Our Grandma’s 90th Birthday

Published on August 13, 2020August 11, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Hi friends! Like we mentioned on Monday, we went away for a long weekend. We rode for about 87 hours from our home in Chattanooga to Dad’s hometown, Fort Wayne, Indiana. We were going to celebrate our Grandma’s birthday. She will be ~~a zillion~~ 90 years old this month. She usually gets around in a wheelchair now, but her mind is really sharp and she loves us pups.

Lucy: I was at Grandma’s home in Ill-in- noise a couple of years ago, and she loves me most. Here’s a picture to prove it.

Xena: You’re full of bull bark Lucy. Grandma may have just met me, but didn’t you hear all the nice things she said about me?

Lucy: Bull bark? Bull bark?? Do you think you are swearing at me, Xena? Oh never mind. I want to talk about the trip, not argue with you. So anyway, every little and big space in the car was packed full. The trunk was full to busting, there was stuff packed on the floor of the back seat, and stuff under the passenger’s feet. Dad was planning on cooking a big Mexican meal for everyone…

Xena: Tell them who everyone is, Lucy.

Lucy: I will, but first I want to tell about the trip up. Everyone thinks I’m happy going on a trip, ’cause it looks like I’m smiling.

But the truth is, I get real nervous. Pretty soon I start panting. And I keep asking if we’re there yet. I even tried to climb into the front seat with Mom and Dad.

Mom finally stopped the car, put me in a harness and strapped me in so all I could do was sit or lay down. And pant. I got some of Xena’s special CB radio oil and that chilled me out for about an hour before I went back to panting.

Xena: It’s not CB radio oil, silly Lucy. It’s Sea Beady oil. It’s kinda like my Sea Rum, but I don’t have to get stuck with a needle, and I still get a treat with it.

Also, I was a “perfect child” the whole way there and back. I know I was, ’cause I heard Mommy say so.

Lucy: Yeah, sure. Anyhoo, on the way, we got detoured through a very rural area, down the backroads of Kentucky. All of a sudden, five teenager cows – I heard they are called calfs or maybe calves, but definitely not caves – scooted under a fence and walked into the road right in front of our car! Good thing Mommy saw them coming and slowed down. I saw them too, and got so excited that I started screaming at them. I wanted to get out of the car and make friends, but no one would unstrap me and open my door. We rolled along at the calfs’ (or calves’) pace for a short while until they all walked back onto the grass off the side of the road. We didn’t see a barn or a house or we would have stopped and told their mom and dad that their teenagers were playing chicken with the car.

We hadn’t gotten past the cows for long when Mom put on the brakes for a squirrel who decided he had the right of way. Shortly after that, a red fox ran across the road just up ahead of us. We think that might be a sign of good luck, when a red fox runs in front of your car and doesn’t end up under it’s wheels.

Xena: That was all the excitement on the way there. On the way back – yes, I’m jumping ahead, so don’t even say it, ~~Luce the Deuce~~ Lucy – a cat crossed the road a few yards up from the car. Mommy was driving and Daddy was resting his eyes. Immediately after Mommy said, “Oh, there’s a cat crossing the road,” she ran over a great big stick that made a crunching noise. Daddy’s eyes flew open, and I bet you know what he was thinking!

We finally got to a house, and got everything inside, including me and Lucy, and Mommy fed us an early dinner. I thought this was going to be great until we heard, “See you later,” and our peeps left in the car. Thankfully, there was a big chair in front of the window facing the road where I could lay for almost 87 hours to watch for them to come back. I wanted to be mad and tell and show them how upset I was at being left. But dagnabit, I was too happy to see them when they got back that night. And you won’t believe what happened the next day… yep. The. Same. Thing. Twice. There was a good part though.

I’m exploring the back yard and looking for critters.

The house was way, way, way, way out in the country and we had a ton of yard to run in and explore. And we went for long walks down the country road.

Lucy: Xena wants me to introduce everyone that Dad was cooking for, and who me and Xena finally got to visit with on Sunday night. Oh, and I found out that Bobbi and Jennifer are Dad’s sisters, and Josie is his niece.

Lucy: This is just a small part of the really wonderful big yard we got to run and play in. The peeps had put their chairs in a circle under a huge tree. I went around and greeted everyone, then Xena and me, we started playing. We went to the outside of the circle and played chase, round and round the circle of people, as fast as we could go. Sometimes we cut through the middle, too. It was kinda like tag. When one of us caught the other, we would turn around and change who was chasing who. Everyone seemed to enjoy watching us.

Xena: Then my Aunt Jennifer and her daughter Josie wanted to see some of the dance moves we do for Freestyle. Mommy ran in the house fast to find me some treats, and she grabbed the walnuts off the counter. Everyone seemed fascinated that I would eat walnuts. What stange people…why wouldn’t I eat walnuts? They’re yummy! Then Mommy and me, we got in the center of the circle and showed them a lot of our moves, including our special Viennese Waltz figure that I made up and that the judges loved!.

Lucy: Finally, it was time to make the long trip home. I panted the whole way and Xena was the “perfect child.” *sigh*

Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Baby Bridger on Awww Monday

Published on August 10, 2020September 4, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays.

Lucy: I love Bridger. He’s a tiny person. He’s like a little puppy. Except he doesn’t have any fur and he can’t walk. But boy, can he cry! He makes lots of other noises too, like giggles and churgles and murmerings.

Sometimes I lick his toes, and he doesn’t really react, but maybe he can feel my love and devotion Oh, did I forget to tell you who Bridger is? He’s Mom’s work helper’s pup, er, baby. He’s four months old now! I watch when his Mama changes his diaper. I might have to do that some day, you know, and I want to be prepared. Or I might get to eat it someday, and I want to be ready. Not that ~~I’ll admit~~ I’ve ever done that before.

