When my younger son was a toddler, his idea of nirvana was to camp out at a construction site. To make the time rewarding for me, I studied the workers, making guesses about who was in charge, who was a skilled member of the team, and who was a day laborer, hired to supplement the … Continue reading He’s Got Your Number…Mine Too
Author: authorpolk
I live in the suburbs of Washington, DC with my dog, husband, and two sons. I teach environmental education and am a librarian. I also write children's books and hope to be published one day. In the meantime, I blog about the crazy things my dog Pettigrew does.
A Suspicious Soul Warms
My husband claims it is hard to buy me gifts. In our family lore is the time he showed up for a date bearing carryout Indian food and a Spanish-language birthday card inadvertently smeared with sauce. It wasn’t my birthday. I don’t speak Spanish. I will admit, I didn’t gush. Maybe I even looked perplexed. … Continue reading A Suspicious Soul Warms
Tragedy Averted: In the Double Digits Now
It was a close call. Saturday was the anniversary of Pettigrew’s adoption and a celebratory weekend was planned. His grandparents, aunts, and cousin started the festivities, gifting a stuffed sloth, all dangly arms and legs with a squeaker enticingly buried somewhere in its depths. But, Pettigrew was thwarted in his attempts to lick the plates … Continue reading Tragedy Averted: In the Double Digits Now
A Tale of False Clues and Missed Connections
Pettigrew lifted his head and surveyed his surroundings. There was a familiar bustle in the kitchen. The slam of the oven door. The sweet smell of roasting vegetables. He sauntered into the dining room and immediately noticed the drape of the white cloth as he pushed his way between the chairs to settle under the … Continue reading A Tale of False Clues and Missed Connections
In My Own Voice #10: My Gardening Prowess Pays Off
Pettigrew works hard to help the garden thrive, but he is chastised for digging up beds, rolling over plants, and clawing through bushes. If they only knew, he's thinning the plants and keeping the flowers from growing too tall and scraggly. Sheesh!
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Just like Mr. Rogers, Pettigrew takes his responsibilities to his neighborhood seriously.
In Her Own Voice: Stella Is this Week’s Guest Blogger
Friday morning: such a ruckus! A girl wants her beauty sleep, but, before the sun was even up, my family was banging around, sending the aroma of coffee wafting through the air, and piling luggage in the hall. I dutifully got up to see them off and then returned to the snuggly warmth of my … Continue reading In Her Own Voice: Stella Is this Week’s Guest Blogger
The Fur’s Flying in My Language of Love
The Languages of Love according to Gary Chapman: gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch. The Languages of Love according to Pettigrew: tummy rubs, behind the ear scratches, above the tail scratches, people food samples (especially from the grill), and rawhide bones. My Languages of Love appear to be morphing … Continue reading The Fur’s Flying in My Language of Love
In My Own Voice #9: Things that Go Bump in the Night
Pettigrew is not a fan of July--the frequent thunderstorms and Independence Day fireworks make for a stressful time. He's looking forward to the so-called Dog Days of August.
In My Own Voice #8: Enjoying a Stay-cation while the Family is Away
Ruth giddily left on vacation and neglected to write a blog. Luckily Pettigrew is on the ball and drafted this week's post. He takes seriously his responsibilities making sure all is running smoothly on the home front.
Ruth Polk 