Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Tracking
It's fun to look at different tracks in the snow to see who made them:
I'd hate to see the dog that made this track, yikes!
My feet
Our neighborhood rabbit!
Corgi feet!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Winter
I saw a small flock of birds on the weekend, taking roost in leafless branches. Today I saw a small flock of geese fly over the house and head in the opposite direction.
Spring is on its way, but until then, here's some of what winter left this year.
Spring is on its way, but until then, here's some of what winter left this year.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
After we left the Kassel, we headed to the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Rothenburg ob der Tauber means "Red fortress above the Tauber" river.
While in Rothenburg, we visited St. Jakob's Church. This Church has two altars, one on the main floor and a 2nd one on the upper floor. The altar on the second floor is a wood carving by Tilman Riemenschneider. The wood is quite thin and so very detailed, it is awe inspiring.
We were fortunate enough to visit the Bakerei Striffler where we made pretzels.
Later that day, we donned our Medieval dress in the basement of an armor shop. The basement dates back to the 1300s.
That evening, I and the rest of the tour went on the Nightwatchman tour. Mike, unfortunately, stayed at the hotel as his leg was bothering him.
My regret in Rothenburg was that we didn't have enough time to walk around the town. There is the town wall with a walkway built into it that enables you to walk around parts of the city. I would have loved to have done that.
Oh well, next time.
Next on the tour - The Steiff Bear Museum.
While in Rothenburg, we visited St. Jakob's Church. This Church has two altars, one on the main floor and a 2nd one on the upper floor. The altar on the second floor is a wood carving by Tilman Riemenschneider. The wood is quite thin and so very detailed, it is awe inspiring.
We were fortunate enough to visit the Bakerei Striffler where we made pretzels.
Later that day, we donned our Medieval dress in the basement of an armor shop. The basement dates back to the 1300s.
That evening, I and the rest of the tour went on the Nightwatchman tour. Mike, unfortunately, stayed at the hotel as his leg was bothering him.
My regret in Rothenburg was that we didn't have enough time to walk around the town. There is the town wall with a walkway built into it that enables you to walk around parts of the city. I would have loved to have done that.
Oh well, next time.
Next on the tour - The Steiff Bear Museum.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Snow run
Gimli's recall is slowly and I mean sllloooowwwwwllly getting better.
Here he comes one evening after he decided not to bark at the crazy dogs behind the fence.
Here he comes one evening after he decided not to bark at the crazy dogs behind the fence.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Saturday Smiler: Winning Smile
About a month ago, Petzlife, sent an e-mail looking for submissions for their Best Smile contest. As February is Pet Dental month, they were looking to capitalize on spreading that information and showcasing a great smile for their ad.
On a whim, I entered Gimli.
Looking back at the submissions, there were some amazing entries!
A couple weeks ago, the finalist listing was released and Gimli made the cut! I had an inkling he would make at least the finalists because, I mean, with his smile, come on! I spread the word out as best I could - Twitter, Facebook and so on, but I really did not think we'd get as many votes as we did.
Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call on Friday afternoon telling me that Gimli had won the contest! As part of his winnings, he will be in the Petzlife ad that's run in Cesar's Way magazine as well as a care package with some of Petzlife products.
We are huge fans of their gel toothpaste so it will be neat to try out some of the other items too!
On a whim, I entered Gimli.
Looking back at the submissions, there were some amazing entries!
A couple weeks ago, the finalist listing was released and Gimli made the cut! I had an inkling he would make at least the finalists because, I mean, with his smile, come on! I spread the word out as best I could - Twitter, Facebook and so on, but I really did not think we'd get as many votes as we did.
Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call on Friday afternoon telling me that Gimli had won the contest! As part of his winnings, he will be in the Petzlife ad that's run in Cesar's Way magazine as well as a care package with some of Petzlife products.
We are huge fans of their gel toothpaste so it will be neat to try out some of the other items too!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Grumpy face, happy face
Corgis are very good at facial expressions. They smile, can make evil faces and then will make a sort of hollowed out face when you're eating and you haven't yet shared your food with them.
Here's Gimli after I scolded him and put him into a down position. This is the same face he makes when he spews a mouthful of corgi swear words.
A few minutes later, I asked Mike about lunch and then Gimli made this face.
He's a clown, this one.
Here's Gimli after I scolded him and put him into a down position. This is the same face he makes when he spews a mouthful of corgi swear words.
