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.

In Colorado, these bureaucrats are taking ‘nanny state’ seriously
Don’t blame politicians; you’re to blame for growth of government
We all know fairy tales aren’t true, but maybe we need such illusions
Police threaten to seize my camera for crime of public photography
The love I crave seems beyond horizon, always out of my reach
With bumbling federal response, terrorist attack achieved objectives
HUMOR: The senator chooses whether to live in heaven or hell
Visit with high school best friend leaves me pondering my old fears