The craziness continues.

Colleges have reopened, and within the first two weeks positive COVID-19 cases have escalated.  College students simply must have those off-campus parties to celebrate their entry into “adulthood.”

Government authorities are threatening to scale back reopening.  Although another lockdown is not anticipated at this time, I personally have become a little more cautious about going into public places such as grocery stores.  Last weekend, I went shopping and it was a little unnerving to see all those young people (and their parents) pushing carts filled with dorm room supplies through the parking lot – many without masks, or with masks hanging under their chins (only once out of the store, of course – the stores are still requiring that customers wear masks inside).  One such group was parked right behind me; I stayed in my vehicle until they loaded up and left.

I’m beginning to wonder if it’s wise now to purchase take-out food since many of the restaurants employ college students.  Do I really need that fish fry?  Maybe it’s time to return to eating only food that I’ve cooked myself. That’s the right way, of course.  So much safer and healthier.

But sometimes I just want those greasy, crispy french fries that only restaurants can make.

[sigh]

Meanwhile, life goes on.

One family member is closing on a new home today.  I keep checking the County Clerk website to see if the deed is on record yet.  Hubby and I offered to help her move over the weekend, but she declined.  Apparently, she has a lot of help already from her fiancé, his family, and friends.  I guess we’ll see the new house once they’re settled in a few weeks.  Can’t wait – it’s out in the country, nestled on over 12 acres of treed land.  My camera finger is twitching.

Another family member has decided she wants a dog (is that crazy, or what?).  Because of COVID, the shelters no long allow people to simply walk in and pick out a dog.  Now, appointments are required – and the first appointment available was the middle of September.  Most likely, the pup she saw on the website will no longer be there when the appointment rolls around, and judging by the lack of dogs available through other rescue sites, puppies and young dogs are in short supply at the moment.  Local AKC  breeders do not have any pups of the kind she wants, and future litters are already spoken for.

Did everyone suddenly decide they needed a dog while on shutdown?  Sure looks like it.

And the prices for dogs, purebred and rescues, has skyrocketed.  I couldn’t believe my eyes – almost $500 for a mixed breed whose history is unknown?!  Pet quality purebred dogs from qualified breeders are $1500-$2500, sometimes more?!  Yikes.

Finally, we found a German Shepherd breeder several hours away who has puppies that will be ready for new homes in October.  They’re not cheap, but having owned Riggsie (my purebred black German Shepherd), I know the cost is reasonable.  Besides, the family member and her beau will have a couple of nice trips out of town to see and pick out their new puppy, and then later to bring the puppy home.  And the breeder is in wine country!  Nothing like a nice wine-tour side trip!  Wish I could go with them.  I offered.  Again I was declined,

What is it with these girls and their boyfriends that they don’t want an old lady like me tagging along?

[sigh]

Meanwhile, Puppy Cody and I are enjoying my day off.  More or less.  Not going anywhere, just doing laundry and chores, but the weather is gorgeous.  Perhaps later I’ll take a book outside and read while Cody searches for bunnies and squirrels.

Maybe in a couple of months, Cody will have a new doggy cousin to play with in Cody’s big fenced-in yard.  After all, one can never have enough mud and doggy hair in the house.  If I let them both  into the house – there will be that new kitchen floor to consider.

So much excitement these days!  I can hardly contain myself.

Happy Friday, everyone.  If you’re here in the good old U.S.A., enjoy the upcoming Labor Day! (safely, of course)

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Images by Cordelia’s Mom/TeddyRosalieStudio