M. and Puddin’ were on the road before 7:30 a.m. Within 10 minutes he called to say that Puddin’ was crying because Riley wasn’t there.

It’s true. When Riley is upset and barks, Puddin’ cries. She doesn’t like her man to be upset.

Riley, on the other hand, gave a few half-hearted whines and then seemed relieved to have less excitement for a bit. He snacked on his breakfast and then settled on the bed for a snooze.

Michael will return Wed. for my birthday the next day, but this morning he is heading back to Coral Gables, where he’s having an estate sale on Saturday. All the furniture there will go. Then he will have the interior repainted, the hardwood floors refinished, and a realtor in to determine its value and saleability.

We’d like to sell it, and put the money down on our California house. Unless its value is way too low. Then, it’ll be a rental.

In any case, once all that’s done, the entire menagerie moves in to the Tampa house for a while. It’ll be close quarters, but we can’t wait.