Why is it...

you groom the dog and because finally there is a day without rain you go outside, and the dog finds the dirtiest place within reach of the lead to sit down???!!!



Then Jake gives me that innocent look.

Muppet

 
"Muppet" is far and away Jake's favorite toy. It has a loud squeaker, and Jake runs around the house with his "Muppet" squeaking away! When Jake is particularly pleased about something he literally runs laps up and down the hallway with his Muppet sqeaking and squealing and Jake with the happiest look on his face.

Jake thinks George is cool!

 
 
 
 

Bill Buckley's Most Beautiful Dogs

I thought that perhaps you would enjoy reading a piece which the late William F. Buckley, Jr, wrote about his beloved Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Bill and his wife, Pat, had at least a couple of them continuously since the 1960s. Below is what he wrote, which has been re-published in his memorial edition of his magazine, National Review
(March 24 issue, page 42) :

"I have never understood why, when there are beautiful dogs one can acquire, people should go out of their way to acquire non-beautiful dogs. I know better than to give examples, because nothing arouses owners more than the suggestion that their breed is less than the most desirable in the world. But admit it, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are strikingly attractive. And just as one feels the impulse to stroke them, they feel the impulse to be stroked. Sam and Fred can spend hours being fondled, as you read your book, or talk to your guest. But then they will exhibit their independence. It disappoints me only that they do not like my study. Rowley used to come to my study once every hour or so, to have an extended love-in, during which we would exchange our eternal vows. Sam and Fred will accompany me to my study, and then leave, to play elsewhere or simply to be in the kitchen, or, preferably -- always, if she is there -- with Pat."

As a side note, the Reagan's "Rex" came to them thru the Buckeys. He was, I think, the first and so far only Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the White House. I remember seeing him on the White House lawn, coming and going with President Reagan and the First Lady as they boarded the helicopter. Rex went to Camp David this way and also flew on Air Force One for getaways to the Ranch in California. Rex was such a good ambassador for his breed and looked very much as if he belonged in the White House. Those were happy years!

Above photo was located in "Presidential Pets" on the White House website.

Photoshop Express

Jake

If I see something new relating to photography or blogs I seem compelled to try it. This time it's Adobe Photoshop Express. We have the full blown product, which has quite a steep learning curve, also have a somewhat outdated version of Photoshop Elements. This latest from Adobe is online editing, storing, and sharing s/w.

One click on Jake's photo above will take you to a slideshow which fills your browser. Depending on your connection speed it may take a few seconds to load.

Later today I added another album while playing w/ the new Adobe Photoshop Express.

Sugar 'N Spice

Click on the photo to see a short slideshow of Jake's favorite kids. We call them Sugar 'N Spice.

Jake gets his calendar ready for April

Sometimes I make individual calendar pages! Jake has plans for April, so this one will be for him!

Looking forward to spring!

The photo above is actually from last May. We are all looking forward to spring. Warm weather. Flowers. Lots of time outdoors on walks and meeting up with our friends and family in the park! We have had some nice sunshine for this time of year already. Those walks in snow and ice are not nearly as much fun as going out when there's no slipping and sliding and falling down! Well, Jake doesn't fall down, but John does when he hits black ice and didn't see it ahead of time. Instead of those fast walks in bad weather, when spring comes we take Jake along on many expeditions just to shoot some photos, like one of the favorites below: