White Wonder aka Kitty

When tomorrow starts without me

Don't think we're far apart

For every time you think of me

I'm right here inside your heart

Margi Harrell

I first met Kitty in January 2007. I saw him in a flash as I was picking up the bachelor. White cat with bright blue eyes. He was shy and quickly retreated to his room (what later became my office). I had never been a cat person. Truthfully I just never got them. Cats in general seemed to show a certain aloffness that I didn't fancy. Little did I know that in that instant me and Kitty would be taking a long journey together.

It was a wonderful relationship that the bachelor had with his pet. I listened to the stories that both Kitty and the bachelor shared. Hockey with bottle caps, where Kitty could retrieve them in his mouth. Kitty reminding the bachelor when it was mealtime for both. Kitty kept a tight ship of fun and work that they both seemed to enjoy.

Then I came along with my loud, squeaky, dancing self. Kitty and I didn't really see eye to eye in the beginning. But I came up with a plan...I love animals. I love holidays. In fact the two should go hand and hand. HA HA. One of the first fights I had with the (now) boyfriend involved dressing up Kitty in holiday garb. I am pretty sure there was a holiday collar involved and there was definitely bells. The boyfriend (and Kitty) would not be degraded in such a way. Imagine dressing up a cat. Who is this woman coming into our home? ha ha.

A snowball fight occurred on another day. I greeted the boyfriend with snow in the face one winter afternoon. Snowballs quickly made and thrown in the house. Screeches coming from my direction as snow managed to go down my shirt, water dripping from my face. Retaliation was on my mind but Kitty would not have his best buddy be attacked in such a way. That was the fateful day that Kitty bit me. Blood even rolled down my leg. I jested, "how dare he bite me" but couldn't help smile that he was so protective of the people he loved. Not aloof at all.

I was now the girlfriend in the boyfriend's life and I chose to live with both Kitty and man. That was when we both started to adapt to our new life together. Kitty indeed had to compromise. I took his spot in bed and possibly some cuddles. A diet was strictly enforced (as per vets orders). At times I would see him shoot off to his scratching post taking out some frustrations.

Then the games would ensue. We would all take turns hiding behind the couch and creeping around, "psyching" each other out. Bat the ball back and forth. Zig zag across the carpet with feathers. Play with bags on the ground. Slide ice on the floor. Sometimes a scratch would result but it was all in good fun. He was a garden cat (you had to be with the boyfriend) and he loved it. Kitty would smell the flowers leaving a trace of pollen on his face, or munch on the bit of cat grass that was planted for him.

Kitty became accustomed to my early morning wakings. So much so that if I decided to sleep in on a Saturday or Sunday he would come into the room at 6am and remind me that he is in need of food (as it was me that had enforced the diet...or what he thought as it came when I came). He would meow in my ears at first. Rubbing his face on mine. Purring persistently. I would roll on to my stomach so he couldn't bug me and he would hop onto my back and meow straight into my ear. I would try to buck him off but he would brace himself onto my back so that there was no losing him. Little doubt that of course he got fed.

There were times though that Kitty felt the need to take a little vacation. He would take a little jaunt out in the alleyway of our apartment or to the park out in the back. I swear he would watch as we all scrambled to find him, calling his name. And it wasn't just me and the boyfriend. The brothers, the mom and dad, friends have all been seen out in the alleyway calling Kitty's name. Not one summer would go by when we lived in that apartment where we would not be looking for Kitty. Always finding him in both exasperation and relief. Because in the end we all loved Kitty. And Kitty loved us.

His cuddles were the best. Most of them were reserved for his buddy, and his friend, my boyfriend which later became my husband. Kitty would hop on his lap while he was on the computer and just snuggle getting pets and warmth. He loved being petted right at his shoulder blades or right under his neck at the collarbone. Sweet deep purrs of gratitude would be returned when you gave him just the right amount of love.

It was a special bond they both had and I the opportunity to see and participate. They lived a lot of life together. 16 years in fact! They had seen people come in and out of their lives. Some stayed, others didn't. Some moved in and stayed for the long haul (me). And those some brought in more family (me again and welcome Bentley). And more family again (little babe).

