Hi, guys! It’s Saint again. Boy, a lot has happened since I last talked to you all! First of all, I’m not in Northern Maine anymore. As a matter of fact, Mummy and I are very far away. Can you guess where we are? Well, if you’ve been following us, then you’ve probably guessed it. We’re on the Appalachian Trail!
We’ve only just started, but I’m already having a great time. The ride down was really long. Mummy drove the whole way! But, luckily, we made a couple of stops along the way. We set out on Mummy’s birthday, and she wanted to see her sister for her birthday. So, we stopped at my aunt’s house in Connecticut. It was really nice to see our family!
We only stayed with Mummy’s sister for a little bit. We had a long drive ahead of us! But we made it to Georgia safely. We travelled through so many states. Who knew Maine was so far north?
Guess what, guys? I’ve finally seen it. I’ve finally seen the Appalachian Trail! It’s so amazing. I’ve walked on it all week. I’m a little tired, but I can’t wait to get back on it! Mummy and I are taking a bit of a break right now, but we are hoping to be back out soon.
Well, I think that’s it for now, guys. It’s been a great first week. I think Mummy’s going to start blogging soon. So, we’re both going to have blogs now! I can’t wait. And I can’t wait to tell you guys more about our adventure. Bye for now!
Trip to the Vet!
Hey guys. Saint here. I don’t know why other animals don’t like the vet. I love the vet! I know as soon as we get there because I can smell all the different kinds of animals. My nose is good with stuff like that. The first thing I love to do is sniff the rugs that are in the entry way. That has all the smells of all the animals who have walked over it. I can even smell the people the animals bring with them to the vet. That’s my favorite rug. Well, that one and the one we go to when Mummy picks up her medicine. That is also a very good smelling rug.
But back to the vet. I go to Dr. Hotham. He is really nice, and so are the people who work with him. The first thing I do when I get there is step on the scale. That is supposed to tell them how much I weigh. I don’t know why though. I work out every morning, so I know I look good. But it makes them happy, and that’s all that matters. Then we get to go in another room that also has many scents in it. That’s when I get rubbed and patted by the people who work with Dr. Hotham. It feels so good. My tail wags the entire time.
Sometimes I have to get shots, though. But you know what? That doesn’t bother me! You want to know why? Because after I get the shots, I get treats! Lots and lots of treats. That’s my absolute favorite part about going to the vet. I love that even more then sniffing that amazing rug.
When we were there last, I noticed Mummy’s emotion changed. I’m good at noticing when emotions change. Mummy went from happy to worried, and I didn’t know why. I mean, I was right there, Mummy had nothing to worry about. I did hear something about Platelets. Now, I don’t know what that means, but Mummy said we would have come back in a week. That means more treats and rubs and sniffs on that rug for me, but Mummy was unhappy. When we went back, Mummy was still worried. I didn’t know how to help her. I tried, but nothing seemed to help. Then Dr. Hotham came in and he made it all better. I’ll have to thank him for that next time I see him. Then, when we were leaving, I got more treats. It was a good day. Mummy was feeling better, and everyone fed me.
Mummy says that we are all set for the hike. She was worried that I wouldn’t have been able go. But once Dr. Hotham gave the OK, the plans were still on. I still don’t know what this hike is going to be about, but if Mummy is there and she has my carrots, I think it will be all right!
Don’t Say Can’t
Last fall, Dr. J and Saint caught the attention of the Appalachian Long Hikers Association (ALDHA) when she spoke at the association’s annual gathering in Williamstown, Mass. last fall.
While in the midst of hundreds of A.T. hikers, she used the opportunity to spread her message and was quoted saying, “We’re doing this to bring a message of hope to so many. The CAN’T that holds us back is not the physical but the voice inside our heads. We want people to try – and be amazing. People will be changed forever.” Continue reading “Don’t Say Can’t”
Today, Tomorrow & Yesterday
Hi everyone! Saint here. Did you know that that the holidays are here? I just love this time of year. Everyone is always so nice and thoughtful. Mummy buys presents for her family and for me and she always brings in food to her students. I don’t eat any of that of course, but it sure does smell yummy.
This year, Mummy and I are going to go visit my Aunt Sha and spend some time with her over the holiday. It will be nice to go see her again. Mummy also has some important errands to run. She says we have to go get her chair fitted for a special device so she can lock it in to drive with. Her old chair had this, but her brand-new one didn’t come with one, so we are going to fix it. And we will be going to see her doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital. We see him a couple of times a year. He is always really nice to Mummy, so I like him a lot.
Wow, can you believe everything that we have done this year? Mummy and I have been really busy. We have made a lot of trips to new places and have met so many nice people. If you are one of them, Mummy says, “Hi!”
Mummy’s students have been extra busy too. They have been writing and making phone calls to people and helping to plan for our big hike. Mummy sure has some great students. They are like our family and we love and appreciate every single one of them. Without their help, we might not have been able to have gotten so much accomplished.
Over the holiday break though, all of the students–and Mummy and I too–will be away from school and taking some time to relax and rest up from the busy semester. I think I will take a break from blogging too. I want to spend some extra time on Mummy’s lap. She’s the very best snuggler ever!
I hope that while we are away you take the time to spend with your loved ones. Family is important and the holidays are a special time of year. May you all be blessed with good fortune and love.
Don’t worry though. After the first of the year, I’ll be back and in full production. Mummy says that 2017 is going to be momentous. I think that means really big. I know it is going to be really busy too. We have a LOT to do. Our hike will only be three months away and it will be here before we know it.
I hope you come back and join us to see where our adventure takes us. Until then, we wish you happiness, peace and love.
From Mummy’s and my house and heart to yours, Happy Holidays!
Until next year…. Take care & Be well.
Love, Saint
Our New Normal
Hi friend. Saint here. The past couple weeks have been difficult. I’m still trying to figure out what everything means, but my Mummy is sad. A few weeks ago she got a phone call from her sister. This was very strange. Aunt Sha never calls Mummy on a school day. Continue reading “Our New Normal”
Study Break
Hi there. Saint here. I’ve been doing some light reading today. Mummy and I have been preparing for this big hike and because we’ve been traveling all around talking about it, I decided to learn more about this thing Mummy keeps calling the Appalachian Trail.
Volunteer opportunities
I don’t know exactly what drove me to volunteer on the medical surgical floor at a local hospital years ago. All I remember is a little voice in the back of my head telling me to pay it forward. Continue reading “Volunteer opportunities”
What are you made of?
Sometimes you just have to be a spectator to life, relax, step outside reality and watch the world pass by to find your way. Have you ever asked yourself what are you doing with your life? Continue reading “What are you made of?”
If you can be anything, be persistent
The New Year is fast approaching and if you’re anything like me, this is the time you start to put together a new batch of resolutions. Continue reading “If you can be anything, be persistent”
Try anything once
My daughter and I were on our way home from her first violin lesson the other night when I told her that if she didn’t like playing the violin that it’s OK, but that she should at least give it a chance. Continue reading “Try anything once”