Tuesdays With Tag - Goin' Swimmin'...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella and Tag

Hi, Everybody!

Bella and I are tag-team (no pun intended) bloggin' today. Our little lady is now a swimmer, and we want to tell you all about it. I know I'm lookin' frowzy, but I was still wet from our outin'. You're gonna love this.

***Mom has videos, but due to technical difficulties, she couldn't get them uploaded to edit them for you. She'll keep workin' on the issue and try to add the videos later.

Brynwood Needleworks - Fetchin' Bella

Dad and Mom found a place for us to swim over the weekend. We went to Wolf Lake, just north of the farmhouse. Unfortunately, we dogs aren't allowed on the beach. I know. Crazy, right? It's not like we were gonna vandalize the sand and water.

We went around the lake to the boat landin' to check it out. Turns out it was gonna work just fine, so Dad said we should let Bella get wet first. She was so excited, she almost wet her fur! Dad tossed her dummy, and next thing, there was a big splash and Bella was on her way. 

This was like a warm-up, compared to the hundred yard retrieves she's used to, but she didn't complain. She'll do anythin' to fetch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella, Divin' Off The Pier

Dad also threw a dummy off the end of the dock, so Bella could catch a little "big air", and bring the retrieve back to Dad. It was awesome!

Brynwood Needleworks - Carly's Playin' In The Water

The main reason we went to the lake was to get The Kid wet, so she was next out of the truck. She wasn't sure what to think, but she had fun puddlin' around in the shallows. Mom threw a few dummies for Bella so Carly could watch. She was very interested and enthused!

Brynwood Needleworks - Let Me At It, Dad!

Dad started with a few short retrieves (within five feet or so) and by the third toss, she was pullin' at the long lead to get to the dummy. She's on a long check cord. It works like a long arm, to help Carly should she get in distress, or to make sure she comes back after she picks up the dummy.

Brynwood Needleworks - Captain, We Have A Swimmin' Puppy

She would have done this about fifty more times, and I have to admit, she's a quick study, and settled into an easy dog paddle in no time at all.

I got to swim, too, but Mom was throwin' my dummies, so she couldn't photograph at the same time. You'll just have to settle for the picture of me with Boo at the start of this post. I'm still comfortably damp in that one.

Dad and Mom have decided this is a very great place to get all of us in to get wet, and a perfect place for Carly puppy to get in more swimmin' time. We'll definitely be back there again this week!

 

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

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

Tuesdays With Tag - I'm Such A Good Guy...

 Hi, Everybody!

It's been just a great week. It's been dog-kickin' hot.

You know what that means, right?

Yup. POOL TIME!

Dad uses the pool for Bella's retriever trainin'. It makes her strong and keeps her cool at the same time. Of course, bein' a dog in our house means you're gonna be a pool dog! Mom and Dad already promised that our next place will have a pool, too. I mean, really. Who would want to live here without one?

Mom shot more video for you to watch this week. Bella is in the first part. That's why her name is first on the video. Try not to be too bored watchin' her. (Juuuuust kiddin'. She's really fun to watch.) The good part it after I get in the act, too. Stay with it and you'll be rewarded by gettin' to see my Olympic moves. (That's what Miss Meri of ImagiMeri's blog calls 'em!)

I'm such a good guy, I'm sharin' my blog time with that puppy again!
Enjoy!

Direct video link: https://youtu.be/ovuh7X_Bryg
Well, wasn't that fun? Don't you feel cooler already?

You know I'm a multi-media dog, don't you?

Well, on Facebook, it's "Tongue Out Tuesday". Here's my contribution this week. Try not to giggle. 

Oh! I think Bella's callin'. She can be a pretty demandin' puppy, you know. She sometimes wears me out, and I just have to take a nap!

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Tuesdays With Tag - I Don't Wanna Brag...

Hi, Everybody!!

I don't wanna brag.

Just kiddin'. I wanna brag A LOT!!!

(Direct Link to recording: http://youtu.be/kswX2rcqcPY)

Grab your popcorn. Turn up the sound. Sit back and enjoy. 

