Update for a Tuesday Evening

Thanks to everyone who wished Daisy a speedy healing. You guys are the best. Her nose is finally on the mend, and now looks much less like strawberry pie filling and more like your everyday, run-of-the-mill scab. Sure, you could play Frisbee with this scab, maybe even shellac it and serve a turkey dinner on it this Thanksgiving, but it’s a scab nonetheless. No more of this weeping, oozing, bleeding stuff.

The bad news is that given her frequent head-shaking and ear-scratching, she may now have an ear infection. And given the compulsive chewing and licking of her paws, she may also have an allergy or two to boot. In fact, the vet suggested last week that her nose issue could have begun as a severe allergic reaction to any number of items: pollen, an insect bite or two, dust mites, something she ate, watching a few minutes of According to Jim, and on and on. Ugh. So it’s back to the animal hospital later this week for further clarification, just to be safe. (There are several veterinarians employed by this particular facility, so we don’t always get the guy with the Joe Pesci bedside manner.)

I also spent more on natural foods, canine supplements, and healing potions in the last few days than I care to admit. Apparently, one of the reasons I was put on this earth was to prove the adage, “There’s a sucker born every minute!” And I’ll be damned if I don’t get the most mileage from MY minute.

Also, I decorated for Halloween. I know, I know, it’s not even October yet. But I may actually have what is known in some socially-adept circles as “plans” for each of the next four weekends. And THEN when would I have time to arrange my gourds and teeny orange lights in an approximation of non-suckage?

Besides, I’m not the only Halloweenie in the neighborhood. I’m just the only one without an inflatable Frankenstein billowing on the lawn.

Did I mention we get over 100 trick-or-treaters every year? We become a chocolate dispensing MACHINE on Halloween. So with all of those visitors, I’d be risking an egging without some kind of spooky décor. And since our new siding just may be installed by then, I really want to avoid that.

In other news, I spoke with my editor (briefly) last week. Riding with Larry Resnick IS moving to Random House. But until our next conversation (scheduled for the end of this week), I won’t know more about the timeline or format. SOOOO…mystery only partially solved. But things look hopeful. I’ll keep you posted on the developments. As long as I haven’t had hip replacement surgery or started mainlining Celebrex by the time the book comes out, I’ll be happy.

And finally, my take on the slew of movies we’ve rented in the past week or two.

The Ringer: better than I thought it would be. I don’t know if I should be embarrassed to admit this. Probably.

Friends with Money: rent this movie tonight, but only if you enjoy witty, entertaining social commentary with a relatively happy ending. Otherwise, avoid.

Hard Candy: suitable for bonfires. Or perhaps an experiment involving the microwave.

Poseidon: Get ready to break it down Crow T. Robot style. (Or Tom Servo, if he was your favorite.)

RV: better than I thought it would be. Again, I’m conflicted about admitting this publicly.

Um, Hollywood movie people? Please make some good films soon. PLEASE.

Well, there is the next Christopher Guest flick. That's worth waiting for.