Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! addresses the challenges in transitioning from one life stage to another. For better or worse, the book has become a somewhat clichéd gift to graduating students, with some critics arguing that it is creating false expectations that greatness awaits us all and that the path to success lies … Continue reading Oh, the Places You’ll Go! -or- How I Found Myself at a Big 10 Football Game
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.
Can’t Nothing Hold Me Down
Pettigrew epitomizes the can do attitude. As an elder statesman, well into his double digits, Pettigrew is slowing down. But for the things that matter most, he finds a way. As a pup, Pettigrew was all grace as he leapt on top of walls, cleared logs that had fallen across the trail, and bounded onto … Continue reading Can’t Nothing Hold Me Down
To the Manor Born
A red velvet-covered dog pillow onto which a tired body could sink, the feather stuffing settling to create a cozy nest. A hand, heavy with rings dangling over an armrest to lazily stroke a furry back. Stolen from under the cook’s nose, a bone with meat scraps clinging to its surface. Or, surreptitiously passed under … Continue reading To the Manor Born
Unconditional Love
It’s me. I know; it must be me. Perhaps my breath is bad? Or maybe it’s my pants? Yes, my pants are not soft enough. How else can I explain what happened the other day? Curling up on the sofa to watch a movie, I found myself alone; hubby and the kids were not interested … Continue reading Unconditional Love
A Question of Science
Pettigrew has proven to be a willing participant in my forays into scientific research. Part of it may be because food figures prominently in my study design. For information about our first study together see Food Glorious Food. The last few years there has been conflicting information about healthy eating. Fat is good; sugar is … Continue reading A Question of Science
I’m Melting
The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West isn’t the only one who melts. I do too. Half the human members in my home are able to roll with excessive heat and half of us melt. As a melter, I’m lucky that Pettigrew isn’t a fan of heat either. Together, we’ve been heading out … Continue reading I’m Melting
Can Dogs Count…and Other Amazing Things Pettigrew Can Do
Pettigrew knows the days of the week. At least he seems to have a handle on when Friday mornings roll around. How do I know? Every morning Pettigrew and I head out for a walk. Then he breaks his fast. Core needs met, he settles in for a day of snoozing and guarding the house … Continue reading Can Dogs Count…and Other Amazing Things Pettigrew Can Do
Parking Strip Etiquette
Electric scooters have arrived in our city and are raising all sorts of questions. Where should they be parked when not in use? Are they allowed on the sidewalk? On the street? Who has the right of way? In a recent column in the Washington Post, John Kelly tackled the older problem of crowded sidewalks. … Continue reading Parking Strip Etiquette
In My Own Voice #16: Food Glorious Food
Food is one of the joys of life. For years my family embraced this philosophy, tucking treats into my bowl. Sharing morsels from the cutting board and grill. Filling their pockets with bars that sustained me on long walks or when I was managing an especially stressful situation, say an encounter with a mail truck. … Continue reading In My Own Voice #16: Food Glorious Food
In My Own Voice #15: Ninja Dog
Mostly black, I blend into my surroundings. A master of hidden movement, I belly crawl through the hostas, barely causing a leaf to quiver. I can hold one position without moving for long periods of time. See Playing possum. Ingeniously protecting our home-front perimeter, I have created strategically placed people blinds: nests in the flowerbeds … Continue reading In My Own Voice #15: Ninja Dog
