R & R

Mom is happily ensconced in her new condo.  Her new next door neighbor, Geyza (and his wife, Bonnie, who maintains a lower profile), is an energetic Austrian engineer.  He's a dapper dresser, always in a sport coat with tie and suspenders, smartly put out.  This has made my usually opinionated mom melt into movie star admiring mush.  She's all glowy about Geyza--Geyza hooked up my ice maker...Geyza said those blinds were cheap and told me to get rid of them...Geyza came over in his bathrobe and slippers to make sure Comcast took all the unnecessary parts they installed away, saving me $80 a month.  

Geyza and Bonnie remind me of the Higgenson's, lifelong friends who lived next door to us in Kansas City.  They are brimming with energy, have that European n'est pas, and get a great kick out of Mom.  We are SOOOOOOO lucky!

I really will take photos of the condo.  But Mom's still in the sorting stage.  What to go where, and one room at a time.  

Was anyone else pooped by the holidays?  I took an absolutely delicious nap yesterday afternoon.  Spent the whole afternoon from 3 to 6 reading and sleeping.  Then dinner out at Lucille's, and back to bed for another ten hours.  Just lovely!  I'm ready to shop or something today.  

Anyone looking for a laugh out loud wonderful crazy movie, try Saving Grace.  Even Geoff liked it so much he wants to see it again after we get a better sound system so he can get all the Cornish dialog.

For New Year's, I'm getting my stupid wisdom teeth out (tomorrow), so I'll have plenty of time to read any e-mails from anyone....  Enjoy the rest of the holidays!

  

Short Cuts to Christmas

Do you want to know why diamonds are a girls best friend?  Why diamond shaped cookies exist?  Because they're easy.  

I started the cookies this morning.  Target had some fantastico frozen gingerbread men that McKenzie popped into the oven a couple of days ago--and we've eaten all 18.  I said we should get more.  She said you could "taste the love" in our homemade ones.  But one look at the cookie cutters this morning and I thought "no way", the love can be diamond shaped.  Out with the pizza cutter, and slash slash slash--no waste at all!  Just spatula them on and spatula them off.

It smells delicious in here, and I'm already having a Diet Coke.  Hayley just came up the stairs and moaned, "You started baking without me?  You were supposed to wait and help me with all the cookies."  She has several recipes out...I'm stringing lights after this batch, thank you!  We're late on getting the tree too.  I was driving home yesterday and saw a 1/2 price tree sale at the Lucky Lure lot we always go to.  Turned out that only the "native Colorado" trees were 1/2 off.  We could chop one of those down.  In fact I'd been eyeing them for days in the woods.  I'm willing, but 3 in the family say they're too spindly.  So I called Hayley and asked if she wanted to help pick out the tree, she said go ahead, just don't get a skinny one, and I asked for $25 off on a Blue Spruce.  

Now I feel bad, because it's sooo cold out (8 degrees), and I didn't tip Steve, the "elf" because I was kinda burned out.  Steve knows who I am every year--it's embarrassing because I'm never sure if he's who he is.  He's the brother of the Denbow dad who lives down the street.  I should go back with 5 bucks today....

Penny, Mom's dog, is in caring, capable hands.  Wendy, at IMHS, took her in yesterday.  Penny will be housed in a foster home till she's adopted.  I made sure to tell Wendy about her cat obsession.  Lucky Penny is lucking out again.  The IMHS only had 2 adult dogs and 2 puppies to place, along with about 20 cats.  Wendy did the character analysis in the cat room.  Penny was shaking!!!!  Let's see, that would be like a cat being plunked down in a room crawling with mice, gerbils and hamsters, all wearing little red bows.

Ok, off to trim the tree and watch Hayley bake.  Mom's carpet's going in today, and then the condo is TA DA done!  She hasn't seen it since the stuff was torn out, keeping it a surprise for herself.  Move in day is Tuesday!

Also need to go through the linen closet where I've stashed gifts for the past couple of months.  I have forgotten what I got.  All I know is, the shopping isn't nearly done....

New York City a Smash Hit

Ah, the tree at Rockefeller Plaza...Macy's, MOMA, and Wicked.  Dinner at Virgil's BBQ, Carmine's, and John's Pizzeria.  It was a fun three days.  I can't believe I only took my camera out at MOMA (museum of modern art), but that's the case.  There were so many flashes going off at Rockefeller Center and such a crush of a crowd you'd have thought it was New Year's Eve!  The same for Times Square on a Sunday night.  Geoff and McKenzie rushed to the Gershwin Theater on Tuesday night for Wicked, and everyone on Broadway seemed to be hurrying to some performance!

Such a contrast between the city and here.  I took a walk with the dogs yesterday, half looking for a Christmas tree in the wild.  The air was so bracing and fresh, and the snow was falling...such peacefulness.  

Well, I'm afraid I understand why Penny's been returned three times.  We had her last night, and she got me up a few times during the night.  I thought she had to go outside, but she made a bee line for the cats.  She's absolutely obsessed with hunting them down.  At 5 am I put her on a leash and kept her by my side the rest of the morning.  Well, it's only 6:39 am, it just feels a little later.  She's going to the Intermountain Humane Society today.  It's a no kill place in Pine Junction, and they only have 3 dogs there at the moment.  Although they have about 20 cats.  Penny is going to enjoy that!!!

Shopping, but not for Christmas

So, the last two days I've set off to Walmart and Target early--as in 7 am, so I can drop McKenzie off at school on the way.  Think I'll do it again today, because it's now the mode of operation here and a day at home sounds boring!  I'm supposed to be Christmas shopping, but I take along my little paint sample card and start looking for stuff for the redecoration project of Andy's old room.  I'm on my third shot at curtains.  The free swinging rod did look dorky when I took a broader view after Cozumel.  So I trotted off to to Jo Ann's for more red tag sale fabric, this time in brown.  The sales clerk asked me what it was for, then said, "Oh, it looks like barbed wire!"  So I swung the barbed wire brown fabric over the support rods, and swept it up at the swinging drapery rods, to make a sort of top curtain.  That made the curtains (in different red tag fabrics that were more beigey prints, one of which McKenzie swore must be a shower curtain because she knows me too well) look odd.  So yesterday I bought $7 flat sheets at Walmart, where I should have gone first because they're the perfect faded chocolate, plain, no barbed wire.  And I could stay home this morning and iron them and clip them to the curtain rod rings, but now McKenzie's so used to being driven to school that I told her, "ok", because Starbucks mid morning and Qdoba at noon is beginning to be a darn good routine.

I also looked at chairs, returned a bathroom mirror, bought a mirror, two lamps, and a Target end table.  So progress really is being made.  However, I've only found books so far for under the Christmas tree.  And even though I'd find that satisfactory, nobody else will.  What to buy!  I haven't seen anything!!!

Gotta go, but tonight's the company dinner party and I said there'd be a door prize.  That was a stupid misprint, part of a fleeting enthusiasm.  Now, what to get for that?  Hayley, who's going with Mike, is pushing for a Best Buy gift card.  I told her she's exempt because she's part of the hosting family.  So she said she'll do the drawing, but she'd rig it, put "mike" on all the pieces of paper.  She's disappointed because Eddie can't attend in his Santa suit too.

Cozumel, the most relaxing spot

Yea!!!!  I just spied the snowplow from the corner of my eye!  Lance, our neighbor, is out and working on the drive.  That means the garbage truck can come in an hour.  Also, maybe I can do some Christmas shopping.  Just don't tell Mom, she'll want me to come down and help her pack.

Cozumel was melt-a-way relaxing.  G and I had the mellowest time!  Slept, ate incredibly good food at the resort, lounged, read, swam in the ocean aquarium with all the little fishies.  Bolstered us up with rest!!!!  Iguanas wander around, and little gheckos....  Shore birds screech, pelicans roost on light poles.  The Mayans who work at the resort are super friendly and joke around, smile a lot.  They're so short.  We've seen the extremes now--Amsterdam women like basketball players and Mayans in the garden--you think they're kneeling and weeding, but no, they're standing. 

If you ever want to go to Cozumel, we highly recommend the place we stayed.  In fact, we're booked for spring break there with the kids:  Presidente Intercontinental.  There was barely anyone there during this time.  Think we'll go back again in early December.  Hope March isn't overrun with kids!

Cozumel, here we come

Ok, I'm still without eyeliner, only cleaned one bathroom, and I've hung one set of curtains in Andy's old room.  The curtain rod is attached to the support pipe, so it's fluid movement, etc. -- which Geoff's only comment on was,  "That looks funny."

So!  Off to Cozumel in the a.m.!!!!!  The girls will hopefully survive here.  No 4 foot snow showers on the way....

It's time to go to bed and hope for the best.

Forecast for today: snow, icy roads, and Gram's garage sale

Didn't get enough bargains yesterday?  Come one, come all, to 848 E. Huntington Place for the bang up moving sale of the year!  Mom's stuff is burgeoning out of control, so Hayley's on her way down after the ice diminishes.  She'd better dress like a polar bear because Hayley gets cold when it's 70 degrees.  McKenzie and I drove in the truck with her last week and she quite wilted us.  McKenzie's faint voice from the rear:  "Is anybody else dying of heatstroke?"  "ME!"  I swear that girl turns it up to 85.  Anyway, it's going to be mighty cold in that garage today.  Gram will probably be the last survivor.  They'll have to sell Hayley with the leather couch.  

Poor poor Harry!  Geoff says he slipped between the stairs and the rock wall this morning.  He's been afraid of that since he was little!  He'd stand on the rock side and sheepishly wag his tail, but refuse to make the leap.  Geoff had to pry him out of the crevice this morning.  Poor little guy!!!!

