I GOT SOMETHING NEW!

MY NEW BED!!

I have to be honest here....I had to get a new bed because I had beat up my other bed.  But it sure was a lot of fun throwing it around a lot and chewing like I was trying to kill it too!  Oh I had so much fun!

But Mom said she was tired of cleaning up all the crazy stuffing that kept appearing all over her pretty rug.

 

So here is mom's proof that I did try to eat my bed!

And the stuffing did end up on Mom's rug!

Sorry mom.

And thanks for the wonderful new bed!!

I AM WAITING...WAITING!!

Waiting for the elevator so we can go outside.

 Now we are waiting in the elevator so we can get outside. 

I live with mom and dad up on the 4th floor of our apartment building.  So we have to ride the elevator down or we often take the 4 flight of stairs.  Mom  and I the chance to race down the stairs together. 

And I hear reports that soon there will be No more waiting for the elevator so we can get outside in a hurry to do my 'duty'.  And soon there will be no reason to wait for the elevator so we can get back up to our warm apartment.

Mom and Dad have applied for an apartment on the ground floor in the beautiful Courtyard.  And we move in the first of March!  Mom will get to grow her beautiful Hosta plants on and near our own patio. And Mom and Dad will be able to sit out in the sun...or shade and read or eat a meal anytime they want!!!!

But I will not be allowed out in the courtyard.  But lucky for me there is a large sliding glass door with a sliding screen that exits out onto the patio and I will most likely spend most of my time there keeping a careful eye on Mom and Dad.

We are all excited about this move. We have waited for this apartment for almost 18 months.  So Mom is busy packing up the craftroom and making sure everything is organized and ready to be loaded on the moving carts to roll them to our new home.

And it makes it even more fun for us as everyone here is so happy for us and ready to come and visit us on the courtyard.

We are ready!!

I AM GROWING UP...KIND OF!

MOM is surprised at how much I have grown since I last posted.  I have not really gotten much "bigger" but MOM says I have 'matured' a bit. I have no idea what that means!  I am still me.

 

I have posted my latest photo to show you that I really am still me......

 

 

 

And I also want you to see that I really am getting to be a "big" girl.

 

 

As you can see I have lost all of my baby teeth!!  I am so proud. MOM says she hasn't found any teeth on the rug for a few days now. So I must be done.  But I must say I kind of miss them. My new teeth are not as sharp as my baby teeth were so I am finding that I have to chew and tear things using much more force and energy than I used to.  Yeah, that is a lot of fun for sure!!!

ANOTHER "FUN" ADVENTURE??

 

We went to the park today. And guess what Mom did???

 

She took me for a ride in the park swing!!!

 

Can you tell I am NOT enjoying this??

 

Mom stops and swings here every time she brings me to the park to run and chase the ball.

 

Hopefully after viewing this picture she will be certain that I do not want to swing ever again!!!

WHERE'S WILLOW???

While out on a walk mom looked down and realized that I could easily disappear into this pile of leaves!  So she told me she would be sure to keep a close eye on me until all the leaves blow away in the wind. I am so happy about that!!

NAP TIME....AGAIN

One of my favorite neighbors gave me a very soft wonderful stuffed animal. And right away I decided that it was a perfect pillow to use during my nap times.

 

As you can see it works real well!

What a fun day we had.

On Mothers day M.O.M. and M.O.D. took us over to the harbor to see some really pretty ships.

This first ship is named the 'Hawaiian Chieftain'.

Then there is M.O.M.'s favorite...

This is the 'Lady Washington' and she is one of the Tall Ships seen in the great "Pirates Of The Caribbean" movie series.

She is a beautiful ship...especially up close with all the vintage details on her.

But actually, M.O.M. thinks it's pretty cool because Johnny Depp stars in all those movies.  Oops...I mean 'Captain Jack'....sorry M.O.M.!!

These beautiful Tall Ships call our harbor their home port. And every time they return to port there are several cannons that shoot off a salutes to the 2 ships....a very loud display indeed!

The ships attend many events along the coast and also in Pudget Sound near Seattle, through out the boating season.

And when they are moored in our harbor they give river tours to our visitors.

If you look closely you can see several guest passengers on the ships enjoying a beautiful ride up the river and back to the docks.

It seems we find new adventures weekly here in our new little town.  We thought the sea was the best but this little town is full of surprises!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY EVERYONE!!

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine..

