“Schools can be the place where children learn to think critically, cooperate, and develop into insightful, creative, compassionate, and wise citizens able to participate in a democratic society.” — Schools That Work

Mello is lying on the living room floor as I write this, chewing one of the four large bones that occupy the rug. Fred took a few chews on one of the other bones but quickly resigned that duty and joined me up on the couch.

They’ve been both a little bit annoyed about not seeing their names in print. They will be relieved to see their names in print again.

When the cold weather stepped in, I found myself spending my retired time in the house with them. Of course we get out back to utilize the outdoor backyard bathroom, and on occasion I take them outside the gate and we troll around the hardly used driveway. There is a pile of leaves in the driveway where there is never a car. That’s one of their preferred locations. We also slide in next, to the garage where they look for life in the neighbors yard around the block.

The colder weather has shortened our stays. Within minutes we’ve re-entered back into the minimal backyard and we’re back in the house. That leads to the march to the couch at the front window where Mello prefers to absorb what’s going on in front of the house. When people walk pass, they get caught up in Mello’s barking. Fred’s is a couple octaves down. Fred tends to avoid the heavy barking.

Tonight will be old news by the time this comes into print but Tuesday is our pool night. We play nine-ball, and so far it’s not illegal.

Knowles Dougherty emailed me the other day and wrote: “I’ll tell you one of the things I’m thankful for, having the time, recently, to read your book cover to cover. Keep that in mind.”