Rise and shine

The alarm went off at 4 am this morning. Our adventure was going to take us back to the Columbia Gorge to the Tom McCall Preserve.

Sadly, since it was a preserve, no dogs were allowed and since we hoped to go for a small hike, we didn't bring anyone with us. Better to leave them at home than in a locked car.

As we drove along the I-5, the color in the sky rapidly changed from beautiful to more beautiful. I finally got to an exit where I could pull off to shoot Mt. Hood in her glory safely.


Of course all the coffee we drank required a pit stop at Multnomah Falls. Had to take the time for a quick photo.


We reached the exit onto the Historic Columbia Highway just east of Hood River at the perfect time. I never knew that the Columbia River could be so peaceful. Up to this point it had been horribly windy and the river was choppy.

I still have a million pictures to process. Here is the start.

Announcement, announcement!

I have some very exciting news to tell you. I'm so excited, that I just can't hide it.


But it's a secret and you'll just have to wait. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Stay tuned.

Are you listening?

Danny, I'm talking to you. Blah, blah, blah. Danny did you hear me? Blah, blah, blah. Danny? Danny?


What? Did you just say cookie?

Le Flo-ho

Almost three years ago I brought this little beauty home from the track in Florida.


And everyday she reminds me of our friends whippet, Luigi.


Flo is our lover, cuddler and royal pain in the ass. Her eyes are full of expression and tell us everyday how much she loves us.


Much like the expression Luigi always has in his eyes.


We got Flo from our friends Paul and Nancy, the humans that Luigi owns. And everyday when I look at Flo,


I think about Paul and Nancy and how much I miss them. Wish they were closer, wish we didn't have a whole continent between us.

Happy Birhday Cindernellibelli

It's my birthday tomorrow. Hmmmmm.


I don't want to smile for the camera.


In fact, unless I see a big juicy steak coming my direction with four candles, I'm not going to smile for the camera.


OK, OK. How's this?

Looking forward to Monday

Step 1: Adjust my attitude
Step 2: Hope for the best
Step 3: Be prepared for the worse

Greyt Getaways • Over Hill 'n' Vale

Near Perrydale, Oregon, Polk County

Crystal joined today on our adventure over hill 'n' vale. It was another grand drive through Yamhill and Polk counties. It was sunny and cloudy and it rained buckets on us at separate times.

I've held back Crystal's picture for release at a later date. It's a secret.


Near Lafayette, Oregon, Yamhill County.


Near Grand Island, Oregon, Yamhill County


Near Unionvale, Oregon, Yamhill county.

Overall, it was a barn stormin' kinda day.

Sure Crystal

Friday's around this joint have been declared "clean the house" day whether it needs it or not. And, sadly, it usually does.

The dust I retrieve from the hard wood floor increases and decreases with the seasons. I don't think I have to go into details about the volumes of dust during rainy season.


Crystal has this innocent look down. Who would ever suspect that these legs


belong to her.

She and Joey had gone for an exceptionally long jaunt around the acre. Mud was clearly flying everywhere.

Confessions

I have a confession to make.


I'm a very shy dog. Don't even like my own shadow most of the time.


But every once in awhile now, I forget.


I get really curious about everything around me. I like to get my ears scratched.


and I actually lay down and relax for awhile. It only took me five years to do this.

Following the paper trail

Where oh where will this paper trail go?


Why Skirvee, is that your paw on the now deceased roll of toilet paper?


What is that? You have no idea how that roll got under your long skinny nose?


But it does make a mighty fine pillow, now doesn't it?


Yes sweet Skirvee, we all know you are innocent, had nothing to do with the piles of new confetti in the living room. We believe you.

Waiting

Is it time yet? Is it time to play ball?


Please? Can we please go play ball now?


Yum, a cookie!


If you absolutely positively insist, I'll eat a cookie.


But don't think for one skinny minute that I will forget about playing ball. Are you ready yet?

A day in the life

To pay the kibble bill, the moms have to work. So much of our day is spent waiting and sleeping and waiting some more.


We know when the cars pull into the driveway and all ears are on red alert.


Much of the time after work is spent talking about our days. What happened, what got checked off of the to do list, what's on tomorrow's to do list... yada, yada, yada...


After awhile, I just have to say, "talk to the paw"


And then it is dinner, last run of the evening and relaxing before bed. Tomorrow it will start all over again.

Anticipation

Mom! Are you doing what I think you are doing????


Oh ya, fresh strawberries.


Mom!!!! I need another, would you please just give me the damn thing? I'm smiling as hard as I can.


Thank you.

A protest letter to the editor

I was outraged when I read yesterday's blog post. You know, the one where I am running with that silly white and black dog?


Those pictures were trickery I tell you. The one where I am flying behind him? I'm only behind 'cause I flew past him once already and was coming in for a second pass.


I honestly could only roll my eyes with laughter after awhile.


Do you seriously think I would let some stinkin', icky boy out run me?


I should hope not! Let this be a warning. I have my lawyer on speed dial if such slander should ever occur again.