A few minutes later, I asked Mike about lunch and then Gimli made this face.
He's a clown, this one.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
A Feast for Corgis
I've been reading the Game of Thrones series of books. I'm on book 4 - A Feast for Crows.
I was delighted to hear about the 6 direwolves that are found at the beginning of book 1, but am a little disappointed that they don't figure as prominently in the subsequent books. Hopefully I am wrong.
The other day while walking Gimli, my imagination got the better of me as I took this picture.
Here I am with my... um... dire-corgi in the snow. He looks just the right size in the shadow, doesn't he?
I was delighted to hear about the 6 direwolves that are found at the beginning of book 1, but am a little disappointed that they don't figure as prominently in the subsequent books. Hopefully I am wrong.
The other day while walking Gimli, my imagination got the better of me as I took this picture.
Here I am with my... um... dire-corgi in the snow. He looks just the right size in the shadow, doesn't he?
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Gimli's new friend
All through this winter season, I've been taking Gimli to the park across the street from our house instead of doing our usual full walks. The homeowners in our neighborhood don't regularly clear away the sidewalks and so it's quite treacherous for someone as clumsy as I. I use our 30 ft leash and Gimli and I have a grand old time running and pouncing in the snow. He comes home as tired as if we had gone on one of our walks and it gives me a chance to work on his recall, score!
Backing onto the park are a row of homes and in one particular house, there lives a Golden Retriever. I suspect this is the same dog that Gimli met last Summer when it was a puppy and the owner was doing leash work up and down the side walk.
Well, Gimli and this doggie are now fence friends. Every time we go to the park, we must go to the fence to see the Golden. It's gotten to the point where we stopped by the fence one evening and the dog was inside. He saw us and made some noise because his owner let him out and he scampered to the fence to say hello.
On another occasion, we were walking and I didn't notice the Golden was at the fence, but he saw us! He barked a couple times, Gimli heard him and off we went to say hello.
Hopefully, we can meet up when the weather improves and these doggies can finally meet on the same side of the fence!
Backing onto the park are a row of homes and in one particular house, there lives a Golden Retriever. I suspect this is the same dog that Gimli met last Summer when it was a puppy and the owner was doing leash work up and down the side walk.
Well, Gimli and this doggie are now fence friends. Every time we go to the park, we must go to the fence to see the Golden. It's gotten to the point where we stopped by the fence one evening and the dog was inside. He saw us and made some noise because his owner let him out and he scampered to the fence to say hello.
On another occasion, we were walking and I didn't notice the Golden was at the fence, but he saw us! He barked a couple times, Gimli heard him and off we went to say hello.
Hopefully, we can meet up when the weather improves and these doggies can finally meet on the same side of the fence!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Clumsiness at the Deli
Remember that time you went to Germany and ate copious amounts of delicious deli meat and sausages so when you saw the sign for a European deli, you decided you'd go hoping for more goodies, but then you never found the time to go and months passed until this past weekend when you went with the intention to purchase some German items, when you walked through the door only to find out the entire store sells what looks like mainly Polish items, so you go to the deli counter to see the items but the prices are mislabeled so it looks like $9 a pound, which is far too much for deli meat but at this point you've been standing there for 10 minutes and listening to only Polish being spoken around you and so you decide that you must buy something so you purchase half a pound of Prosciutto and then leave convinced the other customers think you're a weirdo.
Yup, that's me, eternally awkward.
Yup, that's me, eternally awkward.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
hrmph
Normally I think writing blog posts are fun, but not today.
Therefore, no large posts like what I'm actually supposed to write and I'm going to go do something that I think is fun.
If you're in a funk like I am, then I suggest you go do the same.
Therefore, no large posts like what I'm actually supposed to write and I'm going to go do something that I think is fun.
If you're in a funk like I am, then I suggest you go do the same.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Snowy Weekend
Yesterday's Saturday Smiler was canceled on account of snow. Two large storm systems merged over New England to give them a whopping amount of snow. But, before the storms merged, we were hit with a storm that left about a foot and a half of snow for us.
On Friday, when the storm hit us, we had to shovel the driveway three times before it was completely cleared away. Then, the snow plow came by and deposited the snow from the road onto the driveway. Luckily our neighbor came by and cleared it away.
While we were outside clearing away the snow, I took Gimli for a short walk out to the nearby park. On the way, he pooped so I decided we'd go through the park to the garbage bin. Well, that wasn't the best idea. The snow was up to my knees and I trudged all the way to the bin. Then, languished on the way back home. Gimli led the way and I could only plod along because of the deep snow. Needless to say, Friday night my poor thighs were quite achy.
