Happy Birthday Madi

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Today for Madi’s 16th Birthday Celebration, Mom will tell about how she learned to drive.

Xena: *yawn*

My Grandma was afraid to teach Mom, so she hired a professional driving teacher when Mom was 17. He said she was “a natural” and she passed her driving test the first time.

Xena: Seriously? People get paid to teach people how to drive? It just doesn’t look that hard. Push a stick here, turn a wheel there, move your feet around, and voilà, we are where we are going. Kind of sounds like a Dr. Seuss story, doesn’t it? 

Don’t interrupt me, Xena. Where was I? Oh yes. Just a year or so sooner and Mom would have learned in the family ’54 Buick Century. The seats were blue, so Grandma called it Blue Belle. Grandma had to get another car because of all the salt on the roads to melt the snow. The salt killed that big, heavy car. Even its eyes fell in. This is a picture of what it looked like (credit to Mr. Google). 

Xena: No wonder Mommy doesn’t let us have much salt. Uh, Lucy, isn’t that Angel Lexi in the back seat? Was she with Mom way back then?

Um, I don’t think so, Xe. We’ll have to check with Mom about that.

Here’s a picture from January, 1960, of the actual car with my Grandma and her sister in front of the apartment where Mom grew up. 

Xena: Wait, Lucy. Who is that running from behind the bush?

*eyes wide* Let’s just keep going.

When Mom got a boyfriend…

Xena: Mommy got a boyfriend? Really? You’re fibbing, Luce. Mommy would never have a boyfriend. She’s married to Daddy.

When Mom got her first boyfriend a long time before she met Dad, he taught her how to drive something called a straight shift in his old Chevy Nova. We have another picture of what it looked like, courtesy again of Mr. Google. Mom says it was old and beat up and had red seats and didn’t look nearly that good.

Here’s the funny part. Her boyfriend lived out in the country with lots of woods. One part had a dirt track around it, so he showed Mom how to change gears and told her to just drive around the track. She got going too fast and forgot which foot to use for the brake ’cause there were now three pedals instead of two. This silly boy stood in the track waving his arms and yelling at her to stop. She didn’t want to run him over so she swerved into the woods and the car bumped over rocks and big sticks and barely missed trees until it finally stalled out on top of a log. A few days later, after he fixed his car, he took Mom into town and told her to drive his car around while he went into a store. The main road, State Street, was on a bit of a hill. Mom had stopped at a red light, and the car behind her kept running into her bumper. Finally, the man got out of his car and came up to Mom’s window. He explained that it was her drifting back into him, and did she have her foot on the break. She said no, just on the clutch. So that’s how Mom learned to drive a stick shift.

Xena: I think I will just learn to drive our T-Lex. 

Our what?

Xena: Our T-Lex. That’s what Mommy named the car she bought for Angel Lexi before Lexi was an Angel. It’s a Toyota Lexus, hence T-Lex. Isn’t Mommy funny, he, he? How old do I have to be to drive?

I think 16 years old.

Xena: Oh. Well let’s just wish Madi of Madi and Mom a very, very happy 16th birthday, and happy driving!

Lots of love from Lucy, Xena and Mom

This is a blog hop, but since Mom isn’t smart enough can never get linked up properly, just hop over to Madi and Mom’s blog to leave your birthday wishes and hop along.

Baby Held

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

It’s Baby Hold time at work. And guess who the baby is.

I learned a new song and I’m going to sing it for all my friends:
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Did you like my song? I’ve got more where that came from.

Mmm. It feels so good to throw my head back and stre-e-e-etch.

Sleepy? Why do you think I’m *yawn* sleepy?Mmm. Mommy hugs are *yawn* good too.I am Xena, the Baby Held Schnauzer Princess …Warrior?

Dog Chew Recalls

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia10 Comments

After having gone through two recalls when I was feeding Blue Buffalo, I know it is important to get the info as soon as possible. The first recall was in 2010 and caused by a mix-up of the ferret vitamin K formula with the dog formula. It killed several dogs across the country. At the time, I housed our own Lexi and Riley plus my friend’s two schnauzers – Piper and Milo – and my husband’s two dogs, Lily and Ivy, who lived with us every other week. It caused them all to have uncontrollable urination. We had just moved and planned to have the carpet replaced with hardwood in a couple of years, after we had recovered from the cost of the move. Ended up we were unable to wait, which is why you see the wood floors throughout the house in pictures I post. I was very thankful that they all recovered from that without any lasting effects. I kept feeding Blue Buffalo, reasoning that the safest restaurant to go to was one who had just failed their health inspection, since they were the most conscious of scrutiny and doing things correctly. So, I thought, it would be the same with this major dog food manufacturer.

