Boomer and Halley and The Dog Days of Summer in Shady Pines
THE HEAT IS ON
The windows are open in the Sanders’ House on Dogwood Drive near downtown. Big ‘ole ceiling fans whir as they go ’round and ’round trying to make the most of a soft summer breeze. It’s another hot Saturday in Shady Pines.
Edna Sanders sits in the kitchen flipping through her favorite recipes.
“Oh fiddlesticks. It’s hard to come up with ideas when it’s this hot,” she groans. “I have no clue what to make for supper.”
Boomerang, the Australian Shepherd dog lies on the wooden floor and pants gently.
Edna gets up and fills Boomer’s bowl with fresh water. “It really is the dog days of summer isn’t it Boom? And that heavy coat of yours doesn’t help.” As she leans down and pets his handsome head Boomer gets up.
Edna looks around the kitchen. “Hmmm. Wonder where Halley is?”
Boomer barks. “I bet you know where she’s hiding, don’t you, boy?
A COOL IDEA
Edna heads down the hallway with Boomer at her heels. 
She reaches the small bathroom near the front door, gently pushes the door open and peers in. Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat, is in the sink wrapped up like a ball.
Boomer goes up to the sink sniffing. “Halley what’s wrong with you? What are you doing in the sink?”
Halley opens one eye. “I was sleeping. Don’t you have anything better to do?”
Boomer tries to push her with his paw. “Of course I do. I don’t know why but mom wanted to find you. “
“Look at her,” says Edna. “Halley’s so smart. That’s probably the coolest place in the house right now. That gives me an idea.” Edna turns and walks away. “I need to call Harold.
Harold Sanders owns the Nuts ‘N Bolts hardware store in the middle of Main Street. On Saturday’s the store closes at noon. Harold carries a clipboard and checks on supplies. “You can always tell when we’re having a heat wave,” says Harold to himself. ” We sell so many fans, garden hoses, outdoor thermometers, and that sort of thing.
As Harold makes notes of what he needs to re-order, his cell phone rings. “Hi honey. What’s up?”
Edna is happy she’s reached him. “I want to run an idea by you.”
Harold sits down. “Oh boy. It’s not going to be like last time is it?
Edna frowns. “Harold Sanders. The bake off for charity worked out fine. In the end.”
Harold chuckles. Yes but the repairs to the stove and having to replace all those fire alarm units was – unexpected!”
Edna shrugs. ” Well, this is not that. What do you say we get the kiddie pool out and let Boomer and Halley play in the water to cool off?”
Edna sits at the kitchen table and Boomer lies at her feet. At the sound of his name he looks up.
Harold considers this for a moment. ” Do you think Halley will go for that? She is a cat after all.”
“Don’t worry. “I have a plan. And it includes floats,” says Edna.
Harold shakes his head. “All right. We’ll give it a shot. I’ll be home soon.”
Edna is excited. “Great! I’ll get everything ready. It’ll be fun. You’ll see.”
Harold shakes his head. Uh-huh. Love you.”
Edna smiles. “Love you, too.”
A PLAN COMES TOGETHER
Now Edna is in motion. She remembers she made her famous chocolate chip cookies the other day. She can warm those up for desert. She looks in the refrigerator. There’s iced tea and lemonade along with some chicken and pasta salad.
“That’ll work. Boomer, you and Halley can have some of that chicken for your dinner, too. How does that sound?”
Boomer wags his bobbed tail and barks. Halley wanders into the kitchen and yawns. “Did I hear my name?”
“Oh go back to your sink will ya?” growls Boomer.
“Why Boom I have a sinking feeling you’re not happy to see me.”
“Grrrr.”
BACKYARD ADVENTURES
Edna opens the kitchen door leading to the tree and flower filled backyard. “C’mon kids let’s go out and make sure the hose is hooked up. We’ll need it to fill the kiddie pool with water. I want to make sure everything is in order when Harold gets home.”
Halley bolts for the open door with Boomer right behind her. The nimble cat zeros in on a tree near the house. A squirrel is eating nuts on one of the lower branches.
Boomer trots around looking for something. “Halley where did I put my bone?”
