Asking for quotes, checking with the Better Business Bureau if this is a small business, asking for identification, they're all part of the process of doing business.

A co-worker is retiring in a couple of weeks, though tomorrow is his last full day since he's taking time off and will come back on the 29th to sign out. The office clearing process has taken a couple of weeks; last week I was carrying a pot he gave me when I tripped on a raised piece of concrete near the building. Alas, it was a pretty pot. Other items have come my way, packed away in the pack when on campus to avoid further disaster. I've watched the clearing out process of drawers and shelves, the shredding and dusting, and think I have a house where I can go home and practice the same skills. Tomorrow is a reception and I look forward to some old friends coming back for the occasion.

At home on the dog front, Pepper is firm in her understanding of the expectations at meal time. She wiggles and gets in the way but doesn't encroach on the others' food, she gives a robust kiss on the chin when I ask for a kiss (Poppy gives a kiss, Zeke shakes paw, and Pepper also gives a kiss). When I tell them to eat she dives in headfirst. She's also good at waiting for the little bit I keep in my hand for after so no one goes to the slowest eater's bowl. Invisible Fence and table manners mastery in under two weeks - she's a smart girl and we're making progress. More and more she gives the other two dogs welcoming kisses, something our pitbull Cinnamon always did. Some people have said kisses are a sign in insecurity, but I really think in this dog and in the pit, it was the simple joy of greeting loved ones. It's good that the other two old dogs are getting that kind of attention again.

It's Thursday before a regular weekend. I don't have a compressed week this summer so it's just two off. If this evening I put in a load of laundry, do a little puttering here now, I'll have more time to work on my bigger projects on Saturday and Sunday. I do miss the long weekends, despite the four tough long days at the office.