The dogs passed their interview with Mike the Trainer’s assistance (with him, they look trained as circus dogs!), and we made it out of town for Thanksgiving. The polite report was that when Zar barked (a barking frenzy, I have no doubt) he was “redirected.” The trainer says that the goal for the dogs is to be invited over to someone’s house with us for dinner, but so far they have no invitations. In New York City, Christmas had arrived before Thanksgiving. Conspicuous consumption was everywhere—check out Lady Gaga’s crystal cave window display at Barney’s. And the mannequin wrapped in Christmas lights? It reminds me of Kate in False Alarm shopping with the athletes—not enough places for them to spend their money.