Lucy’s Poetry and Thankful Thursday

Xena: A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

My big sis didn’t feel very good for a coupla days, and I’m thankful that she is better now. I’m also thankful that it wasn’t me who got in trouble for pulling the trash out of the bathroom can and tearing up the couch seat cushion. Strangely enough, it wasn’t Chia who got in trouble, either…but I’m not gonna tell on Lucy.

Chia: I think you just did, sis. Maybe we should let her do the poem today.
Xena: Hey Lucy, if you’re up to it, try your paw at writing the picture poem!

A Book and My Best Friend by Lucy

‘Tis late in the night, at least nine o’clock,
I lay near my best friend after our walk.

He opens his book and turns on his flashlight.
We read about fairies and gremlins that fight.

There’s dragons and elves and and dwarves and fae.
Tomorrow we’ll remember the story as we play.

The End

Lucy: Today I’m thankful that my tummy is doing OK now and I’m getting solid food again. Sure, I like pumpkin, but I need more than that. No other food for one whole day? I thought I would starve to death!

Chia: I’m thankful that Dad’s been going on walks with us. Mom was threatening to not take me again. Dad says it’s the easy way to keep my nails short, cause of how I scrape them on the road while pulling as hard as I can. I’m glad I can help like that!

Xena: I guess that’s it for today, friends. We all wish you a good week and fun weekend!

Xena’s Scary Ride on Thankful Thursday

Xena: Hey friends *wags*. I would never ever ride a roller coaster now, but maybe, just maybe when I was a puppy I would have tried it… like me in this picture! Anyhow, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Is This What They Call Fun? by Xena

My grandma and grandpa said, “Let’s go have fun!”
I jumped up and down and started to run.
I was just a pup then and I didn’t know
My grandma and grandpa were not “status quo!”

The fair looked like fun; there were clowns and sweet treats.
We flew towards the sky, then plunged toward the streets.
“I want my Mommy,” was all I could think,
For the coaster had stopped as we hung on the brink.

These dayse I stay with my Mom and my Dad.
They threaten a coaster whenever I’m bad.

The End

Chia: You don’t think our Mom and Dad would ever put me, umm, I mean us on one of those roller coasters, do you?
Xena: Nope. Mommy used to love them, but she’s given them up. And Daddy doesn’t like that kind of stuff.

Chia: Today my thankful is that Mom and Dad would [try to] never let me do anything that would hurt me. Now, if I can just remember that when I try to slip out the door or off the leash!

Lucy: Little sister, you know how good you have it here with us. There’s nothing better out there. I’m thankful that the times you have gotten out and ran the neighborhood, you didn’t get hurt. And you didn’t get lost, either.

Xena: And I’m thankful that you are like you are, Chichi, cause it makes me look soooo good! I guess that’s it for today.

Love and wags, Xena, Lucy and Chia


Xena’s Perspective on Flying Lessons on Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Xena: This week’s picture kept putting me to sleep…as you can see.

Learning to Fly by Xena

I went to a lecture to learn how to fly.
I thought I’d get wings to fly in the sky.
But it was about piloting a plane.
The lecture was boring. (I hate to complain.)

As he droned on, one by one our heads nodded.
And yet without break, onward he plodded.
Soon there was left just one candidate.
When we woke, we applauded and said, “That was great!”

by Xena Schnauzer Flying Princess

Xena: *yawn* What a wasted day, except for the food afterward.

Chia: That was all make believe. You didn’t get any food, Xebo..er, Xena.

Xena: A girl can dream, can’t she? Anyhow, Mommy took me with her on Monday after work to get bags of mulch at the Lowe’s store. The big bags were on sale for $2 each, and she said that was a great price. When she pulled up to have the bags loaded in the car, the young fella saw me on her lap and asked if he could pet me. (I think he wanted to take me home with him.) He said he had a schnauzer once, and we’re wonderful dogs. He kept coming back to Mommy’s window and petting me more. Finally, I gave him gentle licks on his hand, and that made him even happier. When he had finished loading the 10 bags Mommy bought, he said, “Here’s an extra one, just for making my day!” Mommy says that from now on, she’s always going to take me to Lowe’s with her!

