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!

My Polar Pal by Xena on Thankful Thursday

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

My Polar Pal by Lexi the Schnauzer

I leaned too far to see the bear and in her den I fell.
She looked at me quizically. I thought, “I am in hell!
“Do you want to be my friend?” the big bear asked of me.
I’m loney here and have no one; I wish that I was free.

I smelled the truth of Lila’s words (I learned that is her name).
I tried to stop my shaking and think of a good game.
“Let’s play hide and seek,” I woofed. “I’ll hide, you look for me.”
I looked for a good place to hide and wished that I was free.

Lila found me quickly; she touched my nose with hers.
Then she cuddled close with me and gently groomed my furs.
My heart went out to this big bear; I wish she could be free.
Our wish came true! My next time there she’d been returned to her own family.

The End

Xena: I’m thankful that I’m not on display at some zoo, all by myself.
Chia: I don’t think you have to worry about that, Xe. I mean, who would want to pay to come look at you?
Xena: Grrrrr.
Lucy: Girls, please be nice. I’m thankful it cooled off some today. And that we got our much-needed rain overnight.
Chia: I’m thankful that we’ve gotten lots more walks. What, Mom? Yes, I’m ready to go walking now!

Xena: Looks like we’ve gotta go. Happy Thursday, and happy week!


Bailey Pup Returns on Happy Tuesday

Lucy, Ace Reporter on the Groom Beat, here at
WGroomingWithMom. We have sad news and happy news all for the same pup today. Let’s get started

First the sad news…two years ago next month, one of Groomer Mom’s (GM) clients passed away. She was the sister of another one of GM’s clients, Marquita. Since then, the pup’s dad has had to take over everything she did, and the last thing he was thinking about was getting Bailey (who you will see shortly) groomed. Marquita, brought Bailey a couple of times when she was bringing her own pup, Peyton, to be groomed

This past weekend, Marquita brought just Bailey. GM was so glad to see her! Bailey’s hair had grown very long, and was actually quite pretty, except for places like her head and face and feet, where it really needed trimmed. Even so, Marquita wanted her shaved short like she used to be. It seems Bailey will be staying with her while Bailey’s dad tries to sell his house.

Bailey was extra good for GM during the entire groom. Here she is, all finished up!

Isn’t she a pretty girl with big, pretty eyes?

This is Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with another successful groom.

Our Travel Poem on Thankful Thursday

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

Utrecht Dancing Bushes by Xena

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

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

The End

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

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

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

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

Peek-a-Boo on Awww Monday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

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

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

Happy Monday! Xena, Tick-less Schnauzer Princess

Xena’s Crazy Golf Poem and Thankful Thursday

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

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

Xena Ace Sports Reporter at the Golf Course by Xena

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

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

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

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

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

The End

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

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

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

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

Fritz’s Poem and Thankfuls

Fritz: I saw the picture for this week and said, “Xena, I want to do the poem, I want to do the poem, I want..”.etc. She said if I’d shut up and stop jumping at her that I could do the poem. But just this week. I don’t know how to type yet, so I got Aunt Amy to help me.

First, here’s a picture of me just in case you don’t know me. My Mommy is Clare and we live next door.

Now, here’s this week’s picture and my poem.

Best Friends by Fritz

I’ve got a new game, follow the leader.
We’ll go down the stairs and past the big cedar.
When it gets dark, I’ll grab hold of your tail.
And if it should hurt, just give a soft wail.
I’ll let go right away; we’ll still be friends.
You’re my BFF from now ’til the end.

That was fun and a bit harder than I thought. Aunt Amy had to help me with some of the rhymes, too. I’m so thankful that I got adopted by my Mommy Clare and her folks and her brothers and sisters. They all love me and I love them, too. And I’m so wagging thankful that Aunt Amy and especially Miss Lucy (she’ll get used to me) and Miss Xena and Miss Chia live next door . If I get away, my Mommy always knows where to find me, BOL!! Sometimes Miss Xena plays with me and Miss Chia has started playing with me, and I’m so, so, so thankful for that. I’ve got a bunch more thankfuls that maybe Miss Xena will let me share another day.

