Xena the Sitter on Thankful Thursday

A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! Did I mention that this is my birthday month? That’s why I’m getting to do all the poems in June! Here we go!

What Do I Do?? by Xena the sitter

I, the schnauzer, was left to care for these twins.
Their folks shut the door, and thus it begins.
I ran to their toy box and brought them some toys.
But nothing I did could please these wee boys.

I thought, hey, a cartoon! That’s just the ticket.
But which one to watch, that’s the sticky wicket.
I scrolled and I thought, I really should know…
And then I found it! The Ren & Stimpy Show.

Joshie got scared at some of the violent stunts,
But Johnny just laughed when Ren died all at once.
I finally jumped down and laid in their laps.
That’s all they needed to drift into their naps.

Next time the folks are going out on the town.
Don’t look for the schnauzer, I won’t be around!

The End

Xena: Just so y’all know, I wouldn’t really babysit. Angel Riley absolutely loved toddlers and little kids, but they scare me. I’m thankful that we don’t have any in our house.

Chia: I’m thankful that Mom’s been taking me on some car rides. I just wish I got to go to the church, too. I want to meet Jesus.
Xena: You don’t meet Jesus at church, you just…
Lucy: Give it up. Xena, Chia doesn’t understand.
Chia: You two just want Him all for yourselves!
The Mom (interceding): Chia, every time someone is kind to you, you’ve met Jesus. His Spirit lives in all of us, we just have to show it to others in our actions and our words.
Chia: Uh, can I still go to work with you?
The Mom: I’ll let you know when you can go.

Lucy: I’m thankful that Mom sent some of my spit and fur to Glacier Peak Holistics. We got the results of my Pet Intolerance Test, and now we know at least some of the stuff that was wrong with me. Among other things, I’m allergic to beef, and “sensitive” to lamb and pork. I’m also allergic to cod, mussels, salmon, shellfish and trout. I’m allergic to mushrooms and potatoes and sensitive to sweet potatoes, tomatoes, amnd turnips. There’s a few more, but those are the main ones. Oh, I can’t have any more nectarines, either. I have a few “environmental” allergies too. I’ve had to stop taking four of my supplements because of my allergies. This week I’ve experinced a big change in my diet. I’ve been getting raw chicken, some with the bone in it, and chicken liver. This week Mom’s gonna look for some bison and goat for me to eat, too. Thankfully, I can still eat the turkey Ollie’s food.

Chia: That reminds me, I’m thankful that I’ll get to eat all the Ollie’s beef and pork packets that Xena can’t eat and you can’t eat anymore. 😄(They don’t make smiley faces for dogs.)

We all are ready for our nap now, so have a good rest of the week, and eat everything you can while you can! XOXOX Lucy, Xena and Chia

Re-Run of My Last Day of Being Two on Wordy Wednesday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!

Xena: I hope you are enjoying these flashbacks *wags* This one was from June 2020.

My Last Day of Being Two

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.

Re-Run of My Birthday Trip to Nashville on Happy Tuesday

Hey, you guessed it. I’m continuing my birthday week throw back posts. This one is from when I turned two years old in June of 2019.

My Birthday Trip to Nashville

Hi there. Well, we’re back from our visit and I panted and shook in the car some on the way home but mostly I slept on Mommy’s lap while Daddy drove. It’s a good thing Daddy was driving ’cause Mommy was sleeping, too. We meant to leave early, but first the folks went to Sunday school and church together and then they went out to eat at Moby Dicky’s Restaurant in Hendersonville near the church they had gone to. Then, when they got back to us, everyone was sleepy, so the guys took a nap while Mom and Aunty Jen curled up on the couch with me and Morty. Ella and Lucy took turns getting on the couch with us cause there wasn’t room for everyone. Anyhow, that’s why we didn’t get home until 9:00 at night and why me and Lucy didn’t get any supper. Grrr. That’s the sound our tummy’s made all night.

Don’t Lucy and I look happy to be at our aunt and uncle’s?

Morty and I are still the same size. I think I could take him in a fair fight, but I keep getting yelled at when I chase and bark at him. Hey, he grunted at me first!

