WAKING FROM A DREAM

Afalse awakening, The Sleep Foundation tells us, is when you dream that you’ve woken up. But of course, the film studio of your mind is still rolling. And in these productions, which are associated with that deep REM sleep, the plots usually revolve around the normal rather than the fantastical.

In false awakening dreams, dreamers usually dream about waking up and getting ready for the day, or about waking up in the middle of the night and going to the bathroom (heavy sleepers beware) or about simply engaging in normal activity. They even dream about thinking about a previous dream, the experts tell us. (Where’s Chris Nolan when you need him?)

I just dreamt that I went to work at the state’s daily newspaper of record for, like, eight months or so. And what an honor it was for an old newspaper fogie like me. I’m beyond grateful for that particular “dream.” But there are growth plans here at AY Media Group that roused me from it, and AMP readers… well, looks like you’re stuck with me once again.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Bring on your comments, suggestions and story ideas, good and bad. Even your symbolic pitchforks. (Iron sharpens iron, or something like that, right?) I’m always open at MCarter@AYMediaGroup.com, hopefully awake and not dreaming.

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The dictionary defines imp as a small, mischievous devil or sprite. Most

By Mark Carter

images depicting imps tend to the gremlins-with-wings variety. Well, Santa delivered an imp for Christmas, and her name is Gertie. She doesn’t have wings, but spends plenty of time airborne, nonetheless.

This pedigree black Lab, four months old and already 40-plus pounds, enjoys pouncing. And chewing. And eating. Not to mention tail-wagging and grinning. And “communicating.” And did I mention pouncing? With arms and legs outstretched like an ambushing octopus enveloping its prey, an ottoman and a victim represent to Gertie that which the 15 feet between the free-throw line and the rim did to MJ: Airspace in which to float.

The kids, dispersed southeast and northwest to the rigmarole of higher education, hardly recognize her in photos now. When they return home for spring break, Gertie will be at least twice the size she was when they left after Christmas break. But what fun those reintroductions will be.

The boys already have been warned to watch their six, of course.

By Heather Baker