Kitty saw a lot of changes and managed to adapt to each one with the Kitty ease that made us love him all the more. He moved to many places finally settling in on our last home. With that he enjoyed many views out the window, many rooms to hide, many plays along the banisters swatting our hands, many things to scratch (ahem the rugs...and the scratching posts) and many places to go out in the yard and remain safe.

He was an incredible cat. He was our Kitty although like his name he was quite a wonder. We loved him and we will sorely miss him.

Thanks for all that you gave us little guy. Rest easy now.
XOXOX

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 6

Oops! The mom forgot to write last night. She was very tired. No reason in particular. Just having a tired day. So she will resume today.

The dog has become a bit more wiley the last couple of days. He has been walked and he even got a new squeaker toy that he ran with in the yard yesterday. Nevertheless he stopped sleeping with the mom altogether and has stayed up late in his "window watching" chair coming only to the foot of the bed. The mom doesn't mind as he is a big dog and kind of a hog. However the mom did have words with the dog this afternoon as he took her muddy rubber boot to her bed while the baby and mom went to the library. The mom was especially displeased as she had just washed the bedspread yesterday and put it on the bed that very morning. The dog always apologetic (yet will always do it again) gave the mom kisses and waggles to save grace. The mom seems to fall for that every time.

The baby's last two days were full of events. She is really enjoying her baths as of late as she can "somewhat" sit in the laundry basket in the tub and play with toys. She likes to look up and try to pull herself up to get closer to the mom. And then changes her mind and resumes playing with her toys again. She has been out and about shopping. She visited the mom's old co-workers in homecare. They kept telling her she is beautiful and giving her cuddles. She knew exactly what they wanted so she returned it with giggles and bouncing

It has not all been good though. She seems to have caught a bit of a cold again. Not that that is a huge deal. She is becoming an age old pro with colds and building up her immunity. She did have a collision with hot water though. She was busy crawling at her mom's feet begging her to pick her up. The mom was just finishing making dinner and was straining the macaroni in the colander. She brought it back to the stove top when some hot water fell and dropped on the back of the babies head. OH NO!!!!!!
The mom worked fast throwing the baby under cold water in the sink, slathered aloe vera and quickly nursed her. The baby was full of cries. But calmed down soon after. After dinner, the mom washed the baby and she was full of her usual giggles and smiles. No red marks noted. Sigh of relief for the mom...and the baby too (I'm sure).

The mom's last two days have been busy. Some good and from the above some not so good. She did some errands yesterday. She fixed the kitchen chairs so they don't scuff the floor, she fixed her hot plate so it sticks to the counter, she put up plant cages to protect the plants in the back from the dog and she hung up some pictures that her and the dad have bought and received over time. She scrapbooked, watched netflix, did laundry. She dusted the bedroom. She visited her old co-workers as she hasn't seen any of them since December. She enjoyed seeing them, laughing with them just like she had 8 months prior. She has also sat in the back enjoying the rain, listening to the frogs, smelling the humid air. And she has talked to the dad and enjoyed hearing his adventures on his trip.

But just like the baby it has not all been good. She went out today and just as she was approaching the traffic light she gave a second thought and pulled over. Her cell phone was on the roof of her car. Yikes.
She went to go buy cupcakes that she has desired since she bought them for the dad on their anniversary last year. The dad loved them but the mom had only one then as she was pregnant and became quite full fast. And when the mom wanted to get more she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. So the mom sought out these cupcakes. Brought them home. Just as she was opening the door she dropped them on the front step. Sigh. But let's be honest, the mom has no shame when it comes to food and she will eat them regardless. Especially after the day she had. Good thing the mom also has a mom and dad that she can share this with. They listened to her and made her feel better, as most people/parents have these kinds of days.

The cat continues to wander around. He has taken to the chair in the babies room as it used to be his chair and he is quite resentful that she has it. He also likes the "big" things as he has realized that when the baby crawls after him, she cannot seem to get up on the furniture on her own. The beds, couches, and chairs have now become his refuge.