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

We hope you all have a wonderful day.

BLOCK WATCH DOGS ON DUTY

We have the best watch dogs on the block!

I caught these photos today as the dogs were sitting on the hope chest that Mistaya has always been sure we put there for her to use as a window seat.

So that is just how we all use it.

In the photo below the 2 dogs are checking to make sure everything is okay down the street.

Then they both check to make sure everything is A Okay across the street.

 Then of course, they have to check up the street too, to make sure all is well in that direction too.

This behavior really doesn't surprise us much because Mistaya seems to know when the old, slow gray cat is walking by her front door on the sidewalk and always runs to the window seat and in her familiar dog talk, let's that old gray cat know that Mistaya does not appreciate him walking the sidewalk that belongs to Maggie and Mistaya.

Very serious business indeed but I am sad to report that Old Gray Cat always acts like there is not another animal on this street for blocks and blocks.  He never changes pace or varies off his daily course as he continues on his way to where ever he goes each day.

After the BLOCK WATCH DOGS have finished their shifts there is always a need for a great nap.

After all, being a BLOCK WATCH DOG is very serious business and it can certainly wear a dog out fast!

IT IS A DARK AND STORMY DAY

We awoke a to very dark and stormy morning.

And our little Miss Maggie decided that it was her day to spend wrapped up in a soft warm blanket.

And I must say, it was very difficult not to join her in a warm cozy nap!

ARE YOU AMONG THE AVERAGE ..

Are you among the Average American Dog or Cat Owner who spends lot's of money on toys for their pets?

I imagine many of you are, so I know I am also a member of that elite club myself.

We enjoy purchasing play things for the dogs to keep them entertained in the house plus while they are in the backyard.  I must admit that often the purchases are intended to help ward off the desire to chew the rugs, furniture, walls, shoes, etc.

And we buy things for the same reason while they are out in the backyard.  My rose bushes seem to attract Maggie for some reason.  I often wondered if one particular vintage red rose bush scratched her as she ran by because the bush is now void of any leaves on the limb that hangs out over the walkway.

And she is so sure that when we dig a flower bed to plant something new in the flower garden, that all that soft dirt is there for her to practice digging that elusive Fox out of his foxhole.  Believe me, she seems to think that they all lived very deep in the ground!!

As  you can see in the above photo, there is a play ball for Maggie about 4 inches from her cute little nose.

But do you see this cute little dog playing with the toy that we spent money on???

No, she is not spending time playing with the toy we spent money on.

She is very happily playing and chewing on an old roofing shingle that was turned up in the dirt while we were preparing to turn some yard area for our veggie garden.

I waited until she discovered something else in the yard that required her immediate attention and then quietly removed the shingle from the premises.

Yes, of course we will continue to purchase toys for our pets.
They may not really care,

but you all know it makes us Humans feel better

HUMOR TIME

In the year 2005, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and overpopulated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans.
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard ....but no Ark! "Noah", He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision."
Noah continued. "Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. "

"Getting the wood was another problem," continued Noah. "There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls." But no go!

When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.

Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons.

"To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species."

"So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean, You're not going to destroy the world?".

"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."

Lucky Dog....

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character.

Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease......in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her....what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through.

If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap..

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned!

While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.

He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky. He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

MAGGIE IS BACK!

Maggie wants to thank everyone for all their kind words while she was away going through surgery.

She came home a very sleepy girl and slept very well that first night at home.  We are very happy to have her back at home with us.

Her stitches are looking nice and clean and she and Mistaya are back to playing their games again.

Mistaya seemed to know what she had been through and played very gently with her on Maggie's first day back home.

We are thankful that it is over and our little family is all back together again...just as it should be.

Again, thank you all.

MAGGIE IS 'AWAY' TODAY

Today is the day for our little Maggie to make that trip to the Vet for her 'girl surgery'.

And I think you can tell by the look on her face that she is not so sure she wants to go into the front door of the Vet's office.

And I am not to sure just which one of us this day is the hardest on...

Me...M.O.M. I love this little dog so much. Her nickname is "Spirit Joy" because she is so full of joy when she wakes up in the morning, when I walk back into the room when I have been gone for just a moment, when she crawls up on the couch to snuggled up beside me for one of her many naps.

M.O.D....He was very hesitant to let the Vet assistant take her from his arms this morning.  He did follow them most of the way down the hall to the holding room.  I did tell him that it didn't mean it was a room where he could hold her some more.  She spends most of her outside time watching for him to come out and play with her or just be nearby.  There is quite a bond between those two.  Even Mistaya seems to be recognising it too.

Then their is Mistaya.  She has been restless all morning, wandering in and out of rooms, in and out in the yard, then back inside again.  She comes up to me as I type at the computer and leans against me as if she just can't find her best friend.

We are hoping that we can pick Maggie up from the Vet near closing time this afternoon instead of in the morning.

Yes, we all miss our "Spirit Joy" so much.

Oh yes, Distance can make the heart grow fonder....in dogs too.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MISTAYA AND MAGGIE!!!

Today Mistaya and Maggie had their 8,000th reader to their blog site!! Congratulations to the reader from Walla Walla Washington for stopping by to visit us on this special day.

And as usual "Thank You" to all of our faithful readers who helped us to reach this wonderful number.

Now, on to our 400th post and reader number 9,000!!!

DOG & CAT PRAYER:
"Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in the entire world is more grateful for your kindness than mine.
Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.
After all, you have your job, your friends, and your entertainment.
I only have you."

IS ANYONE OUT THERE?

Time and time again I see this view out in the backyard.

And I can not figure out just what is going on in this little dogs brain.

She sits for long periods of time just "looking".

Staring out into the Universe looking, listening or wishing for some thing that we may never discover.

She is not a barker...we have heard just one bark from her in the 2 and 1/2 months she has lived with us.

She is a very happy free spirit that plays with Mistaya until both are exhausted from all the wrestling and running about the yard.

But she always allots a block of time to just sit and stare up into the Heavens.  A mystery that will never be solved but watched and admired from a distance as this little creature seems to be keeping in contact with something or someone far beyond our capabilities to comprehend.

When I find her waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge in the years to come, this is one of the first questions I want to ask her as I hold her in my arms again at last.

A MIRACLE IN MY GARDEN

Gardeners are a strange lot, I know.  Sometimes the littlest things get us so excited.

And I am no different.

Before leaving our home in Montana I spent some time digging up many of my bulb plants with the intention of replanting them at our new home by the sea in the spring. 

There was a variety of colors and types but many were lilies.

I placed them in a burlap bag with sawdust as filler to keep them safe. They seemed to rest comfortably in the bag as we did all our travels and they spent the 'winter' inside the bag in the shop to be away from the new elements.

At some point this early spring I placed them in the bag into a half whiskey barrel that was out in the yard. I covered the barrel with a tarp to keep all the rain water out until it was time to plant all the bulbs.

A few days ago I decided that it was time to cut open the burlap bag to find some bulbs to set into the flower bed.

As I lifted the tarp from the barrel I was so shocked to see that the whiskey barrel was completely filled with rain water. Apparently I had used a tarp that had small holes in it that I hadn't spotted earlier.

I didn't get a photo of the drowned bulb sack..I was just to upset about the whole thing.

I did turn the barrel on it's side to drain out all the water so I could dispose of the ruined bulbs and sack.  It took several days of sun and a light breeze to dry out everything.

As I picked up the bag to place it in the garbage can the bottom of the bag fell out of it. So I shook out the rest of the contents into the barrel and decided I would spread it on the garden to be worked in when we tilled it.

This is what the contents of my bulb bag looked like after it was removed from the burlap bag...

Of course I was heart broken to see that nothing had survived this terrible incident of all that rain water.

As I place my hands into the mixture to prepare it for the garden I felt something against my fingers.  I gently pulled and to my joy and amazement I brought up a plant!

I was so surprised and excited to see that something had actually survived a near drowning in the whiskey barrel.

Of course I have great hopes that is survivor could be one of my precious Tiger Lilies.

I carefully placed my little treasure into a pot and placed it back in the shop to protect it from the rain and cold evenings we are having for a few days.

We have named this little plant "Miracle" because it has to be one considering everything this little plant has been through.

I am hoping that this plant will be one of my Tiger Lilies because I have had this plant since I planted a seed in 1985 in my garden.  I had dug it up and replanted it every where I have lived ever since.

But considering the journey this little bulb has made, I will welcome any Lily into the garden and tend it well. And hopefully she will stay with us for many years to come.

I will post a photo of "Miracle" the moment she shows her true 'colors' to us!

Oh my, A miracle has happened in my garden!