this. Gracie typically rides in the back of my truck when we go from home to the ranch. But she jumps out at every stop, so I put her in the backseat when I take her golfing. So bless her heart, she immediately 'loaded up' in the backseat yesterday morning probably thinking she was going golfing where she runs and swim and runs and swims and runs and swims.

     Her first clue should've been that Teresa was riding with us. Teresa normally does not go to the golf course with me. Her second clue might have been when we drove by the course, specifically hole #6. It's a log Par-4 with out of bounds all down the left hand side. Bogey is a good score. If you're putting for par, you're pleased. It's got a crazy green because it's an optical illusion. The green appears to break uphill. You think it should go left, but the ball rolls to the right.  Gracie was looking out her window when we passed Hole #6. I wonder if the following was going on....
     Gracie: "There it is! There it is! Let me out! Let me out! Wait... wait... wait... WHERE ARE YOU GOING HUMAN?! You're passing my favorite place."

     By the time we got to the corner, Gracie was laying back down. If she could talk, I suspect it was.. "Uh oh. Where are we going?"

Blame Bob, not me Gracie/Snyder, 2019

     The picture to the right is Gracie and me walking into the West Texas Animal Clinic off U.S. Hwy 84, about three or four miles from Snyder's square. Like I said, Dr. Church is an Aggie, but with a quick sense of humor and a kind heart. Back in the day when he'd come into the deli, he'd have a BLT. Normally, he just says "Hey Bill" and I reply "Hiya doc.'
     What you can't see in this static picture is that Gracie was just fine walking to the door. But once we hit the threshold, I think she realized she was at the doctor's office. She pretty much dug in her feet as soon as her nose hit the invisible shield at the door frame.

     We dropped off Gracie yesterday. She had her surgery today. We pick her up tomorrow. Teresa's said more than once, "I wonder how Gracie's doing." I tell her, "She's safe and cared for." My hope is to write an update very soon.

     As for the other principles in this writing, I haven't seen Troy since August 1980. I heard that Rudolph got deported for back child support. And as for the KING of the game shows, Bob Barker, 'C'MON DOWN!!!"

Bill Robertson
Next: Gracie's release. Teresa thinks she'll be a Conehead.


   

Gracie & Me #5: Gardening with Gracie & Martin

     I'm flummoxed as to what should be the lead sentence for this particular blog. After all, the blog's title is "Gracie & Me." So, it seems appropriate to begin with something "Gracie-ish.". I guess what I can honestly post is that I've never been the type who puts pets, a.k.a. animals, above human beings.
     I just can't cross that threshold. I love my children far more than I'll ever love Gracie. But now that I'm a devoted canine's Human, and I think for the very first time I'm experiencing that pet loyalty that's fodder for so much more than this blog, I can temper my previously vocal disdain for what I, up until very recently, considered unrealistic behavior regarding commitment to pets versus people. (Whew! How's that for a run-on sentence? Can you tell we've been binge watching "The Crown" on Netflix?)

Gracie @ WRP/Snyder, TX

     At first blush, Gracie looks like a Lab, "America's Family Dog," in fact the dog I've always wanted to follow me around, sleep on the foot of the bed and just be. But the truth is, Gracie's a stray, a mutt, a mix. She's like Heinz 57. If it weren't for Gracie's gentleness and Teresa's insistence, I'm not sure she'd be part of our family like she is now. Don't get me wrong. She's still a dog, an animal. We don't call ourselves mom and dad to her. But, she is our dog now and unless she freaks out on us, she'll get presents at Christmas.

     Another gentle soul who I would've missed if it weren't for Teresa's insistence to 'give him a chance... I see hope in his eyes' is now someone I consider a good friend. He's someone who's leaving our city for more opportunity and our city's going to be worse for his departure. If you live here, you've seen him, probably walking all over town with what he calls "my life." That is ubiquitous, brown backpack.

