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.

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!!!!

Xena’s AI Poem on Thankful Thursday

Xena: This was an easy one today. I mean, it’s just so obvious.
Chia: What’s obvious about it, Xeboo, er wait, I meant Xena?

Xeboo, er Xena: (Ignoring Chia) First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! Here’s my poem:

A Matter of Perspective byXena

They see towers chewing at the sky,
steel louder than the wind.
They call this place empty.

But I sit nose-level with a flower
brave enough to bloom anyway.

The machines look powerful from far away.
Up close, they smell like nothing.

This—
this yellow face turning toward the sun—
this is alive.

Perspective changes
when you’re small enough
to notice what survives.

The End

Xena: In the integrety of honesty, (and to shut up Chia who was looking over my shoulder) I had a little help from AI with this picture and this poem. I hope you still like it. Me and Mommy and Daddy are all thankful for AI!

Chia: You’re always saying we voted (when I didn’t get to) so let’s ask our friends to vote yes or no on if they think you should be allowed to use AI!

Lucy: In case you didn’t see my post on Monday, I want to let all my friends know that the doctor said, in short, I’m in perfect health! I’m still very thankful for that.

Chia: Oh yeah, thankfuls. Hmmm. I know! I’m thankful for everything! I have a great life here with great parents and great sisters and great food and a great bed and great friends!

Lots of love, Xena, Lucy and Chia

Long Table Feast by Lucy on Thankful Thursday

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

Long Table Feast by Lucy

A river of plates stretches farther than sight,
Colors and spices bloom under lantern light.
Crowds lean in close as history is shared,
A banquet so vast it must be declared.
At table’s bright edge sits Lucy, alert and proud,
Boxer–Staffy smile winning hearts in the crowd.
Her eyes track the steam as dumplings drift by,
Certain this feast was laid out just for her—no lie!

Lucy: Wow, I sure do wish this was all for me. I’m hungry all the time. In fact Mom took me to the doctor yesterday cause she’s worried about something called Cushings. I smiled at the vet and the tech and they fell instantly in love with me. (That was my plan.) They still stole some of my blood, but it didn’t hurt much. Mom will let all my friends here know what the diagnosis is when she hears back from the nice vet. Oh, and I’m thankful for all the treats they gave me at the vet’s, too!

Xena: I’d eat all the time too, but I’m not always bugging Mommy for food. Mommy says it’s cause I’m a schnauzer. We could eat 24/7. Maybe you have schnauzer in you, Lucy.

Chia: I’m thankful that my tummy gets full at meal time and I’m not always having to ask for more. And no, you two, you can’t have my treats.

Lucy: Oh, and I almost forgot, I’m thankful that the vet was amazed at how supple my joints all are and my agility at age 11. (I didn’t tell her that Mom gives me healthy supplements to help keep them that way.) And I’m thankful that the vet left the room with the words, “I hope the rest of my patients today are as sweet and as good as you, Lucy.” *more big wags*

We’re all thankful that we have good and good-for-us food every day and for a warm house with comfy places to sleep. Hope all our friends are having a good Sunday!

Love and Licks, Lucy, Xena and Chia

Lucy’s Dirty Poetry and Thankful Thursday

Lucy: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! I didn’t get in on the sister photo poem action last week, so I get to do the poem all by myself today. I’m not in the picture, either, but read on and you’ll find out why.

Snitched On by Lucy

My sisters found out what I did
Covered with mud playing with a kid.
So they turned to AI to snitch on me.
But it didn’t work. As you can see,
That dog looks not a bit like me!

