Lil' Kiki

Last night I added a new dog to my pack. Her former show-dog name was "Blackstone's Queen Victoria" and they called her Vicki, but her new name is Kiki.

Kiki just turned 6 years old (and on Oct 1st Aldo will turn 7). I got her from the breeder my parents get their dogs from.

There are so many stories to tell already...

First of all, she slept at my house last night while Aldo stayed with my folks. Right before bedtime Kiki lost her mind and turned into a cartoon dog, bouncing all over the room and ricocheting off the furniture. I immediately thought "perhaps she should sleep in the kennel tonight." and sleep in the kennel she did. She's a former show dog and is used to and doesn't mind the kennel. I lined it in flannel sheets too, pretty posh!

Today I took her to my parents' house to meet my dad, their two dogs (Lexa and Rosie) and my Aldo.

My dad met us outside and I leashed her up and handed her to him. I then went in the house and let out the dogs into the back yard. My dad tried to let Kiki into the yard and she backed up, slipped her collar and took off. My dad ran after her calling her and screaming at me to get my car keys.

By the time I got around to the front of the house and my car my dad was near the end of the block and Kiki (like a black flash) was out of sight. I drove past my dad and yelled out the window "which way?" because the block ends and I had to go left or right. He said, "I didn't see."

Just as he said that I saw her round the block to my left. I sped up and followed her. There were two cars stopped (thanks to those cars for not hitting her!) and one was trying to call her. She wasn't having it. She kept running full speed down the street.

It occurred to me for a second that I hadn't even had this dog for 24 hours and I was about to never see her again. =(

I was driving right next to her on a street with a boulevard. She was on one side, me the other. I checked my speedometer and I was going about 20 mph (as was she). I sped up to get slightly ahead of her and pulled over.

I ran out of the still running car and called her. She looked at my like she kind of thought I was OK, but not totally sure. I opened the car door and THANK GOD she leapt inside. That Kiki likes a car ride! I guess I'll be getting her a harness so she doesn't slip her collar again!

When Aldo finally met her he ignored her at first (which REALLY surprised me). I think he thought she looked like Rosie. He finally noticed she was really following me around and that's when the little fight began. He never hurt her, but he is showing her who is boss.

I sat outside with them for about 3 hours. I finally muzzled Aldo and they rode home from my parents' house in my van together without incident

Aldo is still wearing his muzzle, so there aren't fights in the house, but really the outside fights have been pretty minor and it's going quite well.

It's been such a long day for both of them: Kiki settling in to a new house with new people (me and my parents) and new dogs, and Aldo trying to posture to be the big alpha dog. They are both crashed out near my feet while I type this. Of course, Aldo is closest to me.

Aldo is going to have to get used to sharing me a little, but Kiki is SO friendly and such joy. Her spirit is amazing. I think there's room for more love in all our hearts....

Crafty Critter

My friend's husband works from home and had the good sense to snap this photo today when the squirrel was trying hard to get some tasty lunch.

I'm glad they don't try this kind of thing in my yard (or my parents' yard) as our dogs would never tolerate this brand of squirrel behavior (they would get munched).

New Source of Inspiration

First of all, I am happy to report that last weekend we broke the curse of the outdoor wedding! All season long, when we have had an outdoor gig it rained. Without fail! The four times before this weekend were all wet. But this past Saturday we played two weddings, one indoors and the other out of town and outside. AND IT DIDN'T RAIN for the outside gig. Amazing!

At the outdoor wedding the ring bearer (about 3 years old) was the CUTEST thing ever. He was so enthralled with our playing too. He dragged his grandma over by us to listen. We played Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (with the repeats!) and it's so long. Most adults don't have the attention span to focus for that long, but this kid sat through the whole thing. Even though I programmed everything as background music, we were playing concert style for this child.

As soon as the ceremony ended, as we were playing the recessional, the little loyal ring bearer stopped at the beginning of the aisle and wanted to listen to us playing more. The flower girl (slightly older) had to drag him off.

He came back with grandma again and we played 2 extra pieces for him after we could have been finished because we were all so thrilled to have such a responsive audience!

Someone PLEASE get that kids some violin lessons! He's not too young. My violinist offered to do it for free!

When a kid shows SO MUCH interest in something, I can't help but think there is potential for greatness there. Or at least a lifelong love for music.

Honestly, playing for that small child was more inspirational than plenty of large concert halls I've played in. God, I hope my kids have that same spark someday....

It Could Go Either Way

I thought psychics were supposed to KNOW stuff. I can answer a question with "I can see it going either way...." and be right every time too!!!!

By the way, for those that don't know, I'm getting another dog a week from today. Her current name is Vicki, and I'm re-naming her Moxie. She is a small female bouvier, just turned 6. Aldo turns 7 October 1st. She's been living in a barn, which is a sin for a dog as friendly as she is! I met her last month, since then she's been spayed and I'm getting her next week.

