April 15: More snow

Today I awoke late and dawdled around the computer about an hour longer than normal, and the boys weren't happy about it. Eddie sat by my side giving me "the look" until I broke down and took them on a walk.

I paid severely for the delay. What had been a nice morning turned ugly the second we walked out the door. A wispy, wet snow started falling.

Jack protested by repeatedly stopping and giving me his version of "the look" on the 50 yard jaunt to the park. I made him walk that far before giving him the good news: "Want me to pick you up?" He immediately swung his little tush around so I could pick him up in his preferred position and put him in my coat. The neighbors must think I'm a loon, carrying him on "a walk."

Just for fun, I always give Eddie the same command: "What me to pick you up?" He took off running the other direction.

Snow seems to enliven my three boys, but wet, slushy stuff and rain just bum them out. I can tell because Eddie doesn't dawdle as much as he usually does in springtime. He sniffs less and stays closer to me. Even Rusty makes more trips back to check in between scouting ventures ahead.

I was surprised at Eddie's decision when we reached what I like to call "decision point." If we go to the left, we triple the length of our walk. If we go to the right, we go home. It's Eddie who makes the decision. If he's not enjoying the walk, he goes right no matter what I holler at him. Often, I'll leash him up and make him go left, but today I was prepared to let him have the final vote. In truth, I was miserable too.

But Eddie went left. Darn it.

We finished in about 40 minutes and had a splendid time. Hundreds of tiny birds, maybe redpolls?, have shown up the last couple days to shout rude things as we pass. The boys don't seem to mind them.

The only bad news was Eddie was so wet by the time we finished that he refused to go poop. Now he ALWAYS goes poop in one spot, but today, no way. He wanted to go home. I guess I should have known. I was carrying around a container to capture a stool sample. He needs to be tested for his therapy dog application.

Well, he can't hold it forever. Maybe I'll get it on our evening walk.

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