Getting ready

[photo from 2004 or 2005??? or 2003? I dunno. Friends start arriving on Thursday!!!]

Every year for so many years that none of us can agree just how long it has been, some friends get together for a holiday hug. And a whole lot of good food. And belly laughs. And a gift exchange.


We used to live within an hour of each other. We'd see each other nearly every weekend at a dog show, or obedience trial, or lure coursing. We saw each other through the very best times, and we saw each other through unspeakable tragedies.


We were our dogs' favorite other people.


Linda was the first person I told I was pregnant. Jake just turned 32 on Thanksgiving.


When I moved fourteen hours away, I drove home for our holiday get together. And other years they flew out here.


Last year, we all decided it was just too expensive. Wasn't that a foolish decision?


This year, they're flying out here. This year, Linda and Rhonda and Cheryl each have a new puppy to tell us about and show photos of and miss. This year, Crystal, of the trip to Sweden, will be joining us.


My dogs will go completely bonkers.


So will I.


I can't wait.





hug your hounds