Countdown to Solstice

The summer solstice can come and go and I barely notice, however I am always waiting for the winter solstice (December 21st this year).

Somehow just thinking I made it past the shortest day of the year means that long days and better weather is just around the corner. Of course around here that isn't the case. Not for months...

First "snow" yesterday (just for Dobermom in Florida.

I thought it wasn't coming until later in the week, but the Snoqualmie Pass area is on its own timeline. I was stuck in the house writing anyway so I didn't mind watching it fall.

This is our latest Rally Video for the last class of 2012. It is a long course (not regulation) because it has all the novice signs (and yes, I screwed some of them up) so it might be too long to watch. If you do watch all of it you will see a point in which he runs out of the ring and starts investigating a platform...there was ground goat there earlier and he is not one to forget a delicacy like that. Sigh.

The handlers out there will notice I do about 6 signs, and then start-over off-leash. Can you see how much better my handling and his response is? We move much more fluid together off leash.

Curse my leash handling! We will get there. I have decided I need goals for 2013 and Nim's Rally Obedience Novice Title is one of them.

Have a gentle Sunday.

Part Two

I just finished Gone Girl. The first part of the book you are reading along, not much liking any of the characters and not entirely sure even how sucked into the book you are and then you hit "Part Two."

Wow. As the story started rapidly unfolding from "Part Two" on, I actually found myself laughing at just how messed up it was. If you haven't read a good villain story in awhile, look no further. 

A couple of my least favorite female-directed swear words are used fairly regular towards primarily the main female but other than that, I was completely stunned by the turns in the story.

We finally had a break in the rain. It is cold as anything, but at least it isn't raining. Our snow line is pretty low now.

Nim and I took the afternoon to get out and just "be." Too much on my mind right now. I am lucky to have him with me.

Have a great evening!

Odd Jobs

While looking for work I have been able to pick up "odd jobs" from some friends as well. My latest one is a sewing project.

Right now I am sewing for My 3 Little Ducks Custom Weighted Products. Specifically I am working on blankets. This is a twin size (I believe). I have done the side seams and then laid it out to mark channels for sewing.

These channels will later be filled with pellets for weight.

Emile is exceptionally excited to see the sewing cardboard coming out.

Perhaps I should just give him back my journals.

I also am on a serious sugar kick. Sometimes it is better for me just to go with it as long as I am also eating healthy otherwise.

These are Peanut Butter Gingerbread Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

I followed the recipe except for doubling the ginger. It seemed like a good idea at the time and I stand by it, but lets just say the finished product is much stronger than the dough. :) Fortunately I love ginger and it is good for my jittery stomach.

Back to sewing and writing (yet another project, but I am enjoying it).

Holiday Photo

Good morning!

Yesterday's Seattle Purebred Rescue's Doberman Group benefit Holiday Pet Photos at Denny's Pet World was probably my most favorite part to the day.

These photos were suppose to be of the DOGS. However, I took off Nim's collar and leash to wear the holiday collar and we all saw his "freedom" bubble to explore the store so...

LOL. Ah, this totally makes me laugh. You should see some of the other ones. The toy got dropped on the photographers head. I think Nim was so stimulated by the toy and the giggling he just froze.

Great event and great people. Denny's Pet World is actually huge and has a lot of "outs" if you have a dog that is going to struggle with other dogs. The current rescue coordinator was my very first contact in the doberman world before I ever got Odin and a great person.

Rusty, this one was for you. :)

Have a great day!

Two Local Events for Sunday, Dec. 9th

A double post day! Two fun holiday local holiday events to talk about.

Also, I walked back into the house late morning to witness this ridiculous situation:

Emile and Leela "sharing" the pellet stove simply doesn't happen. That is Leela's spot. Judging by Leela's awesome expression - which never changed - she was not in a happy place to cope.

Sunday, December 9th Events

Seattle Purebred Rescue's Doberman Group benefit Holiday Pet Photos from 10-3.  
Denny's Pet World Totem Lake, WA
I am so adamant that Nim will be there in Rusty's honor that I made our morning training meet nearby. 100% proceeds benefit Doberman Rescue. There will be dobermans in need of homes there as well. 

Freedom Run Equestrian Center Holiday Bazaar 9am - 6pm. 
Kent, WA
Check out the link, lots of fun stuff. A friend of mine will be one of the vendors there.

(Nim sleeping after his morning swim)

My Herd

What a week! I definitely needed to see these guys this morning...

The herd came through and surrounded the house just a bit ago. You can tell all my photos are through the glass and the sun really isn't up...or worse yet, that is as good as it gets today. :)

Their fur is really coming in right now.

Hopefully this is signs of a strong and confident Saturday.

Have a great day!

Hello December!

Nim is not exceptionally happy with me on this rainy morning. We had a break in the rain and rushed out for a very unplanned morning hike which means he now has to wait longer to eat.

Yesterday was a very happy day for all of us. Cindy sent us a little Christmas package (including Millie's photo Christmas card which was super cute, hopefully she will post eventually on her site).

I was expecting an antler for Nim to try, but there was SO much more.

Once the paper was off, Nim could already smell the antler...

Meanwhile Emile had already taken off with the cat package. Clearly he could smell something I couldn't and we all know about his paper fetish.

Nim was really into careful investigation, so I left him to his licking and sniffing...

...and rescued the paper from Emile. :)

Emile got a couple of flings in the air before Leela came out of no where. There was some growling and then Leela had it which I actually think is what Emile wanted all along. :)

My poor deprived cats haven't had a toy since Rusty, followed by baby Nim came into their lives. Both dogs would eat and swallow the cat toys. This fish is actually a great size. And the cats were pretty funny in their trading off.

Cindy even sent me some Christmas fabric which I was really taken with. It is just fun to get selections from another person's stash. My photos don't do it justice, but there is a nice gold shimmer to both of them.

Leela and Nim got down to chewing business. I don't think Nim had ever seen this side of Leela.

I agree with Cindy, antlers are comparable to Nylabones in durability. I was really expecting it to be more brittle and splinter off but so far it has been fine.

You can see the marrow is breaking down from his chewing. Definitely something I will order more of. It lasts longer than a bully stick and doesn't smell as bad. :)

I better get baking. This wind has me a bit nervous and I actually have to bring food to a function later in the day.

Have a great Sunday!