Chia: I bet we’d of got two extra bags if I’d been there! Anyhow, I’m thankful that the rain has stopped and Mom’s back stopped hurting and she’s taking me, uh, I mean us, for walks again.

Lucy: We’ve had some thunderstorms during the night. I’m thankful that I can crawl right up next to my Mom in bed and feel safe with her arm around me.

Xena, Lucy and Chia: We’re thankful for all our faithful blogging friends, and hope all y’all have a great rest of the week!

Our Travel Poem on Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Utrecht Dancing Bushes by Xena

We traveled to the Netherlands to the pedestrian street café.
We didn’t know there’d be dancing bushes with which we all could play.
The streets in Utrecht have entertainment all throughout the day.
But what made these folks wear shrubs, neither of them would say.

We played and danced until exhausted, we all fell to the ground.
Then crawled to a cafe table where special sweets were found.
Our bushy friends could not eat, so we chomped all theirs down,
Then went home with tales so wild, our friends we did astound!

The End

Xena: Did you know that the Netherlands are knows for their plants, including their bushes? Me either! I’m always thankful when my Mommy helps me look up things like that. Daddy went up to Fort Wayne In Dee Anna yesterday, and he’s not coming back for a whole week. I’m very, very thankful that Mommys stayed home with me, er, us!

Lucy: I’m glad he didn’t make me ride on a jet plane, too. So I’m thankful that he left all of us home, even though I miss our Dad.

Chia: I’m thankful that I managed to get out of the house by myself this week. I ran right up the street and around the corner to Miss Susan’s house. That’s where Sasha and Oliver live. I have a sneaking suspicion Miss Susan called my Mom and told her I was there, cause next thing I know, here comes Mom walking over to Miss Susan’s with Xena and that crazy puppy Fritz. And I’m thankful I didn’t get in trouble for it, too. My Mom loves me a lot! I just don’t understand why she won’t take me to work with her!

Xena: I’m also thankful that nowhere throughout these Thankfuls did Chia call me Xeboo…
Chia: Hey, Xeboo, ready to wrap this up and play with me?
Xeboo, er, Xena: *sigh*

Peek-a-Boo on Awww Monday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

Xena: Fritz stayed with us yesterday. He wouldn’t leave me alone. Thankfully, he hasn’t figured out how to use the doggie door. This is me, checking on where he is and what he’s doing before I go out into the dog lot with Lucy.

You might wonder what that green thing is on my collar. Well, it’s an all natural, essential oil, flea, tick and mosquito repellant. And it works! Last weekend Mom: 2 ticks. Me, Lucy and Chia: 0 ticks. Yep, it works!

Happy Monday! Xena, Tick-less Schnauzer Princess

Xena’s Crazy Golf Poem and Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Xena: This week I finally get to write the poem. Here goes….

Xena Ace Sports Reporter at the Golf Course by Xena

Lucy, Ace Reporter, do you hear me?
I’m at Flog Links Golf Course; look behind me.

I’m Xena, Sports Reporter of all things strange,
Chaser of sticks and squirrels that range.
But today, dear fans, as you see here
This nut golfs from a tree after drinking a beer.

He swings, hits the ball, then falls on the ground!
The crowd is silent…not even a sound.
Is there a medic or ambulance around?
Up he jumps! In the hole the ball is found!

I blinked once… then twice, just to be sure,
For no self-respecting dog could ignore
That this human, from tree instead of turf,
Had done something rare… and of great worth.

Wagging my tail I give a bark of cheer—
Lucy, reporting is my new career!

The End

Xena: It was fun, getting back into the “swing” of things. I’m thankful that my peeps brother Adam spent the holiday weekend with us. He loves me a lot! I got to sit in his lap in the car when Mommy picked him up on Friday and when she took him home on Monday.

Chia: I’m thankful that Miss Jentry spent Easter Day with me, er, I mean with us. She loves me lots; I think I’m her favorite. *big wags*.

