tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81152992202549671842024-03-13T04:12:53.334-07:00Charlie the North Star Dog BlogA chronicle of the life of an Autism Service Dog and the boy he serves.Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-56259252039916629002009-10-03T18:10:00.000-07:002009-10-03T18:38:40.347-07:00Birthday Cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_-r1ToTYcojY2g_aAflDT4DVZGqNl95RNNa_KbHGOQDRzcBqZuozSu3I3mdsaoHatFa4wCduLu0SJHCA3CnONmdducFglJubqaEStJERnMGVhxonKgk1YIHuocJLWHDklAqtLBRA_8I3/s1600-h/IMG_5515.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_-r1ToTYcojY2g_aAflDT4DVZGqNl95RNNa_KbHGOQDRzcBqZuozSu3I3mdsaoHatFa4wCduLu0SJHCA3CnONmdducFglJubqaEStJERnMGVhxonKgk1YIHuocJLWHDklAqtLBRA_8I3/s400/IMG_5515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388548723203175442" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So my sweet baby boy turned seven yesterday and we enjoyed a full day of celebrating including special treats at school, a scavenger hunt for some birthday presents and dinner with family. (We have a few extremely close friends that we consider family and naturally they were included in the festivities.)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since we moved to CA we started a tradition for Tim's birthday where we have special cakes made for him. One of the great things about being in the SF Bay area is that you can truly find anything here and there are some folks that just do amazing things. One woman we discovered three years ago is Debbie Goard of <a href="http://debbiedoescakes.net/">Debbie Does Cakes</a>. I don't know how to describe her other than to say she is an artist who bakes an incredible cake. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She's come to know Tim over the last three years because she's made cakes based upon all his favorite things. Our first year here she made airplane cupcakes for his birthday. Last year we were in a Super Mario craze and she made an outrageous Toad cake with Toad driving a car from Mario Kart. (You would simply not believe her cakes!) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This year I was stumped and asked her to come up with something. I completely trust her judgment and her creativity so I gave her permission to just go for it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Look what she came up with:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYU-aaKCM8umVnJOp6gyc__CIMU7q1YGQqLyKoLZu1Rw-mA-B1BgvO99_Tfpb9VR2qhy3iuiaLES_1zowG-XlTlQ05AFAZiJijJVM6foQ4xeccGHhKQR4NfMqnME9rMJ-CpMs6nR6Kf3p/s1600-h/IMG_5498.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYU-aaKCM8umVnJOp6gyc__CIMU7q1YGQqLyKoLZu1Rw-mA-B1BgvO99_Tfpb9VR2qhy3iuiaLES_1zowG-XlTlQ05AFAZiJijJVM6foQ4xeccGHhKQR4NfMqnME9rMJ-CpMs6nR6Kf3p/s400/IMG_5498.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388548333706381954" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Can you believe this? This has to be the cutest cake I've ever seen! And the detail is simply amazing. Check out Charlie with his ears flapping in the "wind."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdj5kfEWQGHZZJsANec1-qjfOQ2eCRi9IuBd0In7bZ_bSWtRyJouJ7iNp5pwcn4YVX9ppg0fIWAwLsgBYg9Krw-u1-54zRxgxRTs6-PHEMJfDlDZFB-EMqEMLmIoFSdKFnmgI4Ogh-Rg1/s1600-h/IMG_5492.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdj5kfEWQGHZZJsANec1-qjfOQ2eCRi9IuBd0In7bZ_bSWtRyJouJ7iNp5pwcn4YVX9ppg0fIWAwLsgBYg9Krw-u1-54zRxgxRTs6-PHEMJfDlDZFB-EMqEMLmIoFSdKFnmgI4Ogh-Rg1/s400/IMG_5492.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388548324682657202" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Debbie took all the things that Tim loves (Charlie, airplanes, and Super Mario - those of you familiar with Super Mario will recognize the Toad character on the plane's tail fin), and made them into a cake that could not be more perfect for Tim. (It may be hard to believe but this adorable cake also tastes amazing! I'm actually blogging between bites of the leftovers!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have to admit, Chuck was a bit frightened by the cake ... perhaps he was uncomfortable with the thought of that cute little golden retriever being consumed! But Tim LOVED it. In fact, as we were tucking him in to bed that night Andy asked him, "what was your favorite part of your birthday?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Without hesitation he replied, "airplane cake." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5K3SbAhutCb0IkjlkxiMXSb0A30mJ4YyiEKUwi9vcYTrRud7bkjYl9MPYRhHaJs6bpwU5WhuLEVwjRhq-fmMWYtSYUeuQz_00gID_gX2HP8bZdBvWjnWoBJz7HPyQLlwoBRfLK9q-t0s/s1600-h/IMG_5503.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5K3SbAhutCb0IkjlkxiMXSb0A30mJ4YyiEKUwi9vcYTrRud7bkjYl9MPYRhHaJs6bpwU5WhuLEVwjRhq-fmMWYtSYUeuQz_00gID_gX2HP8bZdBvWjnWoBJz7HPyQLlwoBRfLK9q-t0s/s400/IMG_5503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388548341792692994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-68179417370253651002009-09-17T00:13:00.000-07:002009-09-17T00:35:24.474-07:00Passions<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnxVx_p2ejpHf_jctY_hyMD59ng0U0cI-acAaXXKeoa4EKNi3EA94cGsr2-O0Kvg3ahs96AcdFRA__PuMdJQKqtm4YqehbWDfuDlMbRiJ9-6mfs8iCaiRSFFPQfadONFEWTFM_zEsxLyI/s1600-h/IMG_0544.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnxVx_p2ejpHf_jctY_hyMD59ng0U0cI-acAaXXKeoa4EKNi3EA94cGsr2-O0Kvg3ahs96AcdFRA__PuMdJQKqtm4YqehbWDfuDlMbRiJ9-6mfs8iCaiRSFFPQfadONFEWTFM_zEsxLyI/s400/IMG_0544.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382335318406349586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Like many A Club children, Tim has certain passions that border on obsessions. In particular, Tim is an absolute aviation nut. (I'm so thankful that his interests are interesting to me too!) Like any other die hard A Club parents, we leverage Tim's interests in our efforts to work on his deficits. Fortunately, aviation is a topic rife with language opportunities so we spend an inordinate amount of time at our local General Aviation airport watching airplanes and talking about anything even remotely related to aviation. We've had some great results with this strategy and I'm constantly amazed by Tim's ability to accurately identify aircraft from extraordinary distances. (Just today he spotted a P-52 Mustang, a Cirrus, two Mooneys and countless Cessnas.)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Since the arrival of Charlie approximately 18 months ago, our frequent trips to the airport have included Charlie (at the insistence of Tim.) Charlie eagerly accompanies us every time and patiently waits by Tim until he's seen enough. (Some of our airport outings last for hours ... we also have regular "picnics" at the airport which is code for having a pizza in our strategically parked car as we watch a steady stream of take-offs and landings overhead.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I know these outings may seem odd to some but I'm certain that I'll remember them forever and with great fondness. And, of course, Charlie will be a part of every memory.</span></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-66798056619360520682009-09-15T20:32:00.000-07:002009-09-15T20:40:21.913-07:00Picture Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj5Pm0m8mDrJ_QT8UcwadDquULUr7x9pV0158wr_5p9lqDSFIOXmNuy3pFHmIQFUM7CDtTlzIhhPLOkljjXHzEyR6H1UbtfIKVd4JwDQDMGnnc2vw0Ww0-mgBnlyoiqzIbleRT6lJdmcb/s1600-h/IMG_5277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj5Pm0m8mDrJ_QT8UcwadDquULUr7x9pV0158wr_5p9lqDSFIOXmNuy3pFHmIQFUM7CDtTlzIhhPLOkljjXHzEyR6H1UbtfIKVd4JwDQDMGnnc2vw0Ww0-mgBnlyoiqzIbleRT6lJdmcb/s400/IMG_5277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381904483987226274" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Monday was picture day out here and after years of refusing to buy school pictures, this year I'm giving in. (Don't even get me started on my rant about the photographers who won't take the time to effectively photograph special needs kids ... sheeesh!!!) Naturally, Tim looked as cute as ever and he insisted on including his best friend in the obligatory-if-not-annoying home photo shoot. (I just LOVE that Tim insists on including Charlie in everything!) </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hard to say just who's cuter ....</span></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-15889694656986206422009-09-09T10:37:00.001-07:002009-09-09T10:49:47.048-07:00Phone Pix and Charlie's Delight<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The only thing more overdue than my blog entries (not including my library books, annual physical, and oil change), is the upload of all the photos accumulating on my cell phone. I have to admit how surprised I am that I even use a cell phone camera but there have been a few occasions where I've found myself without my trusty bag-o-camera-gear and having to rely on the only other means of recording the moment. Thus, the backlog of camera phone pix.</span></span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In sorting through them I found two that I must have taken while admiring Chuck's pure delight. The first was taken on the observation platform at a small, general aviation airport near our home. It's a regular stop for us as Tim is fascinated by all things aeronautical and Charlie is always happy to scamper up the stairs and stand by Tim as they spend hours watching airplanes take off and land.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP91oU4Xv7l6yopmpTkb3plL2JJnsM0SSSdQOtj249XznkPIoZL4W_NL8HkWHLZ8gYIyQ6Rb-bgN3EovZqEBc4z1yk2n_49TVX_ui3pSjGyPO2mpj1BoW4xCx7rZsi12RkYz22YUuSaJ4/s1600-h/IMG_0504.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP91oU4Xv7l6yopmpTkb3plL2JJnsM0SSSdQOtj249XznkPIoZL4W_NL8HkWHLZ8gYIyQ6Rb-bgN3EovZqEBc4z1yk2n_49TVX_ui3pSjGyPO2mpj1BoW4xCx7rZsi12RkYz22YUuSaJ4/s400/IMG_0504.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379524945663905794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This last one seems to speak for itself: Pure joy?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pXY9cnnIgcCIskd6NmtUcj0rNmjzBk1bNpGAWLh42qARs_VxO5r7cTyBbm9vR2H7pW1hdJbsEDR1_Tdt74c-YibB3ePUDveqCu3T_maBIBPnaGKHrIPqu-9yDpdKOcPjVzCzIygSKm_R/s1600-h/IMG_0505.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pXY9cnnIgcCIskd6NmtUcj0rNmjzBk1bNpGAWLh42qARs_VxO5r7cTyBbm9vR2H7pW1hdJbsEDR1_Tdt74c-YibB3ePUDveqCu3T_maBIBPnaGKHrIPqu-9yDpdKOcPjVzCzIygSKm_R/s400/IMG_0505.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379524937253206130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-37591987835001543202009-08-25T09:37:00.000-07:002009-08-25T16:44:05.293-07:00Camping for Beginners<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So now that we've got the first day of school successfully under our belt, I'm wistfully remembering all the fun things Charlie and Tim did together this summer. There was the beginning of summer when Andy introduced Tim and Charlie to the notion of camping in our backyard:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUdUb96BSYYskV-mDsf60zgKFwHQujniX3wAwCBCkHYALAfLiGMJdk81IUOfPig9lzkVKZp9BlCajpmuFCULSZWBBY5qH_AOntOI-vFc6LSof0SB0-ejuNHLUmHWEBxdzpJAR5y9tr3d-/s1600-h/V0000008.