Xena: Sometimes I hide behind Mommy’s chair when that baby is here. I’ve thought about turning off the computer ~~so I can get more attention~~ so Mommy doesn’t have to work so hard, but I can’t really do much with this cone of allergies surrounding my head. I sure hope Mommy hasn’t forgotten who her baby is.

I wonder which of these things turns off the ‘puter.

Sometimes I lay in my bed and ~~sulk~~ wait patiently for Mommy to notice me.

JenJen Bear keeps me company, and sometimes Elle and Oscar come by to cheer me up. Can you see Lucy reflected in the mirror behind me? Her bed is under Mommy’s table-desk.

I usually bark a lot when Miss Brooke and Bridger come in downstairs to go to the office. Today I slipped down quietly and greeted them nicely. I even went over to little Bridger to give a friendly wag hello. Mommy didn’t even know I was downstairs, I was so quiet, and Miss Brooke was impressed with my behavior. Unfortunately, she didn’t have any treats to give me. Unlike Lucy, I am not interested in a dirty diaper.

A little later when Mommy “went” to work downstairs, I went back down with her and did a repeat performance. Smile, wag, no bark. Mommy told me what a good girl I am. (I still didn’t get any treats, but I’m not giving up.) Mommy thinks the change in my behavior might be because of the CBD oil I am on to try to help with the itchies from my allergies. (CBD oil ordered from Miss Monika at Tails Around the Ranch. Check it out.) She doesn’t know that I’ve simply switched tactics.

Lucy: I don’t need drugs to be nice.

We also wanted to tell you that we just got back from a trip where we were stuck in a house by ourselves for 87 hours, almost ran over five baby cows and a red fox, and and got to schmooz with our peep relatives. Mom is going to help us post about that a little later this week.

Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

In Purrsuit of Flavors

Published on August 5, 2020August 2, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

We originally had a different post for today, but this is about food, and that is much more important!

Our easy, midday “meal” is always kefir in a soup bowl. We don’t get much, though. Sometimes we get berries in it, or other yummy things. Kefir acts as a pro-bi-ot-ic to help keep us healthy. It’s better than having to take medicine, fur sure. But that’s not what this post is about, right? So…we bugged Mom about this until she thought of one of her simple, any-time meals.

Our Dad is a great cook, but his cooking is usually a bit more complicated. Mom eats to live (unlike us, who live to eat) and doesn’t especially like to cook. This meal is a favorite of Dad’s, so we won’t let him know it’s so simple to do. We’ll go with the “she slaved over a hot stove all day just so you could have this” theme.

Mom and Dad always complain about on-line recipes where the author yammers endlessly with stuff no one wants to know, so we’ll stop here and present our easy summer recipe for you.

Sloppy Joes
1 lb ground beef
1 regular size can whole or crushed tomatoes
2 or 3 Tbs dill pickle relish
about 1 tsp sugar (we use 1/2 tsp stevia)
a little salt, to taste

Brown ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Pulverize tomatoes in a food processor, then add to cooked beef, along with everything else. Simmer for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce liquid. Pulse a few times in the already dirty food processor, just enough to make the hamburger pieces very small.
Makes enough for 2 to 4 hearty portions.

Mom makes homemade coleslaw to go with this. You can use store bought if ~~you’re lazy~~ you prefer, but Dad’s dietary restrictions means almost everything has to be homemade.

Also, since neither of them is eating bread, they put a serving of sloppy joes into a bowl and top with the coleslaw. They say it is yumdillyicious, but we don’t know, as we never get any of it.

I like laying in the sun almost as much as I like food.

Thanks, Phenny and Nelly and Shoko and Tyebe and Budd for hosting posts about food!!! You’re our kind of anipals!

Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior “Food-Loving” Princess

Xena’s Story: Magic Carpet Time

Published on August 2, 2020July 31, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia19 Comments

Lucy: Your story really had some punch last time. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Why don’t you take a break from practicing your Freestyle and write another one, Xexe?

Xena: Great idea, Lucy. Although I sure do love the cheese I get when I work my Freestyle figures with Mommy! Let’s see, where were we…

Part 3 Chapter 5: Magic Carpet Time

The day after the party, the sun was barely peeking over the tree tops when Sho began to purr in Tye’s ear.

“Rise and shine, little sister. It’s time to go pick up our renovated magic carpet and see how much we can carry on it to take to Canada. Wake up our friend, Xe, too.”

When Tye heard that they were going back to the magic carpet emporium, she shook herself awake, then shook Xe awake. She was secretly hoping that she would get a parting gift of her very own carpet from her friends in Tyeland.

“There’s something I haven’t told you.” Xena was trying to hold back a big smile as they entered the store. “I emailed my Mommy and told her that even though I love you a lot, Tye, we might need some time apart. So, you’ll never guess…she bought me my very own magic carpet. Apparently the emporium takes credit card payments over the phone!”

At this unexpected news, Tyes eyes got huge. She jumped up, grabbed Xe’s paws and they both hopped around together with joy.

“Have you picked it out?” asked Sho.

“Even though I explained that I am a ‘sperienced carpet driver, Mommy said I had to get the new, self-driving model with auto-pilot,” answered Xe. “Here’s the one I chose.”

When Tye saw the carpet Xe had bought, her face went whiter than it usually is, and tears filled her eyes. “But that’s the one I wanted,” she sobbed.

“We know,” purred Sho as she stroked Tye’s head. “That’s why I splurged with the rent money we got and bought you the same one. Now you and your BDFF (Best Dog Friend Forever) have matching flying carpets.”

Tye started sobbing harder with joy, and pulled her sis and her BDFF both in for a group hug.

“How about if we take them for a spin,” suggested Xe as she hopped up on hers. Tye didn’t have to be asked twice.

“Sho, take our picture,” the BFF’s said in unison, before breaking out in giggles.