Ordinarily, Gimli adores the snow. However on Friday evening, he went into the backyard and misjudged a snow drift. He meant to climb on it, but it was the soft, fluffy type of snow, so he sank all the way to the ground. It scared him so much that he jumped up and ran to the sliding door to be let back in! He's back to normal now, but I've never seen him that scared.
On Saturday, Gimli and I went to the backyard as I cleared away a path for him to get around the tall drift in the center of the yard. He didn't last too long, it was too cold and windy.
Finally, today Gimli and I were able to get outside to play. I wanted to make a snow creature, but alas, the snow was still too fluffy and not sticky so no snow creature at this time.
Gimli enjoyed himself romping around outside this afternoon. We forgot to take out a toy, so I asked him to find the Kong Wubba. It was covered by a few inches of snow and I doubted he'd be able to find it. However, he went right to where he remembered and started pushing his face into the snow to try to find it. He did and started digging... but it was frozen to the ground. I pulled and strained and finally it came up. We played fetch for a bit, until the snow became too much for him.
I do like the snow, especially when I get to play with Gimli and romp around. Unfortunately, it's supposed to warm up tomorrow so this batch of snow will be gone soon enough.
On Friday, when the storm hit us, we had to shovel the driveway three times before it was completely cleared away. Then, the snow plow came by and deposited the snow from the road onto the driveway. Luckily our neighbor came by and cleared it away.
While we were outside clearing away the snow, I took Gimli for a short walk out to the nearby park. On the way, he pooped so I decided we'd go through the park to the garbage bin. Well, that wasn't the best idea. The snow was up to my knees and I trudged all the way to the bin. Then, languished on the way back home. Gimli led the way and I could only plod along because of the deep snow. Needless to say, Friday night my poor thighs were quite achy.
Ordinarily, Gimli adores the snow. However on Friday evening, he went into the backyard and misjudged a snow drift. He meant to climb on it, but it was the soft, fluffy type of snow, so he sank all the way to the ground. It scared him so much that he jumped up and ran to the sliding door to be let back in! He's back to normal now, but I've never seen him that scared.
On Saturday, Gimli and I went to the backyard as I cleared away a path for him to get around the tall drift in the center of the yard. He didn't last too long, it was too cold and windy.
Finally, today Gimli and I were able to get outside to play. I wanted to make a snow creature, but alas, the snow was still too fluffy and not sticky so no snow creature at this time.
Gimli enjoyed himself romping around outside this afternoon. We forgot to take out a toy, so I asked him to find the Kong Wubba. It was covered by a few inches of snow and I doubted he'd be able to find it. However, he went right to where he remembered and started pushing his face into the snow to try to find it. He did and started digging... but it was frozen to the ground. I pulled and strained and finally it came up. We played fetch for a bit, until the snow became too much for him.
I think this is where I left the Wubba...
Come help me Candy!
I do like the snow, especially when I get to play with Gimli and romp around. Unfortunately, it's supposed to warm up tomorrow so this batch of snow will be gone soon enough.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
One of those days where I should have stayed in bed
Ever have one of those days?
Today was my day.
It started just as I was eating breakfast. I had my legs up on the recliner and I stretched, because why wouldn't you stretch to get comfy, and all of a sudden I feel this pop in my back. Right under my shoulder muscle in the back. It was so painful I wiggled my toes, legs, arms and fingers just to make sure I wasn't paralyzed. I somehow managed to get off the chair, but it still hurt. I was unsure if I'd be able to last the day but the Icy/Hot cream helped. In the afternoon I had to take some Advil just to be able to round out the last couple hours of the day.
At work, all sorts of things went wrong. Theories I had, didn't pan out and it was just a crummy work day.
This evening making dinner, it took much longer than usual. I made ground turkey and pasta, a dish I can make from memory and have made countless times. The meat didn't behave like it should, the sauce ended up runny and I ran out of spices.
I couldn't work out as much as I wanted on account of my back. It's hard to come up from up from the floor with this knot in my back. I could only do the machine portion.
Here's hoping tomorrow goes a bit better.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Things to do for 2013 - January update
1. Complete the first two levels of Rosetta Stone - German - I started this last year in anticipation of our trip to Germany. I didn't learn as much as I wanted by the time we left for Germany and I feel disappointed in myself. I do want to finish all of the classes and this is something I want to accomplish this year. I have since found online resources to help me with the grammar, which will make it easier for me. I've always struggled with the grammar portion and hopefully the resources will help.
