First, I want to thank those of you that take the time to say something nice in your comments, especially my good friends Case44 and Midwestern Bookworm. I love you guys.

Deep sigh of pleasure...

DH and Bigun went to the U-District to run some errands, while I am home with Ritz, just finished vacuuming the floors. Whew! I just don't seem to have the energies I used to....

The sun is streaming in the windows and bouncing off the walls and it...

Sunday morning was sunny and dry, so we took the opportunity to head over to the park before anyone else would be up and out. I brought along an old tennis ball, so Big' would have something to keep focused on as we walked the trails through the wooded area. (Otherwise, his nose might lead him off in directions I would prefer he not go.)

I would toss the ball down the trail, he'd give chase, return, and we repeated this until we got to the soccer fields. Then ... Robins!
...

Thursday late afternoon I got a call from a recruiter asking about my resume, and she invited me to come and talk with her in person either Friday or Monday. Suddenly the images of my existing interview clothes crossed my mind -- -- and I hope I wasn't too transparent when I explained my Friday was booked (shopping), but Monday afternoon was wide open. We set the time and I scrambled to my closet.

The last time I interviewed for a job was 2005. I'd had plenty of work since...

Yesterday ended my first week of being unemployed. The few days were pretty anxious, but by Monday morning I was driven to action and spent Monday and Tuesday cleaning house and looking for work. With so much accomplished, I felt comfortable taking yesterday off.

The day was gloriously bright and brisk, with a breeze. Bigun usually has his nose stuck to the ground throughout our walk, unless he's marking territory, but with the breeze blowing his nose was held high and he pranced....

"Squeeek, squeek, grrrrrrr, moan, squeeekkkkk."

"Not yet, Big', just a few more applications to submit."

"Squeeek, squeek, squeeekkkkk!"

"Okay, give."

"Grrrrrrr, squeeekkkkk...."

I pull the slippery sqeeky tiki toy from his resistant clench, and hurl it into the kitchen.

He's off!

"Squeeek, squeek, squeeekkkkk."

He's back....