Thankful Thursday with Poetry by Lucy

Let’s start off again with being thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! My sisters have so much fun doing the poetry for these pictures. I’m thankful that Xena let me do the poem for this week. Here we go…

The Man, the Dog and the Bird by Lucy

I’ll help you Dad, I’ll grab the cone
Before that evil bird has flown
To her nest with nestlings…
Oh, heck, she’s got goslings.
I just can’t take their food;
It doesn’t matter how good.
You can have my treat, Dad,
An orange that’ so sweet, and
If you’ll just give me half
We’ll think of the bird and laugh!

Xena: That sure does sound like you, Lucy. I’m thankful you are my sweet, gentle big sister. Remember how we used to play when I was a puppy. I’ve started playing again, with Chia. But if you want to play too, that would be lots of fun. *wags*

Lucy: Thanks, Xena. I’m also thankful that you’re my good little sister. We’ve always gotten along great, and there’s never been a feeling of competition between us.

Chia: Hey girls! What do you want to compete in today? Who gets the most treats? The most pets? First going through the door? Who gets to sit with Mom or Dad?

Lucy and Xena: *sigh* We hope everyone has a happy and thankful Thursday!
Chia: Me too! Me too!

The Mom: To be fair to Chia, along with her exuberant enthusiasm, she can also be a sweet, cuddly girl, even with her sisters – especially Lucy. And she is the only one who is empathetic with people; who can feel if someone is sad or hurting, and gently does her best to try to make that person feel better. I’m thankful today and every day for our Chia.

Chia Hunting Miss Mousie

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays

I’m still hunting Miss Mousie. Mom has given me permission to send her to the bridge where she can play with all the Mousies who went there before her. I go into stealth mode when I hear her. Mom’s cut the first 30 seconds of the video. She said it looks like something called a “still” cause I stand posed perfectly still, not moving a muscle. Important for the hunt but boring for the video, I guess. Here I am as the mighty hunter!

The music that’s playing is called “Inescapable.” Mom thought that was quite suitable for what I was doing, BOL Hope you enjoyed! (I still haven’t caught Miss Mouse.)

Chia’s Crazy Cat Poem and Thankfuls

Xena: We’re all thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! Chia’s been a bit upset about our company (even though she’s laying on the couch with Oliver right now) so I thought it might help to let her do the poem this week. She really loves to do that. OK, Chia, you go ahead.

Chia: You did take the last Thursday of my birthday month away from me, Xena, so it’s good I’m getting this week’s.

Loony by Chia the Jacksund

He’s wearing a chef’s hat
And is loony as a bat.
He’s working for a vet
Don’t ever take your pet!

He’s got mechanic’s tools;
All your teeth he could pull.
The vet’s been M.I.A.
No one saw her drive away…

Someone check the freezer!
A body may be in there.
The hat tells the real story.
He”d rather cook than bury!

The End

Hope my poem didn’t make you puke or faint or anything. It’s just kinda the mood I’m in. Mom keeps saying Ollie and I could be play pals if I’d just try. (His name’s Oliver, but I call him Ollie cause it irritates him.) Instead, I look at Ollie and show him my teeth. He looks back and shows me his teeth. We sit like that for a minute or two, then, when I feel I’ve made my point, I get off the couch and walk away.

Xena: I’ve given up. I just ignore them now. They’ve been here five nights and days. Maybe they’re just gonna live here.

Lucy: No, it’s like when our shih tzu friend Gracie comes to visit. Sasha and Oliver’s Mom went on vacation, so our Mom said she’d keep them. I think Sasha and I will get to be friends. I’m always thankful for new friends. And I’m thankful that the weather has cooled off enough we can go for walks when Mom gets home from work.
Xena: Me too. And I’m thankful I got to spend the day at the church with Mommy without any other dogs, even if she did forget to bring my treats.
Chia: I’ll be thankful when Ollie and his big sister leave. Hey, see y’all later. We’re all going to cuddle up on the couch for a nap now.

A Poetic Bear Camp Adventure with Xena

We’re all thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! I confered with my Mommy before jumping into this picture. She didn’t think it was very safe getting that close to a bear. I promised to run really fast and then jump right back out! Here I go!

Bear Camp by Xena

“You awake, Momma B.?” Daddy Bear asked.
Come out from the covers, in the sun let’s both bask.
“I brought you some trout, I caught them myself.
We’ll eat then lay down again all by ourselves.” *wink*

“I’m not your Mama B!” the young lady gasped!
Your tent’s one more over,” the blanket she clasped.
“Get outa my tent, you big furry beast!
“And once I’m clothed I will join your trout feast!”

