As a rule, I prefer horses and dogs to people. I do make exceptions.

Horses know the value of silence. They will sometimes chat with other horses, but in general they don’t chat much, and they definitely prefer humans to be quiet.

Dogs usually bark for just a handful of reasons, sure every knock at the door might be an intruder. But dogs don’t bark constantly.

Humans chatter more like birds. Except birds likely have purpose to their chatter. People seem to enjoy making noise just to make noise.

That’s not me. In fact, sometimes I find small talk excruciatingly painful. One of my least favorite questions is, “what did you eat for dinner?” Who cares?

You would think this would be a handicap for a reporter. But I’ve found when you let people speak, it’s fascinating. Sometimes listening is more important than talking.

Also, I’m trying the accounting certificate classes while keeping two jobs. It’s not going well. So my time is very limited, and so, right now, is my happiness. And when I’m unhappy, I don’t want to talk. But I remind myself this is a marathon, and to try to find the good moments.

On a happier note, I received a message from the woman who purchased our horse years ago. She enclosed a picture, and said he is enjoying retirement. That’s a comfort. The circumstances under which the horse was sold were a point of dissent in my marriage, possibly the first in a series of events that eventually led to the end.

My youngest son, James, was honored as a star student in the June 4 BASD news. So proud of him. Especially after all we’ve been through.

So please, spare me the small talk. But if you want to have a conversation, that’s good. Otherwise, Shh!