Fridays are Golden

Western North Carolina, like much of rest of the country is having much colder than normal temperatures. While everyone here is calling our weather "bitter cold," it is mild compared to many parts of the nation. Ask my daughter in Milwaukee what she would give to have highs in the 30s again.

I must say our dogs just love the cold weather. They are much more active and run until they are exhausted. Between the rushes of energy, they (like all dogs) just lie around the house. Regular readers know that we have two large dog beds upstairs in the great room and two large dog beds downstairs in the den. No matter which bed Ellie decides to use, Lucy will come and make a room for herself as well. Her pattern of behavior is predictable. First she walks over to the bed to evaluate the best place. Then she will find a corner and sit. She wiggles her little butt until she has room and then lies down. It doesn't matter to her at all if most of her is actually lying on Ellie or if she displaces Ellie. After all, she is the little princess.

Almost settled in, Lucy looks out the window to see if there is an interesting action going on.

What do you mean I shouldn't crowd Ellie? I think she likes for me to be there. Why should I find my own bed? Ellie is so much softer.

Look at Ellie's face, Lucy. Do you really think she likes for you to be there?

Well, she kind of hides her real feelings.

Sometimes Lucy does use a bed to herself. She stretches out and contorts her body in ways that don't seem at all comfortable.

All right. I'm in my own bed. Are you satisfied?

January is half over. Next week will bring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as well as Inauguration Day for our new President. The week will be especially blessed for those airline passengers and crew who landed in the Hudson River yesterday. Let's give thanks that they were all rescued safely. And let's treat all our family and friends as if we almost lost them.

Have a safe and joyous weekend. Stay warm and happy wherever you are.