tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86705415017277388572024-03-04T22:45:58.843-08:00Jodie and CocoPaul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-21069519328589377452010-05-11T12:31:00.000-07:002010-05-11T12:43:21.684-07:00Our New Blog<span style="color:#3333ff;">Hi Folks, Coco and I have been looking at our blog address and feel that it's not really ours, but a hand-me-down from Dad.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Yeah, so Jodie and I have started our own blog from scratch an the blog address makes a lot more sense. It's: <a href="http://jodiecoco.blogspot.com/">http://jodiecoco.blogspot.com/</a></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This blog will be around for awhile, but we will not be adding to it after today. We'll reference back to it from our own blog.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">It's getting a bit hectic around here as the folks are getting the camper ready for the trip. We can't imagine what is taking them so long to get ready. I've been all set for weeks.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Bye for now, I'll see you on the other blog.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-71560328093158100272010-05-01T04:17:00.000-07:002010-05-01T04:31:41.780-07:00Our Buddy Riggs<span style="color:#3333ff;">Would you believe that Coco and I received a comment on our blog a couple of weeks ago? Yup, we heard from Riggs, a handsome black Lab for Missouri. Did I mention that he is HANDSOME!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RyXICPuURGy-RSRR00Gg4A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9wNndTTBcI/AAAAAAAACtk/16YhYBYnz-A/s400/Rigg%27s04-29-10_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Yowza Riggs, Jodie and I are a couple of lonesome Lab ladies here in Florida. We have a good supply of cookies and treats and a pool, so if you should ever be in our area, you should stop by.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Coco has a lot of enthusiasm, but our life is much like yours, where we will soon be on the road. It works for us. Naturally, being Labs, we love the water and have been swimming all over the USA and Canada. We even got to swim in our homeland, Labrador and Newfoundland. When you feel the water temperature up there, you'll see why we're in Florida. We are a bit spoiled.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I don't think we're spoiled, Jodie. Pampered a bit, but not any more than we deserve. You've got to remember that we get to swim in the pool because we're not allowed in the lakes and ponds due to the alligators, though I swim like a fish and think I could out swim a 'gator.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Oh you silly fool, you can't even out swim me. Well, nice seeing you Riggs. I hope we cross paths sometime.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">That goes for me too!</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-80864629668189829142010-04-29T09:35:00.000-07:002010-04-29T10:11:34.478-07:00A Walk in the Woods<span style="color:#3333ff;">Hello all! A few days ago the folks took us for a walk in the forest near our home. For those who know the area, it was off Trail 10 in the State Forest, a trail we've done a number of times before. Dad allowed us to take the camera so we were able to get some pictures.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XYIfhVdrXcoANAHeTP7U5g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9m07njoO4I/AAAAAAAACrw/NoQWjdlujMQ/s400/EPSN0002.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This is the first picture I took of Coco. She wouldn't stay still and this is all I got.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xx2eE5N1lUaKiy5jHrTiLA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9m08RU9YmI/AAAAAAAACr0/-9B7Z8PmztQ/s400/EPSN0003.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I'm very pleased with this picture. Notice that the flowers are in the center of the picture. Part of the reason is that the flowers don't move and part of the reason is that I'm getting the hang of taking a picture as the camera sees.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3uU80Z9C5j8HTPWHorZ_gQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9m09rKl7LI/AAAAAAAACr8/K9DUvF-xafo/s400/EPSN0005.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This is the last picture I took for awhile. Of course you can see the folks walking down the trail. It's my last picture because the camera is way too heavy. It may weigh more than a bag of kibbles and my neck kept getting lower and lower and Dad took the camera before it dragged in the dirt.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I finally got my turn at the camera and this is my first picture.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9wjaeN4pxvFSPF_Mbz43gQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9m0-FqaRnI/AAAAAAAACsA/_1XW_lKt4F4/s400/EPSN0009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">You will notice that Jodie is about out of the picture because she wouldn't stand still. She growls at me when she misses a picture, but she doesn't stay still for me either. Jodie is correct! The camera weighs too much. I was waiting for the ideal picture of a deer or a rabbit, but we never saw one. We saw a few tortoise holes, but I couldn't get in there with a camera and I finally gave up and lat Dad carry it for me. Below are some pictures he and Mom took with our camera.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4_Urt4IBHlpzwe3-8cJMZw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9m1EcsKSVI/AAAAAAAACsU/I93sfq54PCg/s400/EPSN0014.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This was taken by one of the folks. They are SUPPOSED to be so good with a camera, but you may notice that my head is hidden by a tree. You might also notice that Coco and I range well off the trail while the folks just walk down the trail and back. They are missing all the smells. Besides, off in the woods we can sometimes snag a bone or something. What the folks don't know won't hurt them.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Iiz5Z93t09Guna-eHfUd6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9m0-kJoSZI/AAAAAAAACsI/zrfHJhCjko4/s400/EPSN0019.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/DogPhotography?feat=embedwebsite">Dog Photography</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">When I got the camera back I snapped one more picture of Coco. She gets hot very quickly and here she was laying down in the shade. When she does this, I know the walk is almost over.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cW7ErzobLBZH2p1wulezdQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9m0-8HWzsI/AAAAAAAACsM/An8fuEX6hkw/s400/EPSN0022.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This picture was taken by Mom. After a long walk, Coco can't jump back in the Jeep because of her hips, so Dad has to help her. I don't want to say anything that will get me in trouble with the censor, but it sure looks like Mom had to help Dad in the car right after this.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I could say something like we need a stronger, younger Dad, but he may think it's time to trade in two Labs for a couple of Yorkies.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_Ug4j3kpmw-OcRunU93qgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9m1D-1mL1I/AAAAAAAACsQ/GHW6GHPrVRM/s400/EPSN0024.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I'm pretty sure that Mom took this one, too. We are obviously beat and if they could read my mind they would know that I'm thinking "put the darn camera away. Get in the car and put the air conditioning on full. Then direct all the vents to the rear". Only a few minutes after this we were in the pool. Aaaahhhhh, the pool.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Wouldn't it be nice to see some pictures that Coco and I took around the pool. I thought so, but Dad wouldn't let us take the camera near the water. He is not always around when we're in the pool so at some later date perhaps I can sneak it out while Mom's not looking.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-76903284216808911042010-04-24T16:36:00.001-07:002010-04-24T16:59:34.683-07:00My Turn With The Camera<span style="color:#663300;">I got to the camera this morning before Jodie so it was my turn to learn how to take pictures. Like Jodie said, it's a lot more difficult than you'd think, especially without the opposable thumb. However she was sleeping in, as was everyone else, so I had plenty of time to experiment. The camera doesn't always see what I see and that's a problem I'll have to over come.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">You thought I was fooling with you when I said it was difficult to operate the camera. Now you know how it is.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">OK, I already admitted that. However, I was having a great time and took a lot of good pictures and a lot of garbage too, but you'll never get to see them. What I hadn't considered was the CENSOR!!! Yes, the old m....er Dad views the pictures and he determines what pictures we can post. He didn't like the picture of him running around in just his underwear. Mom didn't like the picture of her as she was waking up. Dad deleted ALL my pictures and took the camera away for awhile.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Great job, dopey, I was having a good time with the camera and I wanted to get comfortable with it before our trip. What were you thinking.....Dad in his underwear! Mom with her hair all mussed and just waking up from a deep sleep. You were asking for it.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I WAS NOT asking for it! Don't you see what they watch on TV, all those silly programs with people falling or doing silly things? My pictures were priceless. Too bad we don't have a video camera. We could turn some of the videos in this house into hard cash and buy a ton of Meaty Bones.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I really don't think you could get the video past Dad. Did you see the look on his face when he saw the pictures on the computer monitor. I could almost see steam coming from his ears when that one in his underwear came up on the screen.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">Yeah, I had trouble keeping a straight face.</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I personally think we'll have the camera back in a day or two. He just wanted to make sure that we pay more attention to what we're doing and not take pictures that will embarrass anyone.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">What fun is that? OK, I'll try to do better, but I'm still going to try to sneak in a surprising picture from time to time. He's getting old and he may miss one.</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I don't think that will work until we learn how to upload the pictures and post them in the blog.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">So..........we'll have to learn to do that. Jodie, this is a matter of free expression. He is smothering my creative talents.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">You know Coco, you're starting to sound like a nut.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-77419086475046326482010-04-23T09:41:00.000-07:002010-04-23T10:00:59.419-07:00The New Camera<span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, Dad gave me one of his old cameras and I'm....</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">He gave US a camera Jodie, and you've been hogging it!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">OK, Dad gave us a camera and I'm not hogging it, I'm just learning how to use it so I can teach Coco. It's a bit more difficult than I thought it would be.</span><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zb0ggfqsEMUgRjFtwO-k9w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9HNjUhdbxI/AAAAAAAACqs/6I120ULAUPY/s800/EPSN0001.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/DogPhotography?feat=embedwebsite">Dog Photography</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This is Coco, of course. The camera doesn't always see what I see as it cut off most of her head. You can see that this is more complicated than I thought and it will take me awhile before I can pass on my photography knowledge to Coco.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lfsE5JsCdf7vBCnNa5mP5A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9HNjhcZbII/AAAAAAAACqw/pM3ihzswVSk/s400/EPSN0002.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/DogPhotography?feat=embedwebsite">Dog Photography</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This is another one of Coco, but I think she moved as I took the picture.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aSs0DZipZifCUiGTTAWVDg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9HNkMtxraI/AAAAAAAACq0/2yKcwkdZzQY/s400/EPSN0003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Here is Mom at the computer. I don't know how this happened. She didn't jump as I took the picture, but I SWEAR I could see all of her in the camera TV. As you can see, there is more to learn.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wpklhJvq-AC29gCmqGPLJA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S9HNkdlEbGI/AAAAAAAACq4/VNa2LR02wnk/s144/EPSN0005.JPG" /></a><br /> <span style="color:#3333ff;">This is my favorite toy right now. Dad plays Tug with me. Sometimes I get it away from him and I run around the pool with him chasing me. I really like that. My favorite toys used to be stuffed animals, but when Coco moved in she chewed then all up. When she got into the stuffing, the folks would throw the animal away. I think it was because she swallowed some of the stuffing.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">Nah, I never swallowed any stuffing. That's an old dog's tail. You gonna let me have the camera now?</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">It's too complicated for you right now, Coco. I'm studying it and when I get better at it I'll be able to teach you.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">All you have to do is show me how to turn it on, then get out of my way. I may be another Ansel Adams when we get to Alaska.</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Ansel who?</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">Ha! And you think you're a photographer. You're just a snap shot taker. When you see some of the pictures I will take of the Alaskan landscape, it will be.............artistry.</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Humbug, chase me and try to get the camera.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-66517877824130772672010-04-15T10:39:00.001-07:002010-04-15T10:47:30.082-07:00And another great day!<span style="color:#663300;">What a grand day we're having today! We went for a LONG walk in the woods and is sooooo much fun. The woods are full of wonderful scents and I know that there are a lot of animals around. Unfortunately I only recognize the scents </span><span style="color:#663300;">of Jodi and Dad, but there are TONS more, believe me.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">And, we get to run and run and run. I also smell a lot of woodland critters, but I'm not sure what they are. It's just interesting to know that they are out there. We don't see them, so they must come out at night.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Perhaps they come out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, Jodie. We are hear at 1:00 PM because this is when we were allowed over here, but 7:00 Am or PM would be a lot more comfortable.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I agree, but then we get to come home and jump in the pool. A romp in the woods and a jump in the pool are just what we need. Throw in a rare steak for supper and life would be perfect! That's enough for now, I'm going back in the pool.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Watch out Jodie........CANNONBALL!!!!!</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-58024225990301752442010-04-10T14:04:00.000-07:002010-04-10T14:28:15.297-07:00Back in the Pool<span style="color:#663300;">My ears have finally healed enough that I can go back in the water and what a day I had. First Mr. Paul (I'll tell you about the name later) took me and Jodie outside and played fetch. The weather was perfect and I was hot, catching several balls in the air. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Every time</span> Mr. Paul would throw the ball, Jodie would run beside me trying to force me away from the ball, but it never works and I ALWAYS get the ball.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">She always gets the ball because that is the SECOND ball. I get the first ball and keep it in my mouth, but enough of that. When we got all worked up and hot, the Dad ( We'll talk about the names later) opened the door to the pool and in we went. Of course Coco immediately jumped in the pool to get a ball while I went down the stairs like a lady and swam a lap or two.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sZ34QE-rgsv-w7_Ad_wdPQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S8Dnpw2OFVI/AAAAAAAACpw/zgL3GvIJqWk/s400/DSC02338.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/20100410?feat=embedwebsite">2010-04-10</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lMxlqs3b3HLt9LWbuAVt0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S8DnrD4eoDI/AAAAAAAACp4/j4rWPNIvGlE/s400/DSC02340.