This is me (and my little sis, Xena):

Xena: Hey Lucy, thanks for including me in your picture. You’re a good big sister and I’m thankful for you.
Chia: Are you thankful for me, too, Xeb…er, Xena?
Xena: Sometimes. But especially when we play together. And I’m thankful that our visitors from the Philippines are still here with us. Marie Cris holds me every night and rubs my tummy.
Lucy: Yes, and I’m thankful that I get to sleep with Miss Kim every night. I’m also thankful that I had a good 10-year birthday yesterday.
Xena: Yes, but Mommy’s a bit worried about you cause you ate that entire, 14 inch long braided chew stick yesterday – the one Mommy got you for your birthday and thought it would take you days to chew through. Guess she doesn’t know you that well, huh? Anyhoo, Chia’s keeping an eye on you while me and Mommy and Daddy are all at work today. Just have Miss Kim or Miss Marie Cris call us if you need us, OK?
Lucy: OK, but I feel fine. I’m gonna hang with them today. In the meantime, we hope all our friends have a good Thankful Thursday!

Snow Folk Soon Gone by Xena and Chia on Thankful Thursday

Xena: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week!
This was a bit of a scary scene to jump into, so I asked Chia to help me. There was no way I was dragging puppy Fritz into this mess.
Chia: You just didn’t want him on our blog again, Xepoo.
Xepoo: I’m not Xepoo, I’m Xeboo, er I mean I’m Xena. And stop calling me that!
Chia: Sure, Xeboo. Hey, folks, here’s our poem! *wags*

Snow Folk Soon Gone by Xena and Chia

Xena: Look at them all—snow-folk standing still,
a thousand quiet noses sniffing winter’s will.
Chia: They stand like a crowd that forgot how to move,
each one shaped by gloom, gloves, and grooves.
Xena:  They don’t chase, they don’t bark, they don’t run—
are these statues dreaming of sun?
Chia: Each face is different, yet frozen the same,
a crowd of friends who never woof our name.
Xena: Some wear words on paper, some wear crooked smiles,
each one here for just a little while.
Xena: Do you think they know they won’t stay long?
Chia: Everything melts, sister—that’s the song.
Xena: They’ll vanish softly when the weather turns kind.
Chia: Soon gone like footprints, like breath, like time.

The End

Chia: Hi four, Xeb..umm, Xena! We made a great team! Let’s do it again!!
Xena: Hi four, Chia. Yes, we did, and no, once is enough, BOL. I’m thankful for the fun pictures Angel Sammy sends us every week. I think it helps make us a better team, too. And I’m thankful for the pretty weather here and my Mommy and Daddy and all our good friends and our great food.

Chia: Can I just say ditto? I’m thankful for the same things, Xe. And I’m real thankful that Connor, who you know lives downstairs right now, always agrees to go walking with Mom and to take me! (For our friends who don’t know Connor, he is the son of our brother Andrew’s long-time girlfriend, Jentry, and he lived here with them for a few years as a child.) (I didn’t know him then cause I wasn’t born yet.)

Lucy: I have to say, you two did a fantastic job with your poem and your thankfuls. I’m thankful I got to go to Sasha and Oliver’s house and visit with them for a couple of hours last Sunday. THey live just right around the corner. Mom went there to visit Miss Susan and took me! I hope we can get together again real soon. Me and Sasha are tight. *big wags*

Chia: I almost forgot! Miss Kim, who lives in the Phillipines, is coming to stay with us tomorrow for 10 whole days! Maybe she’ll take me running in the mornings again!!

Wishing everyone love and happiness,
Xena, Chia and Lucy

Thankful New Year: A Poem from Xena and Sisters

Xena: As a gesture of my thankfulness for my sisters I’ve invited them to write a poem with me today. But first, we want to thank Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

The End

Xena: Great job, girls! I’m thankful that you’re both my sisters and I know I don’t tell you often but, well, I love you.

Lucy: I love you too, Xe. And I’m thankful for our wonderful pet sitters. Let’s see, there’s Miss Christy, Miss Clare, and I get to go stay with Miss Susan and Oliver and Sasha!

Chia: Don’t you love me, too, Lucy? You didn’t woof that you do…

Lucy: Of course I do, Chia. I mean, I haven’t hurt you yet, right? Even with you acting ugly with me?

Chia: Oh…yeah, well…I love you too, Luce, and I’m thankful for you. And I’m thankful for a new year where I’ll try to be a good girl. Maybe then I’ll get to go to work with Mom, too, and also go to sleepovers like you do, Lucy!

