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.

Conflict pushes inner buttons to make me feel like child in trouble
Local politics isn’t a Frank Capra movie; it’s every man for himself
After his death, I can finally see good in narcissistic father again
Head and heart don’t agree about love, including Valentine’s Day
ABC execs’ desire to delay interview shows misunderstanding of their job
I’m trying to do something new — and I don’t know what to call it
State-based ‘aid culture’ makes people believe they’re entitled to other people’s money
How long will I keep finding toxic programming from my childhood?
Effort to boot unethical congressman laudable, but will it really help?