The Rainmonster is Here!!!

It is a very wet weekend! I don't like rain. Mama says there is a storm off the coast and that is why it is so wet and windy here. It is also very gray. I don't mind that so much-- it just makes me sleepy. But I don't like to walk in the rain. I do not like to be wet and to get water in my ears and on my fur. On Friday morning, we went to the little park near our house and I peed and pooped as much as I could, then I told Mama I wanted to go back inside. After a day of sleeping, though, I need to exercise and get out, so Mama and I have been taking rainy walks, which kinda sucks. We don't get up to our usual 5000 steps, but that is ok because it so yucky.

On Friday, Mama took me to the office. I spent the whole day curled on up on the nice sofas and in the nice chairs. It was so great! I like going to the office. Mama's co-workers are very nice and give me lots of butt rubs. Her boss is my favorite. I also get to sit by the window and protect the office, which is a very important job and means I have to bark at stuff. I also went to the office on Thursday, and Mama let me stay in the room during a conference call-- her boss sat with me and gave me nice rubs while he talked with their client. The office is very different than when Mama and I first started going; now they have an upstairs with sofas and rugs, like somebody's house! Mama says it is so they can pay people to come over and talk about things, and that sounds cool. But it also means that I have two big sofas to sit on and different rooms to explore. And when it is rainy, I can curl up and rest.

Mama has been resting too. She deserves it! She has been very busy with work and the Jewish holidays. There has been a lot of cooking! She has also been running with me in the morning and it makes us both sleepy. We only run a little bit, but that is enough for me. Mama says it is good for us. Whatever, Mama.

We are doing very well in North Carolina. It has been over a year already! That is crazy! I do not really remember what it was like in New York without my backyard. Mama misses New York sometimes, but she is making friends and adjusting. Papa likes it here a lot, even though he is very busy with studying. He likes to study, though, so that's ok.

I'm going back to sleep now because it is rainy. Happy Sunday!

Mama and Papa Went on Vacation!

My mama and papa work very hard. They get very tired. It's kind of like when I go to daycare, but they go EVERY DAY. So they get sleepy-sleepy and need to rest. They decided to go on vacation! Mama said this was very exciting because they never go on vacation. I said that's silly, since we spent Christmas in Charleston and they went to Bubbe's for Passover, but Mama said visiting doesn't count. So they went away.

Mama and Papa went to Canada, to a place called Nova Scotia. "Nova" is "Avon" spelled backwards! So I guess that was ok. They said it was very very pretty there. They went to see the Bay of Fundy tides and they went to wine places and drank wine (Mama said they're called "vineyards") and they took a big boat! Mama likes boats. She also likes sleeping in big hotel beds and taking Jacuzzi baths, so she had a very nice time. I do not understand why humans like baths, because baths are full of water and I hate water, but whatever, Mama. Papa liked the tides very very much-- they are the highest tides in the whole world and Papa says they are really cool.

Here are some pictures from their trip. Canada looks very pretty. It looks like there are so many awesome places to pee!

They missed me, though, they said. They said hi to as many buddies as they could, but they only got to rub a couple. Before they got on the big boat to go from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick, they met Mozzie, who is a big silly bulldog. Mozzie sat on Mama's feet and she gave him belly rubs and head scritches. Mama said he smiled a lot. Papa rubbed him too and had a very nice time. Hmm. Now that I write about that, I am kind of jealous. Mozzie is a lucky doggy. They also met a nice boxer named Chloe who tried to eat Mama's ice cream. They said she had sad eyes like me, and that she uses them to something called her "advantage". Whatever, Mama.

While they were gone, I got to go to daycare! I spent a whole week there! I played with my buds and with Mr. Josh and Mr. Jeffy and Mr. Ryan and I had such a good time! I got really tired after all that playing, though. I was lounging around on Sunday morning when Mr. Josh came back to get me and I didn't know where I was going. He opened the door and there was my mama! And my papa! It was so nice to see them! I was so happy! I pulled toward the door and said let's go home and there was my car too! I jumped right in and sat and fell asleep, and when I woke up we were home. It was so nice to be home, and back with my bed and my toys and my mama and papa. I curled up on the sofa and slept alllllll day and it was awesome.

We have all been home for a few days now. It is very nice to be back together as a family. We snuggle a lot and enjoy the rain, and Mama and Papa drink their special Canadian wine. I like vacation!

Summer Fun

Oh my goodness! It has been a whole month since I have written! I have been very lazy and I am sorry. But it is so hot that all I can do is sleep. Mama and I have not taken all of our steps for a while-- it is just too hot and humid. We will walk outside and after about 10 minutes I don't like it at all. It makes me hot and sweaty. Then we come home and I love being inside and cooling my belly on the floor.

