Dog Training, the $100 Secret

(re-run) When I got a ten-week-old puppy the Monday before Christmas four+ years ago, I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be. I’d trained many a dog, but I did it within the context of my family, with my children at the ready to wear out the new pet. This time I was… Continue reading Dog Training, the $100 Secret

Thank God for Girl Scout Cookies

This is my 21st day in quarantine. I started early when my sister’s infectious disease doctor told me not to risk it. I sold my ticket to a Motown review and went to the beach house. When the nursing homes shut down all visitors, I saw my sis for another week. She lives in a… Continue reading Thank God for Girl Scout Cookies

You Know It is Shelter in Place when . . .

You have four library books on hold at your local branch, but all libraries are closed. The gray stripe at your scalp is showing. You discover toilet paper in the back of your closet and get really excited. You start counting your avocados. You take time to comment on ALL of the Facebook posts you… Continue reading You Know It is Shelter in Place when . . .

Saying Good-bye to the Family Dog

My son got a puppy on his twelfth birthday, a miniature dachshund, red in color.  He wanted to name him Schnitzel. Somehow he ended up with the name Wiener Dog. Nobody called him that except the vet. To the rest of us he was Wienie.  This made for some hilarious comments: Time to take Wienie… Continue reading Saying Good-bye to the Family Dog

Who Knew my Rat-killing Rescue Dog Is Part Whippet?

It was a beautiful Sunday during Coronavirus lock-down. After yelling at my neighbor yesterday (whom I barely know), although he did deserve it, I decided that I am stressed. It’s because I am not going to exercise classes. They’re all canceled. After running to the store for the SF Chronicle, apples, bananas, and my sister’s… Continue reading Who Knew my Rat-killing Rescue Dog Is Part Whippet?

You Can’t Make This S$#T Up

The neighbors and I got a new back fence yesterday. It had been falling down for the past nine years. The neighbors wouldn’t do anything about it until a big wind in February took part of it down. We got added to the fence contractor’s schedule since a lot of fences blew down. Our date… Continue reading You Can’t Make This S$#T Up

The Tree Whisperer

(re-run) I walk my neighborhood once or twice most days while walking Dog A and Dog B (I can’t walk them together since the newest little weirdo is nuts). Because I am a tree hugger and have planted more than sixty trees at my various houses over the years, I will free a distressed tree… Continue reading The Tree Whisperer