A Dogs Tale

This is a story that's stranger than true. It begins with me working on a customer's truck one day. I was removing and patching a flat tire. I would then turn to tighten up some loose nuts and bolts on the suspension, and I was to check the level of the gear oil.
I smashed my fingers, of course, taking the tire off the rim. You'd think I didn't feel like I was doing something constructive unless I was smashing my fingers or cracking my head on something. Such is the lot of a mechanic I suppose. A mechanic who, luckily, has a hard head.
Anyway, I'm off to wash my wounds and put bandages on the messy parts. So, I clean 'em up and head back out to finish the job, and low and behold; this little pup, whom I constantly ragged on for being so useful, so handy to have around, what with her working so hard to hold down the nearest available pillow; because, of course, there is the constant danger that they would float away when left unattended; this little girl had actually patched the tire, remounted it on the rim and was putting the tire back on the truck. I couldn't believe my eyes, although, I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. We never lost a single pillow on her watch.
I ran and got the camera so that I could document this phenomenal example of man's best friend, demonstrating its readiness to partner with us, to join with us, working to make our tasks their own; and, they do try so hard.
After replacing the tire on the truck she busied herself tightening up the suspension on the rear end. I snapped some quick pictures, hanging back so as to be non-intrusive, so she wouldn't notice I was back. As she was finishing up she became aware that I was hanging out, watching her.
She turned and shot that self-satisfied look at me, the one she gets when she knows she's pulled off one of those amazingly remarkable; and, absolutely inexplicable feats of unexpected skills. Of course, also, I knew, that she knew, that I owed her. So, I'll be digging out the ribs. It's off to the beach for us. She's earned it.

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You See

To that purpose I intend to seek out and join with chocolatiers, vintners, and other artisans who bring the good things to us that bring us pleasure, and, of course, the like minded foodies who would like to join with me in celebrating the simple pleasures that can make life really special, every day.

So, while you’re here enjoying the literature promulgating from Chocolates story you will also be able to acquire, here at Chateau Chocolique, chocolates, cheeses, coffees and teas, spices; all the good things that bring us the pleasures that make life a little more palatable, every day.

Just follow the links to the tastes that you desire, join with us and be sure to share your thoughts on some of the simple pleasures you’ve discovered that the rest of us might enjoy seeking out, and exploring with you.

The Other With The One

Douglas Wilson

6/11/2023

Back in Early Time when Time was something new

and Man had not yet had the thought that Time should e'er be through

and not yet Time to even wonder what his Time may lead him to

and Time not yet to consider; by the moment every Time would come due.

In the Market one morn' came a begging young Lad

who most would accredit with naught but bad;

with a bowl and a cloak and no more Dignity clad;

with a hand open and a Hope, and it was all that he had.

It was there he happened upon the One of a Greater Age

and He there fell upon the Ponderance of that ancient and thoughtful Sage.

There with stern Vision, Truth was served by no more observant gauge,

“ Yes,” said the Hoary One,“ I have. I have that I can assuage.”

This I have of value and pass from my hand to you, and this also,

that you should know, in this One Coin are Two.

On One side its face shines Glorious but there the stories told half-through.

On the Other sits a Beast poised to spring and with this Coin you get him too.

You see One is as the Brother or the Father to the Son

and though either could be the Other; Neither can be just One.

So when One comes about to Abide a while think not the Other gone

for nearby the Other doth surely await it's turn as the Night doth wait the Sun.

So know this Thee so it shall be Forevermore and from now on,

from this Dawn when You had nothing and 'til all you've had is gone,

remember this 'tis no matter which side your Fortune doth now rest upon;

From this day until Forever you took the Other with the One.

Now, it is a Time that is long until Forever and it is not Forever until then.

It is Time with plenty an hour for good Fortune to turn Sour, then Sweeten and Sour again.

And so, you shall find Each in Time 'til this Coin of Fortune weareth thin.

So, as it shows you its face look to see what of the Other your Fortune doth hold within.

6/11/2023