Here's What Happened

Hello, everyone, it's me, Maggie.  As I told you yesterday, we had a bit of an "adventure" of sorts on Friday.  I'm here today with the scoop.  Yes, yes, dear blog friends, we went to the Dog Wash.

We've been down this road before - and blogged about the process.  It was pretty much the same deal this time only Cam and I are in full coat-blowing mode right now so our double-coats are SUPER thick and fluff is coming out like crazy!  Mom should have taken photos of everything flying around during the dry cycle!  She didn't have pockets for the iPhone, though, so no pix from there.  Think "snow storm" only it's fur.  Think "blizzard" only fur.  Think ... fur-nado!  

Anyway, due to the extra-thick coat issue, Mom didn't get us fully dry.  She decided we should go relax out on the sunny deck when we got home to finish drying.  She had visions of toweling us off a bit, doing some brushing, more towel action ... but Cam and I had other ideas!

"Hey, let's play instead!"
"OK!  Let's run down to the landing.  Race you!"

"Wait!  Wait!"
"Ha!  Can't catch me, Mags!"

It was great!  And Mom figured as long as we were running around, the fur was continuing to fly off and we were getting drier.  And she was happy to sit in the sun and dry off, too.  Oh.  Did I mention she got soaking wet at the Dog Wash? And that our loose fur stuck all over her?  Isn't that a cryin' shame?  Yeah. I thought so, too.

Anyway, then we started wrestling down on the landing.  It was great fun.

"Gonna getcha, Cam!"
"Gonna get YOU, Mags!"

There isn't a whole lot of room for running around on the landing, so we started to take the party up onto the main deck and ...

"Gotcha, Cam!"
"Catch me, Mom!!!"

I'm not sure why, but Mom wasn't crazy about Cammie jumping into her lap.  Hey, if she didn't want to be part of the Crazed River Otter Games, she shouldn't have been sitting on the steps like that.  Am I right?  And why wouldn't she want a wet Siberian Husky on her lap?

Anyway ... we were ready for a break in action by that time, so we settled down onto the landing for a bit.  There are great views down there - plus there's Mom's Cilantro plant if you get hungry.  (... not that I've taken a nibble or two out of it.  I prefer the parsley.  Pretty sure Cam's the one who had a taste for Cilantro ...)

"Hi, Mom.  Isn't this fun?"
"I know nothing about the missing Cilantro leaves.  Hey, can I sit in your lap?"

Mom did a bit more toweling and brushing on us, then we posed for a nice photo:

Cam and me, all fluffy and clean!

We really don't mind getting baths at all.  We DO get a bit spun up afterwards, though!  It was nice to get some of the energy used up out on the deck!

How about you all?  Do you like baths?  Hate 'em?  Have you been to a dog wash?

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Thatcher

Delay Of Game

Greetings to all.  It's me, Maggie.  Today's post is rather late - that's why I'm throwing the "delay of game" flag.

Cam and I were all set to blog this morning, of course, but after we took Mom and Dad on a nice, long walk, some guy in a huge truck came and dumped a bunch of mulch right in the middle of our driveway! TWICE! So, yeah, Mom and Dad spent all the rest of the morning and an hour or so this afternoon spreading mulch around rather than Mom helping us post to the Ao4 Digest. Is that fair? No. Hence the "delay of game".

Tomorrow we'll tell you all about what we did on Friday. In the meantime, here's a hint:

Cam and me on location

And no, I don't mean we went to the car wash. See you tomorrow?

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Serene Scenery Sunday

Hello, everyone!  It's me, Cammie.  I just wanted to wish all of you a wonderful, peaceful Sunday.

Whether you're out hiking your favorite trail ...

"I love this part of the trail!"
"So do I!"

... posing for photos in a beautiful setting ...

Me and Maggie beside the Kansas Ocean

... or spending quiet time with someone you love ...

"That's it, little one.  Get some rest."
"I love you, Cam."

... we hope you take time to soak in all the beauty that surrounds you and to enjoy the serenity of the moment.

Still life:  Paws of Love
by D'Azul's Girl From Ipanema and Polargold's Margaret Thatcher

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Cammie!

Movie Review: Our World War

Greetings to all!  It's me, Maggie, here with another movie review!  This week, we watched a three part series called "Our World War".

The first installment centered around the very beginning of Great Britain's involvement in the First World War.  It took place in Belgium, in the town of Mons.  Since Mom and Dad lived very close to Mons for three years, they found not only the storyline very interesting, but the scenery very well done! The second episode is about the Manchester Pals unit - guys who worked together in the civilian world, then enlisted into the Army in local recruiting drives with the promise that they would be able to serve alongside each other. And the third episode was about tank warfare! That's when the series really picked up for me!

"Yeah!  Somebody get them MOVING!"

