Nature Friday at the Greenway

We are joining Arty, Jakey, Rosy and Sunny of the LLB Gang with much thanks for hosting Nature Friday.

We found some wild flowers–or maybe weeds–growing along our driveway. We are going to call them wild violets and wild daisies. We don’t know if that’s right, but it sounds good to us.

Mommy’s been trying to take us to the Greenway every day. Yesterday was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine and the afternoon temperatures in the low 60’s F. We love when Daddy comes too, but it’s really more fun when it’s just us and Mommy. She’s got an adventurous side that borders on dangerous, and that gets our blood running. Well, that, and she walks a lot faster when it’s just us. Yesterday’s adventure also got our heart rates up and our tongues hanging down. We took a side dirt trail going up. And up. And up. There were rocks and roots and downed trees to navigate. It was all woods on either side of us and not another soul in sight, dog or peep or squirrel or bear or coyote or…

Lucy: Xena, that’s enough. Just tell our story.

Xena: You’re no fun. Anyhoo. we passed some branch-offs and we asked to take the first one to the left, but Mommy said, “Let’s keep climbing and see where we end up.” She finally let go of our leashes and said we would all have to walk a little slower to get her heart rate down. So we did. Me and Lucy, we listen really good on our walks. We all kept thinking that around the next corner, the trail would start to go down again. Nope. Maybe around the next corner, and so on. It just kept climbing, and so did we. After we had climbed what felt like 87 miles we met a man coming down the trail and Mommy asked him where it went. He said it kept getting steeper and went to the top of Big Ridge. Now, I know you don’t know what Big Ridge is, but believe me, even the drive up it is steep and like a snake.

With that info, Mommy finally decided we would turn around and head back down. “Are we going home?” we both asked, and for emphasis, we both started coughing.

“Let’s keep walking the main trail loop around to the car. Then we’ll go home and I’ll fix your dinners,” she said.

All we heard was dinner, so we were definitely with that program.

We got to the giant tree that was laying across the path. On the way up the mountain big hill, I showed Lucy how to jump up on it to get across. This time Lucy went first. I jumped up behind her, but I wanted to see more, so I moved up.

I thought she was holding her tail up so I could walk under her. I didn’t realize it was because she saw something interesting. Then I saw Mommy had her phone camera pointing at us.

You want to take my picture ’cause I’m the cutest thing you ever saw?
OK, I’m saying “cheese!”

After Mommy managed to get over the big tree, she saw why she couldn’t get Lucy to look at the phone camera. There was another man with a big black lab coming up the mountain hill. The end.

Lucy: That wasn’t a good ending. You left everything hanging.

Xena: But…

Lucy: The guy detoured around us, we walked another 87 miles. On the way a couple stopped us so the lady could pet me *wags!* and asked what schnauzers were like. After Mom bored her half to death with long details, we finished the trail, drove home and had dinner. The end.

Xena: Well that was anti-climatic. I’ve gotta teach you how to tell a good story.

We wish you a happy Nature Friday! Xena and Lucy

Xena’s Thankful Thursday


Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

First, I’m thankful I got Thankful Thursday instead of Lucy, BOL!

I am thankful for my chew bones. They’re best when they still have meat and marrow on them, but they’re still fun to chew on when they are bare, too.

There’s lots of these laying under the furniture and under the couch cushions and out on the porch. Sometimes I let Riley or Lucy chew on them, too.

I’m also very, very thankful for my Daddy.

Daddy gives me my pre-made by Mommy breakfast every morning. He holds me when I demand ask him to. And he calls me The Little One and Little Girl. He loves me a lot.

Did you see the new purple collar on me in that last picture? It’s a special collar that is made to work with my body to repel ticks and fleas for four months without the use of any harmful chemicals. We’re still waiting to see if it works.

Lucy: I just want to say…

Xena: Lucy, no! It’s supposed to be my Thankful Thursday!

Lucy

Lucy: I just want to say I am very Thankful for a wonderful little sister named Xena.

Xena: Oh, uh, OK. We can leave that in. Uh, thanks, Lucy. I love you too.

This is Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess thankful for my sister Lucy who loves me.

Happy Xena Tuesday

Many thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday.

One day last week me and Lucy followed our peeps bro Andrew outside. Mommy didn’t miss me until she heard me out front barking at an interloper walking past our house. She started calling me, but couldn’t find me anywhere until she looked out the front door. I ran in when she called, and I got lots of “good girl’s.” I don’t know why I got good girls, but along with them came a super good treat, so I’m not going to ask why. Treats make me happy.

