Carole is still in Hungary living it up in the high style college arts administrators have come to expect in this decedent, liberal society of ours. I’m home with the dogs & though our dog-guest Nugget went back home today, that still leaves four. Truth is, the dogs are bad for my intellectual life — they are happiest when we are all sprawled on the couch watching TV, one terrier pressed against each thigh, another terrier snuggled behind my neck (better than a heat pack for arthritis), & the lab sprawled on the rug at my feet. Under such circumstances, it’s hard to move, though they will tolerate an occasional trip to the fridge for another beer. They are delightful.