A snow day literally and figuratively falls from the sky, unbidden, and seems like a thing of wonder.

Writing about someone well known removes that obligation of defending it as a subject, but it also means that some of the surprise and freshness is already gone. It's so different - in some ways much harder for me.

Dog parks are more cliquish than any other human gathering with the possible exception of seventh grade. Deal with it.

I am of mixed minds about the issue of privacy. On one hand, I understand that information is power, and power is, well, power, so keeping your private information to yourself is essential - especially if you are a controversial figure, a celebrity, or a dissident.

Orchid hunting is a mortal occupation.

One of my favorite activities as a teen-ager was to watch television over the phone with my best friend.

I didn't want to talk, and I didn't think dogs could solve my problems. But they were so uncritical and un-judgmental. Sometimes when you're really blue, you don't want to talk, but you want that sense of companionship. I certainly enjoy that with my beasts.