Socializin’ at the pub–er– bench…

Saturday, May 28

Well, it’s Luigi, again… and it’s a beautiful day outside–apart from the random

Watching all the dogs go by

clouds floating overhead–but, so far, no rain. Grandma and I got up and went  for a walk–and did the circle around the apartment backwards for a   change.

Everyone with a dog must have had the same thing in mind after the terribly hard rain yesterday–get out while the  sun is shining.  And, they were out.  First we ran into Carrie–the 11 yr. old Doxie–she’s the cutest red-head–just a little gray in the muzzle–but hey, we are all getting older, eh?  She and her mom were going clockwise–and we were going counter-clockwise.

Then, up around the corner, we ran into Tucker and his mom.  Now Tucker, I think is about 10–seems to be the going age around here. LOL  He’s the silky, blue-gray miniature Yorkie,.  Grandma just loves him and coos and goos at him. Then, some man with a Scandinavian accent, from Idaho (? go figure) came by while we were talking to Tucker– and he had a 3 and a half year old Shitsu named– Speedy.  Now he was really good looking– black and white–but, he didn’t look brushed at all.

The man was squatting down petting everyone when Grandma noticed he was slipping each dog a little piece of some soft, brown treat–looked like my morning Omega 3 to me.       “Oh, excuse me,” Grandma said, “Luigi may not have a treat.”      WHAT!  Is she nuts?  It smelled great!  It seems everyone around here hauls treats around in their pockets for all the dog-pets.   She just doesn’t know who all these people are and especially, what’s in that treat…so  she started to explain that I’m on some special diet, the man says,  “Oh, to lose weight!”   Hey, take a look at me– I don’t look so bad–just 3 or 4 lbs. over my ideal weight.

Well, Grandma quickly took offense for me and promptly let him know that my ‘vet has me on a specialized diet for allergies and arthritis’.  Sounded good to me.  The man stood up and said, ‘Oh’, and then turned his back on us and began talking to the other women.  So, we said good bye to them…(cuz Carrie and her mom had arrived now also–remember we are walking in a circle–lol)  I don’t think I better tell you what Grandma was a mumbling as we walked off–but I know she felt that man had insulted me…. She stuck up for me so fast let me tell you.

So when we got back and since I was in good with Grandma, now,  I thot that since  she  was asleep watching  Tora, Tora, Tora–with Rat-cat sitting by her on the couch, I could ever so quietly sneak over to the dregs in the cat food dish.  No such luck– I mean 3 inches before I had that delicious Paul Newman snack in my mouth, I hear her say, “DON’T EVEN let your nose touch that bowl!!!”  Man, I stopped short, looked to my right, and there she was–in full repose with her eagle eyes watching me  across the kitchen.   So, I guess there must be a philosophical difference between being on my side and not letting me get away with crap, eh?  Oh, yes, Grandma says, kids may read this–use  “get away with stuff.”..  Roger and Out.

Up front--looking N E.

Well, here’s a photo of the front of the apts.  You know, they are like living on a   ship–so big and all sorts of nice things inside.   So, when we walk clear around the place a couple of times, I think we are walking about 2/3rds of a mile– that will get us in shape for sure.

Grandma says we got an email from Mom today, and she said they are in Germany, now–had a good flight. That the city they have moved to is Beautiful.  This doesn’t sound like they are just on vacation, does it.  And, what’s a flight? Gosh, there are so many mysteries I just don’t understand.

You know,  this is the weekend we honor our Veterans— Grandma said that a lot of men in our family are vets–so they must be something important and nice—it’s called, Memorial Weekend.  I think we are supposed to B-B-Q.        Have a great day.  Woof-Woof,  Luigi

                                                                                                 

Contemplations– go figure!

Thursday, May 26th

Just watching and thinking

Hi everyone, Luigi here… I’ve been doing some thinking and thought I’d share some of my conclusions with you.  (I guess wisdom is rubbing off on me from living around all these wise, old folks…heh, heh, heh)                                                                                                                    So, you know all that rain we had for a few days, well, it reminded me about,   “With every  good, a little rain must fall.”

I think that’s true.  But, I’m seeing it in reverse!  Here I was complaining about all that darn rain, when the most interesting and beautiful thing happened.  Grandma was taking me for a walk out back by the pond–which had grown substantially because of all the rain.  It was still drizzling–but the big trees overhang the walkway enough that you don’t get too wet back there.

Then, I saw something moving out on the pond– and it was thousands of circles traveling all over the top of the pond.  What was happening was when a rain drop landed on the water, it made a little circle of waves which then kept growing bigger and bigger–sometimes as big as I am long.  Then, it would bump into another wave circle coming along.  When it was smaller and stronger, it would just wipe out the big old circle.  Or, when it got so big itself, it would get wiped out.  But, there was a constant supply of circles all different sizes because the little rain drops just kept falling.  It was like a little  flat water ballet.