HAPPY 2026, EVERYONE!!

It Wasn’t Me by Xena and Thankful Thursday

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

Xena: I’m very thankful today that Daddy helped my Mommy get some internet connection from the boat, uh, ship they’re still on in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I’ve been able to catch up a little bit on what’s going on and I’m happy to say Mommy misses me as much as I miss her! Other than that, they danced in the ballroom with good music from a band the first night and had a lot of fun. The second night the boat was on the “high seas” and they tried to dance, but I guess that’s hard when the boat, I mean ship, is rocking. Guess that’s what “Don’t rock the boat” means! Hey, isnt’ that a song?

Anyhow, the third night was a don’t even try to dance night, cause the things called waves and swells were much worse. The good news is they didn’t get sick and were still able to eat as much as they could fit in their tummies. (I could fit a lot in my tummy!) So I’m also thankful that I wasn’t on that rocking boat and maybe getting sick, and that my folks didn’t get sick, too.

They’ve also met some nice people from the UK and Germany and Queens, Ireland and the U.S., too. That was all over meals while they were eating.

So now here’s my poem (thank you, Mommy, for helping me.)

It Wasn’t Me (or The Ghosts Did It) by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Look at this mess! It sure wasn’t me.
I was sound asleep next to the tree.
I only woke when I heard you yell,
“Just look at this mess! What the h…ll!?”

The ghost of Christmas past appeared,
Our friend, the lab, woofed with much fear.
He ripped the wrappings oh so fast
And took our presents to the past.

The ghost of Christmas present came,
My sis Lucy sincerely explained.
It said others needed these more,
Then left to take them to the poor.
Then came the ghost of Christmas to come
Saying we’d need these more in years to come.

My other sis looked at the floor.
From her eyes guilty tears did pour.
I did all this and made up the story.
For all of it, I’m very sorry.

Our Mum sat down and said so sweet,
Come and sit here by my feet.
I love you all! Let’s get the broom
And clean up the living room.
I have only one thing to say…
Where are your gifts I wrapped today?

We looked around and saw nothing,
No toys nor treats, not a single thing.
Perhaps the ghosts really did appear…
We’ll watch for those gifts in a future year!

The End

Lucy and Chia: Hi Mom!! Hi Dad!! We miss you too, and we’re still having a good time with Miss Christy. We’re so thankful that she was able to come be our dog-sitter while you’re gone. And we’re thankful we’re not on a rocking ship on the big ocean, too! Lots of love to you and to all our friends.




Lucy’s Yummy Poem on Thankful Thursday

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

My sweet little sister Xena said I could do the picture poem this week. She’s been feeling a bit off…miserable, actually. Mom took her to our great vet on Saturday, but they were too busy with 2 of the 3 vets out sick. So they went to the Emergency Vet. Symptoms: constant chewing on herself, eyes very red and constantly crusted over, unhappy. Mom thought she was “yeasty” and she was right. The nice people at the E.V. got her the right meds for yeast and bacteria and after 3 days she was all cleared up and happy again. Shoot, I even saw her and Chia playing and chasing each other around the house yesterday!

Santa’s Little Helpers by Lucy

When I got three Santa Clause hats
I asked Jerry and Kitty Krats
To spend their Christmas Eve with me;
We might find something ‘neath the tree!

Instead, these treats and milk we found.
We looked, and no one was around.
My folks had gone to bed early,
So we were Santa’s helpers three!

The End


Xena: I’m so thankful Mommy took me to the vet, even though I did shake a lot at first. The Emergency Vet. was very nice and so was his nurse. The nurse asked if she could take me to the back to get my weight and temperature. Mommy said, “The only time Xena’s had her temperature taken was as a puppy when I first got her. She screamed so loud that we all thought our ear drums would burst.” So the nurse said, “Hmmm. We can do it under her arm.” (I’m very, very thankful for that.) Seems screaming might be a good defense!
Anyhow, Mommy knew I was feeling miserable, and now I feel so, so good, like I used to feel before the allergies got me down. Mommy says she has her Xexe back!

Lucy: I’m thankful that Miss Christy is coming to stay with us for over a week while Mom and Dad go away. (Miss Christy says I’m her favorite, but shhhh, don’t tell my sisters.) I’m not exactly sure what our folks are doing, but I know it involves someone called Queen Mary and bargain prices and crossing the North Atlantic, whatever that is. I’ll be very happy to stay home with Miss Christy.

Chia: Mom also says she and Dad will be M.I.A. for almost two weeks. So don’t worry about us. We’ll be back. In the meantime, I got my sissie back, and we’re gonna play a lot to make up for missed time when XeBoo didn’t feel good.

Xeboo, er Xena: Chia! don’t call me Xeboo.
Chia: Whatcha’ gonna do ’bout it?
*Xena grabbing Chia’s daschund stuffie and running, with Chia chasing her.*

Lots of love and wags from us all. Lucy, Xena and Chia


Chia Dog Bee on Thankful Thursday

Chia: Hey! It’s me! *lots of big wags* Xena gave me permission to do today’s post. It was way too scary for her to even look at the picture. Angel Sammy, you have a wicked sense of humor, and thanks!
Hold on, I’m on my way into the kitchen to jump on the chair at the counter where the laptop is.

OK, settled in. First, we are still thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! Now for the picture and my poem!

Dog Bee by Chia

Tad screamed “Dog Bee!” ‘fore he fell and hit bottom.
I ran fast as I could to try to stop him.
I think he got dead; was he running from me?
Guess I shouldn’t have dressed as a killer bee. (see pic*)

The End
*You can’t see my front legs that are against my chest because I am in mid-stride!

Xena: Jeez, Chia you made that picture even scarier, especially when I couldn’t see your front legs!
Chia: Thanks, Xena! It is almost Halloween, you know.
Xena: Hmmm, that means we’ll all get shut away in one of the bedrooms while the trick or treaters steal all the candy from Mommy.
Chia: Hey! Maybe we could get dressed up and go get some candy from the neighbors!
Xena: Well, I did see the skunk costume and I heard your name mentioned…remember the year we both had to wear them? But Mommy only found one of them this year. (see below pics)

Chia: I’m goin’ to hide.

Mom Amy: I’m thankful today that we got to keep our sweet shih tzu niece, Gracie, for over a week. And also that my neighbor friend’s two pups, Sasha (boxer) and Oliver (papillon/pomeranian mix) stayed with us over last weekend.

I was also thankful to go back from six dogs to “just” three by Sunday afternoon.
Lucy is napping on the bed, but I’ll let her know when she wakes up that all her friends here in blogville say “Hi!”

Xena’s Poem on the Run

My first thankful is for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! I’m even more thankful that my Mommy and Daddy are back from their anniversary trip. I heard them say the next trip they take will be to Fort Wayne, and me and Chia are going with them. Yay!

Chia: I’m thankful that Miss Clare is still taking me for walks, even after our folks got home. And I’m thankful that Gracie let me eat her supper one night this week!
Lucy: Chia, Gracie didn’t exactly let you… and Xena, what do you mean our folks are taking you and Chia?
Xena: You didn’t hear? While we’re gone, you’re going to go stay with our neighbor, Miss Susan’s, and you’ll get to be with Sasha and Oliver. Oh and with the little girl Ryan, too. I heard how you two cuddled all night at your last sleep-over.
Lucy: *wag, wag, wag* And I don’t even have to ride in the car to go there! I can’t wait!

Xena: We got a crazy picture this week. Here goes!

WHICH CAME FIRST by Xena

Which came first, the roosters or the eggs?
Run, little Lee, on those chubby legs,
Under the fence, and soon with any luck
The eggs’ll be in our tummies
And the birds won’t give a cluck.

