Hootie Gives A Tour of The Condo Grounds

Just click on collage to enlarge the pictures.

We took lots of video footage of me walking around our condo common areas so I could show Agatha my Phoenix "stomping grounds". (She has agreed to attend a rodeo with me this summer--up in farrr N.Idaho!! Aroooo!!) Anyway, Mommy was afraid some of our dog bloggers might not be able to pull that much video up at once, so we decided to post the videos on our special events blog. If you would like to see the videos just click on this: Special Events and watch them! For now, I hope you enjoy the 2 collages I made of my walk about. I included shots of several different types of cactus and of course there is one of me watering one of the bushes. I try to help out the landscapers as much as possible. I also included a bougainvillea as the flowers are such a pretty color. I also enjoy eating them when they get dried out. yum. Signing off for now. It's getting late here & time for bed.

I hope to see you all at Myrna and Gilbert's wedding! WelshieHugs, Hootie

My Primitive Sampler ~*A is for Angel*~

(FREE DOODLE JUST RIGHT CLICK AND PRINT)

Sometimes I find myself with a little free time setting in a doctor's office or waiting on the dear ol' hubby at Lowe's or Home Depot so I usually have a little handwork that I leave in the truck for just those times.

Once upon a time not so long ago I did several different alphabet samplers and ran across them today and I thought why not make one up one myself. So here is one of my free doodles just for you.

I made up the "A is for Angel" in about 15 minutes so I plan to keep them quick, easy, and a little bit prim.

I'll offer one or two every week and once I get them all done I'll finish them up into a sampler quilt and then I'll have a giveaway for the completed little quilt.

Until then feel free to click and print off the pattern for your own use. I'm making my blocks about 4" square but you choose whatever size is best for you. You can also use them for needle punch, rug hooking, folk art or whatever suits your fancy. I'd love to see what you come up with.

Happy Trails....Ginger

Heading home

As much as I love a good walk, there is always something so nice about getting on that last little bit of the path home, when you can see your gate in the distance and you know that big bowl of cool water is just waiting for you. Our grass has turned a lovely shade of green now and the trees are finally starting to get some leaves....they seemed to take a long time to wake up this year. We even have a pair of doves nest making in the tree near our back door which I am not too happy about, they coo and make funny noises all the time. Mom thinks they are cute!!!

I forgot to mention - there is no rush if anyone wants to take part in my photo challenge.....I will leave it open for a couple of weeks as it's still not that warm in some places and I know our peoples don't always like to go out when it is cold or raining. I will put up some reminders every now and again.

Hmmmm No Fire Hydrants - Well How About....

Okay - I am seeing a theme here about some of you poochies not having any fire hydrants, (personally I think this is outrageous and you should take it up with your city councils - I mean to bark - what's a dog to do without a fire hydrant?????) Anyway.... there must be a regular 'thing' along your walk where you check the pee-mail messages??? A mail box, an electrical box, an electric pole, a favorite tree, the neighbors car tires ...... come on guys......I know you are creative, there has to be something you can find. You do go for walkies don't you???? Just out of curiosity I went on my favorite cowspot Moogle and did a search and look what we found.....fire hydrants you can buy for your own!!! - how woofitty is that...your very own hydrant. Make a note for Crispmas everyone. Okay, so no more excuses.....cameras, leads and noses at the ready - off you go!

Who is up for a challenge?

Okay, it's not difficult, and it will get them hoomans off the couch and out for walk - and what could be better then that? The challenge is - show us your fire hydrants !!!! Now of coarse we poochies KNOW where every single one is in our neighborhoods - for don't we all stop and check and sniff the pee-mail to see who has been there....but them hoomans, they walk past them and don't even notice half the time. So out with the camera and leads....and off you go!!! Here are two we found...actually we found 5 in our neighborhood....most had red tops tops but we did find one with a green top. Well - what are you waiting for.........get out there and start looking! Oh, did we mention that there will be a prize for the best photo - no...well there will!!

QQ & AA's With Baby Rocket Dog

Good morning Dear Readers! Once again I am here with answers to many of your burning questions.

