Dogs can search for the missing, find buried remains, sniff out drugs and bombs, and offer comfort after traumatic events. Read about many of them in Extraordinary Dogs: Stories from Search and Rescue Dogs, Comfort Dogs, and Other Canine Heroes, with photographs by Liz Stavrinides and essays by John Schlimm.

Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes, by Jessica Pan was a strange read, at least to me. I was interested because I too, an am introvert, but it seems, one very different from the author. She started this project, of saying yes to getting out and about, because she felt like she was missing something. I have never felt this way! She does not like talking to strangers, or public speaking and yet, she challenged herself (took some classes, too) to do both … and much more. And while I seem to feel differently about these things, I do admire her courage. :-)

I never had Lego bricks when I was young, but I will admit, it’s been fun watching them evolve, and all the amazing things can be done with them. For some wonderful winter time ideas, take a look at Holiday Ideas, by Elizabeth Dowsett. There are instructions for animals, and elves, santa (of course) and even the family dinner! My favorite might be the chapter on ‘cozy holiday sweaters’ … all from Lego bricks!

Reading Hermit With Dog