The weather has also made me very, very itchy. I take my medicine twice a day but I still get scratchy. Papa puts yucky stuff on me when I scratch too hard and I cut myself. The yucky stuff is yucky, but it helps me feel better. The humidity also makes me smelly! Yesterday Papa took me to the front yard and gave me a bath with the hose. I hated it! I don't like water! He started rinsing me off and I ran up on the porch behind the chair and tried to hide from the scary hose. Mama just laughed, then they gave me a yummy chewy bone and let me run in the backyard. That was ok. Mama says I smell better now.

We had a very lovely end of May and beginning of June. It was so nice out! Mama and Papa finally put up the hammock Grandpa got them for Christmas, and we spent a lot of time outside. I love the hammock. Most of the time I sit under Mama while she's in there, then I get up and run zoomies around the backyard until I get so tired, then I lie under Mama again. It is the best.

A few weekends ago, Mama and Papa packed up the car and then told me I should get in it! I was very excited. I like road trips. We went to Washington, DC for Mama's friend's wedding. Mama was very happy because it meant she could see some of her New York friends who she missed very much.

When we got to the hotel, we were all very sleepy, but Mama and Papa were hungry. When we got to the room, there was a plate and a bottle of wine and a birthday card for my mama! They gave her treats! It was very nice and made Mama feel good. It wasn't actually her birthday, though. Mama told me that the hotel gave her a good rate because her birthday was the week before and that's how they knew-- but she didn't expect the fun treats. That was very nice of them.

I also got special stuff at the hotel! They love doggies at Kimpton Hotels. While Mama and Papa were at dinner, they brought me bowls for my food and water and a special bed! Mama put it in my crate and it was so comfy. Here I am sleeping on my special bed.

Mama and Papa said the wedding was very fun and it was nice to see their friends. On Sunday, Mama had coffee with Miss Reema who is not a fan of doggies so I got to sleep in, then we all had brunch with Aunty April and her husband. It was nice to see them! I haven't seen them since we lived in Harlem! We ate outside at a restaurant where the nice lady brought me water. At first, when Mama went on the patio I stayed outside because that's what I used to do in New York, and Washington is a busy city like New York so I tried to be a good doggy. But Mama said it was ok and that I could come on the patio with her. I was very confused-- that is what we do in North Carolina, where there is more room! "It's ok, buddy, come on in," Mama said. So I sat next to Mama and laid my head on the fence and it was very nice. I got to watch all the people go by without worrying if they would step on my paws by accident.

Then we drove home. Mama was very tired, so Papa did a lot of the driving. I slept a lot in the backseat. We stopped once for a walk and I got to sniff the trees and pee in Southern Virginia and it was very nice. Then at one point I heard Mama say, "Avon, do you know where we are?" I looked up and recognized our neighborhood! I like to travel, but I like it even better when we get home.

Fun in the Spring!

We have been very busy in North Carolina, having lots and lots of fun. Sometimes I miss New York and my friends, but it is so nice here that I do not mind too much. Uncle Roland and Jackie should come visit ME. But anyway.

Mama and Papa finally got outdoor furniture! They are very happy. Here I am helping Papa put our new table together:

And here I am enjoying it!

I like to sit outside a lot, and so does Mama. Sometimes she and Papa eat dinner out there while I walk around the yard and sniff the grass.

The grass makes me itchy, though! So now I have to take medicine twice a day. It is not so bad, because it tastes like yummy goat cheese! [Note from Mama: the pills go in the goat cheese. Avon has quite the discerning palate.] I don't scratch or lick nearly as much now. Mama also rubs my head at night with smelly stuff. It is called lavender. I told you about that. But it is very nice and it helps me sleep.

The spring also means fun places to go! We went back to the baseball game for Bark in the Park and it was so fun! I got a bandana and a sock monkey. Papa put the sock monkey in my harness so it rode me, like a monkey on my back. I don't know why that was so funny, but it made people laugh.

I met all kinds of doggies, and I saw Mosey the puppy again. She is very nice and very big. Then Papa started talking to a man and his pointer, Pete. Pete was cool. We didn't watch the game, though. Mama was disappointed, but we all had fun.

Mama went away for the weekend, so we didn't get to do weekend things. I missed Mama. She went to stay with Great-Bubbe and Great-Zayde in Philadelphia and she had a nice time. She went over to cousin Shari's house, and cousin Shari's doggy really liked my mama. Of course he did. She gives very nice rubs.

Then Mama's flight got cancelled and she had to stay in Philadelphia! That is no fair! I missed my mama a lot, but she came home on Monday morning and everything was ok.

