Tuesday, July 29, 2008

You know you are an Iowan if...

From a Jeff Foxworthy comedy sketch.....

You've never met any celebrities...and you don't really care.

Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.

"Vacation" means driving through the Amanas or going to Adventureland.

You've seen all the biggest bands ten years after they were popular.

You measure distance in minutes.

Down south to you means Missouri.

You know several people who have hit a deer.

You have no problem spelling or pronouncing Des Moines.

You know the answer to the question, "Is this Heaven?"

Your school classes were canceled because of cold.

Your school classes were canceled because of heat.

You know what "Hawks, Panthers, and Clones" are.

You've ridden the school bus for an hour each way.

You've had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.

You think ethanol makes your truck "run a lot better".

You know what's knee-high by the Fourth of July.

Stores don't have sacks, they have bags.

You see a car running in the parking lot at the Quick Stop with no one in it no matter what time of the year.

You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition. Example: "Where's my coat at?"

All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable or animal.

You can locate Iowa on the US map.

Detassling was your first job or that of a brother or sister.

You've been on a "Geode Hunt".

Your idea of a really great tenderloin is when the meat is twice as big as the bun and accompanied only by ketchup and a dill pickle slice.

You learn your pickup will run without a muffler.

You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

When asked how your trip was to any foreign, exotic place, you say "It was
different".

You consider being called a "Pork Queen" an honor.

People from other states love to hear you say Iowa and other words with "Os" in them.

You carry jumper cables in your car.

You drink "pop".

You know what the numbers 80, 35, 280 and 380 mean.

You know what "cow chips" are.

Later gators....
C

If you don't like the weather, wait 5 mins and it'll change!

I love Iowa. Lots of other places that I could live-places with out tornados, big ugly bugs, high pollen counts, horrendous winters and gravel roads in the spring. But at least we don't have hurricanes, mud slides, deserts, big ugly bugs that are poisionous or man eating sharks. Notice I didn't mention earth quakes-had a couple of those out this way this year.

So ran across this list and thought you might enjoy a taste of Iowa-"legal wise"

Dumb Iowa Laws

Kisses may last for no more than five minutes.
One-armed piano players must perform for free.
A man with a moustache may never kiss a woman in public.
It is a violation of the law to sell or distribute drugs or narcotics without having first obtained the appropriate Iowa drug tax stamp.
In Dubuque .....
Any hotel in the city limits must have a water bucket and a hitching post in front of the building.
In Indianola.....
The "Ice Cream Man" and his truck are banned.
In Fort Madison .....
The fire department is required to practice fire fighting for fifteen minutes before attending a fire.
In Marshalltown .....
Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants
In Ottumwa ....
Within the city limits, a man may not wink at any woman he does not know.

Later gators....
C

Canada revisited

Since I have a little more time each day, I figured it's time to catch up on some of the stuff from past blogs where I went-more on that later. So today it's Canada revisited.

Like I said before, it was a trip of a lifetime for me. Considering I have never traveled up north of the border, it was a totally different environment for me. Now I will always treasure my trips out east-the Nation's Capital, the battle fields of the Civil War, the Mountains and the locations. But this trip up North was something I wasn't prepared for-fun,breathtaking and so worth it. I'll make sure to add the pictures of the Falls tonight. But what was more fun was the company. From Lynn the Hollywood Movie Star, to Crazy Annie and then a fun game of cribbage with Sheryl and the other Annie. Well let's see if I can describe the group a little more.

First we have the Frenchie Crowd. I still laugh thinking about Kim's expression ring side when she gets told she's showing a Frenchie. How to show one? Just like a cardigan-okay, she's game, until we throw her in first! Man we all were giggling but tell you what, Kim took the bull by the horns and had a blast all weekend long. She's now an all breed handler, though she did refuse to show the psycho toy poodle-now that leads us to Crazy Annie.

I've never laughed so hard in my life then when we were at dinner Friday night with the gang. A beer and a burger was the order of the day, down the road at the bar in Stanley. It was amazing food and we must have been there for at least 3 hours. The stories rolled out and the belly laughs insued. Crazy Annie is a poodle person and knows all the tricks of the trade. She talked about the mini poodle that she showed just for the fun of it and over a serious of shows, well it magically changed colors-black, silver, apricot, and well green? She had more fun keeping the regulars guessing as to what color it would be next. Then there was the story about the switches, Dorothy Welch, and a screaming poodle. Oh and Annie saying that she can't lie and all the judge had to do was ask about the switches rather then hold the dog up by it's topknot. Let me note here, the topknot didn't fall out, Dorothy apologized, the other exhibitor was excused and escorted out, Annie taking the points.