Off they both flew out the door and across the top of the jungle. They could see King the snake and little Missy the mouse taking a leisurely stroll on the jungle path; lots of beautifully colored birds they didn’t know, as well as Tyeko, their next door neighbor; and various other inhabitants of the jungle. Soon, their growling stomachs urged them to tell the carpets to take them to Hut Canada, where they were hoping for more banana splits. Being mischievious youngsters, they got distracted once they arrived at the hut.

“Hey, Xe, do you want to try jumping onto the roof of Hut Canada with me?” meowed Tye.

Lost in her own thoughts, Xe mused, “I wonder what would happen if I climbed onto Tye’s carpet…”

“Girls!” cried out Sho. “I thought you were mature enough to have your own carpets, but maybe I was wrong.”

Startled, Xe said the first thing that came to mind. “Will you make me a banana split to go? I need to pack my suitcase. It’s a long way to Paris, even with my new carpet,” she explained.

“Paris?” Sho and Tye both exclaimed as the carpets settled softly onto the grass.

“That’s my second surprise,” giggled Xe. “Mommy also said that with my new self-driving carpet, plus me being three whole years old now, that I’m allowed to take a trip. I picked Paris. That’s where Mommy took me our first summer together, and I’ve been wanting to go back and see more of the city.”

While Sho made breakfast banana splits (they had granola sprinkled on top), they all chatted about everything Xe would see see and do in Paris. Sho also said that they planned on leaving for the country Canada the next day, so they still had some preparations to make. Then the sisters hurridly cleaned up the kitchen while Xe packed her suitcase.

“Give your carpet good directions, and listen to its warnings,” advised Sho.
“Have fun and send us postcards from Paris!” added Tye as she waved bye-bye.
“Text me your new address and I will send them there,” Xe answered with a woofy smile.

With barely a whisper, the new carpet rose from the green grass of Sho and Tye’s lawn. With a course set directly across two continents, Xe headed off to her next adventure.

Xena’s Life Video

Published on July 23, 2020July 26, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia37 Comments

Xena: Hey there Lucy, did you see that I got rewarded for being such a good story teller? Have you seen what Mr. Google did?

Lucy: No Xexe, show me what Mr. Google did.

Xena: OK, watch this! It’s called my Life’s Story. Oh, somehow they got another schnauzer in there that isn’t me. She’s, Maddie, one of Mommy’s grooms. See if you can pick her out. Oh…oh, and you’re in my video too! Mr. Google must have known you’re my editor, te he.

I am joining The Cat on My Head for Sunday Selfies Blog Hop.

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Story Teller

Xena’s Story: A Party in Tyeland

Published on July 20, 2020July 18, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

“Sho, is everything almost ready for our goodbye party?” asked Tye. “I can’t wait! I know there will be good food, but what about games? Are we playing any games?”

“I don’t have any games planned,” replied Sho. “That’s your department. I’m sure you and Xe will think up something. And it’s also a party to celebrate King and his little friend Missy renting our Hut Canada, and to thank Squish for taking care of the arrangements. Look, here come King and Missy now.”

“Great! the first game will be don’t step on King the Cobra. We play that everytime he comes over,” laughed Tye.
“They look hungry, but King always looks hungry. He’s enjoying his new vegetarian diet, but – just like Chinese food – he’s hungry again 10 minutes later. I’ll help you get the food out on the tables, Sho.”

“Ooo, a cupcake just for me,” squeaked Missy. “And it’s got banana tucked into it. Umm, excuse me Miss or Mr. Bird. Who are you?”

“I’m Tyko,” chirped their new visitor. “I live next door, and thought I would come over – I brought my own drink – to welcome my new neighbors. You two are going to rent the hut, right?” Tyko added as she reached for a cookie biscuit. “You two sure are an unlikely pair to be living together,” she added.

“I don’t mean to be rude,” interupted Sho, “but perhaps you should have asked the hostess and owner and current inhabitant of the Hut Canada before joining our soiree.”

“And perhaps you should have asked the snake if you could have any of his favorite biscuits before helping yourself!” hissed King.

“Uh, oh,” thought Missy, “I sure hope that bird’s wings aren’t clipped. She may need them in a moment.

Meanwhile, at the next table, Sho heard the sound of growling.

“This is my banana split!” growled Xe. “Can’t you see the American flag on the top? It’s specially for me!“

“Aren’t you going to share?” Tye growled back. “We always share.”

“No!” barked Xe. “This one’s mine. Get your own.”

“Stop it! Stop staring at each other and growling,” cried out Sho. “Oh thank Cat, here come Squish and her little sister Squash. I think things are whirling out of control around here.”
“Squish! Over here! I need your help!” Sho yelled.

Squish could hear the fear and distress in Sho’s voice. With a coconut-splitting trumpet, Squish rose up on her hind legs. Her landing didn’t quite cause an earthquake, but it did knock King and Xe off their tables and onto the ground.

“Now that you took care of that, can we eat?” squealed little Squash. “Look at the goodies Sho has for us!”

“Yes, she fixed me a giant banana split with mint ice cream, my favorite!” replied Squish.
“And Sho remembered my favorites, too – peanuts and bananas!” cried out Squash. “Can I have some of your whipped cream topping?”

Squish’s arrival seemed to have done the trick. King returned to the peaceful snake he had become, and invited his bird neighbor, Tyko to share his cookie biscuits. Xe and Tye, much embarrased by their own behaviors, mumbled “sorries” while Sho brought Tye her own banana split.

“I’m really sorry, Tye. I don’t know what got into me. Please forgive me,” Xe quietly woofed. “You can have my banana split if you want it. Here,” Xe said, as she started to slide it over to Tye. In case you don’t live with a schnauzer, let me tell you, it means a whole lot when a schnauzer will give away her favorite foods.

