Oh LUCCCCCCCCCCCCCYYYYYYYYY

While Dork Doggie and I were out for a lovely long walk in the sunset tonight, we happened upon my shut-in neighbor Lucy. Lucy was actually out with her portable air pack and on her way to the post box on the corner of Derby & MLK with a letter. We stopped and talked with her and then walked up to the corner with her. It was a slow walk for only half a block, but when you can't breathe you go slow. I hadn't posted much about Lucy lately, I realize. I wave and say hi as we go bye each day. I took her scones and left over rice pudding in March. With this viral infection I've had I made sure I didn't get too close and told her why. During Easter I noticed her apartment was dark again and Riley, her black and white kitty, was sprawled alone on the bed. Lucy was back by that Monday night. I had hoped she just spent the holiday with friends. Tonight I learned that no, she'd pinched a cigarette again and wound up back in the hospital.

Addictions can be so hard to break. sigh.

Lucy was a dog walker before she couldn't work any more. She enjoyed talking with me and petting Dottie, who (for once) behaved and was cheery and friendly. Dottie didn't seem to mind our slow pace. It gave her ample time to poke around and smell smells and try to gobble up left over junk food strewn about from the high school kids who seem to discard half eaten bags of doritos or candy without a thought. Lucy and I discussed rescue dogs and their particular concerns and challenges. We talked about cats, her one and my two, and we talked about her problem addiction to cigarettes. The hospital now has her in a support group with other emphysema patients and she said that helped a lot to know that she isn't alone in this.

Dottie and I walked Lucy back down to her apartment house on the other corner before we continued on our long walk in the twilight. Dottie got two good girl treats on our return to the house for being well behaved and a good neighbor.

I continue to like this new place more and more!