That is all for the adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat. Hope you enjoyed them! Until next time!
xoxox
Love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 5

The dog decided to take the dad's spot in the bed last night. But his thoughts were not far from the dad as he kept his face glued to the bedroom door in hopes of seeing him come up the stairs. No luck this day. But that didn't keep his spirits down too much. It was a beautiful day out and the mom decided that it was a good day for a dog park walk. The dog loves the dog park with all his might. He thought however that it was unlikely that he would be going to the dog park again this week so he was going to take himself for an extra long walk just to make up for it. It's too bad the dog wasn't thinking another way as he would be more likely to go on more dog park walks if he stuck with the mom and baby. Alas he does not and is probably right in his prediction.

The baby had a great day. She got to see some of her older friends come for a visit after her little micro nap. She enjoys watching her older friends play with her dad's old dinosaurs and army men. She kind of wishes she could join in but she just can't move as fast as them. But they do come and say hi to her and say she is cute. Something she already knows. They all even went to the park and the baby enjoyed the swing, laughing away. It was pretty fantastic.

The baby has had a few different meals this week. Perogies which were fun. But then the mom made her salmon, green beans one day and a fish chowder the next. The mom tells her it's good for the baby. The baby wishes her dad would come back so she could go back to beef. The baby does eat it with smiles but occasionally gives her mom a two-tooth smile and a spit (disclaimer for when your older, you actually liked the fish, this is for your dad's benefit).

The mom had a good time seeing her life long friends and lounging in the front yard. They had good chats about life. They relished in what the mom thinks is a new sleeping pattern for the baby. The mom enjoyed listening to the party planning of one and the vacation of the other.

The cat was feeling a bit disgruntled today. Children ranging from 4, 3, 2 (and if you count the little one that never leaves this house) were here. The cat doesn't understand them. He expresses absolutely no desire to associate with any of them yet they only feel complete desire to associate with them. Thus he spent the morning hiding upstairs. And by hiding, he was on the mom and dad's bed. Children aren't allowed in that room. Atleast he thinks that to be true.

xoxox
love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 4

The dog has decided to relent slightly in the sleeping situation moving to the direct middle of the bed. But don't get him wrong he still does miss the dad. He did go for a nice long walk today and met a playmate in a german shepherd. They had a great time wrestling. The mom tried to rein in the dog but to no avail. So what if he was playing in a mud puddle. The mom just doesn't understand the importance of fun for a dog.

The baby enjoyed the long walk to. There were a couple of times that she got out of her stroller and played in the grass, smelled the grass and ate the grass. And she even managed to find a bit of mud to roll in her fingers. The mom put her back in the stroller when she found the baby chewing on little tree saplings that had fallen from the tree. The mom just doesn't understand the importance of fun for a baby.

The mom has done a bit of rearranging and looking to hang some things in the kitchen. So she gathered an inventory of a potential shopping trip in the future. She also installed a baby gate in the kitchen to keep the baby in eye's watch. If only she can stop the baby from going after that dog food. She too enjoyed the lovely walk as the sun was coming out just as they were finishing. She even managed to encourage the cat to get a breathe of fresh air.

The cat decided that 5 am was the perfect time to come in for some love and attention and demanded it so to the mom. The mom wasn't too upset as she remembered a day when the cat was younger and he would come to the bed at 6 am, hop on the mom's back in a bracing position and meow directly in her ear as it was time to be fed. The mom remembers trying to get him off her back with a few turns and he would continue to jump back on. She chuckled as she petted him and fell back asleep. Then the cat, as if remembering hopped on her back and purred in her ear. The mom just doesn't understand the importance of fun for a cat.

xoxox
love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 3

So what has the family been up to today?

The dog has relented slightly in the bed sleeping situation. He moved a quarter over to the dad's side. But he made sure that the mom knew he was there by lying his head right on the mom's legs. In the morning the dog went for a walk with the baby and mom. He found some ducks in a "made up" pond due to the increased rainfall. He went over to say hi but they really weren't interested in talking with such an eager looking animal.

The dog then decided to make nice with the baby as he felt he was too hard on her yesterday. AND by being nice he took her peanut butter sandwich right out of her hand during lunch time. Mom wasn't impressed. But the mom extracted her own revenge by making the dog wash his feet in the pool prior to coming in the house. HA HA HA. The dog got the last laugh though as he made the mom chase him around the yard first.

The baby had another eventful day being a baby. She didn't sleep the greatest last night...but it has been worse so she figured her mom would and could put up with it. Plus she knows how to put on the smiles and charm in the morning.

The mom was busy cleaning the floors. The baby really had no opinion of such however she has noticed that she has done more cleaning this week by crawling on the floor and scraping all the hair/dirt/fur with her pants. She was however insulted that the mom decided to but a mat under her highchair. It was like she was insinuating that the child makes a mess at meal times. hmpff.

There was a surprise phone call from the dad today in Costa Rica. The dad says he is very warm where he is and is having a good time. He told the mom and baby that the plumbing is a septic system and that all the toilet paper has to be thrown in the garbage. Can you imagine? The mom doesn't want to and the baby really doesn't know what that means. As far as she is concerned all her garbage magically disappears unless she can get her hands on it....

The mom is feeling really good today as she managed to set up the wireless printer to her computer yesterday and print. All she needs is ink cartridges! She is massively enjoying her new computer and finding it even more user friendly than she thought! She also had some company over. Her brother came in the afternoon. And one of her good girlfriends came over in the evening bringing sushi! She had a fun visit with both and even got her crafty side out as she helped the girlfriend make her wedding invitations.

The mom continues to keep her eye on the weather. There is not a direct frost warning heading their way but the temperature is suppose to drop this evening to about a 5 and the clouds have disappeared. This makes the mom a little ansy with worry re. the plants. More for the plants that have a greater exposure to the elements in the back then the ones by the shelter. She is keeping her fingers crossed and laid out a few sheets to protect the more exposed seedlings.

The cat is a bit disgruntled today. When the mom went to feed the baby last night, the cat decided to surprise the mom with his presence by lying on her pillow. He decided that it would be her second chance to give him all the pets he deserved. And what did the mom do? almost laid on top of him. 1 more strike and the cat will extract his revenge. He already gave a warning with a little bit of surprise indigestion on the floor after the mom cleaned. "Beware, beware" says the cat to the mom.

xoxo
love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and cat Part 2

The dog continues to miss the dad in this house. The mom ruined all his fun on the walk today. He found an appealing 'thing' to roll in. It was wet and it really would have stuck to his fur just the right way. But the mom ran so fast that just as the dog dropped to the ground he was up again. Now that the dog thinks about it, the dad doesn't like that either. Sigh sometimes this family is no fun.

There is more. The dog was further traumatized over the baby. She keeps continuing her new rampage of inchworm, gorilla arm crawl. And her eyes seem to be only on his food, his toys and his water bowl. She even had the nerve to come over while the dog was eating his food. Although as the dogs thinks he does enjoy when she shares her food. Oh how life twists and turns.

But that is not all. The dog brought his ball to the mom today. It's just not the same as the dad would do it. Let's face it the mom throws like a girl. So the dog has resigned to his fate and snuggles with the dad's shoe on his "keep watch" chair. Someday he will return, right? 

The baby appeared to be doing pretty good today. She went grocery shopping with mom and even went for a walk in the rain to let the dog burn off some energy. She enjoyed touching the wet leaves on the trees and tried to drink the water. She is practicing actual crawling a bit more by pulling her arms out in a "gorilla like fashion". She even showed her grandparents in NB as she chased the phone from one side of the kitchen to the other.

But the baby seemed to notice something was astray. She couldn't say what...well because she doesn't know how to talk but when Mom walked from the living room to the kitchen the baby went hysterical. Inchworm crawled right to be with her and cried in her arms. The mom thought the baby was hungry and seemed to be better after that.