“I forgive you. And I’m sorry I growled at you, too. But look what my sweet sister brought me. And it has the new Tyeland flag on it, so I know it’s just for me, like yours is just for you. You were right about that, Xe. No hard feelings.”

Seeing that peace had once again settled on the land, Sho quietly slipped away from the party to begin packing. Hut Canada would soon be occupied by their good friends, and she and Tye would be leaving for a new home in Canada.

Nature Friday in Lucy and Xena’s Yard

Published on July 17, 2020September 4, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

We are joining Arty, Jakey, Rosy and Sunny of the LLB Gang for Nature Friday, and thank them for hosting it.

Our Mom is not known for having what’s called a green thumb. But, God bless her, she tries. All the annual flowers she planted this year are on their last ~~legs~~ stems. We won’t depress you with those. However, last fall, on a whim, she dropped a potted mum in a hole in the ground where her last “failure” happened, thinking it would die over the winter and she could just lift it out of there this spring. Guess what! It’s blooming, and it’s not even supposed to bloom until early fall.

Just a little ways down from the mum is a hosta that Mom planted last year. She divided one big hosta into 4 parts and planted them all.

Something is eating the smallest one, down by the driveway. But take a look; the rest of them are blooming!

As you may have seen, we got a new porch built on the back of the house where our patio used to be. Mom and Dad decided they needed to “frame” it with something nice, so Mom and Dad drove the truck (it’s a law in Tennessee that you have to own a truck, we think) to a place where they use big machines to dump a load of pea gravel into the back – a whole ton! When they got back, Dad backed up the hill to the top, by the porch. First, they put down some kind of material to keep the weeds from growing through, then cut 4 holes in it. Mom sent Dad back in the car to get some hostas. She really likes hostas cause she doesn’t have to plant them every year! While he was gone, she dug 4 big holes in the ground where they had cut the fabric, then put a black plastic edging around it all to keep the stones confined. I guess she figured we have enough stones in our back yard as it is since most of the soil has washed away. Anyhow, he came home with these GIANT hostas!

We guess there are different kinds of hostas, just like there are different kinds of dog.

If you’ve hung in here this long, we have one more thing to show you. Mom wanted an herb pot. She got out the biggest planter she had and filled it with one basil plant and one parsley plant, and they grew like crazy!

Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

One Word Wednesday

Published on July 15, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

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

Aww Monday-Vacation Over

Published on July 13, 2020September 4, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia32 Comments

Thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays.

Achilles and Ella went home with their dad yesterday. They were so thrilled to see him that they forgot to say goodbye. But we have precious memories of their time here with us.

Achilles is a cuddle bug, and loved time on the couch with Uncle Jeff.

Achilles is fighting severe allergies. He was recently allergy tested and has the sea rum (serum) like Xena. When we could monitor him closely, he didn’t have to wear his hood (cone) or Rambo suit.

When all 80 pound plopped down on you, you felt it. Xena usually stays pretty close to her Mommy, so care had to be taken that he didn’t plop down on top of her when he also wanted to be close. Such a sweet, happy boy. He wiggles all over, and just wants to be loved.

This is Xena greeting Achilles (after she stopped barking at him).

Ella and Achilles also liked the same chair in the living room. Maybe it was because of the “guard” schnauzer on the pillow watching over them.

That’s where Ella slept most nights, with the blanket her mama made her under and over her.

The pictures below show what close friends Ella and Lucy are. It took 1.5 seconds for this wonderful relationship to begin.

Rock City’s Rocktoberfest 2019. We hope Rock City will be open for Rocktoberfest again this year, and are able to do it in a safe way.

Oh, and for those who asked, yes, Achilles did get his time back in the home office after Xena ran him off. He even got his “hood” or cone off for a while.

Achilles found a spot on the corner of Lucy’s bed. She didn’t move over for him, but she didn’t mind sharing, either.

For now we will say adieu, with hopes next time comes sooner rather than later.

Lucy, Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess and the Mom

Achilles & Ella Vacation Day 8

Published on July 11, 2020July 10, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia19 Comments

Lucy: I came in to kiss you before I go to work. That’s what Mom and Dad always do. But I see you’re in da Hood. I’m going downstairs now. See you tonight, honey.

Achilles: What does she mean, she’s going to work?

Ella: So, this is where Aunt Amy works? She’s home with you all day?

Lucy: Yeppers. And this is where I stay with her all day and help her. Sometimes Mom’s assistant is here with her dog Hank, and sometimes Bridger, her little baby person, comes, too. I like that a lot.

Ella: I think I will stay right here and help Aunt Amy, too, since it doesn’t look like her assistant or Hank or Bridger are coming today.

Lucy: Which reminds me, where’s Morty? I was so excited about you and Achilles being here with me that I forgot all about him.

Ella: I hear that your Mom didn’t feel quite ready to take on caring for him yet. We know a vet who takes care of pigs like Mortimer, so he is boarding him while we are on vacation.

Achilles: Hey y’all. What are you doin’?

Hi Aunt Amy. What’s everyone doin’? Can I do it too? Where’s Miss Brooke? I helped her yesterday when she went in the bathroom. I didn’t want her to be lonely in there all by herself. She sure looked surprised ~~and didn’t get the door shut fast enough~~ and pet me while my head was on her lap. I thought she might need some help today, too.

Xena: Hey! What’s going on here? Why’s everyone in my office?

There’s not room for two of us with cones on down here. You’re gonna knock something over or break something, Achilles. Go over by the fridge and lay down, or go upstairs or something. You’re in my way. I want in Mommy’s lap. I need to sleep there so she can work.

a few minutes later

I thought I was in da Hood [see previous post] with Xena. She sure is fickle…and bossy!

The Mom: Sometimes it’s more of a zoo than a workplace around here. It’ a perk of working from home!