And Annie and Lynn, what a hoot. Annie is the queen of thrift shops so we went into town on Saturday and shopped. I found some darn good deals and Sheryl got bigger coffee cups for the RV. Lynn, couldn't find a thing. Lynn is fun too-she's the "filler dog's" breeder. And she looks like she should be sitting in a red covertable, movie star sunglasses on and her blond hair blowing in the breeze, not running around a show ring with spinning poodles and Frenchies. Saturday night was a night for grilling out, though the left over porkchop on Sunday morning wasn't appealing to anyone-considering it was still on the grill. I learned a little on how to play cribbage and also learned the best way to win---distract Sheryl so she forgets to count!

I have more stories to tell, it could fill an entire journal. And I can't wait for next year. The word is that it's going to be an even bigger and better party! We are going to try to make it a family trip and I think Mumme's will be joining us too. Oh I can't wait!!

Later gators....
C

Getting nothing done

I swear, I have too many things I should be doing, yet it seems each night when I go home, I get nowhere. Rooms to paint, floors to mop, cleaning, throwing away, laundry to wash, dogs to work. So what do I do instead? Granted I get enough done to keep the house functioning, but since the puppies have started going outside in the evenings, I opt for a nice lawn chair, cool drink and great conversation with David.

Puppies are all about the outside. Add in the babysitter Eddie, collies to play with, a BIG dog called Max who they totally have his number and it's more entertaining then a good movie. Last night they got to play with ice cubes. I usually fill the water dishes and add ice to them in the hot weather. Eddie showed them how to dig them out of the bowl and suck on them. Too funny, many just didn't know what to make of those cold wet things. Harry and Shaker opted to just stick their front feet in the water dish to cool off.

Exploring is really vital for a well rounded puppy and man do I have places to explore. Harry, once again, along with two of the red boys, found the horse pasture gate last night. It's all blocked off so they can't get in, but imagine itty bitty puppies and the reaction to a clydesdale walking up to the gate. Wish I had had the camera. No one ran away, they just stared at each other for awhile.

The humidity will knock you down quickly, so the gang came in early last night and romped in the house till dinner time. What a time they had. Hope made the mistake of laying down in the center of the room and it was like a religious experience for the puppies. They crawled along the floor, bowing to her, licking her face and ears, belly up and begging for attention from her. Hope on the other hand, kept looking at David like-and when do they leave? Not soon enough for her.

We had games of chase around the back of the couch. Some good aroos from under the chair and couch later on and Shaker, oh poor Kim, he was intent on rearrange the fans in the house by dragging them around by the cords. Unplugged of course but he didn't care. David's boots got a good cleaning after coming in from the barn. Yuck and a good reminder that I need to worm the pups again this weekend. Then they collapse right where they were and nap. Found Torch with his head deep in Alec's shoe - had to pull his nose out so he could breath. The only one not tired was Dove who was frapping around the room and playing with Eddie. She loves Uncle Eddie and he her.

When it came time to feed the rest of the house, we had to hunt for Frank-as usual. He was 1/2 way under the chair asleep. Count heads and put the pups away for the night. Tomorrow they get to start some crate training, though they all fight over who gets to sleep in the small crate that's already in their xpen. Then this weekend is the horrible leash and collar introduction. Could be very interesting to say the least. Last litter, not an issue at all. Litter before, Moose insisted on taking himself for regular walks by grabbing the leash in his mouth. Then I remember a puppy named Grant that had a hissy fit with the collar and leash. You would think I was killing him. But a good pop and he went okay and off we went for a walk. Each puppy is different, so this is always a fun time.

Hoping to get temperment testing this done weekend. Depends on the weather and if its not raining I can pack them up for their first trip over to a good friends for the testing.

So once again tonight, it's a cold drink and comfy chair in the yard. Will bring the camera along for some more action shots. Hoping that the predicted thunderstorms don't ruin the plans for the evening. Though I love watching the storms roll in, its makes it a crazy household to say the least.

Later gators....
C

Monday, July 28, 2008

Time for a breather, maybe, sort of

Man, where did summer go? I swear it's been go go go go go, from the day Meredith got out of school. Though I might add that she didn't get out of school till mid summer. Ah reflection back on winter 08!


So here we are almost in August. My baby is flying the coop to head to his finally couple of years of college. Alec took advantage of the community college's association with Iowa State University and took an Ag Transfer program. It allowed him to get a lot of stuff out of the way, much cheaper, he was able to live at home and work too. But that's over and now he's gotta hit the books and finish up his teaching degree. We are moving him into his dorm on the 20th. It'll be hard to see him go, but at the same time I can't be happier he's succeeding in what he wants to do.


Meredith starts 5th grade this year. Can't believe it. Won't be long for her to start driving, then graduate, then.... In the mean time, she's up to her eyeballs in 4-H, swimming and her horses and dogs.


Ellie was over this weekend and got the Mooman out for a short ride. He still knows how to push her buttons. They had a good ride and she was already complaining about being saddle sore. That poor old boy, bet he wishes he could retire to a land far far away.


We had a great weekend to start winding up the summer. Over 20 people with 40 plus assorted corgis, corgi mixes and corgi wannabes. It was so much fun and other then Eddie rubbing Boo the wrong way(I think that's Eddie's goal in life-piss off Boo), they all had a blast. Puppies were totally undaunted by the other dogs, though I had to do a head count everytime someone left-threats of kidnapping where rampent all day long. A good game of chase was had by all with Cody the sammie in the lead. We can blame it all on Music and her flirting. Some dips in the pool, game of frisbee, barking at the ducks and horses, and great food. Corgi Crumpets, cookies, BBQ and grilled sweet corn, Ummmmm.


The silent auction, be it small, netted 150.00 for CorgiAid, hope to make it bigger and better then ever next year.

So now it's a few weeks of quiet, nope, just one. State Fair starts with duck shows, a great concert to go to, the draft horse show, school starts, BIG DOG SHOW coming up and puppies going to their new homes.

On the puppy note, we can't be more tickled with a few of these four legged monsters. The boys are turning out so nice and that one little girl-wow. I see some nice performance traits too. Multipurpose puppies-gotta love that. Most will be going home on the 17th to their new families, though George has to wait for the cool fall temps to fly to the East coast, unless I can figure out a way to get him cross country earlier. This weekend, nothing bothered them-the big dogs, strange people and all the chaos. They were bushed at the end of the day but ready to go on Sunday. The little hams, I think they were disappointed in the lack of entertainment yesterday and took all their energy out on the big dogs.

Now it's on to the work week. With the all the weather delays, the pool business, which should be a slight slow down, is crazier then ever. That's okay, lots of overtime.

Later gators......
C

Monday, July 21, 2008

Pupdates











Well that's what we call them around here. Updating everyone about the recent happenings with the current litter of puppies. And boy do I know why I only do one litter at a time and at least a year between them. They wear you out. Especially at this age-6 1/2 weeks and they know it. I can't be happier with this group. By far the happiest, not the sassiest, that was Moose's litter. Tails wagging all the time. Here's a few candids we took tonight while we were working in the yard.


I have a HUGE front yard that is set up for the dogs. They love it and the puppies have grand adventures in different areas each night. To night mom introduced them to the ducks and horses. No big deal, just more fun stuff to roll in.


So here's some shots-bottom to top-- first one is Dove. The lone girl and she will be staying here to see how she matures. Going to let Meredith show her for now. Striking isn't she? Then there's Shaker sleeping between the pots, Torch asleep on the wall and Frank asleep in the middle of the walk. He has a sweet face.


Enjoy--later gators.

C

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Barkdays

I have tons to catch everyone up on but this one will have to be short to start with.

When you live with dogs, you celebrate Barkdays, not birthdays. Also when you adopt, since many of those dogs have unknown birth dates, you have Gotch Day celebration. July is filled with tons of birthdays around here. Here we go!

Happy 8th Barkdays to my first cardigans-Farmer Fred and Ms Phoebe. Look where we are now!
Happy 9th Barkday to my dearest Clairee. Who would imagine the roads we've been down in a quest to learn. I don't know where I would be without you, our bestest ClaireeBear.
Happy 1st Barkday to the Alcohol litter-Wonder Puppy Russ, Tristan, Mandy, Lila, Copper and Albert.
Happy 7th Barkday to a super whiner Lace. You are a boy's pride and joy and a pain in my a** Many thanks to Jackie and the kids for breeding such a great dog and sending her our way.

