I closed another week yesterday. It went out with a bang! My buddy Greg called and asked me to lunch. The old radio-gang was to gather at the restaurant in Bodine’s Casino.

He called just as Sera and I were about to head out the door (about 1000h). He said “How about 11:30?” I responded it would be that or a bit later as we were just heading out. “Good enough…”

We drove out to Silver Saddle Ranch, me not knowing what kind of mess of traffic we would find. Unsurprising, there were several rigs parked at the gate. I got out and scouted, then grabbed my heavy hoodie, my camera (Fuji X100V), and her lead. “Come out,” I called and she jumped to the ground, excited to go see who had been there since the last time we came (Friday).

There was a couple heading toward us with a couple of dogs. So, I turned us east to bushwhack to the other trail. She followed readily, darting from sage to sage sniffing. We humped it up to the upper staging area, where I used to park. (I park at the gate now to lengthen our walks.) She needed to be on-lead a bit because another party was unloading from their rig. But there was no dog so there was no risk of a negative encounter.

I greeted the new folks and we chatted briefly as we passed. They were driving a nice 4Runner (newer than mine) and they appreciated The Girl. (Who would not?)

I did pause once for a frame, but badly underexposed it for the film simulation I was using. The frame was interesting, but what I wanted from it.

We turned the corner and headed east to the Mexican Ditch. I had to call her in a couple of times because she ranged out too far. At the Ditch, we paused so she could get a drink.

On the way toward the ranch compound, I broke into a jog — in part just to see if I could. My gait was more of a jiggle and a jog, but I managed a few hundred feet before I returned to my normal gait. The Girl got very excited that I was moving, so I did it a couple-three more times along the trail.

She returned to the lead for the passage through the ranch compound, but there was no traffic. The other folks who parked at the gate must have gone up Dead Truck Canyon, another hike that I like and we need to do.

We hurried (just a bit) back to the rig and to the house. I did the two-minute shower, dressed, and was out the door as she fell asleep on the bed. I headed to Greg’s Place and we visited there for a few minutes before the last of our party checked in. So we loaded up and headed for Bodine’s.

The food there is decent, if not as good as it was a year ago. I have noticed the decline in quality and the increase in price. A favorite entree, the Cowboy Steak, on the $5.99 list migrated to the regular price menu a couple of months ago. The Spaghetti with Meat Balls and Marinara deteriorated to a watery marinara with little flavor. The Chicken Parmesan disappeared from the menu. The $5.99 menu changed to a $7.99 menu.

However, the specialty salads remain good. A couple of the soups are good. A number of the entrees remain good. So, I continue to visit the place and often meet by buddy Jimmy there for supper (more on that later). Sometimes I go if I want a specialty salad, am low on food at the house, or just am too tired to prepare my own meal.

When they are not too busy I put The Girl’s In-Training vest on her and give her another repetition. She is good to lie on the floor under the table at my feet. Sometimes she will sit for a bit and I scratch at her head. It is good to have her near even if she has not learned her service yet).

The group gathered at the booth I grabbed for us. We laughed and visited over iced tea and water until our food came. There were old stories, some told the first time and some retold. It was all good and the fellowship was welcome.

When it felt like the group was about to break up and go our separate ways, I excused myself and headed for the house. I still had some things I wanted to get done and I wanted to see The Girl (My Girl).

She greeted me at the door in her way, sleepy and soft-faced. I ruffled her ears and she shook. She checked my hands in case I brought a treat. “Not this time, Love, I ate it all.” So I took her into the kitchen and got out a doggie cookie. That raised her energy level a bit and she sat for her treat without being asked.

Then I got out the Sony A7S (original model) that had sold Friday late. I found a box and packing material and started the process. A few minutes later I had a parcel prepared and the postage bought. I deposited the now ready to ship parcel near the front door.

A text message from my buddy Jimmy came in “Supper at 1730h?”

“Sure” I responded. That meant I had a little time before heading back to Bodine’s, so I gathered up The Girl for a short nap. That was good and I had enough time, so we headed out to refuel the rig and drop the parcel at the Post Office. I knew Jimmy would want to see The Girl and it was not too cold, so she went along.

It is a good thing to see Jimmy. We visited over supper, with me eating a little lighter. I had plenty of food at lunch and so opted for a soup and salad. The visit was good and I love this old man like a brother. We have seen plenty of easy and hard times together, that is for sure.

He greeted The Girl a second time as we headed out. She checked me again for food (nothing), and we headed home. There she got her evening treat and we began the process of settling in for the night.

It was a very busy day, in a good way. It brought closure to a very busy week and a very good way.

Postscript: The image is one I made last week on walkies. I was running the Sony A7iii and probably the Nikkor 80-210mm f/4 zoom. That is a very good lens, particularly when equipped with a hood to reduce flare. It focuses fairly close and is quite sharp. I am pleased with this image.

And so begins a new week in mid-November. I am grateful, once again. Life is good.