Monday Musings ~ January 12, 2026

Holy cow, we’re heading quickly toward the middle of the month…how in the world did that happen? In some ways January has been speeding by and in other ways seems like a slow crawl. The national news makes it seem like an endless Groundhog Day. Different day, same old headlines. Such is the contrast when you reach a certain age, I guess.

Wilson: We hope you had a fantabulous weekend. Mum attended a celebration of life from a former beloved partner of the law firm she worked at for nearly 25 years. He had been a champion for women in the legal biz and just a downright amazing human. It was great for her to catch up with folks from decades ago, including one who was a neighbor of hers in the old neighborhood as well as her favorite attorney at the firm. R exemplified the concept of kindness, dignity and competence. It was wonderful catching up with folks and celebrating the life of one of the best attorneys. Rest in eternal peace, Mike. As a long time pilot and aerial enthusiast, Mum is sure he is flying high and free now.

The Mum: As we normally do on Monday’s, let’s start this week out with a couple of smiles. Wilson said he could identified with both of them (though he thought it was ridiculously crazy to chase after a toy, but a tiny morsel of a crumb…but that’s a whole other ballgame; he did say he’d dig to China if it meant he could retrieve crumbs) . Of course whenever there’s anything food related, he will put his paw of approval on the post. Have a wonderful Monday and an even better week overall. Sending out January hugs and tail wiggles to you all. We plan to enjoy a warm up after last week’s slice of winter.

Monday smile

Finally, let’s take a look at the life of Farley, the sheepdog from For Better or For Worse. Wilson definitely could identify with this day in Farley’s world. He likes to keep those days at a minimum and reminded me that there’s always something he could do with me, even if it means getting his paws paddles caught up in my feet upending me and sending me splatting on the street. I’m ok, just a bit sore. The expression on his face though was priceless. He had a “what the bloody hell are you doing down there?” Guess I need to give you a Wilson healing slurp to get you up and moving.” Which he did. Silly boy.

Monday smile

Here’s hoping you stay upright and have a terrific Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

61 thoughts on “Monday Musings ~ January 12, 2026

  1. Java Bean: “Ayyy, it’s not just dogs on the TV! When Mama and Dada tried to watch ‘Flow’ that one time, I was barking at the cat, and the pack of dogs, and the capybara, and then for some reason I had to go in the bedroom with Mama while Dada finished watching it by himself …”

    1. It’s always interesting to see what captivates the minds of canines when it comes to TV. Whereas us humans can easily be fixated on just about anything, you guys have discriminating tastes. 😉

  2. My condolences to all who knew and loved your co-worker. He does sound like the kind of person we need more of.

    As for the tripping over the dog, it’s the same with stepping on and tripping over cats, I promise.

    1. Thank you for your kind condolences. While it is sad that Mike has passed on,I celebrate that I knew him and all he accomplished in his life. He was a giant of a human-we were lucky he crossed our paths.

      I swear sometimes I think this dog is trying his best to kill me. I’ve never owned a dog who is more under foot than him. But hopefully we’ve come to an understanding. 😁

    1. Aww, thanks Marc. You’re too kind. When I joined the firm in 1987, I met some of the most influential folks in the legal biz. And what a group! Those were some great peeps and great times.

      With Wilson as my copilot, I’m glad you enjoyed the ‘toons. They were both so very Wilson-esque. Here’s to a terrific rest of the week.

  3. Both comickss are heelareeus!! Mee identeefiess with Farley an you two Wilson…..mee mite bee part Sheepie Dog 😉 Play toyss with mee Meowmy. Or mee mite run inn front of you an trip you on accydent on purrpose 😉
    Miss monika you OKay?? Wee hope so! POTP to you!
    ~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum

    1. Glad you enjoyed both smiles.

      I’m fine, just a bit sore. Wilson and I have had conversations about the trippingl. I think we’ve come to an understanding. Now hopefully my feet will cooperate as well. 😂

  4. R.I.P., Mike. It sounds like his celebration of life was a chance to celebrate life in general when it comes to reuniting with those who you haven’t seen in so long. I can definitely see Wilson looking at you, wondering what you are doing “down there.” Wilson, you gotta stay in your lane, pal. The Mum needs to stay upright on the right…you have the left to yourself!

