Crunch, Crunch

We had a beach walk today. Due to the weather (very cold and not easy walking), there were very few people out. As we walked the length of the beach, it was very sunny, though well below freezing. After the 6 or 8 inch snowfall followed by rain and then freezing temperatures, the snowfall was compacted to about 5 inches and frozen solid. We walked on top of the snow with ease. It certainly was easier to walk on the smooth, crusty surface than where people had sunk several inches into the snow leaving frozen sunken footprints making walking treacherous with the landmines that could break ankles. I noted black and white ducks scattered in the lake instead of in their usual bunched together positions. I assumed that they were Lesser Scaups. But, when we reached the ship channel, ice flows were moving fairly rapidly out to the lake. The longtails could not float in peace in the channel. They were the ducks dotted over the lake. As we started a loop back, I spied a purple and white “ball” ahead. Fortunately, Guinness didn’t see it or it would have been in his mouth. It was a beautiful head of a duck, but I don’t know what duck has a purple head with white stripes. By the time we were back on the snowy beach, the sun had begun to melt the frozen snow so that our feet sunk an inch or more with every step, and our previous silent steps now crackled . It is fascinating to observe the changes in nature.

Lots of Pets

I received a call asking if I would like to have my home air quality tested. Yes, in fact, I do want that done. They said that they were doing research and wanted to collect two air samples from our home; could they come within an hour? Sure! Then I checked out the company on the Web and made a call to them to be certain that this was not a boogey man coming to my house. To avoid needing to crate him, Guinness wore his training collar and dragged his leash so that I could prevent him from mauling the person. It was a very nice young man who came and gave Guinness lots of attention, tummy tickles, and ear rubs while he collected air samples.

As soon as he left, we headed out to run errands. After having a virtual blizzard all day yesterday, then rain all night, I did not want to go for an outdoor walk today through the puddles and slop. Our first stop was Home Depot where we could walk up and down every aisle of the store for our exercise. This was our third time to use that store as a place to walk on bad days. Every time, it is a bit better. He was so excited as we walked through the parking lot, even squealing, that he had exiting customers laughing. He did not charge ahead, but walked beside me quite sedately. I had to give him constant reminders, “You don’t have to say ‘hello’ to every one.” “No sniffing.” “Side!” which means he is to walk at my side, not ahead of me. Of course, there always are a few who look at him with a little fear in their eyes. Most find him amusing. If he saw someone that he thought might be friendly, I would have to use two hands to prevent him from jumping on them. Many in the store, sales people and customers, asked to pet him, complimented his good looks, and gave him the attention he craved. Even two young children petted him, and he was very gentle with them. Hurray! They have a lab/shepherd mix at home, so they understand dogs of this size and exuberance. We picked up some light bulbs and a new indoor/outdoor thermometer. I was shocked and pleased with the patience he exhibited while I made my selections! As we approached the self-checkout, a goofy woman, much like myself, was audibly responding to the talking register. She made a big fuss over him, as she has a 160 pound Mastiff at home.

The Gingerbread Man

For fun, I tried to keep track of the items Guinness stole for playing his Catch-me-if-you-can Game this past week: a washcloth, my Uggs (repeatedly), a sponge, the album of Kevin while still in Russia, a Kleenex box, Tupperware, placemats (repeatedly), mail with Grant's health card replacement form, and a glove. Of course, there was the mixing bowl incident, plus I caught him trying to take from my desk an ancient picture of me in my youth! Grant was packing his suitcase and set his underwear out. The next thing we knew, Guinness was running around with a wad of underwear in his mouth. He does keep us laughing!

Morning Surprise

Grant and Guinness were up before me. When that happens, Guinness eventually comes back to bed to rest some more or to tell me to get up. This morning, I was aware that he jumped on the bed, but I went back to sleep. When I awoke and lifted my head to rise, Guinness’s Santa toy rolled off my head. ICK!

Loveseat

At last cleaning, I noted that the loveseat is beginning to show wear. It is Guinness’s favorite spot to rest throughout the day. Since Daddy thinks he is cute there, it is time for some protection. I was very pleased to find an acceptable slipcover. Guinness thinks it is nice too.

Snow Day

Today was one of those perfect days for a winter walk: light fluffy snow falling with a new blanket of six inches on top of the frozen snow and ice. Hardly anyone had traversed the bike path before us, so we were almost breaking trail. Well, Guinness did break his own trail! No one was around, so I released his leash and he joyfully bounded through the snow. When he started to wander where I didn’t wish him to go, he was excellent about coming on command. We were the lonely walkers except for a woman with two greyhounds. They let Guinness know quickly that they had no intention of playing. I love it that he always backs down – just like Hershey did.