Xena: Thanks Fritz. I didn’t know you were a poet, but you did a good job. But there’s one thing you forgot…
Fritz: Oh, yes. Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!
Is that all, Miss Xena?
Xena: Yep. Now go play with Chia so I can take a nap.

Hoping everyone has something to be thankful for today! XOX Miss Xena Schnauzer Pup-sitter Princess

Epilepsy Awareness and Poetry on Thankful Thursday

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

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

Shhhh, Don’t Tell by Chia

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

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

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

The End

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

(L-R) Lucy, Chia, Xena

Finally, thanks to Five Sibes for hosting this day.

Screenshot

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

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

Chia’s Tribute to Her Brother Andrew on Thankful Thursday

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

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

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

We’ll All Be Together by Chia

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

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

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

The End

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

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

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

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

Lucy’s Post-Breakfast Awww Monday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

Lucy: Sorry Mom is so late in doing my Awww Monday picture. I hope it’s still ok to send it to you, even though this is Tuesday. Xena’s saying it’s ok, so here it is.

I had a yummy breakfast, then I decided to curl up in the bedroom chair instead of on the bed. I’ve got my very own pillow here! Xena also suggested I tell you that no, I’m not sad. This is just how I look. Maybe next time I’ll smile for the camera, like I do when I greet people at the church.

Have a Happy Tuesday! Lucy

Meeting at the Bridge on Thankful Thursday

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

Xena: We’re especially thankful to Miss Pam at Two Spoiled Cats who hosts the poem every week. Me and Mom were real late even thinking about doing our weekly poem, and got over-excited when we saw what is this week’s poem. Yep, we wrote the poem for it and posted it last Thursday. Miss Pam loved the poem and told us to go ahead and post it again this week. So for those who didn’t see it then, here you go. And those who did, well, maybe you would like to read it again. Oh, and I do want to clear Angel Lexi’s name for the mistake. She didn’t know when it was supposed to post. (Whew, glad I got that off my chest.) Here we go…

I’ve been consulting with Angel Lexi about today’s picture. She said she could jump into the picture and help me. Y’all know that our Riley crossed the bridge a year ago last Thanksgiving. He and Lexi didn’t have a great relationship cause she always tried to boss him around and he wasn’t allowed to do anything about it. But that all changed now that they are angels. You’ll see…

Meeting at the Bridge by Angels Lexi and Riley

Lexi: Riley, I’m happy to see you again.
You’re somewhere safe, and here we’ll be friends.
No need to fear, Ri; let me take your paw.
The Bridge is safe, soon you’ll be in awe.

Riley: I feel much younger, with no aches and no bloat.
I’m feeling like I have wings and can float.
I’ll run to you, Lexi, to the other side
Where I’ll feel the peace and love our Lord provides.

Lexi: This is my unicorn, Spike is his name.
Riley: A unicorn, huh? We’ll all play a game!
Lexi: Hurry on over, we’ll go see the Big Guy.
Riley: I know he’ll love me. Watch! I think I can fly!

Lexi: Well, that poem worked well, Riley, What do you think?
Riley: I’ve got a warm, tingly feeling in my heart.
Lexi: It’s probably just indigestion.
Riley: It’s *blaaat* yep, at least it doesn’t smell.

The End

Xena: Wow, I sure didn’t expect that! I’m thankful that I’m still here with my Mommy, and well. I hope I have many more years with her and Daddy. But at least I know that when it’s my time to go, I won’t be alone at the Bridge, and I’m thankful for that too.

Lucy: Even though I’m really healthy, I’m older than you, so I might get to see Angel Riley again before you do, Xe. We used to be good friends and I’m sure we will be again some day. In the meantime, I’m hungry and want more food! I’m thankful that Mom got me some chicken from the grocery with bones in it to crunch! Yummm.

Chia: I’m thankful Mom lets me have the wings to eat. She always watches me while I eat them (I think so Lucy doesn’t steal it away from me). It’s been cold this week, but I’m thankful for the sunpuddles to nap in!

All: We’re thankful for you, our friends, and how much we know you care about us!!!!

Post-Minties Sunday Selfie by Xena

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

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

I hope everyone is having a good Sunday.