Late last night, after watching the DVR of "American Idol,"  we turned on the 10:00 news.  Dan was on his way to the shower.

As I sat on the sofa, watching the local news broadcast, I thought I heard a sound outside.  It's been warm, and most of the windows have been open.  About 20 seconds later, the dogs all went nuts.  Barking feverishly at the front door, and then bolting for the dog door in the sunroom.  I tilted my head, looking out the window, and saw a person standing outside a few yards from the front door.

I snapped on the porch light and opened the door, only as much as the door chain would allow.  A man was standing outside, his eyes as big as saucers and blood drained from his face.  "The dogs aren't coming out are they?" he begged.

Turned out this man was (supposedly) a new neighbor, new to Florida, who had locked himself out of his house.  First he asked to use the phone (which I conceded), and then he asked for money for the locksmith (which I declined).  But as we stood outside, the sound of the dogs barking and racing around the back of the house  definitely gave him pause.  I just don't think he was that good of an actor - he seemed really scared!

As I went back inside, I made a big deal to tell the dogs how good they were!

Dan and I talked for a minute.  He'd been standing in the living room, and heard the whole conversation that occurred outside the front door.  He observed "most people are going to be afraid of crazy dogs barking."  To which I added, "Except real dog-people.  They wouldn't be afraid."

Dan's observation continued.  "Most real dog-people are good people, and not looking to break into houses anyway."  Well put, hubby!

Wow.  I missed the entire month of March without posting once.  Bad, bad, bad.

But I have a good excuse!  Really!  We've made the decision that my kids have outgrown both our house and my parents' house.  Therefore we've decided to fix up and sell my parents' house.  They are going to move into our house (upgrade!) and we are going to buy a new, bigger house (upgrade!).  We have spent nearly every evening and every weekend cleaning, sorting, boxing, tearing out, fixing, painting... ugh!  But we're almost done now.  We hope to have the house in market condition by the 15th.  Wish us luck! 

And by the way, if you're looking for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house with a shady yard, 10 x 12 storage shed, greenhouse / potting house, very convenient and close to everything in Fort Walton Beach - you know who to ask!

Since we've been gone from sunup to sundown every day, our critters are feeling mighty neglected.  Their depression is palpable.  I can't wait until I have free time to go to the dog park again.  They deserve it.

Speaking of critters, my parents' cat Fluffy is staying with us.  With the new carpet in the bedrooms, we all agreed it would be best.  Everyone but Fluffy that is.  He's been in our house 4 days, and has spent almost the entire time under my bed.  This morning I found him in the kids' room, so that's an improvement.  I don't think Connor realized Fluffy was in our house!  He was very excited to see Fluffy this morning, and gave him a big hug.  Seeing the kids helped Fluffy too, I think.  He likes them. 

Hopefully it won't be so long until you hear from me again... crossing fingers!