Live and Learn New Mexico!

My life has been a full one partly because of all the dogs I've had the honor of knowing over the years. When I was growing up, my parents had black and tan dachshunds, Gretchen and Charley. After all the kids moved out and they retired, black labs became their dog of choice. They were particular.  I wasn't. I knew there were many lost, lonely and lovable pups in shelters and I vowed I would always adopt. And that's what I did. Names were important. I had to have a dog named Buster and I did. I knew Buster would be with me a long time. He lived 18 happy years. Otherwise, I played it by ear on names. There was Saki, Pogi, Mutt and many more. Last September, on my dad's birthday, a black lab puppy just showed up at my door. He stayed two nights and, when I had decided his name was Spook, he disappeared. I haven't seen him since. Spook indeed. About a week before Spook's visit, I'd been thinking of names for dogs, jotting them down on the back of a ...

I just worked my first -- and my last -- two days at a preschool. I learned a lot but most importantly, I learned that I cannot work with so many little ones. I'm too old and arthritic to do even the fun stuff. I also learned a lot about early childhood education that I was unaware of before. One thing I learned is that the caregivers who work in the business are knowledgeable about raising kids.  They do a good job socializing them and helping them learn to clean after themselves, use the bathroom, etc.  We tend to think of preschool that way. The teachers are parental figures. I held hands and walked with several sweet souls during afternoon playtime, and I was sad to sense anxiety in so many. Some craved my sole attention, asking question after question, grabbing my hand like it was a lifeline. Some followed me everywhere. Some cried if I came near or even looked at them.  I felt powerless to help them, feeling like I could use the help of a counselor.  We are pay...