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUdUb96BSYYskV-mDsf60zgKFwHQujniX3wAwCBCkHYALAfLiGMJdk81IUOfPig9lzkVKZp9BlCajpmuFCULSZWBBY5qH_AOntOI-vFc6LSof0SB0-ejuNHLUmHWEBxdzpJAR5y9tr3d-/s400/V0000008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372087304003309922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Naturally, the tent was a big hit - don't know exactly how that zipper survived the countless zipping and unzipping (a real testament to the tents sold in the cheap-skate section of Target!) </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Turns out that a back yard tent is a great venue for evening story time so the boys spent quite a few evenings out there reading before bedtime. But at the end of each story, Tim always refused to sleep outside and insisted on retiring to his own bed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So, we thought we'd try sleeping bags.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOp6r89h1ZUZ7d1AJ29CZLZOwOJsrI2Rg5cRfvMPvEpjuqrQXZy71OohfQ4MXhBJvI8aJEyHiJRWP2KNy2_Q9yQXnLBxTZUES9kTf07eKDJuLjWTM6QkPVFOjEfkGaq3ZelMSH_akr1moR/s1600-h/IMG_4179.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOp6r89h1ZUZ7d1AJ29CZLZOwOJsrI2Rg5cRfvMPvEpjuqrQXZy71OohfQ4MXhBJvI8aJEyHiJRWP2KNy2_Q9yQXnLBxTZUES9kTf07eKDJuLjWTM6QkPVFOjEfkGaq3ZelMSH_akr1moR/s400/IMG_4179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374048630929483282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Another big hit. Tim crawled in and out of them, made forts out of them, and encouraged Charlie to join him. But this still just wasn't enough to spark Tim's interest in sleeping in the tent. When we asked, he always declined saying, "I want to sleep with Charlie in Tim's bed." That was enough for us. (What do I care if he doesn't want to sleep in a tent? I'm more of a Four Seasons girl anyway!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So now, in the aftermath of summer, the tent is packed away in the garage and the sleeping bags remain in a heap next to Tim's bed so that he and Charlie can "camp" in his room. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Good enough for me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6fd7MXRDlE2OP4JF4koZrSDdQGHsuwZP864Dm5jooG9SLo7_zMJAGC_-tbrhXKa1ZTKrdg25kFNk5Sf-g4ywl4VaeGsyKkj7l2tOxPIz54V9UOWkbPF9NvCcUwId5M8IVYDVswZu1Z7u/s1600-h/IMG_4167.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6fd7MXRDlE2OP4JF4koZrSDdQGHsuwZP864Dm5jooG9SLo7_zMJAGC_-tbrhXKa1ZTKrdg25kFNk5Sf-g4ywl4VaeGsyKkj7l2tOxPIz54V9UOWkbPF9NvCcUwId5M8IVYDVswZu1Z7u/s400/IMG_4167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374048637537107426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-91952057603506289532009-08-20T09:44:00.000-07:002009-08-20T10:08:23.798-07:00Giants Game 2009<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tickets to Giants game: $120</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYaDcE2FeJihkhW6jRE6oYw90yzt8Mxj_HCKO7dJnZ1nIzNrZqBsveKDMSF2ibyRdb8uFbjebnQ1Cgj6PIK20aH1YUpW0v4zV0Vso9LUiys2p7dwhGoNDIIlNDYpasS0xCHGAtxdgJUxI/s1600-h/IMG_0398.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYaDcE2FeJihkhW6jRE6oYw90yzt8Mxj_HCKO7dJnZ1nIzNrZqBsveKDMSF2ibyRdb8uFbjebnQ1Cgj6PIK20aH1YUpW0v4zV0Vso9LUiys2p7dwhGoNDIIlNDYpasS0xCHGAtxdgJUxI/s400/IMG_0398.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372090892435888658" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Parking: $40<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTPuZrJGXc0CWa0iBifIemJ9975r8kjIsXhnOLuVtUWOcekQjucu4zbt3SXNkz4Gj8cp3UWv8E9qRPOjCL1XZh_HYEzp3VT17I6CfcM89dEazm68sk7IWLvLr8i_12A8bGWGoqVOQ0sYF/s1600-h/IMG_0416.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTPuZrJGXc0CWa0iBifIemJ9975r8kjIsXhnOLuVtUWOcekQjucu4zbt3SXNkz4Gj8cp3UWv8E9qRPOjCL1XZh_HYEzp3VT17I6CfcM89dEazm68sk7IWLvLr8i_12A8bGWGoqVOQ0sYF/s400/IMG_0416.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372090272053165554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wildly overpriced/undersized ball park snacks: $28</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQi-LPX9z1XAR416LPfTqCCDDytqk0WWHhK_E5W1s5XYMp1KrkMfawza3MK3G1Zn5pZNg9IX86TRxT47ENahO7AViaVDCtWGUhmwg-bCkDkKSPMgAE-YcXLoIbMT78cKnKkUQcsO7S4pm/s1600-h/IMG_0402.JPG"></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWueUjIGtjKXGg-RcTdd_gYFxGi74sLcCx46dwudGs8_db29SWjyIsF7nWYJn05e-lUjvTFmz-xTyjxIx6FF1PJJBfri4mGOjfbGyeEcTm3znBkiQemtFC1faUUDXbVOkGr7f48TTxnCv/s1600-h/IMG_0392.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWueUjIGtjKXGg-RcTdd_gYFxGi74sLcCx46dwudGs8_db29SWjyIsF7nWYJn05e-lUjvTFmz-xTyjxIx6FF1PJJBfri4mGOjfbGyeEcTm3znBkiQemtFC1faUUDXbVOkGr7f48TTxnCv/s400/IMG_0392.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372090284206968818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Riding the giant Coke bottle slide: included!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IUozQ1w0SE6BiJUHEAlMwxFKw5E6kXc6dH0-4kXoWL_jq3M8aFgAQXySPnWW6tde_xclD2lSyy2HbZU1o67Hh3FngomDClfQSlPNg1Rp6vgEs3NAaqXsBrJyiQaeajBKB4zqX1Se9Y6S/s1600-h/IMG_0395.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IUozQ1w0SE6BiJUHEAlMwxFKw5E6kXc6dH0-4kXoWL_jq3M8aFgAQXySPnWW6tde_xclD2lSyy2HbZU1o67Hh3FngomDClfQSlPNg1Rp6vgEs3NAaqXsBrJyiQaeajBKB4zqX1Se9Y6S/s400/IMG_0395.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372090290905500930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCF5gV7rM2KRvNEUXQlZ7McW5B0CPnkslRVs7f6n4uoc4vVxkURfGFsNzSDaMctSWrJBVgPgibOCkbyt6PcKqeOi1F0npldDIAq1rb9KEdfMMa1gU1dN7iJOutv8LODJK9qwjIYR8eWCS/s1600-h/IMG_0391.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCF5gV7rM2KRvNEUXQlZ7McW5B0CPnkslRVs7f6n4uoc4vVxkURfGFsNzSDaMctSWrJBVgPgibOCkbyt6PcKqeOi1F0npldDIAq1rb9KEdfMMa1gU1dN7iJOutv8LODJK9qwjIYR8eWCS/s400/IMG_0391.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372092195291195602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Obligatory first-time-to-the-ballpark souvenirs: $15</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQi-LPX9z1XAR416LPfTqCCDDytqk0WWHhK_E5W1s5XYMp1KrkMfawza3MK3G1Zn5pZNg9IX86TRxT47ENahO7AViaVDCtWGUhmwg-bCkDkKSPMgAE-YcXLoIbMT78cKnKkUQcsO7S4pm/s1600-h/IMG_0402.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQi-LPX9z1XAR416LPfTqCCDDytqk0WWHhK_E5W1s5XYMp1KrkMfawza3MK3G1Zn5pZNg9IX86TRxT47ENahO7AViaVDCtWGUhmwg-bCkDkKSPMgAE-YcXLoIbMT78cKnKkUQcsO7S4pm/s400/IMG_0402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372090879562481106" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hearing your A Club kid tell his best friend all about his day at the game: Priceless.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYDeBdi9hxuDSVAxLKPnemPvliU8hyphenhyphenSA02QtRXp9g57aikNzKecPza8aApaV8T_MUlavtlQmLDplehgKFZig6FBBIILFxKq7ScIjJn86gOFZSHV9svR0lwt0MLDCxN47zSpiF7SaR0yLe/s1600-h/IMG_3045.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYDeBdi9hxuDSVAxLKPnemPvliU8hyphenhyphenSA02QtRXp9g57aikNzKecPza8aApaV8T_MUlavtlQmLDplehgKFZig6FBBIILFxKq7ScIjJn86gOFZSHV9svR0lwt0MLDCxN47zSpiF7SaR0yLe/s400/IMG_3045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372093633075405186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-39750916075564877922009-08-18T21:22:00.001-07:002009-08-18T21:37:49.462-07:00Yes, It's Been a Million Years ...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm terribly, terribly overdue with this post and yet, as I sit here hammering away at my keyboard, I am simply too tired to be creative. The details of Tim & Charlie's summer will be forthcoming but for now, I'll re-enter the blog world with this brief but nonetheless meaningful note.</span></span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We were recently invited to attend a baby blessing for a close friend's new born son. These folks were kind enough to include Tim so naturally my thoughts turned to the MOST important issue: what will he wear?!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Believe it or not, Tim does not have any dress clothes. He's never been invited to a formal event and, being members of the A Club, we don't typically plan outings that involve fancy clothes or frou-frou accouterments. So I've been carefully planning his outfit for at least the last 6 weeks. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's nothing too outrageous - more like an east coast prep-school uniform complete with khaki pants, button down shirt, and some buckskin oxfords. But the piece de resistance is this little tie:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6flGUIGh_9_QKv2UJSml-aeDZyy4LPA4_Un-H-sVDYTn_R2Lca-ifdcfBoDW9j1HP9q4jt4Pav0qbqgGTEvxv-mfnNlElPiMM5GaOtF6zbqs2cHG5vKamxQJmzsKWdNiZRybF9XFC7pVf/s1600-h/IMG_3941.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6flGUIGh_9_QKv2UJSml-aeDZyy4LPA4_Un-H-sVDYTn_R2Lca-ifdcfBoDW9j1HP9q4jt4Pav0qbqgGTEvxv-mfnNlElPiMM5GaOtF6zbqs2cHG5vKamxQJmzsKWdNiZRybF9XFC7pVf/s400/IMG_3941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371528287291554466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How does this relate to Chuck, you ask? Well, if you look closely at that tie, you'll notice that the little yellow blobs are actually little golden retrievers. That was the key to getting Tim excited about wearing a tie. Doesn't he just look irresistible?!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIll_HzTC0uMhM5gLdq-57uG7NDbVipHesU2Ol2B8m-VVuuSq0MLV0O7J4bNnG0rKy_K98lqJda7fnc4B2xSqw6soOQnurlLzKJaCkpGqRk7yHNF5Y1KbRriMOiscd2fJCUzLvYzFHBYl/s1600-h/IMG_3950.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIll_HzTC0uMhM5gLdq-57uG7NDbVipHesU2Ol2B8m-VVuuSq0MLV0O7J4bNnG0rKy_K98lqJda7fnc4B2xSqw6soOQnurlLzKJaCkpGqRk7yHNF5Y1KbRriMOiscd2fJCUzLvYzFHBYl/s400/IMG_3950.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371528297707243682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div> </div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-24401181592869987062009-07-19T20:26:00.000-07:002009-07-19T21:25:01.004-07:00K-9 Yard Patch<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Remember </span><a href="http://charliethenorthstardog.blogspot.com/2009/06/pee-spots.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this post</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> about the annoying pee spots? And then remember my dear friend from Virginia who suggested the special biscuits that allegedly neutralized the nuclear power of Charlie's tinkle? I still love my friend to pieces but the dog biscuits ....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OKv8zLsxg531So2w7OpOJtnw4oo77JXNCgJEYzcN3BgsCUr78SvRFX3ubiMABCjST6J3jHf1MnwfIWfjU33B5x8_eBvdt9t9qblTLEOMb-eoNMHZ2hiqJjj0fTvxqI1a924eUDTolZDj/s1600-h/IMG_3112.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OKv8zLsxg531So2w7OpOJtnw4oo77JXNCgJEYzcN3BgsCUr78SvRFX3ubiMABCjST6J3jHf1MnwfIWfjU33B5x8_eBvdt9t9qblTLEOMb-eoNMHZ2hiqJjj0fTvxqI1a924eUDTolZDj/s400/IMG_3112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360390408721527906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I had just completed my non-scientific trial of the $10 biscuits when, through the power of the internet (and Kris Jones, the woman who makes those </span><a href="http://www.roastgreetings.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HILARIOUS cards</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">) I was "virtually" introduced to Cory Sonnen. Turns out that Cory Sonnen just happens to own a </span><a href="http://www.k9yardpatch.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">grass seed company</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> that just happens to make a product designed for this very irritating problem!</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5oMaEMMasrcxY3dgL28Hx90iubD8Ngh7nnOVxT9JwXMmBFafkaQ5AAETbJ4ocVkMLa5fR6WvT7hWpj5ja5SDuxqsQP7o2xz6MATte5hyFG-5sKqyUw0O6nfM9Mdpy2mu1yfhLhQc4qAf/s1600-h/IMG_3020.