It made me think about all of us on earth–people and their pets–we all have our own  circle of waves–and some of us are young and energetic and we fill in or wipe out the less capable  wave circles.  However, lots of us live long enough to create very, very big circles of influence–even when we aren’t as forceful any more–we are still dynamic.  And, then, when we all come together–we create the whole pond of water–and you can’t tell one droplet from another–we just exist as one.  Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could live like raindrops?

A corner of the pond

     See, I thot  you’d like that.  It was sort of  a ‘watching poem’.     Cool.                                     Oh, gee, all this thinking back reminded me I miss my fluffy-haired girl.  …and my Mom and Dad, too.   But Grandma is taking good care of me,  you know.  Why, last nite she stood in the pouring rain for 20 minutes while I counted blades of grass.             What?  Are you nuts?                   What else would I do out there in the rain for that long?                     Oh, no… don’t even ‘go there’… I didn’t.    LOL   Freaked poor Grandma out.    But, she got even with me– she slept in till 9 this morning.  Oh, man, I learned my lesson.

Well, y’all have a great day tomorrow.   Catch you on the flip side.      Woof-Woof, Luigi.

Does any one have Noah’s cell number?

Wednesday, May 25th.

Hey, Luigi here…  OMG I just arrived from the AZ desert– just hot… and here it is pouring rain.  And, you should just see the raincoat  that  Grandma puts on me.  I’ll have her take a picture of it  tomorrow.  So, I just got all the smells identified by area–and now, all I can find is a snoot   full  of water.  What gives?

Well, I didn’t get to write much over the weekend–  On Saturday Grandma went to a luncheon with her friend–who played a guitar.

But, after their meeting, they came home and got me and we all drove up to Bellingham.  They both laughed a lot.

I guess when you’re older and your kids are grown up, or, at least older, you have lots to chat about.  Then, they got the dad–and they all went for Mexican food–but, of course, they didn’t let me go in with them. 

So, did I tell you that I have my own personal zoo right here at   Grandma’s apartments?  Yep, some squirrels,  and a pair of Mallard ducks in the pond out back, lots of other dogs–    little   ones, older ones, and a few young, yippie brats.

And, don’t forget the rat-cat that lives right here in my home…

But, you know, R-C is starting to visit with me– well, I think it’s visiting.  When ever  Grandma and I go outside, now, R-C is sitting at the screen door waiting for us when we come back.  The other day, she wouldn’t even move her butt to let me back in.   In fact, she leaned forward and we actually touched noses.  And, today while Grandma dried the rain off of me,  R-C started hitting at my fluffy tail with her paw.  I guess she thought it was a toy— the nerve!       Well, Grandma says that Sophie–that’s her name–can you imagine naming a cat!  LOL   Anyway, Grandma says that Sophie has been the only pet in the house for over 10 years other than an occasional visit from my cousin, Nacho.    So, I’m trying to go easy on her and not chase her down.                                               Oh, and then there’s the little incident of          getting in trouble over eating Sophie’s snack , again.    

Like,  Grandma  must have super hearing because all I did was lick the rest of the food out of the bowl .   But, wow, she hollered at me from the back of the apartment.  “Luigi, is that cat food bowl I hear sliding all over the kitchen?”   Now, how’d she know that was me and not that darn cat?  So, I just gave her one of those cute little ‘shy eyes’ looks, and she calmed right down.  But, boy does that cat food taste great.  I hope I can keep my promise to her.

Also,  today I just want to say “Goodbye to Oprah! “  It was her talk show’s last day– I’ll bet her dogs will be glad she’s going to be done with that gig.  She honors dogs you know–they did that show on those outrageous puppy mills– oh, boy, I could bite some ankles when I see that cruelty.  Well, I better close for now.  I’ll be back soon.   Woof-Woof, Luigi.

Settling In…

Thursday, May 19

Well, this is just a short note—Had another great walk in the sun with Grandma–we did about 2/3rds of a mile today–or so she says.  The sun was at it again–one more day.  I ran to the doctor with her this morning–she was gone just a few minutes–at 8:50 am.  Then, we came home and did our walk.  

Then, after lunch, Grandma had to go to the dentist and then Costco.  Boy was I happy when she came home— she

really loves me and keeps coming home.  I did a little happy dance for her. After our evening walk  I saw a rabbit–just a little brown one–and another LOUD train.  They are scary.   I met a cute Jack Russell Terrier–named Shilo Marie–she is                                                          10 years old, too, but boy can she scamper about.  Those little girls are cra-a-a-zzy.

