Thursday, June 30, 2011

Midge Gets Dessert

  “Midge!  Midge!” called Jake as he approached the house.  “Where are you and what are you doing?”
    Midge poked her head out around the corner of the house and called out to Jake.  “I’m back here in the back yard Jake.  Come on back.”
    “What are you doing back there?” asked Jake.
    “I’m waiting on my mistress to bring me some dessert,” answered Midge.
    “Dessert?  You get Dessert?” asked Jake as he raised his eyebrows at her.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Gabby Strikes Again

   “Hi there Jake,” called Booker-T as he wandered up the sidewalk to the front porch. “Where is Midge this morning?”
   “She hasn’t gotten over here yet,” said Jake.  “We are going to the park when she gets here. Do you want to go with us?”
   “Sure,” said Booker-T.  “I always like going to the park with you guys.”
   Midge came hurrying along the sidewalk and ran up to the porch.
   “Hey Midge,” said Booker-T.   “How are you this morning?”
   “I’m fine,” said Midge.  “How are you this morning Booker-T?”

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Midge and the Chaos

   “Jake!  Jake!” called Midge as she came running around the corner and up the sidewalk to the porch.  She stumbled up the porch steps and plopped down in the chair next to Jake.
   “What is the big hurry Midge?” asked Jake.
   “It is nothing but chaos.  That is all it is, Chaos!” spouted Midge. 
   “What in the world are you talking about?” asked Jake.
   “My backyard at home is nothing but chaos anymore,” said Midge. “Chaos has taken over.”

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Butch is at it Again

  “Jake!  Jake!  Where are you?” called Midge as she rounded the corner and ran through the gate and up the sidewalk to the porch. 
   Jake came running around the corner of the house from the backyard.  “What is all the excitement Midge?”
   “Have you seen Booker-T?” asked Midge.
   “No,” answered Jake. “What is the problem?”
   “His juvenile delinquent friend is the problem!” shouted Midge.
   “Oh, dear,” said Jake.  “What did Butch do this time?”

Friday, June 24, 2011

Jake Finds Midge Asleep

   Jake rounded the corner and wandered up the sidewalk to the front porch where he found Midge stretched out on the lounge chair.  Her little head propped up on the bit pillow that was at the end of the lounge.  He slowly tiptoed up the front steps so he would wake her up.  He stopped at the top of the steps when he heard Midge making funny noises. He leaned forward and perked up his ears to listen.
  “Hummmmm.  Ooooooh.  Hummmmm,” were the sounds coming from Midge.

Booker-T’s Find

     Booker-T sauntered up the sidewalk whistling a little tune.  He stumbled on something laying across the sidewalk. Bending over, he picked up something that looked to be old and scrapped up.  He picked it up and continued on his way to Jake’s place.
   “Hey there Booker-T,” said Jake as he turned the corner at the fence gate.  “What are you carrying with you?”
   “I don’t know,” said Booker-T.  “I found it on the sidewalk around the corner over there.”

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Murder Among Humans

   “Jake!  Jake!  Where are you?” screamed Midge as she ran up the sidewalk tripping on the bottom step as she started up to the porch,  "Jake!  Where are you?  Come out, come out wherever you are."
   Jake came scampering around the corner of the house and leaped up the steps. 
  “What are you so excited about Midge?” asked Jake.
  “Guess what!” said Midge.

Midge is Concerned

   “Jake, Jake!” called Midge as she ran up the sidewalk and up the stairs of the porch.  “Jake, Jake!”
   “Slow down Midge,” said Jake.  “What are you so excited about?”
   “It’s a catastrophe!  That’s it a catastrophe!” said Midge as she paced back and forth across the porch.
   “What are you talking about?” said Jake trying to calm her down.
   “Oh, it is absolutely awfu1! Just awful I’m telling you!” said Midge as she continured to pace back and forth. 
   Jake reached out and grabbed Midge by the collar and sat her down in front of him.  “Now! What is so awful and such a catastrophe?  You are wearing me out with your pacing back and forth.”

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Jake’s Lack of Energy

  Jake and Midge strolled along the sidewalk and turned into the yard and Jake barely got up the steps to the porch when he plopped down on the old chair.
  “Do you want to play with Booker-T at the sandbox today?” asked Midge.  “He should be over in about an hour Jake.”
   “Where do you get all your energy?” asked Jake. “I’m so tired trying to keep up with you and running with Butch part of the time, really finished me off.”

Just an Old Geek

   “Hi Jake,” said Midge as she hurried up the sidewalk to the porch where Jake was laying in the sun.
   “Hi there Midge,” said Jake as he slowly raised his head.  “Want to join me in this spot here?  The sun feels so good this morning.”
   “Are you going to the park today?” asked Midge.
  “I sure am,” said Jake. “I’m waiting on Booker-T and Gabby. They are supposed to be coming along with us today.”

