We're putting screen around the patio

Mom had a birthday! She had to tell me because, well, dogs aren't real good with dates. I don't even remember my own birthday. Mom has to tell me that, too. She got a lot of greeting cards from people I don't know, but the one that made her happiest was from Cousin Linda. Cousin Linda never forgets Mom's birthday and Mom never forgets her birthday, either. 

Mom and I are a team. I've been helping her clean out Jack's garage. When she goes over to do some work, I ride with her in the pickup. My job is to keep her company and listen quietly when she says a lot of very bad words about the hoard of junk. I mostly sit in the truck and watch her work, but keeping out of her way is an important job, too. Once the pickup is loaded, I ride to the landfill with her. 

Cousin Dave has been helping, too. Mom says he's the brawn to her brain. He took a bunch of old, rusty cabinets to be recycled and cut up some pressboard cabinets so they could go in the dumpster at the landfill. Those will decompose, whatever that means. He put new belts on the mower Mom uses, too. Mom doesn't like Dad's mower because it doesn't have brakes, just funky handlebars. 

I'm not sure I understand the whole landfill thing. It seems like Mom is glad to have a place to dump all the junk, but really upset it has to go there. It's confusing to a dog. Like how does Mom know what goes on the metal only pile? And how does she know where to take the plastic items? Mom knows a lot of stuff!

Mom works hard taking care of me so I'm really, really, really happy she did something for herself for her birthday. She called Cousin Chris and he's putting screens all around the patio to keep the bugs out. I like that idea! It will be wonderful to be able to sit on the patio and not have one of those nasty big bumblebees dive bomb my head. Good idea, Mom! 

Have you ever seen those big bumblebees? They're huge! 

The downside is I can't just stroll out wherever I want. I have to go through the special panels with the screen curtains. They have magnets to keep them closed. It's easy-peasy. Just keep walking and they part. There's one on each side, special for me!

Once the screens are installed, Mom wants to paint the trim. I heard her and Dad talking about it and Dad said she had to wait until the wood cured a little more. Mom rolled her eyes and I know what that meant - she already knew that. 

Mom just finished her coffee and I know what that means. It's time to start our day. I'm not sure what Mom has planned, but I'm Deuce! I'm her right-paw guy and I'll be beside her every step of the way! 

I wish I could help

It's not been a very good patch for Mom. Her stepfather died. I remember Jack. He was really tall. He was also married to Grandma. I think married must be the same as being mates. Jack and Grandma used to be together all the time before Grandma got something called Alzheimer's.

Mom was trying to take care of Jack. I could see it was hard on her. She has a job and she takes care of Dad, me, and Loki, too. Plus she mows the grass, does the laundry, cooks, gets the groceries. She's been doing it all without any help and she's really worn out. I try to be on my very best behavior so I don't become a burden. She says I'll never be one, but I want to do my part. 

Mom's been coaxing me to put my head on the pillows with her at night. It must comfort her so I do it even when I get too warm. I try not to pant but I can't always help it. Mom doesn't fuss me when I have to move to cool down. She understands.

I don't understand everything she has to do now. It seems like it's a lot more than before. Dad is being what Mom says is "solicitous." I'm a smart dog, but I don't know what that means. 

I'd really like to help Mom so I guess the best thing I can do is just be me. I'm a good dog. Mom tells me that every day. It makes me so happy to hear her say, "Deuce is a good dog!" 

Mom says life will get easier once she's settled everything and Dad's recovered from his upcoming surgery. Cousin Chris is screening in the patio real soon so we should have a lot of fun this summer, sitting outside and not having to swat mosquitoes. Mom got the notice the panels have been shipped and she was happy about that! 

I'll have to try harder to comfort Mom, but I'm just too big to sit on her lap. I'll have to think of something else. 

I'm Deuce! I'll come up with something to make her smile.