Now, I know I told you that since moving to Austin, I've been taking care of my infant grandson, Charley, every workday. I also told you that I walk back and forth, about two miles to work. And that I live in a one room, third-floor apartment (without an elevator). What I didn't tell you is that I probably need to have my head examined! For some reason, I convinced myself that I wasn't getting enough exercise or that I had too much time on my hands,
or that my apartment was just too large for one person.
Well, I've solved all those (imagined) problems. I have a new roommate, Leroy. He's a Rat Terrier/Basenji mix, about a year old, I think. No one knows for sure, because he's a rescue dog. His history is a mystery, but his future looks good. He has a few issues, usually related to differing priorities; what I think is important often has little value to him, such as following my instructions or not chewing on furniture. We've been attending doggie manners school and the instructor thinks he's doing great and has the potential to be a therapy dog. I'm glad I found him. He is a good little dog, very intelligent, friendly and loving. And he's Charley's new best buddy.
I love my Austin apartment. It's about a mile from Kate and Dale's place so most days I walk back and forth to work. The route is hilly, and although it travels through several neighborhoods of homes and apartments,
I often see deer and hear almost continuous bird calls. I carry a backpack, usually filled with my lunch, a book and a notebook or two. Sometimes I bring my laptop or camera, and almost always, I fill any leftover space with my dirty laundry. So far, I haven't set foot in my apartment complex's laundry room.
My favorite part of my apartment is the balcony. I'm on the third floor, overlooking the pool and rolling hills off in the distance, where I watch the sunset every evening. The balcony is quite large, with a wide railing and plenty of room for a little garden. I've also, set up a bird feeder and an improvised birdbath on the balcony, to provide a sweet soundtrack to my new life.