Monday, June 20, 2011

Gabby’s Vanity

   “Hey Midge!” called Jake as he strolled up the sidewalk to the front porch.
   “Hi Jake.  What are you up to this morning?” asked Midge.  “You are a little late coming over this morning.”
   “Have you seen Gabby this morning?” asked Jake.  “We were supposed to go to the park to play with Snappy and Booker-T.  Are you coming along with us?”
   “Sure,” said Midge.  “I was waiting for my mistress to leave for her job.  You know I am always ready to go play in the park.”

Lets Go Swimming

   Midge and Jake walked to the park looking for Snappy.
   “Hey Snappy!” called Midge as they approached the pond.  “Where are you hiding Snappy?”
   “I’ll bet he is on the other side of the pond under the shade tree over there,” said Jake.  “Come on, lets run over there and check to see if he is there.”
   “Sure,” said Midge and took off running, leaving Jake trailing behind.
  “Hey Midge! Slow down,” said Snappy as he poked his head up from beneath the water.  “What is the big hurry?”

Midge is Grounded

   “Hey Midge!” called Jake as he ran up the sidewalk to her front porch.  
   Midge was laying on the chair beside the front door soaking up the sun and slowly raised her head when Jake approached.  “Hi Jake,” replied Midge.
  “What are you doing this morning?” asked Jake.  “I missed you.  I thought we were going to the park this morning to play with Booker-T and Snappy, but you never came to my house like you usually do.”

The Lost Keys

   Midge came wandering up the sidewalk to the front porch at Jake’s house.  Jake wasn’t outside like he usually is every morning.
   “Jake! Jake!” called Midge.  ‘Where are you Jake?”
   She sat staring at the door and heard no one opening the door.  She looked up and down the street but Jake wasn’t walking along the sidewalk either. 
   “Jake!” called Midge again.  “Jake!  I’m here!  Where are you Jake?”

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Midge Finds out About Slow Dancing

   Jake and Midge walked across the street to the park and raced across the grass to the pond. 
  “Snappy!” called Midge as they neared the edge of the pond.
  Snappy poked his little head around the corner of the tree and smiled at them.  “What are you doing?”
   “We were looking for you. We are supposed to go see Lindsley this morning and wanted to know if you and Gabby want to come along with us,” said Midge.
   “What are you going to do over there?” asked Snappy.  “Don’t you want to go swimming in the pond today?”

Midge Predicts the Weather

  “Hey Jake!” called Midge as she climbed the steps to the porch.  “What in the world are you doing?”
  “Just laying around enjoying the cool morning,” said Jake. “We sure haven’t had too many really nice cool days this year.”
   “I know it,” said Midge.  “It is going to be a really cold winter though,” said Midge.
   “And you are who?” laughed Jake.  “The local weather dog?”
   “That is my prediction today,” said Midge. “It is going to be a cold winter this year.”

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Jake’s Concern About Booker-T

  “Hey Jake!” shouted Booker-T as he strolled up the walkway to the front porch of the house where Jake lived.
  “Hi there Booker-T,” replied Jake.  “What are you up to this cool morning.”
  “Not much Jake ole buddy,” said Booker-T. “Just out messing around.  My friend Butch went to the vet with his master.”
  “We all have to go there once in a while,” said Jake. “It isn’t a big deal.”
  “Not me old pal,” replied Booker-T as he pranced around the porch switching his tail back and forth.
   “Oh, right!  I forgot, you are the perfect one,” said Jake.  “No need for a vet, right?”
   “That’s right Jake.  I’m the picture of perfect health,” said Booker-T. “Can’t you tell how great I am?”
   “Come on now Booker-T, haven’t you ever gotten sick or needed your yearly shots?” asked Midge as she strolled up the sidewalk to the porch.  “I heard you telling Jake you are so perfect.”
   “That’s right Midge. I never get sick,” said Booker-T.
   “I’ll bet your new mistress will take you and get your shots soon,” said Jake.
   “She hasn’t said anything about taking me to the vets,” said Booker-T.  “If she does I will hide from her until she forgets the crazy idea.  She should know I'm fine without going there.”
   “I worry about you Booker-T,” said Midge.  “You roam around with your homeless friends and you could get sick doing that.”
   “Not me Midge,” said Booker-T.  “I stay healthy all the time. I am careful with what I do and where I go.”
   “Just wait Booker-T,” said Jake.  “I’ll bet you will go to the vet soon.”
   “No,” said Booker-T. “She won’t take me.”
   “Oh, that’s right, you are so perfect,” said Jake.
   “Oh wow!” said Midge.  “I didn’t know you were that perfect.  That is amazing Booker-T.  You the perfect cat.”
   “You have it right, Midge,” said Booker-T.  “I’m the perfect cat and my mistress knows it so she won’t be taking me to the vet.”
    A big blue car pulled up in front of the house. “Isn’t that your mistress Booker-T?” asked Midge.
   “Yes,” said Booker-T. “I wonder what she is doing here. She must be needing me to go home now.”
   “Booker-T!” called a voice from the car.  “Come on Booker-T.  Lets go.”
   Booker-T ran for the car and when his mistress opened the door to let him jump in the car, Midge and Jake heard her say,  “Lets go Booker-T.  We have an appt with the vet for your shots this morning.”
   The door to the car closed behind Booker-T and Midge and Jake saw him with his nose pressed up against the window shaking his head at them and trying to tell them he needed their help to break him out of the car.  Midge and Jake just waved good-bye as the car drove away.