From a favorite fellow of mine comes the following:

April 5, 2009, 8:51AM, Hamish Westie says...Hi Baby. I think this post has confirmed, for all of us on the other side of the Pond, that our dear American cousins just haven't got the hang of football (soccer) yet. Perhaps I could come over and explain the rules?? Cheers! H.

Baby Rocket Dog: Darling H., I would like nothing better than for you to get your fuzz butt over here and explain the finer points of football. It is obvious that Hootie hasn't got the flick on it! While you are at it, perhaps you could enlighten us as to what is really under those kilts!

tula said... Oh nooooo...Baby Rocket & Hootie. huh, a toy that becomes a hat. how clevah! Love the look. Bet your mommie is so proud of you! For football season the same thing?
2 funny kiss kisses, tula

Baby Rocket Dog: Sweet Tula. This is an easy one to answer. NO (American) football at our hoomans house! Our Mommy finds it one of the dullest games in existence. We are baseball, basketball and soccer fans here. PLEASE dear readers, no feedback on our dislike of football. That plane has landed.

April 7,2009, 5:11PM, Mason Dixie said...
Do you have a cat around? or know a cat I am sure they could help you out if you paid them enough with treats. Look into it.and tigger could be yours once more =)

Baby Rocket Dog: We once had a cat named Chuck. Lovely to look at, but completely worthless as far as helping with anything. Mommy found his bell collar the other day and when the little bell tinkled I got all excited and was looking around for him. I guess I still have a special place in my heart for old Chuckie boy, even though he wasn't crazy for me and my puppy antics.Good qq Mason!

April 11, 2009, 5:36PM, Norwood Unleashed said... Still waiting for your trademark silly hats photo. Here's a question. How many outfits and hats do you have?

Baby Rocket Dog: Now you're talkin'!! First I'll inventory my outfits here in Phoenix (I still have some snow gear up in Idaho). I own a pink & plaid, reversible rain coat, a pink, lined winter wrap, a (fake) fur stole, what I call my Sonny Bono suede vest,a really cool Mexican beach cover up, 3 t-shirts with numbers or sayings on, of course my tierra, and I've lost count of my collars and bandannas! Now Hootie is the hat guy. He does have 2 winter coats, a pair of swim trunks,a polo shirt and a couple baseball shirts, but his sailor uniform is his favorite(it started out as a sailor dress but Mom modified it for him). He just got a sailor hat recently to add to his collection, making a total of 5 hats!

And here he is! TaaDaa!

What causes brake squeal? Oops, wait that goes with my Car Facts column! Never mind!!

So Dear Readers, I bid you a fond adieu for now. Hootie has prepared a "walk about" of our place here in Phoenix for his pup friend,Agatha, so stay tuned for that. Hope you have a lovely day!

AireSmooches & Hugs, BRD

Punchneedle & Rug Hooking Updates

I've put the finishing touches on several punchneedle projects and will be listing them in the LPS and CFP shops in the next day or so. I also finished up a couple of small hooked items. Just click on the logo's on the left and see what we have in just a few days.

The weather here has turned off cool again and I'm anxious to get the fishing pole and head down to the pond. I think it's about time to introduce a little one to the fun of fishing. Hopefully he will enjoy it as much as I do.

Happy Trails....Ginger

The Storms Keep Comin'....

It's tornado season here in Oklahoma and the last few days stormy weather is making everyone keep an eye on the skies.


We got busy this afternoon and got a big part of the garden planted. Soon we hope to be enjoying lots of fresh veggies.



The pastures are sure greening up and the cattle, wild turkeys and an occasional flock of geese are enjoying the crisp green grasses.


We also have a good crop of red clover and it sure is pretty blowing in the wind.


Yesterday was filled with going to the Farm Show with my Mom since Danny and my Dad went to a farm auction. Later we went to celebrate the birthday of my Great-Uncle who turned 90.
Later that evening I met up with Danny and we went to another birthday party for his Dad. He turns 76 on Tuesday. I finally got a picture of him where he's not making a silly face!

All in all it was a busy weekend with a watchful eye on the storms. As I close out the post the thunder is rolling across the praires and plains once more. Hope each of you had a wonderful weekend, too!

