Patrick's History: 16 Sept - 22 November

9/16/11	Could my day get any better? My Man got me a real bone!! I really am getting excited about the trip to NYC. They tell me that I have to be careful because people there may want to steal me.  People get wired up when they see me. It is amazing!
9/17/11	I really surprised my Man and Woman last night. I had enough of the crate and wanted to be in their nice comfortable bed. I barked and barked. It took them a while to figure out what I was barking about, but once they knew, all  was in place for a great night’s sleep. This morning, my Man is cooking more treats for me. He wants me to be the best puppy in the world. We are heading to the first class of Puppy School II. I was thrown a curve ball. None of the puppies from my first class were there. I have to adjust to these news ones, all of whom are gigantic! Life can be a struggle at times, but I did relatively well. I would give myself a C and Rick Perry was lucky to get such grades when he was in college!
9/18/11	Great night’s sleep in the big bed, a jog with the old Man and then some rest. It is a good life!
9/19/11	Another great day! I am getting myself psyched about my trip to NYC and Virginia. It’s a big deal for a puppy! I even had a walk with just my Woman. Was that ever great!
9/20/11	It is getting to the point that I am not “progressing”. My Man is waiting for me to be consistent about letting him know when I have a need to pee/poop. I still don’t come each time; I sometimes get distracted, even big-time distracted. They are giving up hope that I will deal with strangers, whether human or canine, with some comfort. They think that they will be able to deal with this o.k.
9/21/11	Same old, same old. Jog, rest, play, eat. Tomorrow is the trip!
9/22/11	Shock and Awe! It is just like coming to Iraq! Wow! this is one awesome place! So far, so good. I am still alive!
9/23/11	Apart from the fact that I still will not leave this place unless carried out, I do o.k. dealing with all the strangers and the noise. Scituate all of sudden appears to be a dreamland compared to this nightmare of noise and more noise. Plus, I was roasting last night in the bed, panting like crazy! However, I am still enduring and they say that this is a great sign of my being totally socialized!
9/24/11	I enjoyed my ride to Virginia. No hassles along the way. When I got to the house, I was really happy because it was so quiet and peaceful. Admittedly, I had to get used to some new people and another dog, but everything was really good.
9/25/11	Many family members came today. I thought that they were there is see me, but it turns out that a new grandchild was the major hit. I still got a lot of attention, so I cannot complain.
9/26/11	This was a most special day. I went onto Susan’s lap all by myself. One would not think that this is a big deal, but it is the first adult outside our immediate family that was so honored!
9/27/11	Our ride back to Brooklyn was without a problem. But, getting used to the noise and the number of people on the sidewalk was another story. It is hard to imagine how long it would take me to become comfortable. The decision to return home that night made me happy.
9/28/11	What a great relief to wake up in Scituate! It was good to be back in familiar territory. The day was great even if not much was done.
9/29/11	There is a general stupor here over what they refer to as the unbelievable collapse of the Red Sox. I am not sure what they mean, but it must be important. I really teed off my Woman when I would not respond to her “come” when I was let out before bed. Not good!
9/30/11	My little friends, Mika and Emi, are coming tonight. I cannot wait. I love having little people around. When they came into the driveway, I went nuts. My enthusiasm scares them; I have to try to calm down, but it is so hard!
10/1/11	Today is the last day with my Man for a week. My Man was totally awed at my performance today at Puppy School II. I did some amazing things, doing commands that the others dogs were not doing. Can you believe it that I was a star at school? My Man is leaving for New Orleans to watch his son, Sean, conduct a trial. I will love having my Woman all by myself.
10/2/11-10/8/11	My Man got back last evening. We are restored to our normal family, Patrick, My Man and My Woman. Perfect!
10/8/11	My Man came back today. I admit that I was not too impressed. I had a terrible day. Since My Woman had to work, I stayed at Sara’s. I have nothing against Sara, but given that they went away, I was in the crate most of the day. How would you feel? At any rate, let’s see what tomorrow brings.
10/9/11	The day started off good. I had a good breakfast, went jogging with My Man and then settled in for a great morning. However, given that the kids get all bent out of shape with some of my jumping, I spent a lot of the morning the crate. One could say that I am a slow learner since I can’t control my impulses even though they lead to my being ostracized! My Man is concerned that I am more in love with My Woman than ever since he has been away last week. He says that he is happy that I love My Woman, but he says that it important that he respect, if not love, him since he will spend more time with me.
10/10/11	Since My Woman is working, I am with My Man and the kids. Everything being equal, it was a good morning, except …. I got into some trouble in the bushes. I came out looking like a miserable wretch, covered with little black things that My Man had to spend a lot of time trying to remove. Wow! What a mess!
10/11/11	Apart from the problem of being distant with My Man and not complying with commands, like “come”, all is good. But those problems are becoming a big Problem!