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/20100410?feat=embedwebsite">2010-04-10</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color:#663300;">Yeah, the "Lady" will rarely fetch a ball in the pool. She just wants to get her chops on a ball or toy and keep it.</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, that may be true. I prefer to "swim" when I'm swimming and when I play I like to play tug with a rope or toy. In fact, I had a great time playing tug with the Dad, though I think it tires him out.</span></p><p></p><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YJnzEm_P8Mgd8Q1kUTqgkQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S8DnsNT2cyI/AAAAAAAACp8/iOAbya1KXNk/s400/DSC02347.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SIx5q8UPmQr8zVmv41ozyQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S8DntrxjHVI/AAAAAAAACqE/jnCh7_qdiG4/s400/DSC02339.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">At any rate, we had a grand time and we always do in the pool. I'll go in the pool no matter what the temperature is, but it's nice and warm now and that's what I like best.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Me too, I love the pool, but I'm a swimmer and enjoy a comfortable paddle around the pool a few times. The Dad would throw the ball for Coco and play tug the rings with me and we were having a perfect day.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Right!!! Now, about the names. Apparently Mr. Paul, or Dad or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Miz</span> Helen or Mom has been reading our blog. Moreover they choose to censor what we write. </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">They feel that Coco and I have been a bit.....sassy..in calling them the old folks or the old man and old lady. So if we continue to use degrading terms, we will lose our computer privileges. We would miss the computer. Besides our Blog, we see pictures of all kinds of dogs and get to see some pictures of the dogs who were just puppies not long ago. So we will be nice and call the folks what they want.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Works for me, Jodie, as long as they don't know what we call them in private. :)</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-58143776071486128202010-04-08T10:59:00.000-07:002010-04-08T11:18:39.377-07:00Darned if I do and Darned if I don't!<span style="color:#3333ff;">Those of you who read my blog know that from time to time Coco and I get in trouble for rolling in something that offends the old folks. When we come in from such a romp, it's instant bath time, as if the scent of green apple is any better than dead animal.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, yesterday I went in the woods and was VERY careful to avoid any dead animals. I did find a spot of nice soft earth and had a grand roll. It was almost like a session of doggy spa. As soft as the earth was, it was also very black, but DID NOT SMELL! I admit that I looked like a black lab, but I didn't smell. </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">When I sauntered back in the house the old lady shooed me out of the house and there I was, back in the bath getting another bath. Ugh!!! The old man was out for the day and had no idea what I had to go through. However, when he came home and Coco and I JOYOUSLY greeted him, he noticed that I was still a little damp and he got the story of my day. Fine, if they want to be that way, so be it. I still get my meals, a bed, and a lot of good attention.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">So today I was back in the woods and didn't want to get another bath, so I avoided the black earth and found a nice sandy area. Ooh was it nice. I got on my back and rubbed back and forth for a long time and I felt so good. There was no dirt to be seen on my coat and I headed into the house. The old man reached down to pet me and instantly ordered me outside. Huh, I thought. What is this about? Then he said something about my fur being full of sand. Opening the garage door he reached for the blower from his air compressor and called me over. Now, that is something I really enjoy so I quickly went to be groomed. The air blew all over my coat and I guess he got enough sand out to be happy, because I was then allowed inside. I don't know what I'll do tomorrow, but a sand bath followed by a blow down is a pretty good combination.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">In the meantime, while Jodie is getting in trouble, I'm just sitting here being an angel and getting into no trouble at all. I think I deserve an extra cookie for that.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-26452718693807882522010-03-23T14:03:00.000-07:002010-03-23T14:17:31.388-07:00Oh, what a night<span style="color:#3333ff;">There I was, sleeping peacefully on my bed in the computer room when all of a sudden there was such a noise. Coco had come in and had scrounged something out of the waste basket.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">That's not true, I didn't actually get anything, but I did smell cookies!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Whatever. It was VERY noisy. Then the Dad type person came in and all the lights were on.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Yeah, I didn't count on being caught in the act. I really could smell cookies, not our cookies, but the sweet cookies that the old folks eat. All that was there was the plastic containers so I was chewing through them hoping to get a few crumbs, at least.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Didn't you think that something would happen when you were making enough noise to wake the dead?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Are you serious, Jodie? I'm a Lab, a Labrador retriever and this was food, or at least I thought it was. I'd rather eat than do anything, and when it's something I shouldn't have, the more I want it. Well, maybe not anything. I'd rather chase a ball than eat sometimes. I might prefer rolling in something like a rotten fish, unless I'm really hungry.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I think that you get into trouble when you have too much free time and you get bored. Why weren't you sleeping?</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I dunno, I think the cookies were calling me.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-9776015283255615372010-03-16T14:37:00.000-07:002010-03-16T14:51:41.897-07:00A romp in the woods<span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, another day and we didn't get in the pool, but Coco's ears are looking better and I think it will be just a few more days. However, we did get a rather long romp in the woods this afternoon and it was very nice. The temperature was a little cool, so we could run and run without getting over heated.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">And there were GREAT smells everywhere. There were..........there were.........there were......well, I don't really know what the smells were, but they were not what we usually find in the yard. I could spend a whole day finding new smells in the woods. We were running and hopping and jumping and racing, going from one scented area to the next, Wow!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This is a run we used to do last year, and in fact, did just a few weeks ago. Last year we'd run like the Dickens, then come home and jump in the pool. Neato!!! Today I came home, huffing and puffing and went to the door to the pool and.........nothing. They won't let me in without Coco and Coco can't go in yet. Bummer.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Well, I was hot too and I would have liked to go in the pool, but I have to do what they make me do. And since I cannot open the door by myself, the pool is out of reach. Keep some stiff upper flews, Jodie. We'll be back in the water in no time. By the way, have you noticed that our tennis balls are getting ratty looking. I mean the ones we have left.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Yes, it seems that once we chew through the cover the old folks throw the ball away. It doesn't bother me if it leaks and sits on the bottom of the pool, as long as we have a few more to play with. I think you'll have to sneak on the counter and add "tennis balls" to their shopping list.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">OK, I'll do my best.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-26041883478016957882010-03-16T07:30:00.000-07:002010-03-16T08:14:47.070-07:00Wishing for water sports<span style="color:#663300;">I sit at the door looking at the pool, but it doesn't work. The water looks so inviting and I know I'd have a great time, but I'm not allowed. The folks took me to a new vet last week. He was pretty nice and they gave me a couple of cookies, but he looked in my ears and told the folks that there should be no swimming until my ears are better. The Mom person has been putting drops in my ears twice a day, but she still won't let me swim.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">You know, Coco, my ears are fine, but I can't go in until YOUR ears are better. Doesn't seem fair to me. The pool looks real good to me and I think it's a lot warmer now than it was a few weeks ago. They let us in, but I thought it was a bit chilly.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Are you a Lab or a Yorky, Jodie? I thoroughly enjoy the pool EVERY time I get the chance, but I did notice that the last time you had one quick dip and was done. I'll go in to chase a ball even if there are ice cubes in the water.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Fine, you do that. I'm a bit more refined and like my swimming water to be just so! I do feel a bit envious of Talulah. She's one of Molly's pups that's living the good life. We love to get the pictures and hearing about how the pups are doing.Seeing the pictures of her at the beach down south makes me want to run right down there and join her. The pool is nice, but the beach is where it's at!</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dVuWcmjorJNTX-7Ebtwa2A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S5-VwMj6_oI/AAAAAAAACnA/MJxcIzLHZcA/s400/T048.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Talulah?feat=embedwebsite">Talulah</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Yeah, how about that lucky dog? I LOVE playing in the surf! I love running in the sand! Oooh, take me to the beach!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I know what you mean, Coco. I also like the beach better. The waves are so nice! The sand is so nice and there is a lot of room to run. Besides that, at the beach there is almost always something great to roll in or snag for a snack. Remember those small fish on the beach in Labrador?</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Yup, I remember those fish and I also remember Mom and Dad forcing my mouth open to take them away from me. I have to admit, though, that there is nothing like a roll in a dead fish, except, maybe, a dead squirrel.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Yes, a quick roll, then some cursing from the folks followed by a hot bath. We've got a few more pictures of Talulah.</span><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZzMUhI7ogNf7o3-pkqATsw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S5-VyNPNM-I/AAAAAAAACnQ/mFxuz_wgjNg/s400/T102.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Talulah?feat=embedwebsite">Talulah</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iZ9IpmWQYGsqkELtEJVUlg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S5-VxXhMXLI/AAAAAAAACnM/woaT-UUaU1k/s400/T100.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Talulah?feat=embedwebsite">Talulah</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I have to admit that I like all the fun of what we do at the beach, but the warm bath followed by a brisk rubdown with towel feels pretty good too. In fact.......no, I won't admit to it.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">The warm bath is particularly nice when the water is cold. I like to snuggle in the warm, fluffy towels and getting all that attention isn't bad either. Do you think Talulah</span> </span><span style="color:#3333ff;">got a nice bath after her beach outing?</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Are you kidding me? A beautiful dog like that with saltwater and sand in her fur. I'd bet my last rawhide bone that she had a wonderful "beauty treatment".</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Later Jodie.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Ay yup!</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-2371164829201317722010-02-21T18:13:00.000-08:002010-02-21T18:26:22.831-08:00Another Surprise!!!!<span style="color:#663300;">Wow! Just a few days ago Jodie and I heard from Brooks and tonight we got an email from Talulah. She living in Fort Pierce and seems to really be enjoying herself. She is becoming a real beauty and is working on her permanent teeth. </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I guess, Coco, that she's chewing everything in sight and though we haven't heard, I'll bet all her brothers and sisters are doing the same thing. Oh, the old days, when I used to get scolded for "putting the bite" on something I should have avoided. How about you, Coco?</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Of course, that goes with the territory. We both came to the Tempesta house as adults, so we did no chewing, but if you check, you can see the results of Sandy on the coffee table and on some of the doors. For those of you who don't know, Sandy was the Tempesta Lab some years before we came here. We never met her, but we've seen her picture and, of course, her teething areas.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Enough about us and Sandy. Below are a few pictures of Talulah.</span><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/24ni4_P2s18EhHBToKupNQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S4HoGc8Pi1I/AAAAAAAACjQ/gN7wJNMHxR0/s400/065.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Talulah?feat=embedwebsite">Talulah</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7GyWRcM87IWe_LyMF7PnTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S4HoGOvrKFI/AAAAAAAACjM/fMPHL8t5n-Y/s400/038.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Talulah?feat=embedwebsite">Talulah</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FDpqanoPlpdwcWuLFIF_8Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S4HoFxpKQkI/AAAAAAAACjI/ffmU5mAKlTc/s400/010.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Talulah?feat=embedwebsite">Talulah</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">As you can see, she is one adorable pup. Hi, Talulah!!! </span><span style="color:#663300;">Yeah, Hi for me too!!!!</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-14886901459626685932010-02-18T15:07:00.000-08:002010-02-18T15:24:43.058-08:00Valentine Surprise!!<span style="color:#3333ff;">Coco and I got a nice surprise in the mail today, a Valentine's Day card from Brooks. You may remember us chatting about Brooks in our December 30th blog. He was the last of the eight pups to leave and we had a week with him by himself. It was nice having him to run around with as Coco is getting a bit lazy. Well, I am, too. You know how it is, same old, same old every day. This was a new adventure with a new dog and everything we did was new to him. All the smells and sights in the woods would amaze him and it made us look at things differently also.</span><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vmWvSLSam8X69ZtbVyok9g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S33Hyc_rfWI/AAAAAAAACg4/MToyMkWLSq0/s400/DSC02283.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Valentine?feat=embedwebsite">Valentine</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color:#663300;">That's actually Brooks on the cover. He still has the blue eyes and is a VERY handsome pooch. Apparently he's having a heck of a time in his new home and we could not be happier for him. I hope you two legged folks can now see that Jodie and I are not the only literate Labs in the world. Here's the inside of the card.</span><br /><p><span style="color:#663300;"></span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;"></p></span><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NY2ogKA--1udWtQ3ZFxWDA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S33HxAn9nOI/AAAAAAAACg0/BF35TKzSlgg/s400/DSC02282.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Valentine?feat=embedwebsite">Valentine</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">We hear from Brooks and his mother, Molly, from time to time and hope that we will hear from the others in time. We were all thrown together by an unusual set of circumstances, but Coco and I will always remember all of them and sincerely hope that they are all doing as well as Brooks. This Valentine really made our day!</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-35962566005437288372010-02-16T15:28:00.000-08:002010-02-16T15:50:50.055-08:00Free at Last, Free at Last.....oops!!<span style="color:#663300;">Jodie and I are usually confined to our 2.5 acres when we are at home. There is a wire that runs around the property and it used to be that if we got too close to the wire, we'd get a buzz or a little zap. However, the old zapper got hit by lightning and there hasn't been a buzz for a long time. A few months ago I got down to the end of the fence and around the end to visit with the dog next door, but I got caught in only a few minutes and brought back. Still, old folks didn't put on the collar that bites.