“Whoa. Look at the stuff on the porch.”

“I know, Little One. You should see the stuff on the grass.”

“That’s a lot of leaves.”

“You’re not kidding. The boss better gets to work.”

“Look at the rocks. They are wet.”

“So’s the patio.”

“How much rain did we get?”

“Not much. I would say a half-inch. It was the wind that caused all the tree stuff to fall.”

“What are you looking at for heaven’s sake?”

“I’m not sure. It’s not moving, though.”

“What now?”

“I thought I saw something scurry under the lounge.”

“Before I run over there, it is a false alarm?”

“I’m afraid so. It was a leaf that turned over.”

“Well. I’m heading back in. Nothing is interesting out here.”

“You have to keep your eyes open. There are interesting things everywhere. Check out this stick.”

“Come on, Lucy. All this stuff is just normal.”

“You need to think differently, Little One. Almost everything is special if you look closely.”

Oh, wait. This stick taste like bacon.”

“See what did I tell you?”

“I might have exaggerated a little.”

“But you are trying.”

“Hey, you two. I think you ought to go out and play.”

“Our week off is over?”

“Boy, that went quick, Lucy.”

“Well, you know what they say. Time flys when you are having fun.”

“What are you going to do on the patio?”

“The same thing I was doing on the bed.”

“I was thinking of starting a rock collection.”

“There are enough here for sure. I don’t think the cabana boy’s been here for a while.”

“I think something is lurking in the dark place.”

“You always say that, Little one.”

“Yeah, I know. This time I think it is real, though.”

“Let’s just relax on the lounges and take a break. The first day back is hard.”

“I’m just not going to be able to relax until I find out what’s back there.”

“Just go then. I won’t be able to talk you out of it.”

“You were right. Nothing back there.”

“Why are you running then?”

“To get the old heart rate up there.”

“You look a little concerned to me.”

“Naw, I can tell you there is nothing there. Let’s go back to the house. There’s no sun today anyway.”

“I suppose we could do the starving dog impersonation and maybe beg a treat.”

“I have to tell you the truth. There was an ugly spider back there.”

“You afraid of a little ole spider?”

“With green eyes? I sure am.”

“Oh, please. You are fine. I’ll scratch the door.”

“Don’t you just love how mom reacts to that?”

“So, what is this stuff, Lucy?”

“Those are costumes. They are supposed to be dragon costumes.”

“Dragon costumes? What are dragon costumes doing here?”

“Remember when you decided you wanted to be a crocodile instead of a puma?”

“Yes, I remember, but how did dragons come up?”

“Well, the artist Resa suggested we dress up as dragons and have a dragon duel to the finish. She thought it would be more fun.”

“Boy, that sounds like no fun at all. I’ve never been a dragon.”

“See, that’s the point. You need to expand your comfort zone. Dragons might be fun.”

“Well, maybe I’ll try it. How about you? I must say that costume looks a little skimpy.”

“I think mom is hunting up another. Why don’t you try yours on?”

“How do I look? It feels good for sure.”

“You look a little like a leopard. I think you need some scales and maybe some backfins.”

“I don’t think it matters. I’m starting to feel like a dragon. What kind am I?”

“How about a magical dragon? Let’s pop over to the porch out of these rain puddles.”

“Good job on getting your costume to the porch. How’d you do that?”

“I had a little help from the boss. By the way, I’m a lyrical dragon.”

“A lyrical dragon, huh? Well, lyrical dragon, prepare to come face to face with a fire-breathing magical dragon.”

“I’m not sure magical dragons breath fire. We need to work on this more. Take off that costume, and let’s chat.”

“You know I’ve been doing some thinking about our fantasies.”

“Oh-oh. When you start thinking, things can get messy.”

“It’s just we have such a good time with water buffalo and puma. I’m wondering why we don’t just stick with what we know.”

“There are good reasons to do that, Little One. Also, it is good to expand your horizon.”

