Daisy’s DNA

(re-run) My three-time rescue dog looks like a Jack Russell terrier. The vet calls her a Jack Russell. She looks like a skinny Eddie from Frasier.  But that’s where the comparison ends. Daisy is freakishly smart. She can open doors and escape yards by jumping over the gate or digging under it. She can hurl… Continue reading Daisy’s DNA

The Dog That Everyone Wanted

(re-run) Scott heard from his college buddy, Joe, that someone was giving away a four-month-old puppy that had cost them $300, a mix of Jack Russell terrier and something bigger.  The family felt bad that they were gone all day, and the puppy was crated every day for hours. Scott thought about the puppy as… Continue reading The Dog That Everyone Wanted

The Power of Vacation

(re-run, pre-pandemic) The week after Christmas is dead time for scheduled activities. Chorus rehearsals are cancelled. The city building where I exercise three times a week is closed.  There’s a lot of extra time during the day. So . . . . . . for the first time in two and a half years, I… Continue reading The Power of Vacation

Playing Ball with Daisy, 2.0

(re-run) A few months ago, my three-time rescue Jack Russell terrier got overly excited and went after a loose Pomeranian in the park next to my house. Long story short, she’s no longer allowed off-leash. “I thought you didn’t play ball with her anymore,” my handywoamn said when I explained to her that she needed… Continue reading Playing Ball with Daisy, 2.0

Musical Cleaning Day (waiting for plumber)

(re-run) The plumber said he’d be here by mid-morning, but it wasn’t looking good.  I worked on a review for a new children’s book coming out next month. I watched some Dry Bar Comedy while I digested my breakfast.  That is no longer a multi-tasking feature of my aging body. Reflux. It’s best to let… Continue reading Musical Cleaning Day (waiting for plumber)

Wiener Dog Versus Rat

(re-run) Long ago, when I had three school-aged children at their respective schools, I sat at my desk writing during the quiet of the day, when I heard the Dachshund barking. He was somewhere in our spacious back yard. I ignored it at first, but when the barking didn’t subside, I decided I’d better go… Continue reading Wiener Dog Versus Rat

Lovely Rita, Meter Maid

(re-run) Yesterday I spent most of the day in overly-metered Walnut Creek.  The town of walnut orchards has turned into a buzzing destination for shoppers.  It boasts a Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus (Needless Mark-up), Tiffany, Apple, Macy’s, Gap, Coach, Tesla, Pottery Barn, and every high-end store and chain store one can think of. People come from… Continue reading Lovely Rita, Meter Maid