Heading for Home

After a lovely weekend with the fam ... we loaded up the kennel and headed for Lincoln.  It's a really long drive from Denver to Lincoln.  After about 6 solid hours of riding on Mom's lap and looking out the passenger side of the car, I decided to see how the other half lives. 

While I was hanging on Dad's side, I thought I'd lend a hand with the driving.

We finished Saturday at the Colorado Railroad Museum.  The collection of rail cars, including full size and scale model trains, was amazing.




Dad, Nana, Opa and Uncle Buck at the Colorado Railroad Museum 

 



Dad looking like he's ready to ride the rails ...

   

The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum and The Astor House were next on the list of destinations.  Needless the say, we fellas left the quilt museum to Mom and Nana.  They enjoyed a collection of Baltimore albums by Ann Elliot quilts and art quilts by Kathie Kerler. 

The Astor House is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The hotel opened as a prominent hostelry by a founding father of Golden.  However, as it's luster faded, the hotel changed hands, survived fires, transitioned to a boarding house as well as a stint as a hospitality hotel.   I do believe this is an ambiguous description for a hotel where women 'entertained' their gentlemen callers. 



Mom and Nana on the balcony of The Astor House



On Saturday, our sightseeing excursion began at Red Rocks.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an open-air amphitheatre. The venue has hosted some amazing acts, as well as a few that don't quite meet the level of amazing. The natural acoustics are supposed to be amazing.  Nana and Opa said the many concerts, including the Further tour that brought them to Red Rocks this time, have been amazing.

Nana and Dad



Mummy and Opa

We took Nana to Boulder to visit her alma mater, the University of Colorado. Ralphie is the university's mascot. This picture was taken outside the stadium.

Nana likes to tell the story that in her day, the dining facility was named for Alfred G Packer. A cannibalistic prospector. I'll include the wiki link here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alferd_Packer

After departing Boulder, we took advantage of a perfect opportunity and drove the scenic mountain route to take in the quaking Aspens.

Unless you have experienced this for yourself, it may be somewhat difficult to describe. The Aspens quiver and shiver ... as if they are trembling on their branches. It's positively

fascinating. The juxtaposition of the brilliant gold of the Aspens interspersed among the deep rich green of the evergreen forest is fabulous. Our timing to see these beautiful autumn colors could not have been more perfect.

Day 1 of our travels took us to Golden where Nana, Opa and Uncle Buck patiently waited for us to arrive. With a six o'clock dinner reservation, we made the most of our few hours of daylight. We drove up Lookout Mountain.

Here's a shot of the fam overlooking the city of Golden. Over Dad's shoulder is the Denver Skyline.

Atop Lookout Mountain, we visited the site of the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum and gravesite. Here's a snapshot of the gravesite.

And here's a photo of the carved likeness in the gift shop standing next to Pop.

After our visit, we wound our way down the mountain, where we found ourselves face to face with some of the locals. This was a seriously up close experience.

We closed the evening with an exceptional dinner at the Briarwood Inn. If you find yourself in Golden and ready for a lovely meal, you can't go wrong here.

Road Trip

There's a first time for everything ... and this is my first road trip. Mom and Dad headed west for the weekend to see Nana, Opa and Uncle Buck. This time I will get to come along.

So we packed a bag, programmed the Garmin and loaded up the car ...

I'm ready.

Is this flora or fauna?

Dad and I found this ... on the side of the house. At first glance, I had to ask myself if it was animal, vegetable or mineral ...

Scottish Terrier Property Laws

Nana helped me with these ...

1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my mouth, it’s mine.
3. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine
4. If I can take it away from you, it’s mine.
5. If it just looks like mine, it’s mine.
6. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours.
7. If I saw it first, it’s mine.
8. If it’s edible, it’s mine.
9. If you have something and put it down, it’s mine.
10. If I chew something up, all the pieces are mine.
11. If I get tired of it, it’s yours.
12. If I want it back, it’s mine.

Applejack Festival

Mom and Dad took a trip to Nebraska City for the 43rd annual Applejack Festival.

The flooding along the Missouri River is bad and Highway 2 is still closed. Mom described seeing the river current flowing over the road as a surreal experience. From what we understand, the river will likely freeze this winter before the water recedes.