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5oMaEMMasrcxY3dgL28Hx90iubD8Ngh7nnOVxT9JwXMmBFafkaQ5AAETbJ4ocVkMLa5fR6WvT7hWpj5ja5SDuxqsQP7o2xz6MATte5hyFG-5sKqyUw0O6nfM9Mdpy2mu1yfhLhQc4qAf/s400/IMG_3020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360391500669113330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cory was kind enough to send me a sample of his product, </span><a href="http://www.k9yardpatch.com/products-page/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">K-9 Yard Patch</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and suggested that we give it a whirl. He explained that the problem we're experiencing is due to the fact that there is something in Charlie's pee that changes the Ph level in the soil where he voids. Since he routinely voids in the same spot, the Ph is all out of whack and grass simply can't grow there.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjWvhv0ymD59smE6bcNQvgkJhPVg1f8gygRiRGk0GUUJTaYedR_1l-M3gNIbnYJpBuMEAxFN1AWcY4mSifNTl9pcgP4Xi0j6x5Ptua1pAQzoj3Jxbd3vr8kBReDdGTG3HZQJ_ON_UajGq/s1600-h/IMG_3043.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjWvhv0ymD59smE6bcNQvgkJhPVg1f8gygRiRGk0GUUJTaYedR_1l-M3gNIbnYJpBuMEAxFN1AWcY4mSifNTl9pcgP4Xi0j6x5Ptua1pAQzoj3Jxbd3vr8kBReDdGTG3HZQJ_ON_UajGq/s400/IMG_3043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360390426476146194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The K-9 Patch product is sprinkled over the burned out spot and watered just like you'd water your regular lawn. I won't pretend to fully understand the chemistry of this stuff but from what I understand the powdery substance contains both a Ph balancer and some grass seed to get the grass growing once the soil's Ph is corrected.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When the box arrived from Cory, Andy ripped that package out and started sprinkling it on all the brown spots in the yard. Then we waited.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I admit: I was skeptical. (Sorry Cory.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But, check this out:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdEeYtI0j5asbhXQXvAt1EzaIj9j3KtYjLF7xVvOMszB4EFVQnmlu9dC_UYwnphcHHrPYo-g0C1lm9CddSxtDr0fgeSLN5EQfzAFJAwEVuHohoZihZ9_yEvwUUWs6mNC9nzMqpFAbpiF2/s1600-h/IMG_3114.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdEeYtI0j5asbhXQXvAt1EzaIj9j3KtYjLF7xVvOMszB4EFVQnmlu9dC_UYwnphcHHrPYo-g0C1lm9CddSxtDr0fgeSLN5EQfzAFJAwEVuHohoZihZ9_yEvwUUWs6mNC9nzMqpFAbpiF2/s400/IMG_3114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360390418238884466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That there is new grass growing in the formerly burned out Charlie spot. HALLELUJAH! This stuff worked exactly as Cory said it would - and I'll tell you, we were pretty certain that nothing was going to grow in those spots ever again. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, and one other thing, this little company uses only environmentally safe ingredients in all their products. That means you're not messing with Mother Nature when you're repairing Fido's damage. Saving the earth and my turf - I LOVE THAT!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, here's a big shout out to Cory Sonnen at </span><a href="http://www.k9yardpatch.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">K-9 Yard Patch</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and a hearty 4 paws up rating from Charlie (and his gardeners!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2lp8BLRneR_dvMZOiVfChds6dUQdDwKqxBYhbeVEVKpprEB1wmxTygUXp-A_5YTl-Ozv92yW79YPhLBFdpVBHteS4CnivM154TyK8uXAASTFsfG9DI0TCPccIdESXxYAKL2Wm3P3qB80/s1600-h/IMG_3026.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2lp8BLRneR_dvMZOiVfChds6dUQdDwKqxBYhbeVEVKpprEB1wmxTygUXp-A_5YTl-Ozv92yW79YPhLBFdpVBHteS4CnivM154TyK8uXAASTFsfG9DI0TCPccIdESXxYAKL2Wm3P3qB80/s400/IMG_3026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360391490777853298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, and don't forget, if you're looking for Charlie's other reviews, make sure to stop by his </span><a href="http://northstarcharliesreviews.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">review site</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to see what's new.</span></div></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-36949007665506726402009-07-13T19:49:00.000-07:002009-07-13T23:08:17.939-07:00Finally, a Solution!<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Remember the helter skelter scene I caused when I last attempted to clip Chuck's toe nails?</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z3i5HiXr8UToSHvGuYi5jrm6evT1ngVqr-3bkO-lI2i-ww9lpVp4acvvqD4XxTCsTKoOq8Vvo9o4j0JaFZfChidICv5E9ktTtJJvctvHxXKDYWRc_w3iI-ihlxFL3BIWSMbzi6WRl6Lu/s1600-h/V0000043.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z3i5HiXr8UToSHvGuYi5jrm6evT1ngVqr-3bkO-lI2i-ww9lpVp4acvvqD4XxTCsTKoOq8Vvo9o4j0JaFZfChidICv5E9ktTtJJvctvHxXKDYWRc_w3iI-ihlxFL3BIWSMbzi6WRl6Lu/s400/V0000043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350748162152045794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Well thanks to the magic of the internet and to the sage advice of <a href="http://servicedogsawayoflife.blogspot.com/">Melissa Mitchell</a>, proud service dog owner/trainer and follower of this blog, we discovered the PEDIPAWS.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaxzSZ-lVy1xeyXb3Khfa_QmFmXHK5vTv1QU5nut5IW2UpCeBSe2x3Tm4EZgVdzFa2Pe-tH6wUG0WZVqdBm5RcgM2bYRtBsSCpWnruRH_gAVbjLSvZMgIZ2O2d4c7yoxEZfOYsjplMbVv/s1600-h/IMG_2566.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaxzSZ-lVy1xeyXb3Khfa_QmFmXHK5vTv1QU5nut5IW2UpCeBSe2x3Tm4EZgVdzFa2Pe-tH6wUG0WZVqdBm5RcgM2bYRtBsSCpWnruRH_gAVbjLSvZMgIZ2O2d4c7yoxEZfOYsjplMbVv/s400/IMG_2566.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350752076956741602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This little phallic looking little device converted Charlie from a bloody sharp-toed mess, into the divinely pedicured show dog that he is (or at least aspires to be.) It's actually quite a simple tool, much like a little dremel, which allowed me to quietly file down Chuck's nails without too much difficulty.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXa_SZdvaPdredhKdjBkaw-0Vf7meuIkGRIcpetaCzFeFa2-90IdHpbNleOgxhuKIds-CqvyjNhMv0UN47oIzpck1rtKVmSbvDOkgg6F3Pe5_rtV-hLR4nEDA-b_27l_LPX82O7yay4-N/s1600-h/IMG_2571.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXa_SZdvaPdredhKdjBkaw-0Vf7meuIkGRIcpetaCzFeFa2-90IdHpbNleOgxhuKIds-CqvyjNhMv0UN47oIzpck1rtKVmSbvDOkgg6F3Pe5_rtV-hLR4nEDA-b_27l_LPX82O7yay4-N/s400/IMG_2571.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350752082571049666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The instruction manual offered some good suggestions for desensitizing your dog to the "pawdicure" experience (basically just introducing the device slowly, over a period of several days, and combining it with lots of treats.) I pushed Chuck just a bit as I know he's a quick study and we managed to do a complete pedi on our first try. Now he's absolutely gorgeous from his big square head to his round little toe nails. Thanks for the advice Michelle!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>One other thing ... for anyone looking for Charlie's reviews, check out our new blog devoted entirely to product reviews (dog stuff will stay on this blog but all our other reviews will go <a href="http://www.northstarcharliesreviews.blogspot.com/">here</a>.)</div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-14642148401893934392009-07-07T22:40:00.000-07:002009-07-07T23:00:26.967-07:00More Reviews<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Q:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Know what this is?</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3COMocmTM9ECPXQ5-FZzHyGz5CK8i_XtxcHTgPkNpNsf8o_L6bX-aSGqizhQEG_thb9Ds4dQkrlWzxq8F0n6SoQWw2oYiYAk0tKxVpIAF8siguZEAigw45bzcgxkSAcs5DipKPAFms_i-/s1600-h/oc_featured_cakes_img.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3COMocmTM9ECPXQ5-FZzHyGz5CK8i_XtxcHTgPkNpNsf8o_L6bX-aSGqizhQEG_thb9Ds4dQkrlWzxq8F0n6SoQWw2oYiYAk0tKxVpIAF8siguZEAigw45bzcgxkSAcs5DipKPAFms_i-/s400/oc_featured_cakes_img.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355961779110918402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> A circular model of culinary perfection. I know, I know ... a bundt cake? C'mon, right? Well prepare to relish the retro happiness of the 70's. Nothing Bundt Cakes is a bakery that produces nothing BUT bundt cakes in a wide variety of sizes and flavors. The brainchild of two women in Las Vegas, this little place is actually a nation wide franchise and one just recently popped up out here in NorCal. Plus, good news for those of you too far from the Bay Area to stop by after work ... you can actually mail order these! Check them out </span><a href="http://www.nothingbundtcakes.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPhEtdL5nXTD_HvPvPljSyRIIUi0BtRcvv-QqjkWQw0vi63uMhzAK4T0y9oS1VrFT60vngAkktABuoi6tW6_geFA-loghvo6PtNGEWTWS7vSFNkqB5aNQwsCz3NGg6BArqUcYP9z7LPmK/s1600-h/nbc_logo.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPhEtdL5nXTD_HvPvPljSyRIIUi0BtRcvv-QqjkWQw0vi63uMhzAK4T0y9oS1VrFT60vngAkktABuoi6tW6_geFA-loghvo6PtNGEWTWS7vSFNkqB5aNQwsCz3NGg6BArqUcYP9z7LPmK/s400/nbc_logo.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355961773358702850" /></a><div><br /></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-28250858161255442582009-07-02T21:09:00.000-07:002009-07-02T21:16:45.905-07:00A New Ride for Charlie?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5Yg_aWF5j3Y4hNl6PhYusthVFpwHACzt8rtERD8qTB5tRJEUFgRf86CsQmMvZGYvvpzm6EbfLKc5CH5tsrJ0CSd8z2lfh5PcsD59-3NgcnNPjXxv4FvhcOzNg_QIcnGQ3woH-zTRsPIe/s1600-h/banner-200a.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5Yg_aWF5j3Y4hNl6PhYusthVFpwHACzt8rtERD8qTB5tRJEUFgRf86CsQmMvZGYvvpzm6EbfLKc5CH5tsrJ0CSd8z2lfh5PcsD59-3NgcnNPjXxv4FvhcOzNg_QIcnGQ3woH-zTRsPIe/s400/banner-200a.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354082772414794946" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So I stumbled upon this site for </span><a href="http://www.madsencycles.com/?utm_source=LinkContestT&utm_medium=text-link&utm_campaign=LinkContestQ209%22%3EMADSEN%20Cargo%20Bikes%3C/a"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Madsen Cargo Bikes</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and all I could think of was how fun it would be to load Chuck in the back and tool around town. (Since Tim has started to show some interest in his bicycle, it's been a bit disappointing to leave Charlie home while we ride about town.) </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As luck would have it, the Madsen folks are giving away some of their bikes to folks that post links to their site and send traffic their way. SHAMELESS PROMOTION ALERT HERE: I'm posting this link because I'd like to have a chance at winning one of their bikes for Chuck. Please help us and click on this </span><a href="http://www.madsencycles.com/?utm_source=LinkContestT&utm_medium=text-link&utm_campaign=LinkContestQ209%22%3EMADSEN%20Cargo%20Bikes%3C/a"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">link</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. Looks like the drawing is in July so I'll keep you all posted ... cross your paws for us!