A Day Off...

Old Friends and Dogs

Sorry I didn't tell you ahead of time, but I needed to take a day off. It was a crazy week, and then I had PT first thing yesterday morning. I just needed to catch my breath a bit.

All week, I felt like I'd gone backward with my therapy, so I spent a little time on self-care. I was icing, trying to get back some of the mobility, and feeling like it wasn't working. 

I did a little baking, as I planned to deliver homemade cinnamon rolls to the entire therapy department on Friday. They were all tickled, especially since my morning appointment coincided with breaks and imminent lunch hours. Before I left, even Jenna managed to get a bite of hers before heading to her next patient. I got lots of thumbs-up! It was very gratifying. I also regained some motion during my session, so I left a happy girl.

Our friend - the now-retired dog trainer, Mike - along with his friend, Ed and Handsome all took Bella to a hunt club we used to frequent before moving to Florida. As this cooler weather always lights up the older dogs (who remember autumn days afield) we decided to give Bella a day flushing pheasants. 

She worked just the way she learned as a young dog. She worked back and forth across a field, ranging a nice distance between the gunners. She flushed a rooster pheasant but never got to retrieve it. Let's just say, the first bird flushed frequently gets away. Then the hen that had also been planted must have moved off the field they were working, because if she'd stayed put, Bella certainly would have found her.

I stayed home with Carly (PT appointment, remember?), but that little girl was not happy to have been left behind. She knew what was going on and wanted to go, too. This hunt was just for Bella, though. Handsome and I discussed it when we all got back home, and we'll definitely take both girls out once fall is officially in full swing. Even yesterday, being down at Bella's level in tall grass was a hot endeavor, and she worked until she finally just sat down and said enough. After all these years, we recognize when the dog is tired, hot, or just ready to pack it in. We always honor that because, first and foremost, our days afield center around being able to watch stellar dogs at work. Friday was no exception.

After they got back, Handsome called me. I was already on my way home, but we had a lunch date with Mike, his wife, and Ed. Handsome and I changed clothes and met the rest of the group back at Mike and Joann's condo. We spent a few hours just enjoying a meal together and doing some reminiscing about the old days. It was just what I needed. 

I have a little canning to do this weekend, and I'm planning to do a little more needlework. I have no intention of overdoing it at all. I'm going to take it easy. I'll share photos next week. Have a great Saturday!

Tuesdays With Tag - Squirrel Watchers...

Brynwood Needleworks - Squirrel Watchers

  Hi, Everybody!

It's been pretty excitin' around here with all the snow and now, warmer weather. The critters have been out and about durin' the day. We've seen lots of birds, but what we really love to see are those furry tree rats. We love watchin' squirrels!

Boo usually seems 'em before I do, and she starts with a low growl that quickly turns into "squirrel alarm" barkin'. Mom and Dad especially love it because I join in, barkin' my head off, before I even know what I'm barkin' at!

Brynwood Needleworks - Fierce Bella Dog

I told you a while back that I'd be sharin' some excitin' information with you soon. Well, today's the day. See this pretty face? Well, startin' next week, she's gonna be back in Florida for trainin' - and her honeymoon with Rigby.

We're all gonna make sure there are puppies this spring, so she and Rigby are gonna be livin' and trainin' together at Uncle Mike's until it's time for them to make babies. That might be a little while yet, but while they're waitin', Bella and Rigby are gonna have fun learnin' new retrievin' stuff and enjoyin' the warmer weather.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Stylin' Retriever

She's scheduled to leave next Monday, so Mom is plannin' to take lots of pictures of her before then. We're probably not gonna see her for at least three months, and maybe a little longer. Mom says it all depends on her "biological clock".

I'm not afraid to admit I'm gonna miss the girl, but I know she's gonna have fun, and Uncle Mike will send lots of pictures while she's away. Even so...does anybody have a hankie? I think I might have a little somethin' in my eye.

 I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

Tuesdays With Tag - Playin' At The Ranch...

