I did go out with all of them today. It was about 40 degrees, which isn't bad for a winter day. We went on the bike path where there wasn't any ice. Samantha was crabby before we left, but once we got on the path, she fell asleep. I guess that means she was warm enough. When we got to Alewife (about a 40 minute walk) I stopped at the playing fields and Ella and I tussled for a bit. I was about ten feet from Sam in her carrier and wanted to get closer. Then I realized Ella was keeping a good eye on things. Whenever people walked by on the bike trail, which was about 20 feet away, Ella would stop playing and face them until they turned the corner. Then she'd come dashing and leaping back to me as though nothing had happened. No growling, just a very alert stance. It was strange to see her change from guard dog to playful puppy in such a quick shift. At least, I assume that's what she was doing. She may have also just been looking to see if it was someone else that would like to join in the fun.

Samantha was sleepy tonight, even a bit cranky until I gave her dinner and a bath. We went down to the living room and danced to Ray Charles for a bit. Her whole face lights up and she bounces in delight when she hears his music. I wonder what Ray Charles would think if he knew that his music brought such joy to a ten-month-old baby. From his music, I would say he'd be thrilled.