The end

Chia: That bear shoulda know better. The tent’s two small for two adult brown bears. I hope those brown bears didn’t eat that stupid lady.
Xena: Of course they didn’t. No one got hurt in the making of my poem. Do you have anything to be thankful about, or are you too busy commenting about my poem. I know you’ve been doing them all of July.

Chia: I”m excited we’re gonna have new friends come stay with us. Maybe they’ll play with me. And I know we’re all excited about Miss Christy coming to stay with next month when Mom and Dad go to a dance camp a hundred thousand miles away.

Lucy: I can’t wait to see Miss Christy, too! I’m also thankful and excited about Sasha coming to stay with us. She’s a boxer like my BFF Ella was. I sure do miss Ella since she crossed over the Bridge.Chia: Your boyfriend Achilles has gone over…
Xena: *interupting Chia* So Lucy, do you think the pom, Oliver, will play with us? *whispering to Chia* No one’s told Lucy.
Lucy: Told me what?
Xena: Uh, geez, I don’t remember *paws crossed and changing subject* Chia, what are you thankful for?
Chia: Hmmm. I’m thankful for both my sisters and that no one else has gone over the Rainbow Bridge.

Xena: I think we’ll wrap this up for today. Everyone have a good weekend with lots of time with your peeps.


Chia’s Final July Poetic Thankful Thursday

Let’s start off again with being thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! This was another fun photo that I took the liberty of jumping into, and here’s my poem to go with it.

Sneaking Jacksund by Chia

Tommy thought the shoes were fun.
“Sneakers,” they’re called, for a silent run.
Who was Tommy’s victim to be?
One thing for sure, it won’t be me!

Instead, I snuck up from behind,
Quiet as our mouse (who we still can’t find).
I shouted, “Boo!” Tom lost a shoe,
Then ran real fast to take a poo!
The End.

Xena: BOL, BOL, that was a fun one, Chia. And just think, this is your last poem for your birthday month. I’ve had a restful break and will be taking over again next week. I’m thankful for my early morning walks that we take before me and Mommy go to work. It’s not exactly cool at 6:30 in the morning, but not so hot, either, that I overheat.

Lucy: I love our early morning walks too. And Xena, did you hear Mom talking about meeting up with a couple of the neighborhood dogs at a different neighbor’s house. They’re going to come stay with us for a week and we’re supposed to “get acquainted” on what Mom called “neutral territory.” I think that means not in either of our yards. Instead, another neighbor with a fenced yard is letting us all come there.

Xena: Huh. Not sure about that. How does Mommy know all these people anyhow?

Lucy: She grooms Miss Susan and Miss Nicole’s dogs. And I think we’re in for a lecture about being nice to Miss Susan’s dogs, Sasha the Boxer and Oliver the Pomeranian. As long as no one tries to stick their noses in my butt, I’ll be nice.
Xena: I’ll work on ignoring them. They just need to understand that I’m in charge around here.

Chia: And with that, friends, we’re signing off until next time. *wiggles and wags*

Owl Delivery: A Poetic Adventure with Chia

Chia: It’s still my birthday month, woohoo! And Xena’s still lookin’ the other way (for real!) when I grab the picture for the Thursday poetry. So let’s start off with being thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! Here we go!

Owl Delivery Plus by Chia

Mom! Owl Delivery you called is here.
He says he’ll catch that mouse we fear.
Miss Mousie’s smart, but so is Owl.
He said he’ll need a grooming towel.

“A grooming towel?” my Mom replied.
“Well, let him in with his supplies!
Let’s see what Mr. Owl can do.
It can’t be any worse than you.”

I hung my head, opened the door.
Owl flew onto the entry floor.
Mousie ran out and down the walk
Then got grabbed up by a big hawk.

The towel’s to wipe the sidewalk clean;
Here’s the terms on which we agreed.
Thanks little Chia for today.
If you’d caught Mouse I’d not got paid.

The End

Chia: OK, so it wasn’t so much a delivery as a service call. But that’s what I meant by “PLUS” in the title! Hmmm, wondering if Owl Delivery Plus really did come to our house. We haven’t seen hide nor poop from Mousy in a few days. Mommy read that mice can’t resist peanut butter, so she baited her new trap and all her old traps with Kroger cheap brand PB. Maybe Mousy likes the more expensive stuff and moved to a fancier house… hey, Xena, what do you have to be thankful for today?

