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.

UPDATE: After surgery, maybe I’ll eventually start feeling better
Jesus’ face on a Walmart receipt? People see what they want to see
My father’s narcissistic abuse led to my mother’s attempt to kill him
California pays $205,075 to move shrub that typically sells for $16
Why waste your one life on political scandal that won’t change anything?
Taking a break from Facebook is a step to retake control over my life
Please read this: If you love books and smart women, you might cry, too