Dog Days

It sure hasn't felt like a "usual" summer around here. I haven't had the air conditioning on more than twice and I haven't felt inclined to stick my behind in the freezer or spontaneously turn the hose on myself at all. It's sort of like cheating. Global Cooling. It's feeling more like fall then I can ever remember summer's past feeling.



The bad news is we haven't yet hit the neighborhood pool. The good news is every other thing we've done this summer has not been done in a pool of our own sweat while we alternate sunblock and bugspray. It's actually quite pleasant to be outside enjoying summer. What a concept!



Tonight we hit the Dog Parade in our neighborhood and, although all the local merchants had little bowls of water out for the pooches, no one was at risk of heat stroke and everyone could enjoy being in the direct (although setting) sun to watch them swagger, run, sniff, ride and meander by, sniffing for treats and ear rubs.



It was a very short parade and the costumes lacked a bit, but hey, it was good, local, free fun and we got to pet a lot of seriously cute dogs that were seriously more well behaved than our own. I've already started thinking about how to dress two Schnauzers for next year. Batman and Robin? Sonny and Cher? Hmmm. I need some ideas here.



Happy Friday and good weekend to you! I hope you're getting some lovely summer weather wherever you are.

Wanted: New Toy

We spent our Memorial Day holiday visiting lots of family. We met a big oaf of a dog named Mort, who has loved up this little toy to an extreme. Now I know what Mort needs for his birthday, I guess. Recently, I've actually felt a lot like this toy looks. Pretty over-loved, and worn out, and ready to be reborn as a new toy with new tricks.

I did a lot of talking and thinking (and visiting actual places) about where I want my life to go in the next handful of years. That is such hard work, isn't it? Didn't make any decisions, but got a lot of Big Questions out on the table, such as "why do I work in a cubicle?" and "what does health insurance cost?" and "do I want more babies?" and "what would it be like to move back to our home state?"

Like I said, no decisions, just a lot of good thinking. I thought, and then took breaks from thinking so that I could let it sink in. It was nice to just spend time with people who matter, and talk to them about what matters to them.

Did you do anything fun over the long weekend?

A Moment of Silent Reflection

Today, I'm posting only a photo for your amusement and contemplation.