December 19, 2011

White Dog hopped up on the bed after a predawn "necessary" trip outside. I reached to pet her in my half-sleep; she was frosty to the touch and wet. I opened an eye. "I think there has been some mistake," she said as she stretched out to fully dry herself on the comforter. "We have the weather that Khyra or Remington ordered!"I was too warm and comfy under the blankets to confirm but I could hear the rain then sleet then silence against the window as the falling water changed states from rain to hail to snow and back again.

As the household began to waken and the White Dog Army make it trek out of the dog door, it became obvious that it was cold and some kind of wet. "Thanks, Nuka," I grumbled as she stood next to my side of the bed and shook her coat dry.

And so it was all day. Grey like my memories of Chicago winters. Damp that made you cold to the bone (not normal for life here in the desert). And crazy flickering wetness that changed from one form and intensity to another in just matters of minutes.

The WDA spent much time napping because it was an ideal activity for such a day. Those times that required a trip outside was like watching school girls standing outside of the twirling ropes waiting to jump in for "double dutch." The pups stood watching and when the falling water slowed down, they dashed out, did what was needed and hurried back in.

No one has shown much interest in an evening walk preferring the idea of curling up in the warm kitchen and guarding the baking almond pound cake which sends delicious pleas for protection throughout the house. Steve seems very contented next to the home fires as well.

The WDA heard on the news that our little winter storm will be heading back in the proper direction (East) tomorrow where big snow and subzero temperatures are expected. We know our friends that way will be thrilled at the chance to frolic and romp in the cold white stuff. We gladly send this weather forward and hope (for those of you so inclined) that your Christmas is white.

A reminder: The White Dog Army wants our community to be thinking of where each of you might spread a bit of Christmas magic. Siku Marie's (The White Dog) seventh birthday is December 22nd, this Thursday. To celebrate, her brothers and sisters will randomly draw seven lucky winners from the comments left on her day. Each winner have the opportunity to choose a charity recipient of a special prize...and White Dog will have the thrill of her favorite kind of bash, a Pay It Forward Party.