Still life with Pekinese. That’s what I’ve got to look forward to at the end of this week. While I had hoped to turn my dog-sitting gig into a romantic weekend away, it is not to be. Turns out busy season really is, well, busy. And from here to eternity—or, until April 15, to be more precise—Colby will be working weekends. So this weekend, it’ll be just me and the dogs. And about 2,000 beady eyes staring down at me from Aunt Dorothea’s glass hummingbird collection.

Won’t I be tortured the entire time, you ask, by visions of the Siren Sophia sinking her hooks into my sweetheart while they work side by side into the wee hours of the weekend? Nah. I’ll be too busy daydreaming about the long weekend Colby and I have planned. Departing April 16 for four glorious days of sun-‘n-sand-‘n-surf. And whatnot.

The idea had me a little nervous at first. I mean, who wants to go bathing suit shopping so soon after dating a professional chef? Then I remembered: Eberjey’s got suits! No dressing room with the horrible lighting and 3-way mirror for me! I chose the Caliente Rebecca bikini because it looked so flattering and fun. And the Lulu tunic to toss on over it.

A little self-tanner and I’ll be ready to go!

Now I just have to make it through this weekend in the cold, cold country. With no one to keep me warm except those jumpy balls of fluff who bark at every sound and somehow always end up on my pillow in the middle of the night. (Did I mention they snore?) Ah, well. They do say absence makes the heart grow fonder…