Black-eyed dog

I just cannot go to a children's bookstore/toystore without wanting to buy every single thing I see - for some little kid or just for me.

For example, sets of blocks in various architectural styles: "Baroque", "Romantic", "Gothic", "Middle Eastern", "Japanese". Wow. Wow, wow, wow.

And little shoes with lions on them! And stuffed animals in the shape of squids! And a brontosaurus puzzle, shaped like a brontosaurus! And a miniature train that a very tiny tush could ride upon! And books, books, books, books, books!

I had a very cheerful bus driver this morning. He said, "And how are you today?" I said, "Okay - a bit cold, though." And he said, "A bit cold, but looking good!" Isn't it just wonderful to have a cheerful, kind bus driver?

It's almost enough to chase away the big black dog who is lurking, panting, on the floor outside my door.

Almost.