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Early this morning, the old guy fed us and put us out. Now, under normal circumstances I'd be back at the door in just a few moments, as I really don't like the cold. However, today there was something going on next d00r and I HAD to go and investigate. A quick stroll to the end of the fence, a turn into the next yard, and I had another 2.5 acres to explore. Jodie wouldn't come, so I had this all to myself. I raced up back to investigate and barked my head off. Whatever had been there was gone, but heck, I had a lot of new territory to sniff. It was quite a long time I had to prowl before I heard the old man calling me. It was early and the old man was actually out of the house and walking up the back yard calling and looking. Jodie, rat that she can be, ran right up to the back corner closest to me and the old man was right behind. CAUGHT!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">You know Coco, he's not as stupid as you think. You established a pattern of coming right back in the cold weather and now you changed the pattern. What was he supposed to think? You may have noticed that I never followed you and do you know why? It's because I know where the boundary is and don't like that heavy collar around my neck. Now the fence is hooked up again and we're back in those heavy collars. That's OK. I STILL know where the boundary is, but you have been getting in the habit of going over the limit by a foot or two. One of these days, and soon, you're going to forget and try to go beyond again. I'll have a chuckle when I hear you yelp. Tomorrow morning you and the old man will go for the paper. You'll grab one paper and cross the fence line even though he tosses your paper well up into the yard. You will forget. You will feel the bite of the collar and you will yelp. I'm laughing already.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">At least I carry in one of the papers and I'm compensated with a treat. You get a treat just for being with me. If I get zapped I may stop carrying the paper and there will be no more morning treats for either of us.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I'm not making fun of you carrying the paper and I sure enjoy the treat. I'm just saying that you'be getting very careless about the fenceline and you are going to get zapped. You'll get zapped, but I'll still get a cookie, I bet.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-18070385339008007542010-02-01T23:47:00.000-08:002010-02-02T00:19:26.124-08:00This is the winter of our discontent<table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PCQuZa6zHDPE96O0xVbC-g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/S2fYb-bxN9I/AAAAAAAACcQ/GLbNiPBMdHg/s400/DSC02154.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/Winter2010?feat=embedwebsite">Winter 2010</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">Yes, Folks, this has become the winter of our discontent. The picture above shows Mom with a background of snow on the roof and the screen. <strong>IT"S COLD</strong> even for the rugged Labrador Retriever. I'm cold and I have an extra layer of fur. Poor Coco has a sparse fur by comparison and therefore she shivers a lot more than I do. Cold, Cold Cold! ugh!!</span></p><p><span style="color:#663333;">Another thing is that the old man has seen fit to keep us from the pool because he claims the water is too cold for us. Does the daft old fellow not realize that we were bred to retrieve ducks from the ice rimmed ponds for hunters. Does he not realize that we are LABRADOR retrievers and our heritage goes back to Labrador and Newfoundland? We had a few warm days and the pool water warmed up enough that "he who plays God" allowed us to use the pool. Cold water or not, using the pool is Divine.</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">I have to admit that it was nice to get back in the pool, Coco, but to be honest it was still a bit cold. About the Labs bred to chase ducks in the freezing water of the north, remember, I'm a California girl, bred to roam the beaches of Malibu and San Diego. Icy water is not my choice, so I think the old man was probably correct in sparing my fine body the ravages of icy cold water. Besides, I'm more of a lady, I WALK down the steps and swim around the pool. You are out of control, running and jumping in the pool to chase a ball. Doing that would get my head wet.</span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">You're missing half the fun of having a pool. Leaping far into the pool makes me come alive!!!! This is especially true when we get to use the pool so seldom now.</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">We sure don't have the access that we used to have. But you have to admit that this wintry weather has had a negative effect on the folks. We don't get to use the pool, but then they seldom feel like going out in the cold to play fetch. Running back and forth really warms me up, but they just stay in one place and toss the ball. They should be running with us, that would warm them up.</span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">The fat old guy running with us?????? Are you serious???? He'd have an attack or something and we'd have to drag him back to the house. Well, we're into February and this cold weather can't last forever. I wish it was over just so the old man would cheer up. He acts like he's never going to see warm weather again and all too soon he'll be complaining about the heat.</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">Yes, he may complain about the heat, but at least we get to use the pool every day and that's a real nice way to cool off. Perhaps we will soon got from our winter of discontent to our spring of renewed optimism.</span></p><p><span style="color:#663333;">There is that possibility. Another thing is that usually, the spring of renewed optimism leads to a trip north to escape the worst heat of summer. I could use a change of scenery.</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">Me, too, Coco . Later!</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span> </p><p><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </p>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-35770218609499361702010-01-07T13:50:00.000-08:002010-01-07T14:16:18.077-08:0019 Degrees, was it really 19 Degrees???<span style="color:#3333ff;">I think that Coco and I set a new record for going out, doing our business, and getting back indoors. I know that I'm a Labrador Retriever and I'm supposed to LOVE the cold. And, yes, I've seen videos of Labs jumping into ice-ringed ponds to retrieve a duck that some jerk shot. WELL, NOT THIS LAB!!!!! If the old man should ever try duck hunting, he'd better be ready to jump in himself. I won't go in freezing water and as a mater of fact, I don't want to be near someone shooting a gun.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">You complain, and you have an undercoat of fine hair that I don't have. Most every day we go out, I'm the first one back, scratching on the door to come in. Sometime later, I hear you"woof" and they let you in. I couldn't help notice that as I was scratching this morning, you were already howling to get in. How in the world do Labs in Newfoundland and Labrador survive? The only way I could survive is to lay beside the stove and pee in the house. Cold, ice, and snow should have no connection to me.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I've got a solution, but I don't know how many times it will work. We always wait for one of the folks to get up, feed us, and let us out. What if we get up a little earlier, and if it's very cold, we'll just have a little "accident" in the living room. I think a spot over in the corner by the front window would be a good spot and it would take longer for them to find it.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I know that you don't think of me as being the smart one of the two of us, but to me, that is totally ridiculous. First of all, when they find out, and they will, who do you think they'll blame? Molly, nope, she has gone. The pups, no, they are also gone. Therefore there's only you and me. Second what can they do? Do you remember that cage that they had for the puppies? Well, I remember it for the first day or two I was here. It's OK with the door open, but I wouldn't want to have to live here with the door latched all the time I'm inside.