Hot spot

Who uses it: Veterinarians
What it means: An area of skin inflammation caused by allergies, infection, and/or excessive scratching
How you can use it: When you're scratching an itch.

Dizzy has a hot spot on his face. It was a scabby rash, and is now a shaved, raw spot that needs twice-daily applications of an expensive antibiotic cream. He's also taking large doses of Keflex, which he doesn't mind, since it means extra peanut butter. His medical bills are larger than my own.

I'm off to Boston today, to return a book to Kate and have lunch with the legendary Sarah Weinman. It's a quick trip, since I have to get back here tonight for the closing performance of Jake's Women.