I My view upon waking in the morning – Photo: L.Weikel
Ridiculousness
Has anyone else written a check lately and struggled to recall what month it is? First of all, I realize that ‘writing a check,’ in and of itself, is an archaic concept that undoubtedly merits ridicule. So compounding that ridiculousness with a straight up admission that I’m having a hard time keeping track of what month it is probably puts a strain on my credibility as a contributing member of the 21st century.
Putting that aside, I’m asking the question in all honesty. We’re only two weeks away from Halloween! I went to Pet Smart today (not to buy another toy for the pups) (really!), and I nearly fell over when I realized that the entire main aisle of the store is now dedicated to Christmas regalia and toys. CHRISTMAS.
Meanwhile, I’m sitting here on the couch, surrounded by my minions, with my front door open to a cacophony of cricket and katydid chatter. It sounds like it’s the middle of summer. And the ever-so-slight coolness of the breeze coming in feels much more summery than fall-like as well. My senses are confused.
How Quickly It All Could Change
Would any of us be surprised if two weeks from now we suddenly found ourselves under two feet of snow?
I, for one, don’t mind snow. But it wouldn’t be good for the trees. Many would still have their leaves, and snowstorms in October are notoriously ‘wet’ snows, which cling to branches and weigh them down. More leaves on trees would mean more snow piling up – increasing the potential for branches snapping or entire trees being felled.
But I have to cop to an even greater immediate concern: puppy hygiene.
It’s hard enough at the moment to catch them in the act and whisk them outside to do their business. Once it’s frigid outside? Oh yikes. I’m praying for a miracle here, guys.
Evening Sprawl – Photo: L.Weikel
For Now
So for now, before we have ‘Pacha and Brutus’s first snowfall’ photos, I am going to give you two shots of my perspective on these puppies today.
The first (at the top of this post) is the somewhat M. C. Escher-like conglomeration of paws and fur, one creature seamlessly blending into another, that greeted me when I opened my eyes this morning. It’s literally the view I enjoyed this very morning.
And the photo above, in the middle of this post, you’ll find is just ’giving the facts, Ma’am.’ We start our day together, we’ll end our day together. It’s clear to all (or me, at least) that Tigger is refusing to relinquish his ‘by my side’ status to these interlopers. Nope. He’s planted his flag. He’s here to stay. These ‘children’ can rough and tumble, bite his tail, and yip at him with all the puppy aggression they can muster. But he’s staying. By my side.
(T-42)