Polar Vortexing by the Pooch

LIAM LICKING IN THE POLAR BORE-TEX

The polar vortex is back. As is the indoor polar bore-tex...a seasonal affliction for Liam. The polar one has always existed but usually has remained in its polar place... except the last two winters. And when it appeared here this fall Liam's bore-tex activities manifested themselves.
Polar Vortex
During early November the polar vortex began its journey downward from Canada. We watched on the weather maps as it went west and spared the east for a while. Then the promised expansion happened and by November 18 we all were covered. At one point all 50 States had at least one place below freezing. True. Even Hawaii.
 http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/11/18/analysis-coldest-november-morning-in-u-s-since-1976-all-50-states-freeze/
What is it exactly? A mass of arctic air that is pushed down from where it usually hangs out, which is way north. Here is the explanation.
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/what-is-a-polar-vortex/21793077
Polar Bore-tex
The polar vortex caused our indoor bore-tex. I reacted to the freeze by excusing myself from Liam's walks (wimpy Pet Mom)
Liam reacted to my reaction by more and extended warming sessions by the hot air vents, a noticeable increase in licking, as well as sun bathing around the house. A bored Liam...with a nod to vortex, I call his reactions polar bore-tex activities and as I noted above there are three major ones
Hanging by the hot air vents
Our house is heated via hot air vents. They blow into a cold room heating it unevenly and then turn off just when one feels comfortable. I relish that feeling of heat shooting out to relieve the cold. Liam hears it starting before me and claims his spot in front of any vent he is near...his little fireplaces.

A NEW FIND! A VENT BY THE BED

LIVING ROOM VENT, SIDEWAYS HEATING

LIAM'S HEAD IN PATH OF HOT AIR

BEST HOT AIR POSE

Licking
The increased licking (of non-humans) may be caused by boredom. Or anxiety. I'll go with boredom. In the next photo Liam tries to combine two activities, a few paw licks while enjoying some heat.

The best licks are the redcup. Seems to be even better than the regular cups. And sometimes a little extra foam forms. These licks are contingent on Mom bringing home the latte. This then would be a once a day bore-tex.

Grooming of his toy Wolfie is another way to stay busy and feel productive.

LIAM LICKING WOLFIE

There is always a stuffed Kong bone to maneuver and some focused licking will eventually dislodge its contents.

Sun Bathing
The sun is warm...forcing the eyes shut with its sharp light, setting Liam up for a snooze.

                                                                                       And always a cozy corner behind Daddy's back
     Hours of bore-tex work leave a dog exhausted              


Woof, Woof