Merlin’s favorite times of the year are the fall and spring, simply because that’s when windows can be open and he can watch (and smell) the birds and squirrels that he’d like to be outside chasing. Here, he peers intently at the back yard through the open window right next to my desk earlier this week. Merlin is the one who disappeared for a couple of days after an escape through a screen about two years ago. He doesn’t seem to eager to leave the comforts of home behind after that adventure.

All I wanted was to be your hero, but I still haven’t found my way
Police mistakenly attack innocent man while hunting graffiti tagger
‘Conservative’ GOP governors forget principles when their state involved
Social creatures: We heal each other, but start dying when alone
Few things satisfy like giving thoughtful gifts to those we love
Though it’s helpful to have talent, that won’t guarantee success
Love drives us mad, but madness rescues us from ‘horrible sanity’
Apple podcast listing means you can now subscribe to Love & Hope
Would life be better without news? Maybe it’s all just distracting trivia