Cake

Grant made a cake today for the first time in his life! I was rather shocked when he proclaimed this to be his first cake ever. When I thought about it, he never used to eat cake. He didn’t like cake; he only liked pie (or bread pudding which I have never made). While it was in the oven, we heard a thump. Even though it was rinsed out, Guinness had checked out the mixing bowl.

Here is the baker with the final yummy product (Guinness was not offered a piece).

Neat Boy

He isn’t always neat, but quite often we notice that his toys are all in one place or in a row. Here is an example: 2 balls and 2 Christmas toys (which, you will note, he still has not chewed up!)

We Made it to the Beach

As we approached the beach, Guinness went bonkers with excitement. It was a challenge to keep him on a sit/stay while I hooked up his long lead, as a dog-friendly man walked by egging Guinness on to be crazy. No sooner had he passed, and I was trying to get the car locked and mittens on, when another dog-friendly man came along encouraging Guinness to be overly friendly. Here he is posing in the seagrass.

I was determined to do my part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Two Ring-billed Seagulls flew past us over the edge of the lake. There was a phenomenal build-up of ice flows blocking my view of the birds that might be on the lake. The normal gatherings along the beach of Mallards, Canada Geese, and Trumpeter Swans were nowhere in sight. As we approached the ship channel, I could see hundreds of black birds huddled floating on the lake. I tied Guinness to a tree so that I could try to get a good look with my binoculars to identify them. I am quite sure that they were Lesser Scaups, but I cannot be positive. While watching them, a black duck suddenly popped up out of the ice flows about 50 feet from us. I cannot be sure if it was an American Black Duck or a Gadwall. It was very dark in color and had a bright white wing patch on its side. In trying to get closer to the duck, we encountered this sight. (Click on the picture to get the full effect!)

In the ship channel, there was the usual sight of hundreds of Longtails. Eighteen Trumpeter Swans were hovering at the edge of the channel singly or in twos. I tied Guinness to a tree as it was way too slippery on the pier to be safe. He managed to come loose, but did not try to run away. Thank goodness!


Our walk ended with a bad omen. A black bird with white under its tail fell from the sky into the ice flows. It was not large enough to have been electrocuted by the high power lines overhead, but perhaps it accidentally ran into a wire and fell to its death. We did not get close enough to identify it, as I didn’t want Guinness to find it.

Here is my exhausted boy:

Snow Drifts -- Annoying and Fun

Today is the Great Backyard Bird Count. I was looking forward to taking Guinny to the beach and counting the Trumperter Swans, Longtails, and any other avian creatures that might be there. I considered whether it was a good idea to be driving there as the parking lots might not be plowed. Without a 4-wheel drive vehicle this winter, that could be a problem. But, I bundled myself up for the frigid temps, put my binoculars and camera around my neck, stuffed a BGGC list for my area in my pocket with pencil, got Guinny leashed up and in the car, then backed out. Into a snowdrift. Stuck! Guinness was NOT happy to be going inside instead of for a walk. Fortunately, BMW’s have “free” emergency service. So they came and towed me out a couple of hours later. But I was no longer in the mood to go so late in the day.

When I went out to run some errands, we drove to the beach to check out the parking lots. My normal parking lot has not been plowed, and it would be iffy to park there. But another lot is totally plowed! Guinness was quite distraught that we did not park and cried big doggie tears. I promised him that tomorrow morning we will be there bright and early! We have four days in which to turn in a bird count.

Before going into the house, we made a potty stop in the yard. I decided that he needed some big muscle activity, and we have not practiced jumps in months. So I told him to jump over a 2.5 foot snowdrift. He did, and he jumped back to me on cue. We did the jumps several times and even over a taller drift. He did great!

After the Blizzard

For 36+ hours, a blizzard raged leaving over a foot of snow, mostly blown into drifts. After being stuck inside for two days, when the sun started shining, we just had to get out. The bike path had not been plowed, but we had fun anyway.

Doesn't he look like a happy dog?

Here he is digging in the snow to uncover a substantial stick.

What a handsome boy!

Before the Storm

As snow was beginning to fall, Guinness found a blue balloon dancing across our yard. At first, he was frightened and barked at it. Then he followed it around and picked it up in his mouth. He looked so cute with this big blue balloon in his mouth that I ran inside for my camera. When I came back, it had popped.

