Scenes of Pumpkin Destruction

Every November we indulge in pumpkin destruction. We have a hill in our yard and in front of our house on the street that make rolling the buggers very fun. Then there is the stomping and the chucking. Then the flinging into the woods. Good times are had by all. It is a kind of purification before the first snow. Pagaen and nourishing to the soul.

Peace on Earth and...hmmm, hmmm, hmm, hmm

I was asked the other day what my favorite Christmas song was and I had to take a minute. I like a lot of them. Then I realized that sometimes -- its not just the song, but a specific version of the song. For instance, the original version of the Drummer Boy, with the choir-sounding people makes me cry -- but no other version does. And I think it should be illegal to record White Christmas -- as Bing is the one and only version I wait to hear each year. I also recently heard Nat King Cole's version of Oh Holy Night and almost drove off the rode. As a friend pointed out -- if you were raised Catholic, that "Fall on your knees/ and hear the angels voices" part can cause you anything from chills to tears to a promise to be a better person. What did I come up with? I think my favorite is Joy to the World because it does what it sets out to do.

What's your favorite?

God Spelled Backwards

My younger son has been asking for a dog since before he could even say the word. I have been strong in my resistance. I like dogs and all -- grew up with a very sweet, very fluffy Samoyed (the white husky-type). But it was easy to say no when my boys were puppies themselves. I knew I would be the one taking care of the animal -- and, frankly, I had enough poop to look after. But now my boys are older and the dog conversation has resumed with gusto. The difference this time? I have moments when I think I might buckle. First sign things were changing? I started to have dreams in which I had a dog companion. In these dream, I would have a dog by my side, usually a fairly little guy -- and he would be my company. That is when the severe soft spot started to develop. The I started watching "It's Me or the Dog" on BBC America. The problem with watching it was that it started to convince me that most dogs are trainable -- and that even the weirdest dogs are lovable. So the foundation is crumbling and I need some advice: If you are a dog enthusiast -- tell me what kind to get. If you think I am a kook for even thinking about it -- remind me why it is a bad idea. I am counting on you.

Single Ladies in the Pool

I kept hearing the song Single Ladies in my head while swimming laps today. Perhaps I was trying to will my thighs to miraculously turn into Beyonce's. But dang girl -- this video makes me even think about puttin a ring on it.