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!