Yes, yes, I can hear you now ... "Why are you writing this so long after the fact?" Well, the truth of the matter is that we were too busy enjoying the weekend and preparing for our return to home, and we completely forgot there was one more blog pending. And you simply can't leave a blog pending, now can you, so here it is ....
Saturday was big 'sleep in' day. We had two breakfasts - one at 5:30 am and the second at 8:30 am. Snacks ensued during the morning, which otherwise proved to be quite uneventful.
Jenny and Leon spent the afternoon cleaning, washing, and clearing things out and away, and it was our pleasure to sit back and watch it all happen. Then, as expected, we went off for our walk and met a few more friends along the way - Saturday is definitely when every man and his dog goes walking. Just as well for us because we love scurrying along and then stopping to chat with anyone who passes us by.
That evening, we were alone for a while, during which time Mojo and I made plans for the return home. We knew Mum was landing in Winnipeg around noon the next day, and we wanted to be ready.
So Sunday meant no sleep in for anyone. We made sure those lazy bones were up bright and early because we wanted breakfast as soon as humanly possible before a nice long last-time-around-the-neighbourhood walk. And then we simply waited at the Retreat for Mum to arrive ... which she did via the same route we took when we arrived here 15 days ago!
Oh, and what a joyful reunion it was, complete with lots of leaping and barking and crazy running around. But here's the thing.
Yes, it was fun to stay at Rover's Retreat again. Yes, it was great to see Mum again. Yes, it was wonderful to finally head back home where we truly belong. All of that fantastic, but the best was still to come - the reception we got from Harley and Copper who raced to the side fence and intently watched us reacquaint ourselves with our home, sweet home. Gosh, we missed you guys - thanks for remembering us!
So there you have it. Another chapter closed. And as they say, been there done that - again!
Signing off,
Tika and Mojo xx
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Adventureland
The last three days have been spent enjoying the sunshine. Beautiful weather, lots of opportunity to romp and play, and our daily walks have taken us on all sorts of adventures.
Mostly to the same places, although it's like we've never been to them before. Short memories, perhaps, but I think we are simply happy going anywhere anytime.
Sometimes people stop to say hi. Like the little girl we saw walking with her mum. If you thought Mojo was hyper, you should have seen this little girl. She was running along and then stopped when she saw us. Her mum said, "Ask if you can pat them first", which she did, and I let her say hi. She was very happy and I was very good, so it all worked out perfectly.
Mojo didn't want to play with the girl - I think the hyperness spooked him - but he went right up to the mum, although not long enough for her to pat him. It was lots of fun.
And then yesterday, we met Shadow. She lives right across the street from here, but she was out walking when we met her. Again, Mojo took the high road, and Shadow and I tried to talk ... er, growl at each other. It was fine 'cause we had never met before, but Jenny knew her and they talked quite a bit. Jenny told the man how much Shadow looked like Sydney - I think Jenny still misses Sydney a lot.
Over the past week, we've been ogled at by older people walking by, little kids in strollers, and a few dogs going in the opposite direction - mostly big ones, which makes us glad they ate before they went out walking.
Anyway, the weather has been perfect for outdoor adventures, and we've had some great ones. Can you believe it's only two sleeps till one of you come home? We wish you were both coming home, but we will wait patiently for that to happen.
Tika and Mojo xxxxx
Mostly to the same places, although it's like we've never been to them before. Short memories, perhaps, but I think we are simply happy going anywhere anytime.
Sometimes people stop to say hi. Like the little girl we saw walking with her mum. If you thought Mojo was hyper, you should have seen this little girl. She was running along and then stopped when she saw us. Her mum said, "Ask if you can pat them first", which she did, and I let her say hi. She was very happy and I was very good, so it all worked out perfectly.
Mojo didn't want to play with the girl - I think the hyperness spooked him - but he went right up to the mum, although not long enough for her to pat him. It was lots of fun.
And then yesterday, we met Shadow. She lives right across the street from here, but she was out walking when we met her. Again, Mojo took the high road, and Shadow and I tried to talk ... er, growl at each other. It was fine 'cause we had never met before, but Jenny knew her and they talked quite a bit. Jenny told the man how much Shadow looked like Sydney - I think Jenny still misses Sydney a lot.
Over the past week, we've been ogled at by older people walking by, little kids in strollers, and a few dogs going in the opposite direction - mostly big ones, which makes us glad they ate before they went out walking.
Anyway, the weather has been perfect for outdoor adventures, and we've had some great ones. Can you believe it's only two sleeps till one of you come home? We wish you were both coming home, but we will wait patiently for that to happen.
Tika and Mojo xxxxx
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Spring in our step
Ah, there is nothing like it. Spring, between the intolerable slush and the scorching sun, with its cool nights and balmy temperatures, its clear skies and forgotten sounds, with its ... hey, wait a minute. Am I waxing poetic? Must be the result of hanging around a writer.
Okay, back to reality. Spent lots of time yesterday exploring the backyard and finding the best spots to rest a while. It sure is quiet during the day, with everyone working or in school, and it not being garbage day. And it's fun being outside - you never know who is going to visit.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Mikey from down the street, and we heard Dingo and Harley and Copper going all protecto mode - damn good for the neighbourhood, those three. But as much fun as the yard is, there's nothing better than when we go walking in the late afternoon.
Always something new to see and sniff and say 'ruff' to. We usually meet at least one other dog out walking, or we at least get to find out which way they went. One thing smarter about dogs than people - the calling cards we leave, a lot, along the way. I don't know how people get around without them.
And Mojo and I are intrigued by how surprised Jenny and Leon are that we don't pick up any tidbits as we walk. Well, duh! You don't know where they came from and you'll never know where they've been. Besides, why eat that stuff when we have delicious homemade meals waiting for us when we get home.
Speaking of which, supplies are lasting well. Think we'll be good until you come home. But don't think of that as a leave pass to stay longer. We miss you and can't wait to hear all about your holiday.
Love Tika-lee and Mojo-moo
Okay, back to reality. Spent lots of time yesterday exploring the backyard and finding the best spots to rest a while. It sure is quiet during the day, with everyone working or in school, and it not being garbage day. And it's fun being outside - you never know who is going to visit.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Mikey from down the street, and we heard Dingo and Harley and Copper going all protecto mode - damn good for the neighbourhood, those three. But as much fun as the yard is, there's nothing better than when we go walking in the late afternoon.
Always something new to see and sniff and say 'ruff' to. We usually meet at least one other dog out walking, or we at least get to find out which way they went. One thing smarter about dogs than people - the calling cards we leave, a lot, along the way. I don't know how people get around without them.
And Mojo and I are intrigued by how surprised Jenny and Leon are that we don't pick up any tidbits as we walk. Well, duh! You don't know where they came from and you'll never know where they've been. Besides, why eat that stuff when we have delicious homemade meals waiting for us when we get home.
Speaking of which, supplies are lasting well. Think we'll be good until you come home. But don't think of that as a leave pass to stay longer. We miss you and can't wait to hear all about your holiday.
Love Tika-lee and Mojo-moo
Monday, April 19, 2010
Curiouser and curiouser
Beautiful day, the sun shining, the wind still. