It's been another pleasant morning, but not without its challenges. Or should I say "challenge"? Singular. Dogs. Ugh. 80% of the time, I'm happy to have them. I love them dearly, and the fact that our bed is their bed is only an occasional strategic complication. But, cue the title card, "Early this morning," I was nudged, pawed and scratched out of a deep sleep. It's a good thing, given that It's typically related to a pressing need to pee. He's an older dog (Scottie). We share that diminishing control issue,' nuff said. Still, it was a deep sleep and a rude awakening. I resented it at the moment and gradually accepted the fate. It ended up fine, of course; it was and is the nature of nature. A brief am stroll reminded me of what I had delayed long enough: addressing an increasing crop of weeds needing pulling. I went into it with a "don't pause, just act" approach and kept finding more and more along the way. I kept going. It was an excellent option to get some quiet time and meditative connections. I can see parallels between the nature of an "invasive species," such as weeds in an otherwise intentionally groomed and curated landscape, to the social observation around negative people, crime, and selfish and disruptive actions that can spread quickly if not managed promptly. It's that whole "broken window theory" incarnate. Google it. In any event, the need was addressed, as was the adjacent need to cut back some low-hanging branches that impact walking the sidewalk. All before 9:30 am. It was and is "centering" to not check email or social media or do anything distraction-driven for the first few hours of the day and even set aside writing. It works well for me to do so. It's become part of my daily practice, although I do miss and intend to return to at least one onsite visit to Jikoji each week for 7 am Zazen and at least one online sit with deepbows. I feel at home with each of them, even though they have a mixed history and a bit of tension. For me, there is no drama in the dharma. John, the painter, met with my mom and me to discuss the painting needs in her home. Good guy. I hope it's in the cards for her to get her living space situated for mere comfort and usage. The palliative team call felt rote and textbook, frankly. It seemed more about the process and ticking off an action item than genuine engagement. It's a bit frustrating. While writing this on the patio, Lucky investigated a rustling in the backyard's corner and emerged with a young gopher in his teeth. I got him to drop it, and then I sadly watched it twitch and die. As a Buddhist, it's a conflicted position to be in, yet as a homeowner who has endured the ravaging of our yard by those things, well... good boy. Kind of. Allegedly. The Tesla got left at Leigh to charge. A 15 min walking distance away. I am still stunned at the savings. Stunned, I tell you. Stunned. a Just like Lucky was to catch the gopher, which he naturally returned in search of after its removal. Ironically, this is not his first catch. When Linda was living here with him, she had the same experience. Terrier's gonna Terrorize. Nenzen ran some group-retreat pricing past me for feedback, and I made a few simplifications and reasonable, defensible justifications for a more equitable structure that was well received. I'm increasingly comfortable and confident as somebody with business insight and acumen (whatever that means). The drawer liners arrived and worked perfectly for the outdoor seating cushions routinely sliding out of place. Not anymore. Grover Washington is playing (yes, "Winelight," no, streaming, but yes, I have it in the vinyl collection) as I capture the momentary inconsequential minutiae of one day's experiences. There were more interactions with my mom, Jen, Tommy, Lauren, and all sorts of passing thoughts and fleeting moments. This journal is skipped on occasion, abridged as well, depending on circumstances, or I go dense and deep, like tonight. Why? Because it's all important. It's all rich, fleeting and so worthy of being "there and aware" to enjoy it. Even the shitty days matter. That is something I hope to remember when the next one comes along. I hope Rodney Ir. was that mindful when Lucky got to him.