                            Piper (front) Milo (rear)

One year later all the dogs came down with diarrhea. I immediately checked dog food recalls and found it was, once again, Blue Buffalo.

Click here to see the latest recalls. This time, it’s on dog chews. If you haven’t already subscribed, I strongly urge you to get on the e-mail list for all dog and cat food recalls at dogfoodadvisor.com.  It’s a free service. 

Lexi the Schnauzer and Riley

Of course, I now believe the safest way to feed is to make your own, whether it is cooked or raw.  And the nutrition derived from a home-made diet far outweighs the “added” vitamins and minerals” in the kibble. Happy and safe feeding to all. ❤

This is Lucy and Xena, and we approve this message.

A Happy Ending or The Cruel Cut

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

I am so very happy to see you again my Prinzessin Xena.

Why are you back Ludwig. Didn’t Mommy tell you to stay away from me? Come any closer and I will bite your face again.

All the face-biting in the world will not keep me from you, beautiful one. If that is what I must endure to be close to you, then so sei es. You truly are a Warrior Prinzessin.

Well, I won’t be your girlfriend. I want to keep my options open. My Guardian Angel Lexi told me she was almost 12 years old before she got a boyfriend. She had her career to think about and couldn’t be distracted. She was a famous actress, you know. I might be famous at something someday too. And besides, how do I know it’s safe to be around you? You certainly haven’t been behaving yourself.

No need to worry about that any more, my lovely one. The Mommy had that problem “fixed.”

This is Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess with a safe new friend.

About Ludwig’s Visit

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

You know, Mommy, I like being with you.I don’t know what brought that on, Xena, but I like you being with me, too.

Sometimes, though, it gets a little boring.I know, but you just can’t stay by yourself with Ludwig while I am up in the balcony downloading Sunday’s audio.

Oh, no, I don’t want to. I think he wanted to take my temperature, and you know how I hate that. And why does he talk so funny?

He’s German, and he just moved here and…and what do you mean he wants to take your temperature!?I don’t know, Mommy. Hey, what’s that on the floor? I think I’ll go check it out.

How about if you just stay put; I’m almost done. Then we may have to go have a little talk with Mr. Ludwig.

I’m never going to date a German!

I understand that bad experiences can make us feel like that. But there’s something you should know.  *sigh* That’s exactly what I said to your Dad when we were dating. Do you know what he answered me?

No, Mommy, tell me! Did he say they are bad and you should never, ever date a German?

No, baby girl. He said he’s half German. *sigh*Oh! I’m glad you dated Daddy. Maybe Ludwig isn’t so bad. Let’s go talk to him.

To be continued…

Ludwig Returns

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia10 Comments

Ludwig! What are you doing here?I only wish to see you again, meine Prinzessin.  I look longingly on your beautiful face. May I stay and speak with you?Well, I guess that won’t hurt anything, especially since I’m done with my special big girl time.

I know this is true. I no longer smell that about you, Meine wunderschöne Prinzessin. *clears throat* It would make me so very happy to get a kiss. Just ein kleiner on my cheek?Like that, Herr Ludwig?

Now what are you doing? Bear! Stop the scoundrel from getting in my bed!

Ludwig! How did you get over there so fast?Please, meine Prinzessin Xena, I mean you no harm. Even a fierce bear cannot keep me from your love. I must kiss your sweet lips.To be continued…

Xena’s Dr. Seussism

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia17 Comments

I awoke from my nap and saw these fishies swimming by in the air. I thought maybe I was supposed to catch my own lunch. And this odd hat was perched on my head. Then, suddenly, these words came out of my mouth. Mommy says I’ve been infected by Dr. Seuss. I hope I won’t need a shot.

I am Xena Schnauzer Dr. Seuss Warrior Princess

This is a blog hop.

Our mayor Arty is hosting the party

So jump lickity split to the hilarious wit.

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This Is What You Do?

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia47 Comments

Mom: Xena, do you know anything about this? I leave you alone for two hours and this is what you do? I tried to be Kind by putting you in a nice big bathroom instead of in a kennel, and this is what you do?

How do you know I did that? Uh, Lucy might have gone in and chewed it after you let me out.

Maybe if you just left me free in the house with Lucy, things like that wouldn’t happen.

