Thank you all for the good wishes.
I started a new job yesterday as Park Services Specialist. It's part-time of course since I am officially "retired" but it will keep me active and hopefully stave off "old age" for another year. To celebrate, I bought myself an early birthday present yesterday - a new pair of hiking boots. The job is an easy one of course since my back won't handle real work. Mostly I drive around for 3 hours 2-3 nights a week and lock up the bathroom facilities and the gates at the city parks. Then I work one afternoon and evening on the weekend, checking shelter reservations and making myself available to assist park visitors and identifying problems for the work crews to address the next day.
And more good news ... I rescued a new fur baby from the shelter. I was shopping at Menards and they had fleece blankies on sale for $2 so I picked up an armful along with some dog treats to take as a donation to our local shelter. When I walked through the kennels, a little fox terrier raced up to his gate and held his little paws up to me. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew I was his forever Mom. When I inquired about his status, they said he had an adoption pending, but I knew karma was at work. The director called the people and they said they couldn't afford the adoption fee. (If they can't afford the adoption fee, they certainly can't afford a dog!) I filled out the application, got approval on the spot and my new fur baby came home with me to the delight of the family. His name was Ashton, but to celebrate his homecoming, I renamed him Lucas Earl (after Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.) It was love at first sight between Toby and Lucas. They are inseparable. Lucas is 3 years old and a real snuggler. He loves to be held and has kisses for everybody he meets.
Life is good.
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Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons ...
for thou art crunchy and good with ketchup.