Third Attempt

This post marks the third attempt to blog this week... I have been unable to successfully complete a post - or a sentence, for that matter - due to the rambunctious pack of pups that has overtaken my townhouse. In order to complete this post without interruption, I have sequestered myself in a peaceful, quiet place better known as the kitchen counter.

They run, leap, bark, chew, play, snooze - all in unison. No lie, if one lays down to rest they all join in; likewise, if one hears something in the middle of the night they all join in chorus to alert me to potential danger (I am puzzled as to what awakens the oldest at 0400 every morning...). They really are good pups and they make a great play group. Who needs the dog park when you have three rowdy pups in the vicinity and doggie daycare?

My days are certainly not in short supply of laughter and photo ops. I have camera phone at the ready so I can send a quick snapshot to their parents in daily attempts to boost morale and share the laughter. I take my part in the healing process very seriously. 

After seeing some pictures I posted to Facebook of the pups playing, my father-in-law called and asked if I was selling tickets to the wrestling match! These pups sure know how to have a good time.

And so, to close out this third attempt I leave you with this snapshot of the fun: 

Uncelebrations

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Happy 5th mesiversary to me and my husband! That's right, friends, today marks five months of wedded bliss. Well, not quite bliss but at least it is a milestone. I'm sure I would be much more cheerful if my husband was actually present for the occasion - it does, after all, align rather closely with St. Valentine's Day. But, I know that moping over the circumstances of deployment would be fruitless. Instead, I would much rather lavish in the happy thoughts of his safe return from down range. He will be home this year, ya know. Very exciting stuff! As always, the mission comes first.

Also, it is our puppy's 9 month birthday! A most momentous occasion, indeed. It is a pity that he is afflicted with yet another bout of puppy poops on this somewhat special day, but I'm sure he will rise above - he always does. Enjoy this lovely snap shot of my little guy:

I know it seems a bit queer to celebrate these seemingly ordinary occasions; however, I must comment that it is these singularly bland milestones that make my life so stinking wonderful. No really, each day is a gift and should be celebrated in one way or another - even if it means digging deep and remembering hard to conjure up a special, beautiful and terribly ordinary reason to celebrate.

So, happy tenth day of the second month of the beginning of the second decade of the second millennium!

Panera, Pals, and Puppies

Today was a great day. It started with a few appointments and then lunch at Panera with a good friend and continued with an afternoon full of puppy play time. A word to the wise: if you have yet to enjoy the New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, I highly suggest it. I was more than satisfied with the meal and the company was phenomenal! It is always good to get together with a friend and just eat, sit, and talk. The conversation is light and upbeat, the food is delicious, and the feeling of fulfillment is always a keeper. There is just something great about getting out of the house and seeing friends.

And, of course, what better reason to get out of the house than to walk the pup? There aren't many people out and about to make friends with during this cold winter, but every now and then we run into someone or something. The pup never really seems to know what to do with himself. As if his thoughts are," Oh boy! Mom, a person! A bunny! Another dog! Can I please, oh please, go play?! Please!" I swear, I must walk him for a total of two hours dispersed over four walks each day and he doesn't ever seem to tucker out. So, today I devised a fantastic plan... I leashed him with the 20 ft recall training leash and tethered him to my midsection and just let him run all around the back of the townhouse. Needless to say, my pup was so excited to be more than 5 ft away from me and have the freedom to gallop and jump and dig and do what puppies do. And, I was glad for the break as well. I was able to watch and laugh from a reasonable distance and just enjoy my puppy being a puppy. It was wonderful and I am already looking forward to Spring and the dog park.

Today was definitely a great day.

Let it Snow!

I can count on one hand the number of winters I have seen snow in my lifetime. That, my friends, is going to change. Life in the North Country has proven itself worthy of thoughtful preparation and persistent Google-ing. I talk with everyone I meet about the best ways to drive in snow, park in snow, walk in snow - live in snow. I chose two specific priorities: 1.) train the puppy that it is OK to poop without grass and 2.) learn to shovel the entire driveway without a break in less than 30 minutes. I am proud to say that I have mastered these two tasks - not bad, if I may say so. Now, that doesn't make me a pro but it does make me feel more confident whilst surrounded by this foreign white, powdery stuff that seems to accumulate without ceasing. Around here, they told me that I wouldn't see green again until April... little did they know that the puppy loves to dig and he finds grass for me on a daily basis! So there, Old Man Winter!

But, if I may for a moment whisper you a secret: snow is beautiful. As I shoveled the walk and driveway last night, I couldn't help but stand in awe of the wondrous landscape created before my eyes with each falling flake.  I was tempted to throw myself onto the fresh powder and make snow angels (but thought better of it because the temperature was single digits). I brought the pup outside and he thrust his entire head into the snow and turned to me with, what must be, the greatest impression of Old Man Winter - his fluffy white beard made of fresh snow. I couldn't help but smile.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Sunday, Fun Day

Today started bright and early with daily happenings as usual. Wake up. Roll over. Stretch. Breakfast with the pup. Brisk walk around the block. Kennel. And then Church. After Mass I returned home, gathered the ingredients for chili, and got my dog ready for a puppy play date with my new friend and her lovely mutts. The afternoon, although cold and dreary outside, was full of warmth and sharing, friendship and laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and so did the pup - trust me, he hasn't had the opportunity to run and play with other dogs for a few months... he was in heaven. This is even further proved by the long and peaceful slumber that followed our return home. My afternoon was chock full of good food, interesting tales, and even a home improvement experience - all the makings of a solid friendship. I am so glad to have made a friend and I look forward to many more Sunday, fun days. I hadn't a clue what was in store this afternoon, but because I have come to embrace this newfound and somewhat often occurrence of occasional uncertainty I am better for it.