Today we were headed out for a walk, and I hadn’t gotten my hated harness on yet when I made a dash for the yucca plant. If there’s one thing I love (and there’s lots!) it’s hunting small critters. That makes me super happy! Here’s how it started:

And suddenly I, the mighty [lizard] hunter, sighted my prey:

Do you see my happy indicator going? Now y’all know what I was doing out front by myself last week! That sly lizard is still there, so I will have another go at him soon.

I am Xena the Mighty Hunter Schnauzer

Xena’s Sunday Selfie Poem

I once was a puppy in Jackson.
At three months I moved to my mansion.
And there I stood still
Looking out from my hill
While perched on my red leather stanchion.

I remember doing this when I was a puppy. I guess things haven’t changed much.

I remain Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

We are happy to join The Cat on My Head for Sunday Selfies.

In Purrsuit of Flavours – Mom and Xena’s Choices

Thanks to Shoko and Tyebe of the Canadian Cats and Nelly and Phenny of Easy Blog for hosting this yummy day.

Mom’s favorite childhood treat is really funny. It’s not food at all. It’s a drink. And she got it every day! The recipe is easy. Walk to the corner grocery. Insert a dime into the machine outside the store. Pop the cap and drink.

Actually Mom liked hers unfizzy, so she popped the cap and let it sit around for a few hours before drinking.

This is Xena, and it’s my turn for my favorite food. It’s easy, just like Mommy’s. Get someone to go to the store and buy an apple. Then have that someone cut it in pieces and give it to you.

Lucy: *shaking head* Dear friends, maybe you should go visit some of the other posts if you want a good recipe.

Awww Monday, “Fast” Sunday

We are joining Comedy Plus with much thanks for hosting Awww Mondays.

So you probably think I mean Sunday goes by fast. Nope. It’s just the opposite. Sunday is a s-l-o-w day. Why? Here’s what’s been happening on Sunday evenings.

Why’s Mommy still sitting out on the porch? It’s way past our supper time.

Oh crapola. This is Sunday. Why can’t she ever forget what day it is. Lucy! Go out and get Mommy! Start bugging her. Tell her we’re dying from hunger. We have to campaign for our supper.

I just don’t get why a night when you don’t eat is called a “fast” day. I wonder how long until breakfast.

I am Xena the hungry schnauzer warrior princess

Stuffie Support Group

We are joining Comedy Plus with much thanks for hosting Awww Mondays.

Shania: After meeting Lambie, and asking her for help with our tormentor, she came up with this suggestion.

What do you think, Lambie from up high? Can you help us?

We, the stuffies of Xena, have formed a support group. At one time or another, every stuffie in this post has been a victim of domestic violence. For fear of retribution, we will not name him, the perpetrator. All we will say is that he is huge and red and has lived here on and off for the past ten years. We hope by us speaking out, he will be encouraged to seek help for his violent nature against stuffies.

We have provided a forum today for our abused stuffies to speak out against the violence perpetrated on them.

#1 My name is Eleephant, and I am a victim of Stuffie Domestic Violence. I have lost my left ear and the tip of my trunk. Because of this my hearing and sense of smell have been impaired. My tail is missing, which sometimes affects my balance.

#2 My name is Oscar, and I am a victim of Stuffie Domestic Violence. I lost my nose, and now I can’t taste my food. My beard is permanently messed up, and my eyes are scratched, making it difficult to see “him” coming.

#3 My name is Ludwig, and I am the victim of Schnauzer stuffie love that turned violent. I bear the scars on my right side to remind me how much X loves me.

#4 I am Brownie Bear, and I am the victim of Stuffie Domestic Violence. I lost my nose, and I can’t smell anything. My berries no longer taste sweet. My eyes are scratched, and the distortions make me dizzy.

#5 I am Lexi’s bear. I am a long-time survivor of Stuffie Domestic Violence. I had a happy and peaceful life up until around 2009 when a large puppy – who has grown into a large dog – came to live with us.

Lexi always called him Dufus, although I don’t think that is really his name. My dear friend was helpless to protect me against multiple assaults. I lost both my ears and rely upon sign language. My right leg carries a permanent scar, and my left arm is missing. I had several surgeries and am fortunate to still be here. Rainbow Bear and several other stuffies have sworn to protect me, but there is only so much they can do against Giant Dufus. If their protection fails, I will simply lay down and go to be with Angel Lexi.