10/12/11	The day of reckoning has come! I am now a prisoner of the Invisible Fence! They are starting me slowly, but in a couple of days, I will have the full monty and then some!
10/13/11	Even though it is pouring outside, My Man and I were able to get a little jog in. I give the Man credit. He is persistent. One of My Woman’s friends at work gave her some toys for me. They are only empty plastic jars, but I admit that they give me a lot of pleasure until I end up trying to chew them to pieces and then, poof! They are gone!
10/14/11	My Man is really happy since I am jumping into his lap so often. He knows that I am hard up since My Woman is away! He really is hard up!
10/15/11	Even though My Woman has to work today, leaving me with only My Man, it was not too bad. I have no one else to jump on, so be becomes the loved one and, my, oh my does he love it!
10/16/11	What a weird day! My Man warned me, but I did not believe him. While they went to a concert with Sara Chang and supper at some fancy Boston restaurant, they left me in the crate! To give My Man credit, he have me ½ of my supper before they left so I would not starve. I got the other half when they came and a long walk. I guess that I did not do so badly.
10/17/11	My Woman has a thing about shampoos. I think that I am as beautiful as people say, but she insists that I am even more beautiful with a bath and shampoo! And then My Woman showed off her new clothes from the store. She looked fabulous. My Woman is a trip!
10/18/11	Today was messed up because My Man had his car towed. It was his fault so he only blamed himself. The problem for me was a longer period in the crate. No big thing, I guess.
10/19/11	The rain was miserable. I really got wet when My Man took me out for potty. Unfortunately, I could not get my act together. Dealing with the wind and rain distracted me from pooping, until later when I was in the wrong place! You would not want to be near My Woman at that moment. I only made matters worse by snagging her hamburger off the counter that was supposed to be her supper. Not too many points today!
10/20/11	I am alone again with My Man since My Woman went away to visit her sister in Virginia. I wished that she took me. I love my visit there where I met their new dog. I loved running around in their large yard without any restrictions, apart from my own internal ones. I still tend to be fearful of something new!
10/21/11	Nothing much to report about today. I went on some errands (library and store), but most of the day was quiet. During our evening walk, a really small dog came my way and, once  again, I was afraid. Oh!
10/22/11	I am now certain that My Woman is not coming back soon. So, I jumped on My Man’s lap twice this morning. He loves it and, given the absence of My Woman, what can I do?
10/23/11	We are going to have a great day! We are visiting Mika and Emi. I love those kids! It was a great visit. M y Man brought my supper with us so I would not go home hungry. He is a thoughtful soul!  Other friends of Sara came for supper. I got a little hectic trying to differentiate between friends and foes. Consequently, I ended up in the crate.  I suppose that it was good for all concerned.
10/24/11	Hooray! My Woman is coming home today! Life will again be normal. I have jumped on My Man’s lap so many times that he thinks that I am gender-confused, i.e., I am deluded into thinking that he is actually My Woman!! And I stayed gloriously in her arms all the way home!!
10/25/11	My Woman cannot believe that I want to be with her so much! She thinks that My Man needs me more, which may be true, but I still want My Woman.  We really had a great day even if I was concerned that My Woman was doing so much work around the house. I don’t understand why My Man just sits and reads while she seems to be working like a dog (really, an euphemism!).
10/26/11	Same as yesterday. More loving than ever! Great!
10/27/11	On a real miserable, rainy day, I am having a quiet, restful day at home with my favorite people. In addition, I was able to rest with My Woman!
10/28/11	It was brutal running this morning, but I would not let My Man down! He needs the exercise more than me.
10/29/11	What a miserable day! Rain and wind that would not quit. I survived o.k. I even went to Puppy School where I did o.k. but not great.
10/30/11	Thankfully, the rain ended, but the wind was awesome. My Man and I ran in the wind. Since I was closer to the ground, I actually did better than he. I do enjoy the kids when they are here, but I get so excited with them that I drive everyone crazy! It’s so hard being a puppy!
11/1/11	My Man and My Woman has a long conversation about me today. My barking has been getting worse and is even driving My Man crazy. He may be naturally off, but he really tolerates a lot of my behavior. So, when he is upset, I got a problem. In addition, My Man felt the need to correct a statement of My Woman that I was doing better with My Man (I have always had a love affair with My Woman!). He said that this was not true. Ever since he disappeared to New Orleans for the week to observe his son prosecute a criminal, he said that I have been less responsive to him (he goes out of his way to say that it is a comparative assessment). At any rate, I don’t know what happened, but since their conversation,  I actually did better, but this could be just a coincidence.
11/2/11	Today, I started off well. In fact, some men came to the house to give a estimate for tree removal. I did bark, but My Man thought that I was reasonable. He sort of expects a dog to bark, but then to quiet down when I am assured that they are not terrorists! Tonight, I spent the longest time nuzzled up with My Man. He was in his glory!
