Dog Days at Sea

 


We have left Antarctica and are barreling through Drake's Passage on our return to South America.  The sea is fairly calm which is unusual for an area of the ocean that is referred to as "Drake's Shake".  A crew member told us he has been crossing this channel for twenty-six years and has often been on the fifth level in the dining room when the windows look like a washing machine.  We're grateful it isn't laundry day while we're here.

During days on the high seas, I am drawn to gazing at the waves and reflection.  It is a time of life for me when I have collected many memories.  My soul dog, Shannon, had a birthday this week.  She would have been 44 years of age.  The song, "Shannon" by Henry Gross, is about his dog by the same name.  Unlike Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson, I've been recalling "To All the 'Dogs' I've Loved Before".  If you've ever loved a pet, I bet you can empathize.  Ruth Ann's soul dog was Brandy.  If you feel inclined, leave the name of your soul pet along with any comments about them in our comments section.

The travel quotes I include are quite appropriate.  Some may wonder why I reference song lyrics.   Love songs make me happy, keep me in love and loving, make me sing along and often times dance with the joy of being alive and surrounded by love.  Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine recently wrote in his newsletter; "Songs are little ecosystems of hope and wonder. Songs are prayers. Songs reconnect us with the true parts of ourselves we never want to lose, and help summon our courage and wisdom."

Michael Bolton sang;

Love is a wonderful thingMake you smile through the pouring rainLove is a wonderful thingI'll say it again and again

Turn your world into one sweet dreamTake your heart and make it singLove (love), love is a wonderful thingOh, yeah

Love is a wonderful, wonderful thing

Comments

  1. MelissaFebruary 8, 2025 at 1:14 PM

    Love is a wonderful thing! Enjoying reading your posts. Just now catching up with all of them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Randy and Ruth AnnFebruary 8, 2025 at 3:11 PM

      We're glad you're following our journey and sharing the love.

      Delete
  2. plattsflyingdogsFebruary 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM

    Nice hat! 😉

    What an incredible journey. I love reading your blog, seeing your photos, and imagining what it must be like.

    I feel the way you do about songs. In the words of American Aquarium, “I was out there losing my mind, when all I needed was a song.” The music video is quite good as well.

    Keep the posts coming! Love you both!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kris T.February 12, 2025 at 11:18 AM

    My favorite pet was "checkers"...she was a cockatoo....I taught her several tricks....until she flew out the door....very sad. But good memory

    ReplyDelete

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