Having 28 or 29 days as opposed to 30 or 31 days makes all the difference in the world – the month of February just goes by faster. Whoever came up with this particular calendar knew what they were doing. They sensed that people, coming out of a long winter, needed a psychological edge, so they lopped a few days off February and put them on other months.

So far, weather wise it’s been an okay month. Maybe a warmer than normal, which is not a good thing. But far better this than what we experienced in January and December, what with extreme cold temperatures and high winds.

Still, the common prayer is, “Please Dog, no rain. No rain, Please dog. Dog Please, no rain.”

Of course, we all know that God is a Dog. It is evident as the lick on the face coming from the jowls of a dog that dog is God. Makes me feel good also to think that those who have put the interest of dogs first in their lives will be admitted to heaven without even having to stand in line. And, of course, on the far side of the gates. are all the dogs who have been waiting not so patiently for their owners. If not realistic, this is a good thought.

An important day – without me previously realizing it, I learned that this is the year of the horse and specifically the red horse. I had no idea. I wish I’d known sooner. I am thinking that we’ll plan some fun horsey events in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel.

Most importantly, I hope this is the year that I find that seemingly all elusive work/play balance because this has not yet happened.

I have had to forego going for a horse trek this summer because I will be busy with Summer in the Park(s). There. I have said it. Maybe I will be able to take the first two weeks of May off and go to Fairbanks, like I did last year, but for longer. I would also, in the fall, like to go to Iceland and participate in a sheep roundup. I will need to be in shape for this, which means lots of riding. Now that the days are longer, this is something that will be easier to do.

I should be able to do this, this being the year of the red horse.

What I will remember about today (this should be a regular feature) is the fact that there was a lot of noise in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel because on the far side of the wall, where the dishwasher resides, a man was (no kidding) making a square hole in the concrete floor – why, I do not know.

And tomorrow this man will be putting in new drywall. Another thing to remember – I went over to Big Cabbage Radio and told them the good news about our nearly having the shipping puzzle pieces in place. So they may do a story on us.

Every day we are in business is another day we are in business.

Next: 36. 2/5/26: Duly Noted: An Ideas Day