But then the baby went over for supper at Uncle John's and Aunt Marie's and took one look at all the adults and poured her sobs into her mom's shirt. Even Granny, Auntie Ruth and Grandad couldn't make it better. And they tried. Finally the baby got hugs from Granny but kept a watchful eye on her mom and if she dared to go more than 5m away the baby would let her have it.

It wasn't all bad though. The baby was full of smiles at dinner time and she made sure to give mom hugs when her hands were full of mushed up food. The baby even had a Welsh Cake and ate the entire thing. No doubt pleasing the entire table. And her dad called after and she was full of smiles for him to see and for her to give. 

The mom had an eventful day. She slept great the night before as the baby decided that sleeping on that fine weekend evening is just something that she should do. The mom went to the market, even if it was rainy and splurged buying her self a pain au chocolate and a steak empanada. She enjoyed both but needed to tell the dad that he may not enjoy the steak empanada as much as it had eggs and olives in it as well as beef.

She then went to the grocery store with the baby and splurged again buying chocolate covered jube jubes. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed them when she was in her pregnant days so she thought she would trigger her memory (on the chocolate, not being pregnant...she still remembers the pregnancy).

A dog walk, a check on the garden, (so far fingers crossed it is still safe with again no warning of frost or snow) the greenhouse (not as warm as it usually is but still wet and safe) and then she was off for dinner with the dad's family. It was nice to see adults even for a short while. Even if the dog and baby keep her busy they don't converse nearly as much as the mom likes...this may be famous last words when the baby starts to utter the many words that are likely to come in the years ahead. The mom is about to settle in and watch Game of Thrones, although she continues to wish that someone on this planet watches it as the same time as no one can talk with her about it.

The cat has kept to himself today. He has gone from the bed, to the orange kitchen upstairs to the couch. He has looked longingly outside for some sanction away from the dog and baby but it continues to rain so he retreats. He may come out later to be petted...but he has yet to decide.

That leaves another day in this home. Hope your day has been full of adventures and misadventures too!

love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 1

When dad is away the family carry on. They find the house a little quieter, surprising as the dad is really not the chatty type. But the mom has one less person to chat with. ;)

The dog seems to have taken his absence the hardest at this time. He has scoured the office looking for the dad. He looks longingly out the window for the dad's return. He even takes mom's side of the bed in hopes of leaving the other side ready for the dad. He was really excited today as he dug a hole on his walk. Oh how he longed to show what he dug. Mom is thinking she may need to find someone for the dog to talk to in the dad's absence. 

Baby was pretty fussy today too. She was still chatty but a little bit more on edge. Mom tried to occupy her time going on multiple walks, singing songs, playing with toys. Baby has tried a few new things, like bathing upright in the bathtub (but within a laundry basket). And she has tried out her crawling legs a bit more. Something she knows dad would cheer her on for as he has been her number one supporter in the movement department. 

The mom has been probably the busiest. She has packed up the winter coats refusing to believe that winter will make its way back. Even so she is checking the weather four times a day as she does not want any plant death on her watch. She has changed the sheets, cleaned the bathrooms and vacuumed. She even sent a few inquiries about dayhomes, something she has been avoiding. But she has been tired. After giving herself a bit of a Full House marathon last night on Netflix she went to bed at 9! Yikes. 

The cat is pretty laid back. Missing office cuddles but came into bed in the night and demanded some from the mom. When she didn't comply she found a bit of kitty spit on her face as he decided to bath himself instead. She will give him more love later. 

They are all thinking of dad though. And although he is there for work they all hope he is having some fun! 

Xoxo

Love

Mom is a grump

2200
One mom goes to bed

2300
The mom is awoken to her wild dog wanting to play.
Her husband comes to bed at this time and reads quietly but she needs to find sanction away from crazy dog.

0030
Baby awakens to be fed. Mom feeds her and then stumbles back into bed.

0230
Baby awakens again. Mom doesn't know why but rocks her back to sleep.

0300
Big mystery bang in house wakes mom up with a start. She rushes around to ensure everyone is asleep and safe. Baby stirs, but everyone is fine. It's still a mystery.

0400
Husband leaves for class trip. Baby chooses that time to wake up. Dog chooses to follow husband out unbeknownst to anyone in family.

0445
Mom retrieves wet dog from front of driveway. Baby continues to cry.

0500
Mom hears the neighbour begin their day. Mom is awake and decides she might as well blog.

Mom knows that some mornings are hard...this one looks to be one.

Weekend of fun

A weekend of fun for this group of three...four...five.

It started with a date night and movie that lasted three days as this mom was too tired to watch a two hour movie in completion. 

Continued with two lovely walks in the dog park where even the babe wanted to see the going ons in the world. 

A romantic dinner of nachos and root beer (ha ha) followed the next day with a lovely seafood dinner with grandparents and aunts and uncles (Edey style) 

Flowers, chocolate covered marshmallows...yum yum. 

Ending with a family swim in the tot pool. 

Lovely Family Day Valentine's weekend. 

And just so you know there were baby meltdowns during many of this, cranky moments from both of us and a runway dog at times. But let's just concentrate on the big picture. It was fun! 

Love

Terrible, horrible, no good very bad day

When you slam your finger in between the car seat and base

When your baby decides she doesn't need to sleep but instead cries from 12-4. 

When your dog decides once again that he doesn't need to walk with you but will go on his own (and goes the wrong way ruining your own personal need for a walk)

When you just have had enough and start crying in the back field behind your house showing yourself to be a crazy woman to all neighbours that could be listening. 

What is that? Let's chalk it up to a bad day for both this woman and mother. 

Good thing there is a good partner whose shoulder I can cry on.

I guess I won't move to Australia 

Love

Thought to contemplate

Will there ever be a day that my dog doesn't meet me in the parking lot after he has taken himself for a walk?

Dogs that walk with their families stay with their families. 

Love

I love...

A warmish winter day

A dog walk in the park

Little one in tow bundled warm and tight

And seeing a friend from pre-child

Talking and catching up

Then home

Feeling warm 

With a hot cup of apple cider

That's what I love

My Dog Bentley

I really love my dog. So very much. So much that I worry about how I may start to neglect my pup when the little one makes it's entrance in October. So many blogs, people, and even friends say that it will happen. And that just makes me too sad. I'm not aiming to keep up his walks in the first week of November. But I am hoping that we will be able to start them sometime when (or if) I get a handle of things...ha ha ha. And I think I need to cling to that delusion (if it is one) until I come to that realization first hand...so please don't shatter it! :)

In the meantime, I (we) are enjoying our dog time. It has become a habit that we take him to the dog park everyday for an hour. I love the dog park. Especially by the zoo as I find it has it's own unique beauty every season.

This is where Bentley and I will do our hill training. He will chase after squirrels, mice and even a deer has crossed his path. When that happens his natural instincts just take over. But over the last year and even months we have started to see a big change. He still may run away at times but the amount has substantially decreased. And the recall is 90% better than last year. We wonder if it's because we have started to walk together on these walks and he is better behaved. But it could also be that we are the longest he has probably had with one family. We are his people!

Just a few weeks ago I separated from the walk to go to the bathroom and was going to meet Mark and Bents at the car. Mark came up to me at the toilets and said that didn't work because Bentley would just stay smack dab in the middle of our ever extended walk away from each other. Funny guy!

Today we went to pets in the park. Mark has been working diligently on Bentley's retrieval skills. And through the carnival games Bents shone. From bobbing for hot dogs (got them all in less than 5 s flat in the deep tub), to retrieving treats from the sand and puzzle box, he was amazing. He still could use some work on the "kissing department" as we both put treats in our mouths to get him to kiss us (yes we are those people). And he really likes to do his own obstacle courses in nature, not any man made ones offered. But, hey, you have to have your own likes!

It hasn't been huge sailing with Bentley this year. He did have surgery in April. We aren't quite sure what he did but regardless he had a hole right by his left front leg. It got flushed, a drain got put in and stitches were used. Plus I doubled up on reinforcement with dressing supplies so he wouldn't feel the need to pull it out. He was not impressed. He fought the anesthetic x 2, the little gobber. Plus he was doped up for about three days after.
AND he is still horrible when it comes to cutting his nails. Plus I have become additionally traumatized as I hit his quick the last time I was able to cut one of his nails.