One hour later:  

Ok, take long enough to write and things change.  Garage sale to be held tomorrow.  Hurrah!

Guess I'll start painting Andy's old room.  McKenzie helped me choose sheets, duvet cover, shams, and a circle quilt wall hanging yesterday in the new color scheme of yellow, blue and green.  Can't wait to get the paint!!!!

The Mysterious Thanksgiving Visitor

Mom's doorbell rang at 8 am this morning (Thanksgiving Day).  It was Penny--being returned again!

Sandra told Mom that she would have to come up with another $500 pet deposit for her landlord in order to keep her.  Sounds like a Craig's List scam to me....

Mom was still in her pajamas, wondering who in the world would be ringing the doorbell at that hour on a holiday.  She was so surprised she just welcomed Penny back, settled her on the couch, and smiled hugely.  She's absolutely pleased as punch to have Penny back for Thanksgiving.  Penny's glad to be home for all the attention and all the turkey.

Well, Mom says she's not unpacking Penny's suitcase.  How many dogs do you know who've been returned three times?  She wins the prize!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.  We're having roast beef this year from Costco.  And twice baked potatoes, pumpkin pie, and broccoli from Costco.  Hayley talked Mom into making banana creme pie and cranberry nut bread, which Mom dropped off at the Mini dealer yesterday for us.  

The Mini Cooper is stupendously adorable!!!!  It has interior mood lighting you can change from orange thru the spectrum to blue.  So McKenzie set it at purple/pink and we drove off to hit the mountain roads as dusk settled in.  This car makes mountain curves fun!  What a change from the truck.

2TA LOO

Sung to the tune of O Christmas Tree:

O Mini dear, 

O Mini dear,

How hard it is to believe!

O Mini dear, 

O Mini dear,

Now in my arms you'll leave!

You were ordered in September's glow,

Received in November's snow.

O Mini dear, O Mini dear,

Studded tires we'll need!

We're picking her up today.  A tout a l'heure  (2TA LOO)!

 

Tuesday

Mom had a couple of glasses of wine last night and called to tell me the latest.  She does have a busy life for a Queen Mother.  

Penny is now off to live with Benji, Sandra, and her husband (who's last name is Johnson).  We may as well keep it all in the family (my maiden name is Johnson).  As for All in the Family, Archie would have had a hey day over this one.  Penny's new dad is Black, her new mom is Hispanic, and her brother is a Cockapoo like her, only 20 lbs lighter.  Mom suspects that his mom was a teacup.  Hopefully, Penny will fit into this family.  Third time's the charm!

At the same time the Johnsons came up her walk, Jim from Kentwood real estate strode up with her house inspection results.  Mom can't understand what's wrong with the bottom basement stair, was surprised to find she's been living in Radon, and will fork over $1,700 for repairs to the buyers.  But at least she has buyers!

Andy came by last night to pick up the desk, the blue chair from Lindsey Grey's garage sale, assorted bags, and a blanket.  He's doing well down in the new apartment.  Hasn't met any neighbors yet....

I'm going to clean Andy's room, buy paint, and set off on a Costco spree when I go to Denver to purchase the Titan, which has a lease about to expire.  That Mini of mine is supposed to be in tomorrow or Friday.  Wonder if they'll give me a Christmas special on the biggest shopping day of the year?

Snow's coming tomorrow too.  It's been like summertime here, t-shirt weather.  The nay sayers blame it on Global Warming, which is a dour way to look at it, I'd say!  It's been incredibly lovely for long walks.

Work on Andy's Old Room Begins

eeeuuw!!!!

I got on a stepladder to dust the light fixtures in Andy's old room and looked down on the bathroom ceiling.  An ancient piece of rough exterior siding topped the pipe.  I took that off and there were mouse droppings everywhere.  Eeeuuuwww...mice have been peering down on that room since the house went up.  Yuk!  

Back on Craigs List

Ok, the crossed fingers didn't work again.  Penny's back at Mom's because the 12 year old did not want to brush K9 teeth and groom K9 fur and walk K9 feet, or at least that's the reason she gave Mom.  So.  Penny's back on Craig's List and Pinecam.  The forum on Pinecam seems to attract people who have nothing to do but complain about how you phrased the adoption notice.  "Why don't you take the dog?  She probably just lies around all day."  "Why do you have to brush a dog's teeth every day?"  "Have hope, there is a way!" "A dog is not a Christmas present." 

So.  Mom is staying at her house to have her last Thanksgiving with Penny.  Ok, so Mike will come over.  We'll have roast beef, etc.  Whatever.  We'll see Mom a lot once she's up here anyway.  Penny will find a home somewhere.  

Salmon's done!  Cheers!

P.S.  Andy likes his new place.  I'm astonished at how much junk there is to throw out in his old room.  Evergreen Disposal Service is probably going to call and complain again.  Last time it was too much manure.   This time it's chairs and heaps of mysteriously bulging black bags.  

How the Queen Spent Her Day

How does the Birthday Queen spend her Special Day?

1.  She reminds her husband that it is not only Joe Biden's birthday.

2.  When the Queen Mother calls in a panic, she reassures her that the drugs obtained without prescription over the internet from India are not going to kill anyone.  But yes, she will make an appointment for the Queen Mother to see her doctor that day.

3.  After the Queen's truck slides down the driveway, the Princess guides it to a spot in the woods, and a call is made to the school saying the Princess wouldn't make it.

4.  The other Princess calls from a ditch in the driveway, saying she's stuck.

5.  The realtor phones to say, yes he got the message about canceling the showing of the castle, but won't the drive have dried out by then.  The Queen ignores that, tells him that the Princess is now outside skating on it, (and jeese louise the maid is off for the day).

6.  After a lovely Special Day lunch of leftover Chinese noodles, raw carrots and a Chocolate Clif bar, the Queen acknowledged the presence of her only son and heir.  Yes, perhaps the Prince could move into his new residence that day.  Unbeknownst to the realtor, the drive had dried, and it was perhaps possible to transfer the Prince's choicest belongings (and the old couch) to the new castle he's leased in the valley below.

7.  The Queen and her ever so large Corgis, stride off on a grand promenade through the woods, invigorated by the raw frozen air, and exercise their lungs and legs.  

8.  The Prince and Queen lug the couch to the carriage, ever so politely, and with quiet moans and absolutely no shouting or yelling at all.  mmmm, yes.

9.  Since the couch does not quite fit inside the luggage area, the Prince tries lifting the tailgate.  This is not a successful operation, and there are more murmurs on the driveway.  After a slight struggle, the old couch leg is retrieved from the crack.  All is well in the kingdom, and the procession begins.

10.  The Queen cosigns the new castle lease, having to hear about mold, fire, evictions, illegal drug usage, failure to pay on time, and other fascinating aspects of the financial obligations of the kingdom.

11.  At last, the Queen and Prince are able to see the new castle in person, armed with a checklist to note any faulty items, like a malfunctioning drawbridge for instance.  In fact, it is only the red stain on the living room rug that draws their attention.  Faint as it is, it tells the tale of either a wounded knight or a misstep during grape crushing season.

12.  The couch seems ever so much lighter as it merrily makes its way to it's new home.

13.  At a shopping expedition at the discount arm of Harrod's (Walmart), the young Prince chooses his silverware and dish patterns, and stocks up on various sundries.

14.  Then it's home to see the King.  

15.  The King always, always believes in eating at the proper hour.  Thus, when his family strides in at the stroke of 6, he hastily (knowing it is the Queen's Special Day) shoves the dinner she's prepared that morning into the microwave.  Randomly, he sets the timer for 8 minutes on defrost.  Perhaps that will do the trick.  Then he inquires whether that is all the salsa in the castle.

16.  The Queen pours herself quite a large glass of Chardonnay, and watches as her servants bustle around the kitchen.  How lovely it is to simply remind them that this is her special day.  How unfortunate that they do not seem able to make salads or fruit.  Ah well, she will throw some lettuce in the bowls.

17.  The food is eaten.  The presents are opened.  The King prances around with an earring pretending he is from Africa.  

18.  More guests arrive, and the festivities blossom.  A lovely strawberry shortcake baked by the younger Princess herself, is savored by all.

19.  The Prince does the dishes.  The King goes for a walk with the ever so large Corgis.  The guests go their separate ways....

20.  The Queen showers and falls onto her bed.  She considers reading and then turns off the light.  In two shakes of a lambs tail, she's asleep.  

21.  The Queen Mother calls.  Her Corgi is being returned from it's 2nd new home.  Problem here.  But the Queen is too tired and requests they discuss this in the morning.  

22.  And so went the Special Day of the Queen, who, with a sigh, was glad it was over again for a year.

Happy Birthday

What better birthday than an icy one, with the roads so slick McKenzie can't go to school?  We are sitting back to back like Siamese twins, typing on our computers, snug as bugs in a rug.  

I'm 52 today and loving it.  Lordy, I don't feel old or young.  I'm Baby Bear's porridge.  

Right now, the truck is at the bottom of the driveway, at the last curve, backed into the woods.  Hayley's car is now off in a ditch just past the curve, and Mike's coming to get her.  She has a big math test today and has to get to CU.  McKenzie's skating down the asphalt to give her a warmer coat and clogs, as Hayley's shoes are super slick.  

So!  Cancelled the house showing, as any more cars in the ditch may prove hazardous.  And ready to settle in to a day at home in my p.j.'s .  What better way to spend a 52nd birthday?  I love it!

Lucky Mom

Ok, keep your fingers crossed again.  It didn't work last time.  Sure they're crossed?