Xena: I’m thankful I got to go to work with Mommy three times this week and *whispers* you didn’t get to go at all.
Chia: Why do you think I can’t hear you when you whisper? I’ve got dog ears, too, you know.
Xena: Oh, well, uh, I meant, you might run outside onto the busy road and get run over by a car. I, on the other hand, am well behaved and never do that kind of thing. I don’t pull on the leash, either, which is why I got to go for a walk with Mommy early this morning and you got put out in the dog lot by yourself.
Chia: Grrrr. I just have more spirit than you!
Lucy: Girls, this is supposed to be Thankful Thursday, not Snide Saturday. Let’s tone it down. I’m thankful for my walk this morning, and that we’re all allowed to sleep in the big bed with our folks at night. And also for Thomas the Mailman who comes to Mom’s work to give me good treats!

Xena: Lucy, you reminded me of one more thankful. Mr. Ted always came to the church to see me and give Mommy some papers with lots of numbers on it from Sunday. I like Mr. Ted almost as much as I like my brother Adam. Then someone else took his place. But Tuesday he came by just to hold me and pet me. Mommy helped me up into his lap and he talked sweet to me and gave me scritches in all my favorite places. He’s going on vacation, but told me he’d come back to see me when he gets back. *big wags*

Chia: I guess that’s a wrap for today, folks. Stay cool in this heat, and don’t let any little schnauzers push you around…gotta go!

Mouse in the House by Chia

On July 4th I was tasked with catching the mouse in the house! It surprised me once, and by the time I started chasing it, it had too much of a head start. But I’m gonna find you, mousy. Here, mousy, mousy…

I’m half dachshund, and we are badger hunters! Mice are more in Xena’s area of expertise, cause schnauzers are ratters. But I saw this one first and it’s gonna be MINE!

The problem is,  I haven’t seen that mouse at all since then. Maybe she knows she’s dead meat if I get her! She’s been eating our coconut oil toothpaste, the stuff Mom mixes with Neem oil to brush our teeth. Grrrrr. Oh, and now Mom’s been referring to the mouse as “she” because “she” is so darn smart (sorry, guys)! Mom moved our coconut oil toothpaste to the very top of the stack dryer. Shoot, even she can barely get to it there! And guess what? Part of it was gone the next morning! How the dickens is this mouse getting to these places? And why isn’t it getting trapped? This time the mouse slammed the door on the trap shut on it’s way out!

She ate all the “toothpaste” in the trap again a few nights ago plus shut the trap door on her way out again! The other two traps broke trying to catch that darn mouse. She keeps going in them and eating our coconut oil and walking back out. At least she has good manners and shuts the trap door behind her!

I’m really trying, Mom!

“You won’t believe what she did the other night while we were asleep! She got on the stovetop and into the trap that had her favorite coconut oil. The door closed with her in the trap. She banged against the inside of the trap until it bounced off the stove. Then she kept banging against the inside of it until it was partway across the room. Then she got the door at the other end – the door only people are supposed to be able to pull off to release the mouse in the wild – lifted up out of it’s groove and walked away! (after she ate the coconut oil.)
 
My folks are about to look for another humane way of catching her. If that fails, well, there’s always the jaws of death. No! Not mine! (unless I catch her first) An old fashioned mouse trap. Mousie will die. Mom will cry. And then I will have failed. But it will be over.

Now the back of the trap is sealed with clear packing tape so mousy poo (yep, it poos a lot) can’t escape that way. But who woulda thought she could do that in the first place!?

I’ll catch it Mom! I’ll hold it down with this paw like I did my [toy] squirrel while I bite off its head.

Rubber bands are around the outside of the trap and hooked on each side to the burner grates on the stove. Hopefully, that will keep the trap from being bounced to the edge and off the stove top. More coconut oil is in it. We will know tomorrow if she took the bait again, or if she learned not to go into it. Mom’s also gonna place one in the bathroom. She’s heard mousy poo rustling around in there during the night.

This is your last chance, Miss Mousy Poo. Git out while the gittin’ is still good.
Chia, your arch nemesis.

In case you’re wondering, this is what the trap looks like.

