I was looking for a picture for today and found these pictures of the public library in Seattle that fit yesterday's theme.

The morning of the ceremonial start of the 2009 Iditarod. The dogs have been let out of the truck. The sleds will be next. The ceremonial race is only 11 miles long and starts on 4th Ave. downtown Anchorage, AK. The musher has an Iditarider (someone who has paid for the privilege of riding in a sled which is not the sled used in the official race) for the 11 miles to Eagle River. The musher usually has a second sled and person with him just to slow down the 16 member dog team. Iditariders can win a seat on a sled in an auction or pay $7,500 outright to sit with their favorite musher. I have an interesting story regarding an Iditarider I met at the mushers' banquet but that will have to wait until for another time, I have to head into the office now. Jodi-

Bud loves hanging out in the window watching squirrels and birds and people-watching.

Nicole, I just saw your weather on the national news!! That is a LOT of snow!!! Denver airport shut down! And we got into the mid 70's today. I actually have the windows open and a fan on today. The pups were enjoying this fine weather out on the front porch.