The wise, old Astro, left moves in gently to welcome baby Levi, while Gus, a.k.a. "Bat Ears," stands back

The Introduction of Levi

Levi, a pure bred black Labrador Retriever was born into the family of good friends on December 17th, 2010.  His mom is a 6-year-old black beauty named Lucy and this was her first and last litter of 11 pups.  Levi was a christmas gift to my husband and I, as we had lost our beloved Labrador, Sam, last Thanksgiving when a  kid in our neighborhood (where the speed limit is posted at 15 miles per hour) hit and mortally wounded Sam, who weighed in at around 100 lbs.  We were terribly saddened by our loss, and miss the gentle giant of our hearts to this very day. 

In 22 years, my husband, Dave (who took this photo), and I have known the kind of love Labs and dogs of labrador extraction have brought to our home,  and are sure this kind of dog will always be welcome,  as they are truly loving and devoted. 

We were blessed with the new pup as a generous Christmas gift from our good friends, the Dellingers.

So . . . Let's heare a BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE for our new puppy, LEVI!!!! We love ya little dude!

The Foot Warmer Position

Has Been Filled ...Others Need Not Apply



Tooties are toasty  thanks to Gus

Nothing beats a warm-hearted pup to knock the chill off your toes and feet!   Our young

man, Gus, struck a pose one cold morning while the hubby and I prepared for work.  He's a

lively thing and is always under foot . . . or over feet (literally, and figuratively)!  He's a great bed warmer, too.  Often, he burrows under the covers to nestle in the crook of my knees as I drift off to sleep.  He's the guardian of my dreams!





Christmas 2010 Has Flown By!



Just a "smidge" of the holiday booty

And . . . at last I bid the Christmas season of  2010 adieu! All the appetizers have been eaten, every supper that could be supped has been, all the gatherings and parties and tinsels and bells - done and gone.

Every year seems to have a gift giving theme.  For, all who know me either know me well or ... well, they don't know me. 

This year was the year of the bag.  I received a variety of cosmetic bags, tote bags, a hand bag and even a fancy table hook on which to hang my hand bag, but I think my hand bag might be altogether too hefty for it to be supported by a mere hook.  (An industrial crane might do the trick better!)

I now have more neck scarves and gloves and, judging by the looks of it, I may need them in the oncoming winter days.  BUT, my lips won't be chapped because it was also the year of lip balms so my kisser will be smooth. 

I've got pedicure implements and skin creams, long underwear and fleece pajamas.  I got treated to lunch and dinner a few times by my compadres.  I have books of inspiration and refrigerator magnets.  And, just so I can keep up with my own bad self in 2011, three new calendars, too!

And, by chance I get snowed in again I'll have a wonderful 500-piece puzzle  depicting my favorite birds to put together (I'm not real good at it ... uh, it might carry me through the summer, actually).

And . . . last but certainly not least, the hubby and I will have a fresh-off-the-vine black Lab puppy coming in late February.  Our dear friends' hunting Lab had a litter of 11 two weeks before Christmas and, since we lost our beloved chocolate Lab, Sam, last Thanksgiving they are lovingly gifting us with a male black Lab puppy!

That pretty much sums it up.  Oh yeah . . . HECK of a good New Year's Eve party Deb and Robert! A good time was had by all. (Or, in my case, I was also had by a good time - wink, wink.)

Happy New Year everyone!