Sunday I had my MTM Barbie post to prepare, and it was great going into downtown Houston. There was little evidence of the damage done by Hurricane Ike; that may be because I couldn’t really look around since I was driving. I did see downed trees piled under overpasses, cut and waiting to be picked up, like this:
Houston lost thousands of trees (including more than 3500 in city parks and golf courses), but Tim made me aware of a program the city has already planned called Million Trees . Trees are a vital part of keeping an urban area healthy, because as Mayor Bill White said, “[T]hey absorb carbon dioxide, aid in flood prevention, provide shade and serve as buffers against violent winds.” Such planting efforts have made positive changes in other cities including Chicago, LA, and NYC.
In addition to the trees the city intends to plant, the mayor is encouraging Houstonians to plant trees privately. Another suggestion is for people and businesses to honor friends, family members, and employees by giving trees as “gifts.” How lovely to know that someone is planting a tree in your honor that will be around to provide shelter, shade, and beauty even after you’re gone!
As a treat after my outing yesterday, I stopped at Starbucks so I could read while enjoying my usual mocha frappuccino. In one of those happy coincidences, I met a couple who has fostered dogs through Scout’s Honor Rescue, Inc., the organization who brought EZ into our lives. The couple (whose names I never asked for!) talked about some of the dogs they’ve fostered (and adopted), and it gave me hope that one day, EZ will find the perfect forever home. She’s such a delightful dog that it’ll be hard to let her go, but I know she needs to be an only dog with someone who can lavish her with time and love.
Although I failed to get my fellow Starbucks patrons’ names, I DO know the name of their three-and-a-half-month-old puppy:
Dylan, a Rhodesian ridgeback. Look at those paws!
He’ll be about a hundred pounds when he reaches adulthood.
A photo Lindsey took of EZ pretending to be languishing in jail.
Don’t let her fool you. She’s a happy girl.
You can check out her information here.
Dylan is gorgeous!
And really sweet and well-behaved, too. They’ve obviously been giving him good lessons in public behavior.
Do you know how ridiculously close to the softball fields you were? I’m just sayin’. You love other people’s puppies more than us! *sniff* Coulda at least brought us some coffee fraps.
The softball fields are downtown? I had no idea.
I did have a prior commitment to someone–involves why I was at Starbucks–but that’s in-person kind of info, not for online.
I would have brought you fraps if I’d known, though!
The fields are about a mile from your house. As is the Starbucks for that matter. And you totally missed both of us kicking ass on the field… until I dove for a ball and hurt my ankle again. Am back in boot. I am a dumbass.
AAAAAACK! Well, I’m glad I didn’t see THAT. That’s it. You’re benched until you’ve fully healed. Because I’m bossy that way.
And you VOWED YOU WOULD NOT SLIDE OR DIVE OR OTHERWISE RISK YOUR ANKLE. Empty promises. I’ll have to think of some just punishment. Maybe Kathy will help me, because I know Rhonda’s just going to take up for you. Because she’s just that sweet in spite of being evil.
Oh hell, you didn’t tell me you used all caps… now I feel so ashamed.
I put her ass back in the boot! And by “ass,” I mean “ankle.” I’ve been very stern. Really. Then again…she kinda likes that. 😉
I managed to play two whole games without hurting myself. It was all going so well. But you don’t have to put your foot down or shake a Yenta finger at me… I’m benching myself because I have to be able to play in the spring.
“I’m benching myself because I have to be able to play in the spring.”
Let me make a note of this, so we can refer back to this comment.
Holy crap, Dylan is going to be HUGE. And Oh! Those eyes! And then EZ’s eyes! I am now a puddle of mush.
Doggie eyes are like nothing else on earth.
” EZ has two speeds: On and Off.” *giggle*
I hope she finds her new people very soon.
It’s one of those bittersweet things. I want her to find the perfect home, but it will be hard to see her go. She’s been with Tim a long time. And she’s about as cute and sweet as she can be.
omg i need to mush up dylan’s face and give him so many kisses!
pooooor jailed ez! 😉
You can give EZ some kisses, too. I know she won’t mind.
she accepts kisses too?! then yes, i would give her the same!
I love puppies!
The other day when Phoebe and I were walking we got to meet a 12 week old brindle boxer puppy, Layla. She was so cute, as is Dylan!
Plus they have puppy breath. =)