Mentor and Protégée

The resemblance is uncanny.

Sparky

One of my work colleagues went out of town for a few days and needed someone to take care of her dog. Perfect, I thought, the opportunity to "test drive" a dog, to see if the kids would like one. She assured me he wasn't a big dog, which sounded ideal.

Turns out Sparky is a Pomeranian, the least charming of all dogs. This is coming from a lifelong dog-lover, who can find something to admire in virtually every breed. Except Pomeranians. I admit that I was coming at this as an outsider, never having spent any time with a Pomeranian, but getting the sense that they are high-strung, nervous little creatures without much to offer mankind.

Sparky entirely confirmed my prejudices.

Up up and away?

Carolyn, Amos, etc. gave the kids this cool building set with instructions for building your very own hot air balloon, among other wonders of mankind. Mark, predictably, loves this set.

Do not adjust your set: it's almost unreal how much bigger the balloon looks with Isaac in it.