That expression, “one for the road”, has only been in use since about the 1930’s. It usually refers to someone having one more drink before departing a bar or party, which is not recommended just before getting behind the wheel of an automobile. In this situation, one would hope one’s friends would prevent that drink from being consumed.
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The broader concept of being able to enjoy a cherished pastime once more before an occasion ended is perhaps more desirable, but also far more difficult to achieve. We often don’t know when good times will end, so guaranteeing a bonus round of fun is tricky at best.
The best philosophy, of course, is to live life to the fullest. “Carpe diem”, and all that. I am so glad I can say I’ve tried my level best to Carpe the hell out of every diem.
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Eating seasonally is one simple way to employ the spirit of carpe diem: “ seize the day”. If you’ve tasted fresh garden tomatoes you’ll find it hard to buy them in the grocery store in winter.
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Stopping to smell the flowers is another good practice. I don’t mean this figuratively; stop to enjoy a new blossom, a buzzing bee, a sunrise or sunset, or even a scent on the breeze. You won’t regret the time spent, I promise you.
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Having a dog is the best way to make this philosophy part of your daily habits. They are masters of living in the moment, seeing the cup half full, and making the most of love – both in the giving and accepting of it.
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I have been blessed with dogs as companions for most of my life. I am partial to Chocolate Labrador Retrievers, who are gourmands in addition to being zen masters. They have done more for me than anyone in ensuring I make the most of my life as it happens.
I had to say goodbye to my best brown girl of 13 years this week. Ella, my bunny bear, my silly monkey, my number one pal… she fell ill last week and just couldn’t recover.
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We had a deal: she would give me a sign when it wasn’t fun anymore. After the scare we had this summer with her almost-drowning, I knew we were on the same page.
By Thursday she could hardly move on her own. Her breathing was shallow. She was on medication but I was doubtful it could fix that kind of malaise.
I got her somewhat comfortable in the living room, with a view to the field and the patio door open. I worked on my chores and checked her every few minutes. She was maintaining, but that was all.
I came to sit with her and she wagged her tail. She was panting, and shivering in places. That’s when I knew for sure that it was time.
When you care for someone, you want them to be well taken care of. If I was going to be trusted with sending my girl over the Rainbow Bridge, I wanted to say a proper goodbye. This was not by sending her away on her own.
Oddly enough, despite the fact that animals are not any significant factor in the transmissions of Covid-19, our neighbourhood vet won’t allow people into the clinic for any reason.
I am so thankful we knew a holistic vet who has a fabulous clinic in Kelowna. Dr. Moira is semi-retired now, but Pawsitive Veterinary Care is a top notch team of folks who care for animals and people. I can’t recommend them enough.
I have said goodbye to three Brown Girls in my life. It does not get any easier. The only redeeming part of the experience is knowing I was there to send them over to the other side.
Ella and I didn’t get “one for the road”. There was no chance for a last walk in the orchard or a last wrestle in the yard. But just a few days earlier we made time to go for ice cream at Paynter’s Market and I got some great pictures of her amongst the pumpkins.
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We shouldn’t need a pandemic to remind us life is precious. If that’s what it takes to motivate you, so be it. But I can say even from something that just happens in any life, it’s worth your time to do the things you want to do.
I miss my Brown Girl. She was, quite literally, half my life. She got me up to go walking, she cheered me on while I worked out, she reminded me to drink my water, she helped me taste all my recipes, she listened to all my rambling… all the things my Hubby doesn’t do ( he is my other half, literally and figuratively).
It sucks to be left behind, to lose a friend. I hope Ella is with her old roommate, Simon the German short haired pointer – biting his tail the way she used to when they had the run of Rabbit Hollow. Me, I’ll just have to find my way forward.
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