A Breakthrough

Today Charlie didn't jump on my piano students, he walked to the mailbox with Brett without a leash, and he left my kitchen rug alone. Sigh. Life is good. =)

A Moose as Erin Would Say

Brett is starting to take Charlie out with him while running errands or driving properties. This particular time Brett forgot the leash. This was his brilliant solution.

Home Depot allows pets ... which is reason enough for Brett to hang out there.

Winter Carnival

This weekend was the Winter Carnival at Hoodoo (where we go skiing). There was also a birthday party for one of Sydney's friends there too, so it was a fun filled day for the kids. And a lot of sitting around for Patti and I, although watching Sydney dance to the live band kept us entertained for hours!

That night they had a torchlight decent. They turned out all the lights so it was pitch black, and then dozens of experienced skiers came down the hill with torches. It was beautiful! Once they all made it to the bottom there was a fireworks show. The next best thing to seeing fireworks over the ocean, is fireworks over the snow. When they exploded they lit up the whole mountain in red, purple, green and gold. I think it was the best firework show I'd ever seen! Thanks Patti for letting us come and spend the day!

YUM!

In my desperate attempt to lose weight and get healthy, I've been searching for healthy recipes. Here's a real tasty one that I thought I'd share with y'all.

Mandarin Orange, Tart Apple and Chicken Salad
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup sugar (or Splenda)
5-6 oz mixed salad greens
1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
1 cup tart apples cut in julienne strips (I grated it =)
1/2 cup sliced or slivered toasted almonds
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions
1 11oz can mandarin oranges, drained.

1. In a bowl, combine vinegars, oil and sugar. Mix until fully emulsified; set aside.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, chicken, apple, tasted almonds, and red onions. Toss gently with dressing.
3. Garnish with mandarin oranges. Makes 4-8 servings.

Snip Snip

I know you're probably sick of staring at my dog all the time... (beth ;)) but sadly, it's all I have to post about these days. And I had to show you how my poor pup is doing. He got the ol' snip on Tuesday. Brett and I were feeling soooo bad for him all day, but when we picked him from the vet, you could hardly tell anything had happened to him, besides this lovely cone around his neck. We thought he'd lay low for a couple of days, but right away he was wanting to play fetch and climb up in my lap just like normal.... but he's not supposed to... for a WEEK! It's going to be a long week!

My Dog's Smarter Than Your Dog

Today Charlie chased his own tail around my leg. Several times around.

Nearly knocked me on my keester.

Second Victim

A special prize for anyone who can guess what this used to be.

(The prize is a 5 month old chocolate lab)

We went out and got a shock collar after this incident.