Joie de Vivre

In One Year's Absence...

2011-11-05T13:38:00.013-05:00

... we added another Newfie to our family. Ralph is an energetic and sprightly 5 year-old Newfie who we adopted from a family that was giving him up. With lots of love and the great example of his 'anchor' Rosie, he has settled in nicely in our home.

The two Newfies, Rosie and Ralph, enjoying last January's snow

... we shared in my sister-in-law's New Year's Eve wedding.

Brian's sister Carrie with her husband Jason and kids Sabrina and Luke

... Rosie turned the big 8!

Homemade dog-friendly brownies to celebrate Rosie's birthday no. 8

... we traveled to South America to visit our good friends, Matthew and Lanni. We lounged on the beaches of Jose Ignacio, walked the harbors of Punta del Este, Uruguay, and did a whirlwind tour of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sunset from the beaches of Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

Walking the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina in search of the best Argentinian steak

... we celebrated my 30th birthday with a trip to Switzerland, visiting the alpine towns of Fiesch and Zermatt, the capital Bern, and the beautiful lakeside cities of Geneva, Lucerne, Lausanne, and finally Zurich.

We stopped at London for a day enroute to Geneva, Switzerland

We hiked to Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, stretching 14 miles

We visited Zermatt and witnessed the Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps

... we celebrated my mom's milestone 50th birthday.

Me, my mom Anzelle, and sisters Ashley and Katrina at my mom's surprise 50th birthday party

... and most exciting of all, we are expecting our first child, a baby boy due March 2012.

A view of Baby Kahl from behind at 9 weeks

A close-up of Baby Kahl's facial profile and the upper part of his rib cage at 18 weeks

Man and His Dog

2010-11-13T07:43:00.002-06:00

Brian's moments with the Newf

Oh How We Miss Thee

2010-11-13T07:27:00.006-06:00

It's nearly winter, it's cold, it's early Saturday morning and there's no one to serve me fresh mango juice with an umbrella on it. Oh El Nido how I miss thee.

The views from Snake Island

Brian and me on a hobie sailboat

Our beautiful residence at El Nido

Views from Lagen Island

Views from the other side of Lagen Island, we hiked from one end of the island to the other in less than an hour

The pristine clear waters off Miniloc Island

Under the [South China] sea

A snorkeling Brian

A Newf's Antics

2010-11-13T07:19:00.002-06:00

Rosie helping the recycling process along

Rosie 'helping me carry the groceries' (i.e. putting her huge noggin in the bag and getting caught in it)

Justice for Rosie

2010-11-13T07:13:00.001-06:00

(SeaTac News, November 12, 2010)

By Keith Daigle
2010-11-09

On Sunday Noember 7 Des Moines [Seattle] police officers responding to a roaming dog call, chased Rosie, a 200- lb. Newfoundland, into Lora Perry’s backyard where police officers shot and killed the dog.
“It almost seemed like it was a game to them,” Perry said, referring to the four officers, including a police sergeant, who responded to the call. She said the officer who shot Rosie had no remorse, and treated it like a challenge, saying an officer said, ‘I haven’t had one that big before.’
Perry is inviting anyone who wants to place flowers along the fence where Rosie was shot to bring them to 26852 16th Ave. S.
An incident review is being done to determine whether the officer’s actions were justified or not. After the incident review there will be a shooting review. Des Moines Police Sgt. Bob Collins said the officer felt lethal force was justified based on the dog’s previous aggressive actions.
“He believed it was the step he needed to take,” Collins said.
The officers on the scene tried to find the owner of the dog before attempting to apprehend it, Collins said. The dog did not have a collar on, and when neighbors asked a neighbor if they knew the dog they said they did not.
Police were also in touch with Des Moines Animal Control Officer Jan Magnuson, who was off duty, sending her a cell phone picture of the dog to see if she knew the animal and its owners. She said she did not.
According to the police report, when the police tried to capture Rosie with a catch pull, she would charge toward them quickly and retreat, barking and showing her teeth.
Officers then tased Rosie, who then ran away down the street. Officers continued to follow the dog, tasing her again with no effect.
Rosie then ran into Perry’s backyard and hid in the bushes. Perry said Rosie did not move from her position from the moment she noticed her to when police shot her.
Before police arrived Perry said her little dog was running around the large yard, searching for Rosie. Perry said at no point was Rosie aggressive to either Perry or her dog.
“(Rosie) was cornered and frozen and it did not move the entire time,” Perry said. “The dog was a gentle dog, it didn’t do anything wrong.”
Perry said her gate was open for a brief period, allowing Rosie to get in. She said the dog was in her backyard for at least 20 minutes before police showed up. By the time police came to the house the gate was closed, locking Rosie in.
Police officers came to her door asking if she had seen the dog they had been chasing. After officers came into the backyard they asked Lora to stay inside with her kids. Both Perry and Sgt. Collins say no attempt was made at that point to capture Rosie.
Perry said about a minute after police came into her backyard a police officer drew his firearm and shot Rosie four times.
“I could hear the dog crying and whining after the first shot went off,” Perry said. She said after the first shot she closed her eyes. “It was quick, they already had their mind set on what they were going to do,” Perry said. “Their main concern was shooting the dog.”
Perry said after the incident one police officer came into her house giggling about shooting the dog.
“I know without a doubt in my mind this is not what they should have done.”
A shooting review is not automatically conducted after an officer discharges their firearm at an animal, Collins said. Interim Des Moines Police Chief John O’Leary ordered the review, Collins said.
“It is a sad outcome,” Collins said. “We are public servant and we understand that there is going to be public accountability.
“Situations like this can deteriorate public trust.”

* * * * * * * * * *

In point of fact, Rosie was a mere 115 pounds, and the eyewitness account makes absolutely clear that she posed no threat to anyone at the time the cops shot her four times while she cowered in the bushes of a fenced in yard of a neighbor.
A memorial service will be held for Rosie on Sunday, November 14.
Hopefully, the cops and their supervisors will be prosecuted for their barbaric actions.

California Adventure

2010-10-23T18:51:00.014-05:00

A 2nd cousin's wedding in the Northern California town of Aptos was a great excuse for a long weekend getaway. It was my first time driving along the scenic parts of the Pacific Coast Highway where the views were utterly breathtaking.

Views from Pacific Coast Highway just past Carmel-by-the-Sea

Views from Pacific Coast Highway heading toward Big Sur

A view of the Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach

The Spanish Bay on the 17-mile drive

Brian running down the hills at Carmel Beach

At Carmel Beach with the 18th hole of Pebble Beach golf course in the background

We also visited a couple of California's redwood state parks to witness these magnificent trees. Some of these trees were well over 2,000 years old.

No I'm not in a cave, but in a big redwood tree

In front of the 'Father of the Forest' in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

It's difficult to capture just how grand these redwoods are

It's like putting a coin next to something for size comparison... Brian next to one of the mighty redwoods

We saw plenty of sea otters during our visit. It appears they're a relatively lazy bunch who enjoy napping on boat docks and on the wharf's support beams.

Sea otters at the Santa Cruz wharf

The one good picture I got of a dolphin swimming along the Santa Cruz wharf

We stayed in a bed and breakfast set amid fields of strawberries. They had beautifully maintained grounds, excellent breakfasts, and the warmest hospitality. It was also just a 15 minute walk to the beach.

The house was built in 1871 and is a replica of Abraham Lincoln's Springfield home

The view from the inn's back porch

Fields of strawberries seen from the back porch of the inn

And finally, the reason for our trip... we attended my cousin's wedding which was set in a whimsical tree-lined area of Aptos. They were married in front of a redwood tree.

Their wedding reflected their personalities perfectly... note the adorable bird's nest veil and the Converse shoes

Brian and me all cleaned up for the wedding

The reception setting

The unique dance floor

Newfs at Work with Italian Lifeguards

2010-08-28T12:51:00.003-05:00

Amazing stuff!

Super Newf!

This poor Newf must have messed up big time... I'm pretty sure this is worse than 100 push-ups.

Cuteness

2010-06-08T20:44:00.002-05:00

It's summa-time in Texas

"Stop messing with me already."

Concerts in the Garden

2010-06-06T15:29:00.004-05:00

Every year, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden hosts Concerts in the Garden, where various musical performances are held in the gardens, capped off by a fireworks show. It's an excellent opportunity to see the Fort Worth Symphony, or in our case, a classic 80's rock British cover band.

Some pre-show cribbage with Brian

Our friends Matthew and Lanni

Brian and me

Apparently, Matthew likes to have pictures taken of him eating

Lanni and me after dancing to some 80's rock, and Matthew (raising the roof maybe?)

Awww, aren't they cute together?

Brother and Sister?

2010-06-05T10:39:00.003-05:00

I found this in a Newfie blog and HAD to cross-post it here

Living Dutch

2010-06-05T10:26:00.004-05:00

Floating canal homes parked in front of historic Dutch homes

A cozy courtyard for residents

Fragrant wisteria line a home's windows

This building's windows are made of stained glass

A mix of old and new Dutch buildings

Dutch Doors

2010-06-05T10:24:00.003-05:00

Lucky No. 7

2010-06-05T10:08:00.004-05:00

Rosie turned 7 this year... last March actually (this blog is shamefully in need of updates). We celebrated with a special Rosie birthday treat. No, not steak. Last time we did that, we suffered from numerous days of Rosie butt blowouts, and 125-lb-dog blowouts are not the best. We opted for a supersized carob-coated dog bone. Yum! Happy 7th Birthday to our forever puppy Rosie!

Rosie's birthday treat

You know it's good when she starts hugging it... we apparently should have gotten the super-duper-supersized dog bone... it was a short celebration

All Cleaned Up

2010-06-05T09:51:00.003-05:00

Friends of ours from church recently got married and they were so nice to invite us. We were honored to be witnesses to their union and attended their beautiful wedding. It's always special when you can get a sense of the couple's identity in the wedding service and their's was definitely one of those special services.