“Pipe down will ya?” hisses Halley hiding below the tree. “Can’t you see I’ve got a bead on this critter?”
Boomer comes flying toward her. “What critter? Where?”
The squirrel sees the dog and races away. Halley gives Boomer one of her looks. She sighs. “Really? You didn’t see the squirrel?”
Boomer grins. “Nope. But I did find my bone!”
Meanwhile, Edna untangles the hose.”Good. The nozzle is already on it.”
Bored with Halley, Boomer wanders over to Edna. “I’m going to see what mom’s doing.”
“Me, too,” says Halley.
Edna is set. “Okay kids. Let’s make sure it’s working.” Boomer 
arrives and sniffs at the nozzle. “Be careful Boom. I’m going to turn it on.”
Oh no! Edna doesn’t realize the nozzle is locked in the full position. Before you could yell, ‘There she blows!’ the nozzle rockets out of Edna’s hand. The hose snakes wildly around in the air spraying water in all directions. Edna dives for the hose, but misses. When she finally turns off the water, she hears loud barking and a cat screaming.
Halley dashes this way and that trying to avoid the gushing water. “Boomer!” she yells. Boomer runs in circles. “Halley!”
Arriving home and hearing the commotion, Harold bursts through the back door. He can’t believe what he sees. “What’s going on?”
Edna is drenched from head to toe. “Hi dear.”
Boomer is soaking wet hiding in the bushes. Halley is up in a tree frantically trying to lick herself dry. Harold takes another look at his wife. “Honey are you all right?”
Edna pushes wet hair out of her eyes. Her tee shirt and shorts drip with water and her flip flops splish and splosh as she walks towards him. “I don’t think we’ll need the kiddie pool just yet.”
Harold walks over to Boomer. “Come here boy. That’s it.” Boomer slowly comes out of hiding and puts his head into Harold’s outstreched hands. Halley looks down at the pooch from her perch.
“Boom you’re a mess. But you’re not hurt are you?”
Boomer looks up and see Halley. “I’m okay. But this shows you are a real scaredy cat.”
“Am not.”
“Are too.”
Edna joins in. “Oh Boomer, I’m sorry I scared you,” she says as she drops down and hugs him. “You too, Halley,” she calls out. Edna looks at her stunned husband. “Harold we’re gonna need some towels and a whole lot of tuna. We’ve gotta get Halley out of that darn tree!”
A QUIET EVENING
It’s late afternoon now and the shadows in the backyard grow longer.
A light wind catches the windchime made of spoons and makes it sing. Edna and Harold are back and forth from the house. They bring out plates, utensils and everything else they need. Before long the wooden table is set with all the picnic food and drinks Edna put together earlier.
There are two bowls on placemats on the ground. One bowl says, Boomer, the other says Halley. Both are filled with chicken.
Boomer looks over at Halley. ” I like chicken more than you do.”
“Do not.”
“Do too.”
Harold is relaxed for the first time since getting home. Edna has changed into a short sleeve summer dress. Harold figures it might be safe now to ask. “So what exactly did happen with the hose?”
“Well, ” says Edna. “It all started when…” Boomer lies in the shade chewing on his bone. Halley snoozes on the seat of a lawn chair. And that’s where we leave the Sanders on a lovely summer evening in the small Southern town of Shady Pines.
**PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW**
This is so exciting! Folks in Shady Pines are all a twitter about what’s going on in the skies above our town this week and even waaaay beyond that.
much of the matter of our bodies was created within the stars a really long time ago.
male deer, or bucks, are in full-growth mode during this time. According to 
Whatever you choose to call it, just remember to look up tomorrow night after sunset.
for is brewing off the coast.
Those rains are already soaking the coastal regions in the South.
track this storm system closely to make sure they can still go ahead with everything that’s supposed to happen on Monday.
straight lines as they form teams. 
Around 5 o’clock folks head down to Stonewall Park with their picnic baskets and coolers. A lot of our local business like Maggie’s Diner, Fred’s Corner Grocer and Cup ‘O Joe’s coffee shop donate food and drinks.
