Are there such things as coincidences? Perhaps so. Valentines Day is reputed to be associated with romantic love. And romantic love is known to be associated with V.D. or Valentine’s Day. Well, I am sure that tonight, the incidence of clap will increase tenfold.

Around here, it’s just another day. Pete, while shopping last night, brought home flowers and chocolate. I was appreciative of both. I would have been even more appreciative if he’d brought home a puppy, horse, or donkey. Well, I would have wanted to go with him to pick out the puppy.

I often wonder what he’d do if I brought home a puppy. Would he be so mean and heartless as to tell me to take it back where it came from? I am not going to chance it. Even I can see his argument, which is that neither of us have the time right now to raise a puppy.

It was the beginning of summer when we brought Shadow home. The sun was shining, and it was warm out. I have never had any regrets about our taking her on – she fit right in although she did have the habits that puppies are known for, like peeing inside, and biting hard with her needle sharp teeth.

Pete does have a heart as was proved when we conversed about her sleeping accommodation. I wanted to put her in a crate, but Pete insisted that we allow her to sleep beside him on a dog bed. She now has this habit of coming to my side of the bed late at night, when I either start talking to Pete or tossing or turning. I, after a bit, say to Pete “call her,” and he says, “Shadow come.” Shadow then leaps over him, back onto the far side of the bed.

Ryder either sleeps on my left-hand side or on the bed in my work area. She now sleeps a lot of the time, but still enjoys going outside, on hikes or horseback rides. Someday, hopefully later than sooner, she’ll say that she does not want to go out on an outing. Then we’ll know that she really is old.

I am happy having the dogs that we have. I am concerned that Shadow, once Ryder is gone, will be lonely. Then we’ll have to get another dog.

I do not know if Sassy is pregnant. She hasn’t put on weight yet, but she should start to be showing soon. Or maybe she’ll have just one baby. I’m calling a female Aurora and a male Borealis.

She’s due the first part of April. I am going to have to milk her, and socialize the babies. Oh yes, and I am going to have to learn how to make cheese.

Hrimfara is now shedding which means that spring is around the corner. The question is, which corner? Today was blustery, tomorrow is expected to be the same. Daylight. This is what prompts shedding. This does not explain why it will be a month before Tyra and Raudi start what I call “the big shed.”

Next: 46. 2/15/25: Chocolate