Mom got Penny back from Pete since Andy couldn't stand having another dog around.  His Andy I mean, the Shihtzu.  I put her on Craig's list this morning and Mom had Renee come over to visit this evening.  Penny loved her!  So, Mom's sold her house (yes, the new bidders came up to just her price today) and also, she found Penny a loving home with a mom and 12 year old in Littleton.  Remarkable.  

Gabby goes home

Greg and Megan drove down from Fort Collins with Loxie, their apricot Labradoodle, to meet Gabby yesterday.  Wild Thing Gabriella was unusually subdued, and just layed down by the couch.  This was not our Gabby!  She was shy about meeting Loxie I guess.  After a few minutes we all took a walk through the woods, and the real Gabby came alive.  She decided she liked Loxie and Megan and Greg, and they decided they liked her.  She's lucky to be starting life with them, as they're just starting out new jobs and a new marriage, sprucing up their house, and take Loxie everywhere with them.  At 24, 25 years old, they're just what suits Wild Thing--uncomplicated, straightforward, and full of energy.  Very sweet too!  Another match that works out beautifully.  How does it all come about?

It's so quiet around here now!  Harry slept on McKenzie's bed last night, ever so peacefully.  Guess I can pack up the pen and get on to the next project:  sorting furniture for ARC, picking up the 15 oriental rugs we had washed, and rearranging, painting the rec room, and getting a couple of new chairs.  Andy's moving out in a few days too, so then there's his room to paint and rearrange.  If Linen and Things isn't entirely cleared out, maybe I'll find more sheets for drapes.

Geoff buys a Ford

Geoff bought a Ford GT yesterday.  Good grief.  So.  Ok, yes, he is smiling.  It's Christmas in Vermont.  Well, actually, it was pretty funny at the club when we parked it.  First he had to make sure he could get it into reverse.  I kept saying turn on the lights, and he couldn't find them, you know, to read the letters on the shifter knob.  Then Andy called so my cell phone lit up.  Yea!  He was moving it the right way...just, something.  Oh well.  So we parked, then we got out and the darn thing wouldn't stop honking.  And the lights were flashing and all....  I went in to get a glass of wine to the music of the horn playing.  

Andy and McKenzie came along to join us, and Andy said the emergency lights were still on.  Geoff said he was just glad he turned the horn off.  The waiter said he hoped the battery wouldn't run down.  Geoff drank a few glasses of wine, which Andy was glad of, because it insured his driving the thing home.  

So.  I'll post a picture later!  A picture says a thousand words....

P.S.  When we left the club, the boys couldn't unlock the car.  The beeping, honking and lights started playing again.  So McKenzie did a little jig and I pushed the panic button on the Lexus and we all had a grand old time!  

Porsche puppies

Geoff and I took Ellie and the puppies to the Porsche dealership on Broadway yesterday.  We were there about 2 hours (Geoff test drove 2 and then talked with the salesman).  The puppies were very grown up and behaved themselves beautifully--for the first hour and a half.  Then they started wrestling and exploring, and before you knew it they were friends with everybody on the lot.  We went to Geoff's favorite restaurant on the way home, and they all slept while we enjoyed wine & pizza.  Lovely day, all in all.  It's nice when Geoff can take off a full day on Friday.  It does mix me up though.  I woke at 6:30 this morning and jumped out of bed.  Knocked on McKenzie's door to tell her she had 15 minutes, and she groaned:  "Mom, it's Saturday."

Lucky Penny

I really cannot believe Mom's luck.  She found a home for Penny at Home Depot.  On a whim and an impulse!  Amazing.  

She can't bring Penny, her Cockapoo, to the senior condo, as they only allow cats, fish and birds.  Dumb but true.  The doggies would have fun riding around in the King Soopers carts everybody's pilfered.  Oh well, anyway, Mom was stressing over the whole thing, and I was going to post Penny on Pine Cam.  Then we were in Home Depot a couple of days ago and Mom saw a man with a couple of Cockapoos checking out beside us.  She told him she had Woofy's twin, and that guy called a friend with a Shitzhu, and long story short, we ended up handing Penny over to Pete Anderson to keep him and Andy (the Shitzhu) company in a house bordering the National Forest in Central City.  

Mom was taking forever to pull her car out of the Home Depot lot, and I kept saying, "Hurry up, before they change their mind."  Pete called Mom last night and said Penny seemed a little restless.  Keep your fingers crossed that this works!  It's like Penny has had three lives:  Mom got her when she was a few years old, at the shelter, after being picked up on Federal Blvd.  Then she spent 8 years with Mom being super civilized in the suburbs, and now she gets to go chase squirrels in the National Forest.    

Greg and Megan in Fort Collins are considering taking Wild Thing Gabriella a.k.a. Gabby.  Okay, she didn't really go to the Obama's, she's right here giving me a horse manure kiss.  But I am placing my bet on Obama getting a labradoodle--just for the record.

Gabby Goes to the White House

A brief from Obama's White House secretary:

A darling chocolate labradoodle was found with a bow tied 'round her neck on the White House steps this morning!  Oh, how perfect!  She's just the pup to be First Dog and the girls will absolutely adore her.  

Note:  Gabby likes books.  Shelve any valuable historic tomes out of reach.  Read aloud to her from Millie's Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush, and also Margaret Suckley's biography of Roosevelt's Scottie, The True Story of Fala. 

Extreme makeover

Before and after's--don't you find yourself drawn to the hairdo redos, the extreme makeovers, the home mag's kitchen before and after?  Me too!  So I'm going to the condo today to take photos prior to the demo.  Then I'll post them here, and you can keep up with the changes.  Not that the condo needed that much of a facelift.  Nancy's parents were so happy there.  They lived there 10 years and just hated to have to move on.  But what will be fun, is seeing Mom's building prowess take place.  She's always enjoyed choosing and installing and changing things, so decorating this from the floorboards up has been real enjoyable (albeit overwhelming at times).  So, off to the condo this a.m. before the demolition starts.  And, yea, we'd better get the homeowner's insurance today too.

Andy signed a lease for an apartment down in Bear Mountain (Lakewood) yesterday.  Geoff, McKenzie and I went to look it over with him.  Lordy, I am a mother hen!  I swear I smelled gas from the heater.  Evie, the apartment leaser, said she and her husband lived in it until recently.  They moved right underneath it.  She is still alive and bright eyed, so I suppose I shouldn't worry.  The mother's alarm antennae went shooting up when Evie just commented, "Oh yea, somebody left the heat on."  I will ask the gas company to investigate if the smell lingers.  No giving Andy a new toilet seat as a housewarming present, or helping decorate.  This is his place.  Just the gas thing, I promise.

All of this newness got into my blood a couple of days ago.  McKenzie and I went to the liquidation sale at Linens and Things, then to American Furniture Warehouse's Veteran's Day Sale.  I think the post office, library, and American Furniture Warehouse are the only ones who still observe that holiday.  Anyway, I decided to redo my own bedroom.  McKenzie has a talent for design, as we all well know.  First 20 minutes are great with this little designer dynamo:  "No.  No.  I don't see a thing."  This was at Linen's and Things.  Then I go into the gotta get something mode and she begins asking where we're going to eat lunch.  As I pile possibilities (yes, the stockers hate me, because I go to another part of the store to unload and reevaluate), she starts listing the restaurants around.  So, by the time we're ready to leave, I've gone through half a dozen permutations of room designs, and she's so famished she'll eat anywhere.  This is how we work.  It's a very good partnership.  

So then we eat Buffalo style chicken wings and go to American Furniture Warehouse.  She has never been in an American Furniture Warehouse.  Is that possible?  McKenzie is fascinated by the place.  It has so much!  She has to sit on the big comfy chairs.  There really are couches with cup holders.  I send her one way to look for a bedroom chair, while I go the other to look for a lamp.  Ten minutes later, she catches up:  "Jill!  Jill."  I cannot get used to being called my own name by my own daughter.  However, she feels this is less embarrassing in public.  She has found some great chairs!  We sit in all of them.  Then we decide to decide later, and go off looking for a lamp.  We find some great lamps!  One I really love, that Geoff will think is from Mars.  But it sheds such a terra cotta glow, I must have it.  We buy the space lamp and head for Target to see their chairs.  By this time, McKenzie has developed indigestion from the chicken wings.  Target is cut short, because they don't have anymore glowy lamps (as I decided I need another by the bed) and their chairs are not as good.  But I do find a modern table to put the space lamp on, so we do not leave empty handed.  

Thus it is, that this morning I am washing 4 sets of gold twin sheets.  The winners at Linen and Things @ $14.99/set!  And I am hanging them on the new wood post rods, with those ring clips--no sewing for me.  I have stripped the bedroom of all things country, and I am going space age modern.  Except for the bed, which is a canopy bed I have had since I outgrew my crib (no kidding, Mom will verify) and I will put the fitted sheets on the canopy (which I haven't used in a while) as a balloon valence (as I saw a lot of balloon valences in the curtains section at LT, and I may as well try it).  This morning I got up at 5 am, before Geoff, because I didn't have a bedside table or lamp or clock.  My bed is also placed at an angle, which makes it much easier to get to the door--now a straight shot.  So, what a good morning lies ahead.  Extreme makeover my way!

 

Kinda down

Sometimes it seems like there are pulls from all directions.  Mom's been getting teary eyed about the condo renovation just about every day.  It's just too much stress for her.  If Andy's been making a ton of progress in the job and apartment sector, it's news to me, so I need to check in with him on that.  Hayley's 19th birthday was yesterday, and she's a lovely 19.  Mike came over and brought Brother's BBQ, so it was a nice day after shopping with HayBay.  Geoff's been in a lot of pain with his shoulder this week, and went on Cortisone.  He's had too busy a week at work again, and is tired.  I'm thinking that we shouldn't have 5 dogs, because it's too much.  So, McKenzie's sad about giving up Wild Thing Gabriella, if that's what we decide, because I really couldn't part with Harry.  And Geoff realizes it's probably true that we should let her go, but is upset about it too.  I think it would be the right thing to do though.  And we do have someone interested, actually about 4 families.  

Ok.  Enough with the sob story.  As my dad used to tell me, if you're up now, remember there's going to be a down coming along.  And if you're down, well, things will look up pretty soon.

Squirrels in the toliet

Some things don't even faze us anymore.  Like finding a baby squirrel swimming in the toliet.  How did it get there?  Woody was at the vet getting shots, so you can't blame it on him dropping it while getting a drink.  Geoff and Hayley fished it out and put it on the deck to dry.  So when McKenzie and I got home, we found this upside down chair surrounded by cushions, and a dead squirrel about a foot away.  But, know what?  Things like this don't even cause me to pause.  A bear, maybe.  A horse chasing me around the pasture, mmm hmm.  But the smaller mammals like mice and squirrels, and the invasion of prehistoric bugs, or the caterpillars crawling out of the bathroom electrical socket...these things are flung or squished, no questions asked.  See what living out here does to you?

The good thing that happened this weekend was that I started loving horses again.  Max pretty much ruined equine appreciation for me with his rampaging.  But on Sunday morning Sophie (the 6 mo. old filly) nuzzled me when I kissed her, then reached her neck around my back, rested her head, and sighed.  That sweetheart!  Her cough is getting better, and Hayley and I walked the two young ones around the woods.  There was still some green clover and grass left.  Foolish as I may be, I even sat down by Ellie while Sophie grazed beside us.  Now that is coming a long way for someone who wouldn't even walk into a stall!  Thank goodness Hayley chose some calm young horses this fall.  Teddy is a gentle, affectionate guy too.  And both are going to grow to be quite large!  Over 16 hands, more likely Sophie will be 17.  

Oh!  Better get going!  Mom will be meeting me at the design studio, and then I'll watch as she closes on the condo.  Her first solo real estate purchase.  Unfortunately, the bid on her house was not countered.  The people didn't even come up a few thousand.  So, she'll have to keep showing it.  Not painful though--the place looks like a model home.    

To Andy

Toast and coffee...just some dolled up bread and water.  It's what makes the morning though.  

Andy, I don't want to see your life wasted, or lived minimally.  It's not until you personally accomplish things that you feel real satisfaction.  It's tough for me to kick you out.  But it's worse seeing you not advance as you should.  I appreciate your sensitive nature, your quick humor, and your kindness.   You're intelligent and thoughtful.  Look at this as an opportunity to go off on your own, do what you want to do, explore, and find satisfaction in work and learning.     

   

News of Star and home

Star is happily settled in with Kim now.  The flight went beautifully and both her grandmas came right over to meet her.  One brought chicken and the other came with new food bowls.  After a walk, everyone went to PetSmart where Star picked out a new bed, then it was home for a pigs ear and bed!  Kim sent me some photos, and there is just the sweetest one of Jaycee sleeping with Star.  They're kind of small reproduced here to the left, but they're lovely.  Jaycee, Hi!!!, we really had fun being with you!  Have a good day with Star.

This Halloween was the most relaxing I've ever had.  Geoff and I had wine at the club while McKenzie (the elf) and Maya (the corpse) went off to trick or treat at the houses on the golf course.  We managed to have three glasses before the girls returned, and I felt a little guilty!  But it sure was fun to look at Geoff's Mac laptop and talk for a while.  It has been a full week, especially for him.  

Today Woody has to go in for shots.  I'd like to go out to lunch afterward with McKenzie, and then to Walmart to pick up some Better Homes and Gardens plates to go with the bowls I got a couple of days ago.  I really like the bowls.  They're Tuscan yellow with olive branches and have this nice chunky feel.  But...unless Dr. Fogg puts Woody under, we're in for a struggle.  He does not like the car at all.  Or the truck, or anything on four wheels.  Maybe McKenzie and I will take turns holding him outside.  At least I don't need many groceries....

Mom had an offer on her house yesterday, and is meeting with Jim to fill out a counter offer.  It was kind of low ball, but we did that with the condo too.  Anyway, we'll see.  She closes on the condo this Monday.  Then she'll have the key and can do whatever she wants with it.  Uh oh, that probably means we'll be sanding the front door on Tuesday.

Dr. Dolittle and the walk

"Oh ho!" said Dr. Dolittle, "Who would like to accompany me for a stroll around the lake?"

Wild Thing sat upright, some stuffing from the toy giraffe falling from her muzzle.  She was perched on the fireplace ledge because M., the maid, had been mopping.  

"I would like to swim and chase the ducks," she mused.  "But I don't know how to swim, and the ducks might quack very loudly, so is it worth the scary car ride?"

"Oh, well," she continued aloud.  "I'll come if Harry and Mommy are coming."

Ellie, her mom, certainly was going to go to the lake.  Why, the lake was her favorite walk of all.  Lying in the water, even cold as it was this time of year, refreshed her greatly.  Any day now, one of those ducks would swim right at her, and she'd catch it and squeak it, just like she used to do with her favorite toy that Woody and Toby pulled apart so long ago.

Toby pranced and danced around Dr. Dolittle's striped pants.  He pawed the freshly ironed crease.  

"Now!  Are we going now? Or is this one of those plans for two hours from now which I am to anticipate and remind you of?  I shall swim in the icy water, for that is what I do!"

In the midst of all this excitement, Harry, Wild Thing's shaggy brother, cocked his head to one side and then another.  Car rides were getting familiar, and the lake was quite enjoyable, really, if one were to walk on the leash in the right direction and not get confused and pulled.  However, it was rather tight in the back seat with just him and Toby.  Where would Mommy and Wild Thing sit?  He recalled the last truck ride, in which he had tumbled off and been forced to finish the journey beneath the seat.  It was just a bit uncomfortable, and Dr. Dolittle had exclaimed, upon opening the door, "Poor Harry!  What are you doing under there?"

Nevertheless, Harry was game to try it again.  Perhaps Toby would be invited to ride in the front seat.  Then he and his sister could have more room in back with Mom.  Yes, that would be the ticket!

Meanwhile, Woody, who shuddered at the thought of riding in an automobile of any sort, studied the floor.  If he did not meet Dr. Dolittle's eyes, he could convince himself that he was brave, and simply forgotten.  Yes, avoiding eye contact was the key.  He was sure the doctor would notice the quaver in his voice if he made some excuse.

"So, we'll work on the computer a bit, talk with grandmama on the telephone, and be off by 10," Dr. Dolittle said cheerfully.

Just as Toby has feared.  A two hour wait.  Ah well, there were five of them now.  Always something to do in the meantime.   He led the parade outdoors and broke into a gallop when he heard a squirrel scold.  

The squirrel, who's name was Sadie, said, "Oh you hooo!  Dr. Doo-little!  You've forgotten to fill the bird feeder!"

The doctor was an absent minded man, but luckily, he could understand every single word the animals spoke.  Clear as a bell.  Truth be told, he was becoming a bit odd.... 

This week is a treat

The Hinsons came over Monday evening, and we so enjoyed them!  I do believe there is some magic dust out there that matches up puppies and people.  Izzy Star is a perfect fit.  How lovely to be with Texans again.  We lived in Dallas for a dozen years, and I rediscovered the warmth and politeness of the South last night.  Darn it, though, I should have offered them water!  Adjusting to this altitude is tough enough without it.  Star helped herself to Jaycee's apple juice, and Harry knocked over Kim's Chardonnay.  The puppies were celebrating too!

James promised Jaycee some snow, so they're headed for the mountains today.  We'll see them again Wednesday.  Kim & James, thank you for the card and all.  Very kind of you.

Tanya stopped in Monday morning with Nellie--now Maggie.  They are so happy together!  Maggie just ran around in the front yard, playing with her sisters and brother, like she remembered it all over again!  Tanya, thank you, too, for the lovely card and everything.  Another match made in heaven!  Roger is totally bowled over by Maggie too.  Rubs her belly all the time.  Every belly is different!  That's what I was noticing yesterday....

So, today, off to Nordstrom's for lunch with Mom, after we conduct a bit of banking business to cover payment for the condo.  Tonight's a choral concert at McKenzie's school, which should be brilliant and fun.  I've heard her practicing.  Oh yea, I need to find some green elf pants for McKenzie's Halloween costume today, or dye.  So, embarking on a fun week I think.  And the weather's good to boot.

Skip the pasta

Ok, revised restaurant review here:  do not order the pasta at Lucille's.  We've had it three times, and on Saturday night about 1 am, our mouths felt like they were cemented shut with salt.  The fish is divine, and honestly, we had such a good time with the family that it really didn't matter all that much.  McKenzie was determined to find a name for Wild Thing.  So she brought the book of baby names (Aaron to Zoe) and we went round and round with them.  Finally, I passed my plate of pumpkin linguini around for everybody to draw straws.  McKenzie's noodle was about half an inch longer than Geoff's, so she got the honor of naming:  Gabriella it is.  Now, we just have to stop calling her Wild.

Today is a momentous one for Kim and Izzy Star.  Kim and her family are flying in from Houston and will be here in the evening to meet her.  I'll take a photo over the next few days and keep you posted.  I told Izzy Star this morning that she gets to meet her mommy and daddy and sister, and she gave an enormous excited yawn.  These doodles always yawn when they're worked up, so they can go, "Aaaaaaaarrrrr!" 

