Who We Are

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Movie Night(s)

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar! Over the course of two nights, we watched a REALLY great movie! It was called The Sacketts.  Good story, plenty of action, pretty scenery ... but do you know what made it such a great movie?
 
IMG_4287RagnarWestern
"HORSES!!!"

Mags may love her mystery shows, and I enjoy them, too, but this was a WESTERN!!!

IMG_4289RagnarWestern
"I wonder if that's a chuck wagon?!?  They might have snacks in there!"

It was originally a mini-series, so we only watched half of it the first night!  Here's a photo from our walk the next morning as intermission:

IMG_7033MagsRagnarSunrise
"Check out the sunrise, Ragnar!"
"I hope we get to watch the rest of the movie tonight, Mags!"

And we did get right back to it!!!

IMG_4291RagnarWestern
"Cool!  Horses and now cattle?!?  Could this movie get any better?!?"

It was an awesome movie and I heartily recommend it.  Mom also recommends the books.  But you can't see and hear the horses and cows in the book, so ...

Sköl!
Ragnar

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Guard Duty

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags. Ragnar and I have been working mighty hard lately - making sure our mom and dad get a good, long walk every morning, working in the Studio, advising Dad in his office, keeping the house safe when they're out doing yard work, etc. We also stand Guard Duty in different areas of the house, like this:
 
IMG_7012RagnarMagsSnoozy
"See anything, Mags?"
"Nah, nothing exciting."

OK, maybe it's not exactly "standing" Guard Duty, but we were ON THE JOB!!!! Trust me, I'm a Siberian Husky!

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Monday, March 28, 2022

Fox Quilt Update!

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar. Remember a little while ago I showed you a quilt I was helping my mom with? It's all foxes, using scraps from other stuff. Anyway, we've been hard at work on it and yesterday ...
 
IMG_7024RagnarFoxBlock
"Oh, yeah, Mom!  At least two like this!"

IMG_7020FoxQuilt
"OK, Ragnar!  I think I've got the right mix; what do you think?  Time to assemble this thing?"

That's my floof over there, screen right!  Gotta stay close, you know!

IMG_7019RagnarFoxQuilt
"Yeah.  I think my work here is done!"

I think we've got the fox spectrum covered!

Sköl!
Ragnar

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Serene Scenery Sunday

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar! This photo is actually from a couple weeks ago; I've been waiting for the right time to share it. It's me at The Top Of The World. As I recall, I had just finished hugging my mom ...
 
IMG_6529RagnarTTOTWHug
"  Ragnar! "

... AND there was still some snow around. It was all VERY serene!!! 

Sköl! 
Ragnar

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Mammatus Clouds

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags! Yesterday on our walk, we had gotten to Anneberg Park, which is a couple miles from Ao4 Headquarters, when ...
 
IMG_6981MagsRagnarAnnebergMammatusClouds
"Check it out, Ragnar!  Mammatus clouds!"
"Why are they m-mad at us?  Ha woo!"

No joke like an old joke, right?  

Anyway, I explained that Mammatus clouds form in unstable weather conditions, and can indicate a chance of thunderstorms, hail, even tornadoes in the vicinity -- and possibly even snow. 

IMG_6984MagsRagnarAnnebergMammatusClouds
"But I'm sure Mom checked the radar before we left, right ... Mom?"
"Are you sure, Mags?"
"Umm ..."

IMG_6986MagsRagnarAnnebergMammatusClouds
"Mom?  You KNOW anything can happen in March!"
"Yeah.  What Maggie said."
"How 'bout let's head home?!!?"


Anyway ... Mom checked radar while we explored the park, and the storms were well clear of us. It was probably good not to dilly-dally too much, though.  You never know what can kick up at this time of year!  And it's always exciting to our weather-geek Mom to see Mammatus clouds!

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Friday, March 25, 2022

Photo Finish Friday

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags. I'm just here having a little mentoring session with Ragnar. You know ...
 
IMG_6961RagnarMags
"Mags!  It's Mom!"
"Check out the Head Tilt!!!"
"What are you two up t--❤️
❤️--oh, sweet puppies!!! ❤️❤️"

... like how to do a killer Head Tilt when Mom thinks you're up to something.  Works.  Every.  Time!

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Thinking Thursday

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar. I was going to use this photo for "Wordless Wednesday" ...

IMG_6921Ragnar

... but I thought yesterday was Tuesday and today was Wednesday. Mostly because I asked my mom and that's what she thought. I should have asked Maggie!

Anyway, we've had a lot of rainy days. They're really good for laying by the window, resting your snooter on the sill, and thinking deep thoughts. And staring at whatever the winds are blowing around.

Sköl!
Ragnar

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Super Windy!

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar! Yesterday we had wind gusts up to 43 mph during our walk - it was pretty crazy! Not only did Mags and I get fur-nadoes in our necks, but check out our tails!
 
IMG_6919
"We've almost caught it, Ragnar!"
"Get ready to pounce, Mags!!!"
"You guys!  It's a STICK!!!"

Talk about super floof!!!

Oh.  And we saved the world from all kinds of crazy things while we walked - bags, leaves, and yes, we got that stick!  We're in the Working Breed group; making the world a safer place is part of what we do!

