Still Recovering from the Weekend

Finishing the Book

A photo essay of the weekend, from Herself.

This past weekend, Beloved Husband, Cherished Friend, and I all met at a regional campground for a bit of camping. It was a much-needed respite from Everything. (I was especially grateful that Cherished Friend made the trip, for his travel time was twice mine, and I worried that we were inconveniencing him by choosing a destination that was farther away for him. It always means a great deal to me when he travels for these Adventures.) 

The weather, though a bit hot, was rather pleasant,

especially in the morning and the evening.

I don't know whether New Old Dog had ever been camping before, but he took to it quite well.

He had a nap on my sleeping bag,

though he had a foldable crate for nighttime.

Beloved Husband spent several hours one day fishing in the nearby lake. He enjoys fishing, and I am glad to see him spending time doing the things he enjoys.

A wee vehicle and an inflatable kayak make for a good time.

We even had a small campfire, just for good measure.

Just for ambience.

The last day, Beloved Husband left first -- he and his wee vehicle were taking the back roads home -- and a bit later, Cherished Friend left as well. And so the small dogs and I spent an extra hour and a half, sitting on our chair under a tree, while I finished my book. The campground was nearly empty, the breeze was light, and the birds were singing. It was very restful. I should do that more often.

Lumpy

Tiny Dog sits on New Old Dog. He does not seem to mind, though.

Giving and Expectation

Herself speaks. 

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. - Kahlil Gibran

A long time ago in college, before I began dating Beloved Husband, I dated a guy whom I'll call Orion. Orion was a nice fellow. (And, side note, still is -- I saw him at Beloved Husband's college reunion last year, and it was both delightful and meaningful to catch up with Orion and to hear about his life since graduation.) We dated off-and-on for quite some time.

At one point while Orion and I were dating, there was an opportunity to attend a semi-formal dance. I had a small part-time job on campus that gave me a bit of extra pocket money, and so as a gift for Orion, I purchased a shirt and tie for him to wear for the occasion.

It was not until much later that I realized that my present to him had been, in fact, problematic: he told me that his mother suggested that I was trying to "buy him" with the gift. I was horrified. And perplexed.

This was my first real introduction to the concept of quid pro quo: I learned that sometimes, people give gifts and favors and such with an expectation of something in return.

I hadn't expected anything. I had thought it would make him happy, and enjoy the dance more, to have the shirt and tie.

It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving. - Kahlil Gibran

I have always liked to take care of things for other people, to give them small things I think they will enjoy, to be of service. It is hard for me to understand that my willingness to do so might be misconstrued as an attempt to manipulate others, or to make others feel indebted to me. Yet this is apparently a common occurrence in society: we see it in film and on television (and occasionally, in real life, too), in the form of men who buy women dinner or gifts, and expect sexual activity in return.

I cannot imagine thinking this way.

I have been extraordinarily blessed, in that those closest to me do not expect quid pro quo. I cannot participate in that type of expectation. And fortunately, I do not have to do so.

My Important People. They are such lovely People. I am glad they allow me to give to them.

See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving. 
For in truth it is life that gives unto life while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.
And you receivers... and you are all receivers... assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives. Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;
For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the freehearted earth for mother, and God for father. - Kahlil Gibran

Toasted

Offspring the First commented: He looks like a panini on a grill.

Toasty!

Laundry

Tiny Dog climbed from my lap straight onto the pile of laundry. 

She's a big help with the household chores. 

Easter Highway

Someone in the highway department was having a fine time with the highway signs for Easter.

"HIPPETY HOP SAFELY DOWN THE ROAD."

"EVERY BUNNY DRIVE EGG-CELLENT"