The spring means I get to join Mama and Papa for dinner because they can sit outside. We went for Mexican food on Monday night. My mama and papa love Mexican food. It is very spicy and has onions and is not good for doggies, though I do like the tortilla chips. Mama let me have one. While we at the Mexican restaurant, we met another tiger-striped doggy. His name is Baloo and he is cool. At one point, a doggy walked by and Baloo started barking at him. I got up because my new friend was mad, and there was a doggy with his dangly bits! They are mean and no good. We barked and barked-- "Stay away from our mamas with your dangly bits!" Once he walked away, Baloo and I decided to chill again.

Now that it is nice out and we have a table outside, we can have people over! One of Papa's friends is leaving for Europe, so Papa organized a going-away party yesterday. I got to join it! First, Mr. Mike and Mr. Jaime come over-- I like them very much. Mr. Mike runs and runs and runs with me in the backyard and Mr. Jaime rubs my butt. Then lots of other people came over and they all brought yummy things to eat. Mr. Mike took out a very long piece of meat and I thought it was all for me because we do not have meat in our house except for my kibble and treats, but... no. It was for the guests. But that was ok. He cooked it on the grill, which is separate from the house. I hung out with all of Papa's friends and had such a nice time! Mama got home kind of late, but I greeted her and took her outside. Then she got me a special bone and I carried it all around the backyard and it was so great until Mr. Matt tried to take it. He really wanted my bone! But no, he is not allowed to have it. Mr. Matt is mean.

Now I am sleepy because it has been so busy, but it has been so fun, and there will be more adventures!!!

Springtime!

It is definitely Spring here in North Carolina! The weather has been very nice, a little chilly in the mornings but sunny and nice and warm in the afternoons. I like this weather! There are so many fun things to smell and pee on, and I get to spend so much time outside. Mama and Papa come outside with me, too! Last week, Papa set up a table with a big umbrella, and now they have a place to sit and eat or drink their wine while I run around. On Wednesday night, Papa lit the grill and made dinner, and he and Mama and I enjoyed a very nice evening.

But the weather brought something new, too-- POLLEN. It is so bad! It makes everything GREEN and it flies everywhere. Then it washes away and comes right back. It gets in my paws and makes me very itchy. There is also a lot of cut grass and long grass and that makes me itchy too. But I like to stay outside, so Mama and Papa started giving me new medicine because I wake up at night and lick my paws a lot. That is no fun. It makes Mama very tired because she comes and sits with me when I lick. Sometimes I lick because I am nervous, so when Mama sits with me I stop. But mostly I lick because I am so itchy and it is uncomfortable. I'm sorry, Mama!

Last night, Mama rubbed some smelly stuff into my paws and on my neck. It was very nice smelly stuff and it made me sleepy. Mama said it is called lavender and it is good for keeping doggies calm. I liked it. We all slept for a while, but I woke up at 5:45 because the birdies were chirping and I had to pee. Sorry, Mama.

It is very cold and rainy today, so I am spending my day curled up on blankies with Mama while Papa works. I hope tomorrow is prettier so I can go back outside and be warm!

Besides all of that, we are doing ok. Mama has been traveling a lot and it makes her tired and I miss her when she is gone. Papa has been very busy because he has to study for his exams, but they are almost over. They told me that after his tests, we will go to a baseball game, all together as a family! I am very excited about that.

Chag sameach! (Or, as I like to say, "Dog sameach"!)

I am very, very tired today. I was at my daycare for four whole days! I ran and ran and ran and got rubs and hung out and now I am so tired. I boarded because Mama and Papa went to Florida for Passover to see Bubbe and Zayde.

Passover is Mama's favorite holiday. It is when we tell the story of Moses and the Israelites and how they got away from mean Pharaoh in Egypt. Pharaoh was a very mean man. He made the Israelites work and work and didn't give them any treats. So Moses came to save them-- he was a Hebrew but he grew up with Pharaoh because his mama adopted him when he was a little baby. My mama says that Moses's mama found him floating down a river and she decided to rescue him. That sounds like how I got adopted too! Except a river isn't like a shelter. But still. Moses was a Badass, just like me. Anyway, Pharaoh wouldn't let his people go, so Moses asked G-d for help and G-d sent the plagues, which were things like boils and hail and beasts, but for some reason G-d didn't send any cats. (I think Pharaoh would have let them go sooner if G-d had sent cats.) After all that, the Hebrew people wandered in the desert for forty days and forty nights, and they ate matzah and drank a lot of wine. That's what Mama does on Passover too, except for the wandering.

Mama says that for the eight days of Passover, we eat special food and we don't eat other food. I asked Mama what we're not allowed to eat, and she said we cannot have pasta or bread or rice or peas and a whole lot of other things. No rice and no peas! That's what's in my kibble! I am a Jewish doggy so I must keep Passover, I said, but Mama said no, the rules don't apply to doggies. OK, Mama.