The End

Chia: BOL, I guess the eggs came first ’cause little Lee carried the eggs and stayed ahead of those birds, BOL!
Xena: You understood my poem. *big wags* Sometimes I’m actually thankful that you’re my sister. Lucy: Did you know that Sasha and Oliver are coming to stay with us today for the rest of the week?
Xena: What?! Gracie is still here. Wait, let me count…that’s 87 dogs in our house!
Well, folks, I need to sign off now and find a solitary place to hide for a while…but close enough I can hear when Mom calls us for supper. See y’all soon!

Thankful and Poetry Thursday

Xena: Hey there, friends, why don’t we start off with our thankfuls, right?
Chia: I’m thankful that the kids next door are going to take care of us while Mom and Dad are gone to Helen, Georgia this weekend for their wedding anniversary.
Xena: *panicking* They’re going away? Oh no! I wonder if I can go. How did you find out? Why didn’t you tell me? Mommy! Mommy! Where’s my Mommy?!
Lucy: I’m thankful that Mom didn’t die when she fell off the curb at the city Oktoberfest last weekend. Her hobbling around here all week was bad enough. It’s nice, though, that they are still going to have a good time at the Oktoberfest there. And don’t worry, Xena, they’re only going to be 3 hours away.
Xena: THREE HOURS!

Chia: Guess I’d better take over. Here’s the picture Angel Sammy gave us for today:

Don’t Go Here! by Chia

This is a horrible scene,
The worst that I’ve ever seen.
I can’t read the signs;
There sure should be fines
For no view of the road or skylines!

The end

Lucy and Chia: We hope everyone has a fun, Oktoberfest kind of weekend (with no injuries). And don’t worry about Xena. She’ll jump in Miss Clare’s lap when she comes over to spend time with us after feeding us. I-Chia- might try sitting in shy Miss Lucia’s lap this weekend! (She’s Miss Clare’s little sister.)

Xena’s Poem on Thankful Thursday

My first thankful is for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! *yawn* I had to get up early this morning, even before breakfast, so Chia couldn’t pull what she did last week, stealing my picture poem! As if I wouldn’t know!Now for the picture and my poem.

New River Apartments (or New Jersey, New York) by Xena

New York City is full with new folks moving there.
There’s no more apartments and just enough air.
The mayor said, “No more!” The Jersey folks, compliant,
Turned back.
But New Jersey refused saying, “No! You’re not fans of the Giants!”

They all hauled their boats to the river named Hudson
After stopping at Costco to buy meat, fruit and onions,
Plus all else they needed for in the river to stay.
Now residents of neither, no state income taxes they pay!

The End

Xena: They shoulda just come to Tennessee. I heard that we don’t have to pay state income taxes here, either.
Lucy: Have you seen the traffic on the way to work and back? It’ cause of all the new apartments going up and all the folks moving outa places where they have hurricanes! They heard it’s nice here, and it is! But I want to get home after work to have my supper and it’s really slowing things down!
Chia: I think that looks like it would be fun to jump from boat to boat, saying hi to everyone and gobbling up whatever food is sitting out!

Xena: Oh wait! I almost forgot about our thankfuls! Let’s see…I’m thankful I got to go to work TWO times last week and again this week! And I’m thankful for the sunshine and time outside with Mommy.

Lucy: I’m also thankful for our time outside. I love to lay in the sun. And I love to run over to the nextdoor neighbors to visit with the kids. (They love me, too!) And I’m thankful that Mom ordered me a new name and phone number tag for my collar. My old one got lost. Hey, what do your tags say?
Xena: Mine says, “Help me, I’m lost.”
Chia: Mine says, “Oh Crap, I’m lost.”
Lucy and Xena: *rolling on ground laughing* Yep, that’s so you, Chia! *still laughing*

Chia: Well, I guess that’s it for today folks. Have a great weekend and don’t get lost!

Chia Rockin’ It on Thankful Thursday

Chia: Hey! It’s me! *lots of big wags* Thought I’d get this out while Xena’s napping. She won’t notice til it’s too late. I’m a bit tired myself after trying to get used to our new bed. It’s that new protective cover the folks put on it. We all hate it. So this morning early I curled up and took a nap on the blanket that was left between the pillows.