Happy Trails....Ginger

With such sadness

Is is with such sadness that we share the news that Charlie (Carlie Cewe) has passed away. She really was an amazing little gal, having lived on three continents and spending her final years in my moms home country of Australia. Even more amazing is Charlie passed away on ANZAC day (Australia New Zealand Army Corps). This is a very special day in Australia as it day to remember fallen heroes (much like Memorial Day in the USA) Charlie was certainly a hero and gave 15 years of unconditional love and devotion to her family. Please visit her website to see the beautiful tribute her mom has posted. We know Charlie is running and playing and forever young again on the other side of the rainbow bridge and that she will wait patiently for many many years to see her family again but our hearts still ache and we will still miss our little buddy and on ANZAC day - we will all remember this little hero. Dog Bless Charlie.

THANK YOU LUDO AND DEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh wow - I don't think I have ever been so excited!!!! I got this big parcel and it was addressed to me (okay and to mom too - BUT mainly to me!!) and it came all the way from England. Mom says that is a very long way away. Mom has been there and even lived there for awhile but she says I haven't. Anyway, I gave the parcel a real good sniffing all over and that I scratched at it with my paw. Mom thought it might be a good idea if she helped me open it....and look what was inside. There was a letter from Ludo and his mom Dee and there was a stuffy cow for me and guess what ?????? it moos!!!!!! It scared me a little when I first heard it, but now I love it.

And look what Ludo's mom Dee made........it is a miniature me!!! Is this totally amazing or what!!! My mom absolutely loves it and can't wait to show my dad when he get home tonight. It is so perfect, it has my markings and my patches. Mom says she wasn't sure if this is how I was originally sat on the block as I had come unglued and the little lead had broke but mom glued it back together so it might not be quite the same as when when Dee made it. Mom says this is going to have pride of place on our mantle as it's not every day we get our very own personalised figurine. Oh...did you notice the little ball too....isn't that cute. Thank you so much Ludo and Dee, you made our day very special :)

It's me

Yes, it is me - well who else did you think it would be? We have been having some simply wonderful weather which means it has been warm enough for us to go for walkies each morning and what could be better than that? Well yes, to go walkies each evening too, and car rides, and trips to the pet store and trips to the park....oh right, we do all of that! What can I say, my mom spoils me :)

Silly mom also forgot to show to show you the wonderful cup that the dad found at Wisconsin Dells when he went there recently. This is actually a ceramic travel mug not one of those metal ones and of coarse it has a sheltie on it, so what could be better. It sort of ....kind of.....okay if you squint a lot....looks like me :) And look at that neat paw print on the back of the cup. Mom loves her cups of tea but has a bad habit of forgetting to drink them so dad thought this would help to to keep them warm. Talking of Dad - he is in a place called Phoenix - Arizona at the moment and he says I would not like it there at all as it is very hot - 99 degrees there. He says mom would like it though as they have planted lots of Australian gums trees there and he said the air smells of eucalyptus. I have no idea what he is talking about....I just heard the word hot and that was enough for me not to like it.

We Have A Winner!

"Dan & Sloan"

The names were all thrown into the hat and my Dad just happened by this morning so he had the honor of pulling out the name....so the winner of the Rug Hooking book is
Vicki of The Hogscald Holler!

Be sure and pop over to her blog when you get a chance to see what has been happening in her neck of the woods.

I'll be having another giveaway in May so stop back in soon and see what will be next. Have a wonderful Friday!

Happy Trails...Ginger

Two Views~~~Same Mess & An Award!

Cassie here, Baby Rocket Dog & Hootie's human mommy. I'm taking over the post for a brief explanation of these pictures. We are trying to get some things ready for the trip to our cabin up north & I have them piled on the sofa in our extra bedroom. I had to go to the post office this afternoon and left BRD & Hootie home alone. An hour later I came home to THIS! Splenda, my favorite St. Dalfour's teabags, wrapping paper and even my electric piano headphones scattered all over the living room floor. These were all things I had in my pile to go up north. Many of the Splenda packets were broken open and several tea bags chewed up in their foil packaging. Both criminals got put in the lock-up for a short time. Neither appear remorseful. I guess I need to be less trusting of the little villains. Thanks for letting me vent.

