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