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Today is my Birthday. I’m 8 years old. I’m lingering in my comfy chair, dreaming about this special day. I have high hopes.What fun activities have they planned? Perhaps an excursion, or a play date?

Oh I forgot… Dennis is in quarantine, he just got back from San Francisco, he’s stuck at home. That means no excursion, damn it!

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Incidentally, I was thrilled to pick him up at the airport, finally, after five weeks away he was coming home. Now you’d think Dennis would be interested in how his Long Lost Boxer girl had been. Well, I’ve got news for you: he wasn’t!

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The only thing he could talk about was little Baby J, his grandson. It was Baby J this, Baby J that, and “He’s the cutest”, “He’s soooo adorable”…etc… it went on the whole way back home…and hasn’t stopped since.

He’s shown a picture of Baby J to everyone, whether they’re interested or not, the viewing is mandatory.

Honestly becoming a grandparent alters peoples minds and priorities. They all seem to think their grandchildren are the smartest, the most gorgeous and are bound to win a Nobel prize. We know Veronica is hopeless on that matter, but I’d hoped Dennis would act more dignified.

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I do love the family babies, they’re all very cute, and that’s all well and good as long as everyone remembers I was here first! Also these Grandparents, i.e. Dennis and Veronica, need to stop this nutty behaviour. It’s embarrassing.

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I was slightly annoyed when the B-day started like any old whatever day with a long walk in the woods.

Come think of it there’s probably an amazing surprise waiting for me when we come home. Yes of course, it makes total sense, get the Birthday girl out of the house and then….

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…nothing, nil, zilch! What’s going on here? I haven’t even got the “Now that you’re 8 you have to act your age” talk. I’m seriously concerned.

Suddenly, Veronica calls me; “Felicia, we’re going to see Dr L”. What’s that now? Did I hear her right? Going to the Dr?? ON MY BIRTHDAY??!! Seriously? Don’t get me wrong, I love Dr. L and all, but on any other day, not my birthday.

Apparently I have to have an 8 Years Old check up. Is that Veronica’s idea of Birthday fun? What’s wrong with her? I’m furious!

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Dr L on the other hand, is very happy to see me, my anger abated slightly, (I mean it’s not his fault Veronica’s lost her mind) As a matter of fact his whole team greets me warmly.

Clearly I’m a celebrity over here, what with my 4 surgeries, they adore me, as well they should. I’m a very special Boxer girl. “Felicia the Brave Medical Hero”.

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Dr L does a thorough check up. My general condition is good and he cannot find any new tumours.

He’s especially happy with my muscles after my two knee surgeries. The rehab therapy and our long walks did the job. I’m like a body builder.

Dr L mentions my zen attitude, what can I say, this is not my first rodeo!

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Veronica and Dr L talk, and talk, and talk… no surprise here, Veronica is a compulsive chatter, she talks to perfect strangers all the time, on walks, with sales assistant, or taxi drivers, etc.

The absolutely amazing thing is that they always end up pouring out their life story to her, in every detail! After a ride to the airport of 20 m, she knew all about the Taxi driver’s family, the problem with his MIL, his baby daughter, the house he wants to buy, etc. Insane!

Meanwhile they learn nothing about her. Right now though, a little attention for the Birthday girl wouldn’t hurt!

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We chill for a bit at our community beach, it’s beautiful down here, the view of the city and the Jura mountains is wonderful. Not really an excursion but at least it’s fun.

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Back home there’s finally some normality to this unworthy day, Veronica takes the traditional Birthday Pic.

Look at me, sweet, lovely, perfect posture, with the fancy red ribbon. I’m just gorgeous, if I may say so. Come to think of it I should have a crown, yes a B-Day Crown!

I am the “Queen of the Castle” after all!!

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From that moment on, everything follows the “Birthday Rules” in the established, strict order. (At least Veronica hasn’t totally lost her mind)

I get my gifts. The package was delivered today, from Germany, from “Sabro”.

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It’s a cool Lama! I love cuddly toys. What? Yes, I know that I have a bunch of them already, so what? Like there’s a rule? BTW it’s very insensitive to bring up this matter right now (or at any other time as a matter of fact)!

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There’s a Box of yummy treats too. Veronica gave me a few right away. Usually I have to perform some trick first, very strange, do I sense a little guilt here?

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My cake is the best, with candles and all.

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It tastes just delicious. Dennis is very shocked at the speed I gulp it down. I have to hurry, you never know, a racoon might sneak in and steal it.

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This day did not live up to expectations. Even though I got a gift, a cake and my traditional pic. I’m still very disappointed. I wonder if there is a “Dog Union” where I could file a complaint?

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On the plus side, I didn’t get the “Now you have to act you’re age” talk. In other words, I can behave just like I want! I’ve been told we’ll go on a fun excursion, as soon as Dennis is out of quarantine.

That is, if he can take his eyes off those pics of Baby J.