Anyway, Mama and Papa had a very nice time. They went to two seders and met Bubbe's friend's dog, Yofi, who is very fluffy and very spoiled. They gave him belly rubs. They said Florida was nice but it is very weird being in Bubbe and Zayde's house without Aunt Krissie. That is sad.

On Saturday, Mama and Papa went to Big Cypress Preserve and they saw an alligator! Right there in front of them! Mama said it was cool but a little scary because she did not know what the gator would do when she walked behind it. I would have barked loud at it and told it to get outta my mama's way! Mama said that is why I am not allowed in the preserve.

On Sunday, Mama and Papa went to the Botanical Gardens, which are very pretty. Doggies are usually allowed there on Sunday mornings, but not for a while because the Gardens have dinosaurs! Mama said they move and even spit. I would have barked loud at them too-- dinosaurs are not supposed to be around flowers! Or around little humans or my mama! Mama said that is why I am not allowed in the Gardens.

While they were away, I got to stay at my daycare. Mama dropped me off on Wednesday morning and I saw Mr. Josh right away. He is so cool. I get lots of rubs from him. I played and played, then all of my buds left and I was very confused! But the nice people took me to a nice bed and put my blankie on it and I slept a lot, then I got up the next morning and got to play right away! It was so exciting! I played for four whole days. I got special time with Mr. Mike and Mr. Jeffy and Mr. Josh-- they are my favorites. I like some of the nice ladies too, but the nice men are the best. I was kind of sleepy on Monday and I told Mr. Mike I didn't feel like playing, so we just hung out. A few hours later, they put my leash on and took me outside and there were my mama and papa! I was so happy to see them! We got in the car and went home. I had some water and took all my toys over to my bed and I fell asleep. All that playing was exhausting. It is very nice to be home and in my own bed.

Mama woke me up this morning and we went for our walk, so I guess we are back in our routine now. That's ok. I like vacation, but I like it best when we are all home and relaxing together.

Lots of visitors!

We are having a very nice week! It is now getting warm in North Carolina and I get to spend so much time in my backyard! I run and run and roll and get muddy and I love it very much. Then Papa wipes off my belly with a towel and gives me treats. I like spring!

Last week, we had so many visitors! On Friday morning, three nice ladies showed up and gave me treats and started cleaning our house. It was so cool! One lady had a giant sponge-y thing that she ran across the ceiling. I followed her around while she did that. Another lady dusted off all of Mama's boxes on her dresser. I tried to follow her too, but Mama said I was annoying and put me in my crate. When the ladies left, Mama was so happy. She likes it when other people clean and she's very happy she hired those nice ladies.

Then later that evening, we had another visitor! Auntie Robin came in the door! Oh boy! I hadn't seen Auntie Robin since we lived in New York. She looks different. Mama says that's because she's going to have a puppy and I had to be gentle with her. I tried, but I wanted to give her a hug because I was happy to see her. She was nice about it, though. She came to visit because her family is here and she wanted to see them all before her puppy arrives. That is very smart. She and Mama and Papa went out for dinner and had a good time catching up.

On Saturday, Mama and Papa and I got in the car to see Grandpa. He had his nose fixed recently and was feeling better. It was nice, but I do not like being in the house with his cats. I have to go around and make sure the cats don't get us all, and it is very hard work! But I liked seeing my Grandpa.

Auntie Robin had to leave on Sunday morning, so I hugged her goodbye. Mama didn't have much to do, so she and Papa went shopping and they bought clothes-- they never buy clothes! This was very nice. Then we all walked to campus to drop Papa off so he could do some work. On the way back, I got very sleepy because it was hot, but Mama made me keep walking. Once we got home, I had some leftover chicken liver that Auntie Robin brought back from dinner with her grandma, and it was so yummy! Then I took a very long nap. It was a nice weekend.

On Monday night, Papa brought some of his friends over for a beer. Hoo boy, more visitors! I ran and ran and ran in the backyard so I could show them how fast I go. Mr. Mike thought it was very cool and he started running too, so I chased him until I got so tired. I like Mr. Mike.

Mama's job hasn't been as crazy, so she gets home while it's still light out and we have family walk a few nights a week. I love family walk. Then I run around in the backyard some more before my dinner and we have such a nice time.

Tomorrow, Mama says I can come to the office with her. I am so excited! I get to see Mr. Steve! I will try to post pictures.

A Busy Month!

I know I haven't written in a long time and I am sorry. We have just been so busy! It has been a very crazy month. First, after we got back from New York (and Virginia!), Mama got sick. She had a very very bad cold and I had to take care of her. It was hard work, taking care of my mama. I had to make sure she stayed in bed, but she wouldn't listen so I barked at her a lot. Mama didn't like that. Then she was feeling better but SHE kept barking-- my mama has a very loud bark. But she is mostly better now.