Movin’ on, we are thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week!

Lost in the Water by Chia

Kit took me swimming and we went too far.
Now we are lost and can’t find the North star.
It’s cloudy so the sun I can’t see.
How can I guide by astrology?

I’ll try bringing up Google Maps, Kit said.
But the charger’s at home and my phone’s almost dead.
Let’s pray for a boat, land’s too far to see.
“It’s time to wake up,” Xena said to me!

The End

Xena: That musta been some dream you were having, Chia. Your legs kept moving like you were swimming.
Chia: Uh, yep. Thanks for the wake up, Xebo… er, Sis Xena! I’m thankful you’re my sister and we can play together and have fun.
Xena: Me too. Just don’t ever try to go behind my back and steal Thursday blogs from me.
Chia: How did you…uh, nope, never!

Xena: I’m thankful today that we got a King Size Bed! Now we’re all back in sleeping with Daddy and everyone of us can sleep next to either Mommy or Daddy!

Chia: I’m thankful that Mom washed those new sheets, too. She and I both had a hard time going to sleep cause they had a funny smell.

Lucy: I’m thankful today that we got a new real, real, real quiet car. Dad said it runs on electricity. And I’m thankful I got to go for the test drive in it! We’ll all get to ride in it after the new back seat dog sling comes. That sounds kinda scary, but Mom says it’ll be fun and keep us all safe and the car seat clean.

Xena: Yep, I thought maybe Mommy would name it after me like she named the Lexus after Lexi. But no. She said she was tired of asking if they were taking the Nissan or the Chevy Bolt, so she said she was going to call them Car A (the first one they got) and Car B (this new one). So now she calls the Chevy “Carbee,” and talks to it. Grrrr.

Hoping everyone has a great weekend!

The Croakestra on Thankful Thursday

And speaking of thankfuls, we are all thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week!

Xena: We have a fun picture today. I bet everyone is having a great time with it. I just had to jump in the picture so I could be part of the band/orchestra!

The Croakestra by Xena

The amphibian band walked past my home,
One looked at me and said, “Shalom.”
.I said, “I’ll sing with you, if you please.”

“Let me tell you about the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the moon up above
And a thing called “Love” ~~”*

One frog fell in love with me,
And got me ‘neath the pine tree.
I said, “You better let me be!
Or you’ll end up an amputee!

Mom Amy: Guess I’ll do the thankfuls today. We’ve been dealing with a car on which the air and heat has gone out. Not good in Tennessee, or anywhere! Yesterday we got a used EV. I’m so thankful that we were able to do that, and I’ll be even more thankful when we get the 220 volt charger so we can drive it! 🤣

I’m also very thankful that the hubby decided we need to learn more ballroom dance and get better at what we already know. I totally agree! He’s hired a professional for a one hour lesson every week.

And, of course, I’m more than thankful for our three wonderful pups who give us so much joy, comfort and companionship. I’m looking at my sweet Xena sound asleep in a doggie bed under my desk at work. (She’s exhausted from greeting everyone who came in today with big wags and lots of joy.)
Wishing everyone a thankful Thursday!

Xena and Chia’s Poetry on Thankful Thursday

Xena: Happy Thankful and Poetry Thursday, everyone! I’ve let Chia jump in the picture with me. Well, and help me with the poem. I’m trying harder to be a good sister. Here we go!

Whatcha Doin’, Xena? by Xena and Chia

Chia: Whatcha doin’ Xena?
You’re on that truck…I see ya!
Xena: I’m tryin’ to find my breafast.
The Ollies packs went too fast!

Chia: I think there’s more Ollie boxes,
And maybe some salmon and loxes.
Xena: I’ll knock them on the road.
You check while I unload.

Chia: I’m running home to tell Dad!
He’ll know that you’ve been so bad.
Xena: And while in the kennel I lay
You won’t have a partner to play.