Lucy: I’m thankful we got two walks on Easter! On the second walk we stopped at Miss Susan’s and I got to play in the front yard with Sasha!

Xexe: That’s it for today, friends. Hope you’re having a good week and have lots to be thankful for!

Epilepsy Awareness and Poetry on Thankful Thursday

Xena: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!
Today is the 11th Annual FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Purple Day®️ for Epilepsy Blog Hop & Social Media Share! AND it’s the day we create great poetry for the pictures Angel Sammy gives us! AND it’s Thankful Thursday. Wow, I’m getting tired just thinking about everything that’s going on. I’m gonna take a nap and will be right back.

Chia: I’m not tired! Here’s the picture for today, and my poem follows it.

Shhhh, Don’t Tell by Chia

Shhh, don’t tell anyone
You saw me fall on the ground and shake.
Shhh, I’m my father’s son,
He can’t see me writhe like a snake.

Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
I want to be just like my friends.
My life has just begun
But I can almost see how it ends.

Maybe you should tell someone.
I need help.
I need help.
I need help!

The End

Xena: *yawn* Thanks for taking over, Chia, while I took a little nap. Hey! You’re done! *reading the poem* Poor little guy. Let’s help tell everyone about Epilepsy Awareness.

(L-R) Lucy, Chia, Xena

Finally, thanks to Five Sibes for hosting this day.

Screenshot

Xena: We agreed that together we would tell you how thankful we are for all our blogging friends. You help us – especially our Mommy – get through the tough times. And from being at our church for the funeral, I realized how much love and caring our folks get from those great people, too. (And everyone was happy for me to be there!)

Love from YOUR friends, Xena, Lucy, Chia and our Mom

Chia’s Tribute to Her Brother Andrew on Thankful Thursday

First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Chia: Xena, can I do today’s poem? Did you know that I knew brother Andrew before I moved here? We both lived with Jentry (brother Andrew’s long-time girlfriend), but I had another person who was supposed to be my “owner” while I lived there. When he left and didn’t take me, brother Andrew brought me home to his Mom’s, to try to find me another home. And he did! Almost five years later, I’m still here with you and his Mom and Dad and Lucy. Of course they’re my Mom and Dad now, too! But I still really miss him.

Xena: Well…I had another poem almost ready…but sure, Chia. You go ahead.
Chia: Thanks, Xe, you won’t regret it! Here goes…

We’ll All Be Together by Chia

We hope one day we’ll see our brother
In a place like this – or perhaps another,
With whispy clouds and streams and trees,
With flowers blowing in a gentle breeze.

He loved us all; we loved him too.
But nothing more can we do.
No barks of joy, no happy whines
Until the rainbow bridge we find.

But until then perhaps we’ll find
An Air B&B where we’ll keep in mind
The joy of nature, and be assured
We’ll all be together with our Lord.

The End

Xena: *wiping away tears* You were right, Chia. I’m thankful you wrote the poem. And I’m thankful that someday – hopefully many years from now – we’ll all be together again.

Lucy: Xena, why don’t you tell our friends what you did last Saturday.

Xena: I went to brother Andrew’s funeral at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, where Mommy and Daddy go without me on Sundays. Brother Adam – who loves me a lot – held me all through the service. Afterward, I kept hearing people say how beautiful the service was and what a wonderful talk my Daddy did. I guess Mommy wrote out memories, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to stand up and read them, so Daddy did it for her. He added some of his own, and it really was pretty entertaining. A couple of folks even told him he should be a preacher! (Remember, he used to MC at Rock City’s Rocktoberfest every year, every Saturday and Sunday in October!)
Then everyone went to the Parish Hall where there was lots and lots of yummy food. They ate and visited for over an hour. And I got to run around and visit with everybody! A couple of the church members whose dogs Mommy grooms asked if she would bring their dogs home with her and teach them to behave like I do! And I heard other people telling her how pretty I am and…

Lucy: Thanks, Xena. I just wanted to add that if anyone would like to see one of our posts about Dad doing his thing at Rock City – and yes, Xena was there with him – you can click here. You’ll also see Mom and brothers Adam and Andrew there, too. For now, we want to thank all of you who sent kind words and cards. It meant a lot to my Mom, and we all love you guys.