Gentle

We took a walk at the bike path where we met a nice lady with some type of terrier who likes to play. We allowed them to be free at the ballfield and have a fun time. The terrier was territorial with his stick, but Guinness was fine with that. While the woman and I were chatting a mile a minute, I missed seeing a young mother with stroller and two dogs come along. Guinness didn’t miss them, but the dogs were not going to allow this crazy man near their baby. Since Guinness is not an alpha dog and backs down to anyone, it was not a problem, and I was able to grab his leash even though he would not respond to my “Come!” However, I am sure, it was frightening for the young mother. On the way home, I again was preoccupied with dropping waste into a trash can as a couple came along with a blind Golden. Guinness ran to them before I knew they were there. They were worried about their dog as he is blind and fearful of other dogs. I was so pleased to note that Guinness was not being his normal crazy self, but was actually sniffing the dog and being quite gentle. He obviously was sensing that this dog had special needs.

Poop-scicles

For over the first year of his life, Guinness loved eating his (or any dog’s) excrement, so we had to pooper scoop immediately. Thankfully, he has lost his appetite for such things, though I always clean the yard as soon as it is dirtied. Now that we have snow on the ground, it is not always possible to pick up the messes immediately – especially in the dark. I have discovered that he enjoys digging down to find his prize and eat it. Yuck! Before leaving for Texas, I warned Daddy that he needs to clean up the yard as Guinness is back to his old tricks. He did not heed me, so Guinness found some picnic items in the snow. Unfortunately, they caused him to vomit in the house. Daddy had to acknowledge that I was right.

Icicle Beard

Today we walked the bike path again. It was only 19 degrees when we left the house! We met a German Shepherd mix who wanted to play at the ball fields. They ran and ran chasing each other around a spruce tree. So funny! By the time we arrived home, I noted that he had icicles in his beard! So I had to take a picture.

Camera day

We went back to the bike path today with camera. New snow was falling, but the beauty of two days ago had dissipated. I did take a movie of him doing a come from being distracted. If you watch the beginning closely, you will see that he is happily sniffing the ground, then suddenly looks at me attentively before I have said a word. So I missed capturing him from a “cold start.” Come!

I took a few shots of him in the park, but I should have used a flash since it was overcast and snowing. This one taken in our yard when we arrived home turned out better though still could have used a flash.

Then he found a lawn sprinkler behind a holly bush which I had forgotten to put in the garage in the fall. So you get to see a little catch-me-if-you-can game. The Gingerbread Man

Why didn't I take my camera?

Some one turned off the global warming switch and winter has descended upon us. Yesterday we had a blustery day called “wintry mix” – freezing rain, sleet, and snow. It was too yucky for anything except a double “prom” (aka promenade) around our property. Today, it is only 17 degrees with enough sun diffusing through a layer of clouds to create bright spots and shadows. I donned my winter dog walking outfit: purple sweatsuit, super warm double-layered purple jacket, purple windproof pants, purple Uggs, topped off with a black neck scarf tied across my nose and mouth. My warmth was not in question.

Guinness and I set off for the nearby bike path. I was concerned about how slippery the walk might be, but the frozen precipitation on the ground is a hard crust of ice and snow dimpled by sleet creating fair traction. Our normal destination on the bike path is the ballfields. If no one is around, I drop the leash, allowing him to wander, dragging the leash behind for easy retrieval if necessary. When he is distracted by something, I pull out treats and call, “Come!” from across the field to test his recalls. He races barreling towards me and does a front sit. He has become so used to this drill that, after wandering on his own for a while, he will stop, stare at me expecting a come command. If I don’t respond promptly, he bolts without being called and sits before me expecting his treat for being such a good boy. I can even allow him to wander out of sight, and he will still respond with enthusiasm.

We usually cross the soccer field, round the baseball diamond, then cut behind the row of trees, mainly spruces, which create a secluded walkway. Today, as we took that turn, we were facing the sun. Guinness’s dark brown body ran over the white snow creating a striking contrast (winter is the best time to take a chocolate lab’s photo!). The deciduous tree branches, laden with a thin coating of ice and arching over our path, were loaded with tiny bulbous diamonds sparkling due to the soft glowing of the sun directly ahead. The snow was something I don’t think I have ever seen in my sixty years! It was as if Swarovski crystals had been finely ground and dusted over the landscape. Blue, green, and red glints were dazzling my eyes! Even if I had had my camera, I don’t think I could have pulled it out, turned it on, and snapped in time to catch that fleeting visage of brown dog on white snow with diamonds over his head and under his feet. It is doubtful that the amazing glistening crystal snow could ever be captured on film or CF card. But it is in my memory – a phenomenal sight!

When we arrived home, I looked to see if the Swarovski fairies had sprinkled their magical crystals in our yard, but they weren’t there – only colorless clear sparkles twinkled.

