Neighborhood Watch

Every morning we follow the same routine. After the dogs have been out, I sit on the floor in front of the couch and play with Emme while Ken starts the coffee. Emme and I pet and wrestle and play for a few minutes. Then when the coffee is done and I go to get a cup of coffee and Emme grabs Big Mamma Gorilla for a bit of loving. Ken and I read the paper in the dining room for a few minutes and then a little bit later we take a break and get the dog food and give Emme and Rudy breakfast and morning medicines. After they eat, Ken and I return to finish the newspapers and both dogs nap on the rug.

When Ken and I are done reading the newspapers and drinking many cups of coffee, I make breakfast. By this time it is light and Emme jumps on the back of the couch and watches the neighborhood. This is one of her favorite spots, tucked between the arm of the couch and the pillows, with her head resting on the back of the couch, and she returns to it many times during the day to keep an eye on things.

When we have an early morning commitment and the routine changes, things are just not right. There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Emme has this all figured out.