Four legs good, two legs bad. George Orwell
Living among the redwoods in a forest with evergreens, other woody plants, and small coruscating streams, as we do, is a beautiful respite for humans. This open space is ideal for our four-legged friends as well. They could stretch their legs, run with freedom and explore in an environment their ancestors once knew. I was thinking of domesticated dogs, not wild hogs.
I would never waste your time or pages in my book to show off something just for my own gratification. Everyone’s pets are the most beautiful, amazing, and so forth, I realize. But ours are the most beautiful, amazing, and loving creatures that I never had — until now.
Because of my years in the U. S. Army and USAF (and single), there was never time for pets. More than once, someone would excuse themselves when a meeting was running late because their “dog couldn’t hold it any longer.” I never found myself in that situation. I was completely dedicated to my job and would never have a reason (except for the twins) to leave an important meeting or event.
The girls and I never had pets except for an occasional cat.
Now we are blessed with pets, and as you continue, I think you’ll see why:
No greater love. Lacy, the best dog ever with Bobbie. She lived just 4 years, because of seizures and a probable brain tumor. Cheri spent thousands of dollars to keep her alive for just a few short months longer. Bobbie weighed 20 lbs and brightened our lives for almost 20 years! (Swan archives)
Savvy, (both above) lived just 5 years (stomach cancer). His brother below at his grave. (Cheri Swan)
Princess (above) earned her name, and she really loves her daddy. When I’m away, Cheri said she’s in a deep funk, won’t play, and eats very little. She, like all our animals, was rescued. (Cheri Swan)
In 2005, I began writing about local veterans and their military experience, which ran in several publications in Northern Calif. and on the World Wide Web. My writing included editorials on veteran issues for Veterans Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Armed Forces Day, and Vietnam Vets Recognition Week. I received positive feedback, but nothing so satisfying as below.
One of my articles that listed people from our area who were killed in Vietnam featured a U. S. Marine who lost his life there while serving there as a journalist. Several months after the article ran locally, I received an email from his brother back east. He was surprised to find the story online and appreciative that I had recognized his loved one. I never took any money for the veteran stories I wrote; that he was so grateful to me for honoring his brother, Victor Payne — was priceless.
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Trying to maintain my health, I was going to many medical appointments, usually at VA Hospital in San Francisco-Ft. Miley, with doctors from Univ. Calif. San Francisco (UCSF) and Stanford.
Crohn’s disease was still nagging me. You’ve undoubtedly read enough about my sickness and surgeries, so I will not dwell.
Some highlights: How are 11 days in the hospital for stricture of the colon, a potentially life-threatening emergency? (Luckily, I was in San Francisco when it struck me.) Then there was surgery for a retracted stoma and another for a revision. I also had four surgeries that fused the center joints of my fingers on each hand (proximal interphalangeal) from a burning-bone-to-bone arthritic hell, blamed on Crohn’s disease. So safe to say, there were several surgeries in the 2002-2012 time frame; honestly, I’ve lost count.
I recuperated from them all, slowly taking a break from cutting wood and refining my workouts to just walking. Strolling on the black sand at the shores of the Pacific with my canines, drinking Calif. Pinot noir with Oregon cheddar, and reading from my library filled many a day.
Meanwhile, time was running out on my own book. So I would compose a paragraph here and there.
Then I did light work organizing records, reorganizing the basement and garage, and looking out for skunks and bears. I became involved in too many interests that require money, like collecting diecast cars (not to mention a few actual cars), tools, knives, weapons, watches, and several lithographs from area artists; then, I cataloged them all. After donating my record collection (5,000+) to Laura’s alma mater Bowling Green State University, Ohio, I had one less thing to organize. They were excited to have my historical collection to grow their first-rate and cataloged repository, and I was happy to have a needed tax deduction that year. Unfortunately, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame wasn’t interested, even when I told them some of the 45s were played on AFVN.
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Working on my appeal to get my correct annuity from Civil Service (now OPM) was very difficult, stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Fortunately for you, I will not go into any detail. There were many ups and downs, mostly downs. Yet, after a two-year battle, I was successful and received back pay.
Spent: A bonus to my lawyer, money to family members, paid off a few bills, and replaced the deck around my house at $28,000. (It’s a huge 3/4 round deck.) I didn’t spend on any big-ticket items. I had lots of nice things already. Some money was spent on travel, and a whole lot went to the IRS. Then, I made a few investments just before the crash of 2008
Swan's Song Series 
You’ve been blessed to have some gorgeous pups!
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