Martin Edwards/WRP, Snyder TX June '19

     My friend is Martin Edwards. We met one day at our restaurant, The Big Apple Deli. He and his wife, Rachel came in for lunch. Martin didn't hesitate to ask for a job.
     My response because it was the lunch hour and we were busy was honestly not good. It was Teresa who talked me off the ledge.
     Teresa: "That guy asked for a job. I think you ought to talk to him."
     Me: "IT'S THE LUNCH HOUR! Wrong time!"
    Teresa: "Give him an app after lunch. I see sadness in his eyes and hope."

Martin & Gracie/WRP, Snyder TX June '19

     Long story short is, we hired Martin and within days he became our 'right hand man.' We hired dozens and dozens of employees over our eight years, many were absolutely fantastic, but Martin is the one who set the 'incredible employee bar.'
     He's as honest as the day is long. He's as kind as Gracie is gentle. He's as hard working as anyone could ask. And maybe most importantly, he was NEVER late for work.
     Put it this way; If Teresa & I ever go back into business for ourselves, we'll ask Martin if he'd like to be our very first hire.      No doubt about it. If we opened a brain surgery clinic, we'd hire Martin first! If we opened an all you can eat fried chicken and veggies place that serves homemade, ole fashioned 'soda biscuits' like Mrs. Goodwin in Snyder with an unlimited salad like the Wall Street Grill in a place that's open only on Sundays for after church family meals, we'd hire Martin first.

     We're gonna miss Martin. He and Rachel are moving on to Lubbock. We can't blame them. Rachel's moving up the WalMart ladder and Martin deserves a chance to be someone else's right hand man.
     I hope whoever visits with Martin will see what Teresa convinced me to see in him and in Gracie. That is, don't judge a book by it's cover. Read a few pages. Give it a chance.

Bill Robertson
Next, sorry Gracie. We're only following Bob Barker's advice.

   
   

Gracie & Me #4: Gracie Goes Golfing & the Littliest Cowpokes!

     I'm eating crow and strangely enough... It's not that bad if it's cooked right.😀 I'm eating crow because until very recently I absolutely hated dogs on the golf course.
     My frustration began when I began playing golf again, mostly at our county course. Besides a laundry list of golf etiquette violations that rub/rubbed me the wrong way, the biggest frustration is/was people bringing their dogs with them while the humans golfed.
     One golfer in particular brings his little dog that barks and barks and barks. My golf game is consistently inconsistent. So the last thing I need when I'm trying to drive, chip or putt is a yipping dog that I can hear literally ALL OVER THE COURSE!!!😝

     But now, that's all changed because of our new dog, Gracie. I took her with me to the course last week. I really didn't know what to expect from her. So, I played early with my regular golfing buddy Marvin Morrell, now officially nicknamed "Uncle Marv." Take a look and turn up the volume because this is how it went.

     It really wasn't as chaotic as the video makes it look. The worst part was when Gracie & I first arrived. She ran and smelled. Then, she ran and smelled some more and some more and some more. But within about 15-minutes, Gracie calmed down and hung out with me on the putting green.

Gracie Golfing/Scurry Co. Golf Course

     Uncle Marv and I always play only nine holes. We start on number one, which should be an easy Par five. Usually, we make a mess of it but I think we both believe the next eight holes will be easy birdies. But as it usually turns out most times, they're not easy bogies much less birdies.😂
     Anyway, Gracie was great. Sure, she ran when we took off in our carts. But when we got ready to tee-off or play a shot, she stopped and even took proper position, that is behind the player about to take his/her swing.
     Seriously, there was a time when we were teeing off. I think it was on number three, a very long par three, slightly uphill to a left to right slopping green. Gracie was hanging out directly in my target line. I said, "Gracie, go back to Uncle Marvin." And, she did!          Ladies and gentlemen, this dog is a stray that showed up on our porch. She doesn't yip, jump or have any other bad habits besides a little chair chewing. And NOW.... she knows where to stand on the golf course! Call me crazy, but Gracie might be the perfect pet!!!

Youth Play Day/Scurry Co. Rodeo Grounds

     One of the better things about getting older is having time to really enjoy the good stuff. And it turns out, watching the grandkids do their thing is definitely a good thing.
     Our six year old granddaughter Halli loves riding horses and she wants to RODEO!😃 She has a lil' horse named "Bliss" and this is their first summer to participate in our area's "Play Day."
     I know it sounds like something my mom did with my little brother, Peter, and the other neighborhood mothers, but this is a lot more than that. It revolves around kids, horses, families, competition and a LOT of sunscreen and bug spray.