11/3/11	Even though some workmen came today, I did not go crazy. Am I getting better! My Man and Woman were concerned that I may be sick. I did not eat as well in the evening and I had loose poop. Their concern is touching, but I think that I am o.k.
11/4/11	Today started off good. Still, a little loose poop, but I ran well.  Everything was great.
11/5/11	I blew everyone’s mind at Puppy II today. I graduated with flying colors. All the other canine owners thought that I was fantastic. And, in fact, I don’t mind saying so, I agree!
11/6/11	My Woman left this noon for New York and the kids left around 4pm. My Man, creative as he is, bought some cottage cheese, in order to help with my loose stool (less so during the last couple of days). Let’s see how this works.
11/7/11	The cottage cheese seems to work like a charm! This morning, I was “normal”.  It really is pitiful that we have to focus on such  items, but apparently, it can be a mess if things are not within certain limits.  When My Woman is away, the house is really quiet. It is so strange. Few phone calls and only My Man’s voice talking to me from time to time. There is music in the air which is nice, but, it is so, so quiet! My Man let me enjoy the beautiful sunny day outside. Unfortunately, I rewarded him by digging a hole in his grass! Whoa, that’s not a good thing!
11/8/11	What a beautiful day! I ran after a great breakfast. Now, I am going to enjoy the yard before we go to the dump! My Woman is on her way back from New York. My day that started so well is going to end even better!
11/9/11	I was a perfect dog today. My Man put some stuff on my hole so that I would not dig it up any more. Life was good today.
11/10/11	Nora is coming from New York with their bull dog, Gloria. I get along pretty well with Gloria since she seems to be a little respectful of me.  We had a great evening.  No problems.
11/11/11	I got a little excited this morning when the kids came down. I pooped in the wrong place! Not good!
11/12/11	I have had another great day with all the noise and excitement in the house. It is enough to make me too excited for my own good! But the day ended in a nightmare scenario for My Man and My Woman.   After a great supper (so they said), My Man and his son took me for a walk. Since it was low tide, they thought that it would be great to walk on the beach.  So far, so good. Since we thought we were alone, My Man unleashed me and all was great until I spotted another canine. I ran for it and they could attract my attention, nor did they see me since it was so dark.  They walked and yelled, “Patrick” to no avail. To their surprise and some delight (even though they talked seriously with me about the error of my ways), I was waiting for them at the back door. They must think that I am a real dummy not to know how to get home!
11/13/11	It is a quiet day. My Woman is working and Neal with his family returned to New York early. So, it is stone quiet! After the last few days, I admit to liking the quiet.
11/14/11	My Woman left us to take care of her friend with brain cancer. What a great woman! So, I am with My Man for a few days, trying to make him o.k.
11/15/11	My Man is doing so well. He is making me a happy, happy dog. He thinks that he has worked out with the vet that I will only get boosters when fully immunized after a titer is taken. He is now convinced that cancers in dogs may be precipitated by too many vaccinations! He is a smart man!
11/16/11	My Woman is on her way home. What a evening I am going to have! Cannot wait! It was great, but she was so preoccupied that she could not meet my needs. So, I went to My Man! He always wants to meet my needs!
11/17/11	My Woman was on the road again today! But, My Man is here and all is o.k. We played outside and I even did he wanted me to do a few times. He added some chicken parts to my evening supper. It was great. He said tomorrow he will add some liver parts. Life is good!
11/18/11	We are having a great day! Both My Man and My Woman are having a peaceful day. No major responsibilities except to make a happy puppy! Wonderful!
11/19/11	It is always sad when My Woman leaves. Sbe is going to New Orleans to be with Sean and family for Thanksgiving. Usually, My Man goes too, but he is so afraid of putting me into what they call a “kennel” until I am bigger.  It does not sound like a great place and I am so pleased that My Man is so considerate of me!
11/20/11	Another beautiful day! We jogged and then played a little. I played right, i.e., I brought the ball back to My Man! Such little things please him! My Man took me to visit his cousin today. It was an o.k. trip. When we got back, we played which I enjoy. Then, in his attempt to socialize me with the ocean, he took me for another walk on the beach. It was a disaster. I ran away again! I surely know how to find home but he is petrified when I cross the street unattended. So far, I am escaped any injury. Then, he walked with me after supper. He explained about the solar system and how the earth rotates around the sun. In the winter, it is dark very early. He does not help my paranoia when I am walking in the pitch black. However, I did o.k., so he said.
11/21/11	Last evening, we walked in the dark. This morning, we ran in the dark. What can we do about this? My Man says that I have to wait until Spring, whatever that is.
11/22/11	I am having a wonderful day with My Man. He tells me that my jumping on his lap and then leaving, and then jumping on again will drive My Woman real nuts! He told me that it is good that he loves me any which way! What a life!