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">You're right! You're right! You're right! I don't know what I was thinking. Even a Lab as smart as I can have a lapse now and then. I have another idea. Who says we have to run all the way to the back fence to do business? On these cold days I think I'll just run around to the side of the house. That's only 50 feet or so. If I hurry, I can probably run around the corner, go, and get back to the door before it closes.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Well, you do what you have to. I'm going to behave and settle for a lot of petting and scratching when I return. You make it sound so bleak, but when we return, we generally get a spot on Dad's bed. We get our heads scratched and our bellies rubbed, and then we're warm, and cozy. And, we don't have to fetch ducks or grouse or rabbits. We just lay around and eat and sleep. Ahhhh, the mere idea of all this is making me sleepy.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-30360110337541875202009-12-30T12:00:00.000-08:002009-12-30T12:23:12.358-08:00Return to Normal<span style="color:#3333ff;">Well folks, life at the Tempesta residence is returning to normal since Brooks was picked up this afternoon. What this means in a nut shell is a few things. The gates in the doorways have been taken down. We don't have to hide in the computer room or bedroom to escape the little guys. But most of all, it means that ALL the attention given to the pets is given to me and Coco. NO SHARING!!!!</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I can't complain about a lack of attention. You were a little bit gruff at times and when you growl, the folks don't like to get down with you. I'm so laid back that they fall all over me, even when they had all those puppies. Brooks was the only puppy that we really got to play with and he was starting to grow on me, once he stopped trying to nurse. That was the big disadvantage to looking like his mother. </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">OK, I'll admit that it felt good to have him tailing us up to the woods. It reminded me of the times we'd venture up in the woods with his Mom. Of course, bowling him over during play was a big ego booster, if the folks didn't catch us.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Ah, yes, I did get yelled at a few times for treating him too roughly. Hey, if you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch. Isn't that what they say?</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Yes, Coco, that's what they say, but it really doesn't apply here. He was just a little tyke trying to keep up with us. Have you forgotten what it's like to have the energy and enthusiasm of a puppy.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#663300;">All of this is just so much chatter. I'll tell you what's on my mind. Our times in the swimming pool have been few and far between since the puppies arrived. Now that Brooks is gone, I'm waiting for the pool to be open to us a lot more often, and I mean A LOT MORE OFTEN!!! A few hours every day at least.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">We will have to see what happens. I sauntered out to the family room, intending to take a quick nap on Brooks' bed, only to find out that it's already gone. Not everything about getting back to normal is positive. Just like when Freckles was here, when she got a cookie, we got a cookie. And when Brooks got a cookie, we got a cookie. You are going to have to hone your begging skills or we're going to waste away to nothing.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">You called her Freckles, her name is now Molly, did you forget?</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Yes, it was just a slip of the tongue. I know her name is Molly......... Molly. Molly. Molly. I've got it now.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Oops, gotta run, it's suppertime.......suppertime.......suppertime........</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-75847581759363045052009-12-20T07:32:00.001-08:002009-12-20T07:46:14.448-08:00Labrador Psychology 101<span style="color:#3333ff;">Coco and I are cracking up over the events of the last couple of days. The puppies are starting to go to their new homes and the old man has been crowing about the smaller amount of poop that will be produced. with three puppies gone he expected the "puppy output" to diminish by about a third. Hold on while I try to control myself, I'm laughing so much.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Yeah, that was what the old man thought. However, he didn't take the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ingenuity</span> of the lab pups into consideration. They knew that some of the mini pack was being moved to new quarters and figured that maybe it was because they were not "producing" enough. So.......they got together and decided that if they really tried, they could increase "output" by 50 to 60 percent. The result was that the amount of poop that had to be cleaned up this morning was about the same, or a little more, as before.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">And......it's a riot watching the old man trying to scoop up the mess with all the pups clawing at his hands and stepping in the poop. I think it's a good thing that we Labs don't understand those words. A lot of this is working in our favor because I think that they appreciate us older, house broken dogs a lot more. </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">You all should be here to watch the show. I have to surpress my howling with glee as I'm sure it will only drive the old man berserk!</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-49917875427871116762009-12-18T04:52:00.000-08:002009-12-18T05:06:47.144-08:00Life After Freckles<span style="color:#3333ff;">Hello from Jodie. Things are starting to get back to normal now that Freckles has moved to her new home. I think Freckles is going to be fine. The people who took her away were VERY friendly to me and Coco and you just know that people like that are fine. Of course, Coco and I are not shy about greeting guests, but some take it better than others.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">Yup, everyone knows I'm a licker. It's something I've always done and I probably always will. Some people don't like it but Frank and Olive didn't mind a bit and I really like that in people. We had a good thing going with Freckles. She was an excellent pack member and she was fun to be with. Another good thing is that she had a deep, loud bark and when she wanted a cookie, she let the folks know. They were very free with the cookies while she was here, trying to fatten her up a bit. Well, when she got a cookie, we got a cookie. Nice, huh?</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I have to admit that I may have added a few ounces while Freckles was here. I did notice that her dish always held more food than mine and Coco's, but that was because she was eating for nine, at least at first. I also noticed that the cookie train has slowed down quit a bit since Freckles left, but I'll not complain. Coco and I both hope to see Freckles again one day.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">That, sounds good to me. We still have the puppies and all that goes with them. Most of the time we're separated so we don't get a good chance to play. When we do, they are a bit uncoordinated so we can't run too much. With all the canine bodies around here, the folks have been pretty good about giving us our normal share of attention. Horning in from time to time to make sure works too.</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">That's all for now from four legged duo at this address.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-61080985698737912862009-12-16T08:55:00.000-08:002009-12-16T09:06:32.030-08:00I Guess this is Good bye!!!Today is my last day with my foster folks, Helen and Paul. It is with mixed emotions that I say good bye to my eight beautiful pups, my great friends, Jodie and Coco, and the folks that made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">this</span> all possible.<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZNdbmTy97-N8UwKNVMsSMg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SykQwwrrwoI/AAAAAAAACNU/9atFe25E56o/s400/DSC02061.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I will miss Helen and her attention and how she showed me how to play ball. We had some good times together and I'm sad.<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bQAqt9Rvv1Izi5baR0HyZw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SykQyZH6zpI/AAAAAAAACNg/YVW2-vn7JF8/s400/DSC01771.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />So, in a little while I'll be going home with Olive and Frank. I met them a couple of weeks ago and they seem like really nice people. I won't have Jodie and Coco, but I'll be getting ALL the attention there, with no other dogs or puppies to share in the affection.