Regimen for Good Health

  With the cooler weather starting to make its appearance here on the Bayou, we have to take advantage of the sunshine when it is here.  That old adage about "Making hay while the sun shines" makes good sense.  While I avoid that same bright sun during the summer months, I cherish every ounce of it during the winter.  While out preparing the gardens for their winter crops, it sure feels good to peel off that outer sweatshirt and work in nothing more than a T-shirt.  What makes it doubly delightful is that usually the gnats have already decided enough is enough and they are not swarming around me.  Here lately, I have noticed that the old dog enjoys his moments in the sun.  He basks in the sunshine while on the pier but, also, craves any spot where the beams come through the windows of the Little Bayou House.  I have taken to leaving our heavy wooden door open so the sun pours through the screen door.  Moving his bed to the doorway assures he is comfy and warm.  He also has the bird's eye view of what is happening out in the yard.  

  I figure that the old dog is about in the same boat as me.  Arthritis kicks in and kicks butt with the change of weather.  I have learned to deal with it by taking an extra dose of Bayou Fire but the old dog probably should not follow suit.  I am not sure that the fiery homemade remedy would agree with the dog or even if the dog would agree with the potion.  We will leave that out of his daily regimen.  What has been added is a good bit of exercise and fresh air.  This seems to be agreeing with him as he looks forward to our thrice daily hikes and has even taken to letting me know when it is time.  At exactly 6am, noon and 4pm, he follows me about the house until I agree to head outside.  Mr. PJ will now scamper down the very same steps that used to cause him trouble.  His pace has picked up to a full trot for the whole of the hike.  After a good thirty minutes or so, he is ready to take a snooze on the pier in the warm sunshine before we head back to the house.  I have to admit that his regimen is good for me as well.  After losing Ms. Ez, the old Bayou Dog, having PJ to join me on a hike has been good medicine.  We do well together...this old dog and I!