Monday Miikka

I would like to thank Miss Stacey for this tasty carrot!

Here, for your Monday delectation, are some pictures of Miikka, taken just this weekend.

Hmm, something smells interesting over there.

Suddenly, Miikka spread his ears and launched himself into the air.

Mom, stop being silly. Everyone knows only Bassett Hounds have big enough ears to fly

What does it mean?

I had a dream last night that I was being chased by a big bear, somewhere in Alaska or somewhere. I had been talking to an author I had just discovered/met about his book, and where I could buy it. the bookstore was part bookstore, part bike repair shop. Then, as I was heading home, there was a bear. It was scary. I got covered in mud as I ran away from the bear.

So, what is my sub-conscious trying to tell me?

Meditation on Watermelon

It is that time of year again when watermelons are as plentiful as mosquitoes here in Arkansas. After our party this past weekend, we found ourselves to be in possession of not one, but two large Hope watermelons (no, they aren't named after me, but the town in Southwest AR where they are grown). And we could have had a third, if one party-goer had carried through on an impulse. Ack!

Don't get me wrong, I like to eat watermelon. But two fully grown, ripe watermelon for two people is too much. Our fridge can't hold them both, and neither of us wants to eat just watermelon. So, last night I slaughtered them both (to use a phrase I once heard a co-worker use in just that context. It is fitting) and cut them into small pieces. Two bowls full are for a work party today, and one went with Benjamin to find a new home in the Philosophy department.

The problem with watermelon, to me, is the water. They are just full of it, and it is sticky, and it gets all over everything. Our sliding glass door was covered with child-sized watermelon fingerprints after the party. I dripped watermelon juice all over the counter and floor last night during the slaughter. I looked at one of the watermelon a little funny and juice started to form on the counter. They are sort of hard to do anything with too. I mean, there are watermelon soup recipes, and I suppose I could try to make popsicles, but I just am not particularly inspired to do so. Not in the way I am with peaches or strawberries.

Then there are the seeds. As a child, I heard the myth that any swallowed seeds would grow into a watermelon in your stomach. I don't think I ever really believed it, but I still don't like swallowing the seeds. And I have never been much good at spitting them, and since I usually eat watermelon inside at a table, spitting usually isn't much of an option anyway.

So, if anyone wants some watermelon, hit me up. I still have 2/3 of one in the fridge at home.