Great Dog Show Weekend

This weekend was our first dog show in over a month, and we realized how much we missed it! It was such a great weekend.

Stanley's showing wasn't exactly stellar. He came in second in his class on Saturday (and there were only two dogs) but he did win his class of three dogs on Sunday. He didn't earn any points, because he didn't win Winners Dog, but we were happy with his class win. He's got some growing and maturing to do, and he's looking a bit like a gangly teenager. In addition, he's hormonal like a teenager, and it didn't help that there were quite a few bitches in season at the show. His behavior on Sunday was much better than Saturday, though.

It is always fun to get out to the show and see all the dogs and the dog show people. Our kids make fun of us that we're part of this crazy crowd now, and, if you've ever seen the hilarious movie "Best in Show" there really are people that are like all the characters in that movie!

Truly, though, the best blessing of our new hobby is the wonderful people we've met who have become our friends. I've always thought that dog people are among the most loving, caring people around, and the people who have become our friends are no exception. This past weekend was filled with beautiful dogs, good friends, red wine, and laughter, and it just doesn't get any better than that!

Election Excitement

I have been through several presidential elections, but never before have I been so involved! And, while I usually refrain from discussing politics for fear of starting an argument (okay, sometimes I still discuss them ) this is MY blog and I can say whatever I want. (And, BTW, while I would like all of you to agree with me, it's okay with me if you post opposing comments.) There are some issues that are "make or break" issues for me--women's reproductive rights, separation of church and state, the environment and climate change, and the war in Iraq, to name just a few--and for the first time, I am so excited that there is a candidate who shares my views on all these issues. For the first time, I feel like if he gets elected, MY views will be represented in our government.

It does make it exciting that no matter which candidate is elected, history will be made, either because we will have a non-white president, or because we will have a woman vice president.

But I hope to God it's the former rather than the latter! I think it's INSULTING that the powers that be behind McCain's choice for VP thought that I would even consider voting for their ticket just because Sarah Palin has a vagina. Personally, she frightens me. She wants to set women's rights back to the 1950's. And her ultra-conservative views about church and state issues would stomp on everyone's right to religious freedom. And even in Alaska, she has demonstrated that the environment is far down on her list of priorities, even at a time when concern about global warming is at an all-time high.

I can only hope that there are enough Americans who think like I do, and will get out and express their beliefs through voting. Here's hoping!

"Memory Tag"

I got this "game" from Stephanie's blog, and you know I had to play too. :)

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember that maybe brings a smile to your face!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It will be fun to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you are playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

MUY EXCELENTE!!!!

Nathan posted some pics of his trip to Spain, and I am thrilled with the incredible things he's seen and done in the short time he's been there already. They have a couple of weeks before classes begin, and, as part of the program, IES took them to Valencia, a coastal town south of Barcelona, for some sightseeing. The beaches there are absolutely gorgeous, and they got to tour a castle (certainly not the kind of thing kids get to see here,) a 13th century cathedral, as well as experiencing the city of arts and sciences, the aquarium and other sights of the city. He and the other American students have become good friends and are having a good time together. They will be joined by the Spanish University students next week, and then classes will begin. I can't wait to hear more!

Dog Day Afternoon

Yesterday was such a lovely day!

First we dropped Daniel off at the temple for his first day of religious school. He is working as a teacher's aide (madrich) again this year. It's a good experience for him, it gives him a little spending money, since he'll get paid this year, and it allows him to see his temple friends.

Then we took Stanley and met our friends Sara and Howard Gottesman and their son Jordan, along with their large Chocolate Lab, Colby, at The Corner Bakery for breakfast. The food is good, and there's a large outside patio. Stanley loves to go and just be outside greeting all the people.

Later that afternoon we met our friends Bev and Mort, with their dog Havanna, at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Havanna is Stanley's half sister, and at 10 months was needing some socialization. Fashion Island is a nice outdoor shopping mall that attracts lots of people with children and dogs, and is the perfect place for some doggy socializing! Stanley loves the fountains, and we laughed as the dogs played in them! It was nice walking around and talking to people. Stanley and Havanna just attracted attention everywhere they went, and they seemed to really enjoy it. And by the end of the day, Havanna seemed to come out of her shell a bit. We later put the dogs in the cars for a nap (with the engines and A/C running) and we enjoyed some burgers and wine and conversation (which got more than a little heated when I provoked Mort into a political yelling match. :) ) It was a really nice day, and I'm looking forward to a repeat sometime soon.

More than a little disappointed

This weekend I was supposed to be flying to Portland to check out and play with a litter of adorable Great Dane puppies. I was going with my friend and mentor in Danes, Bev, and it was going to be lots of fun. And a couple of weeks later, a sweet bitch puppy was supposed to be joining our family.

You should have probably noticed by now that all the above sentences are written in the past tense. There was a disagreement and total lack of communication between the breeder/owner of the litter and Bev, and, to make a long story short, the end result is we will not be getting a puppy from this litter.

Now, we didn't plan to get another puppy so soon. Our plan was to get Stanley finished with his championship, and then get another puppy, with the hope of breeding. But sometimes you get an opportunity that just happens,and you have to go with it.

So why am I so disappointed and down? You'd think I'd be relieved! Puppies are a LOT of work! But I think it's a little like finding out you're unexpectedly pregnant, and then looking forward to the new baby, regardless of what your original plans were. And the grief that comes when that doesn't happen.

And now I have a 3 day weekend, which I had to really finagle to get at work, and no trip to Portland. I do have plans for some outlet shopping and lunch with a friend tomorrow, and I'm hoping to do something fun with Warren over the weekend, but I can't help being a little disappointed that things didn't go as planned.

And so it begins...again!

Matthew and Daniel humored me and allowed me to take the annual dreaded "first day of school" photos. I was told that the first day of school is "no big deal" and it doesn't matter what they wear. I replied that this was Matthew's LAST First Day of School, and it mattered to ME. LOL.

The time has really gone by SO fast. It's hard to believe that I am now the mom of two high school boys, as well as a Junior in college. Matthew is a senior, and Daniel is a freshman. I think, even though they act so cool, they really are excited about what the school year holds for them.