Adventures in Dogsitting

For the last few days I have been sharing my life with a friend's dog. (Said friend is out of town) Although I am a dog lover, and P is a well behaved dog, who knew that I would be so ready to not have an animal?

Night 1- No issues, P slept peacefully and without complaint.

Morning 1- On time to work, did not go to the gym because of the extra time needed to walk the dog and such...no issues.

Afternoon 1- Went on long walk with dog after work. Then relaxed. No issues. P did not have any issues being alone in the apartment by herself all day.

Night 2- GOOD LORD! P was so restless. Kept me up most of the night. No earthly reason why.

Day 2- Running slightly behind because of exhaustion in the morning. Decided in the afternoon to exhaust the dog. So two long walks, lots of playtime, and no unnecessary sleep before going to bed.

Night 3- P slept well, and so did I! Yay!

Day 3- On schedule for the day. Came home from work, walked the dog, then loaded the dog up for a visit to my dad's house. P was fine on the ride to and from.

Now my friend is on her way home from the airport, so I get to have my apartment back! Such a small dog, although not really too many issues can cause such a need for my own life is so telling about me.

Interestingly enough, even knowing that an animal would drive me crazy, I still would love to have one. I think the reason for that is just what is happening right now; I am sitting on my couch with the dog curled up next to me. It's a relaxing thing to have a warm animal next to you. I am going to miss it, but really only that!

Autumn

Today is the first full day of autumn. Officially my favorite time of the year. Sadly, though, in Northern Virginia, it is very much still summer. Temperatures today are to be in the 90s.

What is it about the changing of seasons that people love? Is it just the change in and of itself? Out with the old, in with the new mentality? People are always saying they can't wait for the weather to warm, yet when it is hot, they can't wait for it to cool. They need the rain, but can't stand the storms. Can we never be content with what Mother Nature deems to grace us with?

My dad is not afraid to stay with one steady season, Summer. He loves it and does not complain when it gets hot, he expects it. He knows he needs rain, but never claims to like it. He does start to mourn the loss of summer when the air chills, and gets excited when it warms.

I, on the other hand, mourn the loss of the chill. I love fall, winter and early spring. Summer is not a favorite season. Too hot, too humid, too sunny. Yes, I did just complain about the sun. I like watery, wintry sunlight that never gets to hot.

I love fall because of the bite that comes into the air as it chills. I love the colors, golds and reds and browns. I adore the scents, rotting leaves, spiced apples, freshly sharpened pencils, and smoke.

I will probably always live in a place that has 4 very distinct seasons, although I would not mind living somewhere that summer was, although distinct, very mild. :)

So, Happy Fall, everyone. Enjoy the season, because it will end all to soon, then we can enjoy another!