That’s “Twenty Ten”. Not “Two Thousand and Ten”. Not “Two Thousand Ten”. It’s shorter. It’s easier to say.

I wonder if 2010 will be the year we make contact? Maybe aliens from other worlds can settle this whole religion thing once and for all. Imagine all the hate and war that would no longer be justified because of the excuse “[deity] said”. That would allow people to be shown as the true bigots they are naturally. Not that would stop the hate or war. I’m such an optimist.

It’s just another day. Like the one before. And the one before. About the only difference is that I have to quit writing 2009 and start forcing myself to write 2010. Again, I’m such an optimist.

I really don’t have any rituals for this time of year. One would think that after 36 years on the planet, I would at least do something special on some occasion. I guess that’s what happens when one tends to be contrary. I think the Husbear is itching to do something, but he hasn’t presented me with any plans up to this point.

Since Homer does a year-end portrait, I thought I would do that as well. Seems like a good thing to refer back to over time.

Me, in my hoity-toity t-shirt that needs to be retired.

I personally think Homer looks much more debonair.

Oh, and a Happy New Year to you.

Merry Christmas (or whatever you might celebrate on this day) to all of my readers.

Here’s hoping for a “pleasant” day for you and yours.

Happy Thanks-taking!

Because some of you asked what I’m dressing up for this Halloween, I’m putting this post out there early. More than likely I won’t be dressing up for the actual day of Halloween.

This is what I went to the pre-Halloween Halloween Party down in Little Rock as this past weekend.

Timely and topical. And yes, I have no class.

And speaking of class… here’s the Husbear:

Get THAT out of your head.

Griz and the Husbear.

Our oldest dog, Griz, died sometime last night, October 12, 2009.

Griz was laying there when we found him this morning like he was asleep. Which I guess is the way we wish we could all go when it’s our time to begin the next stage of the circle of life.

As of late we could see that Griz was getting on in years. He used to go for walks with the Husbear down our country road. Over time, he wouldn’t walk as far and would wait for the Husbear to come back. Eventually he would just hang out at the end of the driveway and wait for the Husbear.

For the last week or so we knew his time left with us was short. He wouldn’t eat much. He’d just sleep, or lay around and watch us. We’d go sit with him, pet him, and talk with him when we could.

I have to confess that a few nights ago I sat with him and cried for a while because I knew he wouldn’t be with us much longer.

We went to the shelter looking for a puppy on February 02, 2004. There were quite a few puppies to be had, but there was one large adult dog who looked very… sad. I helped talk the Husbear into adopting him. I told him that people would adopt puppies, but no one would probably adopt an adult dog. So we rescued him from the shelter.

We found out during the adoption process that he was scheduled to be put to sleep that week if no one adopted him because he had been there several months already.

The vet thought he was about six years old when we rescued him. That would put Griz around 12 years old or so when he died. We feel proud to have given him both a second chance and hopefully a great life.

Griz wanting his belly rubbed.

Griz,
You were a great dog. You will be missed.
Love,
Your daddies.