</span></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-16581513738605123572009-06-30T21:33:00.000-07:002009-06-30T22:19:46.443-07:00Reviews 2 & 3 (and one extra)<div style="text-align: left;">I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">'m a bit overdue on some of my review party reviews so I thought I'd try to fit two into one post here. First up today is a cute little paper company called </span><a href="http://www.lobotome.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">lobotoME</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This little company was the brainchild of a self confessed "lister" who kept multitudes of lists for home and work. When her light bulb went on, she started producing pre-printed lists for everything from meal planning to travel packing. They're all printed on recycled papers and have contemporary designs that are infinitely cooler than toting around a crumpled sticky note. They can be found at the Container Store (LOVE that place) and on line. (The "Sit Me" one seemed particularly useful for parents or folks who leave pets with house sitters.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKquqCcqdj4z9LPvy3vBkG3Vtw13lA8hfS7eoKaGyh0WB0gg55s2_aGxT6eheg1BQmLRlzkqHFjh9pG-Z7dI36nHGwDq-0cRl0f88XUa4N9vVgTZV7JL686_Fj4hXveuo2W2SdggZ2eVE/s1600-h/IMG_2902.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKquqCcqdj4z9LPvy3vBkG3Vtw13lA8hfS7eoKaGyh0WB0gg55s2_aGxT6eheg1BQmLRlzkqHFjh9pG-Z7dI36nHGwDq-0cRl0f88XUa4N9vVgTZV7JL686_Fj4hXveuo2W2SdggZ2eVE/s400/IMG_2902.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353349194086190722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Next up is an interesting take on packing tape. Yup, that's what I said. (I never imagined I'd be writing about packing tape.) Although I was skeptical at first, I have to say I am a sucker for a cute package and the idea of sending all our annual gifts back east in something better than a recycled Amazon box really got me going. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This was the sample I received at the party. Not surprisingly, the packaging for the packing tape was as cute as the tape itself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozADt5L__rb5gf_OV1CQ1lUjMFqWIh_4yZkPfTf21Qj5J3lCHfSHYDxdO6mr13lafUYT_hGsw8j6-cfG3RxSFNxDZCAbILGvtFp3nlhtEuy0ASZGYgjxwSoWYse3MufU2k7tF1yb_eiyq/s1600-h/IMG_2909.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozADt5L__rb5gf_OV1CQ1lUjMFqWIh_4yZkPfTf21Qj5J3lCHfSHYDxdO6mr13lafUYT_hGsw8j6-cfG3RxSFNxDZCAbILGvtFp3nlhtEuy0ASZGYgjxwSoWYse3MufU2k7tF1yb_eiyq/s400/IMG_2909.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353349956488324338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIb8mnu9irWzs9VxSBjCf9ff-z0OkExPm2CYlrhVn0upl0xFnrEMDR-Z-dv03YMgWmyJ1GpW0xTTByGtT4c8F5xTf55iOa6mrmrxVPw03jDCPVhuH-7RSAFngDtGkE8Z8i81MVZsjGQne/s1600-h/IMG_2912.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIb8mnu9irWzs9VxSBjCf9ff-z0OkExPm2CYlrhVn0upl0xFnrEMDR-Z-dv03YMgWmyJ1GpW0xTTByGtT4c8F5xTf55iOa6mrmrxVPw03jDCPVhuH-7RSAFngDtGkE8Z8i81MVZsjGQne/s400/IMG_2912.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353349968640524242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My sample is a pink dotted version with some light pink vines running through the roll. There's a huge variety of colors and patterns (at the party we saw a wood grain, cute little birds, florals, and lace patterns) and there are a few other tape-ish items like envelope wrap arounds and labels. You can find them all at </span><a href="http://www.tapeswell.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Tapeswell</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Of course, I can't write a post without at least a fleeting reference to Chuck so in his honor I am providing a bonus review.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd_QKEZwC69eXjuhnS4-x4lft75dKYF2VDvOxbmOgD-RLX7C0NATCe7SGTEufJU5zJeq5YWnSt3pZHYmMaBP9UZcEmRIAi6aqdQ9IHSOlPmYfdw8ZJCi51l-U_egPo9kU81x5UYjaDOog/s1600-h/IMG_2894.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-LedBiSDQ9fYhJWdFl-dvRCjD-C0nX26AMbWn01GMZrjCbSu53bRZSS_lNEeZIsy7E7mjFAlTB4ngeVl9AAotO65_h4K05rzQ5Mi0-OrD30d3eOAe7lbsQe6sizntHMiC8OaAZeWvsx1/s1600-h/IMG_2894.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-LedBiSDQ9fYhJWdFl-dvRCjD-C0nX26AMbWn01GMZrjCbSu53bRZSS_lNEeZIsy7E7mjFAlTB4ngeVl9AAotO65_h4K05rzQ5Mi0-OrD30d3eOAe7lbsQe6sizntHMiC8OaAZeWvsx1/s400/IMG_2894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353353912915923154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Say hello to the Frosty Paw. I spotted these little gems in the supermarket frozen section and thought Chuck might enjoy a nice frozen treat during our unseasonably hot June. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Inside the box are four little ice cream cups just like we got when we were kids. (sans the little wooden paddle-spoon.) I peeled off the tabbed top and headed outside to offer it up to the wonder pooch.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpnijIXugVr58Ha1MIeliE4AwrbhX9vUF64WgT4_LaAuRFl-7LF7_fNPCosolDg_9f-1eKu2CT7Mw4RT_X0VRWFblHqctKcogf7G6KwgleFMKgiBxAgVjuC7gFa0slonpYWJU0b464pXa/s1600-h/IMG_2890.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpnijIXugVr58Ha1MIeliE4AwrbhX9vUF64WgT4_LaAuRFl-7LF7_fNPCosolDg_9f-1eKu2CT7Mw4RT_X0VRWFblHqctKcogf7G6KwgleFMKgiBxAgVjuC7gFa0slonpYWJU0b464pXa/s400/IMG_2890.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353353681231226258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This little frozen treat is, quite simply, canine crack. I'm certain that this dog would have stood on his head and cited the Gettysburg Address for just a few licks. He licked that cardboard tub with such ferocity that I don't know how it managed to remain intact. From the time that I peeled back the top until Charlie delivered his last lingering lick, no more than 5 minutes had lapsed (quite impressive considering that the treat was frozen solid.) It was great fun to watch and I look forward to treating Chuck again. Two resounding paws up!</span></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-89373929186159777792009-06-30T06:19:00.000-07:002009-06-30T06:55:47.244-07:00Party Time<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We were invited to a party last Friday and the invitation included Tim and Charlie so naturally everyone (including Chuck) had to get spruced up. We ran a little short on time that day so I opted to bathe him in the back yard rather than going to our favorite </span><a href="http://charliethenorthstardog.blogspot.com/2008/07/charlies-day-at-spa.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">dog wash</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and with a little prodding I was able to get Tim on board for the task. So first, we gathered up our gear, ...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgNAly-3Qzrysde60Xselqw-37eQvDqQmkMwZ6Qic8-wV4mTdnK3Rc6CpuzKNDe3PAfWv7K5CPsJ12fWvjwbM65gp2oiSnr3nb7ONMt3dMDl0MeZYLgakOrDDyGeH_GI0bKQ5kT8gLQL4/s1600-h/IMG_2769.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgNAly-3Qzrysde60Xselqw-37eQvDqQmkMwZ6Qic8-wV4mTdnK3Rc6CpuzKNDe3PAfWv7K5CPsJ12fWvjwbM65gp2oiSnr3nb7ONMt3dMDl0MeZYLgakOrDDyGeH_GI0bKQ5kT8gLQL4/s400/IMG_2769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352865323835014962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">... and then got right down to business. Tim happily showered Charlie ...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zuG94CHJm-WHlABguGm8z7uomdDvlso0WhnNYo5iM0Q_MmLCTZCPH0qCQXXgO5GWaGhuSexW8ZoU_THyAi-25bdPrC7gnQA9C8IU7OgRplVM68o4hiTs7L_kA3mvQ3Ogd-bbmgd52zmG/s1600-h/IMG_2788.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zuG94CHJm-WHlABguGm8z7uomdDvlso0WhnNYo5iM0Q_MmLCTZCPH0qCQXXgO5GWaGhuSexW8ZoU_THyAi-25bdPrC7gnQA9C8IU7OgRplVM68o4hiTs7L_kA3mvQ3Ogd-bbmgd52zmG/s400/IMG_2788.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352865331450653138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">... and Charlie happily showered Tim.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHcwtrFL6qSHI_Eifi1vO9mzj2dX6vvUJE5fhnPLRhHI5QwdNP_KDwTxL4VO4yUOxS1hGHPZiZhO4KWq7hSTR0nJgD5zitr97PRbnxcGFXsMgFfgFJxD404Z3vGnKk1U52T2pJrduq8Tu/s1600-h/IMG_2791.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHcwtrFL6qSHI_Eifi1vO9mzj2dX6vvUJE5fhnPLRhHI5QwdNP_KDwTxL4VO4yUOxS1hGHPZiZhO4KWq7hSTR0nJgD5zitr97PRbnxcGFXsMgFfgFJxD404Z3vGnKk1U52T2pJrduq8Tu/s400/IMG_2791.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352865334675899986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now that everyone was clean it was time to fret about the party. Tim LOVES parties but you just never know how things will go (A Club parents surely know what I'm talking about here.) Plus, it wasn't just Tim that we had to fret about ... what if Charlie lost his wits and demonstrated some yet unseen wacky behavior? We (actually, just me) were starting to feel a little pressure about this event.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm a big believer that preparation is the key to relieving stress so I decided to work with Tim on preparing for the party. We knew that there would be two other little kids there so we spent the rest of the afternoon practicing names and thinking about ways we could introduce the children to Charlie.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As expected, Charlie was a brilliant ambassador for </span><a href="http://www.northstardogs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">North Star</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and our family (except for his need to "download a brown load" in the host's well manicured yard. Did I mention that the host was Andy's former boss? Andy quickly removed any evidence of this minor transgression and I don't think anyone was the wiser.) The children threw tennis balls for Chuck to chase, walked him around the yard like a small pony, offered countless sticks for chewing, and eagerly posed for pictures.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uJgpAqMgnsmxlJBmQw2iWK3a6ZOAB_20AD-v7o7dQ0Uo_UhWhUbdpRaJBE5HK7VH2TUSlu9r79Afh0fEa-tmYYjM3G6gvIZfjcvsm2qNCpINR9w4QaBrpp-IlZAsQ7Q4dYBdl9XADwFp/s1600-h/IMG_2806.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uJgpAqMgnsmxlJBmQw2iWK3a6ZOAB_20AD-v7o7dQ0Uo_UhWhUbdpRaJBE5HK7VH2TUSlu9r79Afh0fEa-tmYYjM3G6gvIZfjcvsm2qNCpINR9w4QaBrpp-IlZAsQ7Q4dYBdl9XADwFp/s400/IMG_2806.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352869715993328898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I think Chuck was particularly fond of this little guy because he managed to score a few mouthfuls of pasta from him during dinner. (I saw it all transpire but it was simply too cute to correct!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While it's always great to see Charlie showered with attention, what really thrills me is when I see Tim being welcomed into a group of kids to play. No doubt Charlie was the ice breaker - these kids clearly adored him. But after wearing Charlie out, the kids all played together and that's what really makes my day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8cHu6veeZ4EFpVx-WZ7vzNgVrmzDPJDaXZBPuGJzv2XiLKm-RYbWm28VQ7kZQxBpPNpfFk3GgCKUdt9QLlzmdqLL0BtjT0HZeSEFpy2E2G4c97-BT1dMG3W4BPFcgVBeJ3UdqUvyBMCV/s1600-h/IMG_2799.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8cHu6veeZ4EFpVx-WZ7vzNgVrmzDPJDaXZBPuGJzv2XiLKm-RYbWm28VQ7kZQxBpPNpfFk3GgCKUdt9QLlzmdqLL0BtjT0HZeSEFpy2E2G4c97-BT1dMG3W4BPFcgVBeJ3UdqUvyBMCV/s400/IMG_2799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352869720767628002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yup, that's Tim right in there with the other kids. Can't think of much that makes me happier than that. Of course Tim was tickled pink to play with other kids and their toys. Even today as I type this, he's been peeking over my shoulder looking at the photos and saying, "let's do it again." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Phew.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-31252539368163762452009-06-21T17:46:00.000-07:002009-06-21T20:15:53.127-07:00Review #1: Zen Charlie<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's been almost a week since the big "Review Party" and I've decided to kick off my reviews with what I thought would be the most difficult review for me to write. I am compelled to disclose here that I am terminally practical and as such you can imagine my knee jerk reaction when I first saw Cleansing Thoughts.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuk_KW5-kDIInXNe_AmmmB8vwhWbJiqFXrbMqJek6-QqlV1qxtqM1xaP-lcn12_GtGe62X75itIBw0VUypOalVZP_REIOrsS6XygXCUbp8nct4WeMDeapD3O04yzOdMXxiz3NMpNqwyEI1/s1600-h/IMG_2450.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuk_KW5-kDIInXNe_AmmmB8vwhWbJiqFXrbMqJek6-QqlV1qxtqM1xaP-lcn12_GtGe62X75itIBw0VUypOalVZP_REIOrsS6XygXCUbp8nct4WeMDeapD3O04yzOdMXxiz3NMpNqwyEI1/s400/IMG_2450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349576996365645522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.cleansingthoughts.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cleansing Thoughts</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">: a cute little meshy bag containing 5 heavy weight plastic cards, an adhesive clip and a single bath gel bead. It's billed as being a device to help you create a happy and fulfilling life by reading the inspirational messages each day as you shower. As the mother of an autistic child, I'm forever seeking inspiration so I actually put it in my shower and have read the first of 5 inspirational notes. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6J4fkIzTQdlnNbVm3IiahHsp_8j84bB9lez8UKwdKkkUUyPOIiqmeP-aHPtlFO6vMZOFun8FwVfErHHqbDe7fh4J0KIn-8amHAEcrw48D3dxKWn6DemD1fOLMcA1G6v6zDEIbRKZwIA2v/s1600-h/IMG_2452.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6J4fkIzTQdlnNbVm3IiahHsp_8j84bB9lez8UKwdKkkUUyPOIiqmeP-aHPtlFO6vMZOFun8FwVfErHHqbDe7fh4J0KIn-8amHAEcrw48D3dxKWn6DemD1fOLMcA1G6v6zDEIbRKZwIA2v/s400/IMG_2452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349587398325880626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have to admit, the cards seem to be very durable and the messages, although a bit cliche, are sound. (Although I'm not quite sure about my "highest good is already happening.") The card holder easily adhered to my shower tile and the cards fit tightly. Oh, and the packaging really is cute. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If nothing more, this could be a cute and inexpensive gift idea for a yoga pal or a friend from meditation class. I don't expect my life to change but I do believe in positive thinking and if positive messages in the shower help someone to keep their spirits high, then I'm all for it. All in all, a cute and frivolous little gift. (I think Charlie was a bit confused but it was his first time in my shower and his first experience with inspirational messages.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLJ81J6yXVeaD9C1h_WVVa9IyG_2PoD8wdQVPO1h45pZeC2Wua10z8-ShMqaR5utPJ6lJBP_e4DGET7Aq0FhnNpHfKK9E1YwgkghPo_8M-3E7s8iWhqfvJj_byardAdXMMi_g5viR-OYl/s1600-h/IMG_2458.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLJ81J6yXVeaD9C1h_WVVa9IyG_2PoD8wdQVPO1h45pZeC2Wua10z8-ShMqaR5utPJ6lJBP_e4DGET7Aq0FhnNpHfKK9E1YwgkghPo_8M-3E7s8iWhqfvJj_byardAdXMMi_g5viR-OYl/s400/IMG_2458.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349577012220316018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Apparently when Kris Jones of Cleansing Thoughts sent out her samples for our party, she mentioned in passing that she also has a little card company that she's starting up and she included some samples for us. THESE CARDS ARE HILARIOUS! Check out the sample I got:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-MzjACWfA3eH4tDRvmS7zOyhaG80w8sSopDTh56AQktMX2l_fSlSP7gVsnSNVYXL8EnUiHir01FRW_0kNMT9GVSIoa4d0GV9DOuMiftxbmHGe6LHl04pHDgNKmByRRDaqtvB-PLkHQ3S/s1600-h/IMG_2477.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-MzjACWfA3eH4tDRvmS7zOyhaG80w8sSopDTh56AQktMX2l_fSlSP7gVsnSNVYXL8EnUiHir01FRW_0kNMT9GVSIoa4d0GV9DOuMiftxbmHGe6LHl04pHDgNKmByRRDaqtvB-PLkHQ3S/s400/IMG_2477.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349983398574766866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Apologies to those who aren't Seinfeld fans but this just cracked me up! All the cards were very edgy - some even down right risque - but I thought they were absolutely uproarious. All the cards are printed on heavy card stock that appears to be recycled with heavy weight envelopes. Check them out at </span><a href="http://www.roastgreetings.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Roast</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">: Cards for the People You Love Most. (Great tag line too ... trust me, you won't send these cards to folks that you don't know well!!!)</span></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-52780302230317677972009-06-20T17:11:00.000-07:002009-06-20T17:45:42.979-07:00Pee Spots<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">See this?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuglE9bK1rBUmoGPV8QAxYAus9ORSFRTuQ_ybFF2RqYSY_FyEBtItSYo6Qp18OY_Sv6gmb6F8YzxwnnW3WjefXFefWRea3NLtEXQJa8foVfxdknifCBgLs7YyweQlGdR87CirZWNQfAvCV/s1600-h/IMG_2443.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuglE9bK1rBUmoGPV8QAxYAus9ORSFRTuQ_ybFF2RqYSY_FyEBtItSYo6Qp18OY_Sv6gmb6F8YzxwnnW3WjefXFefWRea3NLtEXQJa8foVfxdknifCBgLs7YyweQlGdR87CirZWNQfAvCV/s400/IMG_2443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349574751392322946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yup, that's what happens when a well trained dog, capable of voiding on command, chooses to void in the exact same spot every day. This is particularly vexing because Andy just spent several weeks re-landscaping our yard. (I'm talking about a major undertaking involving jackhammers, loads of dirt, and a tractor trailer delivery of a pallet of sod.) Needless to say, my patient husband's patience is wearing thin.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I mentioned this whole thing to my favorite pet shop owner (we love you, </span><a href="http://www.murphyspaw.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Murphy's Paw</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">!) and she informed me that male dogs don't make brown grass. As I blankly stared back at her, she insisted that people actually seek out male dogs because their pee doesn't burn the grass. Has anyone out there ever heard that? If that's true, clearly Chuck has some extraordinary tinkle because his "pee spot" is burned to a crisp.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In my quest to resolve this problem I reached out to my dear friend in Virginia (also the proud mother of two kids and a young dog) and she mentioned a biscuit designed to neutralize whatever it is in urine that burns up my grass. A quick visit to Amazon.com and I had the biscuits in hand within a week.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNXDlzCwW3-wb8wtXxzqA4QiJ9jboLwA3UlzgOFAVD7ILnj0C5jOu-k4AhsDtgiOK097a2iP-mzqau-pohufP5rbmsBsOGguSmuJ-vSaxvOVXoAvmO_mnE6TVzQvTwQ83cmJHZy-InArC/s1600-h/IMG_2440.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNXDlzCwW3-wb8wtXxzqA4QiJ9jboLwA3UlzgOFAVD7ILnj0C5jOu-k4AhsDtgiOK097a2iP-mzqau-pohufP5rbmsBsOGguSmuJ-vSaxvOVXoAvmO_mnE6TVzQvTwQ83cmJHZy-InArC/s400/IMG_2440.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349574757512269522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today we are well into a non-scientific test using Charlie as my subject. According to the directions on the box, Charlie is to receive two biscuits a day and then after 4-6 weeks we should see results in the form of a lush, spot free yard.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Week four and we're still burned out. I'm giving it two more weeks and then I'm throwing out the biscuits. (Did I mention that the biscuits smell like brussels sprouts? Eew.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uieSlohb_xhgwZswQPPoWAeHgvwieloiWll4JweSpqoUZVW6IMr6rkMnUTXmETxHBANohxxaH-MgUJee2yxlCaY2JfUuh0u6mQQTfn_aDQrURKF8Sx1umnr7oigzM_pEW2xSzey-CDfR/s1600-h/IMG_1676.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uieSlohb_xhgwZswQPPoWAeHgvwieloiWll4JweSpqoUZVW6IMr6rkMnUTXmETxHBANohxxaH-MgUJee2yxlCaY2JfUuh0u6mQQTfn_aDQrURKF8Sx1umnr7oigzM_pEW2xSzey-CDfR/s400/IMG_1676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349574762853466466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-89729184267379934532009-06-17T07:21:00.000-07:002009-06-17T07:59:34.447-07:00Blog-iversary & Some New Stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7B1eONK63lGZ6GpjPrexxYvPOoTL4CsZj7TOkji-jswLJGwsphy_xvL1QX4Yrr1cmeGbGsu0iZk6khWhwVbhtKx40dJM8ADyJG5yeZDCoPO_pNAE0pzQk7uMItSAckS_AGhgUAzn2t8oN/s1600-h/IMG_2424.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7B1eONK63lGZ6GpjPrexxYvPOoTL4CsZj7TOkji-jswLJGwsphy_xvL1QX4Yrr1cmeGbGsu0iZk6khWhwVbhtKx40dJM8ADyJG5yeZDCoPO_pNAE0pzQk7uMItSAckS_AGhgUAzn2t8oN/s400/IMG_2424.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348310710280136530" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's official: I'm a blogger. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm one year, 100 posts, and countless new "internet friends" into this little project and have to say, I'm hooked.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course, it's always fun to write about my boy and his dog but this blogging adventure has opened some doors for me that I would never have imagined. I've met people I would never have encountered in my REAL life and I've become loyally addicted to their blogs. I've also been taken aback by the power of the internet and the masses that will read about Tim and Charlie. (Would you believe this little blog has had 10,000 page views?!!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recently, as a result of my blogging, I was invited to participate in </span><a href="http://ohbrooke.com/2009/05/22/oh-yes-review-party/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a review panel comprised of bloggers</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. The panel was given a variety of products to test and then blog about. We gathered locally to receive the goods (although the products came from vendors all over the country) and then engaged in spirited discussions about all the products as they were revealed to us. It was a great night with a group of diverse panelists discussing products I would never have even known about.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Anyway, my only obligation now is to blog about each one in a series of posts. I'll be honest, these products are not necessarily dog products nor do they relate to autism. This is more about an opportunity I had and a chance to do something outside the realm of the A Club. (Surely those of you in the Club know the thrill of the rare foray outside the gates of the Club.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, expect to see some unusual posts here in the next few weeks. Don't worry, Charlie is still right here, encouraging me to write and I'll keep writing about him as long as he gives me material to write about!