I can't wait to hear what you think.

This recording session was sooo much fun!

Dad throws for me at least eight times every time we go in the water.

I'm so buff, you wouldn't believe it. (Hear that, Quinn? wink wink)

I've gotta head back to the pool. I'll see you next week.

'til then...

"Bark Like Ya Mean It!"

Simply The Best...

Lalate News Photo

I had plans for a different post today, but I've been enveloped with the spirit of the Olympics. I watched the performances of so many talented athletes last night, but found myself cheering for the performance of the all-time greatest Olympian.

AP Photo

Michael Phelps, along with his three teammates, he swam into Olympic history as they swam into the recordbooks. In an uncharacteristic anchor position, he took the team home to victory. Along with teammates Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer and Ricky Berens, he captured his 19th medal (this one gold) in the 4x200 meter relay.

As if that event alone weren't enough excitement for one evening, there was also the competition for #1 in group gymnastics. (This event actually took place before the relay, but I decided that Michael's achievement should get top billing. Writer's prerogative. No apologies.)

Getty Images Photo

The collective effort of five young women, dubbed the Fab Five, defeated the Russian women in gymnastics. Jordyn Weiber set aside her personal disappointment at missing the competition for individual performances to help carry her team to Olympic gold.  Team members (left to right) are Jordyn Weiber, Gabriel (Gabby) Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Alexandra Raisman and Kyla Ross.

Alexandra only needed a score slightly above 10 for the team to defeat the Russian women, and she nailed her routine to bring in over 14. The crowd erupted in the North Greenwich Arena when the rankings were announced.

None of these gymnasts are old enough to remember Michael Phelps first medal ceremony, yet, in the words of Bob Costas, they will all remember that they competed for the same Team America the day that they joined him in the record books.

It's reaffirming to know that we still unashamedly celebrate achievement and excellence in America. Go Team USA!

Tuesdays With Tag - Beach Bum...

Photo taken by Bob Marotta

Hi! Tag here. Now that I'm a graduate of Mr. Mike's Good Dog Camp, Mom said that I can start writing my own posts. Today, I want to tell you how much I liked the Venice Dog Beach on Sunday.

It was great being out in the sunshine and surf with all the other dogs. There were big dogs, little yippy dogs, and dogs of all sizes. I sniffed and wagged at all of them. Mom laughed. She told people I was "networking".

Photo taken by Bob Marotta

One of the things I really liked was running through the water. I even jumped in to play with some little kids who were in the ocean. I think I was swimming with the sharks, even though no one saw any. Maybe I scared them all away!

Photo taken by Bob Marotta

I got to meet other corgis, too! There were a few others that were my same color, but I really liked these guys. That handsome devil out in front is one of my new pals, Taz. (His name is almost like mine!)

DCL photo

My buddy Spark Plug (Mr. Bob's dog) had a nice hole dug in the sand before I got there, but he was happy to share with everybody. I even made it a little deeper for us. (I'm a little bigger than Spark and needed to make it fit me.)

Mom shot this sixteen second "short film" of me on the beach for you to see. I hope you like it as much as I do. If you want autographs, just let me know. I'll ask Mom to help.

o

I have to go now. Mom says I can't be playing on the computer all day. I've got chores. (She said I should remember to sign off like Fezzik did, so here goes.) 'til next time,

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

(Did I do that right, Mom?)

 

Tuesdays With Tag - It's Official...

 

Yes, my friends. It's official. I own a second, bona fide swimming corgi! In the tradition of Fezzik, Taggart loves playing in the pool, and he's worked out some unique and amusing techniques.

I mean, just look at his entry. Impressive, right? Wearing nothing but a corgi smile, parabolic ears and that cute little nub of a tail! Look at how he's tucked in his front legs! Adorable, I tell ya.

I know it looks like he's a little frazzled, but trust me. The whites of his eyes are only showing because he's looking "downstream" to catch up with Handsome. It's a look of determination.

He now knows to turn around to head back to the swim-out. That's where he can safely climb out of the water to rest a bit. He knows right where he's supposed to go for a teeny rest before jumping right back in.