And I can't forget-Happy Birthday to my mother. I won't tell her age, but we still get mistaken for sisters. Thanks for it all MOM!

It's scary that some of my fourlegged kids are getting up there in age. Lace can now officially hit the veterans ring and I am sure Meredith will be happy to take her in. Fred and Phoebe are showing some grey in the face but their bodies are still ready for a run. And Clairee, what can I say about her. She's endured training errors, handler mistakes, loads of hugs and even been the victim of a sick kid and got puked on. That was a cleaning nightmare-she smelled of you know what for a week even with 4 bathes. Then there are the youngsters who continue to amaze me with their talents and personalities.

Blow out your candles, eat some cake and enjoy your day, you earned it.

later gators....
C

Monday, July 7, 2008

Little behind


Okay, so I'm a little slow. Blame it on jet lag, time change or just plain lazy? And yes that is a French Bulldog, no I am not changing breeds but isn't she just the cutest??


I have returned from the wilds of Canada. Both Sheryl and I survived the trip, even if I had to be reminded to use my Other Left while driving the RV. Ah the power of the big rig. Heehee.


Promise to post more later along with some great stories and photos. But here's the abridged version.


Sheryl and I left early Wednesday morning after a quick breakfast at a great little Diner in Monmouth. Thanks Phil-that's one to keep in mind on my next trip down. I got the joy of driving the RV part way up to Superior WI, which was our first overnight stop. 10 hours is about the limit for both of us. Nice little campground just outside of Superior and Duluth. Bugs weren't too bad either. As the official kennel assistant for the trip, the dogs and I got used to each other and routine got established. Thursday morning dawned and after a little bit of an issue with the black water valve-thanks to the Two Harbors campground for helping out, we made it to the border with no issues. And yes Canada did let me in. And the US let me back in later on, so there!


The drive along Lake Superior is awesome, well worth another road trip, making sure to schedule time to side trip it to some neat little shops. Made it up to the show site with lots of time to settle in on Thursday. But man, those mosquitos are HUGE up there. Maybe it has to do with the excessive daylight hours? We all had a hard time getting to sleep with it being so light. 11:30 was the average lights out for the trip.


Show day arrives and Kim is dropped off by Kathy and Nick. Russ is in full glory, realizing that indeed he gets to be the center of attention and not that darn Music. He's just too funny. In the end after 3 days and 6 shows, Russ is now a Canadian Champion, pending approval. He also garners a group 2! Music comes home with one point, Emmy with 5. Poor Justin, had to settle for a frap and slime with Russ before the show. The filler dog - Frenchie, was a hoot also. Seems Ms Cricket likes to show and I managed a group 4 and group 2 with her. But we did manage to share the points with everyone else the rest of the weekend. The golden I was showing for my good friend Paul Grimm, Ms Bonzee, was having a grand time. Though she only managed a second place in her class all weekend long, we all fell in love with her. Someone even renamed her Pearl because of her color. She kind of stands out amongst the golden dogs, she's cream colored. Moves like she could hunt all day long but just not enough coat and fluff for the judges. Shame, take her any day over a show golden.


Sunday afternoon we pack up and head home. Once again, camping overnight in Superior, then Monday morning heading home. I think both of us needed to get home, but it was still enjoyeable on the way home. Too many things to remember and laugh at about our grand adventure. Crazy Annie, Lynn the Movie Star, Annie, beer and a burgers, poodles and having your sides hurting the next day from laughing too hard.


Best dog show trip I have ever taken and can't thank Sheryl enough. Can't wait for next year. I think it really has to do with the quality of the people we were hanging around with all weekend. Honest, open and willing to laugh at themselves. Thankful for all my friends, that's the way a dog show should be.


I will post some photos in the next couple of days-had too much fun with Phil's camera and need to update everyone on the puppies. County fair is this week so gearing up for Meredith's first year-ducks, rockets, dogs and horses. Let's see--oh kennel club fun match, dog show loose ends to catch up on and more exciting news to hint at on the dog front. Stay tuned!


later gators....

C