2 weeks later

Mom: Xena, you know I don’t leave you alone very often. I did what you asked and you were doing so well. Then, I leave you with Lucy and your sick Dad while I go to a class and this is what you do?

Uh, I was watching for you and, uh, oh boy, am I getting a time-out?

I am Xena the Schnauzer Princess Warrior in time-out

Grooming Annsley

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

Mom had a new groom today. She told me the story of how the nice lady found out about her grooming. Are you ready for this? The lady’s UPS delivery man told her! He saw her little tiny Yorkie and told her that his 15-year-old yorkie died not long ago. He said my Mom was a good groomer and gave her Mom’s name and phone number. (And boy, oh boy, did Annsley ever need groomed!)

Mom was concentrating when Annsley showed up and forgot to get her “before” picture, but she looked something like this (thanks for the pic, Mr. Google.)

She had big mats and little mats, and medium sized mats. But that’s nothing compared to Annsley’s story.  When she was a little more than a year old she was rescued from a cage in a crack house. (I sure would hate to live in a house with cracks, too.) Other than to be made to have puppies, she had spent almost her entire short life in that cage. In the meantime, the nice lady had just lost both her parents. She had intended to get a yorkie, but with her tragic losses, she had forgotten all about it until a rescue person brought Annsley into the vet where the lady worked. Right then and there the lady fell in love with her and they have been together for three years now.

Anyhow, because of the cage she had to live in when she was so young, she would freak out about the metal cages at any groomer’s. She would shake so hard that the lady had to give her pills before taking her. Plus, the last groomer cut her skin in two places (and made her look bad by shaving the hair down the center of her nose).

After hearing the story, Mom remembered John the UPS man, who had told the nice lady about Mom.  She remembered how John loved his tiny yorkie with all his heart. Mom thought maybe this was also a God-thing. Today, when Annsley came, she shook a tiny bit, but seemed like she wasn’t hardly scared at all. Mom had promised to not put her in a cage and that she would be the only pup in the grooming room. Annsley did great, even without any pills! When the lady…

(Xena) Lucy! Can I tell the rest, huh, please? I’m the one who got to play…oops, I think I gave the rest away.

(Lucy) Yep, you did. But the rest really is your story, so go ahead.

(Xena) Well, you see, the lady couldn’t come get her for about 87 minutes or hours (Mom: it was a half hour) so she said to go ahead and let her come upstairs and play with me and Lucy. Woo hoo!

Hi, I’m Annsley.

Hi, I’m Xena. Why do you keep running away from me?

I don’t know where I am and you’re bigger than me.

I won’t hurt you, I promise. Come on, let’s play.

Who’s that outside? That’s Lucy. She’s my sister and she’s wa-a-a-y bigger than you and me both. You don’t have to worry, she wouldn’t hurt you.

Well, I think I’ll just stay here until my Mom comes.

So that’s the story of how I almost got to play with a dog smaller than me. Maybe next time…she’s coming back in six weeks.

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Play Puppy Princess

Introducing Ludwig

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

Good day. I am Ludwig and I have come to live with Frau Amy and Fraulein Xena at this glorious cathedral of Heilige Luke.  During the night when no one else is here I am guarding this valuable printing machine of Frau Amy. Today, however, I decided it was time to meet the little Prinzessin Xena.

Greetings, Prinzessin Xena. Herr Ludwig at your service.

Mommy! What or who is this?

But I told you, Fraulein, it is I, Ludwig.

Who are you really? Why do you talk funny? Why are you in my office? Sprechen!

You are even more beautiful from here, young Welpe. Ich liebe dich.

Come closer, lover boy….

…gotcha!

After a narrow rescue from a potentially deadly encounter, Ludwig has wisely determined it is best to admire the Frauline from afar.

*sigh*





			
		

	
	



			
				



	
	

		
		
I’m a Big Girl Now

				

			Published on  by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments		

			



			


			


I feel lousy.


Of all the humiliating things to happen in life…I’ve been “on my period” for over a week. It sucks. I hate my diapers.




Mommy says I am a big girl now, but these make me feel like a baby again. And not in a good way. I never had to wear these things when I was a baby.


Mommy got me what she calls “big girl panties.” I think that’s a fancy name for washable diapers. She has to safety pin them to my shirt so they don’t slide off. It’s ’cause I’ve got a stubby little tail like Angel Lexi, so there’s nothing to keep them in place but a pin and a prayer. Mommy even stuck me with the pin last night. Was it my fault I was moving around trying to see what she was doing? Now I know why she says, “Ow!” a lot when she changes me.




