Earning His Keep!

  Ms. Ez was the Bayou Dog.  She was a mere five weeks old when she came to live at the Little Bayou House so it was no effort for her to learn the ropes.  She picked up on how we did things around here and followed the rules to a T.  She was well behaved, mannerly and helpful.  I miss her and have always said that it would be a long time before I was ready for another dog.  Then, along came PJ.  My son and daughter-in-law needed a place for their beloved pet while they are on a faraway island for a few years.  The old dog could not go with them and it was heartbreaking for the whole family...PJ included.  So, what could I do but open my door and say "Here, Boy!"? Mr. PJ became a part of our family for the next few years.

  I have known Mr. PJ for a number of years and have always muttered that he is NOT a Bayou Dog.  He was not raised here so was not accustomed to living in such a remote and wild place.  He had to be watched most of the time for his own safety.  I figured he was pretty much a pampered pet.  His adjustment to living our life style was going to be a tough one but...he and I would give it a go.  Several things had to change.  One..the leash had to go.  It has been hanging on a nail in the laundry room since day three of his stay.  Keeping the dog on a leash is a perfect idea when he is anywhere else but, here, it is not necessary.  Next....the collar had to go.  Since the old dog never leaves my side, the collar did not serve much purpose other than to keep me awake at night.  Since he sleeps next to my bed, the jingle jangle of the dog tags was more than I could handle.  (If we go anywhere away from the Bayou, the collar will be returned to his neck.)  Three...Mr. PJ would have to "earn his keep".  Ms. Ez performed all sorts of useful tasks such as bringing tools to us or guarding the fruit trees and garden from marauding critters.  She knew which critters to chase and which were helpful.  Mr. PJ thinks all critters are friends so that chore is out the window and he has not mastered the names of tools as of yet.  

  Just when I thought that old adage about not being able to teach old dogs new tricks was truthful, PJ has taught himself a perfectly helpful task.  While out hauling logs to the saw to be cut into firewood, I turned to find Mr. PJ chipping in with the labor.  He watched me for several minutes before grabbing a log and dragging it to the pile.  There, he deposited the log and went to fetch another.  Granted these were only small (in diameter) logs but they were a good six or seven feet in length!  Four times, he repeated the chore before flopping down to watch me cut.  I was amazed!  Mr. PJ was helping!  

  The task that PJ learned was one that Ezzy never did.  She might have picked up a twig or two but never a log!  I could not help but give Mr. PJ an extra treat when we finished our wood gathering for the day.  Then a fire was built in the old wood stove and his bed was pulled up close so he could enjoy the warmth after his hard day at work. The old dog deserves every bit of attention I have to offer.  His actions, today, proved to me that he appreciates being here and is willing to fit right in with us.  I never thought that I would learn to love another dog after Ms. Ez but this old fellow sure is weaseling his way into my heart!  Every day, I find another reason to adore him.  He has now found the best way ever to "earn his keep"!

Brisk Winds and Low Tides

  The blast of cold air that has hit the area came with some pretty stiff winds.  These winds from the north pushed the tide out from the Bay. The shorelines were far more exposed by the lack of water thus providing many critters with a feast of seafood.  Minnows and small mullet were trapped in tide pools allowing free access by birds and coons.  The roots of sections of marsh clumps usually covered by water allowed nutria a bit of fine dining.  Still, the happiest of the critters might have been the otters.  Clams and mollusks were much easier to grasp with the water gone.  Evidence of a massive feast was laid at the edge of the pier.  Shells of all kinds were literally stacked one upon the other where the otters feasted.  

  When the tide is low like it was today, I am always fascinated by what is unseen during higher tides.  There is something almost magical about being able to see beneath the murky waters of the Bayou.  Logs, shells, crabs, fish, trash discarded by not-so-nice folks, all of this lies beneath the surface only to be seen on days like today.  As I was peering into the water, one of those "aha" moments struck. So that was how I was losing all of the hooks!  A new log had been exposed by the constant beating of the waves.  A lot of fallen limbs and logs are usually covered by the soft mud but when currents swish over them, they, too are exposed.  A couple of new "hook snatchers" could be seen.  These will have to be lugged out and put on shore.  Each winter, a chore of clearing the area around the pier is a must.

  I could have stayed on the pier most of the afternoon just staring into the clear water but another round of brisk breezes caused me to be chilled.  Ms. Ez, the old dog, and I headed back to the warmth of the Little Bayou House.  Another log stoked the wood stove to warm both of us.  Life is good.