Ain't she a beauty?!

A couple of weeks ago, Claire wanted to

dress herself and put on make-up.

This is not an unusual request.

Normally, she dons a princess dress-up

or ballet outfit, but this day was extra special.

On paper, it all should coordinate,

yet something is not quite right.

The navy blue sunflower shirt and navy blue
sunflower socks match (true)

The denim skirt does go with navy blue (true)

The green and white polka dot leggings
(hidden by the skirt) do coordinate with the
green around the sunflower (true)

And the sparkle silver eyeshadow does match

the sparkle silver shoes (true)

Where did it go wrong? For Claire, nowhere.

This is the ultimate in four year old fashion.

She is a trend-setting diva amongst her peers.

And yes, she has a mom who took her out for

a day of errands dressed like a beauty queen.

Child abuse or ultimate child love?

I guess it depends on how old you are.

Mr. Duke E. Pants

I have had several inquiries as to the whereabouts of

Mr. Duke E. Pants. Mr. Pants is still kicking.

At 10 1/2, he still loves his walks, playing at the park,

chasing the kids around, barking at the UPS man,

tennis balls and napping. I have stopped "coloring"

the gray hair around his mouth with a sharpie

because it just takes too much time now so he is

looking a little older, but still acts like a puppy.

He joins me on a couple of runs during the week and

has decided the roadrunner that scurries across our

back fence is worse than any cat. I snapped this photo

a few days ago. Duke still lives a better life than most

people and enjoys the creature comforts of being an

indoor dog to a family that loves him.

Thirteen Years

Garrett and I just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary this week.

We cannot possibly be that old, which means that we got married at a barely legal age.

Let the good times roll....