And to make things worse, I’ve had the squirts since Saturday. I feel lousy. I can’t make it outside in time so I have quit even trying. Then I have to get my bummie washed and a clean diapie on. And sometimes the nasty stuff squirts out of the diapy hole where my tail is supposed to be. It’s all very icky.


Since my period started, I don’t take my toys out to the hallway at work anymore. I don’t go to Miss Beth to get baby-held anymore. I don’t even play with Lucy anymore. I understand (sorta) that this misery will make the hormones do their job in making my bones good and other things like that. She says I only have a few more days of feeling down, of my emotions going crazy. I wonder if she has ever been through this.


			
		

	
	



			
				


			
				



	
	

		
		
Oui, Oui, Paris!

				

			Published on  by Xena, Lucy and Chia15 Comments		

			



			


			


Mom: Surprise Xena! We are in Paris for Valentine’s Day!


Xena: Oh. My. Dog. So that’s why you gave me this scarf that says Paris all over it. Quick, take my picture in front of that pointy thing, or nobody is going to believe this.


Mom: Don’t you want to get closer?


Xena: Nope. This is close enough. It’s big and pointy and I’m not sure if it would hurt me.  *click*


Mom: How about this, Xena? It’s not as big and it sure isn’t pointy.


Xena: But what is it?


Mom: It’s a national monument, and it’s called the Arc de Triomphe. Napoleon, the French Emperor, had the Arc built over 200 years ago . He wanted to honor the Grande Armee, the name of the French army at that time. The Grande Armee had conquered most of Europe and was then considered invincible. In other words, no one could beat them at war.


Xena: That’s nice. Now can we go somewhere more interesting?


Mom: Sure, honey. Let’s walk around Paris for a while.


Xena: Look Mommy! It’s a pet store like the Smart Pet place back home, but it’s got my name, “Moustaches.” Let’s go in here!!


Mom: Yes, we can go in, but what do you mean? Your name is Xena, not Moustache.


Xena: My name is Xena the Schnauzer, and schnauzer means both snout and mustache in German. That’s how my breed got that name.


Mom: Huh? How do you know that, Xe Xe?


Xena: Sometimes, when I’m working on my new puter – you know, the one I got for Christmas – I talk to Mr. Google and he told me.  *whispers* But I only do that on my official breaks and at home.


Mom: If you are done browsing in Moustaches, let’s go get something to eat.


Xena: How about here? It’s real pretty and it smells good, too.


Xena: Oh goodness, my chicken salad was good. I thought le garçon was going to faint when I asked for the chicken livers raw. Et la steak tartare, oo la la! C’est magnifique!


Mom: Xena! You’re speaking French!


Xena: Really? The words just sort of came out. Did it sound ok? Could you understand me? 


Mom: Certainement! How about if we go up to montmartre. Are you ready for lots of outside stair steps, like over 300?


Xena: Race you!


Mom: *pant pant* Here is one of the most famous cathedrals in all the world. It is called *pant pant* Sacré-Cœur, or *pant pant* Sacred Heart.




Xena: Ohhhh, let’s go inside.


Mom: Well, if they’ll let us.


Xena: I’m the church puppy. Of course they will let us!


See, I told you they would let us in. My, this is so, so big! Does God live in here?


Mom: No, sweetie. God lives in you and me and all of his creatures. People come to places like this to worship God together, and to feel his love and  his presence within themselves. God is the goodness glue that holds all of the universe together.


Xena: Do you mean the Methodists, Mommy? Cause that’s the only church I’ve been to.


Mom: Not just the Methodists, Xe Xe. God loves everyone: all Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, people of all faiths, and even people who don’t have their own faith. We are all his Valentines and he loves us all.


Xena: Happy Valentine’s Day, God!!


Mom: *smile* Let’s look around, precious girl. Do you see all the little alcoves off of the nave?


Xena: What’s a nave, Mommy?


Mom: It’s another word for a sanctuary, like we have at work at St. Luke. Anyhow, two hundred years ago when France had kings and queens and other aristocracy, those families paid the Catholic Church to have their own little chapels to worship in, right there off of the main cathedral. They could also pay to have a crypt where they would be buried after they died.




Xena: Ewwww. Do you mean someone dead is in that box? Ewwww.


Mom: Uh, maybe we should look around outside some more in montemartre…


Xena: Mommy, I’m really tired. Can we go home now? Will you carry me?




Mom: Sure, Xena. I love you, my little Valentine. ❤




Xena: Happy Valentines Day, Mommy. I love you to Paris and back!




