Surprise, it snowed in Michigan yesterday.  I was shocked to see that happen.  As I often do, I awoke at about 4:00 AM this morning and listened to the radio station that Mary likes.  I can't change it, because if I do, she will wake up and tell me she was listening to that.  Who knows, maybe she was, in her sleep.  At any rate, I was listening to the host describe his relationship with his pets and heard him comment about the relaxation that comes when people step back and go out on the porch for a smoke or a little conversation.  I got to thinking about Sugar, our Corgi/Beagle mix that we call a Corgle.  Yesterday, she hopped into my lap as she often does, and I began to laugh out loud.  I'm sure that she thought I was nuts, but I can honestly say that I have never felt more relaxed than when she is in my lap.  She has a sense about the needs of people that is second to none.  I remember that when I was in the hospital, the service dogs that came to visit produced an almost euphoric effect.  Sugar produces that effect, but to a greater degree.  My son says that I spoil Sugar, and I'm sure he is right.  She is my baby now, and I worry all the time if she isn't in my sight.  Like I have said, what's a father to do.  I remember when she was in for her training and there was a thunderstorm that first night. I was a basket case.  Go figure.  Well, it is time to go and do some of the chores that I put off until today.  Later.