55

I went back inside to talk to the old man. “Are you sure you want to sell her?” I prodded. “Yes, Ma’am,” he insisted. “But sir, she’s amazing. She’s a talking dog.” “Did she tell you about being a spy in the Kremlin?” “Yes. Unbelievable.” “Hell!” he said. “It’s unbelievable because she’s spent her whole life out here in the Midwest. Raised her from a newborn pup myself. I’ll give you a discount. You can have her for ten bucks.” “But why?” I couldn’t understand why he’d want to give her up. “Because,” he banged his fist on the counter, “she’s a damn liar!”

I peeled off a Hamilton, the dog jumped in the front seat and she and I were on our way back East. She was great company for the trip. (She didn’t like listening to country music, though, because the songs are always about dogs dying. She liked talk radio.) These days, I dress for my dog. I was tempted to wear pajamas for a walk around the neighborhood, but she gave me a look and asked, “Are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?”

“What are you talking about? I have to look cool standing next to you while you poop in public.” Perhaps my retort was a bit snarky because she was annoyed.

“Is there anything else you want to complain about? Let me remind you I saw you licking your ice cream bowl.”

“Don’t you dare tell my secrets!” I was in a huff.

“Awww. C’mon, Rosie. You know I can keep a secret. I was a spy with the CIA!”

About the writer

Roseanne Bottone is a regulatory

compliance training instructor,

former Peace Corps Volunteer,

cancer survivor, grandmother,

MBA, and freelance writer. She

travels the country teaching business

people about environmental and

transportation safety regulations, and is a newspaper

columnist. She’s a homeowner in East Stroudsburg and lives

Quality Care Providing 40 for over years.

GETZ PERSONAL CARE HOME

• Assistance with Tasks of Daily Living • Delicious Home-Cooked Meals • Extensive Entertainment, Social & Wellness Programs • Medication Management • Family Atmosphere • A Scenic, Country Setting

1026 Scenic Dr, Kunkletown, PA 18058 Route 534 at the Village of Jonas www.getzpersonalcare.com • (570) 629.1334

Join an Environmental Educator at 10am at the Bog parking lot and take a 2 ½ hour guided journey into the unique Tannersville Cranberry Bog. Along the way, our environmental educators will explain the Bog’s formation, its interesting plant and animal life, and the role the local Preserve Committee and the Nature Conservancy play in its continued protection. Please wear appropriate footwear. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/EE and Nature Conservancy members and children under 12. Preregistration is required and limited. Directions: Route 611, at the light at the Tannersville Inn turn onto Cherry Lane Rd. The bog parking lot is 1.9 miles from 611 on the right. www. mcconservation.org

In & Around the Poconos

Wednesday Bog Walk Every Wednesday, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Come play, find critters, and meet friends at Forevergreen Nature Preserve- all while maintaining health and safety! Get some energy out and explore the natural world at the same

Wild Wonders at the Preserve Tuesday, July 7th & Thursday, July 9th, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

time! In accordance with the CDC, guests must wear masks unless medically exempt, and must maintain social distance. Tuesday programs will welcome ages 2-5 and a parent. Thursdays welcome ages 6-12, with an option to drop off your child. Cost: $5/child. Preregistration required and limited. Changes to programming may occur; www.srosrc.org has the most recent information.

Bridge the Gap: Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk Saturday, July 11, 2020,10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Nature provides food & natural remedies for us in the form of many plants. Join us on a hike focused on wild edible & medicinal plants. No collecting will be done within the Park. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. www.peec.org

Waterfall Tour Sunday, July 12, 2020,9:00 am - 12:00 pm

The Delaware Water Gap has quite a few waterfalls within the park that all flow into the Delaware River. Join us for an afternoon as we check out some of the larger and well known falls in the park. Spaces are limited so call early! www.peec.org

Bug Exploration Saturday, July 18, 2020,10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Bugs are everywhere! Come join us as we go discover some insects on our trails and learn about what makes them so unique. Don’t worry; they’re not as scary as they look! www. peec.org

Intro to Tent Camping Sunday, July 26, 2020,10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Learn everything you need to know about camping right here. From basic shelters, to common knots, and even how to build a fire from scratch. It’ll be great practice for any future family vacations. www.peec.org

Festival of Wood Saturday, August 01 - 02, 2020

The Festival of Wood is a hands-on, family-friendly event that takes place at Historic Grey Towers in Milford, PA. In an