Now, back to us! This award came to us from our new, Scottish buddies, the Dughallmor Beagles. Thanks so much for thinking of us. "Comprovado! Seu blog tem nectar" is Portuguese for "Proven! This (it's) blog has nectar." How sweet! We would like to pass this on to these doglettes: Scruffy, Stanley and Lacie ~ the holy terriers from S,S & L's Place, an Arizona gal Ruby Red Dog of A Red Dog in the Red Rocks, Charlie from Cotton Candy Clouds, Miley & Mariah of the High Kountry Airedales Pack, and Pedro the rock hound of Vote For Pedro. Congrats buddies! Your blogs have nectar!!

Smooches from pooches,
Baby Rocket Dog & Hootie

Leptospirosis

I went to see my lady vet yesterday to have the first of my leptospirosis shots. This is a bacteria that is found in most animals including livestock and wildlife and is passed via the urine into the water sources and can live in the soil for many years. It is especially recommended for dogs that are living in an area that was once farm land (where I live it was a dairy farm just 5 years ago) and it also recommended for dogs that go to State parks where there is wildlife - something I also do a lot. This is a contagious disease that can be passed from one dog to another and to humans too and as there has been quite a few cases around here lately mom decided it would be better to be "safe then sorry". I had my shot and then we had to wait half an hour to make sure I didn't haven't any any reaction to it.....I didn't and everything was fine. I have to go back in two weeks and have the second shot and then I will be covered. I am also one happy dog today, the temperature has shot up and mom had to put the air conditioning on - which meant I got to lay on my nice cool vent - oh how I have missed my cool vent - sigh!

Some Cool Awards To Pass On

Checkers the Peek-a-Poo has given us two really cool awards and we are honored. They are the Proximidade Award and the Neno's Award. Thank you so much for thinking of us when you are in such poor health Checkers. You are a real sweetie and so selfless. If our friends here haven't gone over to Checker's blog, please give it a peek(a-poo!!). Thanks Checkers, we posted a thank you on the sidebar for you! Check it out.

Here are the write-ups on these awards:

This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award. (All this prize requires is to pass it on!)

Neno's Award: ~As a dedication for those who love blogging activity and love to encourage friendships through blogging.

~To seek the reason why we all love blogging.

~Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it.

~Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.

~Answer the Award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.

~Tag and distribute the Award to as many people as you like.

~ Remember to notify the awardees and put their links in your post.

Hootie: Okey dokey. The reason I love blogging is that it keeps me off the streets. No, not really, cuz I was never really on the streets. Well, once, but that's for another post. Back on subject. I love blogging because it lets me interact with others from other walks of life. Whether getting to take a virtual tour through a park or museum in Europe or sharing a hot dog with a new friend at a sidewalk cafe' in Portland, it makes me feel like I'm a part of something bigger than myself. Yes pups, I am a deep, deep doggy!!

Baby Rocket Dog: Oh my, Hootie is a real little philosopher! My turn. I love blogging because it lets me express my thoughts and share them with others. Not that they are all that deep, but it's just a lot of fun.

We're going to try to find some doglettes that haven't yet received these awards. SO, here are our awardees: Amy, Betty and Hersey from Unglazed, Opy the Original Gruff Puppy, Marvin The Hollow Hound, Hamish the Westie, Hamish (the Airepup!),Tinkerbell,Oscar and Tucker at You Had Me At Arf!, Noah and the girls from Noah's Bark, Sally from across the pond, the famous (they have over 500 followers!!)Sola, Nigel and Fudgepants at Life With Dogs, the 4 sweeties at Rocky Creek Scotties , and lastly Molly and Taffy our British doppelgangers. Congratulations to you all! Don't forget to visit everyone's blog.

Toodles for now,

Hootie & Baby Rocket Dog

Wool Rug Hooking Giveaway!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

It's time for another giveaway and this month I'm giving away this book Wool Rug Hooking by Tara Darr. Perhaps you have never tried rug hooking or maybe you are a seasoned hooker. Well either way this book is filled with lots of information on tools and supplies, color choices and dyeing, basic techniques, finishing and aftercare. It also has 23 patterns!

Even if you aren't a rug hooker you can use the patterns for needle punching. Along with the book I'm going to send along a hook to get you started.