Lucy, Ella, Achilles and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

My Freestyle Video at Last!

Published on July 10, 2020July 5, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Hi folks! With everything shut down you may have forgotten that I am a titled Freestylist! Back in November in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (when I won my title!) the man who did the videos was supposed to do whatever you are supposed to do with them to put them on CD’s and mail them to everyone. Problem was, his wife got sick…really sick. Then his own health went down the tubes and he wasn’t even able to go down to his basement where he keeps all his equipment to work on videos.

After 3 or 4 months, Mommy told the Freestyle Federation that my Daddy both could and would do this for them if someone could get ahold of the raw footage and send it to us. I really don’t understand why we had to get a raw foot, but there you go. They did, and then the COVID-19 thingie hit, and Daddy got real busy producing glorified video-enhanced Zoom productions for our church. Mommy hasn’t seen much of him since that. He kept promising to work on the videos and that date would come and go and he was too busy. The last time that happened, Daddy found out just how upset he had made her. He sat there on our new porch with her for a while, with her ignoring him. When he finally said he guessed he would go downstairs and take care of some things until she was done, she just said ok without looking at him and kept on working on her ‘puter.

About an hour and a half later, he came up and asked if she would like to see my video! Of course, we wanted to see my video! I don’t care if he was trying to get out of the doghouse, I sure wasn’t going to let Mommy say not now!

I’m really, really glad she can’t stay upset like that with me! Anyhow, when I watched the video I saw how great I did, even though Mommy kept saying things like, “I didn’t realize she ran off as much as she did,” and “I can’t believe she titled.” I know how I titled… ’cause I’m great and ’cause they loved me!! Just listen to the roar of the applause at the end!!

Xena’s 1st Freestyle Performance

Xena the Titled Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Pee Ess: Mommy just suggested to Daddy that he go downstairs and work on the other Freestyle videos. I wonder if he’ll be back up for supper…

Achilles & Ella Vacation Day 5

Published on July 8, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Lucy: You look bored, Ella. Why don’t you tell me a story about what’s been going on at your house. I heard some of it from Achilles, and now I want to hear it from you, girlfriend.

But you didn’t want to hear how I almost died, Lucy. *thinking* OK, I’m going to give you the quick version.

I stopped eating ’cause I felt uncomfortably full. And I stopped pooping ’cause it couldn’t come out no matter how hard I tried. I felt all “bloated.” My regular vet who I love couldn’t help me ’cause she didn’t have the diagnostic equipment, so Mom spent most of the rest of the day trying to find someone who both could and would help me. Seems a lot of docs aren’t taking new patients during this awful COVID-19 thingie. Finally we went to a great dogtor who used a machine that could see me inside and I had something called a blockage way down in that messy coil of intestines. Can you see the ring on my front arm? That’s where they shaved me and put in a needle to help me go to sleep for my surgery. They fed me and gave me drinks like that too for a while, until I was able to eat again. Do you see the huge black square on my tummy? That’s where they shaved me and cut me open and removed the block from inside my tummy. Who knew my skin is black!?

Lucy: I think your black skin is beautiful, Ella. That is a very scary story, but it has a happy ending. Umm, I’m also glad you gave me the short version!

Ella: Me too, I’m thirsty now. But first, tell me some more about stuff that’s been happening around here.

Lucy *thinking*: Hmm. OK. Riley was spending a lot of time here. Can you believe he still has an ear infection that’s been going on a year or more?

He seemed to really like being here, and would even ask my Dad to play ball with him every night. The first time he asked, he stood right in front of Dad, staring at him, and started barking that really loud, deep bark of his. Dad’s usually really good at understanding us, but this time he just looked over at Mom with a “Why is he doing this?” look on his face. Mom knew right away. “He wants you to play ball with him,” she said. I don’t know how she knew; I mean, even I didn’t know. But she can “read” that boy. After doing the same stare and bark two nights in a row, Dad finally knew what Ri-boy wanted at the same time every night, and would get up and play ball with him.

Ella: He is a good looking dog, isn’t he? I wish he liked me, but he was pretty hateful to me the only time I’ve been around him. I really don’t understand it. I like everyone and everyone likes me! We could have made pretty puppies when we were younger… *sigh* But what about his ear infection?

Lucy: Oh yeah. Mom picked him up from Andrew’s and took him to the vet. They came to the car and got him and took a little of the gunk out of his ears to do a culture.
Oh, and me and Xena went too, and gave blood for our twice-yearly DNA HW test, which came back negative. In this case, negative was a good thing.
Anyhow, about a week later, the new vet – who never met Riley – called and said he has two types of staph in his ears, and they would work him in to treat it. She said it would be fast and easy to clean out his ears and put in the medicine. I could see Mom covering her mouth and her whole body shaking. I was afraid she was having a seizure, but turns out she was trying not to laugh. Finally, she told the new vet that four grown men can’t hold him to clean his ears or cut his nails. But he trusts his dad Andrew to clean his ears, so she promised that he would do that before she brought him. At the vet’s, the vet techs put the medicine in his ears while he was still in the car. He wore a “just in case” muzzle, but he was surprisingly good. Now we’re waiting to see if it works.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen…

Xena: Hey ‘killies, when’d you join the gang?
Achilles: I don’t know what you mean.

Xena: We’re both “in the hood!” BOLOLOL!!
‘Killies: *groan*

Lucy, Ella, Achilles and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

They’re Here!

Published on July 5, 2020July 4, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Priscilla, you know you can’t push me out of this chair, right?

They’re coming, I just don’t know when. It’s daylight. I thought they would have been here by now. What’s taking them so long? You can keep scratching there, Prissy, that feels good.

They’re here! Let’s go welcome our best friends!