    1. Thanks. You’re so correct on the reuniting. And I got a chance to catch up with some really wonderful people.

      Wilson and I have been talking about exactly which lane is his. I think we’re both on the same page. 🤞🏼

  5. in one month we have that valentines day, can you imagine that… we had new years eve yesterday and now bam! the half of january is gone…. the time rides a fast horse. we agree with you… we are also never allowed to rol in tasty smells…

    1. If you roll in smelly places you end up in the shower. Your mama is actually doing you guys a favor. 😂 Hope it was a good Monday.

  6. I love when they feature Farley in that comic strip. He’s such a clown. Is that a trait of OES’s??
    I hope your ouchies are healing up. I read that you are using arnica, that is a wondrous substance. I always have used that before and after surgeries as well as for bumps and bruises. (It is a remedy for trauma, surgery counts as trauma!)
    Be nice to your mom, Wilson!

    1. Yup ALL sheepdogs are clownish.

      Yup, i discovered arnica back in the days of playing softball.
      It made such a difference with bruising. I’ve been taking the pellets since the gel can irritate and sting broken skin. A few pellets melting under my tongue a few tines a day and I’m feeling much better. I always joked they need to buy it in the 55 gallon drum size! My medicine cabinet has seen its fair share of it over the years. It’s practically magical and is a must if you’re a klutz like me. Even without Wilson’s help. 😂 Happy Monday.

  7. Happy Monday! So sorry about your co-worker. But glad you were able to go to his funeral and reconnect with friends. Its the bittersweet part of funerals. They end up being like a reunion a lot of times.

    LOL.at.the comics but oh no on going Splat! Though thinking of Wilson’s face does make me laugh. I hope you will have pain relief before too long. (((Hugs))) 🩷

    1. Thanks. Yes, there were several folks there I hadn’t seen since the last memorial service I attended. Sigh. Part of the circle of life, I guess. But it was a truly lovely memorial with lots of great stories about a truly remarkable human. And Irish whiskey (Mike was a proud Irish American).

      Glad you enjoyed today’s smiles. And even knowing I splatted big time, Wilson did have quite the quizzical expression on his face. I don’t think he understood why I was lying in the middle of the street. Guess the fresh crisp air made him extra frisky. He and I had a long talk about his overly enthusiastic reaction to the crisp temps. And I’m sure he thought “sheesh…what is your deal-eo,Mum?” LOL I’m actually doing pretty well considering how hard I fell. Arnica has been my BFF these past couple of days. That stuff is such a game changer-Arnica and a really good ice pack-yay for miracles. 😂

    1. Glad you enjoyed the smiles. I appreciate the condolences. Hope it’s been a great Monday.

  8. I’m so sorry for your loss Monika, Mike sounds like wonderful human being and he will have touched so many hearts. Wishing you a smooth recovery from your fall and sending hugs and love across the miles 💞❤️💞 xxx

    1. You’re so kind Xenia. Thank you. Mike was a very special human, I wish there were more like him in today’s world. I’m in good shape-just a little bit sore on my knee but nothing I can’t handle. Hope it’s been a terrific Monday for you!

    1. Hee, hee…like all sheepdogs, Farley always manages to come out ahead at the end of the day. 🤣 Hope it’s been a great Monday!

  9. Xena: I guess it’s number two that I identify with. Don’t come trying to take my Mintie! (the healthier version of a Greenie)
    Chia: Poor Farley. I know just how he feels.

    1. Trust me, Chia…Farley, like all sheepdogs, does just fine. Sooner or later. 🤣 We hope it’s been a great Monday for you all.

  10. Sometimes it feels like we are in some kind of time warp, which wavers to and fro… no straight line. 🫨Enjoy the meanders, and hope your bruises heal quickly. 😉

    1. Thanks, Eliza. I like that description about time and need to enjoy the meanderings. Thanks for that suggestion. Happy Monday.

    1. Thanks so much, Terry. Wilson was delighted you enjoyed the funnies. Hope it was a great Monday.

  11. Sorry you had to say goodbye to a friend. Sounds like he was a wonderful person.

    Sunny really relates to the first funny…and Rosy knows exactly how Farley feels LOL!
    Have a great week!