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqI6hRtk4WeNbb1t7HJYME0-r0jAqQcTQQ8Ghylgq5I8cLsG7EINvymWOMdjtTlOuNIyWSN_Uxtj9ERtHd3CRUcijYSgHYFNBk_e_MFFvRHCevsCb0uMhpSY2dad6IBz-mc1-K2flaSPn/s1600-h/IMG_1675.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqI6hRtk4WeNbb1t7HJYME0-r0jAqQcTQQ8Ghylgq5I8cLsG7EINvymWOMdjtTlOuNIyWSN_Uxtj9ERtHd3CRUcijYSgHYFNBk_e_MFFvRHCevsCb0uMhpSY2dad6IBz-mc1-K2flaSPn/s400/IMG_1675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348310721167340674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-15899150768132236972009-06-06T21:55:00.000-07:002009-06-06T22:19:30.430-07:00The Firedog<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've always been a sucker for a guy in a uniform ... and his cute sidekick makes me smile too!</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrdvOdRIVLi7goTqX7E5yuBmoLpYyGhX2S3lsIewptRvdARYoBFFRtsusuIZhRyIDU28OTXTNjhXv-hcjJ4esFM8pExl4aBabqPTljs7jdSsoc5TsREZpsVD6zjfDUsly7QpYpOeMpNor/s1600-h/V0000010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrdvOdRIVLi7goTqX7E5yuBmoLpYyGhX2S3lsIewptRvdARYoBFFRtsusuIZhRyIDU28OTXTNjhXv-hcjJ4esFM8pExl4aBabqPTljs7jdSsoc5TsREZpsVD6zjfDUsly7QpYpOeMpNor/s400/V0000010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342032858932509410" /></a>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-16509009038144190612009-06-03T18:24:00.000-07:002009-06-03T18:32:25.055-07:00New Artwork<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:17px;">I was recently surfing around on the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy site</a> (a great place to find unique artisan type gifts) and I came across this woman who made silhouette prints. I saw one with a boy, an airplane and a dog and instantly had to have it! I wrote to the woman and asked if she could make the dog a bit hairy-er so as to look like a golden retriever and within no time I was looking at a silhouette of none other than Tim and Charlie. (It's noteworthy here that the only thing Tim loves as much as Charlie is airplanes.) </span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I haven't had it matted and framed yet but take a peek: What do you think?</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW5_xY1PWj70OgkGRbQudckRcoAN5sVDQlTE0WfW0LxsDdg1qK571Z_d9ifuX0N2qdvTy5hHUnvzJGcBVRd1LvHNzCpakGFSYwwDdiwX8oja2i9aXUrbsR5IcnEkFI4GsvseyNmPHtYSR/s1600-h/IMG_1684.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW5_xY1PWj70OgkGRbQudckRcoAN5sVDQlTE0WfW0LxsDdg1qK571Z_d9ifuX0N2qdvTy5hHUnvzJGcBVRd1LvHNzCpakGFSYwwDdiwX8oja2i9aXUrbsR5IcnEkFI4GsvseyNmPHtYSR/s400/IMG_1684.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343277435469451042" /></a><br /></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-59515491265881512002009-05-31T20:04:00.000-07:002009-05-31T20:09:02.454-07:00I Give Up<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">See this?</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgBLs60-dL7g5AKYO5XVQUfjwNA-Duhz6NXs-Co1SixJWB3ejWewR5z6G55KsmGIAVgbvQsg8IbTs_lJTVEQj40P9MC1p0wdOvLrwIORxWvUr-kD3qbICdDgwm-nMZwUZ-sloHFCN7Ff3/s1600-h/V0000045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgBLs60-dL7g5AKYO5XVQUfjwNA-Duhz6NXs-Co1SixJWB3ejWewR5z6G55KsmGIAVgbvQsg8IbTs_lJTVEQj40P9MC1p0wdOvLrwIORxWvUr-kD3qbICdDgwm-nMZwUZ-sloHFCN7Ff3/s400/V0000045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342190026341427794" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's Charlie giving me the stink-eye after I did this to him:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_eRUACYeI1A4staqv5HwQImuRz0CZ_Yles4XaTaWET5PgjowBolnsC3c_UPEPf4DN48j3zAlUIZQG6eIGKwMGo2iG8A8_24ithRxDjG7JD0iUHve-5GfU14b-uYTRU4Tis1gVx5qNYlI/s1600-h/V0000043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_eRUACYeI1A4staqv5HwQImuRz0CZ_Yles4XaTaWET5PgjowBolnsC3c_UPEPf4DN48j3zAlUIZQG6eIGKwMGo2iG8A8_24ithRxDjG7JD0iUHve-5GfU14b-uYTRU4Tis1gVx5qNYlI/s400/V0000043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342190019705494882" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't even know why I try to cut his toe nails myself. Every time I do, we end up with something right out of Helter Skelter. I even have one of those clippers that have the guide on them so that you don't cut too far into the quick of the nail. Yeah. See how effective that is? That's it. I'm throwing in the towel and calling a groomer. Sorry Charlie.</span></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-77478466575540948482009-05-28T09:41:00.000-07:002009-05-28T19:27:33.209-07:00Time Flies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_kDJ5EWq5c8nuke1bA_5vNUR16BSbOgsUw43rg7K1jiFGp15RsY2x8cznwOmnm3GXVQcDMm6i1wtFEk5jKD-i2Fjfy7qp1RvBGRUXpSHMeMqzoTgI_uc4XY4xRHc0KNTdaXL6rke3rDm/s1600-h/IMG_1528.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_kDJ5EWq5c8nuke1bA_5vNUR16BSbOgsUw43rg7K1jiFGp15RsY2x8cznwOmnm3GXVQcDMm6i1wtFEk5jKD-i2Fjfy7qp1RvBGRUXpSHMeMqzoTgI_uc4XY4xRHc0KNTdaXL6rke3rDm/s400/IMG_1528.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340998509434299218" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's been a year - 365 days with Charlie the wonder dog and I just can't believe it. I could swear it was just a few weeks ago that </span><a href="http://www.northstardogs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Patty from North Star</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> handed over the leash at the San Francisco airport and sent me on my way with her sage words of advice: "I think he has to pee." As luck would have it, there is actually a pet relief station at SFO and it was there that Charlie and I shared our first intimate moment. [This picture was taken in the parking lot at SFO just before we headed home to meet Tim for the first time.]<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffhp_yTzdqKMnqNNWBwWIW_3rSqE_lB1f5pHK5nMgy3bTYVoAH0ZEQghN9hsUVyOMY9-3e0g5XsFmgLASa4a3ipc2AqaTaWeMJ3VrrnQm5Nkw9nO_vVW3pCRH3Joi1InhmvptUVj2GefL/s1600-h/IMG_3447.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffhp_yTzdqKMnqNNWBwWIW_3rSqE_lB1f5pHK5nMgy3bTYVoAH0ZEQghN9hsUVyOMY9-3e0g5XsFmgLASa4a3ipc2AqaTaWeMJ3VrrnQm5Nkw9nO_vVW3pCRH3Joi1InhmvptUVj2GefL/s400/IMG_3447.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340998054978338738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't think I'll ever forget that day - meeting Patty after years of waiting for our dog's birth, meeting Charlie as a 5 month old puppy, and introducing Charlie to Tim in the back of my car. What an exciting day it was. [This next pic is when Tim met Charlie.]<br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDh5PdF1zsOCDXMTRwMUJsvcqnJECs_sUNFsWdXmPNLByENBI5ZjntX3RnAks_nV8_lXSlrT04yTS8aSt_BzWmAQjXEFoUqWXFqgcLaejPef6z8OV1IIwSRCShpijqggB31_ffbxEKAhX/s1600-h/IMG_3446.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDh5PdF1zsOCDXMTRwMUJsvcqnJECs_sUNFsWdXmPNLByENBI5ZjntX3RnAks_nV8_lXSlrT04yTS8aSt_BzWmAQjXEFoUqWXFqgcLaejPef6z8OV1IIwSRCShpijqggB31_ffbxEKAhX/s400/IMG_3446.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340998066773780130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">[Here he was trying out his bed for the first time on that fateful day.]</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzYqwgjOJFoGhPwpJAVzkx9Na9TLkSB82rm4MbGIPqG-ofI7KskBmFxs3PaqkuHAw9nciJRNnrvOWDvcB6FxYp3ARlBZyCzVA2R1O1xtw9agn98-VE14r5c42f89C7nuOPo1HMUq4JUWQ/s1600-h/IMG_3456.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzYqwgjOJFoGhPwpJAVzkx9Na9TLkSB82rm4MbGIPqG-ofI7KskBmFxs3PaqkuHAw9nciJRNnrvOWDvcB6FxYp3ARlBZyCzVA2R1O1xtw9agn98-VE14r5c42f89C7nuOPo1HMUq4JUWQ/s400/IMG_3456.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340998062774225714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course, I also remember the anxiety of having another non-verbal member of the family. My first lesson in non-verbal canine communication came on that very first afternoon when I fed Charlie and then neglected to show him where the door to go outside was. That was the first and only time Chuck pooped in my house. (We're both quick learners.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over the course of the year we've had countless sessions with </span><a href="http://www.tellatail.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wendy the Trainer</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, both privately and in her group classes, and we've even gotten within inches of the CGC brass ring. We've watched Charlie learn how to hike, how to walk on a leash, and how to swim like a fish. He even rides in the car without the nausea that plagued him as a young pup. (Thanks to Judy the Puppy Raiser for getting him over that unpleasant hump.) And we've watched him grow from gangly clumsy puppy to giant gangly clumsy dog.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">[Look at him then ...]</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZhgAXPbB6eZbEa_uvEsWVJIjeRyhGj8jO8H_0wrvHk5L0FMGwjiF5hr9w_bplWQSCWrfiB0_K_B2mHwuGcKt_yJIxLOzxedPUez5yw25eyM6BVp-5grLz7VuJTcdLK879TXk02squoVE/s1600-h/IMG_3492.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZhgAXPbB6eZbEa_uvEsWVJIjeRyhGj8jO8H_0wrvHk5L0FMGwjiF5hr9w_bplWQSCWrfiB0_K_B2mHwuGcKt_yJIxLOzxedPUez5yw25eyM6BVp-5grLz7VuJTcdLK879TXk02squoVE/s400/IMG_3492.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340998498483169778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">[... and now.]</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7rju6Pyo4BuM5ARrfOMhVnrLAS12bPj6hnv-xPbnrbmJH7KI47mKhB_XXgWKQlx0c-e_Z5nTnSYG57r-HFcO3d0gbsTcN4BkK9_3SEk1LPkD-odsUNYxMAmwxJVrGxVQqcphdj-0YzGE/s1600-h/IMG_1506.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7rju6Pyo4BuM5ARrfOMhVnrLAS12bPj6hnv-xPbnrbmJH7KI47mKhB_XXgWKQlx0c-e_Z5nTnSYG57r-HFcO3d0gbsTcN4BkK9_3SEk1LPkD-odsUNYxMAmwxJVrGxVQqcphdj-0YzGE/s400/IMG_1506.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340998503387870722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Charlie's come a long way for sure, but what is even more thrilling are the changes we've seen in Tim over the course of the year. The rational side of my brain (whatever is left of it) tells me that the countless therapies, treatments, and specialized schooling that Tim receives every day is explanation for Tim's tremendous strides. But my heart tells me that Charlie has played a huge role in Tim's development.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">From day one Charlie's impact on Tim was evident as we found Tim curled up on the floor and talking to Charlie. Tim rarely spoke before Charlie arrived. Now not only does Tim talk to Charlie but Tim's spontaneous language has increased exponentially and it's increasing every week. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Language isn't the only change in Tim since the arrival of Charlie. Because we've made Tim responsible for the care and maintenance of Chuck (basically feeding and exercising him) he's learned a great lesson in responsibility. We've also gotten the empathy lesson from our recent trip to the vet when Charlie suffered from an embedded foxtail and consequent infection. </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zSHYRPSAv48IzmF5kCXBy3R6MRE-g5qsW2jFTKqyjQY5FK_hrPFgKNYYsvF5BFjPImNsjzfhkHpAyE9qEZn6OQNGSlRT8j6kwMg-akWMACZNpp9Rv2cSX-jvEcJw1jTLAr4NyN4FM_Ds/s1600-h/IMG_1530.