Brynwood's Taggart - Kennel Boy

Hi, Everybody!!

No. I'm not incarcerated. I'm waitin' my turn to get out and do a little fetchin' at Uncle Mike's ranch. Dad, Mom, Black Dog and I drove over for a workout day on Friday. Man, did we have fun!

Brynwood Needleworks - Workin' The Black Dog

Dad and Mom watched while Uncle Mike worked a bunch of great huntin' dogs - Labradors, pointers, English cocker spaniels, and even a Hungarian Viszla! Everybody did a great job fetchin' and swimmin'. Dad worked our very own Boo, and I had to cheer at her skill and speed. She's almost as fast as me!

Brynwood's Taggart - The Fetchin' Blur

See that blur about a mile away in this picture? Yep. That's my very own self. Mom took me out into a field where the other dogs weren't working, because we didn't want them to get jealous watchin' me.

Brynwood's Taggart - My Thousandth Fetch

I swear I did about a thousand retrieves, exhibitin' my usual style and unique flair. You'd have been impressed. I just know it! Consider it trainin' for that ball boy position (which they still haven't offered me)!

Brywood Needleworks - Handsome, Uncle Mike & The Black Dog

We didn't stay at the ranch as long as we usually do. It was Uncle Mike's Birthday, so we wrapped up trainin' early and headed back to their house so Mom and Dad could celebrate with him and Miss Joann.

Boo and I stayed home with their pups, Jib (a stylish and friendly yellow Labrador lady), and Becca (the sweetest, little black English cocker spaniel this side of the Grand Canyon! They were great hostesses!

We all had fun and can't wait to get together again this summer (probably in San Antonio, TX where Bella's fiance' lives). Uncle Mike said there is a little of puppies in her future. I can't wait. I looooove puppies! Much more on that later as we have more details.

 I'll see you again in seven, 'til then...

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Fun, Friends and Music...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ronan Tynan and Bill Lewis Performed at St. Christopher's Cathedral in Hobe Sound, FL

Handsome and I packed up an overnight bag, Tag and Bella, and headed across the state to see dear friends on Friday. We spent the day training dogs (or watching, in my case), and then went back to Sommers' home. It was Mike's Birthday, so we were most pleased to be able to celebrate with him and his wife.

We went to see Dr. Ronan Tynan perform with accompanist Bill Lewis at St. Christopher's Cathedral in Hobe Sound (on the East coast of FL). If you aren't familiar with Ronan, he performed most recently at the funeral of his dear friend, President H.W. Bush. He spent part of the evening speaking about their friendship, the last time they were together, and then he sang one of the pieces he sang at the President's funeral - The Lord's Prayer. It was a truly delightful performance.

Following the concert, we went to one of Mike and Joann's favorite restaurants for a delicious, late night dinner. Then we went back to their home, continued our visit, and then turned in for the night. We drove back to Bradenton on the West coast mid-morning.

I know I told you I'd finish my butterfly wing on Saturday, but by the time we got back, I just didn't feel like stitching. I felt more like napping, so I went with it and slothed about the rest of the afternoon.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Suncoast Concert Band Performing at Church of the Palms in Sarasota, FL

 

Sunday brought a Suncoast Concert Band concert at a larger church venue than their usual home. Most of their performances are at Northminster Presbyterian Church (Sarasota), but twice a year, they pack up the band (and all the percussion section's equipment) and play at the Church of The Palms, across town. It's always a busy time for Handsome and the rest of the drum/percussion section.

 

Special guest performer was Aaron Romm, son of one of the founding members of the Canadian Brass, Ronald Romm. His father and mother were in attendance. Aaron's performance of the three-movement Haydn Concerto for Trumpet, as well as a second piece called "When It's Sleepy Time Down South/Swing The Music" (arranged by his father) both brought the audience to their feet. His crystal clear sound lifted to the rafters, and thrilled all of us who were there to hear it. 

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend of fun, friends and music that will be remembered for a long time to come. There will be time for needlework, but days like these are savored, not rushed. 

