Zerbert 1993-2009

Friday, January 23, 2009 marked the end of an era. Sadly the era of Zerbert is over. Zerbert’s sixteenth birthday was to be her last.

With Keri at Christmas

For those of you who did not know Zerbert except when she couldn’t walk, she was an energetic, mischievous pooch. Anyone who visited us in Arizona can attest to the fact that she could find your best or favorite pair of shoes to chew on. She used to jump onto the back of the couch with one quick bounce, so that she could get a better view of the world. After all, she thought she was a much bigger dog than she was. She could also stand on her back legs or gesture adamantly with her arms when she begged for food. A trick called Angry Arms. Of course she was very patient when we dressed her up in costumes for the holidays. She had definite likes and dislikes. The witch and clown costumes were OK, but she hated, hated, hated the Batman costume.

I hate this raincoat!

Zerbert was a worldly little pup. In her sixteen years on this earth, she lived in four different states: Tennessee, Illinois, Arizona and Massachusetts. She road tripped all over the country. She visited Kenyon College in Ohio, traveled out to rural South Dakota, and road along Route 66. This dog even went to the Grand Canyon…twice. She traveled all the way across the country, from Arizona to Massachusetts, camping along the way.

Zerbert's biggest fan

When you remember Zerbert, don’t think of the dog who peed on floors and chewed up your favorite possessions. Remember the energetic puppy who entranced little kids everywhere. Good Dog.

Here is a retrospective slideshow.

Heading Home Once Again

Well, it is off to the Midwest again, as this week Ali and I, along with Keri and Zerbert, head back to Chicagoland for some summer family fun. Thus, all Live from New England posts henceforth will be piped in from the greater Chicago metro area.

I have to admit that I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into all those longed for local victuals. Considering I am back on the exercise wagon, so as to not die an early death and maintain some semblance of physical fitness, I will need to demonstrate moderation. Nevertheless, I will be resuming the gastronomic tour which I started early in the year. This time I will be able to hit all those places that tend to close the doors in the colder climes.

Of course, I will maintain a chronicle of the adventures, complete with pictures. In addition to Chicago, we will be heading out to South Dakota briefly to visit Ali’s grandma. Best of all, the trip will include a detour to the Spam Museum. Believe me there will be pictures! I can hardly wait to take in some of that Americana kitsch. Hopefully, there will be other incidental adventures along the way.

So, stay tuned.

Errors and Exposition

Upon publishing my post on The Big E, it was kindly pointed out that I was woefully mistaken in my facts. Thankfully, this individual, you know who you are, was nice enough not to expose me entirely for being such a knucklehead. I had mistakenly said that it was a five-state fair, even misquoting my beloved in the process apparently. This meant that I had inadvertently left out that miniscule slice of American land, Rhode Island. What kind of idiot forgets Rhode Island? Forgive me Rhode Islanders, but I hope all that ardent group of workers at the fair’s state house turned the lights out when they left (don’t miss the dark sarcasm). The entire state population barely passes one million, so a few small cracks are in order. I can’t imagine how I missed it; we ate clam cakes from there for heaven’s sake. However, all is corrected and New England is rightly denoted.

Miner Keri is on the case!

I forgot to mention that when we returned we were the victims of a sudden blackout. Fortunately, Ali and Keri leapt into action and within minutes had the entire place alight with strategically placed candles. Although my favorite part of the episode was miner Keri wandering around the apartment locating the candles. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but Keri with a lamp fixed to her head certainly has more currency. The blackout didn’t last too long, just long enough to stymie Ali’s ability to watch one of her favorite shows, Mystery on PBS. Being the nice boyfriend that I am, I made sure I caught the repeat and taped it for her.

Beyond that Life has begun to settle down a bit for me in New England. Ali and I were able to spend the majority of the weekend rearranging our living quarters to better accommodate the both of us. It took a bit longer than she would have liked, but things are significantly more comfortable. The boxes are gone! I know that will be hard for many of you who were witness to the way I lived the last few years, but believe it. There is nary a box adorning our bedroom to be seen, any longer. Plus, we were able to expand our closet space, which was sorely needed.

Zerbert

With Keri and Zerbert off in New Jersey, winterizing the cabin, we were able to ransack the whole place while reconstructing. This is, by the way, the first mention of the irrepressible canine Zerbert. I have to admit I wasn’t sure of what to think about this dog with a barely functioning set of legs, but she has grown on me since my arrival. Ultimately, I have become convinced; she is pretty cute. Apparently the admiration is mutual, since she bores a whole through me with her fixed gaze. Both Ali and Keri are already thinking I might be spending a bit too much time with little Zerbert. Now that she has got her mug published for all to see, I had better get a few more pics of Ali posted, lest she grow more jealous.

Finally, Happy Birthday to Vince who officially crossed the threshold of the mighty thirties. I am not sure it makes you an adult yet or not, but it is certainly a lot closer!