Yappy dog

Monday, 1:55 pm

By Kate

Aug

14

2006

My next door neighbor, whom I think the world of, has a little terrier dog who has the most annoying howl. He doesn’t bark, he howls. He howls a lot. At least 15 howls per minute. All day long. It has been this way ever since she moved in and I don’t usually mind that much, especially during the winter when the windows are all closed. All I need to do is turn up the stereo and the problem is solved. But during open window season, he is loud and his howls are amplified by bouncing off the surrounding houses.

Now I know that once one of us starts complaining about noise levels it’s an open Pandora’s box. I’m absolutely sure that with a teenager in my house, she has put up with her fair share of noise. While I’ve tried to keep it down to a dull roar, there’s no doubt that at times, she’s probably wanted to pound on the walls. But we’ve avoided it and still have a great relationship.

But I have to tell you, this howling fuzzball has my last nerve on the raw edge of explosion. Poor pup suffers serious separation anxiety and I know that’s no picnic and there doesn’t seem to be a cure for it. My neighbor has tried everything. But still. I’m ready to tear my hair out today.

Planning ahead

Monday, 12:31 am

By Kate

Winter is coming. One of the rewards for putting up with winter is a nice long hot bath at the end of a day. With candles and such to lend a little atmosphere.

However, with a cat who feels it is her duty to patrol the edge of the bathtub while I’m in it, candles are a dicey proposition. Abbie has set her tail on fire a couple of times and knocked a couple of candles into the tub. Sooo....

When I saw this, I fell instantly in love.

Little spa lights attached to the sides of the bathtub. How pretty. How unscorchable.

The spa lights are water proof, with a suction cup on the back of each. They run on 2 AAA batteries that, supposedly, last about 120 hours. They come in blue, white, or pink. I think these are just the ticket. They’ll also float on the water if that’s your preference.