Bentley has celebrated one birthday with us making him three years old. Bone for a present plus toys to destroy and treats galore. I look back and am so happy we decided to get him. He has been a wonderful companion to have in our lives. AND I have become a crazy obsessed dog person. Something I swore I would never be. But he is worth becoming one!

Love him!

Valentines day love

This is my husband talking about our dog to our dog's girlfriend's owner. Yes we are those weird people. I found the post quite amusing. 

So I have a Bentley Valentine's story that you will appreciate but you can't tell Anana. I was walking him this sunny morning in the fresh powdery snowfield behind our house. He was loving it and was covered in snow from digging, jumping and exploring when he caught a whiff scent by cupid himself. Off he went at a full gallop despite my plutonic but frantic calls. About 300m away the object of his nose appeared out of the creek bed. She was a petite thing as slinky as they come. I had seen her hanging around out back before but I had been more worried about Pirate and Kitty at the time. Now usually it is a good thing when the lady a love stricken teenager has his eye on is fast but unfortunately for Bentley she was not running for him but away from him. He caught up to her when she couldn't cross the Henday in a patch of tall scrub that I couldn't see into. I don't know what happened in there but it was quick. She came running out after 30 seconds to a minute and he was about 10 seconds behind, running like a mad man (or dog, whatever). I was grateful for not having had to cover Pirate's innocent eye but I am still kinda curious about what happened under the cover of that bush. Bentley bears no signs of amour-ous/less biting. He followed cupid's love trail another zigzagging kilometer before electing to double back on one of her intersecting trails where I pounced on him to rescue him from the spell he was under.

Again, don't tell Anana. I hope she has had better luck with any scent trails that took her fancy or that she was better able to avoid the 'commercial' hype that Bentley must have so clearly fallen for. I mean chasing after a slinky coyote when Anana has been away for less then 6 months just isn't like him.

If you do end up letting it slip to Anana then you should also tell her that he still runs wildly up to dogs that look like Anana when we get to the dog park.

Love

Snowshoeing on a snow day

When winter seems to be upon us for eternity. 

And the Christmas blues might set in. 

The best thing a person can do is go for a long walk with her partner and dog

The better thing to do is go snowshoeing. 

While snow is softly falling. 

Making slight swishing sounds as it hits the ground. 

And exploring new areas unexplored by all of us. 

It makes for a perfect winter day. 

Love

What my christmas meant to me

Christmas was a bit different for me this year. One is I didn't have to work (yay) so I could participate wholeheartedly into every bit of any activity that was available to be in. Also we went on a little vacation (mid-christmas) so I had to decide what I really wanted to do for my Christmas experience to make it special for both myself and others around me. Guess what? It was kind of fantastic. 

I had to forgo the baking this time around (slightly sad, but as Mark's Auntie Donna said, baking doesn't just need to be Christmas baking (so true, so january it is!) I also had to choose my Christmas movies with extra care as only a few selected would get chosen. Some of my traditions I let go of and just let the holidays take over. I can't say it enough it was lovely just for that. 

I shouldn't make it all snowflakes and poinsettias (har har). I did plenty of christmas shopping prior to leaving on our trip and may have done a bit of last minute to dos right before the 25. Something that at christmas time, I do not enjoy. Shocking but true, crowds and long lines make me antsy. But for the positive....

Here is what we did:

- walks around our neighborhood to see the glimpses of some of our favourite decorated houses. Bentley and I found one on Christmas Eve, it was incredible. I took Mark to it later on Christmas Day. Kind of like the candy cane keyhole, of our neighborhood. Love. 

- watched a few of my favourite movies. Home alone (yay I know, but it was what I grew up on), love actually (it just makes me feel warm watching that one) and a must, White Christmas (and yet again I cried when the general went down the stairs in his uniform, gets me again). 