A New Greeting

“Have a Guinny Day! (That means bouncy, happy, loving, fun filled and nutritious.)” My husband wished that for me today. Ü

You ask: what does Guinness eat that is nutritious? Carrots! While he was in his fancy obedience school, we started training him to lie under the table and be a good boy while we eat meals. At first, we used the mini-treats used for training. We wanted to get away from using treats, so we started giving him ice cubes, which he loved. For some unknown reason, we gave him carrots instead of ice cubes once. That did it. He would not eat an ice cube during dinnertime again. He insisted on carrots.

Just yesterday I was wishing we had never started this treat-while-eating business. If we forget to keep giving him a carrot, he will sit. If we don’t notice him sitting and waiting for his next carrot, he will paw at one of us. How do we end this?! We have created a vexation.

The power of suggestion through thinking

I heard Guinny prancing around making funny noises. When I walked out of the den, he raced from the dining room – his favorite place to chew on things he shouldn’t have. There were rippled pieces of white plastic on the floor. I did not recognize them. Of course, he would not let me near him. I grabbed a treat to get this over quickly. He had the lid to my blender. Some of the edge is chewed off, but it is still useable (I think) though it looks disgusting.

Earlier this morning as I made my smoothie, I was thinking how grateful I am for my Waring Blender! It was a wedding gift almost 38 years ago. It had very irregular use until a couple of years ago when a friend hooked me on smoothies for breakfast. Now it is used every day. I bought a blender “for Greg,” so that I could make smoothies when I am at his house. It is not nearly as good as my old Waring Blender. In fact, when I have used blenders at anyone’s house, they are not as good.

Fred Waring was well known for his radio show and as the founder and conductor of the singing group, the Pennsylvanians. The summer of 1973, we attended a concert of Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians at Chautauqua Institute. I learned that night that Fred Waring was the financial backer behind the invention of the Waring Blender, making his name a household word. I had no idea that my kitchen blender was related to the musical Fred Waring!

In recent years, I have thought that my blender, even though it is a superb performer, appears dated. Then I saw a Waring Blender in a Williams Sonoma store for about $100 which looked exactly like mine. No wonder the performance of the average $20 to $30 kitchen blender does not match mine!

While making my smoothie this morning, the memory of my dated-looking blender and the cost of a new one, looking equally as dated, crossed my mind. Now that I am officially an “old” person complete with pension and senior rebates, I wondered if mine will last my lifetime. As is my custom every morning, I made my smoothie, rinsed out the blender and lid, placed them upside down beside the sink to dry. Today is the last time I will do that.

My smoothie recipe for 1 serving:
½ cup orange juice
1 banana
4 frozen strawberries (or other frozen fruit)
½ cup of low-fat yogurt

My favorite combinations:
Strawberries with cherry yogurt
Mango with raspberry yogurt
Peach with blueberry yogurt

Body Language

We picked up Guinness from his 13 days at the pet hotel on Tuesday morning. At this stage in life, I am always a zombie for a day or two after a trip. Guinness is also a zombie his first day home again. He slept at my feet or in his crate all day. I still was not ready for a big walk on Wednesday, though he was. He had to wait for Thursday, when I had a bit more energy and felt more in control of life being put back together again. For a reward, we went to the beach. He was so cute leaping through the water! The other beach walkers enjoyed his show as well.

If we walk to and from home and go to the pier at the far end of the beach, it is an hour and a half walk. I prefer to only spend one hour walking. There are other things to do in a day. So when we were three quarters of the way down the beach, I turned around to head for home. Guinness knows that the beach goes all the way to the pier, and he was not going to miss out on one inch of his beach walk. He jumped at me repeatedly and barked. His body language told me in no uncertain terms, “No way, Mom! We are not going home until we finish our walk!” I had to give in. How could I say, “No”?

Walking the Lake Ontario beach has many similarities to the NC beach we enjoyed over the Christmas holidays. The main difference was the water -- the lake was perfectly smooth today, unlike the roiling ocean. And the birds, except the Ringbilled Gulls, are different. Here we have the Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards, and Longtails. In NC, we had mainly Pelicans and Sandpipers along with two or three species of gulls. And then the dolphins pretend they are birds, leaping out of the water.

When Guinny and I finally were on our way back down the beach towards home, we encountered a 10 year old German Shepherd. He didn’t have Guinness’s energy, but he was happy to meet a friend. The two of them frolicked on the sand, then Copper led Guinness into the lake. That was the first time that I have released the leash and allowed him freedom in the water. I knew he would not run or swim away from Copper. He has not had the opportunity to get out in the lake far enough yet to need to swim. I look forward to that day, but with trepidation! What if he swims away from me too far? I would prefer him to experience that with a dog friend who will bring him back to shore.