Day 4218

I almost forgot that we visit the Dalmatians on Mondays. The days just blur together now. Sometimes I have to stop and think for a minute to remember what day it is. We missed seeing the new puppies. Both of them have already gone to their forever homes. The rescue group usually has a waiting list for puppies, so they seldom stay at the kennel long. Charlie and Cooper were still waiting for us. They were both a little subdued today. I think it was the summer heat. We played a little, but the dogs were much more interested in the treats we brought. We were curious whether Charlie was still interested in the toy possum, so we put all the toys in a pile and Charlie immediately went for the possum and started carrying it around like a baby.

The day started normally enough. We took Dawn on her sunrise walk and then I fixed my morning smoothie. I'm not a morning person, but it's so nice outside before the sun comes up that I might try to become one. Dawn loves the morning walk. Today she led us in a new direction. We always let her choose where to walk, mostly because we are curious to see what she'll do. The more confident she becomes, the more she tries new things. Dawn definitely knows the way home and always keeps her walks to approximately one mile. She's a very smart dog.

I was afraid that it was going to be too hot for my long walk when we returned from the kennel, but there were storms in the area that kept the temperature down. Even though there were some very ominous clouds on the horizon, I stayed dry for the entire walk. I don't know what I'd do without the weather radar app on my phone. It adds an element of certainty to an uncertain life. The radar indicated that the storm would pass to the East of me, and sure enough it did.

Three of the resident geese seem to have disappeared and I haven't seen the Muscovy ducks in weeks. I wonder where these birds go? Just when I think they've left the area completely, I'll see them again. I saw a coyote walking very near the road today. The animal seemed to have no fear of people. Usually the coyotes stay hidden during the day, but this one acted more like a dog. I actually thought it was a lost dog for a while until I got closer. There are lots of coyotes in the park now and I am always a little wary of them.

I need to find a project that doesn't involve fixing things around the house. You'd think this would be easy, since a wide variety of things have occupied my interest for months at a time in the past. I don't collect things anymore. I'm no longer interested in songwriting or making fine art prints. I don't even read much anymore, although all four walls of my office are lined with books I've read in the past. It's weird how interests come and go. I'm still interested in astronomy and rockets, but that doesn't do me a lot of good in Dallas. I think the long walks are just a phase, but I have no idea what comes next.

I've noticed that Dawn is more relaxed around me now. Maybe that's what's next. Will I have a dog friend soon? We've still got a long way to go, but Dawn doesn't automatically run away when I approach her now. She's even started following me out to the kitchen occasionally. I need to be careful not to make any sudden moves, but that's pretty easy. I never make any sudden moves.

Winston is today's Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day