    1. Thanks for your kind comment about Mike. He truly was a very unique and special person. Being at his memorial, I looked at myself and made a list of how I could be more like him. We need more people like Mike in this world!

      Dogs have a knack of looking at the world from their very own perspective. It always cracks me up how they view things…totally opposite from us uprights 99.9% of the time. Happy Monday.

  12. You described Mike so well that I’m sure he enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing those thoughts. Glad you weren’t hurt badly on that fall. Not a good thing for sure. Tempeste is a personification of the four things that annoy dogs. Twiggy couldn’t care less about all four. I hope you have a super week, Monika.

    1. Thank you. It would be an honor if it pleased him. Mike was a giant of a human-we need more peeps like him, especially these days with all the division and anger taking front statge. He may disagree with your position but was always kind and instructive when telling you how you might have taken a different look at a situation.

      I had to chuckle about your observations of your fur kids, especially Tempeste. She’s definitely a hoot and I love how you give her such a voice-I can totally see the cogs turning in her facial expressions. Have a wonderful Monday, John.

  13. Sorry about your friend. It’s always sad.

    Love both funnies and so very true.

    Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. Big hug to you and lots of scritches to handsome Wilson. ♥

    1. Thank you. It is sad when you lose someone like Mike but I’m grateful knowing how much of an impact he made in his lifetime and honored to have known him. Happy Monday, dear Sandee!

  14. I’m sorry you lost a good colleague…but good to catch up with old friends.
    I’ve gone down splat when Ears – young and enthusiastic – decided he was so pleased to see me he just leapt at me….no damage, luckily, but he was very puzzled to find me on the floor.

    1. They do tend to give you a quizzical look, don’t they? As is typical of youthful acting sheepdogs, Wilson at 7 years old will, maybe in 3 or 4 years, slow down a bit and not be quite so bouncy. Hope springs eternal! Happy Monday, Helen.

  15. Even a little (well this here is not an all that little) kitty-cat can be good at playing the “let’s trip up mine Mommy” game on a regular basis, especially if her movements are toward the kitchen (another food obsessed pet). S’riously: heal, be well. Yes, we are having lots of those groundhog dogs or to bring back Yogi, “it’s de ja vu, all over again.”
    Stay upright.

    1. Thanks. It always amazes me when I’m in that slow-motion fall mode, you realize you should speed up the motion in your feet to try and combat gravity. For some reason, the brain seems instead to totally disengage. Good thing I’ve been doing a little bit of balance work but need to get a little bit of cooperation from the Floof. I wonder what it is about our fur babies feeling the need to get wrapped up in our feet. Bless their little hearts. 😻 Happy Monday.

  16. I used to live next door to people who had Burmese mountain dogs. The older one was good and easy. The puppy, OMG! He greeted me by putting his paws on my shoulders and we both went down. He was a love though.

    1. Awww, how sweet but a tiny bit alarming when you’re face to face with a large bouncy floof. Wilson is a sweet boy but like a lot of boys…his mind is single action. If he sees something he is laser focused on it and everything else around him matters not. Not a problem when you’re in your 50’s or 60’s but when you reach my age, it can pose a problem. He and I have had to have a serious couple of conversations since then and I’m being a lot more focused on his herding tendencies. If only he’d tack to the left side more than his current pattern of always moving to the right-where his mum is. LOL Happy Monday.

    1. Reading the news is an exercise in duplication. It’ll be shared so many times over and won’t be replaced until the next insane thing that happens and isn’t necessary. A 24 hour news cycle doesn’t help. All outlets repeat stories over and over again. The news lately has been so awful anyway but to hear it over and over again makes it that much worse.

      Here’s hoping things get better for us all. Fatigue depression is a serious malady these days.

  17. Gracie is on crumb patrol the entire time we’re at the airport for pet therapy visits. It’s a challenge since her nose is about 2 inches off the ground. Sigh. And I took a good splat walking Gracie and Ace yesterday. Uneven sidewalk and down I went, on top of Ace, poor guy, and I think I may have fractured a finger. Not broken but it sure hurts like hell, and can’t quite bend all the way, or do a lot of things. It would have been nice it is was on my non-dominant hand!!

