The Stranger on the Street Was Certainly Right - Mar. 18, 2011

 It was the perfect storm last night.

 In our world, at least.

 Oldest daughter miles away in school.

 Middle daughter joined by two friends preparing for a school dance.

 Youngest daughter at basketball practice.

 It was 5:55 p.m.

 Walk time!

 Finally, with solid weather, sidewalks clear and snowbanks now snow edges, we grabbed the two dogs, saddled them up and set about our merry way on our regular walking route.

 After months of skating with the dogs - walking on icy sidewalks in case you think I've lost it - it was a pleasure to move about freely.

 Except for one thing...make that dozens of things.

 Some block and a half from our house, we had already passed three folks walking their dogs.

 You know the drill. Posturing, prancing, growling, groaning. All fun and games when dogs meet each other.

 The fourth set of folks we met had the line of the night.

 "Everyone and their dog is out tonight."

 Yep.

 And we couldn't be happier.

 I'm a fall guy. Give me that crisp fall air, leaves turning colours, NHL season and NFL (maybe not this year) starting and all kinds of activities starting up. It always seems to lead to winter, however, doesn't it?

 So, perhaps I need to sit back and re-adjust my thoughts. Spring brings us out of our houses, the days are longer and there's skips in our step, not to mention the dogs, too.

 Summer can't be far away and all the glory it brings.

 It just felt good last night to get out with man's best friend and stroll through the old neighbourhood.

 Along with everyone else.

 The world around us is coming alive.

 Just in time for the weekend.

***

 A small note toward a group of 10 girls who have made our lives better this past winter. Shelley and I joined forces with Jackie Kerr and have been coaching and managing a minor bantam girls' basketball team. The team didn't exist before this year so we started from scratch and did pretty darn well. We finished our season with a 16-14 record, but in the end, wins and losses won't be remembered. The team enters the provincial championship this weekend and then - poof! - it will all be over. The girls have been a blast this year. Sadly, this particular team will never be together again, but for six months, we've done an awful lot. We're pretty proud of all of them.

***

 Due to a glitch from the factory, we were sent 25 pound bags of Blue Seal Krunchies dog food instead of the usual 50. Some like it, some aren't thrilled. We'll bring both sizes in next time.