The Great Cats vs. Dogs Debate

I subbed last night for the Advanced ESL teacher -- she had assigned them to prepare for a debate on Which is a Better Pet, Cats or Dogs? What fun! There were about 15 people on each side (I don't think they necessarily reflected their true opinions -- only one student actually had any pets at the present time, and she had one of each.) I had to repress my own opinions, of course. Good opportunity to generate real communication and interesting vocabulary (drool, litter box, vermin, loyalty, obedience, purr)! 

Margee's Joey at Davenport

Inky helping me at my computer

I learned about packs of wild dogs in Mexico City and lizard- and snake-catching cats, folk remedies involving cat saliva and the warm cat cure for backaches. Some of the students came armed with extensive internet research. Some shared childhood experiences. Dogs say different things in different languages (wong-wong, how-how, kow-kow) but all cats say meow! 

Owen, Scarlett and Marylin at Davenport

Twinkletoes on the patio

I had to call the debate a draw, although there seemed to be more good AND bad things noted about dogs. I don't think you can say one or the other is a better pet for everyone -- it's all a matter of individual needs and personalities. More movies have been made about dogs, but more internet videos about cats!

Spring is the Season of....

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South Africa on the Succulent Globe

I could probably manage something this size

ocotillo

I had a pretty full weekend – I seem to be out of my slumpiness. On Saturday I went to the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show with two friends. It wasn’t as awesome as in years past: the only things I was wowed by were the Succulent-encrusted globe and the Great Wall of Paper Tubes Filled with Succulents. But it was fun to see and smell all the plants and talk to the artisans who created and sold cool stuff.

Lunch at the top

On Sunday I went on an actual hike! One of my caregivers’  support-group friends had recently met someone in church – she called this “lightning striking twice in the same place”-- and it occurred to me that since I’d met Greg on a Sierra Club singles hike, that might be a good place to meet new people. Not that I’m looking for another husband: I’ve had my share, I think. But hikers are more likely to be healthy and to have common interests and politics, and it’s a test of my own improved physical shape.

Me at Eagle Rock (on the way DOWN!)

So I joined an “easy” hike in my local Alum Rock Park (site of such adventures as Greg’s rattlesnake bite and his “John Doe” fall and injury, not to mention numerous Cub Scout and school field trip outings). It was a beautiful spring day, wildflowers everywhere, 18 people on the hike, most of whom were friendly without being overly so. My legs, lungs and heart all performed well. However about ¾ of the way through, my feet began to burn! I guess I need to invest in new hiking boots if I’m going to continue with this. 

After I got home and took my shoes off, I got on the computer and made the reservations for my trip to New Orleans in April. I’ll be joining brother Steve and sister Donna and niece Jenny in the French Quarter. I’ve never been there (or anywhere further south than Fayetteville, Arkansas, not counting airports). Something to look forward to! Different scenery!