Scott, the Musical Prodigy

Our nephew, Scott, discovered the harmonica while at Grandma Julia's house. He shows great promise for a career playin' the Blues.


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Lake Tahoe: May 11-15

We were in Lake Tahoe for Trisha and Silas' wedding. The wedding was so much fun, and the area is beautiful!

Emerald Bay

The view from my belly

Sand Harbor

Lacrosse Practice

(See previous post for background)

Our 12 year old neighbor came over to play with Trooper and Jake last week. He had his netted stick from Lacrosse to scoop up the tennis balls and throw for the boys. I was pleased the boys were getting so much exercise. I thanked him for playing with the dogs.

He said, "It's good practice for me, for my Lacrosse. Jake brings the balls back, so I get lots of practice on my throws, and I have to try to keep the ball away from Trooper, so I get to practice my defensive skills."

It's a win-win-win-win situation.

Fetch with Trooper & Jake

Our boys have very different techniques when it comes to playing fetch.

Trooper likes to catch the ball, then endlessly play 'keep away.' He enjoys been chased and playing tug-of-war with the ball. He also ruthlessly pounces on and steals tennis balls (or squeaky toys) to prevent others from playing with them, especially if the tennis balls are new and clean. He is also partial to new, loud squeakers.

Jake, on the other hand, is a fetching machine. You can throw a tennis ball, he will run after it, pick it up, and drop it right at your feet. Repeat. If you do not throw the ball again, he will nudge it with his nose to make sure you see it. Once you begin throwing tennis balls, he will run after them, and bring them back for hours. Literally. I think he would collapse from exhaustion before he willingly stopped playing fetch. His one point of pickiness: he is a purist. It must be a tennis ball. No squeak toys, no rubber balls. Good, old fashioned, neon-yellow tennis balls...dirty or clean.

This is how we spend a great deal of our time, even on cold days.

Kitchen: Mar 12

We're getting close! There are still a long list of little things left to do, but the light is at the end of the tunnel.

Kitchen
Mar 2008

Middleburg, VA

York and his mom invited Trooper to go swimming at the equine center in Middleburg, VA. It was a beautiful, warm day for a road trip. Trooper and York had a great time swimming. Trooper met a new lady, a black lab named Freedom. It was a great time.

Middleburg, VA

Trooper and a new friend

Trooper

York

Kitchen: Mar 07

New granite backsplashes

New granite backsplashes

New granite backsplashes

Thanks for the new toys, Aunt Leigh!

Trooper with his new ball

Trooper, not interested in sharing

"I get two, and Jake gets none."

Trooper

Trooper

Kitchen: Mar 06

The sink is in.

Microwave, in place

Where do our food bowls go in the kitchen?

Kitchen: Feb 26

The granite is in!

Sneak peek at granite
(It's covered while they are working.)

Decorative niche in progress

Snowy Sunday

Pretty but inconvenient.

More snow!

Kitchen: Feb 21

Lots of progress!

Half pocket door

Fridge & oven

Wine fridge opening

Kitchen: Feb 13

New breakfast bar

New door

Decorative niche & microwave opening

Everybody wants to sit by me

Trooper and I were sitting on the futon in the office. It is the only piece of furniture on which the dogs are allowed sit (or lie, as the case may be). Jake decided *he* wanted to sit by me, and the only available spot was taken. That didn't stop him; he just decided to sit on top of Trooper.

Jake on Trooper

Trooper, Jake, & Me

Kitchen: Feb 09

Most of the cabinets are installed, and the new window is in!  It's very exciting!!

New window
Feb 9, 2007

Cabinets installed
Feb 8, 2007

Before the new window

New fridge

Kitchen: Jan 29

We have been 'camping' at our house. The food is in the garage, the microwave is on the dryer, and the toaster is on top of the microwave. It's not a fun way to live, but I'm sure it will be well worth it when the kitchen is complete!

As promised, here are some photos of the renovation in progress:

Before
Jan 1, 2007

Kitchen Demolition
Jan 2, 2007

New Floors
 Jan 9, 2007

Fireplace, ready for renovation
Jan 9, 2007

Experiencing Technical Difficulties

I've been wanting to post pictures of our ongoing, exciting, and highly inconvenient kitchen remodel, but alas, my computer is giving me fits. It is clearly possessed by demons. Once I get my camera talking to my computer, we'll be back in business.

I need to research cameras this weekend. Our current one is sooooo 2001.

Oh NO!

Jake ate the TIVO remote. I love him dearly, but can't he find something less important to me to chew up?! R has already ordered a replacement, so I only have to do without for a few days!

Family Visit in Georgia

It was wonderful for the entire family to be together!

Family, Oct 2006

Time for some variety?

Looking over my few posts, it occurs to me that they are mainly about the dogs. I'll try to mix it up with some pictures from trips and the house soon!

You've come a long way, baby!

After 8 months of trying different foods, adding special powders to food, and racking up vet bills, our sweet Jake is finally looking much healthier. It makes us so happy to see him filling out. As he's part hound, he'll probably always be a bit on the slim side, but he is so much healthier!

Thin Jake, Dec 2005

Healthier Jake, Jul 2006

Visiting the girlfriend!

Trooper & Ridgely

More swimming!

Dog Days at Breaux Vineyards

Obsess much?

We've been looking for the right paint colors for the living room and dining room.

The good news is that we picked, and they are going up on the wall as I write!

Atlanta Visit

Baby Scott