One of the things that makes us laugh is when he does a tight turn. Where Fezzik used to just stop kicking one leg to make his turns, Taggart prefers a little butt roll. This technique causes his back leg to break the surface just enough to splash some water. It resembles a turtle flipper splashing around, and it's so cute. It only slows him down a bit.

He knows that he can trot along the top step (it's an extension of the swim-out) and jump out from there. This shows the beginning of his exit.

If you click on this picture, you can see just how much water he hauls out with him. He's not too interested in shaking off the water, mainly because he's only going to jump right back in!

If he's out of the water, he'll run to whichever end of the pool Handsome is heading toward. That way he can give a little "Hi, Dad!" when Handsome surfaces.

What I really wanted to show you is my six month old corgi's beautiful topline. If it weren't for his boyish, frowsy coat, he'd win Best In Show, don't you think? No. I'm not going to show him in the ring. He's gonna be a working boy true to his breed. Once we get down the basic commands (which, so far, His Little Boldness obeys when he's in the mood), we'll find some tests and trials for him. (Don't tell me about using treats, because he knows when I have them and at those times he's a perfect gentleman. He also knows when I don't. That's a story for another day.)

After a little towel and blow drying from me, it's off to his kennel with a nice dry towel to dream about his next swimming escapade. Or perhaps his dreams involve herding a few wooly, runaway sheep? I'm so proud of my charming, pool-proof, swimming corgi.

So, 'til next time...More wagging and less barking!

Wet Pants...

Not mine, silly. Tag's! Yesterday we walked along a safe beach for our first foray into the water. You might have thought the little guy was a duck rather than a corgi!

What I learned is that my bold little guy loves mid-day walks in the surf and sand...

and taking a dip "au naturel". He loved his first swim and would have probably gone out further if Mom hadn't decided that keeping him on a short lead was in order.

Before we knew it, he was back on dry land - with wet corgi pants. Next time, we'll let him swim without the lead. I tickled to think I have another swimming corgi. I can see a pool party video be in Tag's future!

Fezzik Friday - 33 Weeks...

Hi, everybody!

Time for another Fezzik Friday. Time sure flies, doesn't it?

Have I told you how much I love my swimming pool? (I know. Mom says I sound like a broken record.) Usually, I only patrol the pool during the day, but I couldn't resist a little after dark reconnaissance.

There are these air thingies that push water around the pool all day, and I'm fascinated by them. You wouldn't believe how much I love walking around the edge of the pool to watch them.

I was on my nightly rounds yesterday while Mom was doing something on the computer, and...sploosh! I fell in again. Dang! I'm always surprised when it happens, but I don't mind 'cuz I'm a spontaneous, go-with-the-flow kinda guy.

A little dog paddle and, before I knew it, I was on the swim ledge. Mom laughed and said something about getting out of the pool, so I did, but then I started running around and barking and decided I needed to get back in the water again.

I'm just not very confident jumping off the edge, but Mom was happy to help by giving me a little...ahem...boot. After that, I was jumping in on my own.

"Hey, Bug! What are you doing?"

"I'm swimmin', Kessie! Are you impressed?"

"Do you know how late it is?"

"No. I don't think my watch is waterproof."

"No one likes a smart alec, Fez.
Mom's gonna be mad that you're all wet."

"It's ok. She'll be fine. You know you think I'm wonderful!"

"Oh, really, Bug? Maybe. Maybe not."

"But, I guess if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
Mom won't holler at both of us."

Mom tried to upload a video of me swimming tonight, but YouTube was giving her a little trouble. We'll try again soon so you can see how great I am!

Time to run again. I'll see you next week.
'til then, think warm, sunny thoughts!

Fezzik Inconceivable

P.S. Mom will draw the winner of the "Five In The Family" book tomorrow night. There's still time to contribute to Memory Lane Mondays and get entered in the drawing! Click here to link your story to Mom's post and you'll be entered.

"Festivus" In The Holidome...

Two of my nephews...Del (Tres) and West (who is also my godson).
They walked in, saw the Holidome and immediately changed
into their swimsuits. The waterfall is a perfect jumping perch...
after striking a few poses for their auntie.