It was one of our occasions to get all dressed up and polished, so we took pictures of course!

Dressed and ready for a spring wedding

With church girl friends, Annie, me, and Heather

And the happy couple, Sam and Madelene

A Newfie Living Legend

2010-05-28T17:03:00.004-05:00

"My Newf-Mom is a Champ, not a chump!"

Rosie's 12 year-old Newf-Mom, Rosie, was honored as a Living Legend at this year's Newfoundland Specialty. Twelve is just a number after all, and you wouldn't know it at all the way she springs around like a puppy.

Temperatures are rising here in Texas, and Rosie's first summer swim at the lake is this weekend... along with a much-needed/dreaded bath.

Together We Walk

2010-05-14T18:29:00.004-05:00

On April 13th, our entire family (Newf included) walked together in honor of cancer survivors and those lost to cancer.

Brian and Rosie walk the Survivor's Lap

Rosie was with us all through our cancer experience after all

Exhausted after a lap around the track

At one point in the evening, all the track lights were turned off and luminarias like this were the only thing providing light for the relayers... it's the people we love who've been affected by this disease that inspires us to relay after all, THEY are our light... I thought it was quite symbolic

23 Hours on the Texas Coast

2010-04-18T12:19:00.003-05:00

We visited Brian's grandparents at their rented winter vacation home in Laguna Vista, just a few miles from South Padre, for a brief 23 hours. We had an excellent time; eating traditional gulf coast fish and shrimp fare, driving over the South Padre causeway and checking out South Padre Island's main strip, getting re-introduced to cribbage, and playing 18 holes of golf right in their backyard.

Brian on the [windy] shores of the Gulf of Mexico

Brian w/ Grandma and Grandpa

My Husband, My Reason to Relay

2010-04-09T18:46:00.002-05:00

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is more than just an event to me. It is my personal opportunity to help save lives from cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society.
It's amazing to think that millions of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Last year, my husband was one of them. What appeared to be a blemish on his cheek was diagnosed as melanoma. We were one of the lucky ones, we had caught it early. After numerous CT scans, ultrasounds, blood tests, and lymphoscintigraphies to determine if the cancer had spread, the doctors determined it had not. They excised the melanoma on his cheek, along with a pretty large margin around the melanoma to be certain the entire cancerous area was removed. They also removed 3 lymph nodes along his jawline, the lymph nodes where the cancer would have spread firstly if it had metastasized. After a few anxiety-filled days of waiting, pathology tests confirmed the cancer had not yet spread. From finding out about his cancer, to finding the right doctor, to understanding the diagnosis and treatment, to him undergoing surgery, and to finally confirming that the cancer was no longer on his body, I couldn't fight the tears when I heard the doctor say that he was cancer-free. Throughout that entire journey, we had to think positively and take it one step at a time. To think of the worst case scenario would have been paralyzing. And so there weren't many tears, since we knew we had to do our homework and act, or perhaps we both just wanted to be strong for each other.
Since the surgery to remove the melanoma, my husband has had two reconstructive surgeries to reconstruct his cheek. He has a 10-inch scar around his right cheek, a very public testimony to his strength and resilience in his battle against cancer. I know at times his scar bothers him, that sometimes he thinks it has changed him. But when I look at him, I KNOW and I SEE the same handsome and compassionate person I fell in love with 7 years ago.
By taking part in Relay, I am helping the American Cancer Society save lives by:
Helping people stay well by helping them take steps to prevent cancer or detect it early, when it’s most treatable
Helping people get well by being in their corner around the clock to guide them through every step of their cancer experience
Finding cures by funding groundbreaking research that helps us understand cancer’s causes, determine how best to prevent it and discover new ways to cure it
Fighting back by working with lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and rally communities worldwide to join the fight
Please support my efforts by making a donation or by joining my Relay For Life team. Together, we have the power to help create a world where cancer can no longer claim another year of anyone’s life.
Visit my Relay for Life homepage link below.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY10PL?px=14335700&pg=personal&fr_id=24003

Detoxing

2010-02-27T08:01:00.003-06:00

I am on day 8 of a 21-day detox program created by Dr. Alejandro Junger. Read his book.

Family, Friends, Good Times

2010-01-23T16:20:00.007-06:00

Seven years away from the Philippines makes for a LOT of people to catch up with. We had breakfast dates, lunch dates, dinner dates... catching a trend here? If you know a Filipino, you'll know that Filipinos love to gather over food. And since we had a lot of people to catch up with, this also meant a LOT of eating.

The Garcia family on Christmas day

The Coronel girls on Christmas Eve

My cousin Ginny and godmother Izza

My godfather/Uncle Guido, Aunt Joan, cousin Jordan, and Uncle Carlo

My closest high school friends from St. Bridget HS

My honey and me

Family friends Mike, Richard, Mimi, and Rien

Cousins Elguin and Ginny at Serendra

I even caught up with the street vendor who's been selling the same breakfast tofu on our street since I was a baby

Adventures In and Around Manila

2010-01-20T20:12:00.008-06:00

While we were in the Philippines, we took a road trip to Tagaytay, a town just about an hour's drive from Manila. Tagaytay is known for its cooler weather (windy and 70 degrees, which is in fact cooler than the usual 85 degrees in Manila) and its location on Taal volcano's outer crater. Taal volcano is made unique by its mini-crater island in the middle of a lake contained inside a larger, outer crater. It's still considered an active volcano although it hasn't erupted in decades.

Anyone who knows me knows that my memories of my travels aren't just about the breathtaking views and the loved ones I share my travels with. Food is a part of the experience too! As for Tagaytay's food... those young coconut pies and sampler mango, apple, purple yam, and coconut tarts from Lou Mars. Irresistible! And to warm ourselves up (from the cool 70 degrees of course), that bulalo from Josephine's was perfect.

A view of the expansive fields in Tagaytay

A view of the inner crater of Taal volcano in the town of Tagaytay

A panoramic view of Taal volcano that includes the volcano's outer crater (on the edges of the photo), on which the town of Tagatay is actually built on

Brian and I with Taal volcano's inner crater in the background

We had brunch at this beautiful garden restaurant in Tagaytay

The restaurant's lush gardens

At the restaurant gardens

Ziplining in Tagaytay

The gardens of San Agustin Church in Intramuros

The crypt in San Agustin Church in Intramuros

The entrance to Fort Santiago in Intramuros, the former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government

A moat of sorts at the entrance of Fort Santiago

Snapshots of Manila

2010-01-18T20:03:00.006-06:00

At Luneta Park, where the Philippines' national hero Jose Rizal was executed

Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, where Jose Rizal's remains are buried

A statue of one of the 'Raja's or chieftains that ruled the original settlement of 'Maynilad'

Traditional Filipino interiors during the time of the Spanish occupation in the Philippines

San Agustin church, the oldest and only remaining cathedral in Manila, surviving the bombing of Manila during World War II

Inside San Agustin Church

One of the streets in Intramuros, the original city as built by the Spanish in the 16th century

The Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in Asia, in the same scale as the Mall of America

At a local comedy club with a pre-show hosted by gay men

A clothing stall at Green Hills, a shopping center with rows and rows of stalls

Brian in front of my childhood home

On my childhood street

Jeepneys AND buses on roads barely wide enough to accommodate them

Jeepneys, jeepneys everywhere

Experiencing My Philippines

2010-01-18T19:53:00.001-06:00

Talk about neglect. This blog needs some serious TLC. I was so close to calling it quits, but re-considered it as I thought of my loyal readers (which isn’t that many people but they’re people I care a lot about). So here we go, with my first post in a gajillion months.

Indeed, I did have a good excuse for a lack of blog posts in the month preceding and during the month of December. My husband and I were busy preparing for and going on a trip to the Philippines. It was Brian’s first visit to the country in which I was born and spent most of my childhood. And although I’ve told plenty of childhood stories, I think the stories were pieced together into a whole when he could experience my upbringing with his own senses. To see my childhood home, the jeepneys, tricycles, and buses that litter the street, the open ‘dirty market’ I would shop in to cross out the grocery items on my grandfather’s shopping list, the kitchen I had spent hours chopping vegetables in, the schools I attended as a child. To meet the friends I consider my friends for life no matter the distance, and the extended family that gathered for and celebrated every personal milestone and holiday. To experience on one hand, the hectic bustle and chaos of Manila, and experience on the other hand the serenity and purity of the unspoiled natural beauty of the Philippine islands. It’s a lot to absorb, but I am so glad we experienced it together. This was a piece of my childhood life and although it would have been ‘nice’ and more ‘tourist-friendly’ to show him just the beautiful parts of the country, and hide the poverty, the pollution, the traffic, and the chaos, it would not have been showing him the reality of how it was for me living in the city. It was what was normal to me, and for three weeks, it was what we lived… together. I cannot imagine a better companion for ‘going back home’.

So that’s the sentimental bit… future posts on the fun stuff to come.

[Eating Through] Manila in 18 Days

2009-12-29T01:34:00.003-06:00

At this moment, we are in the Tokyo Narita International Airport in Japan, enroute to our oh-so-missed home sweet home after an 18-day [eat-a-thon] visit to the Philippines. Our travels, although long, have actually gone pretty smoothly. The long layovers, the 13-hour flight across the Pacific, and the 4-hour hop between Japan and the Philippines have been bearable thanks to business class tickets (that's all a few hundred thousand frequent flier miles will get you by the way).

I have tons of pictures to accompany more detailed stories about our trip, but to abbreviate what would be a very long post, our stay in the Philippines was spent relaxing in the paradise islands of Palawans, stuck in horrible Manila traffic, catching up with loads of family and friends (always over plates and plates of food), taking advantage of cheap services that cost lots more money in the US (numerous massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, and haircuts), and celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas with my extended family. Add in an out-of-town weekend trip, a tour of old 'Maynilad', and the 18 days went by in a flash.

Once we arrive home, I'll download and post our photos from the trip. So stay tuned!

Customs Officer Rosie

2009-12-05T09:21:00.002-06:00

"I'm going to have to confiscate this Ma'am."

Countdown to Paradise

2009-11-15T11:14:00.004-06:00

One of the places I have never been to that we're going to while we're in the Philippines is Palawan

When my husband saw these cottages in stilts, he was stuck on staying in one, so we're going to, while we're in El Nido, Palawan

I lived in the Philippines for most of my childhood years, but still managed to see little of the natural and magnificent beauty of the country. I don't know why... perhaps because when we'd go on vacations, my mom would opt to travel to a different country because of her airline job's travel perks. We traveled to all sorts of nearby places like Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand... but somehow, we missed out on the country in which we lived for so long. Even local trips would get expensive too and, granted we were considered part of the country's middle class, paying for things like private education, our home, and all the things that are part of daily living were of greater importance. The international trips were big treats and I'm grateful for my mom and extended family for those memories. But now, it's time to appreciate what 'home' has to offer.

So I'm taking my husband to the Philippines for his first-time visit ever; to meet my dad's side of the family, my nth-cousins, my old high school 'barkada' (closest best-est group of friends), to see Manila (the city I grew up in), to see my childhood home, to see our provincial home where I spent many a summer vacation in, to see the 'palengke' (an open air shopping market) I would go to every Saturday morning to fill my grandfather's long shopping list, to see where I went to school, and to explore places in the country that even I have never seen before. This trip has been months in the making and it has felt like it's months away for so long... until now, when it's just days away. AAAAAHHH!!!! I am so glad that I get to share where I came from with my husband. He'll get to see, touch, smell, feel my childhood Filipino experience and it means a lot to me. It's a different way to grow up and we get to experience that world together, at least for a few short days. I can't wait!

Newfs Rule (and Drool)

2009-10-19T08:25:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it? A 7-foot Newfoundland?!?!?

The Perfect Fall Home Accessory

2009-10-18T11:56:00.003-05:00

Fall is here, and our house is officially 'falled up'. Notice the freshly mowed grass? That would be MY lawn mowing masterpiece. I mowed our entire front AND back yards, which I had never done until today. That wasn't particularly part of my fall home decorating, but I had to brag. I did find some interestingly shaped gourds and pumpkins at our local farmer's market and some beautifully vibrant violet mums to decorate our front porch with. But the best fall home accessory of all is our 125 lb Newfie, Rosie, who is probably the most thankful for the coming of fall. "Good riddance 100 degree highs!"

Everyone needs a big black Newf to match the orange pumpkins for Halloween

The Hague, Netherlands

2009-10-16T21:29:00.004-05:00

During my business trip, my coworkers and I took a daytrip to The Hague, Netherlands, mostly to support a short work meeting with some other work colleagues. Before and after the meeting, we were able to enjoy most of the [rare] sunny day outdoors as we walked around town. Although The Hague is not the capital of the Netherlands, it's actually where the country is governed from. The various Ministry offices are just a few blocks from each other. And there is, of course, a big square in which you'll find protesters gathering their voices for the attention of Parliament.

In the few hours we spent in The Hague, I could sense quite a difference between The Hague and Amsterdam... one being the lesser number of 'coffee shops' (which are technically illegal in the country, but seems to be mostly tolerated by the government). The Hague wasn't as hectic or congested as Amsterdam, but I suppose that's to be expected. But I have to say that The Hague would be my preference over Amsterdam... mostly for the reason that The Hague is where I spotted the Rosie look-alike. Did you know there are Dutch Newfs????

Clockwise from top left: Paleis Noordeinde where the queen has her offices, a church tower, the Parliament building along the Hofvijver, and the Dutch Newf!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-10-11T17:04:00.006-05:00

September and October have been a whirlwind of activity... and Brian and I are really hoping for a breather. I never thought I'd be hoping for a weekend of errands and chores, but at least we'd be hanging out at home instead of being on the road.

I actually just returned from a [once-in-a-blue-moon] business trip. And the destination was an interesting one to boot. I went to the Netherlands. The last business trip I went on was in 2005, to Washington DC, just a month after Brian and I got married. And I have to admit that, although it was tough to be apart then, it's even tougher now. It was my first time in the Netherlands, so sure, the novelty of a new city to explore was fun (at least for the first couple days). But being apart and not having Brian be just a quick phone call away was a huge bummer. Plus we've always shared our European adventures together, so touring the city alone just wasn't as fun.

On my first day in Amsterdam, with only a couple hours of sleep on the airplane behind me, I forced myself to stay awake. Walking through unfamiliar canal roads was enough to keep me up for most of the day, as I tried to stay alert enough to remember exactly which 'straat' and which 'weg' I needed to take to retrace my steps back to the hotel. Some words of caution for those who might find themselves in Amsterdam in the future:

'Coffee shops' don't really serve coffee (go to a cafe because there IS a difference!).
If you treasure your life, stay off the bicycle lanes.
If the pedestrian light says don't walk, don't walk! Cars, scooters, and bikes come from EVERY direction.
Beware of the city trams. According to the locals, they're known to be killers of unexpecting, unaware tourists.

Despite these cautionary advisements, please do still go to Amsterdam. It's a great city to explore, with some world-famous museums, amazing historic architecture, beautiful canals, and did I mention the yummy cheese?!?

The floating Bloemenmarkt had such beautiful flowers and the historic buildings and canals were such a sight.

The business trip was a great success and experiencing a new country was certainly fascinating, but it sure feels good to be home.

Rosie Rocks Houston

2009-09-25T17:32:00.008-05:00

We took a family road trip to Houston over the week and had a few cheesy-goodness moments, all involving our silly Newf.

Firstly, 4 paws up for Aloft Hotel for welcoming us AND our sweet Rosie to their hotel. If you're a big dog owner, you know how hard it is to find dog-friendly accommodations. But Aloft Hotel (thanks to assistant general manager Neil) was really understanding of our circumstances and allowed our Rosie to stay with us. How much damage can a dog sawing logs 23 hours a day really make?

Rosie gets called a bear a LOT! We're asked "Is that a bear?" on any given day, whether it's by a neighbor that's never seen us around before or by someone driving on Camp Bowie who stops in the middle of the busy road to check out the bear on a leash. So we had to take a picture of Rosie next to these stuffed decorative bears (I assume it's the equivalent of flamingo yard-art in Texas).

Bear cub twins

Rosie was definitely bigger than the cub but not quite as big as the mama bear

We had a few chill occasions in Houston. This was one of them, at the Cafe Express patio, where Rosie enjoyed some cold, shaded cement to lay on while we tapped into the free Cafe Express WiFi.

"My mom is a total paparazzo!"

During one of our slow days, we checked out the coastal town of Kemah, 20 minutes from downtown Houston. We hoped to walk Rosie on the Kemah Boardwalk, but they turned out to be anti-dog (boooooo!), so we found the next closest water access area for Rosie's first encounter with the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo Title: Man and His Dog

Rosie hanging ten (i.e. walking on the boat ramp)

"Those were some mean waves, they messed up my 'do!"

The Simple Things

2009-09-18T17:49:00.002-05:00

Now, more than ever, I treasure just being able to enjoy a slow, uneventful evening with Brian. It's the simple things that are always the best. Just being able to do them together, with Rosie on our tail, is what makes every moment special. From our evening walks around the block, our trips to the dog park and the lake, our competitive Blockus and Bananagrams games, our travels and adventures together, even to our low key lounging around the house, I treasure them all.

Rosie's Favorite Kind of Pie (At Least this Week)

2009-09-18T17:35:00.005-05:00

It was our '3 year anniversary' with Rosie last Sunday. To celebrate, we treated her with her own personal seared steak dinner. Despite our good intentions, it (literally) backfired 5-fold (and I do mean 5-fold). Rosie has thanked us back nicely with not one, not two, not three, not four, but five offensively disgusting cowpies. And you guessed it, big dogs make BIG cowpies. Needless to say, despite multiple cleaning sessions, our carpet is in a disgusting state and our home smells like it's been sprayed with Eau de Poop room spray. Ugh, I can't live like this.

So, guess what I'm doing this weekend. Sterilizing, sanitizing, deep-cleaning fun!

Cuteness

2009-09-06T10:31:00.005-05:00

I just had to share some photos of (guess who) Rosie.

Dog Meets Cat

2009-08-31T18:22:00.003-05:00

Rosie has this distant fascination with cats… she so desperately longs to come close to one. We’ve never allowed her to come too close to the slew of neighborhood outdoor cats for fear of what might happen (mostly to Rosie, since these cats have sharp claws and a mouthful of teeth). But yesterday, a cat actually came TO Rosie. It certainly wasn’t the cat’s choice to do so, but our friend was cat-sitting and Brian managed to convince our friend to come over to our house and, oh yeah, bring the cat along too. It was for a purely selfish reason of course. The question is just what would Rosie do if a cat was in her own turf? As much as I am a dog person, I don’t have enough distaste for cats to wish this situation on one, so I was completely against the idea. But needless to say, the plan went on and our friend showed up to our house with her dog Grace, and the cat Gaz.

The moment the cat stepped out of its travel kennel, Rosie was on full alert. She was instantly wagging and would have instantly been within an inch of the cat’s head if Brian wasn’t stopping her. But after the initial hubbub, Rosie seemed fairly content with watching (i.e. guarding) the cat from afar. It was the funniest thing to witness, a 126-lb dog observing this cat… a few short feet separating Rosie from satisfying her cat curiosity. What self-control! Needless to say, Rosie was such a good Newf. No altercations ensued, only peaceable glaring. There’s no entertainment like it.