     Well, Grandma said she called Mom–and they are just finishing with the movers”  I think I’ve seen them before–when we moved 3 other times– well 4 if you count the time I was really little–before the baby came.  I’ll try to find a picture of me way back then–Grandma thinks she has one somewhere.

      So, we have to get to bed…again… y’all take care– I heard our cousin was in the hospital–way down south– I sure hope he’s doing better.

      Woof-Woof, Luigi

Lots to explore…

Wednesday, May 18th

Hey, hey, hey!  It’s Luigi again… how are you all doing?   I’m doing ok today.  I still miss my family–but Grandma is very sweet to me –inspite of my having a hankering for the cat  food–but hey, it’s Paul Newman’s organic chicken and salmon– can you blame me?

I have found a great new place to sleep–in Grandma’s bedroom–if I just back up off my bed a little bit– I’m in her closet on some nice soft clothes–I guess I will just make myself at home, eh?  (That’s some Canadian phrase I’m picking up.)  First off– I heard Bella barking–while Grandma was talking with Aunty at the computer– and I thought she was at the patio door doing her ‘alarm-bark’– so I went running to our door–and she wasn’t there.  But, some lady walked by with a little fluffy black and white dog–so I barked back at them to let them know not to get too close to our apartment.  It seemed to work because they never came up to our door.

It was another sunny day, so we did some more walking and investigating.  

       Today went a bit better because I guess Grandma is trained

now to just pick up the bowl of cat food when Sophie’s done.

I’m glad, because I just can’t resist the temptation.  I got brushed again tonite.  And, we

laughed and ‘almost’ ran around the coffee table.  But, you know how that goes.

then I’ll be expected to roll over or some such thing.

OK, it’s late.  Don’t want to wake Grandma up– so I’ll say, Woof-Woof, Luigi

Let the sun shine, let the sun shine, the s-u-n shine in…

Tuesday, May 17th

This was a gorgeous day– and the sun shine was wonderful.  I’m still with Grandma–and we took a long, slow walk for almost 45 minutes–and we went clear around the apartments.
 

I also got to meet a new friend– a black, long-haired chihuahua-mix named Buster.  He is just a little taller than I am–and has fluffy hair on his ears. He was just one of those ‘young-uns’ because he wanted to jump and hop around– really.  In the middle of the day, Grandma left me home–said she had an appointment and would be right back. And, she was.   We went out a couple of times– and then I met Rick–he was walking out back–and later I met him up front. 

Things were pretty mellow until mid-afternoon –I got into trouble– but it’s that rat-cat’s fault.  You see, she gets this little bowl of soft food, and she doesn’t eat all of it.  Well, I was doing my usual check all the corners in the kitchen –and there was this little white bowl with some of her food left.  Naturally, I thought she was done, so I cleaned the bowl.  Well, Grandma heard the bowl clinking around the kitchen and boy oh boy!  She was really upset with me…and I got one of those lectures where the angry person tells you the issue over and over.  Gees– I got the point.

But, I guess I’m getting dementia because, later that evening– I smelled that lovely food again, and when Grandma walked out of the kitchen, I just nudged that cat right out of her dinner–and finished it for her.  OH RATS!  I guess the honeymoon is over.  Grandma flicked a drippy hand of water at me– and said, “Luigi–this isn’t going to work if you keep eating Sophie’s food.”   Good Godfrey– she called that cat by name—she was really serious, too.  She didn’t keep repeating herself this time.  So, I guess I’ll just have to remember to not eat the cat food.   Darn it.       OK, I’m almost caught up with the journal– till later.   Woof-Woof, Luigi

It wasn’t just a dream…

Monday, May 16th

Hey, everyone, it’s Luigi, again.   I woke up this morning and I was still at Grandma’s–it wasn’t just a dream.  She was really sweet to me and talked to me about having brek-kust  like Mom does–and she took me outside for the morning tinkle.  Things are happening normal-like, but I still don’t know where my family is–or Bella.  Thank  gosh I know this is ‘my’ Grandma.

As we were doing the breakfast routine, this large, gray-striped, fluffy ‘rat’ walked into the room–Man oh man–did I let it know to stop right there– Bark, Bark, Bark.  I’m not letting any ‘fluffy rats’ in our house.  But, Grandma quickly pointed out that, “Luigi–that’s Sophie– our CAT– don’t bark at her, she lives here, too.”  What in the heck is a cat?  Why would Grandma be taking care of that thing?  Oh, my!

So, I ate my breakfast with one eye watching that Sophie.  You can never be sure that Grandma didn’t make a mistake and that the cat thing might not be true.  And, you know how rats come steal your food.

Afterwards, we went for a walk to a nice little grassy area by a pond.                  

