with love

Well, there are only hours left for 2008. The general sentiment of the people I love is relief and high hopes for 2009. There are so many people--and a dog--I love, and I'm praying and wishing 2009 finds them safe, happy, peaceful, healthy, and a part of my life. xoxo

a merry little Christmas

Today was another beautiful Christmas day. I'm in Florida visiting my folks, and the day started with excellent homemade french toast. Then we spent the bulk of the day talking and listening to Christmas music until late afternoon when we went to EPCOT to meet up with their friends Barry and Kristine. We went to the candlelight processional, then had an extraordinary dinner at the Rose & Crown where Barry got us a special table on the lake so we could watch the fireworks while we ate. It was a very special Christmas. Now we're driving home and all is well. :)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

the great summit

I'm in Florida, visiting my folks for Christmas, and it's gorgeous outside--especially after a stressful week of blizzards in Michigan. We went to my favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch, and when we got back to my parents' place, my mom wanted to show me the azalea bush she got from my grandma's memorial service. It was equally gorgeous. And being Jon, it got me all sentimental thinking about my grandma, hearing Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong's goosebump-inducing version of "Azalea" running through my head. It was a moment.

the first day of winter snow patrol

Along with the snow, came all sorts of loud noises: the falling of ice and snow from the roof, the plows clearing the streets, the scraping of windshields. A certain dachshund's curiosity has been piqued by all constant stimuli of the wintral noises outside. Here he is guarding the house from a snow blower.

excuse me where is the restroom?

We got A LOT of snow yesterday. Today, the sidewalks are hallways, and there aren't many options for what a low-riding dachshund can use as a bathroom. I had to carry Nick out to his clearing beneath the tree in the backyard and he made due with that. What a trooper.

a very dachshund Christmas

Apparently I talk about my dachshund companion quite a bit, because I got my second dachshund-related Christmas gift. One of my coworkers bought me a glass figurine of a dachshund bucking. Reminds me of Nick when he's excited about a walk or car ride. I love it. :)

all i want for Christmas

I tried putting wrapping paper around Nick--like a robe on a boxer--but he wasn't having it. He flopped on his back and refused to get up. I had to settle for laying it on him like a blanket. Still, he's pretty darn cute, isn't he? He's so patient with me.

too busy thinking 'bout my baby ain't got time for nothing else

I've been busy lately, running to and fro and not getting nearly enough laptime with my dearest friend, Nicky. I have plans the next five days/nights, too, and was fearing I would never get any time with my little guy if I didn't take action. So, tonight I decided to put aside an hour just for him. And it was a lovefest. Time well spent.