Never let it be said that my old man isn't a great guy ... this little jaunt was all about Mama. While they were in Nebraska City, they visited not one, but two craft fairs and the Kimmel orchard, where they enjoyed caramel apples, apple cider, and apple pie. After the orchard, a quick stop at the Pendelton outlet where Mom made a friend...Sir Wooliam.

A classic car show was also part of the weekend festivities. The guy that owns this Highland (not kidding here ...) green Mustang gets the prize 2nd best vanity plate ...ever.

My Kind of Saturday

Autumn has come to Nebraska.

The weather has cooled, the leaves have begin to turn and Dad and I get to spend our Saturdays doing what we love best ... watching the Huskers take on the non-conference cupcakes willing to come to Memorial Statdium to take their beating and collect their paychecks.

Tennessee Chattanooga ... check
Fresno State ... check
Washington ... check

Air Show

The Guardians Freedom Airshow came to town. Mom and Dad went took a trip out to the airfield to see the World War II aircraft.

Here's Pops standing next to a P-38 Lightning.

The itch you can't scratch ...

Sitting at the dinner table the other night, Mom and Dad were sharing stories and I overheard Dad recounting a dream he'd had the night before.

He was saying that he rarely recalls his dreams. From there, he went on to describe what he says was an unremarkable but particularly vivid dream. He said that he had this incredible tickling sensation in his ear, and that although he had a Q tip, he could not satisfy the itch .. no matter how he tried.

Just about then, he said he woke up and discovered the tip of my tail in his ear ...

*Tee-Hee*

While cruising the aisles at Trader Joe's, Mom happened on these ...

Seems to me, everyone is trying to jump on the band wagon.

This is the ...

... kind of thing that goes on .... right under my very wet nose ...

Do you think if I looked up the word 'chillax' in the Urban Dictionary, I'd find this picture?

Patti LaBelle isn't the only one with a new attitude ...

Today started out like any other Wednesday ... a sunny tour of my backyard, a chance to greet my pals squirrel and bunny; which was quickly followed by the most important meal of the day. And then, as luck would have it ... came the proffer of a cookie and the promise of a ride in the car.

I should have known better than to think this was my chance for the quintessential wind-in-my-hair moment ... this morning's joy ride found us in the parking lot of my barbershop. I will allow that a component of the deal that I made when I adopted Mom and Dad included regular visits to the groomer, but today, I was simply not in the mood.

I had no problem exhibiting my displeasure. When Chris, my regular tonsorial artist, tried to buy my consideration with a treat, I respectfully declined. Whether I liked it or not .. I was getting a new 'do.

I do, however, know who will be held responsible.

So when Mummy arrived a few hours later to collect her wee bairn, using that pitchy voice she uses when she is trying to get what she wants ... I simply turned away. She'll need to work a little harder to win back my affections.

The Great Cludini

Every great magic trick consists of three parts. The first part is called 'The Pledge'. The magician shows you something ordinary ... a deck of cards, a bird or a man. He shows you this object. Perhaps he asks you to inspect it. The second act is called 'The Turn'. The magician takes the ordinary something and makes it do something extraordinary. Now you're looking for the secret.

But making something disappear isn't enough ... you have to bring it back. That's why every magic trick has a third act, the hardest part, the part we call 'The Prestige'. Here's my pledge ... I can neither get into nor get out of the big bed. To that end, I require that either Mom or Dad pick me up. This pledge has been two years in the making.

Last night was your typical slumber party with Me, Mom and Dad all jockeying for the prime real estate. At some point in the middle of the night, Mom did protest when she woke up to find me curled around her head. I'm pretty sure that's the last she remembers until Dad rolled over and asked her "Where's Cluny?"

Mom begins to feel around in the covers, searching for me amid the blankets and pillows. Imagine her surprise when she comes up empty and starts to look around the shadowy bedroom, only to find me looking up at her from the floor.

Adhering to the magician's credo, I shall not reveal the secret of my prestige. The two of them have been been scratching their heads all day trying to figure out how I got out of bed ...

The Ritual of Office Dog

As many of you know, my Pops has a satellite office here in the basement of our house. When Dad's got a little extra work to do, instead of heading downtown, he can just steer himself downstairs.