#6 I am Winter Bear and I am a survivor of Stuffie Domestic Violence. You can see that my right ear is mostly missing. Even though I like to stay awake and active with Xena and my other friends all winter, sometimes it’s just too much to keep avoiding the Big Dog and I go to hibernate with the other bears.

This is terrible! I knew there had been violence in this house, but not to what extent. I, Xena, pledge to do a better job of protecting you all.

I didn’t mean to hurt you, Ludwig. I got a bit carried away.
Oscar, thank you for not naming me, but we both know who chewed off your nose. I’m sorry.
From now on, if I see He Who Shall Not Be Named coming after any of you, I will get Mommy to help you.

Stuffies: We invite any stuffie out there with issues they need help with to join our Stuffie Support Group. Together, we can be stronger and raise awareness that stuffies have feelings, too.

Lambie from Up High on Thankful Thursday

Shania: I saw you sitting up here on Mommy Amy’s desk and I’ve come to find out who and what you are. I’ve never seen you here before. Are you friend or foe? Where’d you come from?

I’m Lambie. I come from God.

OK, seriously, who are you?

I’m Lambie. Back a couple of years ago there was a terrible shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. A Christian church was right next to B’nai Zion Synagogue where Miss Amy works. The synagogue building is no longer usable, which is why Miss Amy has been working from home for over a year. After the shooting, but before the shul became too unsafe to work or worship in, the children at the church gave me to B’nai Zion. It was their way of reaching out in love to to say how sorry that happened to the folks up in Pennsylvania. The little ones held me and prayed over me first. They wanted everyone who encountered me to feel God’s love.

Then why haven’t I seen you here before? The office was here in our house for a long time before even I came.

The office was just recently moved upstairs. Before that, I sat up on the top of a book shelf…way up where no one saw me. Now you see me, and I hope you feel loved, too.

You know, I do, Lambie. I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you can help us with the Riley problem. He wants to rip out our guts. Maybe you can help us by helping him with his anger issues.
Xena! Come meet Lambie! Lambie, why don’t you go wait in the red chair for Xena. It’s more comfy there.

Xena: Who are you and how’d you get in my house?

*sigh* Here we go again. Miss Xena, read the message I carry with me. I think that will explain everything.

Oh my goodness! I am blessed. It worked!

I know, Miss Xena, that you worked with your Mommy when the office was downstairs. I used to watch you from up high. Sometimes some of your stuffies came with you. You were always kind to them. I know you’re the one in charge around here. I’m very pleased to be here with you.

You, you watched me from up high?! You’re a lamb, and you came from up high… *thinking* You just wait right here, Lambie, and I’ll go get you some clover or whatever you want. We’re going to be great friends.

Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Wordless Wednesday Sisters Video

Thanks to Comedy Plus 
for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

Lucy: Right from the first time I met baby Xena, I was so happy to have a sister. We played a lot, inside and outside.

This video was taken when she was still a puppy in 2017. We still run together and play outside every chance we get.

Happy Saint Patricks Day, my friends! May the road rise to meet you and may the wind be always at your back…and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

XOX Lucy

Return from Hibernation

Xena: Hey, isn’t it about time for my bears to slither out of hibernation?

Lucy: You mean you haven’t seen them? They’ve already gotten their spring baths – you know how foul they smell after sleeping cuddled up together all winter – and they’re looking for food. Go check out the kitchen.

Xena: *running to kitchen and jumping on the stool* Hey! Why didn’t y’all tell me you were awake?!

Riley: Watcha’ doin? Can I have some of those?

Xena: No! Don’t come near my bears!

Mommy, tell Riley to go away and leave my bears alone.

Shania, what are you doing up here with Rainbow and Winter Bear and Jen Jen, and Sweetheart and Lexi’s Old Bear? You’re a schnauzer, not a bear!

Shania: I saw they were all going to the bath, so I asked if I could join them. I wanted to get Riley the Terminator’s spit off my furs.

Rainbow Bear: We’re hungry. We haven’t eaten all winter. Please get us food. Now.

Did you hear Rainbow Bear, Mommy? Aren’t you going to the store? Would you get them some Bear Food?

*a little later*

Jen Jen Bear: We give thanks to the Great Bear in the sky who is the giver of all good things. And to the Mommy for going to the store.

Brownie Bear: Amen and let’s eat! Mmmm, I heard the nut course is next, then the brocolli course!

Xena: Mommy, isn’t it supper time yet?

