OK, filial duties are all taken care of, so I’m back, with a brutal pile of work to get cracking on.
Oh, and sometime this week we’ll have a new arrival here:
He’s a rescued English Springer Spaniel, 13 weeks old. Currently, his name is Webster, but we’ll probably rename him Macchiato (Mac for short – who says I don’t have a sense of irony?).
… More details about English Springer Rescue America.
Ed Bott 
I can’t believe I’m the first to say “Awwww… wookit the cute widdle puppy!!”
You are to be commended. For what, I am not sure. If you have not read “Marley and Me”, now is definitely the time. It is easy and quick read that will not keep you from your “life work”. BTW, I read your every comment and appreciate the advice.
And I thought you were exclusively a cat person.
A 13 week old puppy? Oh, your cats are going to hate you!
Ed, you crazy fool. You went from low-maintenance cats to high-maintenance puppy — good thing he’s so darned cute! Congratulations!!!
Belated congratulations on your new addition from a fellow English Springer spaniel enthusiast. It’s wonderful that you opted for rescue, and I hope he works out to be a terrific companion.