Outside, Morty always kept his nose in the grass.

What are you doing, Morty? Hey you! Answer me.
Hey, someone tell me what this pig is doing! Eating grass? Really?
I’m not allowed to fight Morty. So, you know that old saying: If you can’t lick ’em, join ’em.

My Uncle Bill held me whenever I asked him to. He’s a good schnauzer holder. And I ran and ran in their big back yard. I got Lucy to chase me, too. She got too hot and would start to chase me when I asked her to, then stand back and let me run the big circle by myself.

You know what else happened while we were gone? Why Lucy didn’t want me to blog about us being there? Like Mommy told her, “If you don’t want Xena to tell everyone, then don’t do it in front of her.” Have you guessed?

Yep! Her and Achilles played kissie face. It was pretty disgusting. They kept licking each other’s tongues and mouth and sometimes Achilles would walk past her and give her a quick kiss. I think my sister’s in love.

I am the Grossed-out Xena Schnauzer Princess Warrior

At Work on My Birthday 8 Years Ago, on Awww Monday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

Hi friends! Since this is my birthday week, I thought it might be fun to show all y’all bogs of my past birthdays. This one is from 2018.

At Work on My Birthday

 Here I am at work with Mommy, getting baby hold time on my very first birthday. I wonder when I am going to get my nice pressies. I wonder what I’m getting special for supper. I’ve even got my birthday cupcake scarf on so efurryone will know it’s my special day. 

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions for what to ask for on my birthday. I’ve asked for more of what I already have, since I can’t think of anything new. And Mommy’s giving my heart worm prevention to a no-kill shelter in the area.

Mommy, Mommy, I need you to tell me sumptin.

Today I turn one year old, right? Does that mean I’m all grown up and I’m not your baby anymore? *whispers* I still want to be your baby.

Mom: Xexe honey, no matter how old you are, you are and always will be my baby and my heart, all wrapped up in one.

Xena: Good! When does the party start?

I am Xena the Birthday Schnauzer Warrior Princess

 

 

 

 

The Happy Run on Thankful Thursday

Xena: A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! This week there were so many ways to go with the picture, it was hard to decide. Hope you like whart I finally wrote.

The Joyous Dance by Xena

I was playing in the water when these maniacs appeared.
They were running, fists clenched and screaming; toward the safe beach I veered.
I saw more pouring from the doors of Weight Watchers Anonymous.
I found out they’d all lost ten pounds or more; that caused the joyous fuss!

The End

Lucy: That sure would have scared me, too. I’m glad you did the picture poem this week, Xena.
I hope it’s OK if I share some stuff that’s been going on…I’ve not been acting like myself lately and Mom’s trying to find out what’s wrong. The good news is I HAVE STOPPED EATING STONES! But I’ve been itching and biting at myself. In the middle of the night, while sleeping in the big bed, I’ve been jumping up real fast and running across the bed like something scared me. The first night, I did that three times. Mom’s checked me good for fleas, and there’s none to be found, so it’s not something biting me. And you know how when you wake up and you think you had a bad dream but can’t remember it? Yep, if that’s it, I don’t remember. Anyhow, the bedroom closet has become my safe place. Mom put a big doggie bed with a soft blanket in there, and that’s where I sleep all night now. She leaves a dim light on so the boogey man won’t get me. It’s been working good so far. And in the morning, I get up and either I nudge the bathroom door open and and come out or Chia comes over and pushes it open for me. Oh, sorry folks for woofing on and on about this…just one more thing. I’m thankful that Mom got a sensitivity test for me. She “swabbed” my mouth (it didn’t hurt) and cut off a little bit of hair from my backside and sent it off in the mail. We’re waiting to see what it tells us. *wags*

Chia: The last day Fritzie was here, I saw Xena hold the doggie door open for him. I figured I could help you with a door too, Lucy. And it felt good to do something nice! I’m thankful you’re my big sister and I hope you’re ok.

