Of Modern Art and Mile-high Meringue

Sadly, Chica and I didn’t get our usual Monday morning walk in the park with the ladies this week. Once again, Mary and Lewis abandoned us at the vet’s. Just so they could sashay to Fort Worth. For an art exhibit, no less.

Granted, it was to see the work of a British artist considered to be the 20th century's preeminent portraitist. But Lucian Freud, a grandson of the great Sigmund, had a way of making everyone look unattractive, up to and including Queen Elizabeth.

For some reason, he was kinder to dogs. (This is a topic that needs to be explored, but perhaps no one but a dog would pursue it.) Thus in a creepy portrait of Freud's first wife, half nude with dark mole above her breast, an unusually white dog resting against her appears sleek and fine.

Except for copyright issues, I’d include an example of Freud’s work. Instead I’ll include a more pleasing image: a photo Mary took enroute to Fort Worth, in Marble Falls. There, at the Bluebonnet Café, mile-high melt-in-your-mouth meringue on pies attracts miles-long lines of customers melting in the outdoor heat while they wait to get at them. Wish we could've.

To sweat or not to sweat

Six Belles and us two bitches walked Brackenridge Park today, covering territory in and around the Sunken Gardens. Starting at 7:30 seems to work as it never gets to sweating weather until around 8:30--quitting time. Of course dogs can't sweat and as the saying goes, ladies (unlike horses and men) only "get all in a glow." But we would swear that we saw some perspiration on their brows. Good news is that they want to continue. Chica and I say no sweat. We'll be there.

Alternate plan (we hope)

After a bit of calling, the Brackenridge Belles decided not to walk this morning because of intermittent rain. Which is just as well with us pups. We really don't like to get our feet wet, let alone muddy. Instead we hope that Mary's grandkids come over to play today. They are lots of fun and always give us treats. Mary is pretty stingy when it comes to treats except when the kids are here. We say, bring them on.

Beatin' the heat: more than a notion

On Monday five Belles met to walk in Brackenridge park half an hour earlier than usual to avoid the heat. It went so well they decided to do it again next week. ‘twill be interesting to see how long they can stand it. Chica and I figure that by August they/we will have to meet at 5:30 a.m. to beat the heat.

Speaking of heat, Mary and son Maverick took a midmorning walk with us along a newish segment of the Salado Creek greenway on Sunday and the heat really took its toll. Both Chica and my tongues were practically dragging the ground when we finally were allowed to go off-trail to drink at the creek.

Thing is, walkers really need to get out so they are done no later than nine. For now, that is. Come August the ending time might just be 7:00 a.m.