All Together Now... AWWWWW!

My neighbors just got a new German Sheppard puppy. Her name is Sadie and she is the most adorable, fluffy, sweet-puppy-smelling dog I have ever met -- and this is coming from a definite Cat-Person.

I've never owned a dog and to be completely honest, I am not entirely sure I would willingly purchase one. without a LOT of arm twisting and children whining. Sure, sure. I know dogs are supposed to be cute and smart and loyal and all that great junk, but... me? I will stick with my arrogant, stubborn, and might I add, very naughty cat, aka Fur Ball.

I digress. Look how absolutely irresistible this puppy is! She's only nine weeks old and I am already smitten!!!

LARGE Dogs

We had a fantastic time on Sunday at Mitch and Erin's house for lunch/dinner. The children ran around with the dogs, Augusta and Arnie. Well, actually, that isn't totally true. Elizabeth ran around with the dogs, Gracie thought about running around with the dogs from the safety of her parents arms and Daniel was having none of it -- no matter what! That poor boy is terrified of dogs. I can't understand why. I don't think he has ever had a bad experience. I mean, I realize dogs can be quite energetic and it's a bit intimidating when the dogs are bigger than you and so very friendly and slurpy...In any case, we had a marvelous time and it was great to see Mitchell & Erin again. It feels like forever since we've been able to hang out. Thanks, guys! You're the best. Cheers!

First Place

Lots of fun watching football with friends tonight. The Vikings won and just in time to take first place in the division!!! Thankfully we won -- otherwise, my poor husband would have been sulking and crabby and the tiny party may not have gone so smashingly wonderful.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20081130_CHI@MIN

In Loving Memory of Simon

Auntie Katie had to put Simon to sleep a few weeks ago. It was devastating. He was such a beautiful -- if grumpy -- old cat. He was almost 14 years old.

Katie and Jim couldn't deal with an empty nest, so over the last week or so they ended up with three new cats. Two of them, Bailey and Stolley, are the most petite, yet full grown cats I have ever seen and the other one is HUMONGOUS! If anyone remembers mine and my mom's cat, Buddy, who was huge... he doesn't even compare to George! George is simply massive!

Ducks!

My fabulous neighbors invited the family to visit her business partner's Cottage Grove home (10 acres!) to see their baby (teenage?) ducks. E is out of town with Auntie Katie, Jim, and Deegan so it was up to G, D and I to experience the ducks by ourselves. (C opted out since he isn't as excited by cute, fuzzy, feathered animals to the same extent that the children and I are.)

We had a fabulous time listening to the ducks squeak and quack at us. There were nine of them and they were darling. Since it was such a gorgeous evening, we also took a walk thru the trails on their property. It was so awesome. I loved playing camera and experimenting with different settings on my camera. I hope we can go back again some time and let the children explore more as I play more camera. Thank you, JP and CP. You two ROCK!