We’d considered "Taylor," since today we picked up our new 8-week-old Beagle puppy in Taylor, TX. But "Taylor" seemed a bit dim, and I couldn’t help but think of "steam roller blues" and a man with a receding hairline. The name we’ve been considering, and using for right now, is Mr. Bikini. But we’re open to suggestions. Weird, just now, in the background, as I was typing this, Phil has CSI on the television. I’m not paying attention, but suddenly, the guy on the screen, as I’m writing this said, "That’s right, Bikini did it." Okay–just rewound. He said McKeeny, not Bikini. Good talk.

Just to hear the sprouts say, "Kini, Kini" melts my heart. But let the names begin. Madras, Roux, The Moss? Apostrophe? Scrabble, Pilot, Costello, Moose? I can hear it now, "How is my sweet pample-moose today? Are you good? Does my little roast beef sandwich baby need some love?"

We’re also considering HIGGINS, as in Professor Henry Higgins.

FYI Here’s a puppy photo of LINUS, my Toy Fox Terrier who now lives with Lea since he’s not good with children, or people in general, except for me and Lea. This new corn chip pawed puppy reminds me of Linus, which makes me happy. Except, obviously, our new little man is a Beagle, not a terrier. Obedience training is crucial now, while he’s young, because Beagles, as hounds, tend to follow their noses, ignoring all else. Obedience and a fence. Especially in this neighborhood. If this guy goes missing, he’ll be some coyote’s amuse bouche.

As for the new living room… we’re going to wait a while now, for obvious reasons, but we do plan on making updates on what we have. I’ll post once that does happen, but it won’t be for a month or two. Oh, how our sagittarius babies love dogs! It’s even in the summary of their sign: that they either love or hate dogs. So far, they’re obsessed. And that was before they met Senor dog today. This should be fun and exhausting and sweet. Now, I’m going back to work. Happy New Year everyone!