We’re all about that in Shady Pines.
of those booming explosions. Our small animals get scared, shiver with fear and look everywhere for a place to hide. If you know your neighbors have pets who respond negatively to fireworks, please be respectful.
Bottom line, in Shady Pines no matter what the weather or the holiday 
We just got finished with May Day, Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day. Whew! And now there’s more on the calendar with graduations, anniversaries, birthdays and more.
moms, dads, family members and friends are just tickled pink to see them perform on the stage at the Shady Pines Community Center next door to the school.
Next is the actual graduation ceremony. You’ve never seen so many cameras and phones fly out of purses and pockets. This is an event that a family wants to preserve for all time. And don’t the kids look cute in their caps and gowns? It was a fairly small graduation class this year but there was nothing small about the joyous celebration.
Halley looks confused. “Well, when was THAT day?”
You really know it’s spring in Shady Pines Story Town when the first day of May rolls around.
In fact, it’s such a big deal our mayor, Beauregard P. Fibbs, is declaring 
Vendors will sell everything from clothing to jewelrey, artwork, pottery and so much more. There will be live music and food trucks. Bring the family and let’s enjoy this marvelous month in a very Shady Pines way!”
A group gathering is welcome news after folks around here had to spend so much time apart because of the pandemic. Now the small Southern town can kick up its heels at a party or kick back and smell those bright, wonderful, spring flowers.
We’ll have all sorts of flavors available like chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, plus rocky road, pepermint, and so much more. After that, we’ll dance around the 
maypole.”
permanent maypole up all year round on village greens and in squares.
Thursday the 5th. Can you guess what it is? That’s right! Kim is organizing a Cinco De Mayo party. Kim grew up in nearby River City just over the McCaw River, but one of her best friends is from Mexico.
Hi everyone! Do you want to meet the woman who started Father’s Day? Sure you do.
Father’s Day is coming up this weekend on Sunday, June 21st so my editor, Zulah Talmadge, gave me a fun assignment. She asked me to find out who came up with the idea of giving fathers their own special day.
They’re in black and white ’cause she lived a long time ago. Her name was Sonora Smart Dodd. She was born in Sebastian County in Arkansas in 1892. Her mother, 
in raising her and her and her brothers.
plan into place ran into some difficulties. So the first Father’s Day celebration was pushed back to Sunday, June 19, 1910.
celebration in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge chimed in with his support in 1924, as well.
Sonora Dodd died in 1978 at the age of 96. The mother-of-one was remembered as a children’s book author, sculptor, and a business owner. Her gravestone reads, ‘Founder of Father’s Day.’
The calendar reads January 6th. You know what that means? It’s Sherlock Holmes’ birthday! He may be a crime fighting character out of books from a long time ago. But, through movies and television dramas people all over the world still follow this famous detective as he travels around London, England solving mysteries. In fact, Sherlock Holmes has a real fan living in Shady Pines Story Town.
“It’s dense as pea soup outside. Looks like I could be living in England. They have nothing but fog over there,” she thinks to herself.
Edna stares at the page. “Oh, golly. Oh, boy. This is great!” She claps her hands for joy. Edna is really excited. She’d forgotten what day it is. 
Her favorite detective of all time was born on Januray 6, 1861. Everyone knows how much Edna loves these stories. Why, one of her best friends just sent her a book for Christmas called, The Adventures of Sherlcok Holmes.
“Let me get your chew bone Boomer, and Halley I’ll get you some tuna. Then, I’ll tell you all about him and his famous partner, Dr. Watson. He was a retired army officer, don’t you know.”
He’s also known for that tweed hat he wears, the pipe he smokes and the magnifying glass he uses to look for clues.”
Oh, boy, the big day will be here soon. The countdown is on for Christmas and advent calendars are popping up everywhere. 
These are the calendars that kids love because they include a hidden treat or toy behind every day of the week from the first of December right up to Christmas Eve. Hi everyone, Zulah Talmadge with you for The Shady Pines Gazette News. Now that Thanksgiving is in our rear view mirror the holiday season is in full gear. 