Chia’s Poetry and Thankfuls on Her Birthday Month

Chia: It’s still my birthday month and I’m trying to make the most of it, with Xena’s blessing. She just turned 8, so she must be getting soft in her old age.
Xena: Hey! Watch it or I might revoke your blogging privileges Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going back to bed for my nap.
Chia: *whispering* See what I mean? Anyhoo, I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! Last week I said I bet I get to do the poem again this week, and I was right! (I think Mom had a bit of influence on the decision too. I saw Xe get an extra treat.) Here’s the picture and my poem!

Almost a Baboon by Chia

She’s made good progress painting our Dad’s face.
There’s red and black squiggles all over the place.
Now if she just adds some eye makeup too,
He’ll look like a baboon who belongs in the zoo.

The end

Chia: Thankfuls, hmmm. I’m thankful I don’t have to get a full table groom every month like Xena does. I would be tons thankful if I didn’t have to get my nails dremmeled every coupla months! Let’s see. Oh, I’m thankful that we had hardly any fireworks last Friday. They don’t bother me, but I get tired of seeing my sisters shake. It’s a bit disconcerting. Mom asked me why I don’t try to comfort them like I do her when she’s upset, and I just don’t have an answer for that. Oh yes, and I’m thankful to all of you wishing me a happy 5th birthday!! It’s really cool to have so many on-line friends. Also, Miss Jentry came over last Sunday, I think to wish me a belated happy birthday. And she celebrated her son Connor’s 21st birthday while she was here. He’s moved in with us and is settling in the downstairs “in-law” suite. I’ve heard that Connor and his Mom lived here for a coupla years back when Conor was like 8 and 9 years old. He knew Angel Lexi and Angel Riley. Angel Riley used to sleep in bed with him

Connor and Riley

Lucy: I’m also really thankful there were only a few fireworks! And that I’m back visiting with all my Al-Anon friends at work.
Chia: Oh yeah, I heard the folks are going away tomorrow and Saturday nights to 2 big dances in Knoxville, a couple of hours from here. And that Miss Clare from next door and her little brothers and sister are going to take care of us. Woo hoo! *great big wags* We have fun with them and I’m extra good when they take me for walks. Her sister is kinda small and I don’t want to pull her down the road. (Mom’s thinking about hiring them to walk me at least a few days every week…that would be a great late birthday present!)

Guess that’s it for now, friends. Hope everyone is doing great and doing what you love to do!

Celebrating My Birthday: Chia’s Fun Moments

We’re still celebrating my birthday today. I’m getting a “birthday weekend!” I had a great birthday yesterday!! Mom took me for a long walk around the neighborhood. Just me! (She hasn’t been walking me cause of how hard I pull and it’s just not fair.)
Here’s some more of what I did…

We’ve had these treat puzzles, but don’t get to use them very often. My sisters got to use the treat puzzles too. I remembered how to get all the treats out, so XeBoo didn’t have to help me this time. She was too busy throwing the pieces in the air to get at the treats in her puzzle, anyhow!

Then I got my present:

A squirrel! I was so excited!

I took the squirrel out into the dog lot to see if it would run so I could chase it. Nope. So I brought it back in the house where I decided to finish it off.

It’s still with us and I’m still not naming it. Guess I’ll have to keep trying to catch the mouse in the house. Mom said that’s my job.

I’m Chia, mighty hunter and birthday weekend girl.

Happy Birthday Chia and USA!

Happy Birthday to our country, the great USA, and happy 5th birthday to our youngest sister, Chia!

Chia: It’s the day we celebrate my birthday, since I couldn’t remember the actual day in July to tell my new pawrents when they adopted me. They said I’m a real fire cracker, so they decided the 4th of July would be an appropriate day to celebrate.

Mom, I almost caught the mouse! Does that count for anything?

I got a nice long walk before the day got to hot, just me and Mom! And she let me pull her the entire way without yelling at me to “Stop pulling!” te he. For a birthday I’ve been tasked with catching the mouse in the house! It surprised me once, and by the time I started chasing it, it had too much of a head start. But I’m gonna find you, mousy. Here, mousy, mousy…

Hey Mom! Me and Xena want to go outside and play for a while, come get the door…please. (Maybe the mouse will follow me out….)

Lucy: Yep, Chia’s been a firecracker all morning.
Back to it also being our country’s birthday, I am re-running this video for the 4th of July since many of you have never seen it. And if you have, I hope you enjoy it again.

A big thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop! And Happy Independence day to all our American friends.

