I was taught to "leave things better than you've found it." And my mother was/is a huge advocate for "be respectful of others".  And when looking out into the world and intermingling with other humans, I forget that not everyone had the same amazing momma as I did.

I try never to travel on the weekends as there seems to be heavier traffic and people get upset if I don't want to go 75 on the highway dragging my camper.  (Now if it was just me and Xander - my truck- I'd be all over it!)
So, that usually leaves me in campgrounds over the weekend.  

Normally, I don't mind.  I love hearing the kids squealing in the cold water and playing into the sunset.  I love seeing that families are spending time together. I love the smell of a good campfire and grilling of their fresh catch of the day.   I love that people still appreciate nature... sort of... and that "camping" is still a thing that is sure a tradition that will carry on into the future.

This weekend, there was such little regard for others and zero respect for the grounds and the nature around it.  It just makes me so sad.  Who taught you that this is okay?

There was trash, broken bottles and cigarette butts all over the place.  People left their wrappers for the brand new floaty devices all over the beach.  
People drove through the campgrounds- despite there being signs, despite the children running around- too fast or in the wrong direction!  Would it take SO much time out of your life, just to follow the rules?
While I was out walking a vehicle sped past me and kicked up all kinds of rock dust, but also shot a rock out that hit me in my leg.  That sucker hurt!  I have a lovely purple bruise commemorating the moment and a regular reminder, every time I accidentally bump it, about that rude human.

If you want to play music at your campsite, that's fine.  But don't assume everyone else needs to hear it.  And, in the same instance, if you are in a neighboring campsite and the music is not to your liking, is it REALLY necessary to play YOUR genre even louder?

The bathroom... oh... please... just... can't you just... you know, be considerate of others?    Or at the very least take responsibility for yourself and don't assume that it's someone else's job to come along after you and clean things up.

And please... keep an eye on your children and pets.  Neither are meant to be left in a vehicle while you go out and play.  No other explanation should be necessary.  And if you keep your pets on a leash or lead, there would be no need to scream and yell obscenities at them because they are not staying in the invisible parameter of your space.

All of these things, state parks especially, are here for your enjoyment.  Please stop doing the things that will make the state parks decide that it's just not worth it anymore.

We all have different ideas of what we want to experience in our campground vacations and we all have a different idea of what a good time is.  Please!  Go camping! Have a good time!  Create awesome memories for your children and yourselves- but don't rob others of theirs.

Please don't make my state parks unsafe for me, I would just be so sad.

Consider this a public service announcement.
-Pick up your trash.
-Respect others and their space and property.
-Take care of your littles, furry and otherwise.
-Leave things better than you find it.

And our state parks will be here for years and years to come.

Rant over.  Have an amazingly beautiful day.

I'm Invisible

​Over the weekend, our country celebrated its birthday.  So Meera, my trusty Great Dane, and I went down to the riverfront to join in on the festivities!  There were crowds, and vendors and kids everywhere.  Meera was in heaven!  She loves all the attention she gets when we go to these events.  And I enjoy the live bands, so it's usually a win-win.  We find a nice spot to stand so I can dance in place to the music and she can wait patiently for kids and adults to come up to pet her, marvel at her size and compliment her on her demeanor.  She loves every moment of it.  She is patient and doesn't even slobber on people.  She has to watch the tail every once in a while... but other than that, she is a most congenial festival-goer.

This year I noticed that when people came up to us, they would talk directly to Meera and not to me.  It's only when Meera didn't respond to their questions that they'd finally turn to me for answers.  

I met up with a few friends and while we were standing around, the people who would come up to pet Meera, would ask my FRIENDS about MY dog!  I'm holding the leash and everything!  As if I wasn't even there.  They would ask my friends the "owner questions" like, how old, boy or girl, what breed, can we pet her...
Wouldn't you think to ask the one holding the leash those questions??  Me too, but everyone directed their questions else where.

So, the experiment continued.  I handed the leash over to one of my friends to see if the questioning varied.  NO!  They STILL asked them instead of ME!!  HELLO!! I'm the Momma!!  So I stood watching my friends be the dog owner... it was weird.

But it got even worse!  When my friends didn't know the answer to the questions they would look to me and I would answer them!  The "petters" waited for the answer to come back through the friend, and then acted like it was the first time they heard the information.  Sometimes, my friends would even say, "It's her dog." and they STILL wouldn't look to me!  I have never felt so invisible in all my life!!  I've always thought I was approachable.  I try to be kind and friendly.  I'm available to answer Great Dane questions... Big dog questions, good with kids questions...  It was the weirdest thing.  Even my friends were starting to see the reality of it so, it wasn't just in my head!  

It turned into the joke of the evening, and even while Meera was attached to my wrist, I concentrated on the music and my friends socialized with the dog-folks that came up to her.

Who ever said bringing your pet to the park is the best way to meet people was obviously not invisible!