I am Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Xena’s Thankful Thursday

Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Hi there friends. I wanna start by saying sometimes it may seem to you like I’m just a needy, snarky little schnauzer. OK, so sometimes I am. I can give that snarky “look” with the best of them. And I can be relentless in jumping up and down on my hind legs for what seems like the zillionth time in a day for Mommy or Daddy to pick me up and “baby hold” me (or to let me see what’s on the table or counter top or cooking on the stove).

But none of that stops me from being really thankful for what a great life I have. For instance, I am super-duper, over-the-moon thankful that big ol’ Riley hasn’t bitten my head off. I know he could, and I know he would like to sometimes, but he respects the rules, and one of them is No Biting off the Schnauzer’s Head.

This is one of our rare sniff and touch nose moments. That’s Lucy in the background wanting us to quit bonding and play with her.

This next picture is of me as a puppy, wearing that gawd-awful red plaid whatever-you-call-it.

I was only about six months old here.

I saw Mommy put it up for sale on the Nextdoor app. I am so very thankful that
1. It doesn’t fit me anymore, and
2. Mommy’g getting rid of it. No one’s bought it yet, and I can understand why. But it is still out of my life forever.

I am thankful for my very best friend, my sister Lucy. She’s the best sister in the whole world. She understands me, and that takes a lot for a bully breed to understand a terrier breed. But she’s super good at it and never ever gets mad at me for acting like, well, acting like a little sister, I guess. She plays with me and hangs out with me and eats and barks and runs with me, and all that good stuff. We get a bit jealous of each other once in a while, but our folks always make sure we both get lots of attention and the same amount of treats.

I’m thankful for a lot of other stuff too, but I think this is enough for today. There will be more Thankful Thursdays…

I am the blessed Xena Schnazuer Warrior Princess

Purrsuit of Flavors – Instant Pot Chili

Thanks to Shoko and Tyebe of the Canadian Cats and Nelly and Phenny of Easy Blog for hosting this yummy day.

Lucy: We were thinking about what recipe we could help Mom post, and the weather was so nice that we sat outside with her at lunchtime.

Xena: Mommy and Daddy had their lunch. We just got some measly snacks.

Lucy: Right. Anyhow, they were eating chili even though it was warm, so we thought, hmm, Mom made this all in one pot, and there is a sort of a sauce in it, so why not!? (We know this because we watch her cook. You never know when something’s gonna hit the floor or get tossed your way.)

Our friend John, who comes every Sunday to help Dad with the Zoom service for the church, gave us this recipe. We sure miss him. He got awful, awful sick with that awful flu thing and has been in the hospital for a month. We put our paws together a lot for him. No one knew if he was gonna live, but he’s finally off the respirator and getting ready to go home. We hope he comes back to our house and pets us some more. Umm, I mean,and helps Dad on Sundays.

We’re sad Mr. John got so sick. But he’s gonna be ok.

The recipe is called Kim’s Kickin’ Chili and this is an honest to goodness picture of it in Mom’s bowl. (We wish it was in our bowls… mmm)

That’s sour cream and guacamola on top. And there’s 100% grass-fed ground beef and four different kinds of beans in it, along with tomatoes cooked in the instant pot and 2 cans of chili tomatoes. The beans were cooked in the instant pot, too! We think our Mom is in love with her new instant pot!

Xena: We coudn’t come up with a one pan recipe with sauce for me and Lucy, so we’re going to pass on ours until next month. We’ll have an Easter treat recipe for all our four-legged friends.

Love, wiggles and licks from Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

XOX Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Fun on Dr. Seuss Day

Thanks to Timmy of Tomcat Commentary, Ranger of The Adventures of Ranger, and Emmy of 15andmeowing for hosting a super fun Dr. Seuss Day blog hop!

Xena: Did you know this is Dr. Seuss Day, Lucy? All kinds of weird and fun things can happen today. Let’s pose for a fun picture.

Don’t look so freaked out. Here, I got us some Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat hats. Let’s put them on and try another picture.

That’s lots better, Lucy. Lucy? Are you there? Are we here? I’m, I’m starting to feel weird. What’s happening? Do you feel it?

What the? Where are we? What happened? I don’t feel like myself.

We’re not at home anymore, Xexe. (And we’re not in Kansas, either.) It’s like these hats are magical. Don’t look back, but there’s a transparent cat behind us on the couch. I think it’s the REAL Cat in the Hat.

So you wanna chase him?

No! Anyhow he’s gone now. What do you think we should do?

Look! When I get on the couch, the Dr. Seuss saying changes to be just for me!

