01 JAN 26

Swapping in a new metaphorical calendar begins with Oxbear chasing that putrid smell in the storage room that we haven't yet been able to identify in recent weeks... the source of it that is... so while he's busy playing bloodhound for awhile...

...the boys are feeling improved from flu and ready for more socializing...

“Mom? Can you sew up my jacket? Please?”...

Needle and thread... “Where's the thimble? This cowhide is thick...”...

“Here use this...”

“A fifty cent coin?”

“Sure!”

“It can't be flat like that...”

“How about this bottle cap?”

All three kids start watching as I attempt to use a disposable water bottle cap as a thimble while Puck and I discuss a little philosophy/theology... before the needle goes through the bottle cap into my thumb...

But I've got it easy this morning... meanwhile down in the basement... “The cat has been using the ceiling as a litter box...”

And not just “here and there”... the whole ceiling apparently... so while Oxbear cuts out the ceiling with a hacksaw for the next couple of hours... copious excrement raining atop his head...

...I finish stitching Puck's jacket...

...Oxbear then sanitizes... and sanitizes... and hits a long scrubbing shower...

...and we drive south to Wally's for snacks before a sauntering drive through Lone Elk Park for viewings of deer and bison and the tiny braying of young elk in quiet winter woods and a steady gray cold...