Babies!!

Just a quick note to say congrats to my friends Casey and Thomas, who have both become first-time dads in the past two weeks.

First, a very large (and week overdue) Marshall made his appearance.  Then, it was as if Ava couldn't wait to meet her new friend as she arrived 6 weeks early!  While Marshall was a whopping 10 lbs, Ava was less than 5 lbs (and smaller than a football).  Both were home in a couple of days and mommys and babies are doing great. 

Congrats everyone!!

Manly Names

Since getting a dog a couple of months ago, I've met a lot more of my neighbors.  One thing I've noticed about my male neighbors is they really don't want you to think they're the ones who gave their dogs their unmanly names.  About a week ago, I met Bailey's dad, and yesterday I met Bogey's dad.  Both were quick to point out that they did not pick out those names.  It's actually kind of funny.  To give you a taste, here's my conversation with Bogey's dad:

Him: See, he does exist.  (I had heard Bogey, but never seen him before.)
Me: And he's really cute!  What's his name?
Him: Bogey, but I didn't pick it.

Really?  Do they think people will see them as less manly because they're dogs have names that they consider girly (or stupid)?  If the dog were named Butch or Spike, would he say it with pride in his voice?  Just curious.

Wrong Way Drivers

I'm not sure why, but it seems like there have been a rash of wrong-way drivers lately.  In fact, I've seen three in the past two days. 

Living in downtown, you get used to one-way streets.  And it's not uncommon to see a car turn the wrong way down one of these streets, drive about half a block, realize that they're going the wrong way, freak out, and turn into the nearest driveway, parking lot, or street. 

But this isn't what I'm talking about.  For example, this morning I was taking my dog out for a walk when I see a car turn the wrong way onto the street we're walking on.  There's a small hill about three blocks up, and vehicles disappear from view when they get over it.  That's where I lost track of this car.  At that point, it was still driving (rather quickly) the wrong way down a one-way street.  I was sure I was going to hear a crash at any moment, but luckily, I didn't.  I assuming that they turned off at one of the street a little ways up. 

So what have I learned from this?  Look both ways before crossing the street, even if it's a one-way street.

Fall

A few days ago, I listed the things I love about fall.  But today I'm remembering the things I don't like about fall.  My main problem with fall in Texas is that it takes about it month for it to fully become fall.  In the meantime, Mother Nature keeps going back and forth between 60-degree days and 90-degree days, with 40-degree mornings thrown in for good measure.  What that means is I spend much of this time getting sick.  Right now I'm enjoying my first cold of the season.  Oh joy.....