“You know Lucy, you are so wise yet sometimes miss the obvious.”

“What have I missed?”

“We are dogs, for heaven’s sake. I’m going after that squirrel.

“It’s a beautiful day to be outside, Lucy.”

“Huh? Oh yeah. I think this white spot moved.”

“Look at the oodles of sunshine.”

“Uh-huh. What’s that above the window?”

“You ought to pay attention to nature instead of being distracted by superfluous things.”

“Okay. I’ll get down close to the yard and won’t be distracted.”

“Look at the flowers and take time to investigate the wonders of our world.”

“Hold on. What the heck has come over you. You sound like you’ve had too much yoga.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Lucy. There is just a lot going on in the world, and it just seems like we should be in the moment more.”

Okay. I think I’m going to tell Mom you need a feelings doctor.”

“That’s not it at all. I’m just glad we have a place to find peace.”

“Hey, Mom. Twiggy is talking funny. Might be time for the old V-E-T.”

“I know what V-E-T spells, and I don’t need to go there. What are you doing?”

“Have you ever really looked at an acorn? These suckers are complex.”

“Okay, you have made your point. We can enjoy all aspects of our life.”

“That’s for sure. Take a look at this leaf.”

“What I love about you, Lucy, you always have a level head.”

“Comes with age, kiddo. You’ll get there someday.”

“So, in being more level-headed, I’m heading for the nap zone.”

“Now you are speaking my language.”

“Yup, the umbrella is up, and we are good to go.”

“Terrific little one, save me a place.”

“It’s very cool under this umbrella.”

“See, this is more like it. Nothing to do but relax.”

“I wonder what the philosophers are doing today?”

“I don’t know, but move over, will ya?”

“Hey, Lucy. Do you want to play with Eel?

“Gee, I was just getting ready for a nap.”

“Yeah, but look how much fun we can have.”

“Call the boss; maybe he’ll play with you.”

“Ah, Dad. Let’s do the tug-o-war.”

“Sure, Anything you want.”

“That’s the ticket. Now drag me.”

“You sure your teeth can stand it.”

“Hey, Lucy. Look at me. Being dragged.”

“Let me just imagine it, Little one.”

“I’m coming back by you. Want to play too.”

“Goodness. What part of nap didn’t you get?”

“Okay then. I let go.”

“Sure your teeth are okay?”

“They are fine. Why do you ask?”

“Well, being hauled around with your whole weight on them.”

“You calling me fat?”

“No, I’m not. Just concerned about your teeth. Now remove yourself from my face.”

“I think she was calling me fat.”

“Was not.”

“What do you think?”

“Who are you talking to? The boss left.”

“My friends, Lucy. My friends.”

“Lucy. You want to play ball?”

“Gee, I was just getting ready for a sunbath.”

“But that little stip of the sun will be bigger later. The ball’s behind you.”

“Still nice and warm out here.”

“Take a turn with the ball.”

“Okay, I’ll toss it.”

“Did you toss it? I don’t see it.”

“It went maybe half an inch. It’s hard to toss with my mouth.”

“For heaven’s sake. I guess we need Dad for a game of ball.”

“I would say so. Go inside and see if he can come out. Meanwhile, I’ll wait here.”

“Hey, do you hear that?”

“I heard his hoof noises. Did you see that spider?”

“Not from over there. Let me look closer.”

“He was right here.”

“Yeah, sure, Twiggy. I think you were seeing and hearing things.”

“I can still smell him.”

“I think he took off over the fence.”

“Okay, so we don’t have a spider to play with. What’s next?”

“Let’s try another ball.”

“That one is much like the first.”

“You’re telling me? Let’s go find Dad.”

“What are you going to say?”

“We need to play ball, and we need someone with an opposable thumb to throw it.”

“Will he know what opposable means?”

“He’s a writer. He can always look it up if he’s stumped.”

“Good deal.”