Another birthday is almost over.

My 9th was a hot one, filled with amazing raw stewing beef for dinner, a kibble-filled cupcake, a swim in the lake (followed by a birthday bath) and a close call with a groundhog.

It's over 40 degrees with the humidex, and when we walked outside it felt like walking into a bowl of soup. My swim was extra special since it was so hot. In addition, there was a delectable flock of geese very near to the shore. I considered going after them, and began to swim in their direction; however, midway through I reconsidered given the amount of energy it would have taken to catch them and returned to shore.

Happily, there was no "happy birthday to Boo" song this year.

At nine, she is finally showing me some respect.