In an effort to gradually increase my time away from the condo to avoid unnecessarily stressing Blaze, I kept this ride to a relatively short 20 miles or so. Unlike yesterday’s ride, where I stayed around the condo and didn’t use the Jeep, today’s ride started at the base of Scudder Hill by the railroad tracks, taking the Jeep and the bicycle. Unfortunately, my efforts to reach Halcottsville were thwarted due to complete road reconstruction down by the village. The road was completely torn up, forcing a turn around and ride back to Route 30, where I then rode south from the junction of Route 8 and Route 30. I finally made it to Route 36 where I turned left and started the ascent up Vega Valley. Becoming increasingly concerned about my time away from the condo, I turned around after having completed 12 miles, making it back to the truck with a total of approximately 21 miles. The weather was once again very nice, with temps in the low 70s, interesting cloud formations, and a manageable wind out of the west-northwest at about 10 to 15. In spite of a very satisfying ride, my spirits remain considerably dampened by the ongoing struggles with Blaze. Last night, Joey and Pat came over for dinner, and I was barely able to relax throughout the entirety of their time here. It all started with Blaze barking nonstop behind the baby gate in my room, and then continued during his unleashed presence on the deck. He eventually appeared to have settled down, having been successfully being plied with treats by Pat and Joey. I mistakenly thought that we had seen the worst of his agitation and aggression. While cradling Blaze in my arms to quiet him after Trish had made a surprise appearance, Pat reached out to pet him goodbye, and he lunged for her finger with obvious malicious intent, very nearly biting her seriously. Needless to say, what had already been a very challenging, nerve-wracking evening, almost concluded on a nearly catastrophic note. I continue to anguish over what the future might hold for this otherwise bright, energetic, devoted, affectionate little canine. It seems that much of my present existence has been hijacked by his many problems and needs.