Tag will be here tomorrow to tell you about his weekend. I'm getting ready to head north this week - right into record snowfall and bone-chilling temperatures. I'll tell you all about that on Wednesday. I'm going to work on that wing today, and we'll see just how much I can accomplish.

Tuesdays With Tag - A Day At The Ranch...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood's Taggart (aka "Tag")

 Hi, Everybody!

We sure had an interestin' day last week.

Mom, Dad, Bella and I went to Uncle Mike's (Mike Sommers Sporting Dogs) for a workout.

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljegren's Suncoast Bella

 We got about half way to the ranch, when Boo started buggin' Dad.

"Daaaad. I'm sick of ridin' in the truck!"

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljegren's Suncoast Bella

 "Are we there yet?"

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljegren's Suncoast Bella and Brynwood's Taggart

As soon as we got close, we knew it. A good huntin' dog can sense these things...the smell, the turn in the road, the wind blowin' through the windows. We were right. We were in for a day of fun in the sun.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mike Sommers and Assistant with

Mom didn't take any pictures of us. I managed to find the nastiest stuff to roll in within minutes of gettin' out of the truck. That meant no pictures of this stud muffin!

Mom also had so much fun watchin' Boo Butt work that she never picked up her camera. She sat under an umbrella and enjoyed the show.

Brynwood Needleworks - Brothers In Training

These brothers were fun to watch. (They liked Bella, too!) After they ran, it was Bella's turn and she was awesome! We stayed at the ranch until late afternoon.

Once Bella's workout was over, we said goodbye to Uncle Mike and headed home. Bella didn't move a muscle until Mom and Dad pulled into the restaurant for dinner before goin' home. We were pretty happy because that meant we got a little snack before our actual dinners. All in all, it was a pretty fabulous day.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

 

Meeting Bella...

Yesterday was a big day for Tag.

Not only was it his Birthday, but we were able to introduce him to his Birthday surprise.

Bella actually did a lot of her own introductions. She kept going to the x-pen

where we had sequestered Tag to make sure he didn't get too rambunctious.

Bella even exhibited her titled hunting bloodlines when she spent more time

with this pheasant wing than with her littermates. She decided Tag should see it, too.

Psych! Just kiddin', Tag!

Handsome finally picked up his new pup and formally introduced Bella to Tag.

Both were very interested in each other.

  I think Tag is extremely happy with his Birthday surprise, too. He can hardly wait for Bella to come home in two weeks. Puppies! We can't wait for our family to have a puppy again.

Tuesdays With Tag - I Like Mike...

Hi, Everybody!!!

I bet you're wonderin' why I'm in a cage, right?

Well, let me tell you. I was havin' a ball.

First, let me introduce you to Charlie. He's a great, big bundle of sweet Golden retriever. I met him at Uncle Mike's last weekend.

Uncle Mike was doing obedience trainin' with the boy, and his owner came to pick him up on the day we were leavin' from our visit. We got to watch him to see how much he learned while he was away at school.

This is Charlie's dad, Roger. Mr. Roger is a really nice man, and you can tell from this picture just how much Charlie loves him. It's a cool rainbow on the picture, isn't it? Mr. Roger lost his last Golden, Jake, a while ago and he talked about him a lot while he has there. Mom thinks the rainbow was a sign from Jake. It wasn't in any other pictures except those from this series. She likes stuff like that.

Anyway, Uncle Mike ran Charlie through his yard work while we were still at their house, and then we followed them to the Ranch where all the huntin' trainin' takes place. It's about thirty minutes from the house.

Ignore the plants in the truck. Uncle Mike also likes to garden in his down time. He always gives a few plants to Mom and Dad whenever we visit. Mom couldn't wait to get back home to plant a couple of them.

We had a great, shady place to park and there's always a breeze at the ranch, so I was really comfortable waitin' for my chance to get out and run around.

I don't ride in the crate when we're drivin', but I slept in the crate with Mom and Dad when we stayed overnight this trip. Usually, I'd be havin' a sleepover with the kennel dogs but remember, I was healin' from my dental surgery this time.