He and I have an interesting ritual that takes place at the basement threshhold, and it usually involves Dad, me and a few cookies. I know when he opens the door, if I am to score the oaty goodness of my heart's desire, I need only take a strategically placed seat in the doorway. If I wait on the very top step, he can't close the door behind me. So begins the sea saw wherein he tries to coax me down the stairs, and I angle for as many treats as I can get.

When I think I've run out my string, I will bound enthusiastically down the stairs, collect my chew bones, and take up my favorite spot in the middle of the office floor for my well deserved nap.

Mama and the Monkey

If she's making friends with this squirrel monkey ... it can only mean one thing. Mum is really starting to miss me.

Fear not ... I'll be right here at home ... waiting for you.

What's a trip to Mexico ...

... without a little time on the beach.









Here's Mom and Dad on Tulum Beach.

And a feathery friend on the craggy coral reef.

The surf.

The Flora and the Fauna

The folks encountered more than a few furry friends while they were away.

The macaws are so beautiful, But you can't get a live one through customs, the craftsmen that create the ceramic Talavera folk art capture their beauty.

The ring tail lemurs are everywhere and you can encounter them anywhere. They have really imprinted on people and show absolutely no fear when approaching people. The picture was taken at night with a flash (hence the glowing eyes). They aren't nearly this frightening in real life, they are actually quite cute.

The Mexican Spiny Tail iguana are prevalent as well. This one is a male ... you can tell by the stripes on his back.

It's a Great Day for a Birthday!

While in Mexico, Mom celebrated her birthday. She was made to feel quite special when the staff at the restaurant delivered a birthday cake complete with candles, a bottle of champagne, and 4 piece Mariachi band to serenade her.

The quartet sang three songs for her including a special love song and a lively rendition of Happy Birthday (with all of the restaurant patrons joining in to sing along).

Looking at this group, one could guess these blokes have posed for more than a few pictures.

The Flaming Waterfall of Coffee

You start with a little coffee, add some Kahlua, a jigger of whiskey, and some fire. Add a little bit of fire and finish it off with a dollop of Chantilly cream.

You have yourself a pretty impressive after dinner treat

Viva Mexico

Mom and Dad found a Mexican festival in Dona Isabella that included a carnival and a mechanical bull. Neither fancy themselves the rodeo-in' type, so they were more interested in the entertainment.

The Mayan dance troupe performed a ritual Tun-Teleche dance. Mom was pretty excited to be photographed with a couple of the performers.

Next was a complement of traditional Mexican folk dancers. The costumes were beautiful.

A 10-piece mariachi band provided accompaniment.

And Away We Go ...

I love me Mum and me Dad very much ... but occasionally I think it's best that they allow me some time with my friends. I booked myself a week at Chez Spellmeyer so I could hang out with Jenny and Piper.

The 'rents took advantage of the free time and stole away to Mexico for a week.

After an early start, a long day of travel, and an even longer ride to the hotel in Tulum, the first order of business, was a little sustenance. Here's Dad with a tasty Margarita and some of the best pico de gallo you ever ate.

Mother Nature loves Nebraska. I know this because just when you think you can’t take another minute of the cold, blustery, snowy, drizzly, sleety weather, we get a few days where it warms up. For example, two weeks ago, Tuesday, it was 6 degrees and last Tuesday, it was 59 degrees.

These warm days are the promise of Spring yet to come. On a glorious sunny day, Mummy will afford me the luxury of talking our daily stroll, sans sweater (Doesn’t she realize I’m already rocking a fur coat .. but that’s a rant for another day!). When it’s balmy and beautiful like that, some of the neighborhood fauna will emerge from their winter dens to catch a few rays and warm their bones.

Including the neighborhood robin. While he’s no friend of mine, he’s no more endeared himself to Dad, what with the constant need to fend off other robins that are of perceived danger by dive bombing the windows. Silly robin is merely attacking his own reflection. In an effort to dissuade that darn bird from continually bombarding the house and making me very nervous in the process, Dad has installed these rather large, rather ominous looking owls.

As you can see, the deterrent factor is valueless as the robin isn’t the least bit afraid.

According to our next door neighbor, Eric Newman … what we need is a meaner looking owl.

How May I Help You?

We had a visitor come to the house this morning to do some minor home repairs.

After doing my bit as the official Scottish welcome wagon, mummy removed me from the situation so my new friend, Matt, could get down to the business at hand. In an effort to redirect some of my over-the-top energy, mum offered me a bit of kibble and whisked me away to the kitchen.

For a moment, she thought she had me, but you know, when at the precise moment she turned her back in order to fill up my dish, I wriggled out of my den and bolted up the stairs to see what I could do to offer my own brand of doggie help.

As it turns out, Matt was happy to greet me (again!) but hardly needed my advice, and he was quite able to complete the task without my input.

*Yawn* ... *Stretch*

According to a recent study ... researchers have determined that sleeping with your cat or dog could present a health hazard.

Sure, I suppose, if one has pet allergies, that could be bad. The same holds true for an itchy dog. In my neck of the woods, it's not unheard of to have one's collar removed in the dark of night to stifle the bothersome jingling of tags.

We could also discuss how sleeping with your dog disrupts sleep patterns. This certainly isn't an issue for us, as I am happiest snoozing atop mom's pillows while she adapts to make sure I have plenty of room to assure my restful slumber. One can see she's only interested in my comfort.

After all, isn't it true that dogs will only sleep with people they trust ... so this is, in my estimation, a compliment.

The Most Important Game of the Year

Today is a really big day; first, for Nana and Opa, they are celebrating their 28th anniversary.

As for the American sports fan, we'll witness the greatest spectable in our sports-obsessed culture. I know that I have been patiently waiting all year for this match up!! I can't help myself, I'm simply transfixed by the television!

The teams have been chosen, the fans are assembled, and we are ready to witness the most important game of the year. This year's contest pits two gridiron greats with storied histories and fanbases that are second to none. The analysts are calling for a close game; even the Las Vegas oddsmakers have set the line at 4 points ... a close contest, indeed.

And in just a few short hours ... we will know who will be anointed the victor ... It's time for Puppy Bowl VII.

Oh ... and apparently there was a football game too ...

Is She Kidding??

I was outside this afternoon .. getting my fill of snowy fun.

Mother, the spoil-sport that she is, was trying to convince me to come inside. Really? Does she honestly think that my agenda and her schedule have anything to do with one another?

"Don't you want to come in" ... "I have to go" ... "Time for a treat"

Yeah ... I think you should try reasoning and logic .. that oughta convince me ...

Silly Rabbit.

Crusty the Snowman ...

At present, we have a few inches of snow on the ground. It's winter, and as it happens, we get a couple of inches of snow about once a week or so. Our last snowfall was Sunday, we got 6 wonderful inches of puffy, fluffy January snow. It's not too hard ... it's not too soft ... it's just right.

After the snow, the other weather phenomena we regularly experience in between our routine snow events, is the warming interval. Sometimes, the warm spell means 15-20 degrees and sometimes, it's 45. During our current wintery time out, we've scored a nice few days where the highs have reached into the upper 40s.

Take it from someone who has taken many an afternoon stroll when it's bleary, cold and damp. Those days when some of us have to don a sweater. The assault on my dignity not withstanding, the sweater thing, most definitely Mom's idea. Any who ... when we get a whack at a 40 degree day ... It's. Like. Heaven.

Today was that day !!

For every upside, you know there's got to be a down. On days like today with the vast termperature inversions, a hard crust forms on the snow. So imagine my surprise as I take off into the frozen tundra, prepared to take the next snowdrift by storm ... when .. I bust through the icy crust and ... bam ... right up to my shoulder. And as I pull my foot up to move forward ... bam ... right up to my shoulder. I wish I wasn't so surprised with every step, but I just am ...

Happy Birthday ...

Today is Robert Burns birthday ...

Robert Burns is a poet and the 2nd favorite son of Scotland ... take a wild guess who's first ...

This Guy ....

It's My Turf ...

and I am not gonna share ... especially with the squirrels.

Mom has a squirrel feeder on the deck .. so we'll just say she wants those varmits here. But me, not so much.

Today, I think I'll take 'em on and show the squirrels who's boss.

Just one leetle problem, when the squirrels are up in the trees, I think I may need a boost.