Ed has a new Buddy

[Jeff Higgins]

Update:

Ben stopped by today, back in the States for his little sister's birth of her first child. He stopped by this afternoon to visit Tilly. We were a little concerned that in over a year of being separated, she might not remember him. That would have been heartbreaking. I'm sure Ben was equally worried.

Well, it turns out we had nothing to worry about. By all indications, she knew exactly who he was. After an absolutely exuberant, out of control, spinning around and jumping up and down melee, Ben finally calmed down enough to pet Tilly. Just kidding... but Tilly was pretty close to that.

We had a nice visit this afternoon with Ben. He will be working a ski resort in Big Sky, MT this winter, then returning to South America to "finish" it. He may then be on to Australia, to meet the family of a young lady he has been traveling with. He is hoping to get a working visa while he is there, and possibly stay awhile.

So, as most of you have probably guessed by now, it doesn't sound like he will be returning for Tilly any time soon. I could tell he was kind of nervously feeling us out for what that might mean for us. This was supposed to be a temporary, two year max commitment for us.

I broke the ice, since I could tell he was struggling - "don't worry Ben, Tilly has her 'forever' home right here". We're keeping her. She has wormed her way into our hearts (wasn't all that hard, really), and has established herself as Ed's "right hand girl".

Welcome to the family, Tilly. Just don't touch my ball...

[gsxrken]