<br /><br />The last few months have been very rough on me, but the last few weeks have been grand and I look forward to this new chapter in my life. I will do my best to make Olive and Frank very proud of me.<br /><br />Bye to all,<br /><br />FrecklesPaul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-43325916745204207292009-12-11T09:34:00.000-08:002009-12-11T09:37:24.728-08:00WOW!!! What a day!What a day I had yesterday!!!! I heard Paul and Helen talking about taking me somewhere to have me tutored. Oh! Great! I thought. A young lady like me could use a little self improvement. Perhaps I was heading for obedience training, though they would be the first to admit that I’m a VERY obedient girl. Training to be a hunting dog??? I didn’t know.<br /><br />So Paul got me in the car and we headed out, only to head up at the place that pokes and probes and gives me needles. What’s up, Doc? Perhaps I should say “What’s up, Vet?” Anyway, it wasn’t too bad at first as I met Diesel, a very handsome Boxer. Then, some lady came out and took my leash from Paul and led me out back.<br /><br />More needles and soon my head was spinning. Then I slept, and slept, and slept. When I awoke sometime later I had the WORST hangover. Ugh. As time went on I gradually woke up more and more, but was still a bit “drunk” when Paul picked me up later in the day. I think I was glad to see him, but I’m not sure I showed it because I was still somewhat groggy. He took me home and I was glad to be there, but I was STILL not myself. I was afraid to lie down because I thought I’d never get back up, so I very slowly paced back and forth. That was quite a feat when you consider that I was walking like a drunken sailor. They offered me food and drink, but I couldn’t take anything. Finally, I did go to my bed and slept like a rock. I awoke my old self, famished and thirsty. Helen gave me food and drink and now I’m feeling quite good. I have a pinch in my tummy from time to time, but not too bad.<br /><br /><br />Helen and Paul were talking about my puppies and mentioned that when they get to their forever home they would also have to be tutored. At least that’s what I thought they said. At any rate, I’m having another great day at the Tempesta household with my puppies and my two BFF (Best Friends Forever), Jodie and Coco. More later.<br /><br />Freckles.Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-6351563047196279352009-11-29T12:00:00.000-08:002009-11-29T22:29:52.331-08:00It's Freckles again!Hello again, up until today I've been having a SUPER time, I mean absolutely great! Paul and Helen have treated me so well and my puppies are growing by leaps and bounds. We even play together now that they are so active. Even Jodie is taken with my puppies.<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lzpNj7_4EWV0OFigncmHDQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SxLRlQz1x7I/AAAAAAAACAA/d9ZJdX-Pwpg/s400/DSC01740.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FreckSBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite">Freck's Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c1auzMdY3ElzOd1Ybm6Gbw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SxLRnK-OWcI/AAAAAAAACAQ/S0NK0Ua2Yok/s400/DSC01771.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FreckSBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite">Freck's Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />The puppies have their periods of hyper-activity quickly followed by periods of deep sleep. They find that a toy or two is very comforting.<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Vfgr0K4UPsHpWz0ncCaxnw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SxLRlyzFNFI/AAAAAAAACAE/OsOB2WDn-SY/s400/DSC01776.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FreckSBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite">Freck's Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Lg0nujLnBAoIn2yq24xgwA?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SxLRmuKSUkI/AAAAAAAACAM/enoK8WPifLc/s400/DSC01781.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FreckSBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite">Freck's Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I was saying, things were going great. I spent over an hour running around the pool with Jodie and Coco, although I didn't actually get in the pool, except once a little by accident. Then, Helen took me outside to play ball. This is new to me and at first I had no idea what she had in mind. I have watched Jodie and Coco play fetch, but I didn't think I could do it. Well, with Helen's coaching I soon caught on and now I fetch like a pro. As long as I don't have to compete with the others for the ball. They are much too zealous about running after and getting the ball.<br /><br />Then, the roof fell in on me! Helen decided to waterboard me! I thought we were getting along just great when she subjected me to something she call a BATH! Ugh. How Nasty!<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sWBmx1eCCjrgWKqQomsCfw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SxLRk3usREI/AAAAAAAAB_8/uD3HsFjOaXA/s400/DSC01837.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FreckSBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2w0Nm1hqX0Iw&feat=embedwebsite">Freck's Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />You can see from this picture that Paul picked me up and placed me in the tub. Then Helen poured water and stuff over me. I didn't like that at all! Finally the torture was over and they rubbed me all over with towels and that wasn't so bad. I wouldn't want them to know, but it was actually pretty nice!<br /><br />If I can get the computer away from Helen and Paul, I may be able to write again.Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-56007312608051558992009-11-25T13:52:00.000-08:002009-11-25T14:14:01.171-08:00Hi! I'm FrecklesHello folks, this is Freckles hijacking Jodie and Coco's web log. If you don't know me, here's a picture.<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1JAAEfyQ9P7OtOAgfv23DQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/Sw2m5jgD9iI/AAAAAAAAB70/e1glYluQA7w/s288/DSC01626.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />As you can see, I'm a chocolate Lab much like Coco. In fact, we're often mistaken for each other around the house. I've gotta tell y'all that I am having the best time here!!! I've put on some weight and my puppies are all doing well.<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9QEDGOcN9EtDs-ujH01XTg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/Sw2m907A7RI/AAAAAAAAB8A/8YbOvSnzj_E/s288/DSC01701.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2gfPEhRyMNMv2yKq4mIQmw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/Sw2m36gheGI/AAAAAAAAB7w/j09IKc5l5C4/s288/DSC01639.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3AM7cQ6UZde_AUwLVLKJtw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/Sw2m7FMjgqI/AAAAAAAAB74/9xOdACfAHew/s288/DSC01651.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UdoVxnah2EliIDfHzNXg1w?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/Sw2m8VxRKpI/AAAAAAAAB78/7Ej-XIBsg4Y/s288/DSC01721.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog2?authkey=Gv1sRgCLetwbrHjP-j1AE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I know what you're thinking.......you've never seen such beautiful puppies. You are right! They have been excellent puppies, though we're starting to grow apart. You see, they are getting teeth, very sharp teeth and I am getting sore, very sore. Fortunately, Helen has them almost on all solid or semi-solid food and it saves a lot of wear and tear on the Mama.<br /><br />I'm having a heck of a time. Just within the last day or so I have been admitted to "the pack". When Jodie and Coco are let out to do their business I'm allowed to go along without the leash. Oh, how we race up the back yard! Last night I actually scared up a rabbit. At least that's what Paul said. I've never seen a rabbit so I didn't know what it was for sure. I have so much room to roam in that it's unreal. The puppies are in a corral, but I can go in or out as I please, so I can have some quality time away from the pups.<br /><br />I know that this is bad, but I've also been introduced to the BIG BED. Coco and Jodie have been getting up there all the time I've been here, but last night I was allowed up there and it's pretty nice. It gets a bit crowded with Coco, Jodie, Paul, Helen, AND me, but it's so nice to part of the family.<br /><br />So for all of you who may have heard of me, I'm having the greatest time!!!!!<br /><br />Perhaps I'll get a chance to hijack the blog again.