December 11, 2003 - One of Those Days

Una won't need these
snow booties for a little while.

They had one teller working to handle the increased load, so it took about four times longer than an ATM, but at least a real human touched it. This means it's probably a lot closer to actually making its way into my account than if I'd deposited it in an ATM.

But it seemed like every step of the way today, I ran into delays. People were driving strangely, stopping in the middle of the street without a turn signal. Somebody began backing into me and I had to honk to get their attention (at least I know the horn in my new car works).

And even when I got back to my street and went to pull into my parking spot, an elderly man who is apparently unfamiliar with the concept of sidewalks was walking very slowly through my spot.

But now it's just me and my dog taking a walk on what feels a very balmy day, now that the rain has slowed. Of course, now that the snow has melted, there are muddy puddles everywhere. I'll have to wipe down Una's feet and belly when we get back.

Yesterday, I bought her some paw protectors for use in the snow. They're to keep her feet warm so that she can walk comfortably. Looks like we won't need them for awhile.

I'm not one of those people who believes we should have a white Christmas. I used to be, back when I was a child and didn't need to shovel or drive. But now I'm more practical. I feel that the best Christmas is one where the roads are clear and you can drive safely to visit family.

I think Una would prefer the snow, especially now that she has her booties. She doesn't like rain; you have to force her to go outside in the yard during the rain. She stands on the sidewalk, staring at me in confusion.

In fact, she's afraid of water in general. I think she's part cat. This is strange because my brother tells me that he had bathed all the puppies when they were little. His dog, Pulsar, had given birth to them, and they lived in his apartment in puppy bliss until they all found homes.

When he bathed the puppies, Una was very playful and happy, drinking the bath water and such. So I don't know what brought on the fear, except that our attitudes tend to change as we get older. Maybe she doesn't want to get her hair wet.

This entire walk, she's stuck to the sidewalk, avoiding the puddles and the muddier patches of grass. She's a light colored dog and will show dirt, so she'll have to endure a wet wash cloth when we get home.

I try to take Una for a long walk at least once a day, regardless of the weather, unless it's really storming. It's the only quality time we spend together, even though I tend to cheat by bringing along a mini tape recorder and writing. Still, she gets to stretch her legs.

Sometimes I feel a little guilty about not spending more quality time with Una. There are many days when she sits at my feet, occasionally making a petulant noise, demanding attention. I joked with The Gryphon that I need a dog nanny, someone who can spend time with Una, entertaining her while I'm working.

Things were easier when I lived in Central Pennsylvania. I would go to my mom's house and let Una play with her brother, Murray, and my mom's other dog, Sunnie. But you had to keep an eye on them. When they were too quiet, they were up to no good.

Murray had a furniture penchant, so if they were left alone for too long, you'd go into the other room and find couch cushions strewn around, their foam insides shredded. But as long as I kept them in the room with me they were fine.

I asked The Gryphon if he wanted to be my dog nanny, and he agreed. So whenever he comes over and I'm working, he'll make sure she's entertained. Of course, he's been doing this anyway.

Una sniffs a soggy fake poinsettia and an idea hits me. The main reason people want a white Christmas is because it makes their Christmas decorations look less silly. I mean, there's nothing quite so ridiculous as Santa's sled and some snowmen sitting on a green lawn.

I wonder what they do in Florida.

Moral:
It could be worse... it could be snowing.