I was thinking that this will be the first July 4th I have celebrated without my late great brother, Angus Fala.
Looking through some old July 4th pics, and I was drawn to maybe the best July 4th I have had – yet. The visit back in 2012 to Chicago to see our friends Ficelle, Bella, Bee Bee, Handsome Jack, and our hostess, the Princess herself, Peyton.
We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria. What a swanky place. On the ride though, Mama fell asleep, and I had to maintain my vigil. (Mama will hate this picture, so don’t tell her I posted it)
The way up on the elevator was scary. It is weird getting in a little room, and when you leave it is a totally different smell. I’m used to it by now, but this, being my first elevator ride, was weird.
then the room….what a view…
I could look out of it forever. And I practically did, for about 24 hours. Here’s 30 seconds – see how intent and focused I am?
Even Angus looked outside…though he wasn’t as enthralled about the view as I was
went out to the park to do our bidness. It was hot! But we enjoyed the new smells and the excitement
Back in the room. HOT! The nice bathroom tile floor feels great!
Waiting for our meal…this is Angus
Room Service!
Mama went to a show. We walked around the city while she attended. I remember one Italian tourist couple stopped us on Michigan Avenue,and said “ohhh…the best dogs in Chicago” and stooped down to pet us. While normally I was the friendly one, I backed up like 5 feet. Uh oh, you ain’t touching me! But Angus saved the moment, and let them pat him on the head. Always the politician he was!
Tired…time for bed!
July 4th was the big day! The big Meet and Growl at Princess Peyton’s castle in Chicago! We were going to meet Princess Peyton – her new brother, Handsome Jack. Our close friends from behind the cheddar curtain, Bella and Bee Bee. And our special guest from Canada, Ficelle!
On the elevator down to the car – Angus all decked out in his patriotic bandana. Our first stop was the Palmer House Hilton to pick up Ficelle and her staff.
At Princess Peyton’s – everyone here socializing, except Angus.
And what Scottie get-together would be complete without the obligatory group photo op!
And one more shot before we leave – Angus giving Ficelle a talking too about her worthless Border Terrier Boyfriend, Dusty Winter! But Ficelle didn’t want to hear about it.
Back home at Angus Manor the night of the July 4th. Boy, were we tired….
I hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane. I will be thinking a lot about my brother this weekend, but I am sure glad we had Chicago, 2012!
Lt. Ainsley McKenna (Captain Rank Pending)
Angus Fala Worldwide Enterprises 
What a wonderful thing me you had. So much fun. 😊
LikeLiked by 5 people
it was good times!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I remember this trip, it was so much fun to go down memory lane with you! Sadly July 4th is a sad day for me. It would have been my son, Jay’s 49th birthday.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So sad. Taken too soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What wonderful memories .
LikeLiked by 3 people
The Waldorf is in NYC I thought. Silly me.
LikeLiked by 3 people
There is…but there is one in Chicago as well.
LikeLiked by 3 people
What a lovely time it was with Angus. You do not live that far from me. Let me know when you decide to have a Seminar or a Webinar… Happy 4th!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What wonderful memories of your wonderful brother Angus, thank you for sharing and kisses to you from Grace,Snoopy and I!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I loved that group picture from that day. Good Times!
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s almost like you were Eloise and her brother at the Plaza! Glad Angus allowed himself to be petted. Love his room service steak, and your focus at the view… I adore views like that too. We just got back from Mama’s home town, Philadelphia. She gets all hived up ( she says stimulated), when we’re are in a major city. So glad you could plan a big throw down with your friends…extra happy Ficelle was in town. The stuff most excellent memories are made of! My Mama married my PawPaw two different times, but both on the 4 th of July, so like Linda, she gets quiet & reflective. You, Ficelle, Indy & Lucy I would so like to meet….Mama would too. Hope the fireworks won’t bother you.. SB
LikeLiked by 4 people
Fireworks don’t bother me one little bit, Skyler. They bother you?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve never been that close to them Ainsley….however, thunder doesn’t bother me, so maybe not. Glad you’re not bothered.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We are glad you had the Fourth of July in Chicago in 2012 too. Mom gets a lump in her throat and wet eyes when she goes down memory lane. Time moves on but you can never take the memories away, too many photos to do that. We are happy you shared this good time with us.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for indulging me. Since we removed Angus Facebook Page, the repository of all his pics, I thought I might post a few here today.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Can never have too many pics of Angus! Haagis McAttitude’s hooman was blathering on about something and Mama wrote……”enough about you, we all miss Haagis. How is he? ” We hope he’s ok, let’s see if his peeps answers. Mama can be so blunt…….
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great to see everyone enjoying themselves! So miss Angus ….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bill got back to me and said HAAGIS WAS FINE, His page got zonked by guess who, the little shit.
LikeLike
Aww thank you Lt Ainsley McKenna (Captain Rank Pending) for sharing all these wonderful memories of Angus. I hope you are not going to put Angus’ photos too far away. It is one of the ‘firsts’ since Angus passed away and the ‘firsts’ are always so difficult to get through. It is also sad for us because Angus was a very big part of our lives. I too have moist eyes today. Thinking of you all with much love
LikeLiked by 2 people
What great memories! Thanks for posting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a nice tribute to Angus. He was a dog among dogs! You and Angus are two well traveled pooches! I enjoy chi-town too – awesome city. But have never taken Scout and Abby. We will have to pick your brain as to the best dog friendly places to stay! Happy Fourth sweetie!
LikeLike
Wow, that certainly looked like a splendid trip, not only when you actually did it, but also down ‘memory lane’.
LikeLike