Oops, there goes my hat.

Yep, that sure is you, little sis. Hop down and let me try it!

Dr. Seuss must know I love to get my teeth brushed and I want to keep them all, so they all get brushed! Say, did you hear that noise? I think someone’s coming…they’re getting closer…and closer…*shudder*

Let’s make a run for it!

Riley: What are y’all doin’ with those silly hats on? Come play with me, Lucy.

Our Angel Lexi lived by many of Dr. Seuss’ sayings. Here she is with one of her favorites.

Xena’s Sunday Selfie

We want to thank The Cat on My Head for hosting Sunday Selfies.

Xena: Here’s my selfie. Did it turn out good? I’m kinda’ all paws at this.

Mom: Mmm, it really doesn’t show off your beauty, Xena. Want some help?

Xena: How’s this?

Xena: Did this one show off my beauty? Wait, don’t answer, I can tell by the look on your face it didn’t turn out good. This blanket will show off my nice colors. Take my picture here on our bed, Mommy.

How’s this, Mommy?

Mom: I think we can still do better. Let’s try some more.

Lucy: Hey, what are you guys doing? Did you want to take my picture, Mom?

Xena: We are creating art for Selfie Sunday. It’s my turn, so scram!

Lucy: Well, you don’t have to be so hateful about it. You hurt my feelings.

Mom: I think there’s room here for a selfie of my beautiful, sweet, big girl, too. Come on into the kitchen.

Lucy: Thank you Mom, I love you.

We are Lucy and Xena the cheated out of my Sunday Selfie Schnauzer

Stinky Warrior Princess

It was a cold and cloudy night with a promise of snow to come. We were all tucked into bed — Lucy and Riley in Andrew’s bed and me between Mommy and Daddy in the big bed. Suddenly…

Mommy holding nose: Ewww, do you thmell that? I’m pretty sure it’th Thena’th anal glandth.
Daddy: Ewww, they really stink!
Mommy letting go of her nothe, er, nose: I sure hope they haven’t expressed all over our sheets.

The next morning…

Mommy talking to herself: Ewww, they expressed all over the bottom sheet. *pulls down blankets, removes sheets and throws all in washer with other washables.*
After that load is washed and dried…
Oh no! It’s gone through to the mattress pad. *removes pad and throws in washer with more washables*

Mommy texting Daddy at his work…
“It’s snowing, It’s snowing,
Xe’s anal glands are blowing.
It’s on the sheets, It’s on the pad,
And in the wash they’re going.”

That night I laid under the covers with Mommy’s arm around me. My tail end was facing her nose when…
Mommy: OMG! A fart just blew up my nose! Aghh!
Daddy: Well, at least it wasn’t her anal glands. Eww, I’m getting it now too!


I got my revenge for that embarrassing poem.

You can get away with a lot when you’re a cute Xena Stinky Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Xena the Allergic-holic on Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to Comedy Plus 
for hosting the
Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

Lucy: I know you’ve got a lot to say today, but try to keep it short. It’s supposed to be Wordless.

Xena: It’s my turn for Wordless Wednesday and I’ll do what I want, Lucy. Stop bossing me around. When have you ever seen me respond to anyone telling me to be quiet? I’m a schnauzer for goodness sake. What do folks expect? Besides, I have a confession to make…

Hi, I’m Xena and I’m an allergic-holic.

In the past, I’ve taken benadryl until I became Zombie Dog. Mommy thought I’d become a boring old lady at three years old, not realizing she’d been sedating me for several months!
I’ve been tested at an allergist for dogs (you can read about that here and see the picture below).

Mommy gave me my special sea rum allergy shots from the allergist every week for two years. I didn’t mind. I always got a good treat before and after the shot. Here I want to give a shout-out to my breeder, Granny, for paying for it all!

Then, when Mommy questioned why the sea rum shots weren’t working, the allergist fired us (you can read about that here).

I’ve taken Zyrtec, and that doesn’t help much. Lavender EO doesn’t help. Sea Beady oil doesn’t help.

You might wonder why Mommy doesn’t get me “allergy” shots, which are steroids. Her first schnauzer, Freda, had allergies and the vet gave her lots of those shots. Mommy didn’t know steroid shots can cause Cushing’s Disease until Freda got it. The vet knew that could happen but didn’t say anything before giving them. Mommy says she believes in something called “informed consent.” If that’s true, I don’t know why she doesn’t ask for my consent when she informs me that I’m going to get a bath.

