Your almost Christmas Eve eve gratuitous dog photo
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Your gratuitous dog photos on a foggy morning
Midwinter night
The French invasion has commenced. Last night we celebrated winter solstice with candlelight, vin chaud, and a warming stew made with beef, brandy, and root vegetables.
A long night seemed particularly appropriate since 2/5ths of us were jet lagged, and the rest were sleep-deprived after a 2:30 am bedtime. The kids, almost too tired to eat, took baths and went to bed after dinner, while the adults sampled champagne options for Christmas and walked together in the cool night, engaged in overdue conversation.
When we came in, the boys were not asleep, but giggling together in the dark in their shared bedroom. They’ve been apart for a long time.
Winter lies before us, but we look ahead all the same to lengthening daylight.
Personally, I’m praying for snow.
Happy Solstice.
Today’s Gratuitous Dog photo
Quick Photo of the accidental tree, but without Eli
Sunday’s Gratuitous Dog Photo
Saturday’s gratuitous dog photo
Auggie explains that he would like one of the turkey hearts sitting on the counter.
And yes, of course. Do you think I’m made of stone?
Evening gratuitous dog photo
Dad’s upstairs reading for an important interview while I read a novel and snuggle with dogs. By midnight Auggie will be squashed up against me as close as he can be. This is new. He was traumatized by the hospital kennels. Nothing in his life before prepared him for being separated from us.
One more gratuitous dog photo for my erstwhile Twitter friends
Auggie has spent the past three nights sleeping cuddled up next to me, which is not his usual thing. I believe he’s seeking reassurance after so many weeks of having been abandoned (in his view) at the hospital. He’s dozing so contentedly this morning.
Good night
Dad’s working late tonight, but I have lovely company. Since Auggie’s illness the Germans have grown more affectionate with one another. I see them through the kitchen window as they’re playing together, and it surprises and delights me. They romp and hide and pounce on one another just as Moses and Auggie used to do. I’m not sure what’s different, but maybe dogs share with human beings the appreciation of things almost lost.
We are in bed with a fire in the fireplace and some Irish whisky to go along with a good book. The dogs are not particularly interested in whisky or books, but they do enjoy comfort.
Sweet dreams.
J.F. Riordan 