Home Sweet Home

I don't know about you, but the best part of my day is the greeting I get from Roxy when I come through the door. Back when Goldie and I were living in Los Angeles at the end of a dead end street, I can remember driving a little faster than I should have down the street because I knew I was going to get to see her. When Goldie was very sick -- towards the end of her life -- it was the worst part of my day. My heart was filled with dread every time I turned into the parking lot. After she was gone, it was even worse. I kept hearing phantom sounds of her when I was alone in the apartment. I still miss her very much. Now, my life is filled with Roxy and she's hard not to notice. I can't imagine what it would be like to be away serving your country in a horrible environment like Afghanistan while your pet is missing you at home. Huffington Post has put up some of the videos soldiers have taken of their first greetings from their pets on their return. You can see more heart-warming greetings by following the link. I guess it's no surprise that we all look forward to going home -- and our pets are no small reason why. Two other sweet dog stories to warm the cockles of your heart. Here and here...with extra photos here.

Come On Baby, Light My Fire

The weather has changed from summer to winter. There was no fall. We've started to have fires in the fireplace because they are so cheerful when the sky gets dark out at 5:30p.m. I have such a hard time adjusting to the early darkness. Very soon I will be leaving for work before light and getting home after dark. All the good sunny hours will be wasted at work. Bah! Humbug! The good news is that little Roxy had her first fire. And a good time was had by all.

Backwards And In High Heels...

In one of the most male-dominated sports of all -- horse racing -- two little fillies have dominated the scene this year. They're calling it the 'Year Of The Girl.' And yet...a feat like this is hardly getting its due from the mainstream media. These two little fillies are world class athletes...the sport of horse racing has never seen the likes of these ladies. Rachel Alexandra kicked the butt of the Kentucky Derby winner this year, but she wasn't allowed to be entered into all of the Triple Crown races because she's a girl and her owner's an old-fashioned guy. Meanwhile, five year-old Zenyatta remains undefeated. That's right -- she's undefeated and she's five years-old -- can you believe it? You can watch her amazing come-from-behind win in the video above. It is perhaps one of the most exhilarating races I have ever watched. Seriously! It brings to mind one of my favorite quotes from former Texas Governor Ann Richards. "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did -- only backwards and in high-heels.' Girl power!