The guest on my local morning news program was a pet psychic. So I called in (for free) and asked about getting the new and how that will work with Aldo.

She said that Aldo is just protecting the house right now because it is his "job." I asked if he'll be nicer once I get Moxie next week and she said, "I can really see that going either way."
Me too lady, that's why I called you!!!!!

She asked me if I had told Aldo about the new dog, and I replied yes. She said to keep telling him (and make sure to be clear that he isn't being replaced) and I should do special things for him before then like give lots of treats, go for walks, go for rides, etc.... I've been doing all of this.

She also said that I'll know within a week if it's going to work out of not, and if not I'll have to find a new home for Moxie. Oh Jesus, I can't imagine having to re-home a new dog.

What a totally crappy psychic call!

Good boy Aldo... want some treats? Or a ride in the car? Who's going to be a GOOD big brother starting next week? You are! Yes you are!

Friends don't let friends vote republican

Love this!


Things you have to believe to be a Republican today:

Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary.

Saddam was a good guy when Reagan armed him, a bad guy when Bush's daddy
made war on him, a good guy when Cheney did business with him, and a bad
guy when Bush needed a "we can't find Bin Laden" diversion.

Trade with Cuba is wrong because the country is Communist, but trade
with China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.

The United States should get out of the United Nations, and our highest
national priority is enforcing UN resolutions against Iraq.

A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body, but
multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all mankind
without regulation.

The best way to improve military morale is to praise the troops in
speeches, while slashing veterans' benefits and combat pay.

If condoms are kept out of schools, adolescents won't have sex or die from STDs.

A good way to fight terrorism is to belittle out long-time allies, then
demand their cooperation and money.

Providing health care to all Iraqis is sound policy, but providing
health care to all Americans is socialism.

HMOs and insurance companies have the best interests of the public at heart.

Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but
creationism should be taught in schools.

A president lying about an extra-marital affair is an impeachable
offense, but a president lying to enlist support for a war in which
thousands die is solid defense policy.

Government should limit itself to the powers named in the Constitution,
which include banning gay marriages and censoring the Internet.

Being a drug addict is a moral failing and a crime, unless you're a
conservative radio host. Then it's an illness and you need our prayers
for your recovery.

What Bill Clinton did in the 1960s is of vital national interest, but
what Bush did in the '80s is irrelevant.



See you all at the polls tomorrow!!!!

Six Miles Plus

My dad and I took the dogs out for a five to six mile (90 minute) walk today. Holy man! Those dogs were tired when we got home. The humans were too!

We followed a lot of bike paths and even saw what looks like a nature preserve smack in the middle of the city. There was a big pond, and about 50 ducks and trees everywhere. You can't see it when you're driving, you have to slow down and walk for this beauty. My dad told me he walks this way when he walks to the movies. I said, "You walk to the movies? This is like the secret life of dad. I had no idea!"

We also saw two women out in a park with 3 children around the 18 month age. We brought the dogs over to say hi and Aldo laid down with three kids petting him (and one banging on his back like a drum) and it was the sweetest thing ever. Such a good boy.

After we got home, we watched a little of a Neil Young concert (such great lyrics, what an incredible man) and then I went to the gym to lift weights.

After the walk, and 30 mins of weights I was pretty much finished for the day. Seriously, I went to watch some Law and Order I had taped and fell asleep for almost 2 hours. Now I need to go make lunch/dinner (at 7:30 PM).

It's been a good day off.

Life on the Water

I'm a pisces. So it shouldn't be a surprise that I love the water. Sadly, in the past 15 years I had somhow forgotten....

My favorite place in France is the south, along the Mediterranean. I go there every two years. It's the most beautiful and relaxing place on earth. Maybe I hadn't completely forgotten.

I went with my friend Carrie today to her family gathering at her parents' lake house. I was prepared for the "cabin" to be a shack, but it was a great looking newly remodeled two bedroom house with a living room, and a family room, and a deck, and a large kitchen/dinging room. It was what I would want in a lake house!

Her dad has a pontoon boat. You know, I don't think I had ever been on one before today! I went on three separate rides, the last being at sunset. Typically, I get motion sick, but the pontoon boat is smooth sailing and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

I was waiting in the docked boat by myself before my first ride while people were getting ready (using the restroom, getting beverages) and I saw a HUGE eagle dive into the water and catch a fish. It then flew right past me with the fish in its feet. I saw a second eagle flying next to it. I think that's the first wild eagle I've seen.

On the ride I saw so many beautiful lake homes, it reminded me of my grandma's summer home on the lake that I spent so much time at from birth to age 15. So many memories. What strikes me the most is the sense of complete and utter calm I had. I have never been as at peace as I was today on the boat on the water. I was relaxed, and so serene.

Carrie's family is great too.

I think I may need to start saving for a lake house and a pontoon boat! Anything that feels so good needs to become a goal!