Xena: I’ll be thankful when the septic line in our front yard gets fixed. It’s been too rainy, so the fixer man couldn’t do it yet. Usually, when we come back from taking a walk, Mommy takes off my and Lucy’s leashes at the bottom of the driveway and let us run up the hill and play. We’ve not been able to do that for two or three weeks cause the first have of the hill is what Mommy calls “a swamp.”

Mom Amy: I’m thankful that my precious husband has cut back his hours at work. It gives him more time to do things he loves, like create menus and cook! I only cook cause we’re hungry and don’t want to eat out most of the time. The bonus besides relieving me of that job is Jeff is a great cook! (Of course, I still make 6 dog meals every morning!)

Xena: Hoping to see everyone again soon!

Fritz on Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!

Today we’re sharing some of the fun with Fritz during the four days he spent with us last week.

On his first night here, Fritz was pleased with himself about finishing his supper and licking his bowl clean.
Chia playing with 7 month old Fritz. Xena watches from the background
Fritz (pre-groom) joining Xena for some rest time.

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Xena debating playing with Fritz on back porch

Thank you for visiting today! Xena, Chia and Fritzie

Xena’s Floating Cabin on Thankful Thursday

Xena: A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! Except for the week we were both having trouble with evil WordPress. Grrr. Fritz went home to his family on Tuesday, so I didn’t tell him he’s gonna miss being in this blog. I am taking back control of MY blog. Here goes!

Xena’s Cabin Adventure

I was sleeping in our cabin when the rain began to pour.
I awoke when it grew much heavier than it was before.

On a little hill our cabin sat so sturdy, safe, and sound,
Till the rain turned all the hillside to a river made of ground.

Then our house went slowly surfing on a wave of mud and clay,
And it splashed into the lake and simply floated there all day!

I could say that I was scared and wished my dear Mommy was here,
But, truth be told, I raided the fridge and drank my Mommy’s beer.

Eventually a big boat came and pulled our cabin to shore.
I’d do the whole thing over if the fridge was stocked once more.

The End

Xena: Now I’m on to my thankfuls…hmmm. I’m thankful that Fritz was here and we played together. And I’m thankful that Fritz has gone home. Oh, and I’m thankful that I get to go to my folk’s ballroom dance lesson after me and Mommy leave work today. I’m going to watch so that I can dance as good as Angel Lexi!

Chia: I sure wish I got to go all these places. *sigh* Oh, well, I’m still thankful for the same things about Fritz as my sis Xe is. And I’m thankful for the warm, sunny weather we’ve been having, with no rain.

Lucy: I’m thankful that I’vc been stone-free for over a week. And I’m thankful for all the nice people who came into the church where I get to work one day a week with my Mom. They pet me and tell me how pretty and sweet I am *big wags*. Thomas the mailman there is on vacation, and there’s a young lady delivering the mail. I went out to greet her and she pet me and pet me and gave me a treat (I think my Mom gave it to her to give me…).

Xena: That about wraps it up, friends. Oh yes, we are all thankful for all of y’all!! Happy Thursday!!!

Happy Tuesday with Chia

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

Chia: It’s so blamed hot out here. Mom said it’s almost 100 F. Yep, F is right! Maybe it’s cooler in the yard.

Nope, it was even hotter! Guess I’ll go back inside with the AC.

I wonder when it’s gonna cool down…

Ya, know, being inside isn’t so bad after all!!

Fritz on Sunday Selfie

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

Xena: Fritz is staying with us until this coming Tuesday. He’s been a pain in the butt, especially to Chia. But she and I have both played with him from time to time. He’s only seven months old and just doen’t understand “enough.” I still decided to be nice and let him do the selfie today. Mommy groomed and bathed him this afternoon, and we all think he looks a lot better.

Fritz: Hi friends! I was a real good boy for Aunt Amy while she groomed and bathed me, even when she cut my nails and pulled the hair out of my ears. I got some treats, too! I miss my Mom, though. But since I’m here, I’ve been having a great time playing with my friends, Xena and Chia. Thanks, sweet friend Xena, for letting me do the selfie today!!! Fritzie

Lucy, Ace Reporter, on the Groom Beat with Cooper

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

Hi friends! Lucy, Ace Reporter here on the Groom Beat. Today we have a new groom, a senior citizen named Cooper.