Chia: Hey! Let’s keep unloading the boxes!
Xena: We’ll both be as sly as foxes!
Chia: And no one will bark ne’er a word
Xena: This whole conversation just blurred.

Chia: I’m here first for the thankfuls cause I’m fast. I coulda probably outrun that truck. I’m thankful that we don’t have to chase down our yummy food. Mom always puts in in our bowls and puts it on the floor and says “wait” until we all have our bowls. Then she says, “Free!” and we can all eat. I’m thankful my sisters don’t try to steal my food, cause I’m the slowest eater. I like to chew my food, not just gulp it down like Lucy does.

Lucy: I’m still thankful for all the yummy little treat cookies that our friend Kim made us while she was here visiting. Mom gives me some while I’m at work with her. And I’m thankful for the nice weather. I love to lay out in the sunshine.

Xena: I’m thankful that Clare, the girl next door, comes over and feeds us and lets us out to potty when Mommy and Daddy are late getting home from work. Hmmm, I guess all of our thankfuls – and the poem – are about food today. Now everyone knows what’s really important to us!

And speaking of thankfuls, we are all thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week!


Xena’s Beary Good Poem on Thankful Thursday

We are thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! 

Xena: I’m back in the saddle, as they say…
Lucy: Xena, I really wouldn’t use that analogy after what happened last week.
Xena: Geez, I’d almost forgotten about those horses chasing us. Anyhoo, I survived and am here with my poem about Angel Sammy’s fun picture (that I jumped into). Then we’ll all do our thankfuls! Here goes…

Yoga for Animals by Xena Schnauzer Princess

Down Dog is fun to do.
Mr. Bear tried it too,
But he’s built a different way
So did his yoga as he lay!

The End.

Xena: I’m thankful that I’m a dog, especially a schnauzer dog. That means I get to live with my Mommy and Daddy. (Bears can’t do that, unless they’re Teddy Bears.) And I’m thankful that the weather’s been so nice…no more bad thunder!

Chia: Yep, we do down dog every time we invite each other to play! I’m thankful Miss Jentry came over to visit with me last Sunday. Oh, and that the neighbor kids are back from their vacation AND are going to take care of me (and my sisters) this weekend while Mom and Dad go out of town for Mom’s birthday. I heard they’re staying at a place where there’s a horse farm. Kinda thankful I’m not going! Besides, I know they wouldn’t take me dancing with them, anyhow.

Lucy: I’m thankful, once again, that I got to go to work with Mom yesterday. I felt more like visiting this week, and I greeted and said goodbye to every single person who came through the door for their Al Anon meeting!

Xena: That’s it for this week. Hope y’all have a good, burr free, thunder free, horse free weekend!

Poetry by Chia on Thankful Thursday

Let’s start off again with being thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! 

Chia: I get to do the poem this week ’cause, well, I’ll get to that later. Right now, here’s my poem. You’ll soon see why I’m not in the picture!

What’s Wrong? by Chia

Darling, this is our anniversary!
Why won’t you smile or even look at me?
Please tell me what’s wrong and I’ll make it right.
I love you so much, I don’t want to fight.

It’s my Jacksund, Chia, my precious girl.
Leaving her alone makes my stomach churl.
Let’s go to the park where she can come too.
Then I’ll take you home and make love to you!

Lucy: Chia, this poem is scandalous!
Chia: What?! They’re gonna go home after we have fun in the park and then we can all cuddle together in bed. Right?
Anyhoo, Mom let me have the picture poem this week because Lucy got to go to the nursing home to see our grandma last Friday when we were in In Dee Anna, and I had to stay at the rental house with Xena. And it gets worse! On Saturday, Lucy and Xena both went to Dad’s sister’s hobby farm to celebrate grandma’s birthday with all their relatives, and I. Had. To. Stay. At. The. Rental. House. By. Myself.
So, I said, “Mom, don’t you think I should at least get to write the poem this week, and write whatever I want?” And she said, “Yes!” which meant that Xeboo couldn’t say “no.” So there, little Miss I got to go to the party and you didn’t! *big wags*

Xena: You woulda got loose and run off! We were all just looking out for you, cause we love you. Oh, and don’t call me Xeboo.