If you would like to sign up just leave a comment on this post and if you don't have a blog just leave your email address.

I'll draw a winner on Friday, April 24th.

Happy Trails....Ginger

The convergence

It was such a nice sunny afternoon that we decided to go for a drive. We had no idea where we we going, we were just "following the road to see where it takes us" is what the mom said. Where it took us was this really cool place called the Convergence. It is where the Missouri River on the right of the picture meets the Platt River on the left. When they combine they become the Mighty Missouri. Mom was quite fascinated by what looked like the remain of old docks - that once would of been quite impressive as they appeared to of been quite long. They were on both sides of the river. The river must of been much deeper then it is now for there are a lot of sand bars and it looks quite shallow even so it water runs very fast. We followed the road along the side of river and I was so busy sniffing I didn't see how far mom and dad had got ahead of me, when I noticed I came running as fast as my little legs would go....mom said I was worried where they were but really I knew they were worried where I was - you know what parents are like - they ALWAYS worry.

We kept on walking and eventually came to this area where there was a river beach. I have never been to a beach before, there was lots of sand and it felt a bit funny under my feet, but it was great fun to run on and felt very cool. As you can see it was also pretty windy but I didn't mind at all - I was having to much fun. Mom was just telling me that she was checking this river out on Google Earth Maps and this sub branch of the river where I am ..... isn't there on the maps and she thinks this probably happened as a result of the winter flooding. That is a very big wide area the water cut away and there is not a lot of water left now. We also saw a lot of people doing something called 'fishing' at the river - it looked to me like they were just sitting there with a stick in their hands.

On the way back I heard something rustling in the bushes and had to check out what it was - of coarse silly mom had to poke that camera thing close by and it scared what ever it was away. It certainly sounded very interesting though. Did I mention that there was some amazing smells on this walk - things I had never smelt before. The one bad thing was there was also some big prickle things - they looked like little footballs but covered in spines and they stuck to moms coat and mine. Luckily mom had a comb with her so when we got back to the car she check me all over and combed all those nasty things out. On the way home we drove through the small town of Plattsmouth and mom just had to stop and get a photo of the court house. I don't know why as it was just a building but she seemed to like if for some reason. You can click on any of the photos here if you would like to see them bigger. I am definitely off to have a snooze now and dream about things hiding in the bushes.

My Own Herd

Well no-one guessed what my little herd is that mom got me so I will just tell you or show you. I have a herd of wabbits. I know - they are not as much fun as Ludo's rabbit-dogs, they don't jump around or even twitch their noses but real wabbits cost $200 here and the mom couldn't afford that so we got the 'other' kind of wabbits. The little black one has already left my herd though - and no I didn't eat him. He decided he wanted to be the only black and white thing in the herd so he moved in with "she who lives here but is rarely seen -dads human daughter". Hope everyone has had a great weekend.

Blingee for Fergi...

A wish for our new friend Fergi's special BarkDay at her forever home!

Here's some Blingee for your 9th B-Day!!

Click here to go to Fergi and Jakes blog to wish her a happy B-Day.

Have You Seen Any Giraffe's Lately?

We had a great time at the OKC Zoo today....there were lots of new exhibits. They had a place dedicated just to the wildlife of Oklahoma.



Sloan loved seeing all the animals and the hippo's swimming were one of his favorites.





Uncle JJ and Sloan found lots of different birds to look at.



When you get tired all you have to do is find you a resting rock!



He loved seeing the bears too!


There's nothing like sharing a snowcone with PaPa.



Aunt Jenn was busy taking lots of pictures but her and Sloan took a moment to visit the Apes.




Alligators were dozing in the warm afternoon sunshine.



A new grizzly bear exhibit had lots of waterfalls and huge wading areas.


Most of the day this little one was content with walking and looking at everything.


We finally got him in the stroller and then he wanted his socks and shoes off. Yes, it's confirmed....stinky feet!



He was sure tuckered out after we stopped for supper. You may be wondering why his Mom and Dad weren't in any of the pictures. They were attending a wedding today so I'm sure they will be anxious to see all the pictures and here about all the animals.

If you haven't visited your local zoo in awhile you should soon. It makes for some good exercise and you'll see some wonderful animals.

Happy Trails....Ginger