We don’t think he’d been groomed lately… Anyhoo, his Mom ran into a friend while shopping and they started talking dogs. The friend used to bring her dear pup who recently passed to Groomer Mom (G.M. for short) and now brings Baby, her new, senior citizen dog. So Cooper’s Mom got G.M.’s phone number from her and here he is!

G.M. was instructed to give him a “summer cut.” Here is Cooper partway through his groom.

Look! He changed colors! Cooper has a bad hip, and he didn’t want to stand up, so G.M. had to use the strap to help him keep standing. He was pretty good until she started trying to groom his face. Oh no. Oh no in a BIG way. He jerked and threw his head up and down and this way and that way. We think he may have worn himself out a bit, cause he settled down just enough for G.M. to groom his face without worrying about hurting him. At last…

And that’s how we wrap up with annother successful groom!

But before we go, we want to bow our heads for a moment in honor of and thanks to all the brave men, women and animals who gave their lives for our freedom.

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off until next time.

Pee Ess: I haven’t eaten a stone in a week.

Lucy’s Stoned Sunday Selfie

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

Hi everyone.

I have a confession to make. I am addicted to eating stones. I am now an official stoneaholic. And even worse, I was asking Chia to enjoy them with me. We have all been banned from the dog lot and the back yard, where stones are abundant for the swallowing. I may have to go to SA* Meetings.

Wishing everyone a stone-less Sunday. Lucy, the Stoner.

*Stoneaholics Anonymous

Lucy’s Poetry and Thankful Thursday

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

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

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

A Book and My Best Friend by Lucy

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

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

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

The End

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

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

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

Xena’s Scary Ride on Thankful Thursday

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

Is This What They Call Fun? by Xena

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

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

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

The End

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

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

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

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

Love and wags, Xena, Lucy and Chia


Chia’s Surprise Sunday Selfie

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

I was resting in the Sunshine, soaking it all up, almost asleep. Then, what sounded like a distant voice, I heard Mom gently say, “Chia.” I’m sure this has happened to you, only your Mom used your name, not mine. Right? So I raised up, looking like, “Huh? What?!”

Mom said she was sorry, but would I please look at her phone and say, “Cheese?” So I did. (anything to just get back to my peaceful nap and that sweet dream I was starting to have”

Hope all y’all are having a good Sunday with sweet dreams and lots of cheese. XOXOXO Chia

The Cardinal on Nature Friday

Being in Tennessee, we have cardinals. They do not migrate. I have cardinals living in the woods surrounding the house.

As you probably know, the bright red ones are male. I took this picture a couple of weeks ago. Today I started thinking about it, and found this on the internet:

Many people view cardinals as a sign from heaven or a visit from a departed loved one, often citing the phrase “Cardinals appear when Angels are near“. These vibrant red birds are widely considered symbols of hope, comfort, and divine presence, representing the idea that spirits continue to surround us. 

  • Symbolism: They symbolize life, vitality, and warmth, often appearing when people miss loved ones most.
  • Cultural Belief: The idea is rooted in folklore rather than scripture, but it serves as a comforting reminder of divine love and the enduring nature of affection.
  • Religious Perspective: While not a biblical promise, some, such as noted by Guideposts and discussed on Epiphany Ministries, view the birds as a reminder of God’s care or a way for Him to send comfort, particularly when dealing with grief.
  • Folklore Origin: The association may stem from the word “cardinal” sharing a root with cardo, meaning “hinge,” suggesting the bird acts as a bridge or hinge between the earthly and spiritual realms. 

Whether viewed as a literal message or a comforting thought, a cardinal’s appearance is often interpreted as a sign of love and a spiritual boost. 

Maybe I’ll name this one “Andrew.” And start feeding it.

Thanks to Rosy and Sunny of The LLB Life for hosting Nature Friday!

Xena’s Perspective on Flying Lessons on Thankful Thursday

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

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

Learning to Fly by Xena

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

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

by Xena Schnauzer Flying Princess

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

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

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

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

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

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