Barking at Ghosts

Emme has a very specific understanding of what makes up her "family." Family consists of Emme, Rudy, Ken and me. And Emme expects that all the time, as does Rudy. Three is not a family. Family means four. Period.

Emme is happy at either the Wooster house or the lake house because the whole family is there. Being in a different location is not upsetting to her, as long as all four of us are there. What she is not so crazy about is when a family member is missing. When Ken is gone from home and only the three of us are left, the dogs become hypervigilant. They know that he is missing and he should be at home, so they listen for every sound that might mean his car is returning to the garage. Both of the dogs spend much of the time he is gone,listening for strange sounds and barking as soon as they identify any sound that might mean he is returning. They spend their time "Barking at ghosts" all the time one of us is missing.

This morning I volunteered at the National First Ladies Library and was gone until early afternoon. Emme spent the morning "Barking at ghosts." At least I know she misses me.