It was also a crazy week because it was very snowy! We did not expect all of this snow in North Carolina. First it was icy and hard to walk. Here's a picture of me in the park near our house. I did not enjoy all the crunching and the lack of dirt spots where I could poop.

Mama had to work from home for a lot of days and Papa's classes were cancelled. I liked having them around, but I know it was hard for Mama because she was still busy with work. I wanted to go outside a lot, but our back gate blew open and froze that way, so Mama and Papa kept me inside. They said I would run out if they let me into the backyard. I guess they are right-- I like to run around and smell new things.

But then we could close the gate and it snowed! It was such pretty snow. Big and fluffy. I got to run around in the backyard and it was so fun. I ran and ran in big circles and I got so tired. But then it got icy again, and I didn't like that.

Mama and I couldn't take our long walks for a while. With all the ice and Mama being sick, we lost out on our exercise. Last weekend we went to the doggy doctor so they could test my blood and my poop (I am OK-- Mama says this is routine) and they told me I gained 5 pounds! Mama said I am fat. That is not nice. But now that the weather is warmer and it is lighter at night and Mama is better, we can get back to our long walks. We walked over 6000 steps three mornings this week! It makes me very sleepy. But I am not fat. Look at my shadow! That is not a fat doggy.

In the middle of all of this, Mama went away for work. She had to stay away for the night, and I missed her. I got to go to daycare while she was gone and I saw Mr. Josh. I had a very good day. Then Mama came back and she brought me a present! She and Papa stopped at Phydeaux on the way back from the airport and brought me Froggy. He is squeaky and I love him! I didn't let Mama take him from me.

Last weekend it started to get warm. It is very nice when it is warm! Mama and Papa went to a brewery, which is where they make beer, for a big party. They decided to leave me at home because it would be so crowded, so I rested. They met lots and lots of doggies, though! Mama said I would have found some nice friends, but there was too much commotion there.

This week, it has been very busy. Papa has been on spring break, but he still has to study. Mama has concerts all weekend and lots of rehearsals, but she took me to the office with her yesterday! Oh boy! She didn't expect to be very busy but she was, so I sat with her while she worked and I visited with all of her co-workers. I especially love her boss, Mr. Steve. He is so nice to me. But it wasn't as fun as it usually is because there were no sunny spots-- it was very cloudy. But I did what I could and looked out for everyone in the office.

So now it is Saturday and it is rainy. Mama slept much later than usual today, and we didn't walk for very long because it was so wet. We are looking forward to resting and enjoying the day. I'm going back to sleep now.

I got to be a part of it again! New York, New York!

On Friday, Mama took me for our walk and then starting packing things up. That was weird! But then she put on my leash and grabbed a bag with my stuff in it and I got very excited! I jumped right in the car like a good boy. We picked up Papa at school and we were off! I asked where we were going, and Mama said we were on our way to New York!

Oh boy oh boy oh boy! I missed New York lots and lots, even though I like North Carolina very much. Along the way, Mama and Papa took me out of the car to pee and poop, and it got really cold. But I slept and watched the world go by. It was almost 10 o'clock when we arrived-- I recognized our old house! But we didn't go there. We went to Miss Sue's. Miss Sue is very nice and she is Benny's mama-- Benny didn't like me at first, but we sniffed and he remembered me and we were cool. Then Mama put my leash back on and I was so confused. We just got here, I said. I am tired! Where were we going?

We went to Uncle Roland's!!!!! I saw Jackie!!!! It was so great! I missed my friend so much. She told me to come in and we started playing and I had a wonderful night. I snuggled on the bed with Uncle Roland and he was so happy to have me there. I slept on his blankies and it was so great.

The next morning, Miss Sue left very early and Benny took care of Mama and Papa.

Then Uncle Roland came by and we all went for a walk. It was very nice, but New York is cold! It is much colder than North Carolina. I had to poop on the snow. I didn't like it-- it made my paws too cold.

After our walk, Uncle Roland took Benny home to take care of him for Miss Sue.

There were so many things to adjust to in New York! I don't ride elevators anymore, but I remembered to sit in them! I sat a lot in Harlem, because that's where I first learned to sit.

Mama and Papa had a very nice day with their friends, then Mama came home to walk me. They went out to their favorite bar and saw Mr. Marcio who made them drinks and was very happy to see them. Everyone was happy to see my mama and papa! But a lot of people were sick and couldn't make it out, but Mama said she understood and it was ok.

Mama and Papa went to all of their favorite spots in the neighborhood. It was Valentine's Day, so Papa got Mama flowers from Mr. Franz and they were so beautiful! Mama cried. They also went to the coffee shop where Papa used to work, and they went to their favorite restaurants. Every place they went, people were happy to see them and they got free drinks and lots of hugs.