It has been seen by Christians around the world as a way to get ready for the coming 
These days, most Advent Calendars have numbered paper doors or pockets that open to reveal an image, chocolate or other small object. Some of the folks here in Shady Pines Story Town will hide messages of kindness, caring and love behind those colorful doors.
For instance, a long time ago you might have seen a really old fashioned calendar that looks like your great, great, grandmother might have made it. 
These holiday calendars are fun. And just like the spiritual theme of the season, they offer anticipation, hope and joy of discovery.
I want you to know about two events that are happening at the same time. You really should be paying attention to both. 
Zulah Talmage with you from The Shady Pines Gazette news team. On the one hand, our nation is still waiting to hear the results of the 2020 presidential election. Unlike other elections, this one is taking a long time.
great? Here’s another one: “In a world where you can be anything, Be Kind.”
As this week, or weeks go along, Scoop and I will continue to cover all the twists and turns that this year’s presidential election will throw our way. There will probably be calls for states to hold re-counts of votes and who-knows-what else? 2020 has been an unusual year, and there’s no reason to expect a “normal” election, is there?
Fall is such a wonderful time of year in Shady Pines. Everywhere you look there’s an explosion of color. And I really like the cooler weather, don’t you? I’m Scoop the Cub Reporter for The Shady Pines Gazette.
One mom I met told said, “If your kids don’t explore the outdoors very often, this is a great way for them to discover nature. Seeing how pumpkins grow out of the ground and are attached to vines is very educational. It helps them understand that pumpkins don’t just show up at the grocery store automatically.”
Do you see the colors of that butterfly next to the pumpkin? Being out on the farm you can just be amazed at Mother Nature. I think this kind of stuff is really cool!
I met another mom who told me, “From the second we arrived, my children ran off with smiles, but quickly, they realized how much work it was to be in a field of pumpkins. Even running took work since the vines were everywhere, waiting to trip little, toddler-sized running feet.”
So a lot of kids don’t realize it takes hard work to be a farmer. One young girl I met was getting a little taste of that. Just trying to push a wheelbarrow with a big ‘ole pumpkin was something she hadn’t done 
before. The other thing she said was that she didn’t know pumpkins grew from tiny seeds. She also didn’t realize that they come in so many shapes, sizes and colors. “It’s kinda like people, isn’t it?” she asked.
time for me to take the title back! The other reason I need to pick up some pumpkins is to inspire my mom. Around Halloween she likes to scare up some pumpkin dishes for us. I’m talking about everything from pumpkin pies to pumpkin pancakes. Here are some recipes for you to try: 
“There you are,” says Edna. “I knew you had to be around here somewhere.”
“He does have a way of calming people down, doesn’t he?”
Every day seems to bring new concerns about the Coronavirus. It’s no different in Shady Pines Story Town. Seven-year-old Ray Robinson looks at a flier he found on the school’s bulletin board.chool. It has a bunch of instructions about what to expect if the elementary school has to close down for awhile.
military and is deployed again. They aren’t sure where he is except he’s somewhere overseas. He’s been gone a long time already and they don’t know when he’ll be back. “Oh, my gosh,” says Ray, “what happens if he is quarantined overseas?”
In a city filled with celebrities, Kobe Bryant managed to stand out.
That’s why it was even more painful to learn that the daughter who loved playing basketball and being coached by her famous father, died alongside him on their way to a game.
Attach Action to the Resolutions
mixed together, taken a sip of water, and is settling in for a nap.
of help today.” Harold gives him a dog treat from one of the many wooden barrels near the cash register. “Ruff,” says Boomer. Harold laughs. “I didn’t forget. I’ve got the calendar right here to bring home to mom. You ready to go?” Boomer wags his bobbed tail.
Boomer groans. “Oh, brother.”
“Well,” says Edna, “I’m thinking agility classes for Boomer and walking on a leash classes for Halley. She still doesn’t have the hang of it yet.”
Harold agrees with his wife. “Yes, and Halley likes to show she can do things other cats can’t do. It gets people to notice her and she adores being the center of attention.”
Edna’s Kitchen cookbook I’m writing, and find ways to better show how much I appreciate my family, friends, and this wonderful community.”
