With Great Respect and Many Thanks

Dog Days of Summer

It doesn't take much to make my day really.
And isn't life supposed to be about the simple things as much as the big things (if not more).
This morning as I'm sitting at my desk, a lady walks by with four dogs. Each dog has a twin! This made me do a double take, and then it made me laugh.

Though I still had bed head, no shoes, smudged mascara, I ran out the door with my camera.

I just had to get a picture of this! It made me smile, perhaps it would do the same for others.

And that was Barb's introduction to me: Crazy lady with flat hair, coffee breath, waving camera manically and shouting "Excuse me!"

Barb was kind enough to stop and talk to me. The pugs and one black dog belong to her, the other black dog is temporary while his owner is away.

I have met most of my neighbor's because of my dog (usually by passing each other on dog walks, though there is the occasional "SORRY!" when I'm not paying attention to him when we're in the backyard). And I've discovered that much as people bond over sports teams, animal lovers are always willing to stop and chat.

So to Barb and her brood for making me smile (and it was a bit of a stressful morning), and to all the dog lovers who know that it only takes a wag of a tail to make your day...Cheers!

MARK (the server, NOT to be confused with the owner) - ROASTED PEPPER

The Roasted Pepper does not pretend to be fashionable nor is it pretentious. T walls are painted forest green; they are decorated wit old stage coach wheels and stars. You might expect someone to be singing "The Yellow Rose of Texas" in the kitchen, but you'd be disappointed.
It is located in Chalfont, Pa. Right on 202, a little past (or a little before- depending on the direction you're coming from)152.
No sir, we are not in Texas, but the Roasted Pepper does bring some of that home cooked Texas feel to it; made evident by a server/host/story teller named Mark.
He recommended the Chicken Parm sandwich. After I had one bite, I knew I could trust him. The sandwich, made by Debbie who wears many different hats, was fabulous.
I was meeting a client at the Roasted Pepper, who was delayed. Lucky for me, the Roasted Pepper was a bit slow during this Fourth of July week, and Mark entertained me. The kid (he's really not a kid, though he looks like a he's not old enough to by a 6 pack)has had two kidney transplants (at the age of 4, one of his kidney's failed), has been shot (it's a really long story, be sure to ask him if they're not busy,) and has survived all the crap life has thrown against his wall. None of that crap has stuck to him.
What was most remarkable to me was Mark's easy going outlook on life. You know how you meet some people and they might have a seasonal allergy disorder and that's all they can complain about? Well, Mark had a smile on his face when he was telling his stories, as if he was describing nothing more than floating down a lazy river in an inner tube. It's allllllllll good.
I'm always moved by people who shrug off life's tradgedies. That's admirable.
And is the Chicken Parm at the Roasted Pepper.