Friends, Cold Weather, and Dogs

We've finally received the first arctic blast of the year, with temps down in the single digits, and wind chills even lower. This first one is the one I look forward to, as I always forget just a little the bracing feeling of violation when I step out to get my papers in the morning, with the insides of my nose looking like the windshield of my truck parked in the street. Yikes. This one won't last, however; the forecast is for rain and temperatures in the 60's by Monday. Odd times.

Great to see Todd and Sarah last weekend. Ned and Shari joined as well, and a charmingly quiet evening of soup, roasted vegetables, and conversation passed, followed by a less-than-outstanding alt-country band at the Bird. Still, we were enjoying the nightcaps, back at home, and probably soon for bed when my local fray-ends came carousing. One nearly got a concussion as I tried to put him to bed (which he eventually eschewed for our laundry pile), and three others fought with carrot cake and plastic bags. So much for a quiet night. Todd and Sarah are veterans, of course, so they took it in stride. I was glad for their visit, at any rate, and wish them well in the year before us.

I said last time that cats are better than dogs. I stand by that, although Licia made me think a little harder on it. Slick is without question a Pooch of Distinction, and Todd and Sarah introduced us to Rufus, whom I consider a Good Dog. He was fun to play with (and knock in the head when walking to the stereo--whoops.)

Hope all is well!