Chia: Thanks, Luce the Goose. I’m gonna finish up with what my Auntie Jen texted to me. I don’t remember if I showed y’all this before, but it doesn’t matter, cause it’s my birthday!!

I’ll keep you updated on the mouse situation! XOXOXOXOXOXOX Chia the birthday girl (I’m 5! I’m 5! I’m 5!)

Chia’s Poem and Thankful Thursday

Chia: Hi friends!!! *whole body wags* I’m really happy you came to visit today. Do you know what tomorrow is? Do ya?
Xena: It’s the 4th of July. I’m asking for CBD oil to get through tonight and tomorrow.
Chia: Oh, yeah, it’s that…and it’s my birthday, or at least the day my family celebrates my birthday. They say I’m a real firecracker!! Boom!! *Xena jumps.*
So I’m blogging today in case Mom is too busy with giving me treats and presents to blog tomorrow! Hope you like my poem!

Stan the Man by Chia

I listen to this man named Stan
Go on about this old sedan.
That cigar makes my nose twitch
And Stan’s clothes make my eyes itch.

Is that a dog on the car’s hood?
My nose and eyes aren’t working too good.
Yet on Stan drones with his sales pitch
That he is sure will make him rich.

All these autos are just junk
From headlights back to their big trunk.
I’m gonna tell my Mom, “Don’t buy!”
Then turn around and say “Goodbye!”

The end

Wow, can you believe people used to put those kind of ads on TV? Or that people would dress like that? I’m glad I don’t have to wear clothes (unless it gets really, really cold out).

I get to lead off on the thankfuls for today. I know it sounds kinda corny, but I’m so thankful that brother Andrew brought me here to live with the folks who are now my Mom and Dad. And I’m super thankful that Miss Jentry comes to visit me. Did you know I used to live at her house with my last person? He was renting from her, then he got high and went up high on the roof and the police took him to jail.

I know I don’t always treat Lucy nice, but she’s so easy to pick on. And I love her lots and am really thankful that she’s my big sister. I’m also thankful that Xena’s my sister, too, except for when she gets in the way in the bed so that I can’t crawl under the covers to sleep. We play almost every day!

And I’m thankful for the soft blankies Mom has around the living room. There’s always one I can pull down and cuddle up on.
And I’m thankful for our new neighbor kids. I wasn’t too sure about them at first, but they’re boss! Miss Clare is the oldest. She comes over when Mom and Dad are out of town and feeds us and plays with us and pets us and takes us for walks! Her little sister Lucy (yes, Lucy has the same name as Lucy) usually comes with her, and her little brother Michael. Or sometimes William.
OK, Lucy and Xena. Your turns.

Lucy: You said it all, Chia. I’m thankful for the same things, plus for you. I know you do love me and just can’t help yourself sometimes.
Xena: I’m thankful for CBD oil. And valerian oil.

Chia: I know you are, Xena. Finally, I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! I bet I get to do the poem next week too, so I can’t wait to see what it is.
Bye, and be good and you’ll get treats!!
Chia aka ChiChi aka Chiaweeah *whole body wags*

Thankfulness and Fun with Xena

Xena: I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Oh, and you’ll notice I hopped into the picture! *wags*

This Dang Hoodie by Xena

I was guarding the dog treats when I fell asleep
And dreamed I was riding in a yellow jeep.
Then I awoke and now I can’t see.
Who dared to put this dang hoodie on me?

The end

I’m thankful that my 8th birthday was on a Saturday. That way Mommy could take me with her to visit my brother Adam on my birthday! She also took me to work this Monday and Tuesday as a special treat. I like having a birthday month and getting fussed over. I’m Xena Schnauzer Princess (Warrior) and us princesses like lots of attention.

Lucy: I’m both thankful and excited that the bible study group where Mom works isn’t meeting at all in July. When they start back in August, they’re changing their meeting day to Tuesday. That means I can go every single Wednesday to greet the Al Anon group! Mom told the group, and they keep asking her if it’s time for me to come back yet. *wags* One lady even commented that she loves to see me smile *big toothy grin.*

Chia: I’m thankful for our new 15-year-old neighbor girl, Claire. She has started dog sitting us when Mom and Dad go away. She comes over to feed us twice a day and in between too. When she takes us all for walks, I don’t even pull on my leash. Mom’s thinking about offering to pay her just to walk me every day. (That’s cause I’m not that good for Mom…don’t ask why, cause I’m not tellin’.)

Xena: Well, I gotta go now cause Miss Claire just got here. She’s taking care of us again for a coupla days while Mommy and Daddy go down to Atlanta. They are going to get some special kinda card so they can just fly through the airport. BOL, I made a funny! (Did you get it?) BOL!

A Dog’s Thankful Thursday: Xena’s Family Fun

Xena: I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Oh, and you’ll notice I hopped into the picture! *wags*

Gettin’ Down with Grandma by Xena

I went to the home to visit my grandma.
The desk sent me to the room that’s called Hee Haw.
My Grandma was there and she sang real good.
But why was she singing ’bout life in the hood?

Hey Grandma, I crooned, you sure actin’ Sus.
“You ain’t got a clue, girl, so you should just shush.”
Well Grandma, I see that you fixed youself up.
“Well what would you know, you just a wee pup!”

Like that back and forth we went with street slang.
Her dissin’ me while together we sang!
I howled and she belted a tune ’bout the gang,
Then finished our song when the supper bell rang.

That was a fun one this week. I wish I had known my grandma. She sure did love Angel Lexi lots and lots, and I bet she would have loved me, too. I don’t think she knew any more than I do about street gangs or “the hood,” though.

Sus: Short for “suspicious,” used when someone’s behavior seems shady.

Chia: Thanks, Xena and now it’s time for my thankful. I’m so happy brother Andrew came to see me over the weekend. It feels like furever, though, and he needs to come back. Not only that but Miss Jentry came on Sunday and fixed all the folks a Mexican dinner. I got to taste a little bit of it. I’d eat that for supper any day!
Lucy: I heard that I may get to start going back to work every Wednesday again, beginning in July.
Xena: I’m thankful that my itchies are gone. I don’t have to wear that cone on my head anymore, or those jammies on my body to cover my tummy. Thank you Jesus! (I went to church this week.)

Here’s wishing everyone a good end of the week with no fleas or seizures or ticks or thunderstorms!

XOXOXOXOX Xena, Lucy and Chia

Ty Beanie Bears Say Goodbye

Lucy, Ace Reporter, here to tell you about two of Brother Andrew’s collection of Ty Beanie Babies, who are leaving us (for the great unknown). He was cleaning out his stuff from the attic, and decided to sell all his T.B.B…except for the ones who were damaged. Here are April and September to tell you their own stories.

Hi new friends. When we got rescued from a box in the attic, we thought, “Great! now we can have some fun!” But, somehow, in a way neither of us can remember, we were “damaged goods.” So instead of selling us, Andrew gave us to his favorite pup, Chia. We had no idea…no idea…we thought it would be all fun and games with this talkative, very active dog. Then the chewing started.

I’m innocent, your honor!

September: Yeah, as innocent as a crocodile in a fresh water fish pond.
April: It didn’t hurt much. But our guts started to fall out.
September: The little beads were all over the floor.
April: Then the Mom saw what was happening.
September: She said, “You finished them off, Chia. Now they have to leave before you eat their guts.”

April and September: Ever since that we’ve been sitting here in front of the Minties the dogs eat.
September: I wonder if we’re next, after the Minties are gone.
April: No, we’re going to the final resting place.
September: *gasp* No! Not the…not the…
April: Yes. The garbage can.

Lucy: You’ve heard it in their own words, friends. Goodbye, April and September.
Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off and wishing everyone (except these Ty babies) a great weekend!

Xena’s Poem and Thankful Thursday

Xena:  I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Oh, and you’ll notice I hopped into the picture! *wags*

A Midnight Rendezvous by Xena

In the middle of the night
When open fridge lights are so bright
I awoke from a deep sleep
And in the kitchen I did creep.

I found two cats…not one, yes, two.
They glanced at me, said, “How d’ya do.”
I growled and said better than you.
Ignoring me, they found the stew.

You can’t reach it, I barked with doubt.
Get outa my house, get out, get out!
“We can with your help,” they mewed.
Then we’ll share this yummy food.

Mommy never understood
Why the pan no more had food.
I’ll ne’er tell how now I’ve got
Two cats whose friendship I bought!

The End

Chia: You befriended cats? And let them eat our food?
Xena: *sigh* It’s just a made-up poem, Chia. Maybe that’s something you can be thankful for today.
Chia: Uh, sure. And I’m thankful I’m not walking in clouds and seeing rainbows and butterflies like I did last Sunday. I even let Mom cut and dremmel my nails while Miss Jentry held me. Wow, that was some trip.
Lucy: Sunday was a nice day. You were so mellow, Chia. I wish you could be more like that more of the time. I’m thankful for the pills that make you like that.
Chia: Pills? I didn’t take any pills. Just an extra bite of ground beef…ohhhhh.