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zSHYRPSAv48IzmF5kCXBy3R6MRE-g5qsW2jFTKqyjQY5FK_hrPFgKNYYsvF5BFjPImNsjzfhkHpAyE9qEZn6OQNGSlRT8j6kwMg-akWMACZNpp9Rv2cSX-jvEcJw1jTLAr4NyN4FM_Ds/s400/IMG_1530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340998878915916674" style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Charlie has become Tim's go-to guy for just about everything. When I pick him up from school his first question is inevitably "Where's Charlie?" At night he begs to let Charlie sleep on his bed. At home they play in the yard together, wrestle on the floor, and chase each other all over the house. The sounds of their companionship are nothing short of intoxicating.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tim isn't the only one who's experienced the magic of Charlie. My husband has become the evening walker taking vigorous nightly walks with Chuck which makes both of them very happy and healthy. And me, ... well Charlie is as close to a second child as you can get without actually getting pregnant. I absolutely love this dog and all that he has given to my family.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sure, there have been some occasional headaches because of Charlie: a few chewed up toys; some big yellow spots in the yard; the juice/soda/wine/coffee stains on the rug from an overzealous nose nudge; vet bills; the stain on the carpet underneath Charlie's crate. At one time or another these may have irritated me. But today, on this one year anniversary, I can barely remember any of them. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much to </span><a href="http://www.northstardogs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">North Star</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> for sending Charlie to us. We're looking forward to many, many more dog years together!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5V1nH7fP27cvMTyHzt0X_sl50Y1o2Mw2q3JCVuB9XdBiXrvYl6YXsJMNAFFjp5V6KFAaGazC-WA3HQEJHeX5CRRRsjgd58gv1qnFALdWZW4tJABtyMvm_LV-5V-iaSAcAsEkaLB9XKAkw/s1600-h/IMG_1533.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5V1nH7fP27cvMTyHzt0X_sl50Y1o2Mw2q3JCVuB9XdBiXrvYl6YXsJMNAFFjp5V6KFAaGazC-WA3HQEJHeX5CRRRsjgd58gv1qnFALdWZW4tJABtyMvm_LV-5V-iaSAcAsEkaLB9XKAkw/s400/IMG_1533.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340998880818620946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-42816180632631350732009-05-25T11:11:00.000-07:002009-05-25T19:45:30.943-07:00CGC ... Aaargh!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yDpg0NH8HT3Uy3p_7HghCntNfHsgh3_GLGDLRj_2x8Xuk7X-CKy7mODRD8E0p3D7gN7AYh6fDeMv_6TIV8_WY4wyRai-wGY3GUb77Al050Xrdats4QCT8hH9QnM2cDPsd7e-BjbNjiN3/s1600-h/IMG_1086.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yDpg0NH8HT3Uy3p_7HghCntNfHsgh3_GLGDLRj_2x8Xuk7X-CKy7mODRD8E0p3D7gN7AYh6fDeMv_6TIV8_WY4wyRai-wGY3GUb77Al050Xrdats4QCT8hH9QnM2cDPsd7e-BjbNjiN3/s400/IMG_1086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339956222597802642" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's a surprising amount of pressure when you have a service dog at your side, especially when it comes to any type of training. I can fairly state that it is widely assumed that service dogs are inherently good (they are) and intuitively well behaved (they aren't.) </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's no question that Charlie is a special dog. I attribute that to intelligent breeding and excellent early socialization by all the folks at North Star. Plus, I'd be ignoring the obvious fact that he is a golden retriever, a breed known for its docile and friendly demeanor. However, that doesn't mean that they are born with good manners. That's what training classes are for.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHYxC7zCypT69YlYpR2-NEoMMjnbBYYstg3a2R9iC67lKxW7YrETZDTQLntcrtdCX3V3z3HChQhODvocSY7d7UPcEd7M37sDRDnO7_DoersSdHGxY4ulXLppze4mgzs8-LN77knni1D3e/s1600-h/IMG_1245.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHYxC7zCypT69YlYpR2-NEoMMjnbBYYstg3a2R9iC67lKxW7YrETZDTQLntcrtdCX3V3z3HChQhODvocSY7d7UPcEd7M37sDRDnO7_DoersSdHGxY4ulXLppze4mgzs8-LN77knni1D3e/s400/IMG_1245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339956233341596802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In order for Charlie to become fully certified as a public access service animal he needs to pass a test known as the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test. It's generally administered by a dog training professional and is comprised of ten separate mini-tests which range from commands like "sit" and "stay" to traveling through a crowd without showing anything more than passing interest in anyone other than the handler. It really doesn't sound terribly problematic, especially when you've had the advantage of expert training and a well bred dog. <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We failed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Going into the test Charlie sailed through the first 6 parts, confidently sitting, staying, and even being separated from me for 5 minutes without so much as a whimper. Then came our nemesis: the stranger with a leashed dog. He couldn't help himself. Friendliness is in his blood! He just wanted to make sure that other person's dog was having a great day so he basically leaped across the room, pulling me behind him, as he made his way to the unsuspecting lab at the end of the other leash. ugh.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't blame Chuck for this failure. After all, he's still a big puppy - in fact, he was the youngest one in our class. Furthermore, the only way he's going to get over his need to greet other dogs is to have opportunities to practice restraint, which he needs me to do. I have to shamefully admit my failure in that department. We've had great training and we've got a well bred dog but without the significant time commitment from the handler (me), how could I ever expect him to pass? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, now we're re-grouping and getting back to work on the hard things. We can re-take the test any time and once we pass (which we eventually will - I'm quite certain of that) then we will be just a few short hours away from earning our full service credentials which means unfettered public access for Charlie. It may take a bit longer than we thought but we're going to enjoy the journey and remain resolute in our commitment. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Aaw9G8s2_384b_xNzoVfSc7JHsPmJcqLXX2F9CuVc3_ptho-003iTbM0L2b0qKJ_rgUbgjDyp3sMkeiAgvqVDZZvWFQ2SPP0ZMqKAMJ-18_1Og342NQzSWd8v7OjWEhSdhfY_TJUP2eb/s1600-h/IMG_1064.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Aaw9G8s2_384b_xNzoVfSc7JHsPmJcqLXX2F9CuVc3_ptho-003iTbM0L2b0qKJ_rgUbgjDyp3sMkeiAgvqVDZZvWFQ2SPP0ZMqKAMJ-18_1Og342NQzSWd8v7OjWEhSdhfY_TJUP2eb/s400/IMG_1064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339956236062450066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-75165110150179351642009-05-20T08:01:00.001-07:002009-05-20T10:30:34.260-07:00The Recovery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknfbtyAxj7jLhVuGYUd8lrNqWxdUwnNNQeTUaC4joc1nNhcL7S23cvs5sd5rO9GpzgnoSQbofr3-6qrnUkk7dV80abPrHyan_y5HbfEPpx0t7NzM11YFPBz5WyYFmAUnfLEYvBbgs8JZw/s1600-h/IMG_1374.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknfbtyAxj7jLhVuGYUd8lrNqWxdUwnNNQeTUaC4joc1nNhcL7S23cvs5sd5rO9GpzgnoSQbofr3-6qrnUkk7dV80abPrHyan_y5HbfEPpx0t7NzM11YFPBz5WyYFmAUnfLEYvBbgs8JZw/s400/IMG_1374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337921682498169378" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After what seemed like an endless day without our four legged family member, Charlie came home and boy oh boy, were we happy to have him back. The vet's suspicions about a foxtail in his ear proved to be correct and after sedating him they were able to extract it. Turns out he also has some yeast infection in there too (probably due to the water being trapped in his floppy ears) so for the next week Charlie is strictly a landlubber while we treat him with some very expensive ear drops. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The reunion was as expected: an extremely jumpy/leapy/licky/happy dog and a giggling/smiling/snuggling boy. Tim presented Charlie with his recovery toy (ironically, a water toy but we'll enjoy some dry play for the next week) and Charlie happily accepted. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So it seems that things are back to normal now. Thanks to all for your warm wishes - rest assured, Chuck is on the mend!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">QUICK UPDATE: I've had lots of folks asking about foxtails. They're nasty little weed seeds that embed in the coats of unsuspecting doggies causing great pain and in some extreme cases, fatalities. Read a great blog about them </span><a href="http://lassiegethelp.blogspot.com/2007/05/foxtails.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-27717353151762565002009-05-18T13:26:00.000-07:002009-05-18T14:24:48.092-07:00Where's Charlie?<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have I mentioned how much we all love Charlie? I know how much I adore the snuggling moppet, but I don't think I've actually absorbed the depths of Tim's love and concern for Charlie.<br /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After a wonderful weekend full of swimming in the lake (a Friday morning outing with Wendy the Trainer and her dog Renegade) ...,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fKzny8DSEER-S1Y_0z9wwggOz020uCtaWPp6BHT83Mk1UzDuBC32XgLxKYTp5uGXukJjVTutcU3Gj3pQjE135CZFc4urCxV4rsivOOOYd8G2C-kwXjaRG1Mx_PIw_3uQv0wP22CBSlpJ/s1600-h/IMG_1279.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fKzny8DSEER-S1Y_0z9wwggOz020uCtaWPp6BHT83Mk1UzDuBC32XgLxKYTp5uGXukJjVTutcU3Gj3pQjE135CZFc4urCxV4rsivOOOYd8G2C-kwXjaRG1Mx_PIw_3uQv0wP22CBSlpJ/s400/IMG_1279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337267508160161890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3MZKfYqhUsVSTfhpIl4BFTJkOnLkPbI17YuE5zhPAdIGU9pnqvGMEsMNCHItXhMDjxiXk01iePWGqnPqiT0xE0up7W93TR2fleVqUq02-adCyYAPPYt4XneuIQXPfb5skkV7IMARkXdq/s1600-h/IMG_1300.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3MZKfYqhUsVSTfhpIl4BFTJkOnLkPbI17YuE5zhPAdIGU9pnqvGMEsMNCHItXhMDjxiXk01iePWGqnPqiT0xE0up7W93TR2fleVqUq02-adCyYAPPYt4XneuIQXPfb5skkV7IMARkXdq/s400/IMG_1300.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337267513845954850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">... posing for pictures with friends ..., </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8LG2yOnCBkRClcLJlwGu8pslmvZDXND2rYV4GQh8vwtq897Fmaal58RtIxPOlwGGh2OutTxFUcVEp9tAEkT4KzL_xJg4hkXAviDdv4y9bB8vT3yrUF0jgEZlYwTv4GaQC0_2L4QOSAZe/s1600-h/IMG_1318.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8LG2yOnCBkRClcLJlwGu8pslmvZDXND2rYV4GQh8vwtq897Fmaal58RtIxPOlwGGh2OutTxFUcVEp9tAEkT4KzL_xJg4hkXAviDdv4y9bB8vT3yrUF0jgEZlYwTv4GaQC0_2L4QOSAZe/s400/IMG_1318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337267517777318834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">... climbing trees with Renegade, ...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G5tKFQgcdlNzWHe9nQf7tDKxh9L65iKinPlt-dyAcJxrgjszPJdzRRWglclLy46B81Cqlv-fq2L8M6885Nwvlg30n0g2dxHdUjthbzOcXb30yo_G8FPwapmZc8QnG-JCngdVLpRQnQhF/s1600-h/IMG_1326.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G5tKFQgcdlNzWHe9nQf7tDKxh9L65iKinPlt-dyAcJxrgjszPJdzRRWglclLy46B81Cqlv-fq2L8M6885Nwvlg30n0g2dxHdUjthbzOcXb30yo_G8FPwapmZc8QnG-JCngdVLpRQnQhF/s400/IMG_1326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337267952576843874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and followed by a Sunday spent surfing in the Pacific, <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ5iADYwZkJlmU8oetVlMMxbPRHAq0JfbBcIC03kEL6kzeKlLV4lKwag_jzpUdlI-Ggte9IUZsujRjFLitYEK4xS1r7Mes281W_wEzypZqfS5JiUxWTyoLucGkDOtZsdUisVEhpwJhtyy/s1600-h/IMG_1339.