Crunchy

  The snow is hard and crunchy, with a layer of ice below it. Rusty isn't enjoying it as much this week--it must feel weird to him, and he wobbles around like a baby. Walking down the driveway to the mailbox was quite enough for him this evening.

He Must Know That Santa Bought Him New Ones

  This is what happens when you have days of dreary drizzle  and muddy ground, people who don't feel like going for long walks outdoors or wiping muddy dog feet repeatedly, a ready supply of old tennis balls, and one old, bored doggie.
  It got worse as the evening wore on.  The fuzz was all over the floor, stuck in his teeth, and scattered down the hall. A third ball was completely de-fuzzed.  On the positive side--he kept busy all evening without bothering us continually for treats, he forgot to ask me to take him out in the cold, scarey  dark for his late night tinkle, and he fell into a deep sleep while we watched stupid tv shows in peace.

Empty Nest

Sun Worship

This picture was taken a few weeks ago. There's a bit of snow on the high parts now. See that white speck? We drove around for an hour or so trying to find that farm, but never did. We wonder if they can look out from their house and see ours in the distance. They get so much more sun than we do. I timed it this morning--the sun peeked over the hill outside the bedroom windows at 10:40. No wonder we all seem to sleep so late; the house is so dark in the morning. There are times I've gotten up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, only to discover it's already past 7 a.m.

  I've started getting emails again, asking for stuff I've already sent in with the applications. I'd hate to be an admissions counselor. W got his first acceptance, to Ursinus College outside of Philadelphia.  We've never visited there, but he had a letter from the dean with a free app waiver.  It sounds like a good school. Their science dept has a program funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.  Ws been watching their science lectures for years, and K thinks that alone makes the place worthy  enough to consider it seriously. Looks like they'll be visiting it soon. It's about 5 hours from here, so most likely I'll get to stay home with Rusty.

Happiness

All essays have been written...all applications sent...all fees paid....two whole days since colleges have emailed stating things are still missing...

Cold Hearted

Trying to poke his only eye out

Speak Softly And Carry A Big Stick