Nature Friday Around Our Neighborhood

Published on November 6, 2020August 18, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Hi there! Mommy said if I want my picture taken with the mums (I still think that’s funny, they aren’t anyone’s “mum” that I know of) then I need to tell you about them. So here goes. She got the pot of flowers last year, set it out somewhere in the yard, the weather got cold, she stuck it somewhere else, found it this spring and dropped it pot and all in the hole in front of the house were she had dug out a bush and they’ve grown crazy big. There, I did it without even taking a breath.

She’s wondering if it will bloom again next year and if she should take it out of the pot and plant it in the ground now or in the spring or if she should just store the whole thing in the shed or what to do with it. I wonder if she wonders a bunch of stuff like that about me.

Then we all took a walk, and this is us turning the corner out of our driveway. Notice anything odd about our mailbox?

Daddy’s here, so I can’t tell you who backed our truck into it and then tried to straighten it back up and got it straight enough so it won’t fall over but it is still the leaning tower of mailbox. Mommy tried to push it but decided it must weigh about 87 tons.

A few houses up the road, we stopped to look at a pretty bug. I wonder if it tastes good.

Anyhoo, there were little bees trying to get the pollen out of the flowers there too, and the butterbug kept moving to a different flower when a bee would get too near. Smart bug!

At another neighbor’s, who we call the chicken people because they raise chickens, we got a picture of this tall plant. It has little purple flowers laid flat against the stem with white parts sticking out.

We’ve never seen a plant like this before and don’t know what it is (which isn’t unusual for us. Do you?

After a great walk on a beautiful, warm, sunny day, our schnauzer flag greets us home.

Do you see how it works for both Halloween and Thanksgiving?

If you’ll excuse me now, I have some running and playing to do with Lucy in our front yard before we go inside for an afternoon nap.

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

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

Our Barkmitzvah on Almost Wordless Wednesday

Published on October 28, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

Xena: We got Barkmitzvahed. So did all the other dogs there. One cat got Meowmitzvahed. Even our priest from St. Alban’s dog, Lanie, joined in. Does that make us all Jewish?
Lucy: No.

Lucy: I got blessed and prayed over and given my Hebrew name first, before Xena, cause I’m the oldest. My name, Ora, means light or shiny, ’cause of my beautiful furs and ’cause of the light I am in the world.
Xena: I got blessed and prayed over more ’cause I’m me. My Hebrew name is G’vurah, which means Warrior. Mommy changed it to Grrvurah. Everyone giggled and the Rabbi said that was fine

We got lots of yummy treats the whole time. We wonder if everyone did.

Thanks to Comedy Plus
for hosting the
Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop and to photographing New Zealand!

Love, light and grr’s,
Lucy and Xena

Selfie Sunday: Xena, Lucy & Mom at the Dog Park

Published on October 25, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

We’re joining The Cat on My Head for their Selfie Sunday blog hop.

Mom, look at the camera phone. I’m about to do our selfie.

You blew it Mom. Hey, what are you looking at anyhow?

Oh no, my beard got really dirty at the park. But wait, look over there at Lucy. Let’s help her do her selfie while she’s got two droolcicles goin’ on.

Te he, he. I’ll pay later for this one, but it’s worth it! And she’s covered in dirt. Bet she gets a bath when we get home.

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess and Lucy with a droolcicle.

A Cone and Drum Selfie

Published on October 18, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia35 Comments

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

Hi, this is Xena with a cone and drum today.

Lucy: I think you mean conundrum.

Xena: This is my post today, Mommy said it is mine all mine, so goodbye Lucy.
So, as I was saying my cone and drum is these areas of black hair growing on me. Here, let me show you.

Mommy called Granny, my breeder, and she contacted all her schnauzer expert friends, and no one seems to know anything. White spots, yes. Black areas, no.

I was that black color when Mommy adopted me.

This is me as a puppy with my friend Raccoon, who Riley deadied.

I wonder if this means I’m turning into a puppy again???
Anyone have any other ideas?

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

A Wordy Wednesday Naming

Published on October 14, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

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

Xena: As you know, we have been trying to find a name for our newest family member, the baby schnauzer stuffie. So many of you gave wonderful suggestions that we couldn’t decide. So we (Mommy) decided to let the baby stuffie draw one of the names.

First, she wrote all the names on pieces of paper.

Then, she used my collar to blindfold our baby schnauzer stuffie. No peeking!

Introducing Shania!
Shania: Thank you, Miss Sandra, for thinking up my new name.

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess and Shania

We’re in Our Church & Synagogue Videos!