Happy Fourth of July, Achilles! *wag, wag, wag*

Hi Lucy! You look as beautiful as in my dreams, girlfriend. Hey, do you like my new camo outfilt? I wear it when I’m itchy. Do you think I look silly?

Lucy: *swooning* You look like Rambo. He’s this tough, sexy guy on TV. Only you’re much more handsome.

Ella: Come on Lucy, let’s go play a little. I can’t play too hard, though. I’m mostly better, but I’m still recovering from surgery. I almost died, you know.

Lucy: No!! Don’t even say that. Let’s go hang out. Are you coming, Achilles?

Achilles: What do I smell on the counter? It smells sweet.

Lucy: Oh, it’s just the 4th of July cake Mom made. She doesn’t share cake with us, but you might get some fruit later. Let’s go outside with everyone.

Achilles: Hmm. I think it’s too hot out.

I’ll just lay down here ~~near the cake~~ on the cool floor. You girls go on.

Xena: Where’s Achilles? I don’t trust him.

To be continued…

Lucy, Ella, Achilles and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

In Pursuit of Flavors Summer Edition

Published on July 1, 2020June 30, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia30 Comments

After saying a prayer of thanks that all the ideas that Tyebe and Shoko of The Canadian Cats and Da Phenny, Neilson and Katty of Easyblog threw out – such as beer can chicken and squirty whip cream – really did get thrown out, we had to sit down and think up what we like to eat in the summer. Me and Xexe immediately agreed on the frozen treats Mom made for Xe’s birthday. That recipe is at the end, so that you will remember it best. Mom finally decided on the cold soup she’s been making this summer. She likes it and Dad asks for it a lot. Besides the taste, one of the things Mom likes about it is how quick and easy it is to make. So here we go…

Chilled Lemon Basil Avocado Soup

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados, peeled and roughly chopped
1 C coconut milk
1 C vegetable broth
about 1 tsp of fresh lemon zest (original recipe called for 1 Tbsp, but I thought too lemony, so adjust if you just love lemon flavor)
1 Tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp lemon or regular basil
2 tsp minced shallots (can substitute leeks or onion if you don’t have shallots)
1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until very smooth. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend. Best when made the day before. NOTE: The soup will taste very mild when first blended, so wait before adjusting seasonings. It will end up about this color, or a little darker.

It’s our turn now. Here’s the recipe for

Frozen Banana-Almond Butter (or Peanut Butter)-Cocomut Oil Dog Treats

1 C softened or melted coconut oil
1 C almond or peanut butter
1 medium very ripe banana (sorta’ ripe is ok too)

Dump everything in a bowl and use an electric mixer to get it all mixed together good. Scoop it into an ice cube tray. Makes about 1 1/2 dozen.

Notes: We get almond butter because it’s a lot healthier than peanut butter. Mom had to use a butter knife to loosen the edges to get each cube out. You might want to spray some olive oil in the tray compartments first.
Also, the recipe called for filling a plastic baggie with the mixture, snipping the end, and squeezing it into a fancier mold than an ice cube tray. Really? We don’t care what they look like, just give us more! Oh, and they come out about this color.

It’s time to come inside, Xe. Mom’s made our favorite summer treats, and they’re ready!

Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Xena’s Story: More Adventures in Tyeland with a Peanut Surprise

Published on June 29, 2020June 28, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia16 Comments

“You two can stay out of the jungle for awhile. Enough with the hairy visits from reptiles,” scolded Sho.

Tye looked skyward and then at Sho saying, ” We were just goofing around, Sho.”

“Yes,” said Sho with a smile in her voice. “I know you were just having fun.”

“Now we have to get the magic carpet ready for the trip to Canada, Xe and Tye, so let’s pad on down to Aladdin’s Magic Carpets and talk with Gene the Genie about the thruster problem.”

“Sho, look at the new models of Magic Carpets!!” Tye’s blue eyes were wide as dinner plates as she spoke.

“Tye get off that beautiful swirled carpet! Act civilized, you’re not in the jungle now,” Sho said with a smile.

“Look at all the room for my friends, and it’s got my favorite colors! Hey Gene, our thrusters don’t work and they are making sounds like *ouff, puff….poooo-diddle…plop!!* just before they quit. Can you fix them?” asked Tye as she bounced off the new Magic Carpet.
“Not the plop sound too!” Gene said with dismay.
“Yep, and now they won’t work at all,” answered Sho.
“My brother specializes in thrusters, let’s ask him. Gen come look at these thrusters.”

Gen leaped aboard the magic carpet. He listened, then twirled the tassels and spun the rug around twice. Out popped peanuts! Gen hollered “up, up” and the magic carpet purred to life, rising slowly.

“So your problem seems to have been a bunch of peanuts stuck in the thruster mechanism,” he explained. “There are a lot of peanuts here. A few wouldn’t bother the thrusters, but great gobs of peanuts slowly worked into them sure will. The peanuts could have been there for months until they worked down into the chamber.”

PEANUTS!! This was the work of Squash, Squish’s little sister. Sho knew Squish would be horrified if she was aware that Squash was sticking anything in the thrusters, so she decided not to tell Squish.

Sho asked Gene and Gen to check over the invisibility cloak and tune up CADA ( Canadian Activated Device Assistant) because the next trip would be to Canada, the country. “We’ll need first rate advice so Cada should be on her toes, so to speak.”
“We’ll get right at it,” the muscle bound Gen stated. “Where in Canada are you heading, the east or the west?”

Sho got this happy distant look on her face and purred, “West, across the Pacific Ocean this time.”
“Good choice furry face,” said Gen. “British Columbia is what they call that province. There are many forests throughout BC.”

Sho and Tye’s eyes lit up as they imagined a jungle of trees.

Meanwhile, Xe and Tye were taking turns pretending to fly the new round carpet. Xe stated she had to have a Magic Carpet all her own. “I want to get an updated model with all the bells and whistles.”