Sunday was fun too! I slept in the sunny spot a lot. Miss Sue has nice sunny spots.

Mama went out singing with her friends while I stayed and kept Papa company while he worked. Here is a picture of my mama singing loud:

Then she came home, and Uncle Roland came by! I was so happy to see him again! I gave him lots of loves and rubs.

They went out to dinner and had a very nice time. I was so tired! There were so many New York smells and different things that I forgot about. It was exhausting. So I was happy to have a night in.

On Monday morning, we were off again! Mama took me for an extra walk with Uncle Roland and Jackie and Benny. I peed a lot-- there is much more stuff to pee on in NYC than in North Carolina! Then we were back in the car and off again!

The weather was very nice and Mama is a good driver and there was no traffic, so we got to Washington, DC very fast. Mama was so happy! But I was miserable. I had twisted around in my harness and was very uncomfortable and I had to pee! So did Mama. We stopped in a town called Lorton so we could all pee and eat and I could readjust my harness.

Then it started snowing! Oh boy! I missed snow, but I don't like it when it's falling, just when it's on the ground. Mama said we had to get moving. The roads got very bad, though. They expected the storm to come later, but it decided to surprise everyone. I do not like surprises unless they mean I can see Uncle Roland. But Mama took it very slow.

Right around Richmond, VA, the snow got very, very bad. I could tell Mama was upset! She was having a hard time driving. She saw a sign for a La Quinta Inn and pulled off the highway. My mama is smart, you see-- she knows La Quinta takes doggies. So we went in and they had a room and we settled in for the night. I had to poop bad, so Mama took me out in the snow. That was ok, but it made my paws cold and wet! Mama and Papa walked to the Subway and got sandwiches, and they made the best of it. Mama texted her boss to tell him she was stuck, and Mr. Steve was worried! He told her to be careful but that it was ok. He is a nice boss.

This morning, Mama woke up very, very early and took me out. I didn't like it! I peed but made her take me inside right away. Then Papa cleaned the snow off the car and Mama went to warm it up and we were off again! This time, the roads were ok, but it was still slow. We made it home at 11am, and we were all so tired! But Mama had to work and I had to poop, so we were very busy. The weather here is ok but it was very, very icy. Papa's classes were cancelled and so was Mama's rehearsal! It is very bad. So we are staying put and resting and recovering from our long trip.

It was very wonderful to see my friends and be in our old neighborhood. I miss them a lot, but I also missed my backyard and my bed and being in our house with my mama and papa. Next time, I'm gonna make everyone visit me!

Brrrrrr!

It has not been very exciting around here. Well, not for me, anyway. But it IS cold! This morning Mama and I went out and she had to wear a wooly hat and she put on my sweater because it was so chilly. I walked on the grass and it was cold and crunchy! Mama said it is frozen. Mama walked on some leaves and they went crunch crunch crunch. The last time it was this cold for our walk, we lived in New York! When we lived in New York there was always salt on the ground when it was cold, and that salt burned my paws and it wasn't fun. In North Carolina, there is no salt on the ground so I can walk and walk and walk and even if it's cold, it doesn't hurt my feets.

But we were out for a whole hour and when we came home Mama rubbed my paws with lotion and gave me blankies to curl up in, so I am warm now. She took off my sweater and will wash it because sometimes I get pee on it, but it will be nice and clean and soft. Mama also turned on the humidifier, and that is nice because it keeps my skin from getting too dry and it means Mama won't shock me when she pets me. I don't like getting shocks-- they're hurty! Last week Mama touched my tail and I yelped. Mama is very electric.

Things have changed, though. Mama has been very very busy! She likes her new job a lot, but it means she works hard. Some nights she comes home and has to keep working. A few weeks ago, I kept trying to play with her, but she had to work until very late. I don't like that, and it makes Mama sleepy, but she enjoys it.

She has also been traveling a lot, but just for the day. This means she gets up very early and gets home very late. Yesterday she woke up and got dressed and I saw her-- I thought I was late! Oh my goodness! So I came out of my crate and waited like a good boy, but she left without taking me for a walk. That was weird! I was confused, and I asked my papa what was up. Papa woke up and took me out and told me that Mama was traveling for the day but she would be back later. That was OK.

Then Papa drove me to daycare. Oh boy! I saw Mr. Mike and Mr. Josh and got so excited but I had to be a good boy while Papa checked me in. "Paaaaaapaaaa.... lemme go iiiiiiin!" Then one of the nice daycare ladies took my leash and I was off! I had so much fun! I ran and ran and got so tired-- I totally forgot that Mama was away. Papa picked me up and I fell fast asleep, and when we got home, I went to bed on the sofa.

A few hours later, the door opened. It was my mama! But I was so sleepy. I lifted my head up and she gave me kisses, then I went back to sleep. Mama came over with her cocktail and I put my head in her lap and it was so nice to have my mama back.

Today it is sunny so I might go outside and lie in the grass in my favorite sunny spot, but it is so cold I might change my mind.

Boys' Week

Things around here have been very nice but very quiet. Papa went back to classes on the 8th and Mama went back to work on the 5th. They both said it was a nice, relaxing break. Mama took me to the office last Friday and I had such a good time! I explored and played with my toys and get a chest rub from Miss Rachel. Mama's boss came in after we did and I was so happy to see him! I jumped and gave him hugs. He hugged me too. I like Mr. Steve! Mama says he wants a doggy and he likes having me around.

Last weekend was kinda quiet, but on Sunday afternoon, the big blue suitcase came out! Oh no! It smells like my mama and when she takes it outside, it means she's going away. And she did. I was very confused. When Papa came back from taking Mama to the airport, he said she went on a business trip and she was going to spend a week in Saratoga Springs. This was my face when he told me that:

Mama gone for a whole week??? What were we going to do????

It wasn't so bad. Papa played with me and took me for my walks. Papa likes to sleep late in the mornings, but I made him get up early and take me out to pee and poop. Sorry, Papa. We didn't do 5000 steps every morning like Mama and I do, but that's ok.  On Tuesday, Papa took me to daycare-- this was very special, since I usually go on Monday. I saw Mr. Mike and Mr. Josh and lots of my buds, and I ran and ran and ran and got so tired. I didn't miss Mama too much while I was at daycare. I also didn't scream when Papa dropped me off because I know Papa can take care of himself and he doesn't need me so I can just go in and have fun.

On Tuesday night, after Papa picked me up, it got cold and rainy here! Papa told me the weather was very dangerous because they expected the temperature to drop which meant the roads would be icy. Papa's Wednesday morning classes were cancelled! I woke up at the usual time, but then Papa opened the door and I looked outside and said NO WAY. I didn't go out to pee until I really had to. It was nice to curl up inside and sleep and stay warm.

We had a very fun boys' week. Papa took very good care of me! We played lots and lots and he went to Phydeaux and bought me special treats. We snuggled too. It was weird being without Mama, but it was fun to hang out with Papa.

On Friday the weather was back to normal. It was so warm and sunny out! Papa opened the back door and I ran out and found a great sunny spot.

We were having a very nice week. I missed Mama sometimes, but not too much. Then Papa went out for the evening with his friends and I hung out. A few hours later, the door opened. I figured it was my papa, but it turned out to be my mama! She was back! I was so happy to see her! I couldn't believe it, so I jumped on her and licked her face, and she tasted like she always did. She rubbed my butt and chest a lot and told me how much she missed me and how much she loves me and I was so happy to see my mama.

I helped Mama unpack and then we went to lie down on the sofa. Mama said she had a bad headache because it is very dry in Saratoga Springs and the airplanes make her head stuffy. Mama liked Saratoga a lot and she said I would like it too, even though it is very very cold right now. Mama said she will go back in the summer where they have a famous racetrack and she will see the horses. No thank you, Mama, I will stay here-- I hate horses. They are weird and I have to bark at them to protect my mama and papa. I would rather stay here in North Carolina and hang out in my backyard.

It is so nice having Mama back! She got into bed and I did too so I could keep her company. Papa came home late and they talked a lot and I listened some and went back to sleep. Mama woke up this morning and took me for a short walk-- she says she still doesn't feel great-- and it is so nice to be back to normal. My plan for this weekend is to hang out and snuggle my mama lots and lots.

Holidays and A Holiday!

We are very tired in my house today. We just drove back from South Carolina, which isn't anything like North Carolina, and it is gray and cold and yucky out. I have been saying hi to all my toys-- I missed them very much! But I had so much fun.

It is the holidays! Mama said I get two holidays-- Chanukah and Christmas. This is cool. It means I get lots of presents. Mama didn't get me anything for either holiday because I get stuff all the time, but Grandpa and Laura gave me a ducky, Bubbe and Zayde gave me a penguin. It was such an awesome few days! I had so much fun!

Then a few days ago, Mama and Papa packed bags and folded up my crate. It was very distressing! I thought they were leaving me! But we got in the car-- Mama put my crate blankie in the car-- and we drove and drove and drove... it turns out it was Christmas and we were going to see Aunt Bonnie! And we stayed at the beach!

I had never seen the beach before. Mama likes the beach a lot and she sent me pictures from their trip last year, but this was all new to me. I got my first look at the beach from our hotel room. It was very cool.

My favorite part of the whole trip was sitting in the sunny spot and watching the people on the beach.

The beach itself was ok. I like the sand and the smells. I like the reeds that wash up and the seagrass and the fun doggies who were out on their walks. But the ocean is SCARY! It rushes up and tries to get me. I didn't like that too much. But Mama said that was ok and we stayed further back. Here I am exploring!

Mama and Papa had Christmas dinner at Aunt Bonnie's and Uncle Andrew's. They said it was very nice and delicious but they missed me. Doggies are not allowed to go everywhere. I spent a lot of time in the hotel room in my crate, but that was ok. I hung out in front of the window and with my toys. Mama and Papa even gave me a bully stick!

We didn't stay in the hotel the whole time, though. We went out to eat too. I sat on patios and drank water and lots of nice servers said hi to me.

One day, Aunt Bonnie came to see us at the beach. I like Aunt Bonnie a lot. She has two doggies-- my cousins Roscoe and Marley. Marley was a scaredy-dog and didn't want to get out of the car, but eventually she came out and we sniffed and said hey. She was cool. Then Uncle Andrew came by with Roscoe and we all went to the beach. Roscoe is big and in charge and kind of wary of new doggies, so I let him sniff my butt and he decided I was ok. We all walked together on the beach and it was so fun. I tried to get Marley to play but she snapped at me, so I just walked, which was fine.

Mama and Papa took me to downtown Charleston, too. It's ok. Mama and Papa like Charleston a lot because it is pretty and old and there's very good food. It was nice and all, but it had too many horses! I don't like horses! They are big and weird. I barked at all of them! I warned Mama when I saw them coming and I yelled-- "Stay away from my mama!" Mama and Papa tried to make me stop, but it is my job to tell them when there is danger.

We saw nice things in Charleston, though, like this house that's named after me! So cool.

Mama and Papa went out to eat a lot in Charleston. I did not go with them, but Mama sent me this picture of a big vegetable plate at a cool restaurant called Husk. It was for Papa because he does not eat meat. They were both very happy.

On our last day, it was very foggy! I couldn't even see the beach from my spot.

So we got in the car and came home. It was a long drive, but I was very sleepy so I didn't mind-- I just curled up in the back with my blankies. Now we are home and I am so tired! I snuggled with all my toys and on my sofa with Mama and Papa and went to sleep. I miss the beach, but it is nice to be home.

Big Changes for Mama-- and Me!

Mama started her new job on Monday. It was very exciting! But it was also very tiring. Not only did Mama have a new job, she also had a Christmas concert to do on Tuesday, so it was a very busy week. On Monday, we got up and took our long walk, then Mama started doing things she hasn't done in a while, like putting on makeup and nice clothes and doing her hair. Then she LEFT. I was very confused! I am used to having Mama around.

On that first day, though, Mama came home in the afternoon! Yay! I can deal with that. She said the office didn't have Internet yet and she had to do a phone meeting, then she was done for the day. It was nice to have her around. Mama said it was good to have a slow first day and that she liked her office very much. On Tuesday, though, my mama was gone ALL DAY. She left from work to go straight downtown to do her concert. It was distressing. But Papa came home in the afternoon and took me out for a walk, and I liked being home with him. Mama got home late at night and I was so excited to see her! I miss my mama when she's not here.

On Thursday, Mama took me to daycare. I didn't like when she left me, but I had so much fun with all my daycare friends-- we ran and ran and ran and got so tired. Then on Friday, Mama got up extra early. We went on a shorter-than-usual walk-- turns out Mama had to take Papa to school early for his finals. He has been very busy. Finals are extremely important, so Papa works hard when he's at home. That's ok. I hang out with him and watch and make sure no one bothers him. But back to Friday-- after she came back home, Mama showered and had breakfast and got ready and then she got out a bag and put Rhinococerus and Bunny in it! She got my travel bowl! This was exciting!

We went to Mama's office! Mama works in a very nice office that is wide open with only three other people. When we got there, it was empty, so I explored. After I checked every nook and cranny for cats (no cats! Yay!), I settled on the nice rug in the sunny spot by the front with my toy.

It was so nice. Mama's co-workers started to come in and I liked them very much! Two of them have doggies and the third, Mama's boss, has human puppies but wants a doggy too. They rubbed my belly and said nice things to me. It was so fun!

Mama and I left at lunch and went to run an errand. Mama had to pick up the new bag Papa got her for Chanukah, and she took me into the store! I met a nice older doggy named Rae. We sniffed and said hey, then Mama and I chatted a bit with the nice ladies, then we left and went home. It was so fun! I came home and fell fast asleep. Papa came home later and took me for a walk, then we slept some more. Mama and Papa went to a dinner at the synagogue, but when they came home, they snuggled with me on the sofa.

This morning, Mama and I walked for a long time-- 6600 steps!-- and now I am very tired, but it was a very good week. Even though there are changes and there is a lot to get used to, it is a very exciting time for all of us.