GIRAFFE

FAMILY RESEMBLANCE

OLD SOUL

My cousin Jimmy's dog Angus, a Cairn Terrier visited tonight. Angus has a gentle spirit and gets along with all sorts of animals, including Slugger. In this photo Angus has such a sad look... like an old man or an old soul.

SPRING TRAINING SQUIRREL

Like many of us, this plump little guy wonders how long until pitchers and catchers report. In Tampa, the New York Yankees pitchers and catchers report on February 13. I am willing to bet this guy is a Yankees fan. If he wants to remain in my backyard, he better be!

SHOW OFF

My cousin Jimmy's cat Oscarina was just begging for attention today when I stopped by. Jimmy is out of town and Oscarina is lonely. She was really showing off, rolling over, purring and doing anything to get some pets. Of course I thought she looked a little thin, but then compared to Slugger any cat would look slim! Jimmy is home this weekend and no one will be happier than Oscarina.

LUCKY

Some people carry a lucky rabbit's foot. In college I used to rub the foot of a statue on campus that legend said brought good luck before exams. I don't consider myself to be very superstitious, but sometimes when I feel I need just a little bit of luck I will rub Slugger's rear paw before heading out the door. It certainly can't hurt!

THE FOX

For the past several years I have come to feel that the Long Island I was born and raised on is vanishing. Some days I feel like it has simply disappeared. Almost daily I lament the traffic and congestion and the loss of open space to developers. I was really surprised to see this red fox in a local park. I haven't seen a fox here in more than twenty years and at first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. The fox population is diminishing as more and more houses are built. I was so happy to see this fox it; reminded me of the bucolic Long Island I grew up on.