Then there’s the new “miracle drug” for allergies. It’s called Apoquel. My ex-allergy dogtor said to never, ever use it. Everyone loves it because it hides the allergies so well that the pup doesn’t seem to be suffering from them anymore. But like in *Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the allergies come back with a vengeance, many times worse than before the sly Apoquel.

I’ve been on a raw diet to help keep my gut healthy ever since I adopted Mommy and Daddy. A healthy gut means I shouldn’t be an allergic-holic. More changes had to be made. Now I’m only getting organic, grass-fed meat and organic veggies and no chicken or pork, but I’m still getting organic, free-range, grain-free eggs and egg shells. Maybe I shouldn’t be…we don’t know. And now, while it’s still only February, I’ve scratched another sore place under my ear. I guess I’m just addicted to allergies…

Mommy hasn’t given up being my AA (Allergies Anonymous) group leader. We’re trying something new: tumeric paste. It’s yummy and it stains Mommy’s fingers and counter tops and sink yellow. She doesn’t care about that if it helps. I get 1/4 teaspoon spread out several times a day because it doesn’t stay in my system long. She just found out she can also put it on my ouchie under my ear. It’s safe for me, and I like it, so we’re going to give it some time to help. (I hope Lucy doesn’t lick it off my ouchie.)

While “researching” tumeric, we also found out it’s supposed to help with lots of other conditions, too.

  • Can help with weight management
  • Kills parasites such as fleas and ticks
  • Can elevate mood and treat depression
  • Relieves allergies
  • Alleviate joint pain
  • Remedy for diarrhea due to it being a binding agent
  • Prevents cataracts
  • Can help treat epilepsy
  • High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
  • Clinical trial shows that curcumin helps aid in Alzheimer Disease

So we want to share this information with you. The article also tells us how to make a paste (it’s easy) and how to use it and lots more.

Live long and prosper,*
Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess, the recovering Allergic-holic

* We’ve been watching a lot of Star Trek lately.

Valentines

Xena: My Daddy is my only Valentine, so Mommy helped me and Lucy make him a card.

We’re going to print it to give it to him, maybe with one of the cookies Mommy made for us and our friends.

Lucy: Xena, I know you mean well, and even though the cookies are made with yummy stuff that he could eat, I really don’t think Dad wants dog cookies.

Xena: Phtthh.
Anyhow, Mommy made cookies to send to Achilles, Ella, and Morty the pig — if they want to share with the pig. One broke, so we got to taste test them. Mmmmm. Cheesy goodness. We heard that Ella loves cheese. Well, who doesn’t, right? Then we made a card to go in the package with the cookies that we’re mailing. I wrote a note on the back, too.

Lucy: I made a special card just for my special guy, Achilles, that’s going in with the cookies too. I sure hope he likes it. I wrote a note on the back of mine to Achilles, too.

We hope you have a good Valentine’s Day and get lots of love and treats.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO from Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

My Friend Riley

Many thanks to Brian’s Home for hosting Thankful Thursday.

Lucy: I’m so thankful for my buddy Riley. He’s been with us for about three months. Sometimes his dad stays here too, and sometimes he disappears for a while. Riley gets a little anxious when his dad leaves, so I keep near him to help him know everything is OK.

When Riley is chewing a bone I lay down next to him and share his sunpuddle. (He’s not too keen on sharing the bone.) He likes to play with his Christmas reindeer in the evening, and he wants someone to play with him. I don’t like to play with stuffies, so he barks at Dad and Mom to throw the reindeer and then to play tug-o-war. He’s got a really loud bark! Sometimes Mom grabs the reindeer and starts running through the house with Riley chasing her. They go round and round and round until she finally throws the reindeer for Ri-boy to catch, and that’s the end of that.

He likes to wear the sweater I gave him for Christmas. I think he knows he looks good in it. When it’s extra cold out and his dad isn’t here he wears it to bed like a nightshirt. I’ve been sleeping in the bed with him. When his dad’s here Riley and I sandwich him. When he isn’t, we sleep however we want.

Unike us, Riley likes to sleep in. Xena and I want our breakfast at 6:00 a.m on the dot, and then we go back to bed for our first morning nap. Lots of times Mom has to call Riley to come and eat before she goes down to her basement office at 9:00. If he won’t come, then he has to wait until lunchtime to eat.

Xena: Daddy, Mommy, Lucy’s sleeping with Riley.
Daddy: It’s OK, Little One. That means you get us and the bed all to yourself.
Xena: Oh. OK then, I won’t tell Achilles.