Happy Thanksgiving!

Owens River

 We packed up the pups and headed to Mammoth Lakes for Thanksgiving this year. The weather was beautiful, the food was delicious, the dogs had fun, and we got to spend time with family. What more can you ask for?

Our wonderful hostess Briana

Roland's new best friend Greg

The first of many games, Pass the Pig

After-dinner clean up and hopeful pups

Roland sucking up the attention

Friday we took the dogs down to the Owens River to run around. It was Roland's first time in the area and he had a great time running his fool head off. He even mustered up the courage to swim across the river when the other dogs did. Well, Ayla walked it since her legs are so long. My city dogs sure did enjoy playing out there; I wish we had something like it here.

Ballerina Ayla

Checking out the river

Shake!

The Boys

Roland being zippy

Willie's shadow

Majestically muddy

Ayla fording the river

My boys

Determination

It was the first time we've taken the Ford off road, and it did wonderfully.

We also did a little target practice with Greg's 9mm.

The ride home smelled like wet dog. But it was worth it.

I think Roland didn't want to leave. He really enjoyed playing with Willie and being spoiled by my brother-in-law and his girlfriend, and eating cookies for breakfast. We'll have to go back soon! Thank you to my wonderful family for a fun Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone has something to be thankful for.

Another Bulldog Meetup

Today was the I Heart Bulldogs meetup in Dublin, so I took Roland to play with some friends. There was a pretty good turnout too, probably about ten bulldogs at one point. Roland had a blast, though he wouldn't stop trying to molest a puppy and got a little too friendly a few times. Aren't hormones fun? On to the pictures!

Bulldog Meetup - Oct 15

Another monthly bulldog meetup at Crissy Field. Roland didn't hesitate this time, he ran right in and joined the action. And the photographer present started snapping pictures the minute his toes touched sand. I hope she puts them up on the Meetup page, I'd love to see what she captured. Anyway, here are my amateur shots. I can't help but think Baywatch when I see the one up above there.

Making new friends

Checking out the sailboats

Getting photo bombed

Playing with friends from past meetups

That is Belle on the left

I think Rollie's in love

 Here are some examples of why I love bulldogs. With looks these good, how can you not?

They're short and stout

With huge personalities

And looking at wrinkles like these everyday is a real ego boost

This guy is just too cute - looks ancient, but I don't know how old he is

Roland is getting better at keeping track of us and checking in. Especially when he figures out our pockets are never-ending treat fountains.

That's the Palace of Fine Arts in the background

Always take a moment to enjoy the view!

Bent Creek Winery

It was a beautiful day for some wine tasting. My neighbor invited me to visit Bent Creek Winery this afternoon, "... nestled in the rolling hills southeast of Livermore." It was a very nice, relaxing winery with a small tasting room, two patios, and a small grassy area with tables.

 

They make reds, whites, and ports with local grapes. The vineyards all around the tasting area were sirah grapes. We especially enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Red on Red, Petite Sirah, and Petite Port.

They do not provide tours, but visitors are welcome to wander around as they like. And dogs are welcome too, so Roland will have to accompany us next time. There is a winery cat too. She's a cutie.

We explored a bit, walking among the grape vines. There's a gazebo, and we came across this large stone building.

I don't know what its used for, but I think it would make a lovely tasting room should they want to expand.

There's even a rustic windmill on the side.

The grapes were heavy on the vines too. Harvest time must be coming soon, and what a big job that has to be.

 

Tasting is free, and they have eleven wines to try. And I love that it is so close to home. I haven't visited the Livermore wineries until now, and I definitely want to see what else is there. Beats the two hour drive to the Napa and Healdsburg areas!