A ray of sunlight peeks into my bedroom and slowly teases me awake. I start to emerge from the fog that is my brain, and gently stretch my arms and legs. The birdcalls can be heard through the slightly open window, lilting and welcoming in the early morning.
I slowly get out of bed and do what needs to be done [g], then make some tea. It is quiet and meditative and the perfect way to start the day………

Ok, you MUST know by now that this is my fantasy way to wake up. I am not sure if I ever remember waking this way, but hey, a girl can dream! This is how it usually goes:

I start to surface from my sleep, realize it’s morning already and fake being asleep a little while longer. If Trav thinks I am awake, he will start wagging and then everyone will know “SHE’S UP”. Sometimes he will check on me by sticking his nose in my face and sniffing me. I just keep my eyes shut and breath slow. So when I’m ready, I get up, stretch my sore muscles from where some little girl dog bounced on me the day before (not naming any names — FIONA) and head for the bathroom. Heaven forbid I should shut the door! I might escape out the window then what would they all do?! I do what I need to do and stumble into the kitchen. Fee (who will give a polite little “yip” if I take too long) is in her crate, waiting for FOOD!!! Half asleep, I pick up bowls, dole out food and put everyone’s bowls in the proper places. (Fee in her crate, Maddie near her, Mac next to the kitchen counter, Traveler by the hall — do not vary — they will get very confused). I have to stand next to Mac, because he finishes first, and will go after Traveler’s food. Fee is done and waiting to be let out of her crate to clean all of the other bowls. (which is what Mac likes to do) Everyone finishes eating, Traveler barks and grabs a toy to take outside, Mac is running around barking (it’s a new thing, we don’t know why — he doesn’t even go out most of the time) and I try to get them all outside to start the potty dance.

So out we go (did I mention that I look lovely, with my bed head hair, pajama bottoms, t-shirt and old hoodie ?) and now we have to start the next phase…”HURRY UP” . Don’t you think they would know that they have to potty?

“HurryupgopottycomeonnowhurryupyouguysIneedmytealet’sgo! This is repeated as long as necessary. Sometimes Fee won’t go till I start to get the scooper out and pretend to clean the yard. It’s like a light goes on…. (oh yeah, I need to do something to help) and then she goes. The others wander, do their thing and then sometimes the girls will start to wrestle. OK, good, we are all set! In we go.

It’s not over. I make my tea, grab a bowl of cereal and sit down to watch the news(it sounds better then “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”). Maddie picks this time (EVERY MORNING) to play “I’m better than you are because I have what you want.” It’s her favorite game. Maddie lays on the couch with a bone or toy and waits for Fiona to come and look at her. The two girls will start barking at each other over and over and over till they get distracted or I have a hissy fit. At some point the game moves to the floor where, at least it’s quieter, and they proceed to wrestle like they are trying out for WWF. Then one of them will come and stand in front of me, smiling, and the game continues outside.

Now all of this takes place in about an hour, sometimes a little longer depending on how long the game has gone on. It’s always shorter on Wednesdays. That’s trash day and Fee doesn’t like the trash truck noise, so she goes and waits in the closet and falls asleep. She doesn’t panic or anything, just waits patiently…

So, as I sit and ponder our morning ritual, I guess it could be worse……..wait, I’m thinking…no really, give me a minute. I guess stumbling into the day, loved and appreciated is ok. Laughing at things some people wouldn’t get, and being in the fresh air, seeing the sun hit the trees and grass, turning them into jewels is not a bad way to begin the day. Watching those furry bodies glide across the grass is so lovely to see, heads up, moving with purpose-it can be a joy all its own.

We all have our morning rituals…mine just involve four hairy, noisy, loving dogs who think they are smarter than me. But then I AM getting THEIR breakfast….. .hmmmmm.

Val