Of course, I had to sniff all over very carefully–and WHOA!  this huge thing went roaring by us just on the other side of the trees.  Whoot, whoooo!  Holy cow–scared me half to death– I looked at Grandma who was just casually standing there smiling.  She assured me in her sweet voice, “It’s OK Luigi–it’s a train.  A train.”   So, I checked back and forth a couple of times–and she wasn’t running for cover, so I guess it’s ok to not get in a panic–but, criminey–you could even feel the ground tremble.

After that, we ran some errands.  Now that I understand cuz my Mom used to do a lot of that–and lots of times Bella and I would go with her.  Oh, Bella.  Where are you?   This is very strange.   Any way, I ran around with Grandma who would get out of the car for just a really short time–and off we’d go again.  The rest of the day was pretty normal.  She put a little footstool by the couch to help me get up by myself.  OMG  I was really in a panic when she said, ‘jump up. Luigi, jump up’.  …on the furniture–yep… Grandma must be losing it–she’s old you know… on the furniture.  But, she has everything covered with blankets for me–even the car seat.  Oh, that Grandma.

Well, that’s pretty much how things went.  I never did find Bella.  But, before I went to bed, Grandma  brushed me a long time–it felt lov-ell-y.  So, I’ll close for now– I need to report about Tuesday, and then, I’ll be caught up with my journal.  Woof-Woof, Luigi.

It all started out as a simple vacation…

Sunday, May 15th, 2011

” Hey!  The name’s Luigi.   I am just now a  re-located, mature dog—uprooted–bed, toys, blankets,  food, vitamins, brushes,  Lamby and all.  For some reason–which isn’t altogether apparent to me–I’m now living with my Grandmother.  Well, don’t you know that this is just a bit confusing!  But, what’s a dog to do?  Journal?  Who the heck is going to explain things to me? So, I figured  I better keep track of things so that I don’t forget what the heck is going on. So, to start with,  I think I’d better let you know who I am. “

” Well, I think you got the name–Luigi.  Now, I’m an East-coast,  Bichon Frise who just turned 10 on March 1st.  ( I mention East-coast because I’m from the Boston area–and  sis is a Westerner–from the PNW.  She’s bigger and is a bossy princess.)  Let’s see–I’m all white–except for these 2 coal-black eyes and 1 coal-black nose–and I’m really, really fluffy.  So, overall, I’m good–just a little stiff in my right shoulder, but other than that, I’m handling being a ‘mature’ dog pretty well.”

“So, there I was living this idyllic life–well, except for  bossy Bella.  I had a fluffy-haired little girl, a busy mom, and a deep-voiced dad.  I was living in Tucson where it was hotter than any dog should have to put up with.  And, then, everything changed. “

” For some reason called going on a vacation,  Mom and Dad packed  Bella and I into the car with everything we owned, including our little girl, and some  of their stuff, too,   and we started driving…and driving…and driving.   My little girl sat in back with Bella and I and she just chatted and sang and slept–for 2 days. We love her so much–but it was a long trip.   Finally,  we ended up at a beach cottage overlooking a lot of water, cloudy with rain,  and  OMG, we nearly froze after the desert.

Then, all these different people started stopping by to visit.  First  there were ‘uncles’–so we were told.  Then, they left and some cousins, and an aunty and our Grandmother arrived.  That silly grandma would call our names in a high, squeaky voice  and we would run all around the room.  Boy, that got us all excited–this was going to be some vacation.  Some other friends and their son joined us too.  So there were lots of folks and snacks and noise–and everyone was laughing a lot. We all had a great time together for several days…until last Sunday morning when it was announced that we had to go home–so pack up the cars. “

” Of course, it had to be raining as Dad started carrying stuff up to the cars.  Everyone was talking about  leaving and going home.   But when  all was said and done, Bella and I were in Aunty’s car with Grandmother and the boys—and all our stuff.  And, Mom  and Dad and our little girl were telling us goodbye.  It was all pretty confusing.  But, that’s what happened–we were off with the relatives–and our family was left behind at the cottage.  Well, once again, we had a good long ride–but this time with the 2 boy cousins–who are fun enough, but aren’t exactly our fluffy-haired girl.  And, then, we get to Grandmother’s home–and they put all my stuff in her apartment.  And then, the unmentionable happened.  They drove off with my sister Bella.  Just drove off and left me with Grandma.  Can you imagine that?  “

“So, that’s my dilemma.  I’m sitting here with my Grandma–whom I love very much.  But, I don’t know where my Mom and Dad and little girl are–and where’s that bossy Bella?  I heard Grandma tell someone , ‘this is my sweet little grand puppy and that my family’s going to Germany for 3 years–so I’m going to stay here with her’, and they petted me and smiled.  Where’s Germany?  What are 3 years?  What’s going on here?   I guess I’ll get this all sorted out eventually. “

“Well, it must be my bedtime, I’m tired, now. So, I’ll journal tomorrow.   Woof-Woof, Luigi”