2. Read 20 books - Last year, I read 9 books, so I was 1 short of my goal. This year I've upped it to 20.
- Completed 2 books:
- The Hobbit - (re-read this one)
- A Storm of Swords - book 3 in the Game of Thrones series
3. Spend less time on the computer in my non-working hours - I'd rather fall asleep with a book in my hand than be sleepy sitting at the computer and unable/unwilling to leave it. I find I'm always tired and hopefully this will help.
4. Maintain the blog with regular posts - I've come up with a tentative schedule for postings. I do find that every time we return from vacation, the posts slack off and it's a struggle for me to come back. That's something I need to work on.
5. Brush Gimli's teeth 5 times a week - If I can get a schedule, then it will be easier to maintain.
6. Continue to photograph Gimli and all of his antics.
7. Lose 20 lbs. - Last year, I struggled with this and am struggling with it again as the year begins. I was doing well, then I stopped exercising and all the progress I did was lost.
- Started exercising again, lost about 1/2 an inch.
8. Finish painting our house - We have 2 bathrooms to complete and 3 bedrooms to paint this year.
- 2nd bathroom painting completed.
9. Frame and put up our pictures.
10. Go to The Arboretum at least once a month - weather permitting.
11. Discover local restaurants/bistros etc in my city or in the surrounding areas.
12. Make a snow animal of some kind. - Weather permitting. We had so little snow last year that I couldn't scrape together enough to make one. This year, the sticking snow arrived and then promptly disappeared. I am hopeful, but we'll see if Mother Nature cooperates.
13. Take more pictures of Mike and me.
14. Return to the Church. Something is missing in my life and that might be it.
15. Enjoy our backyard.
16. Surprise someone.
17. Make a pie.
18. Corgi #2 - As mentioned, the last pregnancy was not viable, so we are back to waiting. We are still on the list, so we are hopeful.
19. Put in more flowers/shrubs etc in the yard - The ones we put in last year are doing well and now I want to put in more.
20. Zombie walk.
21. Photography course.
22. Move off of "Medium" on the drums in Rock Band and to "Hard".
23. Start cooking more Trinidad type food.
24. Work on Gimli's recall at the Dog Park.
25. Take Gimli to the play class at Bold Canine.
26. Continue work on Gimli's possessiveness.
27. Complete the Minas Tirith 3D puzzle - Started the puzzle.
28. Go to Woofstock.
29. Scan in our baby pictures.
30. Start putting together our Disney album.
31. Go to Trinidad.
- Went on my own a couple weeks ago, saw my aging Grandparents. Don't know when next I'll be back.
32.... More to come as the year goes on.
2. Read 20 books - Last year, I read 9 books, so I was 1 short of my goal. This year I've upped it to 20.
- Completed 2 books:
- The Hobbit - (re-read this one)
- A Storm of Swords - book 3 in the Game of Thrones series
3. Spend less time on the computer in my non-working hours - I'd rather fall asleep with a book in my hand than be sleepy sitting at the computer and unable/unwilling to leave it. I find I'm always tired and hopefully this will help.
4. Maintain the blog with regular posts - I've come up with a tentative schedule for postings. I do find that every time we return from vacation, the posts slack off and it's a struggle for me to come back. That's something I need to work on.
5. Brush Gimli's teeth 5 times a week - If I can get a schedule, then it will be easier to maintain.
6. Continue to photograph Gimli and all of his antics.
7. Lose 20 lbs. - Last year, I struggled with this and am struggling with it again as the year begins. I was doing well, then I stopped exercising and all the progress I did was lost.
- Started exercising again, lost about 1/2 an inch.
8. Finish painting our house - We have 2 bathrooms to complete and 3 bedrooms to paint this year.
- 2nd bathroom painting completed.
9. Frame and put up our pictures.
10. Go to The Arboretum at least once a month - weather permitting.
11. Discover local restaurants/bistros etc in my city or in the surrounding areas.
12. Make a snow animal of some kind. - Weather permitting. We had so little snow last year that I couldn't scrape together enough to make one. This year, the sticking snow arrived and then promptly disappeared. I am hopeful, but we'll see if Mother Nature cooperates.
13. Take more pictures of Mike and me.
14. Return to the Church. Something is missing in my life and that might be it.
15. Enjoy our backyard.
16. Surprise someone.
17. Make a pie.
18. Corgi #2 - As mentioned, the last pregnancy was not viable, so we are back to waiting. We are still on the list, so we are hopeful.
19. Put in more flowers/shrubs etc in the yard - The ones we put in last year are doing well and now I want to put in more.
20. Zombie walk.
21. Photography course.
22. Move off of "Medium" on the drums in Rock Band and to "Hard".
23. Start cooking more Trinidad type food.
24. Work on Gimli's recall at the Dog Park.
25. Take Gimli to the play class at Bold Canine.
26. Continue work on Gimli's possessiveness.
27. Complete the Minas Tirith 3D puzzle - Started the puzzle.
28. Go to Woofstock.
29. Scan in our baby pictures.
30. Start putting together our Disney album.
31. Go to Trinidad.
- Went on my own a couple weeks ago, saw my aging Grandparents. Don't know when next I'll be back.
32.... More to come as the year goes on.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
End of the month
Will someone please explain to me how it's the end of January already? I feel like the other day it was New Years Eve!
A great deal has happened this month:
A great deal has happened this month:
- My struggle with weight has begun anew. Though this is the third time, so I'm hoping it will be the last time I have to fight with it. Once I get to where I want to be, it will be a question of maintenance.
- I'm the sole breadwinner again as Mike was laid off. Sucks, but we keep moving forward.
- We're on puppy watch again. Gimli's breeder is going to mate her female dog. Hopefully the mating is successful and we'll have a puppy in the house this year.
- I went on a vacation that wasn't really a vacation, because I had to deal with family stuff - ie coming to terms with my sick Grandmother and the realization that this was the last time I'll see her.
- I returned home last Saturday and have been in a crummy mood since then. Am slowly getting better. I kind of feel like it's the lite version of the stages of grief. I think I've resigned myself to it. We all know our grandparents will die, but there's always that feeling that it's not going to happen for a long time. This time, I think it's different.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Sigh
It's Thursday and I'm pretty sure Gimli's in this pose. His favorite person isn't there to sneak him bits of what she's eating or randomly pounce for a bout of kisses and cuddles.
Mike's there, but he's not the same.
What he doesn't know is that I'll be back home on Saturday :)
Mike's there, but he's not the same.
What he doesn't know is that I'll be back home on Saturday :)
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Kassel - Hercules Monument & Lowenburg
After we left Schloss Waldeck, we headed to the city of Kassel, located in the Hesse region of Germany.
While there, we first visited the Herkules monument. It is a copper statue built between 1701 and 1717 in recognition of the Greek demigod Hercules. The monument resides in a large park, the Wilhelmshöhe Bergpark. Hercules sits atop a pyramid and then an octagon structure. At the base of the structure begins the large water feature.
When we visited, the water feature was turned off because of ongoing construction of the structure. However, I have found Youtube video of the water running and I'm sure it's amazing to see in real life.
Most of the tour was dropped off at the top of the monument and we made our way down. Mike and a few of our companions opted to remain in the bus to meet up with us later. This was a good idea on Mike's part because I didn't see a ramp for him to use.
We did, however, manage to snag this picture. Far off in the background is the museum.
Here's a picture at the base of the monument.
At the base of the monument we walked a bit further through a small wood, which really made me feel like a character in one of Grimm's fairy tales, to Schloss Lowenburg.
See what I mean?
Schloss Lowenburg was constructed by Wilhelm IX between 1793 and 1800. He constructed this castle to look like it had sustained battles and fighting, even though it never did. He wanted it to look like other castles throughout Germany, but without the nasty business of catapults and battering rams. On the outside it looks like a castle, but on the inside, it is decorated with fine Baroque details fitting with the custom of the time.
The castle keep and dungeon was partially destroyed during WWII fly overs. Over the years since then, portions of the structure have been rebuilt, but the keep remains in ruin.
We were given a tour of the rooms, which now hold armor from the time as well as furnishings and decorations from the era. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures to prevent against theft. Apparently some scoundrels took pictures of items, then delivered them to thieves who broke in and stole said item.
The nerd in me wants to mention that while walking the grounds, I was struck at how much this castle reminded me of the fictional castle of Ostagar from the Dragon Age: Origins video game.