Sköl!
Ragnar

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Sometimes It Takes Two

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags! As you know, Ragnar and I often help our mom in her Studio. Sometimes I kick in, sometimes Raggi takes the reins. And then there are times ...
 
IMG_6900MagsRagnarStudio
"Hey, Ragnar!  Whatcha doing?!?"
"Helping Mom.  She said she needs all the help she can get."

IMG_6899MagsRagnarStudio
"Is that true, Mom?  Need some more help?"
"I think we might, Mom.  What do you think?"
"Absolutely, Mags!"

IMG_6906MagsRagnarStudio
"I'd best get comfy then.  Hey, want to Snooter Joust while we're helping?"
"You're on, Mags!"
"What good puppies!"

Yep.  Sometimes it takes two.  ... actually I guess that's three, if you count our mom, but frankly, we seemed to be way more active than she was.  

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Monday, March 21, 2022

Bridge!

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar! Mags and I took our mom and dad on a great walk this morning to The Top Of The World. We kept zig-zagging all over the place to avoid people with uncontrolled dogs. This worked out great as far as I was concerned because ...
 
IMG_6880MagsRagnarTTOTWBridge
"The BRIDGE, Ragnar!!!"
"I love this bridge!!!"

Have I mentioned the bridge moves a lot when we cross it? So. Much. Fun!!!

Sköl!
Ragnar

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Serene Scenery Sunday

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar. Actually these photos are from yesterday evening, but ...

IMG_6853RagnarMagsDeckJoust
"Margaret Thatcher!  I hereby challenge you to a Snooter Jousting!"
"I accept, Ragnar Jimmysson!"

IMG_6855RagnarMagsDeckJoust
[Jousting sounds]

... what could be more serene than a Snooter Joust out on the deck?!?

Happy Spring!

Sköl!
Ragnar

Saturday, March 19, 2022

The Water Tower

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags. Usually on our morning walks, we head toward the nearby water tower and decide where to go from there. One benefit is that there is usually a gorgeous sunrise right there for us to enjoy -- like this:

IMG_6681MagsRagnarSunrise
Me and Ragnar by the water tower

That's from a couple days ago. Today's sunrise was bright, but kind of blah. That being the case, on the way home, we did a different kind of water tower shot!
 
IMG_6834RagnarMagsWaterTower
"Does she have any cookies left, Mags?  'Cuz I already tooled her out of quite a few ..."
"I can't see.  The bright, but kind of blah sunrise is in my eyes."

Whatever.  Oh.  She did still have cookies, though!

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Friday, March 18, 2022

Much Better!

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar. As you know, Mags and I help our mom in the Studio when we can. I've even been offering some advice lately, as seen on this post. You know, adding in some grey! More specifically, a grey wolf. So when Mom started making another quilt of all foxes ...
 
IMG_6741RagnarFoxQuilt
"What do you think, Raggi?!?"
"Now that's what I'm talking about!!!"
IMG_6740RagnarFoxes
"So much better, Mom!  Sooooo much better!"

I'm taking a special interest in this one.  I'll keep you updated on her progress!

Sköl!
Ragnar

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

From all of us here at Ao4 Headquarters ... HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!!!

IMG_6773MagsMikeRagnarStPatrick'sDay

IMG_6748MagsMeRagnarStPatrick'sDay

With thanks to our neighbors for the fun cut out!

Mags, Ragnar, and our mom and dad

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Jump To It!

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar! There are certain things along our walking routes that I just love to jump on - especially benches, my mom (real gentle-like, to hug her!), and walls. I particularly like this one:
 
IMG_6711RagnarEnclave
"Hey, Mags!  I've got the high ground!"

Mags likes to jump up, too - so she joined me this morning. We did awesome poses!
 
IMG_6722MagsRagnarEnclave
"Is she getting this?"
"I think so."
"Look at you two!!!!
❤️❤️"

IMG_6723MagsRagnarEnclave
"Eyes left, Raggi!"
"Got it, Mags!"

Pretty good, huh?  Actually we were staring at a noisy truck going down the street. Mom gave us a cookie anyway, so it all worked out great!

I always stop and jump up on this bench; we both like sitting here for a minute:
 
IMG_6730RagnarMagsGrandMereTrail
"We should sort of look at her this time, Mags."
"OK.  No one's around to see us being cooperative!"
"Good puppies!!!"

I do believe we got a cookie for that, too.  (For the record, she packs those tiny 5-calorie treats with her, so it's not like we're gorging or anything.  Plus my vet keeps telling Mom I'm too skinny, so there's nothing to worry about as far as over-eating is concerned!)

Sköl!
Ragnar

Monday, March 14, 2022

Royalties

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags. This morning on our walk, I discovered this truck:
 
IMG_6691MaggieThatcherDrywall
"Get a shot of this, Mom!"

"Thatcher" Drywall?!?  I think the business owners owe me royalties at the very least, don't you?

Yours sincerley,
Margaret Thatcher

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Movie Review - The Last Duel

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags. Ragnar and I watched a movie last night and thought we'd give you our review! The Last Duel takes place in the Middle Ages and is based on the true story of France's last "trial by combat".