Post-Minties Sunday Selfie by Xena

Thanks to The Cat on My Head  for hosting Sunday selfies!

Me and my sisters had just finished chewing up our Minties (they’re like Greenies) when Mommy called for Sunday selfie. She walked into the front room and I immediately followed and posed. Then Chia ran through trying for a photo bomb. But Mommy said, “Let’s try again.” So I took an even better pose, and here you go!

I hope everyone is having a good Sunday.

Xena’s Treat-less Workday on Awww Monday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

I went to work with Mommy today. It’s some stupid holiday, so Thomas the Mailman didn’t come, so I didn’t get a mailman treat. And Mr. Ted didn’t come in, so I didn’t get to sit in his lap and get pet real gently and get a treat.

Then I had to work really hard to be super nice to the few people who did come to try to get the “I did the right thing” treat. I finally retired to my doggie bed that’s under Mommy’s desk. Pretty soon I started drifting off…

…and even in my dreams the treats just marched around me, out of reach. *sigh*

Xena Schnauzer Hungry Princess

Xena’s AI Poem on Thankful Thursday

Xena: This was an easy one today. I mean, it’s just so obvious.
Chia: What’s obvious about it, Xeboo, er wait, I meant Xena?

Xeboo, er Xena: (Ignoring Chia) First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! Here’s my poem:

A Matter of Perspective byXena

They see towers chewing at the sky,
steel louder than the wind.
They call this place empty.

But I sit nose-level with a flower
brave enough to bloom anyway.

The machines look powerful from far away.
Up close, they smell like nothing.

This—
this yellow face turning toward the sun—
this is alive.

Perspective changes
when you’re small enough
to notice what survives.

The End

Xena: In the integrety of honesty, (and to shut up Chia who was looking over my shoulder) I had a little help from AI with this picture and this poem. I hope you still like it. Me and Mommy and Daddy are all thankful for AI!

Chia: You’re always saying we voted (when I didn’t get to) so let’s ask our friends to vote yes or no on if they think you should be allowed to use AI!

Lucy: In case you didn’t see my post on Monday, I want to let all my friends know that the doctor said, in short, I’m in perfect health! I’m still very thankful for that.

Chia: Oh yeah, thankfuls. Hmmm. I know! I’m thankful for everything! I have a great life here with great parents and great sisters and great food and a great bed and great friends!

Lots of love, Xena, Lucy and Chia

Xena in Carbee on Happy Tuesday

Monday was such a pretty day that I finally didn’t have to wear a sweater or my hoodie when I went outside. I went to work with Mommy and got my exercise following her everywhere. And I was nice to the few people who came in, too. I got some of Mommy’s hot dog at lunch along with some of my apple and pumpkin treats!

I usually ride in the backseat of our electric car. When Mommy first got the car, she called our other car “Car A” and this one “Car B.” It quickly became like a living thing with a name: Carbee. Daddy bought Carbee a big cover for the back seat. It hooks onto the back and front headrests and also hooks over the back windows. (I also know how to get into the front seat if I want to, but I don’t usually want to.)

Anyhoo, Mommy took my picture in the back seat. She knows I love to have my picture taken.

I hope you are having a good week and wish you a happy Tuesday.

Thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop! 

Long Table Feast by Lucy on Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! 

Long Table Feast by Lucy

A river of plates stretches farther than sight,
Colors and spices bloom under lantern light.
Crowds lean in close as history is shared,
A banquet so vast it must be declared.
At table’s bright edge sits Lucy, alert and proud,
Boxer–Staffy smile winning hearts in the crowd.
Her eyes track the steam as dumplings drift by,
Certain this feast was laid out just for her—no lie!