- wrote Christmas cards. Ahhhh, the dying form of letter delivery. I enjoy getting mail every year from family and friends, sending me updates on their lives, delivering well wishes. So in return we do it. Although I cheat a little with a Christmas letter/picture that tells a small story. It is something that at this time I love to do....we will see how I feel in the upcoming years. 

- decorating our tree. With my insistence, we got a tree at the end of November. Plopped it in the tree stand and I watered it religiously for three days. And it was taking water like you wouldn't believe. Three to four times a day. Then on the third day I went to decorate the tree. And the needles started to fall. Kind of rain. I looked down and the tree skirt was drenched. Yes. Our stand sprung a leak and our tree died. We switched it up and found that although the branches rained when touched, the trunk continued to take up water, so decorating it began. And with the lights on, a few sprigs stuck in to sparkle, it was beautiful. That along with the lights that Mark strung outside (with such mastery) made it really feel like christmas. I would turn them on, make a hot chocolate and enjoy. Still makes me feel happy. 

- Christmas Eve. A little hectic with no reason to dwell and get into. But we went to church. And when we went I was happy. Great sermon, great story and they ended with my favourite carol, silent night. It always makes me tear up a little when I hear it. And we had candles which makes the carol more powerful. 

- Christmas morning. We woke up, and immediately took the dog for an am walk. Cool air, cold but not too cold. We facetimed my parents on the walk and wished well wishes, talked of parties, and presents, gave thanks and laughed. Jimi had successfully surprised my mom and we gave small giggles of all that was occurring without her knowing. Then Mark and I spent some time alone and unwrapped our stockings, taking pics and laughing. Bentley was given his big gift, a Dino bone, as we were not going to be around to entertain him. We then headed to Wendy and David's. Met with Lawrence, we unwrapped our presents, (the boys played with their toys) and we ate croissants. Joined in the afternoon by granddad, Donna, Abbey, and Margaret we ate a wonderful meal, played games, ate again, while outside snow fell softly (seriously, I can't make this stuff up!). 

It was a fantastic ending to our Christmas, (even though it was continued with more fun the next day with the Edey cousins and a rousing, gift exchange of trades and unwrapping...who knew baking sheets and drinking cups were hot commodities - ;) )

Great holiday, great fun, great people, makes for an enormous heart. 

Happy new year

Love

It's winter

There is snow outside

It gets dark pretty fast now

My mittens are out

My boots are warm and cozy

I get excited this time of year

But this year I am putting my christmas excitement on hold

Instead I am trying and willing myself to enjoy winter

So far it's working 

I think at least half the reason I am enjoying it is Bentley 

He forces us to take an hour walk everyday

Even in the bitter cold

But I get to see and hear stillness 

I am surrounded by nature

I see the sun rise and set

I enjoy it

Grateful that we got our little, "big" puppy!

Love

Man and dog

So men go out and hike

They bring a dog

I love this dog

But after this hike 

My love is a little bit less

Because this happened 

And after two baths

He still smells

Life with a dog

Kind of glad I only had to see him in the end

Love

Happy Days Canada

Have you ever had a bannock burger? It is am-azing! So good.

Took the dogs for a walk along Victoria park to the Legislature. Heard the band, smelled the flowers, heard all 21 shots in the 21 gun salute (dogs didn't think it was that cool). Perused by the tanks and model cars....then to the food trucks. 

Hello bannock burger. Yum yum. Worth every penny. 

So far canada day you are treating me right! Bring on the bike ride and fireworks!

Love

The first summer weekend

And guess what....no rain, no snow. 

It was spectacular. 

Yoga with my brother

Breakfast at Cora's (a first for Mark and me, well worth it)

Sitting in our truck, facetiming my parents

Ride my bike to pick up fire desserts

Firepit, with cherry pies, chocolate crossaints and banana boats

Then a walk to the dog park

Where my partner went to the puppy carnival (with our dog)

Bobbing for hot dogs, digging for treats, and playing with friends (the dog)

I went to baby sit a cute blondie and redhead

Played on the swings, and made Dino sounds

Busy, beautiful summer weekend. 

Love these kind of days

Love