<br /><br />FrecklesPaul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-53290612173076992892009-11-18T06:37:00.000-08:002009-11-18T07:14:08.947-08:00Lots of News<span style="color:#663333;"></span><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Howdy y'all!! Coco and I have a lot to tell you because a lot has happened since our last message. But first, we've agreed to get something off our chests. We don't really type the blogs you read. Coco and I gave it our best shot, but with paws that are more like swim paddles, it was impossible for us to use a typewriter or word processor.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Yeah, and we can't write either as we can't hold a pen.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">True, true! Coco even tried to use her snout, but that's too big to type with and the keys got oh so sticky, ugh!</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">So we've been using a middleman who takes our dictation and types for us. It's not the perfect solution, but it sort of works, except he's been so busy lately that he has been hard to corral.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">OK, the really big news is that we have a new family living with us. A day or two after vacation the folks disappeared for a few hours and returned with our NBF (New Best Friend) Freckles and a whole slew of puppies. Puppies are sort of like little dogs, but they don't play, they just eat, sleep, and do nasty in the house. Phew!</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">Freckles is the Momma and she and I hit it off right from the start. Jodie is a bit stuffy and she growls a bit, but you already know what a bitch SHE can be. </span><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OGTJ83gungHsRmPlPwF4VA?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SwQGVoearxI/AAAAAAAAB6M/193sVet0NkE/s400/DSC01627.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color:#663333;"></span></p><p></p><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3LWfBOsHYj_6luARbfuC4Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/Sv794yBHyxI/AAAAAAAAB5o/mKeBaBKkbdk/s400/DSC01674.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x_rwYgBPfjAvisZrsMI_Bw?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/Sv796ppbPlI/AAAAAAAAB5s/gYM8pA_hpFw/s400/DSC01676.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color:#663333;">You will notice that Freckles and five of her puppies are Chocolate, just like me. There are three other puppies that are Black, like.........well I suppose like their Dad. Note that there are no Yellow puppies, as in Yellow Lab, like Jodie. This makes Jodie the odd one in the house and perhaps that's why she is in a mood.</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">Nonsense!!! I'm not in a mood, but have you noticed how much attention they get. A couples of high pitched squeals and the folks go running. I NEVER got that much attention, even when I had the place to myself. AND, I don't think that they are that cute. They've been here almost two weeks and it's only the last couple of days that they can move very well. And what was all that attention yesterday with the people from the paper. The big oaf with all the cameras must have taken 200 pictures of the little crawlers.</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></p><p></p><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JiU6cUDjmHDioitcmvYSSg?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/Sv7934zLpGI/AAAAAAAAB5k/fECfJIxpQC8/s400/DSC01667.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VI4gKFQIjXSI4RYH2ciEAw?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SwQGWXf5T4I/AAAAAAAAB6U/OCXDFqH00wY/s400/DSC01692.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color:#663300;">Well, I'm enjoying the little critters, and Freckles is a dear! You haven't noticed that we get all the meals and cookies that we used to get AND.....we also get a cookie when Freckles gets a cookie. Plus, the little critters are starting to take to Auntie Coco.</span></p><p></p><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wnDigtaeqsk356YSAwSTKA?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SwQGX1ldxVI/AAAAAAAAB6g/Foew7mfz1kg/s400/DSC01714.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, I admit that it's a lot more interesting around here with the new canines on the block. And I do worry about Freckles as she looks so beat from time to time.</span><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rbZ4jXBhPo9eYvOuz45LGw?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SwQGWEXmbII/AAAAAAAAB6Q/x9viZIfwb5Q/s400/DSC01633.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 11px">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/FrecklesBlog?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGyrsGikuLJqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Freckles Blog</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">AND, I have to admit that I wouldn't want all those little ones chewing on ME all day. I don't know how that girl does it.</span></p><p><span style="color:#663333;">Well, she's a CHOCOLATE Lab, and everyone knows that chocolate labs are special.</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">I think you're spreading it on kind of thick so I'm going to sign off for a while. Later folks!</span></p><p><span style="color:#663333;">Yeah, Later1</span></p>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670541501727738857.post-64408846235001052522009-10-25T12:06:00.000-07:002009-10-25T12:29:58.639-07:00Swimming in Key West!!!!<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Coco and I spent a wonderful time swimming at Dog Beach in Key West, Florida.<br /></span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FBSlW_jmiQtZLXleCdpoeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SuShMp3tMAI/AAAAAAAABr4/et4gE_kxzyM/s400/DSC01309.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/DogsInKeyWest?feat=embedwebsite">Dogs in Key West</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">There were a number of dogs there and a lot of fine people as well. The water was very warm and as such was so much different than that of Labrador or Newfoundland where we also went swimming.<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5n5Tqy1a5KEf3ZZn_CeUIw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SuShNhV6tXI/AAAAAAAABr8/6r6HZU4WK1M/s400/DSC01322.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/DogsInKeyWest?feat=embedwebsite">Dogs in Key West</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qJOO724uJsd0eOs7X-bWxw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SuShKqgF25I/AAAAAAAABro/9rEcuBu0NBc/s400/DSC01282.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/DogsInKeyWest?feat=embedwebsite">Dogs in Key West</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZKX4NIXgWcEpDltAG9yRYg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SuShIz02O7I/AAAAAAAABrg/Z3TfhN6skpg/s400/DSC01267.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/DogsInKeyWest?feat=embedwebsite">Dogs in Key West</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Jodie and I dashed in the water like a couple of otters. Most of the dogs were in and out of the water, but we were the only real water sprites. Now we've swum all around the country, from Maine to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Sea of Cortez, the Pacific from San Diego to Washington state, and Labrador, and all the Maritimes of Canada</span>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Those of you who know Coco know what a prima donna she can be, sometimes a real pest!</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Well, in Key West there are some topless beaches and Coco insisted on going topless (sans collar).</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Eventually</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Dad took off her collar so she could dazzle the crowd. She was in and out of the water, shaking her head to show everyone that she had no collar on, what a hussy!</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MIy0gAJM67IZ31ZB9jcnfg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wAGbVcP4S-o/SuShMclb-LI/AAAAAAAABr0/a7aZv1lE3eo/s400/DSC01303.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/JodieCoco/DogsInKeyWest?feat=embedwebsite">Dogs in Key West</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Oh what a feeling!!!! To be running and swimming freely without the confines of a collar. I think I'm going to try to find a string collar for those times when you have to wear a collar, but it can be revealing.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The thing is that we had such a grand time and we'll be in the Keys another week, so I'm sure we'll get another chance. I don't know, if it's not too crowded and the weather is just right,I just might, MIGHT try swimming without my collar.</span>Paul and Helen's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181439329146823266noreply@blogger.com0