Still here

Hey Blog Followers ! Sorry I've been 'off blog' this week -- been up to my tailbone in traveling exhibit deinstallation (jargon for packing up a big ass show). Should finish up today, as the big rigs will be here next Monday and Tuesday to pick it all up.

I guess in anticipation of having to work on my feet all this week, my lower back tried to seize up last weekend -- yeah, the 3-day holiday weekend -- keeping couch-ridden for most of Sunday and Monday. I did get to watch a lot of basketball....and daytime TV.....(pleugh!).

I managed to straighten up and spend a little 'pack time' outside on Monday. I was bundled up, wearing my fleece lined jeans, Carhartt barn jacket and a baseball hat. Just as I was about to go back inside, I had bent over (no small feat) and my hat fell off. I knew immediately that this was now about to be a dog toy, but couldn't move fast enough to take the two steps it would have required to retrieve the hat....before Freckles snagged it and ran off. Great. Now I'm gimping along after her, telling her "Bring it! Bring it!" and "Freckles, come!" as if she could even hear me, or if she did hear me, she utterly ignored it. Fortunately she did tire of her little escapade after about a minute, and dropped the hat. Was my ordeal over? Nooooooooooooooooooo!! GATOR, being the imp that he is, snatched it up and began running in a BIG circle, as fast as he possibly could (I mean, I'd never seen him run so fast!), growling and taunting the other dogs and myself as if to say "Ha-Haaaaa....it's MINE!" I tried the same tactic of coaxing him to "Bring it" which he does when we play ball, but to no avail. All I could do was stand in the middle of his racetrack and watch him go round...and round....and round....growling in triumphal glory in his victory. Well, I did actually get quite a good chuckle out of it...

When he did finally tire, and dropped the hat in favor of a long drink of water, I retrieved the cap which was by now wet, slobbery, muddy and dusty. Nice. Thanks.

Freckles' second obedience class last night went much better than the first one, with her anxiety level noticeably lower. She only growled at other dogs a couple of times, and took treats from several humans. We even practiced walking by other big dogs! But, as soon as we got back to the house, and I released her into the pen, she immediately put the smack down on poor little innocent Gator who was standing nearby....bi-atch !

Hope everyone has a great weekend!
M