Strawberries!

I haz them.

And I'm still here, hoping to come back to my long-neglected blog. Got busy for a while there, buying a house, moving, then putting in almost an entire backyard with just my husband and I. Lots of work, lots of fun, hope it stays!

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.

Coffee Table Fort

Roland seems to have found himself a new den in our living room.

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!

Cornucopia

I'm sure we've been doing things, but I can't really think of what they are or were. I guess its nothing out of the ordinary: work, dogs, food, drink, etc. The biggest news lately is that we're no longer crating Roland when we're gone. He's penned in the bedroom so he doesn't annoy Ayla all day, and to contain any potential destruction. And he still has his crate available because he likes to sleep in it, but I took the door off.

So here's a bunch of pictures of the pups while I come up with something else to write about...

We've had fun at the local dog parks. We're very lucky to have four great parks within 15 minutes, and probably more I haven't found yet. Roland loves playing and wrestling with other dogs, and Ayla just loves being alive.

Roland loves car rides too.

Roland also likes naps.

And hanging out on the patio. Even if he does look at little suspicious.

And we carved a Halloween pumpkin.

And my rose keeps putting out blooms. Its also standing about seven feet tall.

 

Stay tuned, I have a now-out-of-season strawberry cake to write about.

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!