Summer in Maine is short and valuable. We make it thru the winter with the promise reward of spring and summer. Although Fall is my favorite, I can’t argue that seeing the lush greens is very inspiring. I like Fall because the air is drier and the bugs are gone.

But even though summer is here, I’m not out in it. My sciatica turned into a full blown disk episode that’s put me on my back for the past month. After the initial week of intense pain, some steroids finally took the inflammation down and allowed the ice packs and chiropractic treatments to take effect. But, I’m on orders to avoid sitting - too much pressure on the disk. Since I want to avoid surgery, I’ll do what I’m told. Some things I’ve re-learned and will share:

• TV is definitely a wasteland, with very few exceptions
• eating while lying down is an art: eat small portions and drink water
• a laptop/notebook computer is a sanity-saver. I found the lapdawg stand and it allows me to work while lying down.
• Pain meds don’t kill pain

Thursday, June 12, 2008, Logan James Babb Johnson passed away in the company of loved ones. He was a beautiful soul, a true friend and companion, and was instantly loved by all who met him.

Logan, age 15, started out in life with some tough times. But fate allowed that he find his true family. The rest of his life was filled with love, fun and all the things that make a dog’s life the best possible. He was smart, funny, and always ready to be a friend. He will be deeply missed.

Logan is survived by his family, Linda, Verna, Claudette, Phyllis, Robyn, Betty, Roberta; his longtime friends, Midnight, Bandy, Kota John, Vincent, Theo and Madeline.

His family would like to thank the caring staff at the North Country Animal Hospital in Caribou, Maine.