More Dog Neuroses

I'm getting used to dog ownership bit by bit. I accept that the instant I steam clean the rugs, the dog, who hasn't had an accident for weeks, is going to take this opportunity to pee on my clean rug. I accept that the kids are going to chase the dog around the house in circles in an attempt to tire him out. I accept the baby gates I've installed to keep him out of the living room and dining room. Yet I still have problems with the poo.

If you recall, a few months ago, I discussed in this space the many aspects of dog walking that I have trouble with. I didn't like using plastic bags everyday to pick up poo. I did find biodegradable bags at Target, so this worry is gone. I have yet to be chased away by a neighbor who didn't want my dog laying his waste in their yard. Yet, I still somewhat fear the neighbors. We live in a community of sidewalks. This means there is a lovely stretch of grass next to the street for the dog to doo in. So why does he insist on defiling the grass on the other side of the sidewalk? I have very pleasant neighbors so this fear of retaliation is really silly. Yet here I am, writing about it again.

Speaking of fear, I fear for some of the customers at our little bakery and the repercussions of their inconsiderate behavior. Yesterday, there was a really good one. Her missteps were constant. First she asked to taste a muffin before deciding if she could buy ONE. Her muffin purchase was a complete wash. It cost us the amount of money she spent on her muffin to make her pathetic sale. Then she was interested in the sandwich special. She wanted to taste the bread. She wanted to know how long we would have the special. She asked this question 3 different ways, as if she was trying to trick me into giving her the answer she wanted to hear. Finally, she relented and ordered the sandwich but not without one more stab at my patience. She had the nerve to ask me if it was going to take me long to make her sandwich. I gave her a deadpan stare for about 5 seconds and said no. (This was not intentional. I truly was horrified by this woman's gall.) Then I walked slowly back to the sandwich station and took longer than I have ever taken to slap chicken salad on a slice of bread. Don't mess with the bakery girls. It might get ugly.

Gentle readers, enjoy your day.

Finished

I finished "The Piano Tuner." I enjoyed the book. The descriptions of the Burman landscape were wonderful. I was impressed with the author's work in researching Burman history, and the art of piano tuning. I'll have to see if he's written anything else. The book ends very sadly. It turns out to be a story of misunderstanding. The piano tuner and the man for whom he is hired to work are accused of being spies. With a lack of modern communication and the remoteness of the jungle, there are many questions as to what the doctor is doing in his assignment. Ultimately, the very worst conclusion is drawn. I apologize for ruining the book for you. It's really worth reading though.

And in the News...

Good stuff in the news this morning. Senator Craig is thinking about rescinding his resignation. Mattel has recalled 800,000 more toys. A terrorist plot in Germany has been foiled and Halle Berry is pregnant.

I have to admit, I feel sorry for Senator Craig. He may not have been behaving in a very senatorial way, but he denied himself the right to stand up for himself and that made no sense to me. I'm glad he's hiring an attorney to look into reversing his plea and I'm also glad he's considering staying on in the Senate. I know nothing of this man's politics but I do know that he should have been more brave and stood up for himself. We only know snippets of what occurred in that restroom in June. I for one would rather this man had his day in court before judging him wrong.

Mattel, however is wrong. They have issued recalls for 800,000 more toys. This time it's more Barbies, some Fisher Price train toys and some bongo drums. Mattel apologizes for the inconvenience. I still think Bob Eckert should have to take all the calls from all the little boys and girls whose Mommies and Daddies took away their toys. Mattel has been fined more than $2 million dollars in recent years for failing to issue recalls quickly enough. There needs to be a Congressional investigation. (Note to self, contact Congressman Cummings.)

Another terror plot has been foiled. This appeared to be quite the non-issue in the press today. I think Senator Craig's story led off the news on Good Morning America. Do we not care about terrorism anymore or is it that most Americans recognize that all these terrorists who are being arrested are amateurs who lack the technical skills and the funding to be as big a threat as the September 11th hijackers? I don't know. But I'm not losing sleep over terrorism anymore.

And Halle Berry is pregnant. Now that's just nice. Welcome to the fold of motherhood, Halle. Your baby may not be here yet, but as you find yourself eating better for your baby, not putting a knife in the toaster to dig out your stuck English muffin, and not jay-walking, you will understand that motherhood started the moment you saw the positive result on your EPT test. There may be a question as to when life begins, but there is no question about the beginning of motherhood. I wish you well.

That's all from me today, gentle readers. Enjoy your day.