Next up on our tour - the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
While there, we first visited the Herkules monument. It is a copper statue built between 1701 and 1717 in recognition of the Greek demigod Hercules. The monument resides in a large park, the Wilhelmshöhe Bergpark. Hercules sits atop a pyramid and then an octagon structure. At the base of the structure begins the large water feature.
It's a family site ya know!
When we visited, the water feature was turned off because of ongoing construction of the structure. However, I have found Youtube video of the water running and I'm sure it's amazing to see in real life.
Credit to CHWHF for this video
Most of the tour was dropped off at the top of the monument and we made our way down. Mike and a few of our companions opted to remain in the bus to meet up with us later. This was a good idea on Mike's part because I didn't see a ramp for him to use.
We did, however, manage to snag this picture. Far off in the background is the museum.
Here's a picture at the base of the monument.
At the base of the monument we walked a bit further through a small wood, which really made me feel like a character in one of Grimm's fairy tales, to Schloss Lowenburg.
Schloss Lowenburg was constructed by Wilhelm IX between 1793 and 1800. He constructed this castle to look like it had sustained battles and fighting, even though it never did. He wanted it to look like other castles throughout Germany, but without the nasty business of catapults and battering rams. On the outside it looks like a castle, but on the inside, it is decorated with fine Baroque details fitting with the custom of the time.
The castle keep and dungeon was partially destroyed during WWII fly overs. Over the years since then, portions of the structure have been rebuilt, but the keep remains in ruin.
We were given a tour of the rooms, which now hold armor from the time as well as furnishings and decorations from the era. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures to prevent against theft. Apparently some scoundrels took pictures of items, then delivered them to thieves who broke in and stole said item.
The nerd in me wants to mention that while walking the grounds, I was struck at how much this castle reminded me of the fictional castle of Ostagar from the Dragon Age: Origins video game.
Next up on our tour - the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday Smiler - You want me to smile?
You keep stopping every few minutes to take a picture and then you ask me to smile?
Friday, January 18, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Long Leash walking
Around Christmas, I took Gimli out to the nearby park with our 30ft leash in tow. I need to work on his recall and this is one good way for me to let my guard down and relax, yet allow him the flexibility to be far away from me and safe.
The first time we went to the park, it was the middle of the afternoon and it was quite deserted. I think it was the Sunday before Christmas and people were all scrambling to complete their shopping. Gimli had a blast being able to stretch our and investigate all the strange smells in the park without me forcing him to be beside me all the time.
The first thing he did was roll around:
Then we played: let's-walk-around-and-see-how-far-you-can-get-before-I-call-you-back.
We did this for a while and played hide and seek behind some trees. Gimli became very scared at that point when he thought he had lost me. His ears perked up and he was looking around. I whistled and eventually he found me. He got plenty of praise for that!
When we returned home, Gimli was decidedly lumpy and sleepy for the rest of the afternoon. I think we'll be venturing out to the park again soon.
The first time we went to the park, it was the middle of the afternoon and it was quite deserted. I think it was the Sunday before Christmas and people were all scrambling to complete their shopping. Gimli had a blast being able to stretch our and investigate all the strange smells in the park without me forcing him to be beside me all the time.
The first thing he did was roll around:
Then we played: let's-walk-around-and-see-how-far-you-can-get-before-I-call-you-back.
We did this for a while and played hide and seek behind some trees. Gimli became very scared at that point when he thought he had lost me. His ears perked up and he was looking around. I whistled and eventually he found me. He got plenty of praise for that!
When we returned home, Gimli was decidedly lumpy and sleepy for the rest of the afternoon. I think we'll be venturing out to the park again soon.
Looking very smug that he found me.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Apple
Woman, would you stop trying to be all artsy and give me the apple?
Sheesh, don't you know I haven't eaten anything since lunch time, which was an hour ago!
Some days I'm glad Gimli can't talk.
Sheesh, don't you know I haven't eaten anything since lunch time, which was an hour ago!
Some days I'm glad Gimli can't talk.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Things to do for 2013
1. Complete the first two levels of Rosetta Stone - German - I started this last year in anticipation of our trip to Germany. I didn't learn as much as I wanted by the time we left for Germany and I feel disappointed in myself. I do want to finish all of the classes and this is something I want to accomplish this year. I have since found online resources to help me with the grammar, which will make it easier for me. I've always struggled with the grammar portion and hopefully the resources will help.