The story is told from three different perspectives - each of the two guys who engage in the duel (the knight and the squire) and the knight's wife. 

IMG_6643MagsRagnarTV
"Anything to add, Raggi?"
"Not yet, Mags.  This guy is the squire."

IMG_6646MagsRagnarTV
"Perhaps most importantly, there are--"
"HORSES, Mags!  HORSES!!!"

Unfortunately, they don't tell any of the story from the horses' perspectives.  That would have added a lot.

We thought it was a well-done movie* (Ridley Scott was the director) with plenty of action, great uniforms and costumes, and cool scenery.  Ragnar especially was glued to the screen!

IMG_6647MagsRagnarTV
"What do you think, Ragnar?"
"It's riveting.  And speaking of duels ..."

IMG_6639RagnarMagsPlay
"BOOM!"
"UGH, you got me!!!"

So ... that may have been "The Last Duel" as far as death by combat goes, but playful Snooter Jousting is alive and well!

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

*Note:  This movie is rated R - violence, some nudity, and [spoiler alert] the duel is fought due to a rape scene. 

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Natural Element?

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar.  Maggie mentioned yesterday something about the Siberian Husky in her natural element.  We are very adaptive and really have many "natural elements".  Like this: 

IMG_6610RagnarBed
Polargold's Einherjar in his natural element!

This is our second favorite natural element.  Oh, wait.  We have to put trolling for cheese in there somewhere ...

Sköl!
Ragnar


Friday, March 11, 2022

Photo Finish Friday

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags. We haven't done Photo Finish Friday in a while, so I thought I'd give it a go. This photo pretty much sums up the week for us:
 
IMG_6577MagsSnow
Polargold's Margaret Thatcher in her natural element.

Of course, lounging on the bed is also my natural element, but that's another photo for another day!  

Happy Friday, everyone!

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Current Conditions

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags. Ragnar and I thought you might want to take a look at the current conditions here at Ao4 Headquarters.  Check it out:

IMG_6572RagnarSnow
"This is GREAT!  Whatcha got over there, Mags?"

IMG_6579MagsSnow
"More of the same, Raggi!"

AND ... it's still coming down! Is Kansas great or what?!?

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Wednesday, March 09, 2022

Wordless Wednesday

IMG_6525MagsTTOTW

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Tuesday, March 08, 2022

What Could Be Better?!?

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar. After a messy day of thawing yesterday, our snow and ice froze back up this morning. At walk time, it was in the teens - warm enough to take our mom and dad on a normal walk! What better way to avoid a lot of the road chemicals than to head to The Top Of The World?!?
 
IMG_6513MagsRagnarTTOTWSnow
"Still plenty of snow out here, Ragnar!"
"This is so perfect, Mags!"

It was great out there! And ... what could be better than walking the trails at The Top Of The World in snow?!?  How about getting to go through the WOODS?!?!?

IMG_6520RagnarWoodsSnow
"This is too good to be true!!!"

I may have been overcome by emotion. It was AWESOME!

We hope you're having a great day, too!

Sköl!
Ragnar

Monday, March 07, 2022

Just A "Dusting"

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar. After a couple days of Mom and Dad in shorts and tee shirts, our Kansas winds took a turn, ramped up their speed, and brought in another cold front. We were supposed to get a "dusting" or maybe a half inch of snow.
 
IMG_6499
"Hey, Mom.  This is some 'dusting', huh?"

Mom isn't really amused.  Could be the 4-5" of snow, could be the 8 degree windchill this morning.  Who knows?!?  But based on the ice then snow then ice ...

IMG_6500RagnarSnow
"OK, I did my stuff; let's head back inside!!!"

Maggie says we have to watch out for our bipeds' well-being at times like this!  Not only don't they have coats as warm as ours, they aren't half as sure-footed!!!

Sköl!
Ragnar

Sunday, March 06, 2022

Selfie Sunday

Hi everybody! It's me, Ragnar. I thought I'd share a selfie I took yesterday.
 
IMG_6472Ragnar
"Hi!"

Not bad, huh?

Sköl!

Ragnar

Saturday, March 05, 2022

The Last Laugh

Greetings to all! It's me, Mags. Yesterday, Mom decided for NO good reason that I should have a shower and a blow-out. Ragnar got a little de-floofing, but nothing near what I had to put up with. We did the "after" photo:
 
IMG_6449MagsAfterBath
Polargold's Margaret Thatcher

I must say, I did look all clean and shiny.

Yes, I used the past tense there. You see, we FINALLY got some rain early this morning (0.02") and it was just enough to turn our dusty sidewalks and streets into a real mess. Check my "mud flaps" and undercarriage on this shot from our walk:
 
IMG_6462MagsMud
"🎶 Ha roo roo roo!!! 🎶"

Pretty good, huh? Ragnar and I were mighty pleased with ourselves ... until we got home and had to be hosed down. Right in the driveway, where everyone could see us! What if Gauge, the extremely handsome Chocolate Lab had been walking by with his people?!?  Sheesh!!!

I guess Mom really did get the last laugh on this one. For now, anyway.

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Thatcher