Cody, Halli & Bliss/Scurry Co. Rodeo Grounds

   
     Gobs of kids are there and even more adults. The kids are separated into age groups and compete in three categories; Barrels, Poles and Flags. The bigger kids are fast and furious. The little ones like Hal aren't so fast as they are determined.
     Here's the visual: Halli's little. Bliss is about 15-hands. Hal's saddle is tiny. Her feet in stirrups might go down to half of Bliss's body. But still, Hal's determined to get Bliss moving. Hal's not wearing spurs. So, she's gotta kick to get Bliss going. Her legs are too short to squeeze, which is what she'll ultimately learn starts and stops a horse.

Halli & Bliss/Snyder Co. Rodeo Grounds

     So, she kicks and kicks and kicks. But her little legs really don't go anywhere. Imagine that you are standing with your arms hanging at your side. Now, flap your hands. That's what it looks like when a little six year tries to propel a 15-hand horse into locomotion. It's priceless to see up close and personal. It's absolutely perfect!
     I think if the horse, Bliss, could talk she'd say: "Hang on Lil' one. I got this. It isn't my first rodeo." I suspect if Halli could talk to Bliss that she'd say,"THAT IS SO MUCH FUN!"

     It's fun to feel young enough to take Gracie golfing with Uncle Marv. It's a lot more fun to be old enough to see and hear the fun of these Littliest Cowpokes.

     FORE and GIDDY-UP!

Bill Robertson
Next, Gracie the Gardner and my friend Martin!

   

   

Gracie & Me #3: We go to Taos, Gracie goes to camp & Mom's Gall Bladder

     Boy oh boy, a lot's happened since my last blog. Starting with our new dog, Gracie, it's been a whirlwind.
     I left off in my last blog with the story behind Gracie getting her name. She's apparently taken a 'shine' to it as she does come and stay when commanded. You know, "Gracie come!" or "Gracie stay!"
     Before I go on, I still gotta tell ya that I can't believe this dog's incredibly good demeanor and behavior. It's really got me stumped. The vet told us that she was barely one year old. I can't think of a single dog I've ever had that at that age wasn't bouncy, jumpy, chewy, messy and practically all but impossible. Gracie is absolutely none of those adjectives. None!

Golfing w/ Gracie/Scurry Co. Golf Club

     The picture at the right was when I recently took Gracie golfing, which was an adventure. I'll get to that sooner or later. But first, let me tell you about our trip to Taos and Gracie's trip to Canine Camp.
     We'd planned a long weekend in the New Mexico mountains many, many months, at least weeks, before Gracie pounced on our porch. We didn't want to back out of our plans but we had to find a safe place for our new dog. Long story short is, Gracie went to a boarding house in Snyder and we went to Taos.

     The Canine Camp (klip'n k-9's) was at first crazy traumatic. Thank goodness I had Gracie on a leash. We walked in. A Doberman puppy kept barking and barking and barking. Gracie didn't like it and "Remi" the barking Dobie gave me a headache. The whole time I was thinking; 'This is a bad idea. I'm never gonna get out of here." But, I gotta give kudos to the "klip'n k-9's" operator. She took charge. Got "Remi" to hush. Made Gracie comfortable. And, I got out of there. Bottom line is/was, Gracie was super well cared for and really didn't want to leave when we returned from Taos.

Taos NM/2019

      Taos, GOD's country at 7,000 feet! I bet I haven't been to Taos in 40, maybe 45 years. I don't think Teresa's ever been. We couldn't have been more pleased.
     Our place was an easy walk from the plaza. We'd walk, eat, people watch and walk some more. I dunno if I'd call Taos kid friendly, unless it's ski season. But, it's definitely almost AARP friendly. If you can just slow down a bit, enjoy that amazing blue sky, watch the cool 'granola crowd' and loosen your belt for a gastro-experience, Taos is top shelf.


    We never found Julia Roberts who supposedly has a ranch somewhere in the area, but we did get an eyeful. Our mission was; Eat a big breakfast, get in the car and just drive. Then later, we'd sit and people watch.

Rio Grande River Gorge/Taos, NM

     Isn't it funny that when you get older, you can just relax and be amazed at natural and man made wonders. The Rio Grande River Gorge Bridge is an absolutely show stopper. The picture is small but the sky is incredible and the bridge span is phenomenal. Imagine seeing it in real scale. It was amazing and it's only seven miles from the Taos plaza with a great restaurant on the way.

     If there was nothing man-made in the Taos area, just looking at the mountains, watching the sky and enjoying the crisp high altitude air would be enough. But there are plenty of man-made things to take-in. I'm not necessarily saying take-in and like, but more take-in and appreciate.

Earthships/Taos, NM

     If you want a full dose of 'off the grid,' don't miss the Earthship Biotecture that's just a little further down the highway from the Gorge Bridge.

     Everything at this compound is recycled.... everything! We didn't take the tour because by this time the wind was howling, but we did drop by the Visitor Center. In fact, if we'd taken the tour we would have gotten the senior discount. Woo Hoo!
     I bet Teresa and I could live in an Earthship given it's proximity to Taos, but I don't know if either us have the 'Nature DNA' to help or enjoy any of the construction.

Red River Bike Rally/New Mexico 2019

     We did have 'people watching' overload during our visit. I suppose even a normal weekend would've been fun considering we already know most of the people in Snyder, America.
    But this was Memorial Day Weekend and that meant it was Red River Bike Rally Weekend. I bet for every one four wheel vehicle we saw, there were at least 50-to-75 various versions of motorcycles that roared around us.
      I took the picture to the right because I'd never seen such an exaggerated 'Trike.' By the time we left Taos, we saw dozens of these modified motorcycles. What a time we had in Taos and what a shock we returned to when we got back to reality in Snyder.

Mom's Gall Stone

     We got home. All seemed good and then BAM! Unbeknown to us, mom, a.k.a. Marianne, had been really feeling bad before, during and after our Taos trip.
     We were back at The Windmill Ranch taking care of our regular routine when I got multiple texts from my older sister, Laura. They read something like:
     Laura: "Hey are you aware of the stomach ailments mom's been having the past few days?"
    Me: "I had no idea."

     Long story short is... Mom was in pretty severe discomfort. She drove herself to see her primary physician. We met her there. The doc didn't take long to order a C-T and labs. Both should Gall Bladder issues.
     The rub is/was, that was on a Thursday and into a Friday before the tests returned. My little sister, Julia, came in from Albuquerque for the weekend to help. By Monday morning when mom already had a consult scheduled with a surgeon, she was in more than severe pain. I could show you a picture, but she'd be real pissed.
     Anyway, we didn't wait for the afternoon appointment. We took her to the E-R in the morning and by 3:00pm, she was out of surgery with that giant gall stone as a souvenir. That was the biggest, but she had dozens of more stones.
     Post-op wasn't pretty. M had lots and lots of pain. She got more morphine than I knew anyone could have. In fact, she was eligible for a morphine 'hit' every 10-minutes.
     But GOD is indeed good. By the next morning, she was weaned off the morphine and getting a Tylenol-3 drip. She was a completely different person. The only rub was.... She talked and talked and talked. We couldn't decide if it was the meds or just the fact that she likes to visit.
     Now, we're three days post OP and she's sitting up, lipstick and eyes done and wearing pearls and earrings.
     I wish I could remember the exact prayer I offered over her before they wheeled her through those big swinging doors. I can't. But, I can say ABSOLUTELY everything that I/we prayed for was answered. Absolutely everything!

     So, we got a dog that doesn't jump and an 87-year-old mother/grandmother who feels great. I wanted a dog. I got one. I wanted my mother to be relieved of her pain and discomfort and she is. I prayed about both. I got both. I'm thankful and blessed.

Bill Robertson
Next: I dunno bc every time I think I'm gonna write about something specific it seems I get a strange curveball. If I had to be specific, I'd tell ya... I'm not  in charge.