Thanksgiving 2011

THANKSGIVING 2011

Given the blessings that I have received, Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to recall them with humility. I surely never deserved or earned them. They are pure gifts.

Married to my best friend who only becomes more admirable each day! It is amazing to watch her become so involved with others with her personality, skills, and love. Everything she touches is better for her attention.

Watching adult children become even more responsible agents in a confusing world strengthens the conviction that they are gifts. Surely, what they have become far exceeds either our expectations or contributions. They have done so much with their gifts!

Even more undeserved are the people our adult children married! What a stroke of good fortune to have these people accept us as part of their family. Our feelings for them always seem so strong. They are everything that one can hope for as family.

Grandchildren who make my world so filled with expectations! To think that I can experience the wonder of human development without the burden of deluding myself into thinking that I am a major contributor makes it all a joy.

Hospice patients who continue to demonstrate how strong people are when facing the most awesome moment of life, their death. Each one seems to absorb the uniqueness of the situation without succumbing to self-pity or anger. They surely help me to think positively about myself when my time comes.

I am most thankful that my body continues to respond to my will. My status as retired has enabled me to have time to do more physical exercise than ever. Each day I enjoy my moments with Yoga, jogging, bicycling, and swimming. I could not ask for more.

I cannot imagine my world without the gifts of books and music. I never tire of either and cannot make enough time each day to satisfy my need. Knowing that time will ultimately end for me, each day becomes a gift to learn more about our world, people, and the talents of those who write and provide us with the beautiful sounds of music.

I am most thankful for the life of Franklin and now the new friend, Patrick. Franklin was such a loving and patient friend, not only to me, but also to everyone elsea. He was specially kind to the grandchildren who were able to play with him with no fear.  The sadness of his loss has only made the joy of having Patrick special. During our five months, he has learned so much and become close to us all. His liveliness matches his affection.

As crazy as it may appear, I am thankful for becoming a faithful user of Facebook. Whatever others may say, it has expanded my world by being aware of people that often are forgotten because of our absorption in other matters.

Christian Response to OWS Protests

I was questioned about my views of the OWS protests. I provide the following response.

 I share many of the views of the OWS movement. However, I am aware of the complexity of what we are dealing with. It is horrendous what Wall Street got away with and equally horrendous what continues to happen. Banks that are too big to fail are, in fact, too big. I think that retail and investment banks should be separate. Investment banks rise and fall on their own merits. I also think that the pay given to bankers and investors is obscene.

Having said that, I don't think that changing the pay structure of finance executives or revamping bank structures will make things significantly better. There will be less anger against some, but then the continued frustrations with the lack of jobs, the level of income of many workers, including the middle class, the housing issue, etc. will remain. If one could wave a magic wand, housing would generally be less and inflation would be low. Income would be commensurate with a generally less expensive cost of living. But, for this to happen without hurting so many of our peoples who would lose much of their investments for retirement, without causing our economy to be even less competitive, without disrupting structures that cannot be easily changed, e.g., higher education costs have sky rocketed and one cannot imagine in the near future how these costs will be ameliorated, is extraordinarily complex.

In short, everything is a mess and fixing any one component may be a start, but the process will take so long that many will be frustrated with their personal situation. As I write, I sit comfortably in front of the ocean.  I am warm. I am secure. I no more deserve this good fortune than those who are angry. But trying to restore an equilibrium that has been so disrupted by so many events in a global economy is no small trick!

The question that any religious leader would address then is: given that the problems are beyond the scope of traditional business cycles, how does a Christian respond in a meaningful way? If the answer is the usual Gospel response to the poor, I would question its validity in terms of addressing the problems in any meaningful way. While an individual may have no other recourse than reaching out to someone in need to remain consistent with the person’s value system, it is virtually meaningless. Possibly, some may have some long-term benefit, but I don't think episodic and random charity is meaningful within the context of our national/international problems. A Christian may feel that he/she may have no choice, given the value system they are committed to. It would be delusional, however, to think that it is making any real difference. 

What we need is collective political action that addresses some of these humongous problems, e.g., Europe and US agree that there will transaction taxes on investments, that retail and investment banks be separated, that pay structures be somewhat regulated, that tax structures be modified to represent a fair distribution of how revenue is achieved, that higher education agree to reforms that will reduce costs, e.g., great professors are shared in many, if not all, universities through on-line technology, thereby reducing faculty costs, that trade agreements be based on fairness to all nations, etc. etc.

But, I know that collective political action is also a delusion. One cannot think about the set of problems confronting so many with so little leadership without fearing that frustrations and anger will lead to violence and social unrest. Should such happen, what is a bad situation will only become much worse.