Baby it's cold outside!

We're looking at our snowed-in yard, branches drooping on the pines from heavy wet snow. Tomorrow a winter storm warning predicts more snow, wind, and freezing temperatures. The dogs, their crate warmer on and snuggling under a wool blanket cover, don't seem to mind. They seem to love sleeping in the enclosed conservatory, and they're all frisky when they reappear in the morning. Of course, I put on the room heater when temps dip.

Oh, how I hate snow and winter! (Everyone asks, why do you stay in the north? Because my husband loves his work here. I'd leave in a heartbeat.)

The dogs got a bath yesterday morning, and we did a few loads of laundry, between toys and bedding. They are completely curly, but smell SO much better. Somehow the cold exacerbates the dog smell.

The dogs stayed up late, helping us watch TV last night. We snuggling in Kirsten's room. Surrounded by wheelchair, walker, and assorted medical gear, they leap up on her bed to cuddle a few times a day. She misses Zoe, her own poodle, whom roomie Jennifer is watching.

"I can't wait to see how excited Zoe will be when she sees me," Kirsten says. "She's always waiting by the door when we come in, and is full of wiggles and joy when I walk in." Ah, the love of doggies ... how we miss them when we're apart.

The dogs run outside to potty. And shake on command, before coming back in to have the snow wiped off their feet. Good doggies!

Walking or non-walking please?

Today's another day without a walk. We did get a nice walk in the other day with dry ground and warm dog coats. The dogs fairly trotted along. They love to get outside, as do I. I especially need the light in the long damp Seattle winter. I hate Seattle from October to May. We live here because my husband has good work.

Our daughter has severe arthritis, and came up from TX for surgery. While I'm working on my dissertation, my husband is her primary carer, the first time ever. Or that's the plan.

I'm dying to get outside into the light, such as it is. I've spent the day until now (1pm) waiting for W to get home. He agreed to get people in to care for her when he's gone. He works, and loves his job. Of course he can't be home all day. And we don't expect that.

I'm working too, though I work in a home office. But I don't love my job most of the time. I can't wait to get this phase of life over and done with! The finish line is on the horizon, if I can keep going every day (Sunday off) until late at night.

I think I'll have to work at the library with its enclosed garage, walking the dogs on lunch hour when I need a break. (They have cosy dog seats in the car.)  I sure can't stay home and not work...

"You can't take care of your daughter but you take care of your dogs?" my husband asks me when I tell him I can't afford many non-working days if I'm to graduate in May. We're both tired today.

Truth be told, the dogs take care of me. I put food in their dishes, let them out to potty, and enjoy their quiet company beside my desk. I'm so grateful for canines who are so little work! And of course there's no comparison between a daughter and animals.

Fantastic daughter! Good doggies.