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.

My old fear of looking foolish is strong incentive to do good work
We all love stories, but principles should trump anecdotes in debate
Here is another random act of kindness amid hurricane recovery
Why do we often attract the folks who are most destructive for us?
What would you say if you could converse with your 12-year-old self?
If you accept that you’re a fool, being wrong is a lot less scary
Without courage to take action, day will come when it’s too late
The advice people need is rarely what they’re expecting to hear