I’ve been sick for a few days and am finally feeling good enough to run around a bit with Jeannie in the back yard.

Her eyes pop open the minute anyone begins to move in the direction of the front door, just waiting to hear that magic word: outside.

We have a little path beside the house that Kim packs down with snowshoes each winter. We call it the “Pepper Path” since that is where we buried our cat a few years ago. It is now part of a regular loop we walk around the house when it’s time to pee or just stretch our legs.

Of course, when we reach the clearing beyond the path, it’s time to play a round of “you’re way to slow to catch me, human!” She’s usually right.

And then it’s back to the couch for another nap.