    1. Oh gosh, so sorry you went down. Poor Ace. I hope you just sprained your finger. It can be so frustrating with uneven sidewalks. My old neighborhood had them because of all the mature trees pushing sidewalks up. It was maddening trying to shovel snow from walks-you had to pay attention or could hurt yourself. I’ve been bathing in arnica and last night it was particularly helpful and the pain is much less and there’s not been any bruising-a real feat since I tend to bruise by just looking hard at me. I learned a long time ago that whenever we fall we generally tend to favor the dominant side. Maybe I need to go back and recall decades old judo training to offset that normal tendency.

      When Wilson worked at the hospital, he was constantly on crumb patrol, especially in patient’s rooms and could see the tiniest speck from 20 feet away. It was one reason I tended to focus more on staff since that’s a big no-no. Course he learned quickly that all nurses stations had big bags of treats just waiting to be given out. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Here’s hoping your week gets better…at the very least less painful.

      1. The finger is improving slowly. Very bruised. I had a class recently on fall prevention and such, and one of the things we learned was to protect your head and your hips above all else. Both can land you in the ER. So I guess I did well to just bang up my finger! Ace is fine too – just really startled him, but he recovered.

        The crumb thing is a challenge, and I guess I need to put some training time in because Gracie gets too focused on crumbs. It is easier to greet people who are walking to and fro on floor rather than those sitting waiting for gates on carpet. She can sit a long time with a treat on her nose and wait until released to eat it, but leave it doesn’t seem to apply to what’s already on the ground!

        1. 😂 That’s too funny about Gracie. Glad you’re feeling better and it was only a finger (though digits can be very painful due to all the tendons). I should take a class like that about fall prevention. Judo taught me to roll fairly well, I just need to reactivate that training too.

    1. Thanks so much. With all that’s going on in this world, I think we need smiles even more. And thanks for the condolences. Mike was a wonderful human who led an amazing life. We are all richer for him being in our sphere. Happy Monday.

  18. It’s always bittersweet to attend celebrations of life. Sad to say goodbye but glad to reconnect. My condolences for the loss of your co-worker, Mike.
    My neighbour has a border collie. I was doing my home workout when he scared the bejeesus out of me when he barked at me… at MY patio door from MY backyard!
    Guess his dad didn’t want to play either…
    Hope you are not too banged up. Wilson! Be careful with Mum!

    1. It was an interesting event. Not so much sadness as some I’ve attended buy genuine respect and admiration to the departed. He wasn’t in my department but I was always impressed at this sincere love of people. Such a good, decent human.

      That border collie encounter is too funny. No doubt it was startling-not something you’d expect. Give that dog a job-he needs something to do other than scare folks! 😂

      I’m ok…for an old broad but ugh…this guy gets so wound up and forgets the laws of spatial awareness are supposed to work around his doddering mum. Have a super week!

      1. What a wonderful way to be described. One can only hope to be as well-remembered.

        He can come by when my groundhogs show up 😉 Actually, his master came over after and apologised (because dog came by the next day and did it again so I opened my door and yelled out for him to call his dog!) I took the opportunity to advise him that I was looking into removing the cedar hedge between our properties and putting up a fence – I am illegal as it is because I have a pool and MUST have a fence. When I bought the house I didn’t realise there was none! He then told me oh yeah, I had a fence but I took it down. *&^%!

        Yeah, yeah… Still. One odd fall and it could be less OK.

        You too!

        1. All true. Going to have to convince this floof more convincingly that he doesn’t need to be so up in my grill all the time.

          At least your neighbor apologized. I’m not sure many people from my old neighborhood would have done that (that kind of behavior was one of the reasons I decided to move). Always worth a shot, eh?

          1. Good luck with that one 😉

            He was shocked to learn that this was not the first time dog has shown up in my backyard. I also warned him that I had a plate of bacon fat and oats out for the birds… but he ate it all!

            Neighbours can make or break your peace…

            1. Oh dear. Yes, that dog definitely needs a more proactive (and active) owner. Robert Frost probably said it best. “Good fences make good neighbors”.

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