2. Read 20 books - Last year, I read 9 books, so I was 1 short of my goal. This year I've upped it to 20.
3. Spend less time on the computer in my non-working hours - I'd rather fall asleep with a book in my hand than be sleepy sitting at the computer and unable/unwilling to leave it. I find I'm always tired and hopefully this will help.
4. Maintain the blog with regular posts - I've come up with a tentative schedule for postings. I do find that every time we return from vacation, the posts slack off and it's a struggle for me to come back. That's something I need to work on.
5. Brush Gimli's teeth 5 times a week - If I can get a schedule, then it will be easier to maintain.
6. Continue to photograph Gimli and all of his antics.
7. Lose 20 lbs. - Last year, I struggled with this and am struggling with it again as the year begins. I was doing well, then I stopped exercising and all the progress I did was lost.
8. Finish painting our house - We have 2 bathrooms to complete and 3 bedrooms to paint this year.
9. Frame and put up our pictures.
10. Go to The Arboretum at least once a month - weather permitting.
11. Discover local restaurants/bistros etc in my city or in the surrounding areas.
12. Make a snow animal of some kind. - Weather permitting. We had so little snow last year that I couldn't scrape together enough to make one. This year, the sticking snow arrived and then promptly disappeared. I am hopeful, but we'll see if Mother Nature cooperates.
13. Take more pictures of Mike and me.
14. Return to the Church. Something is missing in my life and that might be it.
15. Enjoy our backyard.
16. Surprise someone.
17. Make a pie.
18. Corgi #2 - As mentioned, the last pregnancy was not viable, so we are back to waiting. We are still on the list, so we are hopeful.
19. Put in more flowers/shrubs etc in the yard - The ones we put in last year are doing well and now I want to put in more.
20. Zombie walk.
21. Photography course.
22. Move off of "Medium" on the drums in Rock Band and to "Hard".
23. Start cooking more Trinidad type food.
24. Work on Gimli's recall at the Dog Park.
25. Take Gimli to the play class at Bold Canine.
26. Continue work on Gimli's possessiveness.
27. Complete the Minas Tirith 3D puzzle - Started the puzzle.
28. Go to Woofstock.
29. Scan in our baby pictures.
30. Start putting together our Disney album.
31.... More to come as the year goes on.
2. Read 20 books - Last year, I read 9 books, so I was 1 short of my goal. This year I've upped it to 20.
3. Spend less time on the computer in my non-working hours - I'd rather fall asleep with a book in my hand than be sleepy sitting at the computer and unable/unwilling to leave it. I find I'm always tired and hopefully this will help.
4. Maintain the blog with regular posts - I've come up with a tentative schedule for postings. I do find that every time we return from vacation, the posts slack off and it's a struggle for me to come back. That's something I need to work on.
5. Brush Gimli's teeth 5 times a week - If I can get a schedule, then it will be easier to maintain.
6. Continue to photograph Gimli and all of his antics.
7. Lose 20 lbs. - Last year, I struggled with this and am struggling with it again as the year begins. I was doing well, then I stopped exercising and all the progress I did was lost.
8. Finish painting our house - We have 2 bathrooms to complete and 3 bedrooms to paint this year.
9. Frame and put up our pictures.
10. Go to The Arboretum at least once a month - weather permitting.
11. Discover local restaurants/bistros etc in my city or in the surrounding areas.
12. Make a snow animal of some kind. - Weather permitting. We had so little snow last year that I couldn't scrape together enough to make one. This year, the sticking snow arrived and then promptly disappeared. I am hopeful, but we'll see if Mother Nature cooperates.
13. Take more pictures of Mike and me.
14. Return to the Church. Something is missing in my life and that might be it.
15. Enjoy our backyard.
16. Surprise someone.
17. Make a pie.
18. Corgi #2 - As mentioned, the last pregnancy was not viable, so we are back to waiting. We are still on the list, so we are hopeful.
19. Put in more flowers/shrubs etc in the yard - The ones we put in last year are doing well and now I want to put in more.
20. Zombie walk.
21. Photography course.
22. Move off of "Medium" on the drums in Rock Band and to "Hard".
23. Start cooking more Trinidad type food.
24. Work on Gimli's recall at the Dog Park.
25. Take Gimli to the play class at Bold Canine.
26. Continue work on Gimli's possessiveness.
27. Complete the Minas Tirith 3D puzzle - Started the puzzle.
28. Go to Woofstock.
29. Scan in our baby pictures.
30. Start putting together our Disney album.
31.... More to come as the year goes on.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)