Toby's skunked & the babies learn about luxury

Toby was blasted by a skunk last night.  Of course when he came in the house he had to give me a kiss.  Yuck!  The poor boy is not used to sleeping on the deck...guess we'll make a bath reservation at Chow Down, and I'll wear my oldest clothes and an apron to pour special skunk shampoo on him.  I'll deserve a Wendy's strawberry shake after that (dinner at Lucille's too).  Maybe, if Toby's lucky, he'll deserve to sleep in his bed again tonight.

The babies found their true place last night.  Geoff piled them on the bed with us and they were in hog heaven!  This is where poodles belong, they seemed to say.  Forget the lab part that goes hunting and wears LL Bean collars.  We are definitely Ritz Carlton puppies!  Harry complained when they went into their pen for the night.  He wanted room service.

Gabriella or Molly? Wild Thing stays too

Looks like we're in for a miserable day on the stock market again.  Other than that, all's well.  Geoff's thinking of a name for Wild Thing, so you know what that means!  Molly?  Gabriella?  Trouble?  One thing it means is that with five doggies, we'll be considering selling the town lot, subdividing here to build our house in the woods, and buying adjoining meadow land from our next door neighbor who's dividing his acreage into 3 lots.  We're crazy. 

The puppies went in for their follow up shots, and had Heartgard pills for their worming this time.  Mainly because Izzy Star's off to a warm climate.  Harry got his hair shaved under his eyes.  It's so neat to make eye contact with him now.  I'll bet Dr. Fogg opened up a whole new world to him.

Mom is hard at work selling her house so she can move into her new condo.  We spent hours with Dave at Karpov Design yesterday, and she ironed out the cabinetry (customized to her needs).  Today we'll meet again to figure out the tile for the kitchen/hallway, choose a laminate for the bathroom counter, etc.  She's picked out some beautiful carpet and granite already.

Kim's coming next week to get Izzy Star.  She, James, and Jaycee are flying up from Houston on Monday.  It's going to be sweet to see them finally get together with Star.  They've all waited so long.  After losing her 16 yr old poodle, going through a hurricane that made a tree fall through their bedroom, and then a lengthy audit at the office, Kim sure deserves this vacation & a wonderful puppy.  Jaycee's never seen snow, so they'll take her up to the mountains if we don't get more here.

Hayley's getting a new filly on Monday.  She did all the looking, bargaining, and made all the arrangements.  She's paying for it, and a little nervous about the investment.  Geoff and I are really proud of the way she handles things though.  She's willing to take risks.  The 6 mo. old will join Teddy, the yearling she's had for a month, and grow up together.  Sophie, the filly, is an Oldenburg/Thoroughbred cross with bay and white pinto markings.  Gorgeous!  But Hayley did get a better deal buying Teddy from Oklahoma.  The Arizona market Sophie came from is pricier.  This morning she's ordering a little blanket --  Sophie will need it! 

Last, but not least, I went down to the Lexus dealer to get a flat repaired and ended up selling the car back to them.  Makes getting the Mini in 3 weeks a lot easier.  It is always fun to wheel and deal with the car salesmen.  I truly get a kick out of it!  Driving the truck for a while, and then will put studded tires on the Mini for whipping around in the snow and ice.

Tried bling bling blinkers

Tonight we took 4 little Tinkerbells on our walk in the woods.  Attached a bling bling blinker to each puppy and they were so incredibly darling!  It helped to find Harry, who'd hung back and didn't know which way to go--home or forward.  Supposedly, you can see these lights from 1/2 a mile away.  Well, we did spot Harry back there in the bushes, so it helped!  

I'm giving you a link to Amazon.com, but they're also at Chow Down (cheaper, $6,  if you figure in the shipping):

I just ordered a few more--very useful!!!  Hope I didn't clean out the inventory.

Keeping Harry

Geoff came home from the office yesterday and told me he'd changed his vote.  I know Wild Thing means a lot to him, so it's very very kind and sweet, and he must have put a lot of thought into it.  So, if anyone knows of a really wonderful home for her, please help us out.  She's a sweetheart, beautiful, loving, funny, and always into everything.  She's well put together, will be quite large, and is an alpha girl.  Brave and curious!!!

Who to keep? Brother Todd or Geoff himself in girl dog body

Harry or Wild Thing or both?  How eccentric are we?

At the bar last night, waiting for the hunters to arrive, Geoff and I got truthful about the puppies.  

"Ok,"  I said, "Harry is everybody's favorite except yours (and Hayley's, but I didn't mention that).  So we should just keep Harry.  What do you think, Honey?"

"Well, I can see that, and then again I can't."  (or something like that)

"I've just never felt close to Wild Thing, like I do Harry." (me)

(Geoff) "That's because she's like me and Hayley."

(Hmmm?)

"You know how we are. " (meaning, he's not the huggy type)

public clarification here:  I do feel close to Geoff and Hayley, this is Geoff's dreamlike interpretation, and remember where we are at the moment.

As an aside, getting out of the fascinating development in bar conversation, I will brief you on the Ridder family history.  Geoff was the wild one, who was always out with friends, getting into trouble, and whose teenage horoscope was consistently the same:  Play today, for tomorrow you'll be sent to the penitentiary.

He had 4 brothers and 1 sister.  They were not like him.  Thus, Geoff has always felt different.  Brother Todd grew up to be Brother Todd in the Catholic sense.  He was always Rose's favorite (according to Geoff, again).  Yesterday morning we had this flashing insight:  Harry is Brother Todd, reincarnated.  Todd passed away way too early in life, and has been much missed through the years.  He loved to cook, loved people, loved to eat, and was just a joyous guy.  He taught music at the University of Dayton as part of the Marianist community there.

So, back to the bar, yea, sure, everybody likes Harry better.  They always liked Todd too.

On the other hand, McKenzie and I were off having a gay day shopping at Cherry Creek earlier in the day.  When we came home there were dirty dishes, pans, and cracker boxes in the kitchen.  The papers by the front door were piled with poop and pee, and the babies came running over madly and Harry was so happy he bit my lip.  Mommy's home!  

Mommy said to Daddy,  "There's poop by the door here."  

Daddy (watching the news and having a beer by the roaring fire) said, "Yea, I cleaned up three piles already."

Andy enters.  "Geez, those puppies pooped all over the place.  I had to clean up three piles."

Mommy, dressed in her long tartan skirt and textured hose, daintily mashes the papers together so the pee won't drip, and carries it to the garbage on the breezeway.

Which is why the bar conversation last night ended with, "Maybe we should just sell them both.  They're an awful lot of trouble."

(Geoff)  "Yea, I can see that, and then again I can't."  

And then the hunters arrive to drink iced tea, while Geoff and I proceed to become embarrassingly inebriated, and I drive home exclaiming, "Goodness, it's eleven o'clock!"  Only to discover it's 9:15 when we walk into the kitchen.  

Any wonder we're in a muddle?  

Ice Age

Harry's instincts were right on target.  The Ice Age has moved in.  Dressed like a woolly mammoth, Harry ventured forth this predawn morning to bravely crackle through snow and ice, and is still out there, hopefully not getting eaten by a fox (or one of those saber tooth tigers).

On the other hand, Izzy Star who is told constantly that she's moving to Houston, had to be cajoled into coming outside.  She hunched her back and pranced around the threshold.  But really, Iz, you can't hold it till then.  Kim's not going to be up here for a couple of weeks.  So, she carefully tested the grass, hurried, and trotted back to the door.  

Wild Thing said, Oh!  Fun!  Ate the great crunchy stuff, and slammed through the crackles, exploring.  

Ted & Scooter are together for good

Ted & Scooter, I forgot to take your picture!  Ugh.  Maybe you could send me one.  

Dropped Scooter off at Walmart for Ted a couple of days ago, and she just settled right in.  Ted's car is so neat.  As in clean and organized!  I'm used to the Mommy/doggy car with half full water bottles rolling around, straw wrappers, and leashes.  Scooter is going to love riding around with him!  They were a match made in heaven.  Out there among the fruit trees and leaves....

Walks and Stocks, much rather the walks

ah, it's been a busy couple of days....

Took Harry, Izzy-Star & Wild Thing on a walk with the big dogs twice today, and they're doing fine with it.  Enjoy it emmmesley!!!!

Harry's now sleeping with his ear in the water bowl.  McKenzie's baking brownies.  Whew, it's Friday.  

Tomorrow Cherry Creek, lunch at Nordstroms, the whole nine yards.  Forget stocks, pretend you're still rich, and clean up some puppy poop when you get home.  

Best to all!  Can you tell I'm exhausted?

  

Chicken drops in

The babies are so cute, running around the driveway.  They discovered the culvert this morning.  Luckily, I found 4 around it and called out the 5th before it was time for the garbage truck to come roaring over it.  All the big dogs are so joyous this morning (as the litter dwindles), that I egged them on rousingly, "Chicken, who wants chicken?" and proceeded to drop the slippery thing into the sink full of dirty dishes.  Yuck.  McKenzie was feeling sick yesterday after school and left her cream of wheat & cocoa downstairs.  I'd brought them up and filled the cement and goop with water.  Icky chick!  Oh well, will throw a little parsley into the pot...and garlic.

Discovered a great blog this morning, and am still in pj's with coffee breath at 9:30, but try the link to The More the Messier I've posted to the side.  I'm going to keep up with her!  She's a lot of fun.  Oops, hear the chicken water splashing on hot burner--will go dunk parsley now.

