I had a great day today.  It started with a good night's sleep and some chilly weather prompting a midnight snuggle for sheer body warmth.  Then I was up early for breakfast with Dan, and also eagerly anticipating meeting the famous Charlie.

Charlie, for those who don't know, is my friend Hal Zieglar's dog.  He's been featured on this site once just because he's so darn cute...a "Golden Doodle," Charlie is a combination Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle.  He charmed everyone (and every dog) he met today.

I think it's been at least 15 years since Hal and I last saw each other...back in our San Diego, First Interstate Bank days.  He was easy to spot with Charlie and he seemed to recognize me right away (especially when I stole his parking space).  We had a nice walk and a good chat as we strolled through Laguna Niguel Regional park.

One of the great things about walking with Hal is that he's a genuine birder (whereas I am interested in birds and can often name familiar ones, Hal can spot rarities).  We saw a rare American White Pelican, mellowly paddling around the middle of the lake with his bright bill all ready for mating season.

We also spotted cormorants, a breeding pair of mallards and some turkey vultures.  Charlie seemed more interested in the geese that were in the park than the more exotic, acquatic birds.

After about 40 minutes, we parted company after agreeing to make this stroll a regular, non-chemo week occurence.  Considerably uplifted, I went on to the doctor's office (no news is good news), the grocery store...came home for a nap, did some office work, took a chat with Cindy, napped (again!) and then just finished doing a bit of writing.

I'm off to fix myself some dinner.  Pork chops tonight with some asparagus.  Then I feel some reading or tv viewing coming on.

Oh...and what almost went unnoticed?  I'm glad you asked.  I had to park in the north forty at the doc's today.  A bit cranky about it at first but fine once I found a parking space.  Then when I came out, I got in my car and noticed that all but about 4 of the trees were in full blossom.  I sat, watched them bloom for a while, sang a refrain from "This is My Father's World," and said a prayer of thanks for old friends, gorgeous dogs, and for spring come again.

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