Firsts

Today was a day of firsts. It is the first time Ron has been a conductor on a train. Earlier this week I received an email from the Monticello Chamber of Commerce asking for volunteers for the annual Walk and Roll. They needed two adultsone to drive the train and one to help load the kids. Ron agreed so I emailed that we could help.

When I emailed back I asked for more details. I was told to go to the West Bridge. I was also informed that the usual driver was a conductor and he always wore his overalls and cap. Ron was thrilled with the new information. You can see in the picture that he doesn't have either overalls or a conductor's camp. He is not even wearing his ball cap.

The tractor was pretty jerky. At first we thought maybe is was to simulate a train ride, but Ron decided it just needed its carburetor cleaned. By the third trip around the block

the fumes were getting to him, but the kids were having fun.

When we got home, the dogs were glad to get out of the kennel. Most of the time Rosie has lost the privilege of running free. We have to keep her on a chain. She just keeps taking off into the neighbors flowers or or under their lilac bushes. She is getting fast so we can't catch her.

This evening we had friends, Steve and Jean, over for dinner. I think they actually came to see Rosie and she was as cute as she could be when she wasn't chewing on someone or whining. If Jean was hoping that spending a few hours with Rosie would convince Steve they needed a puppy, it may have backfired. It was probably more like grandparents when they leave knowing they love their grandchildren but are happy to go home without them.

After dinner Ron and Steve took the dogs out and Rosie took off. For the first time she did not stop when she got to the weeds along the river. She kept going right into the river. All four paws planted in the Mississippi. Luckily, the sensation must have startled her because she stood absolutely still. By that time, Ron was down there and he grabbed her.

Soon we will love watching her swim in the River and Daisy will love swimming with her, but she is not strong enough yet. Sara thinks its time we buy her a wading pool.