Quiet around here

With half the puppies gone, it's so different!  Five are quite manageable.  They can all climb into your lap at once, you can keep track of them--and actually shut the front door.  Which is perfect, because today it suddenly got cold, cold, cold--ice on the deck kind of cold.  So they all went out, and they all came in, and they all went out again, and they all came in, and I put some paper by the front door, but so far everybody's been good and hasn't even used that.  Of course it's only 8:30.

Mom's excited about the condo move.  We signed the contract last week, and have inspection and appraisal this week.  She's especially looking forward to remodeling.  That will be fun.  Think we'll get some new carpet downstairs ourselves...and maybe take out the built-ins from 20 years ago and get something from Pottery Barn.

Hope all the puppies who have gone home are doing well!!!  

Jasper and Chloe go home together

Lisa, Mike and Jake came by to pick up Jasper this afternoon.  I forgot to take their picture!  They visited a bit, and rubbed a towel on Ellie for the scent, then off they went.  Five minutes later (they hadn't even gotten to Buffalo Park Rd yet) and they were back for Chloe!  They'd been going back and forth about her for days, but having Jasper cry in the car sent them back for his sister.  It's really good, because they'll get along beautifully, and Mike felt a strong connection with Chloe from the beginning.  They're very much dog people.

Lisa Luck's (Mia-Josephine's mom) reunion idea

Lisa, what a great idea to have a puppy reunion next fall.  Almost everyone is local.  The only puppy going long-distance is Izzy (Star).  Kim had to put her 16 year old poodle down last week.  She was pretty broken up about it.  Luckily, her dad is giving her an early Christmas gift of their trip up here.  She's going to love her Star because she's so bright, combining the best of both breeds.  I've come to appreciate the poodle aspect quite a bit.

Anyway, the blog will go on, because as Eloise would say,

It's absolutely Christmas

so come to the top floor please

come all of my friends where ever you are

For a trinkle with

ME

ELOISE

Lucille's of Jersey

Geoff and I had the best dinner last night.  May have found a favorite place without having to drive down the hill to Abrusci's or 240 Union.  Lucille's of Jersey is in the new Conifer Safeway complex.  It's between Sonic and Chili's, but go in the Sonic entrance or you'll end up on an entrance ramp to 285.  Absolutely great food--sophisticated Italian, steak, fish--my salmon with a creamy cognac/butter sauce was outrageously good.  If you like Chardonnay, try a twist on white with their White Blend by the glass.  Unique and exquisite.  Lovely atmosphere too--much nicer than is shown online.

Four more go home

Nellie went home with Tanya yesterday.  Tanya is our horse trainer, and she'll take Nellie back to visit so it wasn't really goodbye.  Nellie's so smart and talkative, it's more like a daughter for Tanya and Roger than another dog.

Lambie Pie went home with Eve, Andy & the girls today.  It was delightful to see.  We'll miss that little lamb boy!

Kirby (Pablo) will be picked up in a couple of hours by Maggie, Clayton and Elise.  He's going to be a real kitchen dog!  Probably was a chef in his former life.  He loves food, especially now that he's discovered there's a whole world of tastes out there!

On Sunday or Monday, Jasper will go home with Lisa, Mike and Jake.  They're really looking forward to it.  He's such a sweetie.  

So, we'll start out the week with five less in the puppy household.  It'll be odd to have so few!  Thank goodness we're keeping Wild Thing, or we'd really feel the loss.  McKenzie tucked her into a ladybug backpack this morning, and we took her to Foothill Flurries for their fire sale.  Got there a bit late for any real good buys, but Wild Thing rode in the car without complaint and shopped with only a little whine once.  Yea!  She'll be a town dog.

Scooter met Ted this morning

Ted's picking up Scooter next week, but she got to see him today for awhile.  Turns out she's a very good car rider, as we met at King Soopers because Ted was bringing by some Alaskan king crab and halibut for us, also an old sweatshirt to leave to get puppy scent on for Scooter's homecoming day.  It was nice to sit on the sidewalk and visit, and Scooter's going to very happy with her new dad.

Everybody got wormed yesterday.  Not so much fun, they thought.  But all survived the yellow goop.  They'll just have to go back in a month for more shots and another worming.  yuck.  Poor babies!

Harry and Chloe are still available, but they're so sweet I'd love to keep them.  Chloe's really grown on me.  There's just no way we can keep that many.  So....

Oh, Deja Vu!  I swear I've had this experience before.  

Get the gun!

Poor Wild Thing almost got clobbered last night with the broom handle.  It's a lucky thing McKenzie and I were alone here, and I don't know how to use the gun.  

Wild Thing was missing.  It was dark, and the big dogs were barking their heads off out in the front.  I took a flashlight out and skimmed under the house, told McKenzie, "I found her!"  Then took a closer look (with this really old amber glow flashlight) and thought she was a reddish fox.  

Thank goodness the gun was in two parts, or I would have shot the girl!  We thought the fox had Wild Thing under there.  As it happened, I resorted to a broomstick.  All the dogs were in a frenzy as I bashed it around under the house yelling,"Get it!  Get it!"  

Wild Thing came trotting around the corner, under the kitchen window box, having burrowed all the way to the other side.  McKenzie said this kind of thing always happened when she had wet nail polish.  But we hugged that girl so hard, and hugged each other.  Actually she was smushed in between us!  

Stefani's poodle's ESP

Do poodles have ESP?  Hmmm.  A good example is last night.  Stefani (who, remember, spends plenty of time running in and out of the vet's office) came home smelling of puppies and her poodle had a meltdown.  Got clingy, had an accident on the floor....  So Stefani had to call this morning and let me know she just couldn't take Chloe.  These poodles are remarkably sensitive so I totally understand.  

Lucky Chloe

Well, the stock market may have had a disastrous day, but Chloe lucked out in finding Stephani.  The two of them were made for each other.  Stephani used to work behind the reception desk for her dad, Dr. TJ Fogg.  I always enjoyed her effervescent personality, and her kick out of fashion.  Chloe, the polar bear princess, seems to be leading an enchanted life.  Due to her independent nature, she was the last girl to be chosen, but maybe she was just "on reserve."  Stephani's going to take her to work with her every day.  What a lucky girl!

Leashless Wall Street

What a brutal day on Wall Street.  Fall Street's more like it.  Lordy, I just invested an inheritance a couple of weeks ago.  That was good timing.

The puppies are blissfully ignorant of such things though.  Just as I had been throughout the day--Ellie hung out with me today, doing errands, going to the hairdresser, and walking around the lake.  She actually went into the hair salon leashless and kept by my side through the whole color & cut session.  Very poodle like!  She's my chum.

Cooked Ted's halibut last night and it was the best!!!  Thanks Ted.  McKenzie whipped up a sauce of fresh garlic, lemon, parsley, and cilantro, and it was just a beautiful touch to that incredible fish.  Scooter's one lucky dog (Ted's a distributor for Alaskan seafood), and bought Scooter after being across from us at the farmer's market last week.  Scooter's going to ride around in the truck with him every work day except Mondays.

Tinkerbell was picked up on Sunday.  Lordy, I'd forgotten to get the puppies wormed at their vet appointment!  Sue was going to take her in today, because she's taking Tink (Josie) to Atlanta Wednesday.  Anyway, Sue and Mike were proud parents, and I ran into Mike a half an hour later at the liquor store where he was shopping for a special bottle to celebrate.  

Midnight escapades

All the puppies escaped from the pen last night!  Well, Saturday night, they're just starting early.  I joined the party at midnight, like the Carol Brunett maid.  They're taking an early nap this morning!

Here's the odd and wonderful thing.  Lisa Luck wanted a smaller dog, really loved Josephine's personality, and Josephine (Mia's her new name) weighed in as the smallest of the bunch yesterday.  Tinkerbell, who was the smallest to begin with, has caught up with everybody.  I was really glad to see that.

Chloe's recovered from her traumatic morning yesterday, and is playing and her usual scampish self.  She was the first to go back and nap this morning though.  Somebody, who was it last night (at midnight), a chocolate girl, was actually carrying a tennis ball around.  Tinkerbell is still into carrying sticks.  Jasper loves the whiffle ball and scoots around after it on the tile floor.  Wild Thing and Jasper both attack the mop and try to ride on it.  It's very energizing in the morning.  You have to be quick!

Come and visit your puppies any time.  I'm going to be around a lot this week enjoying them and taking more video.  I wish they could all get dressed in those little Halloween costumes at Target!  That would make for quite a production.  A bumblebee, a hot dog, Scooby Doo, Yoda.....  Lordy, I can just picture it all at midnight!

Weights

Lambie Pie 10.8 lbs

Chloe 10.5

Scooter 12.0

Nellie 11.8

Josephine 9.9

Harry 12.4

Jasper 11.3

Tinkerbell 10.3

Izzy 11.3

Wild Thing 12.1

Kirby 11.5

All the babies were so good at the vet!  He said, "These puppies are going to make really good dogs.  They're really well adjusted because they've been handled so much.  What a great litter."

They got their first shots.  I'll give everyone a little booklet.  It was distemper and parvovirus.  Also a couple others--DA2PPCL4.

Lisa, Mike & Jake came by to give us a check for Jasper.  He's going to have a great home.  They're real dog lovers--have an ancient pug with one tooth, a huge Great Pyrenee and another very old one.  Jasper will have a loving home.

Poor Chloe was nipped by Woody after coming home from the shots.  I was so worried about her, she was just shaking.  I think it was the trauma of it all--shots, car ride, and the nip.  Tucked her in by the heater.  McKenzie and I went down to the Mills for shopping day, and by the time we came back Chloe was back to her sparky self. 