Scene of the Crime

2009-08-30T15:27:00.004-05:00

Rosie takes an exceptional amount of grooming compared to the average house pet. It's best to catch her after a long walk or after some playtime at the dog park, when she's just too exhausted to resist the grooming... and then we pounce, with at least 3 different kinds of brushes in hand. Apart from regular brushing, she doesn't need much else. We seldom trim her fur, mostly because of fear of butchering her cut and making her look stupid. But every now and again, when her already-large-paws become super-duper-extra-large, we trim her paw fur down... which is yet another grooming session best left after a walk. This was the result of her last paw trim.

"Oh the murder!!!"

No Laughing Please

2009-08-29T13:36:00.006-05:00

Sleeping is serious business around here. Rosie takes it to a whole new level, with some sleeping positions that look astoundingly uncomfortable yet she can sleep like that for hours. This is her newest favorite position. You know she's having a good slumber when she pulls this one out of the bag.

A sleepy Saturday, which is like most other days around here for Rosie

The close-up... how is this comfortable?

Another Saturday Swim

2009-08-15T14:19:00.003-05:00

Rosie has quite a dramatic streak for a dog. You give her one bath and she'll be milking it for days. You can pretty much count on at least 18 straight hours of sleep and zero willingness to go for a walk. Her last bath gave us a bit more concern though, since she seemed to have a pretty pronounced limp on her back leg and she couldn't quite get up by herself. It was nothing a pricey bottle of anti-inflammatories couldn't fix apparently, since after just one dose of the stuff, she was bouncing around the yard like a puppy.

After that experience, we took a weekend's break from swimming, but returned to Lake Worth today for her usual swim. Rosie delivered on her lifeguard duties today by 'saving' at least a dozen bumpers from 'drowning'. It was one of her best swims as of late.

The Rosie barge comes [slowly] to save the day.

Scoping the lake out for drowning bumpers.

"Why must I be towel-dried? Are you saying you don't like wet-dog smell?"

Now it's time to look for people-food scraps. Lakeside picnic areas are prime scrap real estate.

We Once Witnessed a UFO

2009-08-15T14:04:00.003-05:00

It looked like a frosty glass disc with a black base (most likely where the aliens piloted the aircraft from) and an illuminating bottom (most likely the aircraft's source of propulsion), and it was truly mysterious. And after nearly 3 years of witnessing this mystery daily, today, it suddenly disappeared...

... to be replaced by the most sophisticated and classic 8-light mahogany wood, veranda-style chandelier. Isn't it pretty? I think so.

Return to Fort Woof

2009-08-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

After at least a 2-year hiatus from Fort Woof, Rosie’s favorite dog park that guarantees endlessly entertaining dog butt-sniffs, Rosie returned to her beloved Fort Woof last weekend. We had stopped taking her there since her series of knee surgeries. And although Rosie’s not really one to play rough or run around too much, we thought we’d play it safe and avoid the dog park altogether. But last weekend, instead of her usual swim at the lake, we thought we’d give the dog park a try. She’d gotten the 100%-healed-go-ahead from the orthopedic surgeon after all. So off to Fort Woof we went, not once, but twice over the weekend. Rosie had fun, sniffing other dogs and barking at strangers. As a “welcome back” gesture, one dog even decided to make his mark on her back leg. That wasn’t so great, but Rosie had a blast anyway.

Here’s hoping Rosie stays healthy so there’ll be lots more visits to Fort Woof in the future.

Chi-cago

2009-08-01T14:36:00.006-05:00

Last weekend was the last of Brian's high school friends' turn to get married. Brian's friend, Marc, married his long-time girlfriend Ashley (who is so sweet and so nice as can be). I had a feeling 4 years ago when I first met her as Marc's girlfriend, at our wedding, that she was a good thing for Marc. Marc and Ashley had the most beautiful and elegant, classic city wedding I have ever attended. And what better city to serve as a backdrop than Chicago. From the pristine white carpet that lined the church's processional aisle, the rich jewel toned motif, the customary Chicago trolley that transported the wedding party and guests, the perfect choice location for the wedding party pictures at Museum Campus, the classic reception setting at the historic Palmer House, the sparkling dazzle of the crystal decorated reception tables with 4-foot tall centerpieces, to the 10-piece live band playing timeless wedding classics, the wedding was amazing.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Marc and Ashley Cilfone

Brian was, of course, the most handsome of all of the groomsmen in the wedding. It was good that he could spend some time catching up with his old high school friends that we hadn't seen in so long.

Brian with his high school friends, Nick, Aaron, and Marc

And of course the wives, Jane, me, the new recruit Ashley, and Molly (actually Molly was one of the girls in the original high school gang)

On our one free night in Chicago, we walked through [what felt like] the whole city of Chicago. We walked along the Magnificent Mile, through Grant Park toward Museum Campus, toured the Shedd Aquarium (where, of all places, we happened to bump into Brian's aunt and uncle from Wichita Falls) which had the creepiest display of a 400+ lb anaconda but at the same time had the most playful beluga whales I'd ever seen, and enjoyed a delicious vegetarian dinner at the Chicago Diner. If we'd had more free time together, I would have voted on taking the Chicago city Segway tour, but I suppose that will have to wait until next time.

Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline in the background

And although Rosie had to miss out on the cooler temperatures and the clear, perfect-for-buoy-rescuing waters of Lake Michigan, we had to take a little bit of Chicago back to our girl.

How about some frosted pretzels and Chicago baseball dog treats?

Rosie enjoyed her Chicago souvenirs... 'ICAGO' disappeared in a single chomp.

Do I Have a Problem?

2009-07-18T18:40:00.004-05:00

I have a thing with cleanliness, organization, and order. What is it they [or I] say? Everything in its place, right?

Given we live in a home built in the 1920s, it's obvious storage was not such a necessity back then as it is now. And it's been difficult even for me to practice my own personal motto. The place for most things has become the shed or the attic.... until now. We happened to inherit a buffet from my mom. It was free which, of course, is the best kind of furniture around. So our beautifully white dinnerware set and our gazillion different types of stemware have been released from their original moving boxes and found their permanent home.

Isn't free furniture beautiful?

Especially ones that allow you to arrange your dinnerware and stemware in perfectly straight rows?

Telling Stories at Mo Ranch

2009-07-18T18:14:00.004-05:00

I've neglected this blog for almost a month now. But it's just been THAT busy. Don't ask me with what, because somehow time seems to pass just as easily without having grand exciting things to fill it with.

One fun thing we did do was go with some of our church's youth to a Multicultural Youth Conference at Mo Ranch. We spent 3 days sharing our stories, which was the theme of this year's conference. Each of our stories is unique, yet they are also common.... common in that they are all part of God's story. I met some very brave, strong, inspiring youth at the conference, youth who are surely wiser beyond their teen years. I was blessed to be able to hear their stories.

On our first morning there, the conference was kicked off with a morning devotion at what they called their chapel on the hill. What better setting for a devotion than an outdoor chapel with God's perfectly painted sky surrounding us and a bird's eye view of his wonderful creation?

At the chapel on the hill, with a view of Mo Ranch below

To get the youth thinking about the importance of communication and working together as a team, they played games like the one below. Can you guess what it is?

A schooltime staple, The Human Knot

Our church youth and adult sponsors who attended the conference

Lifeguard AND Aircraft Maintainer?

2009-06-27T07:31:00.003-05:00

We tried to put Rosie's paws through the arm holes, but I guess One Size Fits All doesn't count Newfs.

Do you think she'd get away with loitering next to a 777 at DFW Terminal D?

Lifeguard Rosie is Back on Duty

2009-06-07T13:18:00.004-05:00

After nearly a year's hiatus, Rosie is back on watch. So watch out alleged alligator-resident of Lake Worth... Rosie is reclaiming ownership of her lake.

Rosie's 'alert look' profile

Rosie got the thumbs up to return to swimming a couple weeks ago, so we made it to a nearby lake to re-introduce Rosie to the water. But no introductions were necessary. She greeted Lake Worth with a gulp, literally. For some reason she likes to drink the muddy lake water which, thankfully, hasn't given her any stomach issues.

Rosie did so well in her 2nd Lake Worth debut, 'saving' at least 10 water bumpers from the hands of death.

"Here I come to save you Bumper!"

"Hang in there Bumper, we're coming to shore!"

And the Partying Continues...

2009-05-27T19:42:00.006-05:00

... this time, poolside! Brian's mom started the Kahl Arrival Train. Then Brian's dad, sister, and sister's boyfriend followed, to road trip with us to Brian's aunt, Vicki's, house in Wichita Falls. And so the Newf-mobile caravan departed for Wichita Falls for a long weekend consisting of [lotsa] food, [a load of alcoholic] drinks, and games, all poolside.

"Mom, is she drowning? Can I save her? Please? Please? Please?"

"This is silly. Why have a Newf when everyone knows how to swim?"

Brian swimming with his second cousin, Super Sam

Brian's Birthday Cuppy Cakes

2009-05-27T19:26:00.003-05:00

Brian's birthday extravaganza started off last Saturday night with a birthday bash with our friends and my family. It was a fun, [rare] late night for us with games, food, and ahem, adult beverages. But on his actual birthday, we dialed it down a bit with a cozy birthday dinner with Brian's mom who flew in from Michigan, and Brian's aunt who drove in from Wichita Falls. We had a wonderful dinner at our neighborhood Italian trattoria called Piola, just a 5 minute walk from our house.

Afterwards, we enjoyed Brian's favorite Central Market cuppy cakes. Yum!

Happy Birthday Brian! It looks like he has some mischievous plans for those cuppy cakes.

Celebrating Brian's birthday with Brian's mom, Jean

Thanks for joining us Aunt Vicki

Whirlwind of a 29th Birthday

2009-05-15T16:30:00.004-05:00

Brian's turning 29 in just a few short days and boy is it going to be a whirlwind of a birthday week. Tomorrow night is our birthday get-together with family and friends for a casual birthday grill-out at our house. And as usual, I've Post-It-planned the occasion to death (i.e. my usual method for planning when we have people over to entertain for documenting lists for grocery items, menu plans, and to-dos).

Then we're off to another Houston road trip on Monday for a [hopefully positive] Rosie check-up with her orthopedic surgeon. And for Brian's actual birthday on Wednesday, Brian's mom is flying in from Michigan and his aunt is driving in from Wichita Falls to share in Brian's birthday dinner. Then the next day, Brian's dad arrives... then Brian's sister arrives with her boyfriend... and so on. We don't exactly have the proper accommodations for the entire family, so it's a good thing we're all heading to Wichita Falls to Brian's aunt's home for the rest of the weekend to do some lounging at their pool. We'll be here, there, and everywhere... and it'll be so much fun! Lots of pictures to come!

Grace Meets Mammoth

2009-05-14T12:46:00.004-05:00

Rosie had a 16-hour housemate last weekend when we dogsat our friend's dog, Grace. Although Rosie and Grace got along just fine, I wouldn't exactly call them fond chums (I think Rosie might have frightened Grace with her aggressive butt-sniffing). But Rosie still enjoyed having some canine companionship. Rosie had fun having another dog to chase and Grace had fun playing 'evade and hide' [from the wooly mammoth that was chasing her].

Rosie's new friend, Grace, a beagle/wire-haired terrier(?) mix

Grace wasn't so fond of being commanded to 'sit' next to the wooly mammoth...

... whilst the wooly mammoth was oblivious [and snoring]

Rosie's brief moment of awakeness on Sunday afternoon

Woop Woop for Daddy Maurice

2009-05-10T14:33:00.005-05:00

I'd arrived too late to watch Rosie's daddy, Maurice, in the show ring. But at least I was able to have some one-on-one belly rub time with him.

Maurice placed well in his category, placing 4th in the 7-9 year old Veteran Dogs.

The official show photo of CH Cru's Icon Space Cowboy aka Maurice for his 4th place finish

Now we know where Rosie gets her penchant for belly rubs, Maurice was milking the bellies

Newf Attitude

2009-05-09T16:43:00.004-05:00

This is often what we think Rosie is thinking when we start approaching her with a brush or with her most-hated cucumber-melon ear cleaner solution.

A bib made especially for a Newf, sized XL and highly absorbent

It makes for a cushy pillow too

The Kahl Clan and the Newf Specialty

2009-05-03T21:14:00.003-05:00

When we'd mentioned earlier in the week to my mother-in-law, Jean, that the National Newfoundland Specialty was in their own backyard, I was surprised that she actually decided to check it out. I admit we're devoted [/obsessive] about the breed, but we certainly don't wish to impose it on others. But she actually willingly made the trip to Frankenmuth to see just what this business was all about. And it turns out, she had fun! Who could possibly keep themselves from having fun in the company of more than 500 Newfoundlands?

Jean with Rosie's daddy Maurice, now she knows where Rosie gets her good looks

Newfie Here, Newfie There, Newfies Everywhere!

2009-05-03T15:06:00.009-05:00

My day trip to Michigan to watch the National Newfoundland Specialty was well worth the exhaustion of back-to-back travel days, and even an unexpected stop at Abilene airport because of bad weather in DFW. I had never seen so many Newfs all at once. Some were black, some were brown, some were gray, some were black and white. They were big and [not so] small. Most were the size of about a baby elephant, a soft fuzzy elephant that is. And all were cuddly wuddly and sweet as can be. It took a lot of self-control to keep from stuffing one in my purse and taking it back home with me (well, self-control and the fact that these are not exactly the kind of dogs you can stuff in a small bag).

Rosie's breeders were also there to show three of their Newfs, Maurice (Rosie's daddy), Maxine (a 2 1/2 year old female), and Jersey (a 1 year old female). I arrived in time to watch Maxine's turn in the show ring. She did so well and behaved like a proper show Newf.

Maxine doing her thing

Maxine showing what a Newf trot should look like

Maxine has the most beautiful head, I like to refer to it as a Newfie "blockhead", strong and sturdy and not something you want to get in the way of

Maxine enjoyed the stuffed toy prize the most

This was the best picture I could take with all three of the Cru Newfs, Maxine, Jersey, and Maurice

I also played paparazzi to other people's Newfs while I was there. I don't know how many Newfies I pet and took photos of while I was there.... a LOT for sure. This kind of fun should be illegal.

Newf puppies are the cutest, with their huge head tufts and jowls-in-training

Newfs with bibs on was a common sighting at the show, I suppose it keeps their perfectly groomed manes dry

The Best of Breed Newfs behaving so well on their grooming tables... these Newfs came in one size: XXXXXXL

Hey Alice! Forget Wonderland! Go to Newfieland!

2009-04-30T19:01:00.012-05:00

You'll be enchanted, you'll be entranced, you'll be captivated, you'll fall in love. Newfies will do that to you. Just the affection of one Newf can be irresistible, now imagine hundreds of Newfs. Yeah, literally, HUNDREDS!!! It's almost unimaginable... yet that's exactly the place I'm going to tomorrow, the National Newfoundland Specialty, where hundreds of Newfs have come from all over the US and Canada to show off their giant, majestic selves. I can't wait!

"That's my Daddy Maurice showing off his studly self."

The Newfie promised land (i.e. Frankenmuth, Michigan), that's Rosie's dad Maurice at the front of the line

Jim Wallis' The Value of Davos

2009-04-26T09:33:00.001-05:00

From the April issue of Sojourners:

"If we can learn new habits of the heart from this economic crisis, perhaps the suffering can be redemptive."

Read the article here.

The Newf Lovers' Airline

2009-04-20T20:20:00.005-05:00

It gets good 10 seconds in.

Is it a Fish Tank? Is it a Treadmill? It's Both!

2009-04-17T16:31:00.009-05:00

This morning was Rosie's 3rd water treadmill session and her 2nd week on daily electric muscle stimulation treatments. In just the last two weeks, we've noticed an improvement in Rosie's walking gait, her leg strength, and her endurance on the water treadmill. She is doing so well. We're hoping her progress continues. Here are some [fun] pictures of her in action! I did take a video, but am having some trouble downloading it (it must be a tad large), so stay tuned.

"Ummmmm... I'm not so sure about this Mom."

A profile shot of Rosie in her 'Wonder Woman' cape (i.e. size XL doggie life vest)

Ready, set, walk!

Rosie racking up the mileage, she did a whole 15 minutes!

Easter Crafting

2009-04-11T13:08:00.003-05:00

I enjoy a little bit of crafting every now and then. It's something I grew fond of as a child, when my grandmother and I would spend hours at this huge odds-and-ends-and-everything-else-you-can-imagine outdoor market in the Philippines that was a crafter's paradise. I remember making cute little hairpieces decorated with miniature silk flowers and selling them to schoolmates back in grade school.

Even now, I can't resist watching one or two [or three or four] of Martha Stewart's craft segments. She has some seriously crafty people working for her. How do they think of some of these things?!?!?

This Easter, [since we were late to get our Easter cards purchased and sent] I decided it would be more thoughtful to create our Easter greeting cards; believing that a handmade, tardy Easter card is better than a commercial AND tardy Easter card. So check out my creations, made with Tulip 3D paper paint.

A couple paisley- and polka dot-printed Easter eggs

Stacked miniature Easter eggs

Hmmm... perhaps I should also dye some real Easter eggs to match these

Physical Therapy [for Rosie]

2009-04-04T07:56:00.004-05:00

Rosie's consultation with the physical therapist yesterday went pretty well. We met with the physical therapist at Dr. Beales' recommendation that she get some non-weight bearing exercises and also get some targeted exercises that will strengthen her medial quadricep muscles that have atrophied, in an effort to improve her lateral luxating patella without surgery.

After talking through Rosie's history with the physical therapist, the therapist's recommendation was a twice per week session on the water treadmill and daily hook-ups to an electrical muscle stimulation machine that will target her medial quadricep muscle. Rosie's first session will be on Monday, when the therapist will exercise her in the water treadmill and also hook her up to an e-stim machine, and instruct us on how to use the portable e-stim machine at home. Hmmmm, this should be interesting... particularly the e-stim portion and the expectation that we'll be able to wrestle Rosie down and keep her down long enough to withstand a 20-minute 'pins-and-needles' therapy on her quads. This might turn into pretty hysterical video content for my blog. We have enough troubles trying to do a 2-second cleaning solution squirt into Rosie's ears which, with just a sighting of the evil ear cleaning squirt bottle, gets Rosie running FAST.

As for the things we can do at home with Rosie, we were told to continue taking her on short, frequent walks, do sit-stand exercises, and once we're instructed, do the daily e-stim on her quads.

Stay tuned for [potentially funny] pictures of Rosie's first therapy session.

Germany Day 5: Gottingen

2009-04-03T07:30:00.003-05:00

We visited the town of Gottingen, where Carrie had been staying the last 6 months. It was so nice to see her 'German home' and meet the incredibly friendly people we'd heard stories about for months.

A bird's eye view of Gottingen from the Goethe Institute's tower

Who can resist this? Not I, we enjoyed some cakes and cappuccinos at this patiserrie in Gottingen.

Mmmmmm, is your mouth watering yet?

The Ganseliesel in Gottingen's main square

Easter celebrations in Gottingen's main square

Day 3 and 4: Salzburg, Austria and Berlin

2009-04-03T06:48:00.004-05:00

Can you tell we were running around like bandits our whole time in Europe? We were just about in a new town each day. We spent Day 3 in Salzburg and Day 4 in Berlin. We were fortunate with the weather and only had one bad weather day in Salzburg.

The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, a sea of sloping stones, which remembers the murdered Jews of Europe

This is what's remaining of the Berlin wall, right next to it is the Topography of Terror that documents the Nazi crimes of the Third Reich

Berliner Dom in Berlin

The Reichstag in Berlin which houses the German Parliament

The dome that crowns the Reichstag in Berlin

Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg

At the highest point in Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg

The bird's eye view from Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg

A giant Easter egg made completely of icing in Demel, a confectioner in Salzburg that has been open since 1786

A view of Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg

Germany Day 1 and 2: Munich and Fussen

2009-04-02T20:09:00.008-05:00

I have a good excuse for the recent drought in posts. We've just returned from our vacation in Germany. We had such a good time exploring Germany, hopping from one German city to another, and even a short visit to Salzburg, Austria. I have over 200 photos from our trip, but here are some snapshots from Day 1 and 2 of our trip.

Neuchwanstein castle in Fussen

At Fussen, a small German town famous for its castles and the grand Alps

In Englischer Garten in Munich

Carrie and Brian as we approached the Englischer Garten in Munich

A bird's eye view of Marienplatz in Munich

A bird's eye view of the area surrounding the Marienplatz in Munich

It was such a clear day in Munich that you could see the Alps in the distance.

"You're Hired"

2009-03-24T12:57:00.003-05:00

That's what Rosie said to Dr. Beale, the orthopedic surgeon we visited yesterday in Houston. Long story short, he recommended non-surgical, non-invasive options to address Rosie's dislocating patella. With more frequent, controlled walks, some physical therapy on an underwater treadmill and some focused strengthening exercises with a therapist, perhaps her own muscles could naturally correct the dislocating patella. We were told she might have a torn meniscus that's causing the snapping/popping sound we keep hearing from her knee, but that that could be addressed later on once she's gained more strength and her bone has healed completely. And it would also be a much more minor arthroscopic procedure to fix it, so it's certainly not the sort of invasive surgery that sets her back another year. All in all, it was very encouraging to hear this news and we don't feel quite like we're being bad Newf-parents for not being so willing to slice her knee into two all over again, especially when it's not necessary.

It seems like we've gotten two very different opinions from our two orthopedic surgeons. We still have the third consultation, this time in Austin, coming up in a couple weeks.

Around the [Texas] in [a Couple] Days

2009-03-20T07:19:00.004-05:00

Destination 1: Houston, Destination 2: Austin

It's a loooong story, one I don't want to repeat because it makes me cry every time I try to recount it. But the short of it is that Rosie will likely need yet another surgery on, yet again, the same knee. We weren't exactly happy with the options we were given by the orthopedic surgeon; 1) perform a corrective surgery on her knee that results in a higher probability of her knee shattering (not such a corrective procedure in my opinion) or 2) do nothing which, as her bad knee continues to degrade her leg, will be virtually irrepairable later on. So we're road-tripping through the state of Texas to get 2nd and 3rd opinions, in the hopes of hearing more promising and reassuring prognoses.

Sticky Sweet Adventures

2009-03-15T20:12:00.006-05:00

Camera-shy pastry chefs Massaran and Mariam

The pastry chefs, Massaran, Mariam, and Matela, and their creations

Lovely decorated cakes in springtime colors

Pretty little cupcakes

Today I spent a few hours baking sweet, yummy treats with Mariam, Massaran, and Matela. They seemed to enjoy the whole baking experience, reading each ingredient aloud, checking off each step of the recipe as we completed them, tasting our yummy creations, and most of all, decorating! I think we have some pastry chefs-in-training.

The Big Six

2009-03-11T20:02:00.007-05:00

"I'm 6 today!" The 6th candle on the far right is on its side. "Don't worry, my Newf-parents didn't set our house on fire."

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

"I finally get to enjoy my meaty chew! Check out my smart bone-holding technique."

It's funny how she keeps her eyes shut when she savors her meaty chews.

Sous Chef Rosie

2009-03-07T20:59:00.006-06:00

I 'd felt like doing some baking this weekend after a few weeks' long dry spell. And my trusty sous chef did not disappoint. Rosie was at the ready as I measured, mixed, beat, folded, buttered, and baked. So truthfully she wasn't much for help around the kitchen, except to keep me on my toes as I navigated the 'Rosie obstacle course' that lay between the sink and the oven.

Interested in my baking creations? Check them out at The Family Kusina.

Mommy's ultimate kitchen helper... she mops up spills like a pro.

"No pictures please. I'm hard at work here!"

Big Six

2009-03-05T13:04:00.001-06:00

Rosie’s turning 6 soon!

Rawhides, bones, dehydrated meaty treats, pork ears, chew toys, stuffed animals, tugging ropes, tennis balls… all great birthday gift options for a dog. But we’re talking about Rosie here, and over the last couple years, we’ve gotten to know her favorite things that she just can’t resist and the ones that are just so-so.

On the so-so list are (including Rosie’s honest commentary):
• Plain rawhides – “Way too hard and so bland it deserves a big yawn.”
• Tugging ropes – “Do I look like the tugging sort? NOT!”
• Tennis balls – “Do I look like the fetching sort? Double NOT!”
• Stuffed animals – “Inedible, need I say more?”

On the irresistibly yummy list of favorite things, in order of pretty good->crazy awesome:
• Happy Hips sweet potato and chicken treats – “So yummy and they make your hips all cheery too!”
• Flavored rawhides – “There’s a science to enjoying these things you know. First you lick off the coat of meaty marinade to coat your tongue with meaty goodness. Then you chew the thing ‘til your gums bleed.”
• Pork ears – “Lick, chew, repeat… Lick, chew, repeat… Lick, chew, repeat.”
• Meat or peanut butter-filled soft chews – “Short-lived but still excellent chewy treats.”
• Steak – “This used to rank as crazy awesome, until I experienced the carbo-licious happiness of my new number 1 fave.”
• Warm, gooey, yeasty rolls – “I go gaga every time I smell these darlings baking in my mom’s oven. A waterfall of drool guaranteed!”

"So take heed Newf-Mom and Newf-Dad! I better get some crazy awesome birthday goodies!"

A Short Glass of Whine

2009-03-01T20:10:00.002-06:00

Can I just say how fast and un-rejuvenating this weekend was? After an unbearably crazy-busy week at work, I was in such need of a slow, lazy weekend. And this weekend wasn't it. I just don't know where it went. Saturday came... a couple hours was spent cheering on friends running the Cowtown marathon, 4 loads of laundry were washed and folded, a few hours were spent at a high school track meet to [attempt] watch[ing] one of the refugee girls run her events, and farewell Saturday. Sunday came... church, Sunday school, grocery shopping, 3 weekday dinners prepared and refrigerated, a failed attempt at running, a bible study of Mark, youth group dinner and study lesson, and goodbye Sunday. And then an unwelcome Monday will come...

Someone Likes Sugary Cereal Milk

2009-02-22T15:12:00.004-06:00

"This patience better pay off."

Rosie is the only dog I know of that, despite her ability to push you around because of her size and power, still won't lunge at you to steal your food. This doesn't mean she keeps from communicating her desire for your food. Look just how close she gets to my cereal bowl, but at least she doesn't force her big head into your bowl while you're eating... she's at least a few inches short of it. What's funny is she'll attentively and patiently sit there while you finish all your cereal and all that's left is the milk at the bottom of the bowl. Then she'll swoop in to 'rinse' the bowl.

Saturday Morning Walk

2009-02-21T12:22:00.004-06:00

We had a nice walk at a nearby park with Rosie this morning. It took a lot of pulling to keep her from diving in the water.

Countdown to Germany

2009-02-20T08:10:00.003-06:00

Brian and I haven't traveled much since we got Rosie, the house, and all the stuff that comes with being working adults with bills and commitments. Work... it can be such a party pooper, can't it? The last time we really took a big trip to somewhere far far away was back in 2006 when we went to London for New Year's, so I'm really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Germany. We love to explore new places and see new things in our travels, and it's been so long since we did that, it's going to be so much fun to do it again. And since I've never been to Germany, which happens to be Brian's roots, I'm especially looking forward to discovering the Deutschland culture.

Best of all, we'll get to share our German adventures with Brian's sister, Carrie. She's been there the last 5 months on a study program, learning more of the language and immersing herself in the culture. Carrie will be done with her study program by the time we arrive, so she'll be able to join us in our touring. It'll probably be the one chance we get to explore Germany together, so we're looking forward to it.

So I can't wait! The countdown to the end of March begins!

Dishwasher for Hire

2009-02-08T08:51:00.004-06:00

Since lifeguarding isn't going to work out for her, what's Rosie's alternative career?

Take a guess. We've conserved tons of gallons of water by 'hiring' Rosie as our pre-dishwasher rinser. Looking for a way to conserve water? She'll offer her rinsing services for free!

Dogs Sentenced to Torture by Grooming

2009-02-04T18:47:00.001-06:00

These poor dogs! Don't try this at home!

Adventures in Bathing

2009-01-31T09:53:00.005-06:00

After months of withstanding what we've fondly called Rosie's 'funk', after months and months of no baths because of her constant surgery recoveries and her not being able to stand for long periods of time [and only inviting friends over to the house who had a poor sense of smell], we couldn't resist anymore. Today, Rosie took her first bath in months... and her first one in our bathtub. All of her previous baths had been in the backyard, until today.

"Fine... I promise not to steal the soap from the bathtub anymore! Just let me outta here!"

Rosie was just a few inches short of the whole length of the tub

Now she's up to her usual post-bath activity, which is laying in the smallest Newf-ball she could possibly make and taking a post-traumatic nap.

Some Good News

2009-01-27T19:41:00.003-06:00

Given our fears going into the appointment, Rosie's check-up resulted in better news than we'd anticipated. According to x-rays, Rosie's bone just hasn't healed completely yet. So she needs a bit more time healing, with limited activity, maybe some short, easy walks every couple days. As for the bump, the ortho said he could feel some of the hardware beneath the bump but that it wasn't abnormal or infected. We were told to give her another 6 weeks for her bone to heal and then we'll come back for another check-up. The ortho did note that her knee is already showing signs of arthritis, and that the occasional stiffness could just become a fact of life for Rosie.

So I guess for now, Rosie's still in recovery. We'll keep you updated.

Paws Crossed

2009-01-26T20:45:00.003-06:00

Since Rosie's last surgery to reinforce her patella to her kneecap, we had been noticing her gradual but steady recovery. She had been on anti-inflammatories the whole time, which probably helped her feel more like normal despite her slowly healing knee. Since she's been off the anti-inflammatories over the last couple weeks, we've noticed that same bump we observed before her last surgery and also noticed that she's been putting less weight on the leg and even limping on it. She's been getting up from the floor a bit less gracefully now too.

It's all very disheartening. Tomorrow she goes back to the orthopedic surgeon's office for a check-up. I fear that, what's meant to be a standard post-op check-up to make sure her bone has healed, may turn into more bad news. So please, keep your paws crossed and your prayers barked. Our girl needs it.

Cheap [and Fattening] Therapy

2009-01-24T11:56:00.002-06:00

I like to think of myself as a team player, I work really well with others, and I generally am able to work with all sorts of different personalities. For the first time in my worklife, one coworker just pushed me over the edge... to the point where I wasn't sure if my patience could persist any longer. I knew I just needed to close the discussion and walk away. It was a horrible day.

Since then I've been in therapy... kitchen therapy that is. One batch of orange marmalade muffins, chocolate-espresso cake, potato and white bean stew, vegetable fried rice, stuffed pasta alfredo, and southwest potatoes later, I'm feeling calm, centered, and put-together again. Don't get the wrong idea, I didn't eat all that [yet]. But I did cook and bake all those things in a span of 18 hours, like a mad-woman in the kitchen, and I feel tons better.

Now if that nasty coworker could just have a personality transformation over the weekend...

Don't Tell Rosie She Was Adopted

2009-01-21T19:00:00.006-06:00

Rosie's beautiful Newf-Mommy, Rosie (Sr.)

Rosie's real Newf-Daddy, Maurice... the ultimate stud

Where does Rosie's good looks come from? Despite us claiming to be Rosie's mommy and daddy, Rosie didn't get her black fur from me or inherit her size from Brian. Check out her handsome Newf-Daddy and pretty Newf-Mommy, enjoying the rare South Carolina snow.

Sleepy Saturday

2009-01-17T16:58:00.004-06:00

I couldn't resist from snapping these photos as Rosie was taking a nap [or at least attempting to] on our front porch. The various outdoor smells and sounds always keep her from reaching RPM (Rapid Paw Movement), Rosie's version of REM, but she tries anyway.

It looks like Rosie's trying hard to keep her eyes shut; "Ignore the sounds, ignore the smells."

My favorite of all of Rosie's sleeping positions

1/24th of a Year Sure Passes in a Flash

2009-01-16T23:44:00.005-06:00

It sure seemed like just yesterday we were watching the New Year's ball drop in New York City on TV. And suddenly, February is right around the corner. It has been a pretty busy year so far...

A nice dinner at the Reata rooftop with Mom and Dad

Brian's mom and dad made a pit stop in Fort Worth for a few days before returning home to Michigan from their trip to Germany. It was so nice to see them, especially since we hadn't spent the Christmas holidays with them in Michigan. They brought me back the perfect, albeit temporary, German souvenir; some yummy German chocolate, Ritter Sport. If you haven't tried it, go to your nearest World Market store and buy some. The milk chocolate hazelnut variety is quite tasty, so tasty that I lose all self control and usually can't stop at one little sliver, or even two (okay I admit it, I usually eat the WHOLE bar in ONE sitting, it's tragic). I was told by my mother-in-law that Ritter Sport is ridiculously overpriced here in the US, so now I'm planning on buying a year's supply of it when we go to Germany in March (and also tasking Brian to store them in a safe deposit box so I don't eat them all at once).

So far, our weeknights seem to be consumed by a combination of church committee meetings, church group get-togethers, volunteering, veg'ing, taking Rosie on short walks, and running... Yes, me running. Did I mention that I'm training for the Cowtown half marathon? Crazy huh? I'm pretty sure I've said [numerous times before] that I would never run a half marathon. Yet here I am, training for one. Back then, I remember asking why people would want to run 26.2 miles. It certainly doesn't look like a lot of fun, I'm pretty sure it's grueling and painful... so why would you do it? Watching those White Rock marathon runners crossing the starting line, I realized why. As I saw a blind man with his running guide by his side, and another man pushing his handicapped wife in a running stroller pass me by at the starting line, I realized that you do it because, deep inside of you, you know that you can do it no matter how hard it is physically or psychologically, even despite seemingly difficult circumstances. It was a motivating thing to see. They believed in themselves. Why couldn't I do the same for myself? So now I'm training... running more than I ever have my whole life. So wish me luck! I have about 6 weeks of training left before the big day and I can't wait. 2009 is off to a running start!

A New Year, A New [Same] Me

2009-01-03T16:43:00.003-06:00

I've never really been one to write out a list of New Year's resolutions. The purpose and intentions are perhaps good, but we all know that New Year's resolutions have a reputation for being temporary and mostly ignored a few weeks into the new year anyway.

I guess I think that making a plan to change something on day 1 of the new year really isn't all that necessary when you can choose to do it today, or tomorrow, or some other non-new year day. Plus, perhaps it has something to do with the optimism and promise that comes with a new beginning, a new year, that makes us want to list New Year's resolutions that are pretty unrealistic and unattainable. For those reasons, I don't get involved in this New Year's resolution business.

I have to admit though that it's those to-do's that have lingered through the end of 2008 and spilled into 2009 that bug me. I really have to get on those, because it's going to be 2010 before I know it!

Rosie's Idol

2008-12-29T21:51:00.004-06:00

Her nearly 14 year old Grandma Jelly still livin' it up

Whatever Jelly has, and Lore and Chuckie had (some of Rosie's breeder's more elderly dogs) in their genes, we hope Rosie's got a little bit of it in hers too!

Woof Woof Woof! Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T13:00:00.005-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Lots of love this holiday season,

Brian, Kristine, and Rosie the Newf

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

2008-12-24T10:26:00.005-06:00

So we're naughty... we opened our Christmas presents this morning.

We're going to Christmas service with my family this evening then sharing a late Christmas Eve dinner afterwards. Then it's my family's tradition to open presents early Christmas morning. We didn't really want to bring our presents to my parents' house on Christmas morning, so we decided to open our presents this morning. Okay, it's a lame excuse... but whatever. Our parents aren't here to stop us. So there!

The funniest part of any gift-opening occasion is Rosie's reaction to boxes. She seems to have a dislike for intact boxes, hence she attempts to rip them into little tiny pieces. She's just helping the recycling process along I suppose.

Boxes... bah humbug!

Brian Has Done It Again

2008-12-14T17:46:00.004-06:00

He has a second marathon under his belt. And this time, without any post-marathon injuries. I am immensely proud of my honey. His motivation, discipline, and will are so inspiring. Brian finished the race with a personal record of 3:36. What a feat!

Crossing the finish line

Some much-deserved time off his feet

Brian and our friend Josh... Josh was also cheering on his girlfriend Annie who was running the marathon too

[Rosie's] Christmas Photo Shoot

2008-12-13T20:20:00.006-06:00

Last year, our friend Josh offered to take our family Christmas photo, which we swiftly took him up on (since propping a camera on a ladder in order to take our own family photo didn't sound all that appealing to us). He might not have known what he was getting himself into at the time, but now it's like "Hmmm, December's approaching soon enough... I wonder if Josh could take our family photo again this year."

Well this year is our 2nd annual Christmas photo session with Josh. He took some really cute photos... mostly of Rosie. These are my favorites. Oh and our family photos turned out nicely too.

First, a Christmas photo outtake

Ever wonder how things look from their perspective?

Her expressions always melt my heart. Would you say no to this face?

8 Things About Me

2008-12-11T19:56:00.003-06:00

My friend Bethany tagged me, so here it goes... 8 Things About Me.

8 TV Shows I Watch

1. Top Chef

2. Project Runway

3. Grey's Anatomy

4. Private Practice

5. Martha

6. Giada at Home

7. Colbert Report

8. Divine Design

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Bombay Grill

2. Thai Belknap

3. Tokyo Cafe

4. Central Market (not really a restaurant, but I love their prepared foods area)

5. Gloria's

6. Reata

7. P.F. Chang's

8. Fortuna

8 Things That Happened Today

1. Woke up late for work.

2. No one knew the difference that I arrived late for work.

3. Listened to someone gripe about their church's youth pastor.

4. Wrote an e-mail to my sister-in-law, Carrie, who is in Germany right now.

5. Visited Rosie during my lunch break.

6. Enjoyed a meal of homemade miso soup and store-bought sushi with Brian.

7. Cuddled a sleepy Newf.

8. Caught up with my DVR'd Martha episodes.

8 Things I Look Forward To

1. Cheering on Brian during the Dallas White Rock Marathon on Sunday.

2. Rosie's knee finally healing... and for good!

3. A week and a half off from work for Christmas and New Year's.

4. My grandmother's arrival in Texas to spend the holidays with us.

5. Christmas with the extended family.

6. Visiting Carrie in Germany early next year.

7. Things slowing down at work.

8. Taking Rosie on walks.

8 Things I Wish For

1. Calorie-free chocolate, bread, cake, cookies, pies, and sweets.

2. To be a stay-at-home Newf mommy.

3. A healthy Rosie.

4. A professional to help with renovating our kitchen.

5. The option to work from home... if I can't get away with being a stay-at-home Newf mommy.

6. My annoying allergies to go away.

7. Brian to be able to run without injuring himself.

8. A Newf puppy! Or two or three!

8 People I Tag

1. Leilanni

2. Okay, so she's the only other friend I have that has a blog that can respond to being tagged.

E-Collar on Steroids

2008-12-09T20:56:00.004-06:00

Rosie has been a very bad dog the last couple days. Since we removed the bandages on her leg, she can't seem to leave her incision alone when she gets bored. We have an e-collar that we put on her when she's unsupervised, but somehow she can still bend the thing and reach her neck past the edge of the collar to reach the staples that keep her incision closed. We actually have 3 different e-collars that we've tried and all 3 have worked when we used them on her previous surgeries, but Rosie I guess is being extremely persistent and naughty this time around. Just yesterday, I was in a panic when I discovered she'd eaten most of the staples off her incision and she had a gaping 2" open wound that warranted an emergency visit to the vet for re-stapling. We changed to a different e-collar today, but then came home to some blood on the carpet. Rosie seemed to have tried to get to her staples but couldn't quite reach them, so instead, she irritated the area around the incision and made it bleed.

And so Brian created the e-collar on steroids, which consists of two attached e-collars to make the big daddy of all e-collars. Check it out. I think the largest e-collar we had before this one had a 32" circumference. This e-collar's got to be at least 48" and there's definitely no way Rosie can get her chompers past the edge of this e-collar.

"Is there an echo in here?"

Okay, so it's not exactly all that comfortable for Rosie I'm sure, but desperate times call for desperate measures and we're through with being pushovers. She only needs to wear it for 10 days or so anyway and it's for her own good.

"This sucks! My puppy dog eyes aren't working anymore."

One Step Forward Two Steps Back

2008-12-06T08:58:00.005-06:00

It was just last October that Rosie had her 3rd knee surgery, this one to stabilize her luxating patella (dislocating kneecap). She was recovering pretty speedily from the surgery and was pretty much back to taking her short walks around our neighborhood. But a few days ago, Brian noticed a bump on her knee that didn't seem to be there before. So we took Rosie to her regular vet to get her checked out and then came the bad news. One of the pins put in during her last surgery had come loose, causing that bump on her knee. The loose pin would have to be removed, but until then Rosie would once again have to be confined and her activity limited. We quickly scheduled an appointment with the ortho surgeon, who confirmed that the loose pin needed to be removed and also checked to see if her bones had completely healed from the previous surgery.

So Rosie went under the knife yesterday. She now has one less pin in her leg and one new wire loop securing her patella, and we start back at square one with her recovery. Rosie has been such a trooper through this whole ordeal. She was certainly dealt a bad hand with this bunk knee. We know she has that fighting spirit, we know she'll get through this.... again.

A recovering Newf

Just a funny side story from the ortho surgeon's office while Rosie was there... I guess after surgery they had some trouble getting her situated in her recovery kennel, so instead of laboring to get a large, heavy, anesthetized Newfoundland into a kennel, they took a large mattress, placed it in the middle of the recovery room, and plopped our drugged-up Newf on it. So as people worked in the room, they worked with the sound of Rosie sawing some major logs. And as Rosie awoke from her 'happy juice' stupor, they had Rosie's big eyes following them all around the room (that's all she could think of moving after being given that happy juice).

Perhaps the 'happy juice' hasn't worn off yet

Oopsies

2008-11-28T13:15:00.003-06:00

I'm new to this whole vegetarian way of eating. It's been a pretty easy transition so far and I've been able to abstain from meat without much difficulty. However, it was perhaps not a good decision to be a vegetarian right before Thanksgiving, a holiday whose centerpiece is a 20-lb. turkey and has all sorts of side dishes with bits of sausage and bacon snuck in. Since we were going to Brian's aunt's house for Thanksgiving dinner and I would never want to impose vegetarian standards on their Thanksgiving meal, I decided it would be best to be a little lenient with my eating or I'd be having water, wine, and dinner rolls as my Thanksgiving dinner. I passed on the turkey but ate the sides, of which I'm certain had all sorts of chicken broth, turkey sausage, and turkey bacon in them. I figured I'm a newbie to vegetarianism, and it would be okay just this once. But this wasn't my oopsy.

Come breakfast time the next day, here I am enjoying my oatmeal, when I unconsciously take two pieces of turkey bacon offered to me. One hour later.... here's me talking to Brian, "Oh my gosh. I just ate two pieces of turkey bacon." Oopsy.

Why Vegetarianism?

2008-11-26T12:18:00.001-06:00

Over the last few weeks, I’ve happened to incidentally watch clips on TV of animals getting slaughtered and mistreated. And each time, I got this awful feeling from seeing an innocent animal being treated inhumanely, without any regard, as if it were an inanimate object that exists only for the purpose of human consumption. I guess I had never given it much thought before, but all of a sudden, eating the mass produced, hormone injected grocery meat just felt wrong. These animals from commercial farms are treated with little or no respect, cramped into tiny spaces, fed poor quality feed, supplemented with unhealthful hormones only to grow the animals faster so they can meet their demise sooner, and inflicted with the pain of branding, burning beaks, horn removal and other unthinkable things. I cannot get over how these animals are treated, all to satisfy our hunger for meat, meat, and more meat, and to reap the profits from cheap and inhumane mass production practices to fulfill our want for more. Consider also the environmental impacts of the meat industry and its immense carbon footprint.

Vegetarianism sounded like a good idea after considering all of this. It’s certainly a personal choice. And I certainly wouldn’t guilt anyone else into making this choice.

You might think “What’s the difference”? One meat-loving Texan will compensate 10x over for one vegetarian. But somehow it can make a difference; perhaps there will be a few less slaughtered, mistreated animals raised just for my sake, a few less cross country meat transports, a few less commercial waste and pollution from mass animal care (I mean cruelty).

So I’ve made my choice… I choose to be vegetarian.

Run the Turkey Trot!

2008-11-24T19:29:00.004-06:00

I'm starting off Thanksgiving holiday again this year with a brisk 5K on Thanksgiving day. You should too! Register at http://www.fwtrot.org/.

Rosie's Test Kitchen

2008-11-22T18:52:00.003-06:00

This year I signed up to make homemade cloverleaf yeast rolls to Thanksgiving dinner at Brian's aunt's home. I wanted to make sure I could execute the recipe perfectly, so I made a half batch of rolls today. Boy, what a mistake! Not the rolls themselves... the rolls actually turned out quite nice. The mistake was having the smell of freshly baked bread emanating in our home when we have a perpetually hungry Newf.

Rosie being well-behaved when it comes to counter-surfing... so close, but still not stealing any rolls

Rosie was instantly upright from her usual sleeping position when the rolls came out of the oven. And she's been roll-crazy ever since!!!! She couldn't stop walking back and forth between the living room and the kitchen all afternoon to have a visit with the rolls. Her bossiness also came out. She would bark at us (which is pretty uncommon for her) to get our attention. And once we approached her, she would get up and lead us straight to the kitchen, straight to the rolls. What a silly girl!

Rosie's patience is rewarded

Some Hard Questions

2008-11-22T08:09:00.004-06:00

Questions I have been pondering recently...

What does it mean to live missionally in this world? How can we use the gifts God has given us to seek first the Kingdom of God with our whole lives?

The Future of Home Furnishings

2008-11-08T09:42:00.004-06:00

Who needs a traditional coffee table when you can have a Newf of perfect height and length (although perhaps a bit too narrow) to serve as one?

Maybe not such a good idea to put your appetizer plates and drinks on top of this coffee table

Call for Unity

2008-11-07T12:34:00.003-06:00

He now holds the dreams and hopes of millions in our country and even around the world. It was obvious that his message of hope and of a better American spoke to many Americans. If you are one of those that didn't vote for him and refuse to even consider him as a formidable president-elect, I hope you reconsider. We might have differences in politics as voters, but we can all relate to the significance of keeping hope and faith as humans.

Watch Barack Obama's President-Elect Acceptance Speech here.

Brian at The Half

2008-11-02T13:29:00.005-06:00

Even after a week of sickness and still not feeling like his normal self; today, Brian ran the Dallas Half. He has such strength and will. I would have dropped out without a second thought. But he was determined to run it. And he did quite well despite a long week of no training runs.

I decided to run the 13.1 mile course starting at the finish line and going backwards so I could meet Brian just before Mile 11 and cheer him on through the last couple miles.

Brian's pre-run warm-up

Hey Carrie, do the shorts look familiar?

Can you spot Brian? He was one of the 4,000 runners there.

Brian approaching Mile 11

Go Brian!!!

Brian and his coworker James. 'Coach Brian' got him into running with those scorching lunchtime runs at Alliance Airport.

With The Half under his belt, what's next? Dallas White Rock Marathon or bust! Way to go Brian!

All Hail Queen Rosie

2008-10-29T12:33:00.003-05:00

It's been 15 days since Rosie's surgery and she is recovering well. Today, she went on her first 5-minute walk. Exciting stuff!

Since we discovered that she's not to be trusted to leave her healing wound alone when she's unsupervised, we've started keeping her e-collar on even when she goes outside. She looked so disappointed, I had to take her picture!

Doesn't that look like Queen Elizabeth's grand collar?

"This is so not funny!"

Yes We Carve?!?

2008-10-28T20:17:00.001-05:00

It's Barack O'Lanterns galore! Yes We Carve, indeed!