Lindsley is Lost

   “Jake! Jake!” shouted Midge as she raced up the sidewalk and through the gate to the front yard.  She raced up the steps to the porch and slid into Jake who was lying in the sun. 
   “Slow down Midge,” said Jake. “What are you shouting about and why are you in a hurry?”
   “Oh, Jake! She is lost!” said Midge.  “She is lost!”
   “Now don’t panic Midge,” said Jake. “Who is lost?”
   “Lindsley is lost,” said Midge.  “Lindsley is lost. You have to help me find her.”

Friday, June 17, 2011

Midge Sees an Angel

   “Jake! Jake!” called Midge as she ran along the sidewalk and slid into the fence as she attempted to go around the corner and through the gate.
   “What is wrong with you Midge?” shouted Jake. “Slow down before you hurt yourself.  You look like the demons are after you.”
   “Guess what!” said Midge, barely catching her breath. “Guess what Jake!”
   “Get your breath and then talk to me,” said Jake.  "Sit down here and take some deep breaths."
   Midge took three deep breaths and then started to rattle on about what she saw on the corner near her house.  “Oh, Jake, you should have seen it.  It was so great. I’ve never seen anything like it before.  You won’t believe it Jake. You just won’t believe it.”

Booker-T and the Turkeys

    Jake and Midge were lying on the porch soaking up the morning sun.  A cool breeze blew gently through the trees and fluffy white clouds slowly drifted across the blue sky. The mornings were quiet since school started and the kids weren’t running around the neighborhood playing ball anymore.
   “It sure is quiet,” remarked Midge.
   “Isn’t it nice?” asked Jake.  “I love the quiet mornings.”
   “Yes it is nice. I was really getting anxious for school to start so I didn’t have to listen to all the screaming kids anymore for a while,” said Midge.  “The little boy next door was really getting on my nerves.”

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Jokes on Booker-T

    Jake and Midge were lying on the front porch watching the kids roller skating on the sidewalk.
   “Wouldn’t it be neat to skate like that Jake?” asked Midge.  “Just moving along the sidewalk on wheels.”
   “I don’t think it would be real easy to stay up on those wheels,” said Jake.  “I like my feet flat on the ground.”
   “Hey you two!” called Booker-T as he wandered up the sidewalk.  “What are you two talking about this morning?”
   “Midge thought it would be fun to skate,” replied Jake.  “Like those kids over there on the sidewalk across the street.”

Midge Gets Upset

   “Jake!” called Midge as she hurried up the sidewalk to the front porch where she found Jake laying in the sun on the lounge chair.
   “Hi Midge. What are you up to so bright and early this morning?” asked jake. “You usually don’t get over here until later in the morning.”
   “It is madness!” shouted Midge.  “Madness!  That is all it is!”
   “What in the world are you babbling about?” asked Jake. “What is madness?  What happened now?”

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Booker-T’s First Kiss

    Booker-T sauntered up the sidewalk to the front porch looking like a proud peacock, “Hey you guys!”
   “Hi Booker-T,” said Jake.  “Aren’t you looking all proud this morning.  You are looking so happy."
   “What are you doing this morning?” asked Midge.  “Where are you going?”
   “Just wandering around,” answered Booker-T.  “I’m on the way over to Crissy’s.”
   “Oh, the cute little Persian next door to you and Midge?” asked Jake.

Jake’s Dream

   “Hey Jake!” called Midge as she ran up the sidewalk to the porch.
   Jake didn’t answer her.
   “Hey Jake!” called Midge again.  When she stepped onto the porch, she saw Jake sleeping so sound and the legs were moving.  “Hey Jake!”
   Jake jerked awake and jumped up.  “Midge! Wow you scared me.”

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Booker-T in Trouble

    “Hey you two!  What are you up to?” called Booker-T as he came bouncing around the corner and sauntered up the sidewalk to the front porch.
   “We are just laying here in the nice sunshine.  I has rained for so long that it is nice to just lay here and soak up some sun,” answered Jake.
   “What are you doing this morning?” asked Midge.
   “I am in need of some help,” said Booker-T.
   “What do you need help with?” asked Jake. “I can’t imagine you needing help for anything.”
   “Not you Booker-T.  The cat about town needs help,” said Midge. “What could possibly be the problem that you need help with?”
   “Well, you always seem to know a lot of things because you listen to your mistress talking,” said Booker-T.  “And I haven’t had a home with humans for very long so I don’t know as much.”
   “Being with humans or not, what could I possibly help you with that you don’t already know?” asked Jake.

Dancing Midge

   “Hello Midge,” called Jake as he wandered up the sidewalk.  “What are you doing?”
   Midge was pacing back and forth, side stepping and running around and around on the porch.  Jake thought she was throwing a fit or something.
   “Midge!” called Jake again. “What in the world is wrong with you? Are you okay?”
   “Oh, hi Jake,” said Midge.  “I am just fine.”
   “You don’t look fine,” said Jake. “I have never seen you acing so weird before.  Why are you so jumpy?”

