So proud

It's a good thing they don't have a category for "Horrible Dog", because you KNOW they'd circle Polly on that one.

A Sure Sign

One of the surest signs of spring each year is the migration of the Bouncy Balls back to Target. Take heart, winter-haters, it won't be long now. Alice is counting the days!

Snowball

Welcome back, old friend.



The Evil Driveway of Doom torments me no longer. Of course, this photo does not do justice to the full extent of the EDoD's full torment. From where I stood while taking this picture, there were at least two more car lengths behind me.



Even the dogs decided to brave the winter weather. Here Polly is doing her best Poor Little Match Girl impression (note the artfully raised paw). And yes, that's right, my dogs have winter coats. I would like to point out that they have very short fur and get cold very easily. DO NOT JUDGE ME! It's not like I dress them in doll clothes or anything.




I hope the New Year brings you lots of big purple bouncy balls.

Will wonders never cease

Now THAT'S never happened before...

The iceman, he's on his way

This weekend, it was time to face reality and realize that winter is coming soon. I pulled out all the tomato plants and raked the lawn (for the third time). The weather was gray and cold and damp, a true November day. We even had a little snow, although it didn't last. Just enough to for Old Man Winter to whisper in your ear, "See you soon!"

I even spent a little time in the kitchen, making a split pea soup that seemed right for the season. I also attempted something called a galette, but I won't embarrass myself by describing how I goofed up with it.

And somehow, in the surest sign yet that the days of playing outside are over, Alice finally popped her bouncy ball. Here she is having one final tender moment with it:

Alice having a ball

If Alice could choose just one thing to do for the rest of her life, this would be it.

The problem with Alice is...

that she finds it so hard to relax.