  

Preparing for the puppy

Lisa Luck (who's getting Josephine [whom she's naming Mia]) has had some questions and pointers about the puppy transition from our home to yours.  

1.   She's ordered a SnugglePuppy because she's heard good things about it being like a sister pup.

2.  Getting the food....  We're feeding IAM's Smart Puppy Large Breed, and I'll give you a bag to take home which should last you a week. 

3.  If you like, you could schedule shots for a follow-up to their Sept. 27th shots.

4.  Their current daily schedule is as follows:

Get up and go directly outside at 6 am.  The only problem with this is they all have to pee and a few poop on the paper overnight in the pen.  So,  you could either crate them in the bedroom and let them out at 2 am, or pen them and put paper down.  I've always crated and let them out at 2 am, but for the masses of course, penning and papering is necessary.

With the nice weather, I leave the door open throughout the day, and with the exception of half a dozen puddles (total for the crew all together), all the puppies have trained themselves to do their business outdoors.  In the past, during cold weather, I've always let a new puppy outside quite often during the day, and kept them in a crate while I'm away.  I've invested in a pen through www.jbpet.com with these puppies, and I'll probably continue to use it for whomever we keep.  You can find red rosin paper  @ $12 roll at Home Depot in the painting section.  As most of you have seen, there's a play area and a papered area in the pen.  But maybe a crate is easier for one puppy by itself.

They've been free to wander in and out, so I can't clue you in to their nap times.  They do have several at this point!  

5.  We free feed, leaving dry kibble and water out at all times.

6.  We humans eat dinner at 6pm and go to bed at 9:30 pm, but the little guys have a resurgence of energy about 9:30 pm and really must go outside and run around before they konk out again it seems.

7.  The most energetic time of day for these guys is from the time they wake up in the morning till about 10 am.  Then late in the afternoon till 5 pm.

They're lovely, and fun, so don't worry about adjusting to life with them.  Ok, I'll put that differently!  Don't worry about them adjusting to their new lives with you!  We live very peacefully with nearly a dozen.   I'm amazed by how easy they are to be around.  We just finished watching the presidential debates, and a couple of them slept on the couch with me (mmmhmm, I fell asleep too), while others were under the couch or bedded down on a blanket in the pen.  They're incredibly sweet and smart.  One of them actually watched TV a bit.  They're always observant of strangers, even on the screen!  

Last two?

We're going to have to flip a coin.  I've actually put a real nylon collar on Wild Thing, but I still really want Harry.  Lordy, I'm torn.  I just know we can't have 5 dogs.  So, this weekend we'll have to come to a decision.

Maggie Chessman and her daughter Elise bought Kirby yesterday.  Mike, Lisa & Jake Katich want Jasper.  Chloe and either Harry or Wild Thing are the only ones still up for sale.  Kim (in Houston) is definitely going to make it up here to get Izzy.  I'm so glad things will work out for her!

Nellie woke up just fine the day after Toby bit her nose.  She's still on amoxicillin, but the only thing you see is the shaved nose.  She looks like a bear cub!  Don't need that yellow collar anymore to tell Nellie.  Toby has gotten a lot more cautious about being around the puppies.  He doesn't want to make another mistake like that.  He felt awfully bad about it.  

I can't believe this is the last week to have the little guys around!  I'll miss them.  They're all such cuddly sweethearts, and each is so different in personality!  We've had so much fun with them.  It's like a whole new little world was created over the course of 2 months, and now it's evolving and moving outward again.  Big Bang theory for puppies!

Every home these puppies have found is a good one.  Couldn't ask for more!   

Goodness, what a morning!

Toby bit Nellie on the nose this morning, and Hayley and I rushed her to Dr. Fogg.  Thank goodness it was a scraped nasal passage and a puncture wound on the lip.  If he'd snagged that nostril, it could have been tons worse.  

All my fault.  I put the big dog's chicken liver and kibble out on the driveway, but the puppies came running, and Nellie got into Toby's bowl.  Toby is banned from being around puppies today and Nellie's being nursed by Wild Thing and Scooter, who keep licking her and lying by her.  Poor thing!

The wonderful part of the morning was a visit with the Davis'.  Sue and Mike chose Tinkerbell, who they are going to name Josephine.  We'll keep calling her Tink, or Lisa's Josephine will get confused.  But Tink is going to Atlanta with Sue for her 60th birthday to spend 3 weeks with her daughters there, and Mike's joining them a couple of days after she leaves.  Not even 8 weeks and Tink will be flying.  A true fairy tale!  Even if it is under the seat....

I'm hoping so much that Kim in Houston is able to take Izzy (Star) still.  Her home has been without power since the hurricane, and a tree landed on their bedroom.  Guess it's been awful at the pipe yard too, without power, and she doesn't know if she's going to be able to get away on Oct. 10th to pick up Izzy as planned.  She's been so in touch with Izzy, I really hope this works out.  Otherwise Geoff may just have to put Izzy on Continental and go to Houston on a business trip!

No puddles or poopies!!!!!

Everybody's going outside for their business.  This is very very good.  Only time they do anything else is going on the papers during the night.  They're free to run in and out of the house now all the time.  Works well as long as the weather holds.  Was a bit chilly this a.m.!

Farmer's Market, Josephine goes to Lisa!!!! and Scooter's found Ted... or Ted's found Scooter?

All's well.  The farmer's market was thoroughly enjoyable.  Chatted with so many dog lovers!  Have 5 people on my list now, and Ted has already come out to choose his pup.  Scooter's the lucky girl.  Ted lives on his own in Arvada, kind of near Marie (of Linderlabradoodles), and is going to visit Beau sometime soon. 

Lisa and the boys have chosen Josephine!  Congratulations to them.  They will love her!  Lisa's dad is a vet, and she's very insightful as to dogs.  I'm sure Josephine will love life.

The Davis' are coming by early in the morning tomorrow to see the little guys.  They've been wanting a labradoodle for a year, and it may finally be time.  

Vince just called from the mini coopers.  I get mine on my birthday!!!!  quite a gift.  Yes.

 

Nellie's picked

Tanya and Roger have decided on Nellie.  Excellent!  Lisa's turn is next.  

The puppies are eating plain dry kibble --IAMs for large breed puppies.  They thought it was manna from heaven!  Waded in the bowls of kernels.  The big dogs can't believe their enthusiasm.  Kibble is like the most basic of base foodstuffs to them!

Anyway, off to the farmer's market today.  Lordy, we're in for a long one!

Harry stays

Ok, Geoff can't decide because he really wants Wild Thing--fiesty, playful, smart.  But we are keeping Harry.  I'm just serious about that.  I love that boy!  Anyway, that'll play out over the next few days.  And yes, we'll have 4 dogs, but maybe we won't be moving to town soon.  Ack!  The new neighbors better not complain!

Tanya is choosing between Chloe, Kirby and Nellie tonight.  Tonight!  She just needs Roger's help.  Then we'll get with Lisa & family for their big decision.  Then I'm off to the Farmer's Market to post a banner and man a booth with pictures only of the remaining pups.  It's an Aspen crowd there--very, bring your dog and shop for fresh produce while visiting and lunching in the sunshine.  Evergreen-Aspen that is.  So, may find some good moms to be.  I hope.

It is coming upon 7 weeks soon--next Monday.  I really thought these guys would be snatched up.  But at the high price, and the low economy, and the fact that we live in the sticks and I don't get out to publicize them much, we are left with all these lovely smart babies, and we love them so much, but they need their own homes!  We can't be the Beverly Hillbillies of Doggies.

The best thing lately, is that I've rolled up the rugs and left the front door open for the group.  Most of them go outside to do their business--they never poop in here!  A few puddles is all, but the tile floor is getting cleaned more than it has in four years.  So it's lovely really.  Fresh air, freedom, and very happy puppies who stick around the front yard and wander indoors when they feel like it.  Tomorrow, they're going to be crushed that I'm at the market and seeing the condo for Mom again.  Oh, what happened to the good life?!  But we'll go back to our ways by 3:30 pm.  Thank heavens, they say!

Every single puppy is doing fabulously, and sends kisses!!!!!

PS  Andy went to classes this morning.  Yea!!!

Tanya picks

Tanya's coming over today to pick out her puppy.  Wonder who it will be????

College, crates, and air freshener

Goodness, these puppies are getting big!  Today, I put two large dog crates in the pen, nice and comfy with pads, for the little ones to sleep in.  I'm dividing their territory between sleep, play and pee.  The pee goes on papers, hopefully, not in the play.  So far so good.  I'll just get a bit good at this and it'll be time for them to leave!

Izzy kept breaking out.  That girl is some genius or something.  Kirby was second to get out, and now the pen is better.  That cardboard box just didn't do, so a crate allows us people in and out status, while the puppies sleep below.  Kind of Japanese thinking at its best--apartments, efficiency, stacking units...only Ellie's having a hard time getting used to the in and out.  So she stands, towering over the babies, on top of a blue crate.  Well, she doesn't want to nurse anymore anyway.  Last night at midnight, she was awfully uncomfortable, and I expressed milk from her.  Kind of like milking a cow, only with ten teats.  Umph.  Quite a business!

This morning, Enright Asphalt showed up to seal the blacktop.  Surprise!  Moved vehicles and got the big dogs in.  Later, Andy had a serious decision to make concerning college courses.  Too late to drop/add, but he didn't like the film courses, so he's going to quit and work and move out of the house into an apartment....  Whew.  And we have a house showing tomorrow with the realtor.  The ultimate clean up job.  