The whole movie had great but not overdone special effects, interesting camera angles, and a great rock music score! (I love hard rock!) They really tried to get things right historically. It had some cool graphics showing troop movement during the battles and they mixed in some real WWI footage. It's based on actual letters from soldiers who were there - and they tell you at the end of each episode what became of them. Great action, good character development! I have to give this movie 5 stars!

"Right, Weston!  Get this ... umm ... really cool tank moving!!!"

OK, there is a tad bit of harsh language, but that's not overdone, either!  If you're looking for a great movie to watch this weekend, look into "Our World War"!  (We watched via Netflix.)  It was well-worth watching!

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Feline Friday

Greetings to all!  It's me, Maggie.  Today, I encourage all of you to embrace your inner feline!  That's what I'll be doing!

I'll be checking Birdie TV ...

"Anything on--OOH!  Robin!"

... spending time in one of my really cool boxes ...

"Anyone care to join me?"

... and just laying like this for a while:

"Oh, yeah.  Comfy!"

Yep!  It's a great day for letting your feline tendencies show!

"Mom?  Mom ... I worry about the little one sometimes ..."
"So do I, Cam.  So.  Do.  I."

Tunas for everyone!

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Thatcher

There WILL Be Payback

Hello, everyone!  It's me, Cammie.  There we were the other day, just having a great day.  Mom got all excited because some shoes she ordered came in and ...

"Perfect fit!!!!"

Yes!  They came in a box big enough for Maggie!  Better still, it was a box big enough for Maggie, but not for both of us, so there was no talk about trying to get me to join her in said box.  I do not do boxes - it was great!

The problem started when Mom took this photo:

"I ❤ my new box!"

She did some special effects on it then posted it to FaceBook.  This led to a discussion about what did Mom get, and we need to see the shoes, and then someone mentioned that I should model them.

Oh.  My.

At first, I thought it wouldn't be too big of a problem; Mom and I did this:

"Here's my favorite pair!"

That wasn't too bad. And I got a cookie.

But then Maggie said,

"Oh, c'mon, Mom!  Kick it up to the next level!"

And then, dear readers, that's when it happened.

"What in the name of Balto ...?"

So, yes.  Thank you, Mom's friend, for the terrific suggestion about having me model the shoes.  I will be contacting a couple of my own friends who have access to your shoes, purses, leather couch, etc., and just may ask them to express my gratitude.  

As for someone a bit closer to home ...

"I won't forget this one, Maggie!!!"
Off-camera:  "Lalalalalalala!  Can't hear you - I'm in my box!!!"

Sometimes it's not easy being the patient, calm one!

Cammie!

Wordless Wednesday

Cammie and Mags

My Tutorial, Cut Short

Hello, everyone!  It's me, Cammie.  Our mom has a sinus infection.  I mean she actually went to see a doctor, which means it's a whopper of a sinus infection or else she'd blow it off.  The doc loaded her up with all kinds of meds and she's been a bit wiped out.  She is a non-napper; she just never naps!  I don't mean to brag, but since I am an expert in this area, I thought I'd help her out!  Time for a little tutorial!

I got her to lay down with me.  We held paws for a while and then ...

"That's it.  Relax, Mom.  Wait.  Do you hear the theme song from Jaws, or is it just me?"

Anyone notice the triangular fin behind me?  My Spidey-senses were going off big time!

"She's right behind me, isn't she?"

I knew without looking it was the Great (Red and) White Shark I'd seen in this location many times before!  I sensed the shark circling ...

Jaws Theme Song

... and knew she was about to strike!

"BOOM!"

That pretty much put an end to my nap tutorial.  Mom said we made her smile, though, and that helped her feel a bit better!

Are you as helpful as we are?

Cammie!

Snowballs and Lily of the Valley

Greetings to all, it's me - Maggie!  We couldn't get the photos taken in time for Serene Scenery Sunday yesterday, but today I would like to share a couple things that are in bloom in our garden.  Let's head out front!

Over in one corner, we have a bush that Mom and Dad transplanted a few years ago.  It's doing really great in it's new locale. I'm just learning about the different plants and stuff. Let's take a look at this one, shall we?

"Oooh, pretty!"

Mom said it's called a Snowball Viburnum.

"Snowball, eh?  Hmm!"

OK, so in addition to learning the name, I also learned that some snowballs are more refreshing than others.

"Blick!"

Note to Mom:  I would have spit it out; you did not need to grab it out of my mouth.  Pretty much.

Let's move on.

Also in our front garden, we have some special Lily of the Valley plants!  They're PINK but that's only part of what makes them special!

Pink Lily of the Valley!

They were a gift from our blogging friends Mitch and Molly -- or actually they were a gift from Mitch and his angel-sister Maggie to the original members of the Ao4!  Isn't that great?!?  It's a wonderful reminder of them right in our own garden!

