I took the puppy to the groomer this morning, just to familiarize him with them. I don't want him to be traumatized the way Bailey always has been. When I came home, I planted a couple bushes and replaced a few flowers in one of the containers out back. Some of the weeds in the flower beds out front needed attention too. I realized how quiet the house was. We are dog sitting this week, so we went from one to three. While I was outside it occurred to me this is what I used to do when my children took naps. I would sneak outside to do things I couldn't do with them in tow. I'm also reminded of the places in my mind I like to resort to when I'm stressed or just tired. I think about walking on a long deserted beach. The waves slapping against my feet and the only sounds I hear are the seagulls calling out overhead and dropping down preying on an occasional fish, and the roar of the ocean. The spray from the ocean along with the breeze cools my body as I walk along alone on the beach. It is then that I am reminded I am not alone. I picked up the puppy and brought him home. The house is buzzing once again with three dogs chasing each other and barking.