Christmas Presents!

I think maybe the dogs read a certain post I wrote recently, because they seem to have taken it upon themselves to bring a little Christmas cheer into the house…

Last night, we came home from an unexpected trip to the holiday-pillaged grocery store (more on that later) to find a special gift waiting for us. Artfully and prominently placed atop a woven green blanket on the couch was most of a tiny skeleton–pigeon, as it turns out. Tiny pearls of currant-bright blood clots still clung to its ivory surfaces and nestled in the weave of the blanket, shining like scarlet pearls. It really did look rather festive, truth be told. Festive, and a little gross.

You know how there’s always that person whose gifts you dread to open? It’s usually a well-meaning relative who really has no idea what you might want, and so gets you something extra cutesy or something the teevee said the Kids These Days would like. You nearly break into a cold sweat pulling back the wrapping paper, and you have your fake smile and an enthusiastic (and totally honest), “Oh, you really shouldn’t have!” at the ready.

Maybe I should have resurrected that act for the pooches. I think Santa’s little four-footed helpers were a bit hurt that we didn’t appreciate their efforts more. Brows furrowed, they seemed to be saying, You’re putting that in the trash?!?

Well, it’s not like they kept the receipt or anything.