Xe was imagining herself flying around, visiting sights. She remembered Paris from when her Mommy took her as a puppy.

“Gene says it will take them a day or so to get all the extras updated and checked for a long flight,” said Sho with a sigh of resignation. “So, if you can tear yourselves away from that new carpet, lets go home and talk with Squish about renting out the house while we’re gone.”

Reaching the hut Canada, Sho put the bag of peanuts from the thruster on the backyard table. Tye leaped into her usual seat, followed by Sho.

“Xe, where’d you go? There’s something I need to tell you both,” said Sho.

“I went out front to play ball with King the Cobra. He plays so good, I told him he could be a ‘ball python,'” quipped Xe. “Hi everyone,” said King with difficulty. It’s hard to talk with your mouth full of ball.

Sho and Tye laughed so hard they fell off their seats into the sand. While they wiped themselves off – and helped King get his fangs out of the ball – Sho told them all about the peanuts and swore them to secrecy. Xe, Tye and King agreed to say nothing to Squish. The four friends sat and enjoyed some banana sundaes from the fresh banana trees close to the backyard.

“Here come Squish and Squash….remember, not a word or you’ll upset Squish and when she’s upset the earth shakes,” warned Sho.

Squish noticed the bag of peanuts right away and asked Sho why she had them cause Siamese hate nuts.

“I found them,” Sho stated as she pushed the peanuts at Squish.

Squish said she didn’t like peanuts but Squash – who had stashed them all over their house – was so happy to see more.

“Can I please have these Sho?” Squash asked. Young Squash was very polite, as Squish wouldn’t put up with a rude elephant for a sister. For a chuckle, Squish asked little Squash if the peanuts were hers. Squash asked where they were found and Sho, who couldn’t lie, said,” Oh they were found in the Thruster Chamber.” Squash turned a darker shade of grey, ran to the edge of the property, and hid her face – or so she thought.

“I’m so embarrassed sis….I hid them in the chamber so I could keep more nuts. I just love ’em!” cried out Squash.

“You know that the peanuts could have caused the magic carpet to jack knife and dump the occupants out,” Squish said with a soft voice. Squish could see that Squash was indeed sorry and decided to let her little sister be. Squish and Squash hugged and Squash ran over to hear about the new Magic Carpet Tye and Xe were conspiring, er, hoping to get.

Story by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess and Friends Tyebe and Shoko

Nature Friday: Xena’s Birthday Walk

Published on June 26, 2020June 26, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

We are joining Arty, Jakey and Rosy of the LLB Gang for Nature Friday, and thank them for hosting it.

If you missed it, my birthday was on Sunday. You can still send Happy’s and treats if you want. I won’t be upset that they’re late. *woof*

Early in the afternoon on Sunday Mommy drove me to a new-to-us park that we’d heard about that is only a mile away from our house. When we got there, the only road we could find into the tiny park was closed off at both ends. There were about seven people in the pool, and a sign that said road was closed when the pool was open. What the friggin heck? Sorry, I’m starting to pick up some bad habits like swearing now that I’m three years old. That’s legal age in dog years, you know. Speaking of which, Mommy got an adult beverage yesterday and I almost knocked it over trying to drink some and it splashed out onto the table, and Mommy made me get off her lap. What the heck? I’m adult legal now! *sigh* After she cleaned it all up, I got a belly rub instead, and that was good.

So anyhow, since we couldn’t get into this micro-park, we went on down to the greenway where the dog-park-that-we-don’t-go-to is and where there is a very long dog-on-leash walking trail. Mommy said we could go as fast or as slow as I wanted and I could stop to sniff whenever I wanted cause it was my birthday! First I went in the nice green grass on the other side of this building and bridge, and Mommy said, “Uh, Xexe, you missed the trail. Would you like to go over there so we can take a longer walk?”

Wasn’t that nice she gave me a choice? I think being given a choice shows that Mommy thinks I’m grown up now, even if she won’t let me have an adult drink. So I said yes, let’s see what’s on the other side of the bridge.

At first we walked down a gravel path, which soon became just dirt. We reached this fork in the road.

Mommy told me about a Mr. Frost writing a poem about a road that was less traveled and did I want to take that one. I thought about it and decided there must be a good reason it’s less traveled, like maybe there are lions or snakes or monsters or crocodiles down there, so I said no, let’s go down the wide path.

Soon we came to a meadow that was off to the side of the wide dirt path. I took my time and sniffed the grass and the clover.

They were the only flowers we saw on this trip, so if you were expecting flowers, sorry.

Pretty soon we came into a sunnier area with a lot of big rocks. Rocks are nature too, right? More sniffing to do. I think maybe a giant had broken a boulder over his knee and this was what was left of it.

I stopped again to sniff along the edge of the trail where there were some green plants until I heard the warning, “No, there’s poison ivy in there!” So I backed away and continued on the path. Poison ivy is nature we don’t want to experience! We passed several other walkers and joggers and some people, too, and I didn’t bark at anyone!

Next, we saw some slimy, muddy water. Guess what I did!

I know you think I went in it, BOL, but nope, I was a good girl and behaved like I was three years old. This is icky nature.

Soon we came almost to the light at the end of the (tree) tunnel.

I was busy inspecting these big tree roots when Mommy suggested we turn around and go home. I didn’t want to until she said she had a cold treat surprise waiting for me. We couldn’t make cold treat surprises wait on a hot day, could we?!

Maybe we’ll come back soon with Daddy and Lucy and try the road less traveled.

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess who is legal age

Xena’s Third Birthday

Published on June 21, 2020September 6, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia40 Comments

We all wish you a very happy birthday!

Hey! That’s Achilles, top left, giving me a kiss. And that’s Ella top right. There’s my beary best friends, and my Auntie Jen loving on me.