When it was my turn to play. Uncle Mike gave Mom a little quail for me to fetch. I handled it like a veteran huntin' dog! Mom didn't take pictures 'cuz she was busy handlin' me. It was fun.

We headed home right after that so Uncle Mike could spend the rest of the day trainin' all the dogs he had on the big truck. He probably didn't get home until after dark because we got a late start from visitin' with us. He's always so gracious with his time.

We got back home and I headed right for my stuffie from my GFF, Quinn. I love this toy! I don't even want to chew it, but I love chasin', tossin', and cuddlin' it. Thanks again, Quinnie. You're so good to me. (smooches!)

In case you're wonderin', I'm healin' up real good from my dental surgery. I have one more week of canned food (Dad can't wait for me to get back to the regular stuff!)...and a couple more days of antibionics. You can't even tell I had anythin' done! Mom's very, very glad!

We had a great week last week, and Mom and Dad are tellin' me that there's a surprise in my future. They also said all of you know what it is. Anybody care to share? I'm gettin' curious, for real! I'm gonna go see if I can get them to tell me more about this surprise thing. Of course, you know I'll be back to see you again...

Before I go, Mom said to remind all y'all that we're having a Sixth Blog Anniversary Giveaway. Click on the giveaway button under "Celebrations" at the top of the left sidebar to enter. I gotta run now.

I'll see you in seven. 'til then...

"Keep Your Nose To The Wind 

and The Sunshine On Your Tail."

Tuesdays With Tag - Hunt Tests At Dempsy Ranch...

Hi, Everybody!

This week, my blog post is about the hunt tests Mom, Dad and I went to at

Okeechobee's Dempsy Ranch over the weekend. Mom was nice enough to let

me be the one to tell you all about it. I'm tellin' you, I mostly had a great time!

We were guests of Mike and Joann Sommers of Sommers Fine Sporting

Dogs in Jupiter, Florida. Mr. Mike was my trainer when I was just a pup.

 

So, Mom, Dad and I drove over to Jupiter on Friday night and stayed

with Mr. Mike and his wife for the weekend so we could go to the event.

 

I spent a lot of time watchin' the other fetchin' dogs doin' their work.

I have to tell you, I was pretty impressed. Those dogs could run!

Here's my personal trainer and Mom and Dad's good friend,  Mr. Mike.

He trained and handled a number of dogs at the tests and worked with

them toward earnin' their Junior, Senior or Master Hunter titles. 

This black Labrador is "River". He was a nice dog and did a great job.

Here's Mr. Mike comin' back after a successful workout with River.

Then, there was this talented yellow Labrador named "Buckwheat".

His owner have another Labrador named "Barley". Clever, hey?

Buckwheat did a good job, too. He was focused on his tests so there

was no time to pay attention to me. We didn't even get to sniff noses.

This yellow Labrador is referred to as "fox red" by some breeders, 'cuz his

coat is so dark and well, red. His name is "Bueno", which is good because I

think that name suited him to a "T". He was "un perro muy bueno". (That's 

Spanish for "He was a very good dog." You're impressed now, aren't you?)

This guy is "Geronimo". He's actually a German Shorthair Pointer. He's 

bilingual, too! He competes in pointin' competitions where he's required

to stand steady and point at birds - and then he also competes in retrievin' 

events, where he can't point. He has to actually find and retrieve the birds. 

It takes some serious talent to be able to adapt to either huntin' situation.

Here he is deliverin' a duck back to Mr. Mike. Way to go, Geronimo!

Mom took lots of pictures of other dogs that Mr. Mike worked,

but I especially wanted to make sure that I wrote about this girl.

Her name is "Mabel", and let's just say we didn't hit it off at all!

She's Mr. Mike's dog and she lives in their house when she's not

workin'. She was at the tests to earn her Master Hunter title.

We got back to their house on Saturday night and Mom was 

helpin' make dinner in the kitchen. When Mabel came into the 

room, I sauntered over to say "hello". I'm friendly like that.

I thought we were gonna be pals, when the next thing I know,

Mabel is all over me growlin' and bein' all guard dog. WHOA!

I called out for Mom who pulled her off me and gave me time to

get up and run away. I had a few things to say about that whole

turn of events - and believe me, I took the looonng way around

her for the rest of the weekend! That was a definite first for me.

Everybody usually finds me irresistible. Well, except for Mabel.

More than once, I found myself contemplatin' those tests over

the weekend. I'm just sure I could have been a contender, too.

(Dad said I'm a "legend in my own mind". pfffftttt!!!!)

Well, maybe next time they'll let me give it a try. A guy can

dream right? I'm gonna go read up on the subject for now.

I'll be sure to let you know when I sign up. Gotta run for now.

I'll see you again next week. 'til then...

"Bark Like Ya Mean It!"

A Pinch Of Joy...

We spent much of yesterday with our friends, Mike and Joann, again. It's wonderful  being able to reconnect with old friends and share stories as we catch up on our lives.    There's just something so comforting and joyful to be able to come from shared  experiences. We can laugh about an old quote without needing to repeat the story  behind it. It's nice to catch up on mutual friends as we make new memories.

The heart lace and card are from my beautiful friend, Sherry. Happy Birthday, hon!

I found this sweet measuring spoon while in Wisconsin. Now it hangs in the 

studio reminding me to add a pinch of joy to every single day. Handsome and I did 

that with our friends yesterday. We've already planned to see them again soon. 

Today I wish the same for you. I wish you a simple "Pinch of Joy" each day.

Tuesdays With Tag - Surf and Selfies...

 Hi, Everybody!

It's been a busy week for me, but there are not a lot of pictures to

 prove it. Mom's been real busy, too, so that's probably the reason.

Don't worry. That's not gonna keep me from writin' my post today.

 Yesterday, Mom and Dad went to meet our old friends, Mike and Joann Sommers.

 You remember, Mike is my trainer! He and Mrs. Mike were stayin' on Lido

Beach in Sarasota, so Mom and Dad went to hang out with them...without me! 

WITHOUT ME!

This was their view of the Gulf of Mexico from their hotel room. So beautiful!

I woulda had a grand time visitin' with them, too. I woulda shown Mike how

I swim in the ocean, and everyone woulda said how cute I was. I just know it!

Web Image - Art by M. Prince

 Corgis love the ocean...at least I DO! But, nooooooooo...

I stayed home.

 Mom and Dad and Mike and Joann all went out to dinner.

Not me, though.

 Mom took a picture of the guys...but I wasn't in the picture.

Nope. Not a Corgi to be seen. How could they even have fun 

without me? Well...I had a few plans of my own. I wasn't bored.

 I found a cell phone, and decided I was gonna take a few selfies while

I hung around at home. I don't know what the big deal about selfies is.

 Anybody can do this! One thing, though...I DON'T do "duck faces"!

You know, when you put your lips together all smoochy-like?

Don't misunderstand. I love smoochin' all my friends, but I don't do

smoochy, duck-face selfies. A guy's gotta draw the line somewhere.

 So, Mom came home and saw the selfies I took. She laughed and told

 me that if I wanted to use them for my post, she'd get 'em off the phone.

 I told her to go for it. I mean, they show all of you that I wasn't just mopin'

 around while everybody was havin' fun without me. I can deal, for sure!
Mom and Dad had surf, and I did selfies. Get it?

I had a great week, but (if you're not countin' all the time I got to spend

in the pool) this was the most fun I've had since my last blog post! Who

knows what the heck I'll think of for next week. I might get a little crazy!

I'm pretty sure it won't be bungy jumpin', mountain climbin' or Nascar crazy,

but I'll do my best to make it fun for you. We'll just have to play it by...

EARS! BOL! (That means, Barkin' Out Loud!) Gotta run. 'til next week...

"Bark Like Ya Mean It!"