Published on October 6, 2020September 3, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Lucy: Recently, Xena and I got to be in videos for both Jewish and Christian Zoom services.
Xena: So did Hank, but that doesn’t count. My Daddy did the “production” for the High Holy Days services for where Mommy and Lucy and I work. It’s called B’nai Zion Synagogue. I didn’t realize that I was being videoed or I would have done something for the camera instead of sniffing the honey jar. We’re not showing you that one.
Lucy: But I am going to play the one that I am in for your viewing pleasure. (I can’t wait to see if you notice what happens at the very end!)

Xena: And here is the St. Francis Day video done over Zoom from our own church.

We hope you enjoyed the videos and have a barking good day.

Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

A Name for Baby Schnauzer Stuffie

Published on October 4, 2020October 3, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

I, Xena, am holding a contest to see who picks a winning name for our new schnauzer puppy stuffie. Whoever picks the best name gets a free trip to…

Lucy: Xena! Stop, just stop. I thought you were over this nonesense. You know you can’t give away a trip.

Hi, I’m the new schnauzer puppy stuffie and I need a name – a girl name. Would y’all please help me? Our Mommy is partial to “Sheila.” I’m not so sure, though.

So far, we have had the names Shira (or Shirah), Amelia, Max, Shania, Pilvi, Jasmine and Mrs. Mike suggested by our blogging friends. Plus two votes for Shelia. We are trying to decide. Your vote would be helpful, even if you don’t get a free trip anywhere. We are sure that next time you see me, I will be properly named.
In other news, Xena removed the stitch that tacked down my right ear. She’s helpful like that. Now we’re twinsies.

Do you like the one ear down, one ear up look? Sister Xena said it’s the latest fashion. I still can’t get my ear back as far as hers goes.

Now, if I could just get her slobbers off my furs.

Love, Lucy, Xena and Schnauzer Puppy Stuffie with No Name

Wordless Fast-Day Wednesday

Published on September 9, 2020September 9, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

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

Oscar and Elle: We need to hide down here tonight. Xena didn’t get her supper.

Xena hungry Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Published on August 26, 2020August 24, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

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

The peeps are eating different than they used to. And sometimes they don’t even eat dinner.

Now they think it is a good idea for me and Xena to not eat dinner one night a week too. They call it a “fast,” but I think it should be called a “slow.” Do you know what we think of our forced participation? Phhthhhh!

Love and wiggles, Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Wordless Wednesday: Our Office Babies

Published on August 19, 2020August 14, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia18 Comments

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

Grooming with Mom: Georgia and Chief

Published on August 16, 2020August 17, 2020 by Xena, Lucy and Chia17 Comments

Hello friends. Lucy Ace Reporter back with you on the Groom Beat.

Xena: Hey Lucy, I thought I would continue with my story today on my blog.

Lucy: First of all, it’s our blog. And Mom asked me to report on our latest new groom today, so you will have to wait until another day. I was just giving Sweetheart Bear some loving time since you’ve been ignoring her lately.

Xena: Coming next week: Xe Tours Paris on her Magic Flying Carpet

Lucy: Hmm, that was easier than I expected. So, moving on, in today’s edition of Grooming with Mom, I bring you Georgia A. Georgia is a very tiny yorkie puppy. She is less than three months old, and this is her first groom. Mom’s previous client – the man named John who sent his daughter here for her tiny yorkie’s first groom (click here if you missed that) – sent Georgia’s family here too. John can’t come any more because he no longer has his own yorkie, but we bet he gets lots of yorkie loving from his friend’s yorkie puppie Georgia and his daughter’s yorkie puppy Chief.

During the groom, Georgia alternated between wanting to crawl onto Mom’s head and giving her sass about everything Mom was doing. Mom instantly fell in love with her and wanted to keep her, but didn’t think that dog-napping would go well for her grooming career.

About 90 minutes later, Georgia looked like this.

Mom trimmed under her eyes more after the picture was taken. We sure hope she grows into her ears.

When her dad picked her up, he told Mom who his folks are. They have Maggie, a poodle /shih tzu mix (pictured here) that Mom has been grooming for several years. Many of you sent prayers and positive thoughts for Maggie’s Mama, who had cancer, and she is fully recovered.

So this was actually a double referral to Mom, from both sets of Georgia’s grandpawrents. And speaking of yorkie puppies Chief was back this past week for his second groom. He did quite a bit better this time, but he screamed with every little bit of hair Mom had to pull from his ears. She was afraid the neighbors would think she was torturing someone, and was glad that the cops didn’t show up. Chief had a dark hair coat his first time here, but he is getting really light.

From what his undercoat shows, we think he is going to be even lighter next time.

Aren’t puppies great?

This is Lucy Ace Reporter signing off with wags and wiggles and a reminder to watch for Xena’s next episode of her adventure tales, coming soon.

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

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

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.