Debut...

My sister's home on the Central Coast seems a continent away from Richmond. It's also the only retreat at which I can afford to stay for a whole week. I just had to help with the dishes and be good company. That I could do.

T and K live on five acres of low, rolling hills studded with live and scrub oak. Their property, situated between two high ridges, has been left largely as nature created it; the oaks clothed in the colors of moss and lichen, small stands of bright green ferns follow the course of an underground spring to the southwest quarter and darker green bracken grows near another small spring frequented by deer, fox, quail and other California wildlife. Such a haven of natural beauty...

When you first arrive you notice the quiet immediately. Then birdsong begins to emerge from the soundscape of oak leaves softly pattering in the breeze and an occasional rooster crowing far off in the distance sounds almost ghostly. No sirens, no highway noise... just the blessed quiet of the country. A perfect place to rest and forget the busy world on the other side of the ridge.

T and I didn't plan any major outings during my visit; a pancake breakfast and street fair in Aromas on Sunday morning that she wanted to attend, and maybe a visit to Logos Books, Santa Cruz' version of Moe's. Our intention was to enjoy some good down time together, you know, sister stuff: lots of talking, maybe some drawing or painting, walking or just sitting around in our pajamas doing absolutely nothing. That kind of idle time is a luxury in both our lives right now.

Poppy and I settled in on Friday evening, she in her very spacious pen and me on a comfy sofa. Dinner was scrumptious and both of us slept soundly. Saturday was spent in my pjs, loafing, talking, going in and out with Pops to acclimate her to another world, and taking a late afternoon walk. Another delicious dinner and solid night's sleep. This is what I'm talking about!

Sunday morning we were out the door by 9 a.m. and off to Aromas where my sister has developed quite a few contacts in the artists guild there. We left Poppy crated in the car while we scarfed eggs studded with fresh mushrooms, sausage, bacon and stacks of pancakes covered in pseudo-syrup (still quite tasty!). Then we headed back to the car to rescue my girl and take her out into the street for her first foray into a crowd.

I have to say that I was very proud of her behavior and manners. She stuck close to me or Karl, behaved well around other dogs and only had one unpleasant encounter with a snarky Jack Russell terrier who was just - well - nasty. The terrier's owner seemed completely oblivious to the little squirt's crotchety attitude and didn't pay a bit of attention to where the dog was or with what it was interacting. Tch, tch, tch. Poppy merely looked startled by his negative attitude and very happy as we moved on down the street away from the little snapper. She had lots of kisses for the little kids who asked if they might pet her, and charmed quite a few grown ups in the crowd with her good attitude and puppy cuteness.

It was a good morning for all of us, and for me it was a huge relief to discover how mellow my new friend was in a strange environment. Perhaps she felt safe with me or Karl, maybe it's her personality. Whatever you attribute it to, she was a model citizen today and I'm gaining confidence in who she is and how I can support her growing into a well-mannered companion.