What to do with your kids ahead of Valentine's Day

"I made something for you in school." 

Embarrassed, Radley held his hands behind his back.

"Yeah?" Mitch set his coffee down. "Do I get to see it?"

"It's Valentine's Day, you know." 

After a moment's hesitation, he handed Mitch a card fashioned out of construction paper and blue ribbon. 

"I made Mom this heart with lace stuff, but I thought the ribbon was better for guys." Radley shuffled his feet. "It opens."

Not certain he could trust his voice, Mitch opened the card. Radley had used his very best block printing.

"To my best friend, Mitch. I love you, Radley." 

He had to clear his throat, and hoped he wouldn't make a fool out of himself. 

"It's great. I, ah, nobody ever made me a card before."

"Really?" Embarrassment faded with surprise. 

"I make them for Mom all the time. She says she likes them better than the ones you buy."

"I like this one a lot better," Mitch told him.

Local Hero

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By Jim Pennucci from Hope, USA - Painting, CC BY 2.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19451952

February 14 is a few days away and while most parents will cringe at their idea of their little children 'in love', the truth is love has more dimensions than mainstream media chooses to project.

There is the love between parent and child, a love for grandparents, pets, for teachers and friends.

Love can be multi-dimensional. It also can add to your life.

IOL

Couch Potato Dogs

Mitch had named him Taz, after the Tasmanian Devil from the old Warner Brothers cartoons, but Taz was hardly a whirlwind of energy. 

He yawned now and rubbed his back lazily on the rug. 

He liked Mitch. Mitch never expected him to do anything that he didn't care to, and hardly ever complained about dog hair on the furniture or an- occasional forage into the trash. Mitch had a nice voice, too, low and patient. Taz liked it best when Mitch sat on the floor with him and stroked his heavy brown fur, talking out one of his ideas. Taz could look up into the lean face as if he understood every word.
Taz liked Mitch's face, too. It was kind and strong, and the mouth rarely firmed into a disapproving line. His eyes were pale and dreamy. Mitch's wide, strong hands knew the right places to scratch. 

Taz was a very contented dog. He yawned and went back to sleep.
When the knock came to the door, the dog stirred enough to thump his tail and make a series of low noises in his throat.
"No, I'm not expecting anyone. You?" Mitch responded.

Local Hero

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Prefer a canine pal who will be satisfied to watch the big game with you on the sofa instead of running interference on your neighborhood touch football team? All dogs need some daily exercise, but we showcase a dozen couch-loving canines whose exercise needs can be satisfied with a short stroll or brief indoor playtime. 

SHINE

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"Taz is a firm believer in conserving energy. Why run if strolling gets you to the same place?" Mitch went back into his office, rooted around and came up with Taz's leash. "He doesn't chase cars, other dogs or park police. He will, however, stop at every tree."

Local Hero