Mom’s note: Please click Xena’s postcard to find everyone else who celebrated in Paris.


			
		

	
	



			
				



	
	

		
		
Lucy’s First Valentine

				

			Published on  by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments		

			



			


			


Just when I was feeling really low ’cause of my (ex)boyfriend skipping out on me, a very handsome kittie with a heart as big as Texas (or Canada) put a smile on my face and wag in my tail. Purrince Siddhartha Henry sent me my first ever Valentine’s Day Card.




Yes! I will be your Valentine, Siddhartha Henry. (I think that will make me your Purrincess for the day.)


With love always,


Lucy


			
		

	
	



			
				



	
	

		
		
A Visit with My Cousins

				

			Published on  by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments		

			



			


			


Hi friends! I’ve been gone away all weekend with my Mommy. Did you miss me? We went to visit with Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill and my cousins Piper and Ella. Ella remembered me!


Xena! You’re here!


Ella is a great sister to Piper. Since his eyes don’t work anymore, he can get lost when he’s out in the big fenced back yard. So Ella goes out and helps him find his way back to the door. She’s Piper’s seeing eye dog! When she isn’t helping Piper, she likes to watch TV, especially the sports stuff.




I think they called that play wrong.


At first I didn’t recognize Piper. He sleeps a whole lot now (he’s 14 years old) and his beard gets all matted, so Auntie Jen cut it off. Ever wonder what a schnauzer would look like without a beard?




 I can’t tell who’s there. Say something.


Yep, well, Piper also gets cold real easy ’cause – according to Mommy – he doesn’t have any meat on his bones. Isn’t that a funny thing to say? So me and Ella went with Mommy and Auntie Jen to the Co Pet Place in search of a new sweater for Piper. I saw a dog coming out as we were going in so I started to bark and I barked the whole way going in and I barked inside, too. I was screaming “Beware! The Schnauzer Warrior Princess is here!” Soon I found out that I was to be the model, er fitter, er ummm, sir-eee-gut for Piper. How it worked was whenever Mommy found something that she thought would work well for Pipie (I like to call my cuz Pipie), she would try it on me and if it was a little big on me, she knew it would fit him. ‘For too long, Mommy and Auntie Jen found matching hoodies for Pipie and Ella and a new toy for Ella ’cause she was so good getting her nails cut at the Co Pet Place.  No, I didn’t get anything, but I really didn’t mind this time.


‘For too long, we got back to Ella’s house and my cousins got to try on their new hoodies. Since Piper can’t see anymore, I guess it didn’t matter that the hoodie fell down over his eyes.




Piper said he at least needed to hear, so his Mommy helped him out with that.




Actually, Ella’s came down over her eyes too.




I suppose that’s why she kept squeaking her new Valentine’s bear and didn’t see that it was drawing someone who wanted her stuffie.




In the meantime, my Auntie Jen was making weird beeping sounds and laughing. I think it had something to do with the new hoodies. Then this happened.




Mom! Piper has my new stuffie!


Turns out Pipie just wanted to check out what was squeaking and Ella soon had her stuffie back. We had a great time, except for one yuckie incident, which Mommy will tell you about another time.


I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess telling it like it is at the Co Pet Store.


 


 


 


			
		

	
	



			
				



	
	

		
		
When It’s Over

				

			Published on  by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments		

			



			


			


This week, Andrew brought Riley over to spend the day with me. I think Andrew saw what I wrote about missing Riley, so he left him for the afternoon and evening to visit. I was pretty excited to see my guy.


Riley didn’t seem as happy to see me, though. All he wanted to do was chew on my bully horn…the one I got for Christmas.




 




When it got to be bedtime, I didn’t stay in the library with him like I usually do. I lifted my head and went to bed with Mom and Dad.


When it’s over, it’s over. Dad gives Mom red wine and chocolate when she’s sad or upset. Maybe I can get in on that program. For now, I think I’ll just stand in this sunbeam.




Love and wiggles, Lucy


			
		

	
	



			
				



	
	

		
		
Disappointments

				

			Published on  by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments		

			



			


			
Super Bowl Sunday


That doesn’t look like soup. Where’s our souper bowl, Mommy?




Can me and Lucy have some anyhow?




Xena: This is a gyp. That TV’s making too much racket.I wish they’d shut it off.


Lucy: I wish Riley was here.




We hope someone got some good soup on Sunday (and got to see their bestie).


Xena and Lucy