Monday, June 13, 2011

Booker-T Meets Evil

   “Jake!” called Midge as she came strolling up the sidewalk to the front porch where she found Jake laying in the sun.
   “Hi Midge,” said Jake. “What are you doing this morning?”
   “Have you seen Booker-T this morning?” asked Midge.
   “He ran past here a little while ago,” replied Jake. “He was moving so fast, you would have thought that something evil had a hold of his tail.”

Booker-T and the Ghost

   “Hey Jake!” called Booker-T as he came running around the corner and slid on he sidewalk as he came through the gate.
   “Slow down Booker-T,” said Jake.  “What is the hurry?”
   “Did you know that there is a ghost haunting that house on the corner over there by Sam’s Café?” asked Booker-T.
    “What are you talking about?” asked Jake.  “There is no ghost in the house over there.”
    “How do you know that Jake?” asked Booker-T.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Booker-T and the Haunted House

   Booker-T wanted to enter the big brown building next to Sadie’s Café. The windows had been boarded up about a week now and Booker-T figured he might find some mice in the place.  All he could think about was chasing them and catching a nice big gray mouse for dinner.  The thought pulled him closer and closer to the scary looking place.  It looked so deserted and dark and he had heard the kids in the neighborhood talking about how the place was haunted.  He wanted to go in, but was afraid of running into a ghost.  He sure didn’t want to run into one of those spooky creatures.  No, not Booker-T.   He was a big chicken when it came to those things.
   “Hey there Booker-T!”  called Jake as he and Midge walked up. 
   “What are you two up to this morning?” asked Booker-T.
   “We thought we would take a walk and wander over this way.  You have talked so much about this haunted house over here and we wanted to see it.  It doesn’t look like it is haunted,” said Midge.
   “How can you tell that from here?” asked Booker-T.
   “Well, it just doesn’t look scary from here.  Do you want to go in?” asked Jake. 
   “I don’t know,” answered Booker-T.  “I keep looking at it and pacing back and forth trying to get the courage up to go into the place.  Do you want to go in  with me?”
   “Not really,” answered Midge staring at the house as if she was waiting for something to move.
   “Are you scared?” asked Booker-T. 
   “No, I’m not scared,” said Midge
   “Well then, why don’t you come in with me?” asked Booker-T.  “I dare you to come in with me.”
   “Will you come in with me Jake?” asked Midge.
   “Are you sure you really want to go in there?” asked Jake.
   “No, I’m not sure,” said Midge. “But you know Booker-T. If I don’t go in with him, I will never hear the end of it.  He will call me scaredy cat for the rest of my life.”
  “Yeah, but don’t you think it is dangerous going in there?” asked Jake.  “We don’t know what dangers lurk behind those boarded windows.”
   “Oh, come on you two,” said Booker-T.  “We will be safe if we stay together in there.”
   The three inched closer and closer to the steps of the house.  Slowly they climbed the four steps to the door as their breathing got deeper and faster.  They each could feel their hearts beating inside.  A lump formed in their throats as they reached for the door.  With paws shaking, Jake pushed the door open.  It was dark inside and they could barely see into the darkness. 
   “Come on, lets go in,” said Booker-T.
   They hesitated at the door a moment and then stepped into the dark room.  At the end of the hall, they could see a faint light from under a door.  They slowly moved to the center of the room, staying close to each other. They were so close to each other, that they could feel the beating of each other’s heart.  Inch by inch they crossed the room. 
  “Something smells awful in here Jake,” said Midge.
   “I know it. I wonder what it is?” asked Jake.
   Booker-T walked to the hall and started toward the door at the end of the hall where the light was coming from. 
   “It stinks down there Booker-T.  Are you sure you want to go down there?” asked Midge.
  He ignored the smell and Midge’s talking.  But once he got down the hall, he was ankle-deep in yucky green goo, so he began to rethink his desire to know what was behind the closed door.  He ran back to where Jake and Midge stood waiting for him.
   “Don’t you want to go in with me?” asked Booker-T.
   “No!” said Jake and Midge in unison.  “We are fine right here.  What is that green goo all over your legs?”
   “I don’t know. It is sticky too,” said Booker-T as he stood there shaking each paw one at a time.
   Suddenly a howling noise was heard from behind the closed door and the three ran for the front door so fast that they were stumbling over each other trying to be first out the door. At the sidewalk, they turned to stare at the house.
   “Yep, it’s haunted,” said Booker-T.
   “ I think you are right,” said Midge. “Lets get out of here.”

Booker-T is Shaken

    Booker-T rushed up the sidewalk and jumped on the porch barely touching the steps on the way up.  He ran behind the chair and crouched down shivering.
   “What is wrong with you?” asked Jake.
   “I faced death!  I knew one day I would have to face death, but not now!  Not now!” screamed Booker-T.
  “What are you talking about?”  asked Jake.  “Where in the world did you face death and when?”
   “I was at the park.  Death often slips into one’s life like a thief or crashes into it like a drunk, but never did it walk in the door and shake one’s hand, until today,” said Booker-T. 
   “What are you ranting about?” asked Jake.  “When did death shake your paw?”
   “This morning!  This morning Jake!” screamed Booker-T.  “Are you not listening to me?  Right before I came over here.  It was there.  It was big as life in front of me.”
   “Hey you guys,” called Midge.  “What is wrong with Booker-T?”
   “He is losing it,” said Jake.  “Something about shaking the hand of death. I can’t make any sense of what he is ranting about.”
   “Booker-T, are you okay?” asked Midge.  “Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get some water and you tell me all about it.”
   “I’m okay, just a bit rattled,” said Booker-T.  “Have you ever shook the hand of death before?  No, don’t answer that. You probably haven’t.  I shook the hand of death this morning. He walked right up to me and grabbed me around the collar and yanked me down on the rear end.”
   “You were probably dreaming  Booker-T,” said Midge.  “Death wouldn’t walk up and grab you by the collar and set you down.”
   “Jake, come over here,” said Midge nudging him to come aside with her away from Booker-T where he couldn’t hear her.
  “What are we going to do with him Midge?” asked Jake. “He really seems rattled by whatever it was that happened in the park.  Do you think that Gabby might know?  He is always around in the trees somewhere hanging out.”
   “What are you two doing over there?” asked Booker-T.  “Aren’t you the least bit worried that my time might be up soon?  I probably don’t have much time left on this earth and you are over there whispering.  Death will be coming for me soon.  I just know it.”
   “Will you calm down Booker-T,” said Midge.  “No one is coming after you soon!  Now settle down and take a deep breath and then tell us what you saw.”
   “Well, I left the house and wandered to the  park like I do almost every morning,” stated Booker-T.  “The park was quiet and I walked over to the pond looking for Snappy.  He usually tries to help me catch a fish in the morning for my breakfast.  I was sitting by the pond waiting for him when in the water, that is where I saw it.  It was really big!”
    Midge leaned closer to Booker-T.  “What was really big?”
    “Him! Death! The one who took my hand,” said Booker-T Shaking.
    “You saw his reflection in the water?” asked Jake.
    “That’s where I saw him.  He was scary with the hollow face with the black eyes and the big cape over his head.  Black cape and carrying some kind of weird thing that looked like a big curved knife.  I just knew he was going to get me and drag me dead away,” said booker-T.
    From above the house, Jake could hear someone laughing. Suddenly Gabby appeared and came rolling off the roof and hit the ground in front of the porch.  He was rolling around laughing so hard that he caught the hiccups.
   “What are you doing up there Gabby?” asked Midge stomping her foot at him.
   “You fell for it,” laughed Gabby as he pointed at Booker-T.
    “Fell for what?” asked Jake.
   “Booker-T has been feeding you a line. He was really laying it on and you were really starting to believe him. I can’t believe he got you back big time and you fell for it Midge,” laughed Gabby.
   “You are mean, Booker-T.  You scared me!” screamed Midge as she kicked him in the rear and booted him off the porch into the rose bush.
    “Ouch!” screamed Booker-T rubbing his rear end.
    Jake and Gabby laughed at Booker-T sitting in the rose bush rubbing his rear end. 

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Eric and Being Dead

   “Jake! Jake!” screamed Eric as he ran up the sidewalk and skidded in the puddle, and slid into the tree.
   “Eric, what in the world are you doing?” asked Jake.  “Trying to kill yourself?”
   “Oh, no!  I might be dead, I might be dead!” said Eric. 
   “What are you talking about?  You aren’t dead,” said Jake.  “I can see you.”
   “I might be.  How do you know for sure?” asked Eric.  “Do you really know that I’m not dead?” asked Eric

The Scary Movie

   “Hey Jake, what are you doing?” asked Midge as she strolled up the front porch steps.
   “My mistress left the TV out here on the porch and I’m watching this weird program.”said Jake.
   “A movie?” asked Midge.
  “I don’t know.  Not sure,” said Jake.  “It was on when I came out here.” 
  “Why did your mistress put the TV out here?” asked Midge.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Midge and the Neighbors

    Jake walked over to see what Midge was doing this morning. He was up early and thought he would go to her place this time.  He found her rolling in the grass laughing.
   “What are you laughing about Midge?”  asked Jake as he approached her.
   “Oh, Jake, it is just too funny.  Too funny,” said Midge.
   “What is so funny?” asked Jake.  “It must be really good.”
   “Oh it is. You just wouldn’t believe it,” said Midge.  “Do you remember Jim and Shirley?”

