Some of you might know it’s St David’s Day, when the Welsh celebrate the Patron Saint of Wales. We may not be Welsh, but our hearts are still there. Daffodils are among the most recognised symbols of Wales, plus the red dragon.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant
More important for me though, today is my wife Juanita’s birthday. She is the light and rock in my life, who stands with me through all the trials and tribulations thrown at us. I am eternally grateful and love her deeply forever. Instead of caring for herself today, she has been acquiring all I need to replace my malfunctioning hospital bed. That’s real love.
This means ‘Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all‘ in Welsh, as my heart is still there even though I’m an Anglo-Chilean now living in the USA…. seven hours behind Wales or anywhere in the UK.
I should have posted this some days ago, but I’ve been trying to finish the next episode of ‘Freedom Flights’, which might appear later this week.
Instead, here’s a Ukrainian seasonal greeting.
Вітаю вас з Новим роком і Різдвом!
This means ‘Congratulations to you on New Year and Christmas!’
Today is a double celebration in our home, so I’ve been signing off my carers with a line sketch of a daffodil.
Some of you might know it’s St David’s Day, when the Welsh celebrate the Patron Saint of Wales. We may not be Welsh, but our hearts are still there. Daffodils are among the most recognised symbols of Wales, plus the red dragon.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant
More important for me though, today is my wife Juanita’s birthday. My carers have ensured she has received flowers and chocolates… as she richly deserves. My present is awaiting collection in the postbox at the other end of the park. Hopefully, one of her sons will bring the post later. Another of my carers is planning a celebratory meal this evening.
In my next post, on Wednesday/IWSG Day, I’ll use a photo of my present and it’s Valentine partner. Until then, here’s my favourite photo.
Our beautiful Cavachon fur-baby Quetzal was born on February 13th, 2014, in Garndolbenmaen, North Wales, U.K.
I had already seen photographs of her parents and some siblings but knew my choice. So, when Juanita brought her out to show me, it was ‘love at first cuddle’.
Although the breeder’s son called her ‘Curly Sue’, we chose the name Quetzal after a game which Juanita was playing ‘Quetzal Quest’ about the search for a jewel likeness of the exotic Quetzal bird, whose feathers were prized by the Central American natives.
Likewise, we prized our gorgeous fur-baby, who has left us with a wealth of memories, from dashing around in the rain, to trying to catch squirrels. When she was a puppy, she liked to climb via my lap, onto my desk between the keyboard and my monitor. However, one of our cats loved this spot as well, so, every day became a race for this prime location. Fortunately, my lap was almost as good… and came with a stroking bonus.
Over time, Quetzal outgrew the desk. Plus, she had a new privilege: walking in the forest at the mountain biking centre, where she was treated to a venison burger – yes, dogs were allowed in the cafeteria.
Her other sport was chasing tennis balls… inside… and destroying them. By now, we had our second dog, Treeky. We also replaced tennis balls with rubber ‘kongs’ that fooled both dogs by bouncing erratically.
When we moved to America, Quetzal & Treeky travelled in style on the liner Queen Mary II, with two Kennel Masters for all the dogs, and a Poop Deck for walks with a UK lamppost and US fire hydrant.
Sadly, as my health declined and I became bed-bound, I could no longer walk Quetzal. She could though, use steps to climb onto my bed and snuggle. Most nights she slept cuddled on or beside me.
I won’t forget her squeezing herself between me and my bed-desk to reach me and curl up. Every time I was trying to eat, she would bob and weave behind the desk to get tidbits, or a hopeful face would appear from under the desk.
Last photo of Quetzal sharing love and attention
An adorable face I will never forget, to infinity and beyond.
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we have to tell you that our sweet fur baby Quetzal went over the rainbow bridge at around 7:00 pm tonight. She just laid down and was gone. Juanita found her and it has hit us both so hard.
RIP Quetzal we will never forget how gentle and sweet you were. Feb 13 2014 – June 17 2023.
Writing Wings 