Geoff's just walked in from Yoga.  McKenzie's spraying air freshener in the dining room.  Definitely time for dinner!  Best to all.

Of Mice & Mommy Time

"Those freakin' mice!"  Hayley's driven insane with the mouse invasion.  Cold weather always brings them in.  But the good thing is that she's picked up her room.  Doesn't want them hiding in the piles on the floor.  Yesterday, she found one in the heater by the downstairs door, turned on the heat, opened the door, and out it went.  Wasn't so simple last night though.   She got up at 2 am to set a trap with peanut butter, then huddled on the bed with Eddie for an hour, listening to rustling noises.  But no snap.  The mouse had eaten the peanut butter.  She and Tanya were e-mailing each other at 3:25 in the morning.  Tanya's going to make it over to look at the puppies in the next couple of days.  We'll have to keep Toby and the other big dogs shut away though, as she can't have any animals pushing on her ribs.

Joy has decided not to get a puppy after all.  She's taking care of her daughter's 2 year old Aussie, and has 2 more of her own, so her hands are full.  

That brings us to #4, who is Tanya, and as I said, she'll be over soon.

The puppies love going outdoors.  We took 3 of them on our walk last night--Mckenzie and I wore backpacks on our fronts and we carried Kirby and Nellie.  Geoff tucked Josephine under his jacket.  They got down and explored the woods a little, but were just astonished at everything going on around them.  All the big dogs were running around playing.  It's wondrous going out in the big woods.

Took Mom to look at the Rocky Mtn Village condos again, and made a bid on one.  While the rest of the housing market sags, the senior set are clawing for space.  We had to make the offer on the first glimpse of the place, because it's not even on the market and several people are bringing in friends or relatives to see it.  Lordy!  The screwiest things about the senior living situation are 1) everybody wants to know how old you are (they don't like being around a bunch of really old people), and 2) there's always hearsay about who's going to be ready to move on to assisted living, so condos are like popcorn popping.

Today I'm going to PetSmart and the Mills, all by myself, and then to Walmart to get more groceries.  I'm going to put down food and clean papers, and then I am out of here!!!  The puppies are adorable and brilliant and ever so playful, but I really need some mommy time--just me, myself and I.  Wish I had the Mini already, so I could roar off in style.  Instead, I've been slogging around in my pj's this morning--first to 3 Sisters to wait with McKenzie for her bus, then loading the pickup with the week's garbage, which actually fit (although towered) in the dumpster.  I can hear the garbage truck right this minute.  Hope they are good at balancing acts.  

So, time to change into jeans, go for a walk, and get on with this gorgeous day!!!

P.S.  Did I tell you (because the internet was down for an eternity this weekend) that Kim chose Izzy?  Happy days!  She managed to let me know just before the hurricane moved into Houston early Saturday morning.  Jaycee and James are going to love that puppy too.  She's so smart and beautiful and playful.  Great choice for Kim, who's always taking in homeless dogs at the pipe yard, or off the street.  She deserves one especially made for her!

Kirby yes? Chloe no?

Joy, get ready to pick!  Kim's still mulling it over, but you're next.  Heavens, who will it be?  

Now we have 7 on the list.  Lisa Luck is lucky seven, daughter of a veterinarian, and has two sons, ages 8 & 11.  They're all coming over Sunday.  

Andy's thinking about keeping Kirby.  As Eloise would say,

Then you have to have your head bandaged

with cold compresses

and hit Dr. Hadley with the flyswatter

and clink clank pick up that phone

and call Room Service

to send up four peach melba and

three straight Johnny Walker Black

without ice and charge it please

merci beaucoup

But, here's the thing, Hayley's thinking she loves little Eddie too much to part*, so it will probably mean she's not keeping Chloe.  Only, she was in such a rush, back from CU and Bridlewood, then off to visit Tanya at Swedish Hospital, that all she could say when I asked her about it was, "Too much to do, too much pressure!"  Then she hopped out to clean the barn and put the horses away.  Teddy Gus did have hives.  Lordy, it's no wonder, coming here...but Gary the vet gave him a shot and some pills.  Now he's getting better.  

*you see, the deal was that Hayley had to give Eddie back to Mike (her boyfriend) so he STAYED with Mike, in order to keep Chloe.  

Tanya takes a fall

Tanya, Hayley's horse trainer, was out at Diamond Ranch today and had a pretty bad accident on one of their horses.  She's in surgery for a punctured lung, and probably has some broken ribs.  Awful to think about that happening to her, she's just such a fun, sincere woman.  Very intelligent.  Dumb horse!!!

Kim's having a hard time deciding.  It's really tough to do long distance.  She's very much a dog person, and particularly would like for this puppy to be her daughter's pal in life.  It is hard to pick.  They're all so incredibly sweet!  

Took Harry to guitar this week for McKenzie's lesson.  Wild Thing went last week, and Kevin, the teacher, played the intro to "Wild Thing...you make my heart sing....", which was touching.  We're trying to convince him to take a puppy.  The puppy chosen for guitar is sure lucky though, because it nurses for the whole car ride and as long as it wants to in the studio.  Mmmmm!  Only a toddler did throw something at Harry this evening--one of those bead rollercoasters.  Missed him by a foot.  Those terrible two's!

Off to bed!  I never get enough done around here, and the house is helter skelter in spite of my resolutions.  Lordy, the bathrooms downstairs are going to rot!  Will keep everyone posted on Kim's decision.... 

Lambie Pie Ashby

This morning I had a fright!  Toby, Ellie and Woody were out and McKenzie and I were cleaning up puppies.  All of a sudden there was the howling of a pack of coyotes right outside the windows!  I dashed out there.  Turns out our three were lined up on the hill HOWLING.  First time.  Down below, in the valley, a pack of coyotes was going at it, and there were dogs throughout the area barking and howling.  

McKenzie's staying home with a sore throat today.  Always nice to have her company, but poor girl, that throat has a big swollen red patch.  Hayley will be worrying about Teddy Gus, her new horse, who's broken out in a fungus or hives.  The vet's coming at 5:30.  

But the really big news is, Lambie Pie has found a wonderful home!  Eve, Andy and their girls came over yesterday afternoon.  What fun to see them together.  All of us thought Lambie Pie was an Ashby from the time of their first visit, so we weren't surprised at all.  

Today it's Kim's turn to pick.  Will it be Izzy (Star)?????

Ellie and I are Eloise

Uh, oh.  Hayley's taking Chloe to lunch.  She and Mike are picking up sandwiches, and she's tucked Chloe into a bassinet kind of box, with a bunch of blankets.  We may be in for another family member ourselves....  As Eloise would say, 

If there is an Exit sign I always have to go into it because there

might be a mattress in there and I can lie down on it and get some

rest so I can carry on for Lords sake....

-------------------------------------------------------------

Then I pick up the telephone and call Room Service

Oooooooooo I absolutely love Room Service

They always know its me

and they say "Yes, Eloise?"

And I always say "Hellow, this is me ELOISE and would you

kindly send one roast-beef bone, one raisin and seven spoons

to the top floor and charge it please

Thank you very much"

Anyway, I think Ellie is really Eloise.   Or maybe I am...or maybe we all are.

Picking Time!

It's time to start the puppy picking!  

Eve, Andy, and the girls are coming over Tuesday after school to choose.  Kim, James and their 3 year old daughter, Jaycee are next, from Houston.  It's Jaycee's birthday gift!  Then it's Joy's turn, which she'll do long distance from Lubbock.  Hayley's horse trainer, Tanya, is going to have to make a decision after that (she likes three).  Then it's Caroline, Axel, Ingrid & Konrad's turn (if they want to).  After that, Georgie and Olivia will be able to come over and choose.  That should take us through the week.  So, have fun everybody!  Can't think of a happier thing to do than pick a puppy.

These guys are so sweet.  Kisses, kisses, kisses.  They love to be picked up and sat with.  Ellie's weaning them now, and they're on Espilac, which is a dry milk & rice food, mixed with ground puppy food.  We've started spreading painter's paper on the floor, those brown stair wide sheets that come in rolls.  They pretty much like to use that area for their business, so maybe they'll be kind of paper trained by the time they leave.

Harry is getting to be a curly bear, and so people oriented.  He and Nellie act like they were crossed with Airdale instead of Poodle, they're so spunky.  Chloe is still the graceful, leggy one, with a charming personality.  Scooter and Tinkerbell just fall all over themselves trying to climb into your lap.  They are adorable.  Josephine is another who just prances and plays.  Izzy is advanced and loves to play with toys.  Lambie Pie still has his sweet lamb like personality, but he gives those little growls and leaps and plays a bunch.  Jasper is gentle, sleeps upside down in McKenzie's arms, and just loves to be held.  Kirby is still the largest, most regal and independent.  A pack leader in the wild.  Wild Thing is getting rambuctious, curious, and has such a big face and paws.

We've had lots of visitors, and Ellie is fine with it all.  So come over if you want to, as I'm here a lot.  Again, thank goodness for Marie at Linderlabradoodles.  I don't know what I would have done without her!  She's always there to talk and help me out.

Hayley's just told Eddie that Toby took his toy octopus.  It's all crackly.  Eddie went dashing out of the puppy pen and gave Toby a bunch of growls.  So Toby has hidden the octopus behind me in the chair here.  Maybe Eddie's the dad to Harry and Nellie....

Oh, this is hard.  Hayley wants to keep Chloe.  She says she'll give Eddie back to Mike.  But if she does that, then McKenzie will be sad she can't keep Jasper.  So it's not fair at all.  And I really want Harry and Nellie...and Tinkerbell and Scooter and Wild Thing.  Well, we'd want them all.  Hurry and pick!