Lucy: Wow, I sure do wish this was all for me. I’m hungry all the time. In fact Mom took me to the doctor yesterday cause she’s worried about something called Cushings. I smiled at the vet and the tech and they fell instantly in love with me. (That was my plan.) They still stole some of my blood, but it didn’t hurt much. Mom will let all my friends here know what the diagnosis is when she hears back from the nice vet. Oh, and I’m thankful for all the treats they gave me at the vet’s, too!

Xena: I’d eat all the time too, but I’m not always bugging Mommy for food. Mommy says it’s cause I’m a schnauzer. We could eat 24/7. Maybe you have schnauzer in you, Lucy.

Chia: I’m thankful that my tummy gets full at meal time and I’m not always having to ask for more. And no, you two, you can’t have my treats.

Lucy: Oh, and I almost forgot, I’m thankful that the vet was amazed at how supple my joints all are and my agility at age 11. (I didn’t tell her that Mom gives me healthy supplements to help keep them that way.) And I’m thankful that the vet left the room with the words, “I hope the rest of my patients today are as sweet and as good as you, Lucy.” *more big wags*

We’re all thankful that we have good and good-for-us food every day and for a warm house with comfy places to sleep. Hope all our friends are having a good Sunday!

Love and Licks, Lucy, Xena and Chia

Xena’s Hope for Spring

Thanks to The Cat on My Head  for hosting Sunday selfies!

Xena: Yesterday Mommy made me a new shirt to wear on chilly days when the weather starts getting a bit warmer. While it’s stretchy and comfy and pretty, I’d rather wear nothing. Anyhoo, Mommy wanted me to show it off, so, being a good little girl, I posed for the phone camera. Besides, I love getting my picture taken!

Lucy, is that you behind me?

Thankful Thursday Thoughtful Poem

Xena: My sisters and I were trying to decide who should take this picture and make a poem out of it. We decided that we would all say something. But first, we want to thank Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! 

AGELESS by Xena, Lucy and Chia

I’m nine now, says Xena, and yet I can say
I feel so much younger when with Chia I play.

I’m only five, says Chia, the Jacksund.
I run and I play like I just turned one.

I’m eleven, says Lucy, but I still see
In Mom’s eyes a prettier and younger me.

You all, says Mom Amy, keep me young with your love,
And for you I thank our good Lord above.

The End

Xena: We did it! I’m sure thankful for that. And for my Mommy who cuddles and holds me and won’t ever let me get hurt. Even when I get afraid, I feel so safe with her.

Chia: I’m thankful for all my toys. I have fun shaking the schnauzer stuffies in Xena’s face, BOL! And I’m thankful that Mom will play with me when I ask her to.

Lucy: I’m thankful for all my friends at work and in the neighborhood, and how they all pet me and talk so nice to me. They know I like them because I smile and wag all over when I see them.

And we’re all thankful for our readers and friends. Without you, it wouldn’t be much fun to blog.

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Xena’s Dance Poem on Thankful Thursday

 First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! 

I love to dance, and sometimes I think about how Angel Lexi help Daddy and Mommy with their dance students. Maybe I could do that too.

Dance Lesson by Xena Schnauzer Princess

Arlene, keep your eyes from closing.
Watch his lead so you don’t go boing.
Arnold, your legs are too far apart.
Bring then together or you might fart.

You both, your timing is just all wrong.
You’re not listening to the song.
I give up, you’re hopeless, I’m going home.
You can pay for your lesson over the phone.

The End

Xena: I’m thankful that Miss Marie Cris rubbed my tummy every day she was here. I even started throwing myself back in the baby hold in her lap! That took a lot of trust.

Chia: I’m thankful that Mom brushes our teeth (almost) every night at 6:00. I don’t want to have to go get put to sleep while the dentist cleans them.

Lucy: I’m thankful for all the people who come into the church and talk nice to me and pet me. I smile at them and wag my tail, too.

We’re still waiting to see what happens here — the forecast keeps changing. Everything from snow with ice on it, then more snow on it, to just ice, to nothing. Guess we’ll know when it happens!
Hoping everyone has a good weekend without too much (or any) snow and ice.

Xena, Lucy and Chia