What Happened to Jorge

   “Hey Jake!” called Booker-T as he rounded the corner of the house.
   “What are you doing this morning?” asked Jake.
   “I was out chasing down mice again. Found a couple out by the old wood pile behind the garage,” answered Booker-T.
   “Did you get them?” asked Jake.
   “Sure did,” answered Booker-T.
   “Hey Jake!” called Midge as she came scurrying up the sidewalk.
   “We are back here in the back yard Midge,” called Jake.
   “Hi you two. Did you hear the news?” asked Midge.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Midge Sings

  “Heavenly shades of night are falling, it’s twilight time.  Out of the mist your voice is calling, it’s twilight time,” sang Midge as she danced across the front porch.  “When purple colored curtains mark the end of the day, I hear you my dear at twilight time.”
  “What are you singing Midge?” asked Jake as he approached the porch.
   “Hi rhere Jake.  I’m singing Twilight Time. Do you like it?” asked Midge.
   “You sure sound pretty Midge,” said Jake.
   “I’m glad you like it,” said Midge.
  “I didn’t know you could sing,” said Jake.

Booker-T the Hunter

   “Jake!  Midge!” called Booker-T as he turned the corner and ran up the sidewalk to the front porch where he found Midge and Jake napping.  “Wake up you two!”
   “What is going on Booker-T?” asked Jake. 
   “Hi Booker-T,” said Midge. “Where are you going?”
   “I’m on my way to the park to do some hunting,” said Booker-T. “You know me, Booker-T the hunter.”

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Midge Wants to Learn About Direction

   Jake and Midge were out walking along the sidewalk on the warm Saturday morning when Gabby swooped down at them.
   “Hey you two, where are you going?” asked Gabby.  “Are you going to the park?”
   “Yes, we are,” said Midge.
   “Aren’t you going in the wrong direction?” asked Gabby.  “The park is the other direction over that way.”

Jake and Midge Meet Lindsey

   Lindsey was a little poodle that lived on the big street on the other side of the park from Jake and Midge.  She moved in with her master a week earlier, so she was new to the neighborhood.  She would sit on the big swing on her front porch and watch all the kids playing in the park and the cars going back and forth on the street.  She looked a little sad as she watched the world going by.  She didn’t know anyone in the area yet.  Jake and Midge were at the pond chasing fish with snappy when Gabby flew down and started chirping at them and jumping up and down on the lower limb of the oak tree. 
   “Gabby, what is your problem this morning?” asked Snappy.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Midge and Puzzles

   Midge strolled up the sidewalk to Jake’s place and found him sitting on the porch watching the neighborhood boys who were sitting at a table that his mistress had set up on the porch. 
   “Hey Jake, what are you doing?” asked Midge as she climbed the steps and sat next to Jake.
   “Hi Midge,” said Jake.  “I’m watching them put together a puzzle.”
   “What is a puzzle?” asked Midge.  “I’ve never heard of a puzzle before.”

Midge Wonders About the Sea

    Midge ran down the sidewalk as she headed to Jake’s so they could take their morning stroll through he park with Snappy. She got to the front gate of the house and it was shut and locked.  This is unusal,’ thought Midge.  ‘Jake always is home waiting for me to come by so we can go to the park.’  
    “Jake!” called Midge from the sidewalk. “Oh Jake!  I’m here. Where are you?” 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Midge and the Lace

   Midge came strolling along the sidewalk and passed by the open gate to Jake’s front yard.  She noticed Jake laying on the porch but didn’t say a word to him as she passed the gate. She walked to the next house and then turned and strolled back past the open gate.  Again she didn’t glance his way.
  “Hey Midge!” called Jake.  “What are you doing?”
  “Oh, hi Jake,” said Midge as she came through the gate and slowly sauntered up the walkway to the front porch. “I didn’t see you laying up there.”

Midge is Confused

  “Hey Jake!” called Midge as she ran along the sidewalk leading up to the front porch where she saw Jake sleeping in the lounge chair.  “Hey Jake!”
  Jake lifted his head and shook away the sleep.  “Why are you so excited this morning Midge?”
  “Oh, Jake, I just heard that someone named Misty is going to sojourn in our house,” said Midge.
 “What in the world is sojourn?  It sounds like it’s bad,” said Jake with a puzzled look. “I have never heard that word before.  What are you talking about?”

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Midge Flirts with Jake

    Midge sauntered up the sidewalk to where Jake was sitting beneath the oak tree in the front yard.  The shade felt good after walking in the hot sun.
   “Hi Jake,” smiled Midge.  “How are you this morning?”
   “Hi Midge,” said Jake.  “What are you up to this morning?”
   “Not very much,” replied Midge batting her big brown eyes at Jake as she slowly walked back and forth in front of him.
   “What is the matter with you this morning?” asked Jake as he watched Midge pacing with a puzzled look on his face.
   “Nothing,” replied Midge as she continued to blink her eyes. She slowly walked around him brushing up against him as she passed beside him.

Payback for Randy

   “Jake!  Jake!” shouted Midge as she raced along the sidewalk and almost slipped as she rounded the corner and ran through the gate.
   “Slow down Midge,” said Jake.  “What is going on?”
   “Is he coming?  Is he coming?” yelled Midge.
   “Is who coming?” asked Jake.  “What is going on?”
   “Randy!  Is Randy coming?”  asked Midge as she hid behind the big chair on the front porch. 
   “I don’t see him Midge,” said Jake.  “What happened?”
   “Oh, Jake, Randy was so mean to me,” shivered Midge.
   Jake looked up and down the street and didn’t see anyone at all.  He turned to see Midge peeking around the chair.  “Come on out here and talk to me. Tell me what Randy did this time?”
   “Oh Jake it was terrible,” said Midge.  It was early this morning.  My mistress opened the door to the let me out for my morning run around the yard to do my duty and when I walked out on the porch and started down the steps, Randy jumped out from behind the birdbath and scared me.”
   “Didn’t you see him when you stepped off the porch?” asked Jake. “The birdbath base isn’t that big.”
   “I wasn’t paying any attention to the birdbath.  I was on my way to the yard to take care of my business, if you know what I mean,” said Midge.  “I didn’t have anything on my mind but that.  I rushed down the steps and started for the yard when out he jumps, shouting and making faces at me.”

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Booker-T Enjoys his Friends

   “Hey Jake!  Where are you?” called Booker-T as he wandered up the sidewalk looking around the yard for Jake. 
   “I’m back here Booker-T,” called Jake as he came around the corner of the house.
   “What are you doing this morning?  You aren’t usually out this early in the mornings.”
   “I was going to the park to try and catch some fish in the old pond,” said Booker-T.  “I wanted to check and see if you and Midge want to come along with me.  Maybe we can find Gabby and have some fun in the sand while we are there.”
   “Sounds like fun to me,” said Jake.  “Midge should be strolling along here soon,”
   “Did you see the nice blanket that Midge gave me the other day?” asked Booker-T. 
  “I sure did,” said Jake. “I think she found it out behind the barn across the park.  Someone must have tossed it out and she dragged it home.  You know Midge, Miss Pack-Rat of the neighborhood.”
   “She sure is a pack rat but she is such a giving little dog too,” said Booker-T.  “I never met anyone as nice as she is. When I was sleeping in boxes, corner of porches and under houses to get out of the cold, she was always trying to help find me a home.  Now she has found me such a nice place next door to her.”
   “I know,” said Jake.  “She was always worried that you were going to freeze out there on the streets.  It was good that she found you that nice home.”
   “You both are great friends,” said Booker-T.  “I couldn’t ask for better friends.”
   “Midge was so happy that you started to live with the people next door to her,” said Jake. “She was so proud that she found you that home.”
   “She is a great friend,” said Booker-T. 
   “Hey you two!” called Midge.  “What are you two plotting this morning?”
  “We were just talking about you,” said Booker-T.
   “Good things, I hope,” said Midge.
   “Nothing but good Midge,” smiled Jake. “Booker-T was saying how you are such a giving dog and how he was so glad that we were all friends.”
   “Thank you Booker-T,” said Midge.  “I’m glad we are friends too.”
   “Come on, let’s go play at the park,” said Booker-T. 
   “I’m ready to go play too,” said Jake.
   “Okay, me too,” said Midge.
   The three friends ran for the park with Midge running behind still talking about they were really good friends. 
   “Do you ever shut up Midge?” laughed Jake.
   “Ha ha Jake,” said Midge.  “I’m just saying we are really good friends.”
   “Yes we are,” said Jake.  “Now let’s find Snappy and find something to do.”

Midge and the Candle

   “Hi Jake,” said Midge as she strolled up the sidewalk to the front porch.
   “Hi Midge,” answered Jake.  “Come on up and lay in the warm sun.  It feels so good this morning.”
   “Sure is nice to see the sun today, isn’t it?” asked Midge.  “It sure has been raining a long time.”
    “I know what you mean.  Three days of rain is a long time. I like the sound of the rain as it hits the roof and the windows but three days of it is too much.”
   “Sure is,” replied Midge.  “Hey what is that in the window Jake? It flickers like a candle but doesn't look like a candle.”
   “Where?” asked Jake.
    “In that window,” answered Midge.  “That thing that is flickering in the window.”
   “That is Marley’s candle,” said Jake.  “She loves the candles and she always get the ones that smell like flowers.”
   “Oh wow!” said Midge. “That would be like being in the garden all the time.”
   “Yes, I guess it would be,” said Jake.  “I didn’t think about that.”
   “So you like the candles when she burns them?” asked Midge.  “They look nice too.”
   “I guess it is okay,” said Jake.  “I like flowers but you know me, I love the smell of a good bone.”
   “Yes, I know you do,” said Midge.  “Mr. ‘who-could-care-less’ dog.”
   “Funny funny Midge,” said Jake.  “You girls just like all that smelly stuff. Just give me a good old dog bone or a bowl of beef. I love the smell of beef.  I wonder if they have a candle that smells like beef.”
   “Think I can go in and smell the pretty candle?” asked Midge.
   “Sure,” said Jake. “Come on let’s go.”
   Jake got up and led Midge through the doggie door and into the den where the candle was burning.  Midge sniffed the air close to the burning flame.
   “Oh, that does smell good Jake,” said Midge.  “Thank you for letting me smell it. I like it.  Maybe my mistress will get some candles that smell some day.  She burns candles on the dining room table sometimes, but they don't smell like flowers.”
    "What do they smell like?" asked Jake. 
    "Nothing," said Midge. "And they are tall and thin, not pretty and big like this one is.  I didn't know that this was a candle too."
    "Marley has the tall thin ones too," said Jake.  "She uses them on the table."
    "I really like these pretty ones that smell nice," said Midge.
    “Come on, let’s go back outside,” said Jake.
    Midge took one last sniff of the pretty candle before following Jake back outside.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Jake and Midge go to the Park