Boys will be boys, and even my soon-to-be-51 year old brother
had to show his sons how it's done - lots of air, just the right
amount of "lean" to put the most skin in contact with the water,
and the resulting tsunami of water.

Kes couldn't stand it. She ignored my "suggestions"
(considered "commands" any other day of the year!)
that she stay next to me, and instead spent the afternoon
in the water swimming with the guys.
She was thoroughly smitten with my nephews and couldn't stay
away from them all day! I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

It was more than a little cool sitting with my mum and
sister-in-law and giggling while we watched the wet entertainers.

Of course, what contest would be complete without
the "Feats of Strength"?
West was the winner, hands down!

An Old Lab With A New Obsession...

Amidst ironing and housekeeping and an appointment with a new doctor yesterday, there was also time for a little play.

Kes comes from a long line of hunting blood which began long before both her grandmothers, Bryn and Raven. Her father, Morgan, spent many days afield with Handsome, and Kes was no slouch in the field either. Good hunting bloodlines in our retrievers have served us well in the field, but now, when it would be nice to just relax in our pool, that drive and desire has turned into a good, old-fashioned obsession.

Recently, Handsome was in the pool store making sure our pool water quality was up to his exacting standards, when Chris (our pool expert) told him about a toy that her dogs adore. So, as soon as Handsome left the pool store, he went over to Petsmart (is it Pet Smart or Pets Mart? - Sorry, again I digress), and he purchased one of those toys. Here's the result...
My soon-to-be twelve year old Labrador retriever stands at the glass door to the lanai and fairly whines to be let out to fetch this new toy. Instead of the sinking Kong toy, she now knows that this one will float. As a result, she launches herself into the pool...repeatedly. She makes us laugh out loud with her persistence. She loves this darn toy to distraction.

I know how she feels. To love something so much that it occupies your every thought. It makes you fly through the air. It makes you reach further. It makes you feel younger. It makes you happy beyond measure. With it, you're the best you can be - and better than you ever dreamed.

For Kes, it's a floating toy enveloped in red canvas. For me, it's the man I've loved over half my life. Six feet seven inches of intelligence, humor, music, love and patience. For me, it's my Handsome husband of nearly twenty five years. I know exactly how Kes feels.

Did I Tell You It's Hot Outside?...

Well, if I haven't told you yet, I'm telling you now! It's doggone hot outside here in south Florida. A trip outdoors anytime midday feels like being hit in the face with a hot, wet towel...unless you're heading to our favorite outdoor spot. That would be our pool!

These days, we stay indoors until late afternoon to avoid the intense sun, but as soon as she sees the tell-tale signs, Kes grabs her "swimming toy" and starts bouncing around the house. "Hurry up, guys! It's time to play!"

Handsome, Kes and I head out the back door and play in the water until we all get wrinkly. Kes runs up to Handsome once we're in the pool and they "face wrestle". They have a regular language all their own, and it's fun to watch.

Handsome is a showoff. He sits on the bottom of the pool, teasing me because I can't sink (some silly Law of Physics thing that has to do with body fat ratio). Kes teases for us to toss the kong toy (which she knows as "swimming toy") so she can dive underwater to retrieve it. She will bring the toy back to us and beg for us to throw it, repeatedly, until we fear she'll pass out. No one watching would ever guess she's nearly twelve years old!

She waits, impatiently, for the toy to be tossed into the pool.

Then she dives in after it. She'll go underwater, but if she misses it, we have to get it off the bottom and toss it again for her. However, if the stars are aligned properly and it's not too deep, she'll go completely underwater to get her toy.

Once she has the toy, she heads for the pool steps, climbs out and then shakes off the water, ready to do it all over again!

And then there's me. I grab my foam pool chair (which I call my "barge") and float around waiting for someone to peel grapes for me. (Like that's going to happen!)

So, at our house, we all work hard, but we sure know how to stop to smell the roses. Our life together is pretty darn wonderful. Just another joyful way we spend our days here in Paradise.