Community - the old and the new

Saturday we went to a local Deli to raise funds for the K-9 officers; for city and county sheriffs -  100% of everything purchased went directly to the group. Sad that there is no state funding for this. These dogs cost quite a bit of money. 

My absolute favorite breed of dog is the German Shepherd. They are such big loves and loyal. I had a German shepherd mix, who was protective of me and I always felt safe. 

They had demonstrations on how they do their work. It was interesting that the padded arm/shoulder pillow they use in demos is the same material they use for play toys for the dogs. They love the feel of that in their highly sensitive mouths. 

Something I was told and then looked it up - apparently these K-9 dogs are smarter than we would think - they are actually "racist." and that is why the state of California is trying to ban police dogs. 

AB742 is now in the appropriations committee - but it is not looking good for our beloved K-9 police dogs. Apparently, New Mexico is also trying to ban police dogs. 

This was the first I ever saw a black lab as a K-9 officer. This is Toni and her specialty is sniffing out gunpowder, bombs, and electronic equipment. 

Unfortunately, she is a racist. 

I don't know what will become of these beautiful dogs if AB742 passes. 

Fortunately, they are all owned by police officers and their families. That is why this group raises the monies for their purchase, training, and cost of medical care. 

These dogs love their work - It's a crying shame. 

We had a delicious deli sandwich and then I purchased a t-shirt for my husband that I know he will wear proudly.  

Afterward, we drove over to a Veteran Art show at the old City Hall, downtown. 

They don't like it when you take photos of their art, so no photos. 

My husband met up with many old veterans he knows and one guy served on the same icebreaker for 2 tours to the north pole and they remembered each other. The other guy flies helicopters still. 

Interesting bronze sculpture. 

I believe it's dancing? 

The leader of this blue grass group is also a Vietnam Veteran as well as the other male players except for the women. 

One is a concert violinist that just started with bluegrass and the other is just a good singer. 

We stayed and listened until they wrapped up their session. They used to practice at the CalVet Veterans Home where my husband retired from.

It was like "old home" week for my husband. 

It was really fun. 

One of the things that I like about where I live now is the community we have. The county is small compared to other California counties - and my town is the biggest city in it and is going through some growing pains. They want to be a big city but they are having pushback from many who want to keep it quaint. The bottom line, you can't fight progress. Everybody is up in arms about the city installing parking meters, and red light cameras at busy intersections - so you can see how there is a fight for everything. 

We're coming up on our annual Cool April Nites. We have only 2 old-style diners that were around in the 50s that the car enthusiasts love to hang out and do their "show and shine" displays. Last week, a beloved drive-up hamburger joint, that makes a really good old-fashioned hamburger had a fire in their storage room. They are now closed. 

So the community is having another fundraiser - to help the owner rebuild. 

A local business has stepped up to sell these tumblers - and others are stepping up to the plate to offer their help and support - many are donating items to sell. 

I never saw this when I lived in the Bay Area. Too big. Everybody just goes about their own business and that is that. Whereas here, everybody looks out for one another and that is why I love it here. 

We enjoyed some beautiful spring weather - I even got a sunburn on my bottom lip. I've never had a sunburn there before. Must be an "age" thing. It really hurt Saturday evening but it's okay now - just dry and feels chapped. Time to get out the sunscreen for my lips. 

Does your community come together to help others? 

I have an 11:30 appointment for my first day of PT. It looks like a busy week coming up for me and I don't like "busy" or hectic.

In recovery, we used to say, 

BUSY: 

Being Under Satans Yoke 

My personality prefers to be laid back and take life as it comes. But there are times when things do come up. I still have the control to cancel things and move around the schedule. Some just like to be busy and then complain about it. 

Okay, That's it for me - 

PS. How well do you know me?

Was I being naive or facetious regarding the racist police dogs?