Xena’s Poem on Thankful Thursday

Xena:  I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Oh, and you’ll notice I hopped into the picture! *wags*

The Guest by Xena

You brought home a guest without asking me?
Just how stupid can you possibly be?
The sand’s not been raked, a bed not been made.
Nor the pool cleaned out, in which she would bathe.

I’m sorry, sweetheart, her Air B&B cancelled.
I saw her there, all lost and dismantled.
Let’s get known for our hospitality;
I’ll help you get ready so she is happy.

Then we can offer our home for a profit.
Where more can come and pay out-of-pocket.
We won’t charge her, she’ll give great reviews!
It’ll cover the cost for our ocean front views!!

The End

Chia: You’ve been listening to Mom and Dad trying to plan their September vacation, haven’t you Xeboo?
Xena: I’ve told you to stop calling me that? *sigh* Yes, I have, and we’re not going to get to go with them.
Chia: With any luck, brother Adam and my Jentry will stay with us!!
Xena: I was asked to go on vacation with our folks, but I might get really afraid way up high on an airplane, so I’ll stay here.
*pause*
Chia: Liar! Hey, wanna play?
Lucy: Well, I guess I’ll be doing the thankfuls this week. First, I’m thankful that Chia’s been on some herbals to help her settle down a bit and stop attacking me. I think she might be playing at first, but then she gets all stiff and serious. I hate to have to put her on her back to make her stop.
I’m also thankful that all the bad storms with all that awful thunder has stopped. And I’m thankful I get to sleep in the big bed with my folks and sisters. I’m really thankful for the new family that moved in next door with all the kids who love me and let me lick in their ears. More about that another time. *big wags*

Xena: *while running after Chia* Thanks for joining us and we’ll see ya next time.


Hiking On Mobry Mountain with Chia

Hi, It me, Chia! I finally got to go somewhere with Mom that no one else got to go. Mom took just me in the car and we went on an adventure!! So I asked her to share it with all my friends here. She said Nature Friday would be the perfect place, so here we are. Hope you’re here too!!!

Y’all know who Miss Jentry is, right? She’s my favorite person in the whole world!!! She asked Mom to go hiking with her, so brother Andrew tagged along (it was going to be a girls’ hike, but that’s ok, we love Andrew too.) We went to a nearly mountain, only about 15 minutes from our house. It’s called Mobry Mountain and is part of the Appalachian chain. I’m told it’s a small mountain, as mountains go, but it sure looked big to me!

For the hike I got to wear 2 different harnesses with 2 different leashes. Mom said it’s cause she loves me, and that it’s fashionable, but I think it’s cause I slipped my harness and ran the neighborhood the other day during a walk. We weren’t really walking when it happened…Mom was visiting with Miss Pam just up the road and didn’t notice when real fast-like I turned around and pulled the harness up over my head. She noticed as soon as the harness hit the ground, but I was already in full run mode by then. Just thought I’d explain in case you noticed that in the pictures.

OK, back to our hike. *tail wags*. We drove up the mountain, but not to the top. A good ways up there was a park with a hiking trail. All the peeps took turns holding onto my leash(es).

We hiked through the woods for a while. I didn’t even pull on my leash(es)! This was all so different for me. I’d never been taken hiking before. Mom wouldn’t go near the edge of this drop-off. She’s ascared of heights. And I stayed away from it too with Miss Jentry.

If you look close at his next picture, you can see the alligator rock laying on another rock.

Way in the background on the left you can see the two towers at the nuclear power plant that’s just a few miles from where we live. When Mom had her pontoon boat, she would sometimes go up there, cause it sits right on the Tennessee River. The water was always much warmer there, and once she saw a fish with 3 eyes!! (Mom never went in the water near there.)

Then we got into an area that had a great big ship embedded in the rock. We all walked through the cutout in the huge rock.

Here I am with bro Andrew. I’ve hear that there’s a place called Fat Man’s Squeeze up at Rock City that’s a lot like this.

I finally got to the other side and got to walk with Miss Jentry.

I guess that’s it for the story of my first hike. I sure hope I get to go hiking again! Oh, hey, Thanks to Sunny (and Rosy) of The LLB Life for hosting Nature Friday!