Here I am, sitting in front of them:

Me, not eating the Lily of the Valley

They are very beautiful - but also are toxic to dogs and cats. That's why #1, they're in the front garden  rather than the back and #2, why Mom doesn't let us get close enough to them to take a little nibble. Because we ALL know I would.  I can't help it.  As my great-sister Stormy often said, "I am a Siberian Husky and the world is my salad bar".  Check this link out - not only does Stormy mention the salad bar thing, but it would appear my great-brother Zimmie and I have even more in common than I thought!  Ha roo roo roo!

I hope you enjoyed a little look around the front garden!

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher

Serene Scenery Sunday

Hello, everyone!  It's me, Cammie!  Mags and I were going to give you a quick garden tour for Serene Scenery Sunday, but there really isn't that much in bloom stage right now, except for some lilacs.  The third of our different varieties is in bloom right now - the Dwarf Korean Lilacs!

"The sun's in my eyes."
"Mine, too."

Rather than plastering you with lilac pix, we thought we'd show a handful of photos Mom took last Sunday. Without us. That part wasn't serene, but she did see a lot of cool wildlife! Ready to take a look?

Let's start with a couple Mallards in flight:

Mrs. and Mr. Mallard

Mallards remind us of our very dear and handsome friend Goose.

Mom also saw a myriad of Cedar Waxwings - here is a shot of two posing nicely:

Cedar Waxwings posing together.  Notice they aren't looking at the camera.  Go, birdies!

The tiniest bird she saw was an Eastern Phoebe:

Eastern Phoebe

They are one of our Summer birds; they're smaller than sparrows and eat bugs. Some of us get in trouble when we try to eat bugs, but apparently the rules are different for birdies.

Mom saw lots of Blue Winged Teals. This guy was bigger than everyone else and seemed to be the leader.

The leader of the pack.  Flock.  Whatever.

Mom has never seen a "V" like that on the back of a Blue Winged Teal's head like that! When they have their wings folded up in swimming mode, it's hard to see why they're called Blue Winged Teals - but when they take flight:

Mr. V, putting the "blue" in Blue Winged Teal!

Isn't that cool?

One of the most exciting birds Mom saw was an American Avocet:

American Avocet

Apparently, it's OK for him to eat bugs, too. This is only the second one Mom has seen; they really aren't "supposed" to be here. Power to the rule breakers!

As if that wasn't exciting enough, Mom also saw another bird she seldom sees - a Greater Yellowlegs:

Greater Yellowlegs

Didn't God do a marvelous camouflage job on him? ... except for the legs. They only migrate through our area, so again, Mom was very happy!

Mom saw tons of other things, to include a few flocks of Wild Turkeys and some deer! Here is a shot of a deer and a turkey together:

"Head for the hills!"
"Wait for me!"

If you'd like to see more shots of the different things Mom saw, she set up an album from that day at this link. I think that's it for Serene Scenery Sunday. Reporting from our post in front of the lilacs ...

"Hey ... that baby deer chasing the turkey gives me an idea ..."
"THAT'S A WRAP!"

Have a great Sunday, everyone!

Cammie!

Busy Weekend

Hello, everyone.  It's me, Cammie!  Maggie and I went on a big, long walk this morning and now we're doing this:

Maggie and me

Does anyone else have big plans for the weekend?

Cammie!

And Now One For Cam!

Greetings to all!  It's me, Mags.  My new leash design is working so well that we decided Cammie needs one to!  I took Mom downstairs to her Studio and we got right to work!

Mom:  "I could make Cam's red, but I want it to be different.  If I do camo, I want you to both have camo ... if I do black, then that's blah ..."
"Whatevs, Mom."

I got to play with the red KONG.  I got some good sized chunks off it and didn't swallow them. Mom was pleased.

Mom really wanted Cam's leash to be purple, but there wasn't quite enough webbing in her stash so ...

Mom:  "What do you think about green, Mags?"

"Sounds like a plan, Mom.  Just make sure hers is as cool as mine is!"

I went back to my KONG for a while.  For some reason, Mom works faster and doesn't have to rip things apart and re-stitch them as often when I'm gainfully occupied.  I can't figure that one out.

Mom:  "Almost done, Mags!"

And then, before I knew it:

Mom:  "All set!"

I know.  The time flew by.  Quite possibly because I discovered this:

Me in a really cool chair fort in the Studio!

That's right - Mom's chair makes a great fort!  It was super cool in there!

As soon as she finished, we got Cam and took it out for a test drive!

"Isn't it cool, Cam?!?"
"Yes!  I just love it!"

For some reason, right after Mom took that shot, she shortened my leash up.

"What?  Are we just testing the system or something?  It's not like I was about to ... well, OK, yes, I was."
"Can't touch this, Mags."

We walked like that for a bit, then Mom gave me the full leash length again.

"Isn't this great?  I mean seriously!"
"Yes!  Especially when Mom does the shorter length on someone's leash."

She seemed to say that last part under her breath.  I thought that meant she wanted Mom to shorten her leash and to see what that would be like, but she didn't.  Hmm.

Anyway - great success once again!  And we're getting all kinds of bonus walks out of this!

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Thatcher