Owner Error

This was the scene last Tuesday after mdw returned home from a very long day at P'ton, and the dogs had spent a very long day at home awaiting her return.


These were the responses from the suspects:










Who is at fault?

Odin (whose going with the cute-as-a-bug-charm-my-way-out look), or Samantha (who has taken the poker-face-what-are-you-talking-about stance), or mdw (who left the "Good Dog Goodies" jar full of goodies and within reach)?

The jury is still out...

Four Walls (aka the Wall brothers)

So, in the weeks leading up to mtw's departure for Ohio, we had three consecutive weekend visits from mtw's brothers, some with their sweeties. They're a handsome crew, those Wall boys, and they will keep you on your toes (especially if Josh and mtw are engaged in their own version of WWF and book grenades). Their visits always guarantee a good time, little sleep, and the likelihood that mtw will revert to an m.o. of brotherly sarcasm and silliness.

Buckeye vs. Tiger

Okay, so as most of you know, mtw has started a new professional adventure in Columbus, OH at the Ohio State University. mdw continues her toils at Princeton, University - yes that's right, 500.84 miles away (echoes of Peter, Paul, and Mary's "500 Miles" song should ring in your ears right now..."Lord I'm 500 miles from my home.")

mtw has found a home away from home for us, a nice two bedroom apartment on Tremont Street, and mdw is caring for the dogs and row home in Philly. Except for a badly pulled quadratus lumborum by mdw in rehearsal last Friday, all is going well. mtw is thriving in his new environment, stepping up to the challenges of a regimented job and is looking forward to the first week of classes. mdw finished freshmen orientation at P'ton last week (the students really do get younger every year) and begins classes this week (still not sure how she will actually teach dance without the use of her lower back, but will solve that problem later - any advice ghd3?)

Now, for the debate at hand: BUCKEYE vs. TIGER

OSU Mascot: Buckeye - genus, Aesculus, of deciduous trees or shrubs belonging to the plant order Sapindales, buckeyes grow in North America, southeast Europe, and eastern Asia to India. The Ohio buckeye (A. glabra) is found mainly in the Ohio valley and in the southern Appalachians.

Princeton Mascot: Tiger -
A large carnivorous feline mammal (Panthera tigris) of Asia, having a tawny coat with transverse black stripes. Also, a person regarded as aggressive, audacious, or fierce.

OSU National Ranking: 57
Princeton National Ranking: 1

Spelling of mdw's name on OSU office mailbox (even though she doesn't officially work there): CORRECT
Spelling of mdw's name on Princeton office mailbox (even though this is her fifth year working there): INCORRECT

It's all in the details...

Remembering Loulou

Today marks one year since we said goodbye to Loulou. We still miss her very much (especially mdw and Odin). I was remembering last night her particular affinity for providing a special Loulou moisturizer to the lower legs as I would get ready in the morning. She would endlessly lick the lotion off of my legs the moment I stepped out of the shower. She even applied this technique to my face while I was still sleeping in bed. I miss her sloppy kisses. Those unique kisses were immortalized in the following poem excerpt written by a friend for me and Loulou:

A Girl and Her Dog

The lips I once considered kissing
A canine gives a lusty licking,
Which of me it must require
A second thought on my desire.

This girl and dog like two sisters
Sharing secrets, sharing whimpers,
Allowed to share their own affection
Has forced me into new directions.
For in kissing her I'd come to close
To whiskers, ears, and furry coat.

Thank heavens for whiskers, ears, and furry coats... xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo to loulou!