   “Hey there Jake!” called Midge as she came bouncing up the sidewalk to the front porch.
   “Hi Midge,” said Jake.  “What are you doing this morning?”
   “Do you want to go to the park this morning?” asked Midge.  “I am on my over there to find out what Snappy is doing.”
   “Sure,” answered Jake.  “Let’s go.  I’m always ready to go to the park.”
   The two friends ran up the sidewalk and across the street into the park.  “Let’s see what Snappy is doing this morning, said Midge.

Midge Invites Jake Home

   “Jake!” called Midge as she strolled up the sidewalk to the front porch.
   “Hi Midge,” said Jake as he lifted his head from the porch and smiled at her. 
   “What are you doing?” asked Midge.
   “I was just laying here enjoying  the sunshine,” said Jake.  “What are you doing this morning?”
   “I had thought I would stay home this afternoon and enjoy the home and hearth while my mistress has the fire going.  I thought I would come over and see if you would like to come by and enjoy the fire with me,” said Midge.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Booker-T and the Vet

   “Hey Jake!” called Booker-T as he hurried up the sidewalk to Jake’s front porch.
   “What are you doing?” asked Jake as he looked up from his nap.
   “Where is Midge this morning?” asked Booker-T.  “I thought she was going to be here.  I didn’t see her at home.”
   “She should be here soon,” said Jake. “I think her mistress was going to take her to the vet this morning for her yearly shots.”
   “Oh, that isn’t too much fun,” said Booker-T with a frown.  “I don’t like vets.”
   “Don’t you have to go to the vet?” asked Jake.
   “When pigs fly,” said Booker-T.  “No vet for me.”
   “You need to get your shots, don’t you?” asked Jake.  “Doesn’t your new mistress take you to the vet for a checkup and your shots?”
   “Like I said,” said Booker-T.  “When pigs fly.  I don’t like vets and I won’t go.”
  “Right,” smiled Jake.
  “What is so funny?” asked Booker-T.  “You know I never go to the vet.”
  “I have a feeling if your mistress wants you to go to the vet, you will have no choice about it,” said Jake.
  “We will just see about that,” stated Booker-T. “I can scratch pretty good when she tries to put me in the car.”
  “That will be a site to see.  Let me know when she is going to take you,” said Jake.  “I want to be there to watch this.”
  “Watch what?” asked Midge as she approached the porch.
  “There won’t be anything to watch,” said Booker-T. 
  "Watch what?" asked Midge again.
  “Hi Midge,” greeted Jake. “Booker-T here says he won’t go to the vets until pigs fly.”
  “Oh really?” asked Midge looking over at Booker-T.
  “That’s right,” said Booker-T.  “You know I don’t like going to a vet.”
  “How would you know?” asked Midge. “You have never been before.”
  “I just know,” said Booker-T.  “My friend Felix went and he said it was bad.”
  “Well, be sure and let us know when you have to go,” said Midge. “We both want to be there to watch you being put into the car for your trip to the vet.”
  “I’ll let you know,” answered Booker-T. “But it will never happen.”
  Jake and Midge just smiled at each other.

Susie and Booker-T

   “Hey Booker-T!” called Jake from the porch as he saw Booker-T strolling along the sidewalk with Susie, the little Persian cat from up the street.
   “Hi Jake,” called Booker-T.  “What is up with you?”
   “Come here a minute,” said Jake.  “I want to ask you something.”
   Booker-T walked up to the porch, leaving Susie standing on the sidewalk in front.  “Wait for me Susie. I will be right back.”

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Let’s Play in the Sunshine

   “Hey Jake!” Where are you?” called Booker-T as he strolled up the sidewalk to the front porch where Jake is usually enjoying the sunshine.  “Come on out ole buddy.”
   “Why all the excitement Booker-T?” asked Jake as he came around the corner from the back yard.
   “Have you seen Midge this morning?” asked Booker-T.  “I thought she liked being out here in the warm sunshine.  I didn’t see her at home, so thought she might be over here with you.”

Midge Wonders About Mythology

   “Hey there Jake!” called Midge as she climbed the steps to the front porch.
   “Hi Midge,” answered Jake.  “What are you doing this morning?  You are here early today.”
   “Trying to figure out what my mistress was talking about to the neighbor,” Midge said with a little bit of confusion in her voice.
   “What were they talking about?” asked Jake.
   “What is mythology?” asked Midge.

Jake and Midge

Jake and Midge
Jake and Midge with Booker-T