Tasha had not a bad day. She ate her food with enthusiasm, did some napping, got brushed, and got lots of petting and hugs. And she handled her first at-home sub-q fluids like a trooper. Laid very still, a heroic dog. And I must admit I did OK too, considering that before yesterday I’d never before stuck a needle into a living being.

Reminds me of Biology lab at Chico State in 1984. We were learning to type blood and had to stick ourselves in the tip of the finger with a sharp, sterile lancet. I couldn’t do it. Wasn’t afraid of it, not bothered by blood or fear, just couldn’t get my brain to cooperate and let me do it. I started laughing at myself, then got embarrassed. My lab partner that day was a beautiful – seriously – little blond girl. Finally, she took the lancet, grabbed my hand and just got it over with. Women amaze me sometimes.

We took Dad out for an early dinner, starting at Outback Steakhouse. There was a crowd outside and no place to park. Headed for Olive Garden, same deal. (It was 3pm!) But we found ourselves parked in front of a Japanese style steak house. Like Benihana, but not. Those guys really put on a show with the knives and the spatula and the flaming onions and stuff. It was really pretty good. Dad liked it, and he’s not into the exotic at all.

Happy day, Dads.