I suspect Henry, my huge and lovable rescue pup, knows how to read my prominent and colorful digital clock. He sees the numbers light up a 6:00, waits a minute or two, stretches and comes over to my side of the bed and licks whatever part of human flesh he can reach. No matter what time I take him out at the end of the day, no matter when I turn out the light and he settles down for the night, no matter how light or dark it is outside -- the time is always the same. The dog's a genius.
This morning I was surprised to see a light layer of snow on the ground. Henry was surprised as well.
It will melt today, this week for sure, but at 6:15 in the morning, it is undisturbed and very pretty. Black dog on white snow, with just our footprints marking an awakening world.
I would have slipped his sweater on him, had I thought about it, but it's very hard to think about much of anything as you pull on your own sweats and a jacket at this early hour, with a hound watching your every step, lest you stray from the routine and postpone an exit. Well, never mind -- we aren't out for long and we do a quick return by the side door, where deliveries are made. Henry is used to coming in this way at the end of the day. And he is used to me going into the delivery room to make sure no package was left for me, so he marches over to it and waits as I inspect labels (even though this morning I know there will be none for me, but it's good to reassure him that his thinking process is solid).
As I do some morning straightening and food fixing, I give Henry a new toy -- a chicken with flaps (imitating feathers) under which you hide treats or kibble.
The chicken doesn't stand a chance.
Is there no indestructible toy that he would like to sink his teeth into?
Since it was a rather cold morning walk, I am thinking that it is the perfect day to make oatmeal again. I haven't made it since... some cold morning last spring! Henry smells the difference. What? No granola? What does this mean? He looks on with some suspicion before settling in his usual spot on the couch.
Since it's a kid pick up day (though only Snowdrop today), Henry is back at doggie daycare, and since I know that his BFF Goose is there this morning, I take him after his nap as well. But, yes, nap on the couch comes first. I would not miss that lap dog moment for anything.
This is one of the few days that I haven't filled with appointments or errands. I have been longing for a day where I just stay home and let the day unfold. Perhaps a nap in the afternoon?
Well, I don't quite go that far, but still, I do a lot of reading (second book of the Thursday Murder Club, which is even more delightful than the first! Atwood will have to wait...), and every once in a while I look around me and I smile. The comfort of living in a warm apartment (and with a southern exposure, it is deliciously warm) doesn't escape me. And having had 14 years of winter at the farmhouse, I am totally in love with having a garage now for the car! A garage that registered this morning at 50F/10C and is likely to register that again, even during a deep Arctic blast. No scraping or feeling the chill of getting into a totally frozen car. And how about this -- I did the laundry today in a washer/drier that is on the same floor as ... everything else! The steps down to the farmhouse basement are narrow and without a banister. And the stairs there to the bathroom are steep and slippery. As is the ice buildup on the path to the parked cars. I am at the moment swimming in luxury. My building has an elevator! Ice and snow magically disappear from the sidewalk. The shower is warm and strong. Ed always said that we take daily comforts -- heat, running water -- too much for granted. I am not taking any of it for granted.
Adjustments? I've had those too. For one thing, I'm living without the guy I love next to me. And I am living in a small space -- one that cannot comfortably have a family of 11 plus two big dogs in it for a meal together. And of course, there's the daily getting up at 6...
But, people who leave their country behind at age 18 to go off and make a life elsewhere are usually not too bad at adjusting. And really, that warm garage and bathroom on the same floor!
Toward evening, I pick up Snowdrop (she has clubs before school, during school, and after school -- the girl likes clubs right now better than she likes school). Anne if Green Gables time. Wait, did you just have a third chocolate covered gingerbread cookie from Classen's? Snowdrop!
And later still, we head out to pick up her dog and mine.
Oh, Henry, you sure played hard with Goose today. I have never seen my pup so tired. Ate, slept, snuggled. That's about it. How about if I covered the clock with a towel? Will you still wake up at six? You probably can see through fabric. I wouldn't put it past you. My genius dog!
with so much love...
