rating my weekend

the bad: lets get it out of the way first. i fell, actually flipped, out of our hammock and landed right on my head. not only was there an audible thump as my headed hit the concrete (yes, i know, it shouldn't be over concrete), i taco-ed myself and have a stiff neck and back bruise to go along with it. secondly, coco was being her silly, acrobatic self when she tumbled of her log and hurt her leg. as if watching her hobble around isn't bad enough, she has this new, obnoxious companion to deal with. the good: nana and papa made the trip up from texas to visit for the weekend. papa's help was much appreciated when getting duke here and nana is good for great conversation and company, game playing, book reading and gift giving. oh, and she is a phenomenal rug-hooker. they came just as the weather turned cooler and we all welcomed it together with fires, a canyon walk, chili, mexican food, scarves and slippers. the undecided: duke arrived friday afternoon. after some careful exploration of the yard, a bit of bribery, and a not-so-gentle nudge through the gate, he was in. he quickly took to the barn and almost as quickly took to coco. she seemed to rule things and even used her log gym to give herself a height advantage. i have grown quiet (really) fond of her. and that is about where my fun with him ends...the last couple days have been a struggle for me. since coco fell, she is hobbling around on a swollen limb. i am not sure if he is just feeling a bit more comfortable, his youth and my insecurities is rearing up or if he is taking advantage of her been slow, but we are just not feelin' each other. he gets feisty with food and has attempted to kick her, which makes my mother bear instinct kick in and i just want to throw him. i also want to give him back. but i won't...not just yet. i will nurse coco back to her former glory. i will try, try, try to be empathetic toward him. i will do my best to make it work.