Lucy: And I’m thankful that you didn’t go and and maybe get lost and die in the the vast wilderness of Amish Country, In Dee Anna.
Chia: Umm, oh, yep, there is that. Well, I still hope everyone likes my poem.

The Mom: I’m thankful for a safe trip to Fort Wayne, IN and back. It’s about a nine hour drive each way. I’m also thankful that we don’t have to do that drive again until late November when we’ll be going for the Thanksgiving/Christmas get-together.
I’m also thankful for all three of my sweet pups. And yes, Chia’s safety is the only reason she didn’t get to come to the farm get-together. She’s still a “runner” and we love her too much to lose her like that (or at all!).

Wishing everyone a good Thursday and weekend, which is only one more day away!

Xena’s Rainy Poem and Dry Thankfuls

Let’s start off again with being thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! Not sure this was the most fun one I’ve ever done. I mean, I had to balance on a bicycle seat while holding an umbrella and trying to reach the pedals. Let’s see how that turned out…

Dumb Dog-Sitters by Xena Schnauzer Warrier Princess

What’s wrong with these guys who are dog sitting me?
It’s raining so hard, they hardly could see
To ride their bicycles to have a beer.
There’s eighty-seven places I’d rather be than here.

I’m stuck on a seat holding my umbrella,
And barking out loud, “Hey, you dumb fellas!
Take me home now or I’ll tell my Mommy,
And she’ll kick you out without any money!”

The End

I’m so thankful that my Mommy gets us only the very best dog-sitters. Miss Christy is at the top of our list. We all hated to see her go home, even if I still missed my Mommy a lot. I’m also very thankful that my pawrents came back home.

Lucy: I love Miss Christy too (I’m her favorite!). We cuddle all night long and she pets me a lot and gives us treats. Speaking of treats, one of Dad’s best friends came all the way from the Phillipines and stayed with us for several days right after Mom and Dad got home. She made us healthy and really yummy doggie treats. Mom took some to work today and the Al-Anon people grabbed them and gave them to me! *big wags*

Chia: I heard that we’re leaving on a trip with Mom and Dad this morning. We’re going to see our Grandma who is turning 95 years old this weekend. I’m thankful to get to go!

Lucy: I am too! And I hope I get to go again to the nursing home where she lives. There’s lots of older people there who like me, and I let them pet me.

Xena: A trip? Yay!! See everyone next week!!

Thankful Thursday with Poetry by Lucy

Let’s start off again with being thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! My sisters have so much fun doing the poetry for these pictures. I’m thankful that Xena let me do the poem for this week. Here we go…

The Man, the Dog and the Bird by Lucy

I’ll help you Dad, I’ll grab the cone
Before that evil bird has flown
To her nest with nestlings…
Oh, heck, she’s got goslings.
I just can’t take their food;
It doesn’t matter how good.
You can have my treat, Dad,
An orange that’ so sweet, and
If you’ll just give me half
We’ll think of the bird and laugh!

Xena: That sure does sound like you, Lucy. I’m thankful you are my sweet, gentle big sister. Remember how we used to play when I was a puppy. I’ve started playing again, with Chia. But if you want to play too, that would be lots of fun. *wags*

Lucy: Thanks, Xena. I’m also thankful that you’re my good little sister. We’ve always gotten along great, and there’s never been a feeling of competition between us.

Chia: Hey girls! What do you want to compete in today? Who gets the most treats? The most pets? First going through the door? Who gets to sit with Mom or Dad?

Lucy and Xena: *sigh* We hope everyone has a happy and thankful Thursday!
Chia: Me too! Me too!

The Mom: To be fair to Chia, along with her exuberant enthusiasm, she can also be a sweet, cuddly girl, even with her sisters – especially Lucy. And she is the only one who is empathetic with people; who can feel if someone is sad or hurting, and gently does her best to try to make that person feel better. I’m thankful today and every day for our Chia.