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ5iADYwZkJlmU8oetVlMMxbPRHAq0JfbBcIC03kEL6kzeKlLV4lKwag_jzpUdlI-Ggte9IUZsujRjFLitYEK4xS1r7Mes281W_wEzypZqfS5JiUxWTyoLucGkDOtZsdUisVEhpwJhtyy/s400/IMG_1339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337267950844686034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">... and hanging out with family and friends on the beach, ...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7tyw9ZOGmk_As9svk0IsafL2sh0FVKyNI9tapBSEFGw-uR_zsJkuuTygu8BZhugCIBlfX4viU6gFfQbLM5KmPnguiYQJR2_nBO1t8iDLDu0txLNdXSYHjl9sVNx4kToSFG5ozkbglGJ_/s1600-h/IMG_1364.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7tyw9ZOGmk_As9svk0IsafL2sh0FVKyNI9tapBSEFGw-uR_zsJkuuTygu8BZhugCIBlfX4viU6gFfQbLM5KmPnguiYQJR2_nBO1t8iDLDu0txLNdXSYHjl9sVNx4kToSFG5ozkbglGJ_/s400/IMG_1364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337267962640899330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">... Charlie started to repeatedly shake his noggin, causing his ears to flap madly about his head. Wendy mentioned to me on Friday that he might have gotten a Foxtail trapped in one of his ears or that it could be a bit of water trapped down there so we should keep a watch on his behavior. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By this morning Charlie was still flopping his ears around so I made an early appointment with our vet to have things checked out. Ironically, Tim is home from school today due to a slight cough (and a general oversensitivity to the whole swine flu panic around here) so he kept Charlie company while we waited in the vet's office.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As soon as the Dr started fishing down in his ear Charlie began to wince and whine. I knew it was bad news. The vet then asked if she could take our normally docile dog back to the operating room area so that they could get a better look. I agreed and waited with Tim in the examination room. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After a few thumps, thuds, and thrashing sounds the vet came back and advised that she thought there was a foxtail lodged near his eardrum and that he would need to be sedated for them to actually extract and examine what was happening down there. I hate the idea of sedating him but I really didn't know what else to do so I agreed. She printed out a diagnostic plan (along with an UNBELIEVABLE estimate of the cost for the work) and Tim and I made our way out of the examination room. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As soon as I opened the door and Tim realized that Charlie wasn't coming with us he burst into tears. Not the manipulative crocodile type tears ... these were the kind that start silently with big wells in the eyes followed by a wet sniffle, a scrunched up face and a mouth open in a silent scream. Ugh. How heartbreaking to watch your kid's heart break. The receptionist and the vet techs all tried to reassure him that we'd be seeing Charlie this afternoon but he was inconsolable. We slowly made our way to the car as he sniffled and wept with every shuffle of his sad little feet.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Buckling him into the car, my heart was heavy with the sorrow of my son and concern for our family's best pal. I repeatedly explained that we'd see Charlie in a few hours but there was simply no diffusing this awful moment. Then I suggested that we go buy a new toy for Charlie to have when he comes home from the doctor. Tim tearfully agreed and off we went to our local pet shop.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As we made our way out of the parking lot, his tears had slowed and I thought the retail therapy would be a good distraction for Tim so I snuck in a quick trip to the dry cleaners to collect some long overdue cleaning. Tim ran in front of me and pleaded with the dry cleaning lady "Where's Charlie?!" And then the tears started again. Obviously this plan wasn't working. We needed to get to the pet shop, STAT. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, back in the car, the tears slowly subsided, and we made our way to the pet shop. Once again Tim ran ahead of me, up to the saleslady at the counter and burst into tears crying "Where's Charlie?!" The shocked saleslady looked to me for interpretation but not before Tim could blurt out one more tearfully plaintive "WHERE'S CHARLIE?" I made it to the counter, explained the situation and then suggested to Tim that we select a toy from their expansive toy collection. The calm settled in and he carefully and thoughtfully made a selection for his beloved companion.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's only 2:00 pm here now and we won't be able to collect Charlie for a few more hours but while we wait I am struck by the deep seated love and concern that Tim has for his pal Charlie. More importantly this seems to be an indication of Tim's empathy for Charlie, something that lots of medical-types have declared that autistic people don't possess. Perhaps Tim didn't have empathy before Charlie but there's simply no denying what I witnessed today. I look forward to this afternoon's reunion ... as does Tim.</span></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-37320248212586556922009-05-13T21:16:00.000-07:002009-05-13T21:42:32.502-07:00Mother's Day Traditions?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While we may not be terribly interesting people, I can say with confidence that we're not conventional. To wit, our Mother's Day Pinata tradition started by my often hilarious husband. I don't know why he started this tradition (and being one with an ENORMOUS sweet tooth, I don't really care) but I do know it's become an annual event that we all enjoy.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course, some of us enjoy it more than others. Upon seeing this year's papier mache candy receptacle, Charlie gave it a tentative sniff before recoiling violently as Andy hoisted it up into batting position. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OfyAK8EBY1yTSfAekVTWObtC3c0tBYfGoOOZHQ0hTcL40TdyImiCqxxKhxxOWwr82jNucoxn_Mv2lbLlmJ41kk_ICqdULoeB3q-3tpgs7rFWGS9uywCuErjdNKC_gG9mbLi_M44zaAX2/s1600-h/IMG_1216.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OfyAK8EBY1yTSfAekVTWObtC3c0tBYfGoOOZHQ0hTcL40TdyImiCqxxKhxxOWwr82jNucoxn_Mv2lbLlmJ41kk_ICqdULoeB3q-3tpgs7rFWGS9uywCuErjdNKC_gG9mbLi_M44zaAX2/s400/IMG_1216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335530472386443682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While Tim stood swinging wildly at that fish, Charlie went into hiding, probably fearing a wayward swing from Tim's bat. </span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZrWQPqjrtMt41dbeDSQ88Qt4ygONUGIYPAmio2Cg8rq6-AmLGjvRh0qGWwvwc-ZXMHZEHndKVvegEKKjbFHTCBrqEHvSW0-UQx9f7_8ztqoDWNWsIP_Y2Jj8O_pMv8HYqvwLWHvBoGSR/s1600-h/IMG_1224.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZrWQPqjrtMt41dbeDSQ88Qt4ygONUGIYPAmio2Cg8rq6-AmLGjvRh0qGWwvwc-ZXMHZEHndKVvegEKKjbFHTCBrqEHvSW0-UQx9f7_8ztqoDWNWsIP_Y2Jj8O_pMv8HYqvwLWHvBoGSR/s400/IMG_1224.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335531571831902370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then when Andy stepped in to finish the job, the fish nearly exploded with a huge BANG sending Charlie running for the safety of the house.</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqAXZ_SGOEdqjO2id7k-PivS9oGpLuYEBEYw9dEE9ncEKc_KsV7TWCLqwB5BTZe61lKoMYiYR-IkKyxVO27wtC6MFTQNcjhsfA557T9aOuaJJ9VBsqw4gLUSmb6GF-Dd67irY3TJGvuKL/s1600-h/IMG_1235.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqAXZ_SGOEdqjO2id7k-PivS9oGpLuYEBEYw9dEE9ncEKc_KsV7TWCLqwB5BTZe61lKoMYiYR-IkKyxVO27wtC6MFTQNcjhsfA557T9aOuaJJ9VBsqw4gLUSmb6GF-Dd67irY3TJGvuKL/s400/IMG_1235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335531580484710722" style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fortunately he quickly calmed down and re-joined the party showering all of us with his irrepressible affections!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEScvWM0PK8PO8HfiV-9QcYA_r0fZAfqPRBYAr3pkI8qEqARTxzKnnzWxRePvqeAqCGixqO1bHq0V5lhzMqRsEfFJJQBL4Ai-dOxyiFnxzr_9kTP0EdW6pyQL8DoLL0WdgBVm2gv_uBPl/s1600-h/IMG_1236.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEScvWM0PK8PO8HfiV-9QcYA_r0fZAfqPRBYAr3pkI8qEqARTxzKnnzWxRePvqeAqCGixqO1bHq0V5lhzMqRsEfFJJQBL4Ai-dOxyiFnxzr_9kTP0EdW6pyQL8DoLL0WdgBVm2gv_uBPl/s400/IMG_1236.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335533793961682658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115299220254967184.post-58226077966925826432009-05-10T08:33:00.000-07:002009-05-10T08:45:56.570-07:00A Dog is a Dog<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Every once in a while I feel it's necessary to post something about Charlie's less-than-optimal behavior lest we all forget that he is, after all, a dog.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So, it is in that spirit I present Exhibit A: the remains of what was once a lovely jeweled nail file made for me by my sweet little boy. (Note the traces of fur that confirmed my suspicions about the suspect.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mtZdbj08LoVmwdNXvua8jrovYZHvBPlDDsn7_e7PHcq-cRb63fLGZqCS1DtWKE3gcbMQaUJRQgBCnLO1ni8nQ7VIPPRNMhF_TbPDNuo6O0gmqN9NTFQtab0Px9J0elvdcCmJB8U28iyh/s1600-h/IMG_1148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mtZdbj08LoVmwdNXvua8jrovYZHvBPlDDsn7_e7PHcq-cRb63fLGZqCS1DtWKE3gcbMQaUJRQgBCnLO1ni8nQ7VIPPRNMhF_TbPDNuo6O0gmqN9NTFQtab0Px9J0elvdcCmJB8U28iyh/s400/IMG_1148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334219181516734226" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And now I present Exhibit B: the guilt laden mug of the cute but terribly guilty perpetrator.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKiGCPA96o6Wczl5r5j0wLb2RKtXB6K0Bdd6w8-Nltxys7Q7LcHmrXX4YA7t04QpetYkKEoxk6-PKVNAqvhp5eM55ST0mKZruZBLxebuaosJ_GDJ3p_ty4J5hW1QrkM62wj0FEYgLdRhT/s1600-h/IMG_1157.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKiGCPA96o6Wczl5r5j0wLb2RKtXB6K0Bdd6w8-Nltxys7Q7LcHmrXX4YA7t04QpetYkKEoxk6-PKVNAqvhp5eM55ST0mKZruZBLxebuaosJ_GDJ3p_ty4J5hW1QrkM62wj0FEYgLdRhT/s400/IMG_1157.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334219191486754402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Although I'll miss my son's token of affection, in the spirit of Mother's Day I have forgiven the culprit and will simply enjoy the sound of my boy and his dog frolicking in the yard. (BUT, he is on probation.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Happy Mother's Day!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2nTuBkcvnjw_Y4hYVGTL80_Vbh7ssFOLRWLsithl9o8pwn8CcPVnGXh-MKv0RYVnxlZieQFlsnJsmKxwaoPBn6gOhqId4671CqltqE2bEX6r7eI_3UmikQmn8wtKSFbGGiVfX0tWnxMC/s1600-h/IMG_0887.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2nTuBkcvnjw_Y4hYVGTL80_Vbh7ssFOLRWLsithl9o8pwn8CcPVnGXh-MKv0RYVnxlZieQFlsnJsmKxwaoPBn6gOhqId4671CqltqE2bEX6r7eI_3UmikQmn8wtKSFbGGiVfX0tWnxMC/s400/IMG_0887.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334221756542848418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div>Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311950023635758814noreply@blogger.com9