Fine readers of Cookeville Times, Amos, who is canine feature writer, is sleepy.   And, Mistress says, is Grouchy.   Is perhaps true.   Is no wonder.  Have had little intellectually stimulating activity in past week.   Great Window to World is before me.... Is true, am perched like wise Owl on top of couch with clear view of World.    But am experiencing existential angst rooted in desire for quality dialogue.

Am left with own thoughts to entertain.... future meals, pursuit of squirrels, use of doggy door and freedom therein, torture of squeeky Santa hidden for future joys.... is not enough.   Have proven patience with four boys under age of four.... with crazy neighbor cat.... with Janie the Princess dog who is overly self-involved..... Is time.  Amos must have purpose and plan for new year.  

So! Like many fine readers, am preparing for career transition.  Amos the Grouch will no longer be rooted in couch and speak only of the fragrance of chosen foods....but will pursue clever innovation that requires full use of faculties.   Have read in CookevilleTimes that manufacturing is growth area.   Perhaps Amos think about manufacturing something.... is difficult without opposing thumbs, but with clever brain, is always possible.   Would very much like to make something useful.   Amos could be shoe consultant and provide insight on retention of ripe smells --- is so much better that way.   Or Amos could provide cheese tasting services designed for the delicate palet.   Is great dream.  

Whatever the vocation, is time for Amos to contribute productively to lives of others.   Is best way to get rid of reputation as Grouch.   Or, perhaps, should retain reputation and just secretly do great deeds.  Is better that way.  Always keep 'em guessing.   Heh, heh, heh. 

Some want Amos to retire, say is at age of resting and watching for mailman.   Is such bunk.   Am at most clever, most wise, most physcially capable ..... perhaps this is why they no suspect that it is Amos who jump on table and climb shelves when my People are away.    

Ahhh... this is great competitive secret.  If my People believe is not possible, then can make great plans and execute .... creating quiet delights and delicious results.    Is better that way.   Is most productive season for Amos....but ....shhhhh.... let them think am only "Grouch on the Couch."   Will resolve philosophical angst beautifully and preserve writing career at same time.   

So, fine readers, invite you to join Amos in quest for quiet best this year.   Worry not about other's expectations, but do something.... something that compels and excites you.   Something that gives good dreams.   Contemplate large sausage.... Contemplate delicious treats.  Is good for digestion.  Is good for life.