You know you’re in the south if your local hardware store puts out Christmas trees and winter flowers (pansies) for sale at the same time.

Lately the thermometer doesn’t qualify as a clue. Looking at the one in my kitchen, you’d think I’m up in Sarah Palin Land. We’ve had such cold days that my dining room fireplace begins to feel like a habit. I get up in the morning and immediately switch  on those gas flames. Someone asked me if a gas fireplace runs up my bill. I don’t know. November’s bill seems to be $128. That’s not too bad considering how cold it's been...right?

A Fine Thing…

I just got back from a series of chores, walked into the house, and there were little Porque Choppe and terrible T-Bone…both of them sitting in a sunny spot on the back of the living room sofa, all snuggled together. I stared in amazement. They looked a bit embarrassed, touched noses, and then, again, looked at me, blinking solemnly.

I’ve thought for a long time that T-Bone might be a better boy if Porque Choppe had less of a protectionist policy about her perks. She gets the best sunny places. She’s allowed to sit on my lap at all times. If there are treats available, she determines how much she gets…and if he gets any. She’s the alpha-Chihuahua. Slooooooowly she has come to the decision that small T-Bone can have treats, can share her sunny spots, and…if I insist…he may sit on my lap beside her.