There’s a new dog in our family. Jorge, our eight-year-old terrier, is feeling lots of things since her arrival, including, probably: ENVY of the attention his “sister” is getting; FEAR of losing his place as the goodest boy; CONFUSION about her odd number of legs (wait—she can't shake hands?); JEALOUSY over his people and his stuff; SADNESS about whatever losses he’s perceiving; EXCITEMENT to go on walks with a sniff-ari buddy; PROTECTIVENESS when another dog approaches her

Q: What does flotsAMalgamation mean? Q: How do you pronounce it? Q: When can I read it? A: FlotsAMalgamation is an original portmanteau, a word I created by smashing two words together and latching them together like an old suitcase. Flotsam: all the cargo and debris left bobbing in the water after a shipwreck PLUS Amalgamation: a bringing together, uniting separate parts into a stronger whole. I have also stylized the AM to emphasize the point of connection and the importan

Do you have a favorite number? Mine is 13. I was born on the 13 th . I was told I was the 13 th grandchild. I won a gold medal or a blue ribbon or a spelling bee or something when I had number 13 pinned to my chest. So, while others said 13 was unlucky, I embraced it and said it was the best. Fred “Mister” Rogers said his favorite number was 143, because it represents the number of letters in I-LOVE-YOU. What a kind-hearted and gentle soul. Where my favorite was all about me

Hi there! I am pleased you popped by. Whether we've known each other for a lifetime or just meeting for the first time, I'm glad we've met. I hope you'll feel welcome to stop in whenever you're in the neighborhood. The door is unlocked and the kettle is boiled. Kick off your shoes and stay a while. Let's have a cup of tea and share stories. Tell me something good.