“Hey, where do you want me to put these?” One of the volunteers helping to decorate carries an armload of ornament boxes. The fragile, colorful balls will decorate the Center’s Christmas tree later on. The trouble is, right now, he can barely see above the top box and shuffles right towards the tree. Before anyone can yell, “Look out,” the man bumps right into the tree. Swaying uncontrollably on its stand, rocking from one side to the other, the tree lurches to the right before toppling to the floor. The boxes fly across the room, crashing to the earth in an almost musical tinkling of breaking ornaments.
One of the smaller boys, clutching his pine cone, tugs on Harold’s tool belt. “I want to put mine 
up high,” he says, and soon the adults are lifting the smallest children up on their shoulders so they can tie their pine cones to the tallest branches. Old and young alike smile and help one another.
Hi. It’s me, Scoop the Cub Reporter, from The Shady Pines Gazette newspaper. Have you heard that another parent is going to jail because they cheated to get their kids into fancy colleges?
I just found out that there is an art project you have to see to believe. I’ll give you a hint. This is one doggone good assignment for me. I’m heading over to our local author, Mary Jane McKittrick’s, house right now. Seems Mary Jane has a friend with some artwork that might just unleash a whole new trend. Have you guessed what it is yet?
Here’s Mary Jane’s friend, Jan Maresh Saunders, with the artist herself – Polly the dog!
She heads downtown to Main Street to see what people are saying about this toasty start to the summer season.
she can pop into Maggie’s Diner where gosssip is served up right along with that day’s special sandwich, Zulah runs into Kim Dunworthy. Mail carrier Kim is coming out of Cup ‘O Joe’s coffee shop.
People Are Talking
Be Careful In The Heat
celebrated nationwide on Sunday, June 19th.
It’s late in the game and Harold’s guys are two runs ahead of the other team. What’s so bad?
Harold’s wife, Edna,
Boomer points at the toy. “Well look at it, will ya!”
And they love you right back. Look at them.”
Edna joins him on the floor and hugs him. “Yes, and besides that, they may have something for you next Sunday that you’re not expecting.”
“Oh, please tell me it will not be crawling, slithering or flying through the house. You know how our daughter likes to surprise us!”
Troubling images flicker across the TV at the Sanders house near downtown Shady Pines. 
It’s the same in households across the country.
“This is horrible,” says Edna. “Those poor little kids. Their parents and families. Those brave teachers. That town. It’s just too much.” Edna buries her face in her hands.
But there’s something beyond the parades, the picnics, and the family gatherings that often gets lost.
If you own an American flag, you can teach older kids
Why not teach your children America the Beautiful, the National Anthem or say the Pledge of Allegiance, and talk about the meaning behind each one.
5) Take a Moment for Silence
“Taps. It’s all done at 3PM local time as a symbol of 
national unity.
Better lace up your track shoes folks, ’cause May is off to a flying start here in Shady Pines. 
Scoop the Cub Reporter with The Shady Pines Gazette news is literally running to keep up with events.
army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day.
Kim is planning a dance downtown with food vendors. The kids will have a special section where they can learn about Mexican history and have something to eat, too!
ext up is the 148th Run For the Roses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
state this Saturday May 7th, it is all that our Edna Sanders talks about.
They get gussied 
up like the folks do who actually go the the event. Edna says watching the 
fashion choices people make – especially those hats – is part of the fun.
Mother’s Day
There’s no way to sum up all that mothers do for their children and their families. But it did get us wondering, who came up with the idea for a day devoted to moms?
It became an official U.S. holiday in 1914.
At the Sanders’ household, Harold decided to make Edna a Mother’s Day card. He got their four legged children to help.
things never go as planned. But fortunately, after Edna watches the Kentucky Derby on Saturday there will be a card waiting for her the next day.
What is going on? Why do people act like this? This is NOT the Shady Pines Way! I’m Zulah Talmadge, editor of The Shady Pines Gazette news. 
Scoop nods and cues up the scene to show Ms. Talmadge. “This is really bad.”
Zulah puts her hand on Scoop shoulder. “You’re exactly right Scoop.