Cole got a puppy three nights ago. An adorable little bundle of cuddle and wonder that I promised myself I would not fall in love with. I lasted about 14 hours. On Thanksgiving I had to take breaks from being Cole’s sous chef in the lodge kitchen to being Myrtle’s auntie on the porch. Already she is sitting for treats. Just look at that face. I have to keep reminding myself that puppies are a lot of work, and that Pyewacket is an only child and would keep it that way.

Speaking of Pye, despite setting up three layers of protection on the two stairs - a foldable metal puppy pen on its side, a screen hung inside the door, and three jugs of cat litter - he manages to get off the bus. Most times he cannot get back on by himself. All the other cats are allowed to wander at will, and he watches from his new favorite window at the foot of the bed, twitching and planning his escapes.

Tonight four of us watched the first three episodes of Netflix’s “Wednesday,” the eldest child of the Adams Family. We quickly made plans to watch the rest of the first season together.

While hanging a new string of fairy lights in the bedroom, I came across a book I’d long forgotten: “Go Gratitude!” by Stacey Robyn. I had been part of the 2005 experiment aimed at getting one million hearts connected to love and gratitude, thus shifting the planet’s consciousness to peace and well-being. I had been practicing gratitude, and was interested in learning why Stacey considered it “the Master Key that opens all doors of possibility…” I learned it is and it does. Gratitude is still considered an important factor in happiness and health. If you have yet to establish your own gratitude practice, I urge you to start small, but to start. Pay attention. Recognize some small, everyday occurrences you may have stopped valuing: a new day, nature’s beauty, a smile, bare feet, puppy love. Recognize them, offer a deep appreciation, repeat, and see where it takes you.