There’s that crazy Ludwig and of course my own sister, Lucy.

OMD! Here’s more happy birthday wishers. That’s my peeps bro Adam holding me in the car. And Riley — he’s even smiling at me!

Look! Angel Lexi came to wish me a happy birthday, too! Hey, isn’t that my otto man she’s laying on?

Here’s some highlights of my past year as a 2-year-old.

In spite of that bad old Mr. Covid, I’ve had a great year. Now, let me show you what I got for my birthday.

I see it. It’s in Mom’s hand…

Lucy got one too (so she wouldn’t try to take mine).

Here’s a short video of me enjoying my cow hoof. By now, my beard was a wreck. But it is all worth the inevitable face wash.

While Lucy and Daddy went in the bedroom to take a nap, me and Mommy went to the “greenway” and took a nice long walk. Well, long compared to the neighborhood walk, anyway. We’re going to save showing you most of that for Nature Friday with LLB & the Gang. Here’s a peek.

Mommy thought I look hot, so she added some butterflies to flap their wings and cool me off, BOL!

When we got back, I threw my cow hoof around a lot, but nobody woke up. So I asked Mommy if there were any more surprises, and she pulled this ice tray out of the freezer. She made me frozen treats, with coconut oil and almond butter, and I don’t even know what else.

Before I go take my nap, I wanted to let y’all know I did get a whole case of XKaliber for my birthday. Doesn’t it sound like a good food for a Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess?

If all birthdays are like this, I can’t wait to turn four.

My Last Day of Being Two

Published on June 20, 2020June 15, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Well, it turns out that I didn’t get to go anywhere with Mommy today. She left early with a cooler packed with ice bricks, and I saw Daddy packing her lunch. She said bye to me and Lucy and that she would be back, like she always does, just in case we think she is leaving for good.

Me and Lucy and Chippie played for a while until Daddy came upstairs from his basement office and asked what was going on.

By then, we all were worn out. Does that mean I’m getting old?

After we got kefirred at noon (that’s what it’s called when we get served our kefir at lunchtime), we went out on our new porch so we could hang out while we waited for Mommy to come home.

Me and Lucy played chase across the porch, not even slowing for the doggie door. We made a full circle of the yard before we slipped through the door again and onto the porch. I turned and ran back out before realizing that Luce the Deuce, er, Lucy wasn’t chasing me anymore. When I stuck my head in to peek, I realized it was a trap! Just look at Lucy’s tail! She was ready to spring on me! I turned and ran and off we went. We played so hard that once again we fell down exhausted.

87 hours later Mommy got home, and all she carried upstairs from the car was some groceries from Trader Joe’s. With my most excellent ears, I heard her ask Daddy to unload the rest into the downstairs freezer.

“I’m dreaming of a tripe birthday,
Not like the ones I’ve had before.
Where the innards glisten
And Lucy listens
To hear if we might be getting more…”

This is Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess, one day away from 3 years old, with this stupid, revised Christmas song stuck in my head.

Xena’s Birthday Weekend

Published on June 19, 2020June 15, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

Xena: Since it’s almost my birthday, can I lay in your Porch Bed, Lucy?

Lucy: You mean the Bed Formerly Known as Riley’s? Sure. I’m good right where I am.

Xena: Did you hear what Mommy was saying earlier about my birthday? She was talking about getting me a special treat and yummy food. She didn’t know I was cooling off behind her chair and could hear every word she said.

Lucy: I heard some of it, but I was under the table dozing. I don’t think she saw me, either.

Xena: I also got to see what she had up on her ‘puter screen. Look at this!

Xena: Then I heard her on the phone with someone saying she wanted the Tripe-stuffed cow hoof and two packs of the plain cow hooves and a case of the XKaliber mix like I used to eat growing up and would you be able to eat it too and I don’t know what the person answered her. Aaaand, she said she wanted to take me with her almost to Atlanta to pick it all up.

Lucy: You know, Xena, you could always ask Mom about it. Even if that ruins her surprise for you, I know you won’t let it go until you find out. Here she comes now.

Xena: Mommy, are we going to Atlanta to get my birthday surprise?

The Mom: No. (We’re actually going to Marietta, north of Atlanta, but I’m not telling her that.)

This is Xena the almost birthday girl, wondering if I should get my ears checked. I was sure I heard her say… *sigh*

Our New Porch

Published on June 13, 2020June 12, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Way, way back at the end of March, work began on our patio. Mom said, “It better be done before Memorial Day, ha, ha, ha.” With a few veiled threats from Mom, i.e. “I’m not paying you any more money until this is done, ha, ha,” it got done the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Dad says it’s not a patio anymore; he says it’s a “porch.”

Dad bought paving stones made out of river rock. You can see in one of the pictures how he arranged them outside the door that doesn’t go into the dog lot. Mom put in the edging, and they are going to get some pebbles or something to fill in the rest of that area.

Did you notice the “sunroof?” It lets in lots of light, and even the living room has more daylight because of it.

Did you notice the aloe plant on the little table. We want to say a huge “thanks” and a few *licks* to our reader who suggested that to heal up the hot spot under my (Xena’s) ear. It worked like magic!

Right away, Mom taught us how to go through the new doggie door. We have gotten very good at it. At first I would get whacked with it when Lucy went first, but then I learned to time it just right.

Mom couldn’t mow the grass in the dog lot the whole time the guys were working on the new porch. It got so high that we played “jungle” in it and sometimes munched on the tall stocks of grass. And there’s areas where the weeds that passed for grass died because of stuff laying on them during the construction. We saw some grass seed last time we went in the shed, so we’re sure Mom will spread some around soon. We heard the mower running tonight. No more fun in the jungle, but we’ll still have lots of fun sunbathing and hunting snakes and lizards.

We are Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess