I have realized I’m conflating two very joyful recent encounters, one with James Davis, with whom we spent Gary’s birthday. Upon receiving a new toy from his generous papa, he jumped up and down, literally, crying, “Rocket balloons! Yay! Rocket balloons!”

The other encounter was with Sparky, our neighbor-down-the-hall’s new Boston Terrier puppy. Sparky and I have a mutual adoration agreement. If Anthony (our neighbor) puts him down at the other end of the hall, Sparky comes running to me in that overzealous, sideways- twisting-sausage way that puppies have. His little claws click on the tiles, and he kisses and teethes on me with totally unabandoned delight. I don’t have a picture of Sparky, but here’s another Boston Terrier pup so you can get the idea:

Then last night I dreamed we got two more cats… what does all this mean? Do I want a puppy? more kitties? a curly-haired son?

Anyway, the small, large-headed living things are very adorable.