It's been in the upper 90's all week, unusual for Chicago most years (there are still quite a few people that don't have central ac as the median summer temp is 81)
So time to drag out the kiddie pool. Like her Angel Sister, Abby the Landlocked Lab, Sunny is NOT a fan of the pool except for fetching cold and wet toys out of it. If she can do so without getting completely wet she is happy.
Dad, you missed the turn off for Burger Barn.
With a very soggy late winter/early spring, there weren't any playdates for Sunny and her best friend Napolean as the yard was just too muddy.
So when we had a few days of warmth and things dried out, Nap's Mom called when she got home from school (she's a teacher's aide in special education). Both of us were tired and ready for dog's that were worn out, after several attempted "Zomie-thons" in the living room during the rainy weather.
Tired Doggos = Happy Dog Moms
Something I am grateful for in my author journey is the number of incredible people I've met. Especially the younger generation, which warms my heart when I see such drive and goodness out there.
One such person I met along the way was a young female police officer in the Searcy, Arkansas area. Officer Kristen McGlothlin has got quite a social media following as "Tactical Tinkerbell" - Facebook: Kris.10mc. I'm still laughing about her tale of the chip-stealing dog at the local market. A wife, a mom, and a Christian, she's funny, bright, and caring, and sent me the nicest handwritten note when she first encountered "The Book of Barkley". So I wasn't surprised to see that she set up a nonprofit in her area, northwest of Little Rock, to help those in need.
Her nonprofit, Day 41 Group, Inc., is now officially up and running in Arkansas! Their first major mission is JJ’s Closet — a secondhand store with a heart for restoring dignity and meeting real needs in our community.
In Kris's words, "When someone goes through a trauma — a car accident, medical emergency, assault, or fire — their clothing is often cut away by first responders or medical staff. These individuals should never have to leave the hospital wearing a thin gown or disposable paper scrubs.
Being close to the hospital means we can quickly provide:
✔ clean clothing
✔ shoes
✔ essentials
So people can walk out with dignity, not discomfort.
But our mission goes far beyond trauma response.
❤️ Who JJ’s Closet Will Serve
In addition to emergency situations, JJ’s Closet will assist:
• Families who have experienced crisis
• Individuals who are low-income or underprivileged
• People experiencing homelessness
• Anyone in White County facing an unexpected hardship
• Anyone who simply needs a helping hand and a fresh start
If someone is in need, we want them to know they have a place to turn.
JJ’s Closet will operate as a low-cost secondhand store, and every dollar raised will go directly back into the nonprofit to support:
• Crisis assistance
• Emergency clothing for hospital patients
• Programs for struggling families
• Outreach across White County
And for those in true crisis?
➡️ All clothing and essentials will always be FREE.
No questions asked. No shame. No barriers."
It's up and running, and this week, they had enough donations that they ran out of hangars. Click on the link for JJ's Closet or their Amazon Store for more info.
