We took a walk in the woods together this afternoon, me and Maria and Zinnia and Fate, the two dogs put their heads on my shoulder and I felt like I was heading out with my own posse.

We went in Maria’s car because I still can’t bear to let both dogs ride in my sparkling new car with their muddy feet and shedding coats. I never thought I would be one of those car-obsessed men, maybe the coronavirus is taking its toll on me.

I go out every morning with a cleansing spray and a rag to make sure there are no bird droppings on the car. I took the portable vacuum out twice this week to scour the seats for dog hair, there is some already on the seats.

I know this won’t go on for much longer, but this is the first new car I’ve had in eleven years and I’m still pretending I can keep it spanking new.

This too shall pass. In the meantime, I had fun doing my selfie with Fate and Zinnia, two sweethearts. We can’t bring Bud out to the woods, he takes off after every living and moving thing and runs far.

Fate and Zinnia just sort of pretend, when they see a deer or rabbit or turkey, they bark and run a few yards, then turn and come back.

A man needs his friends.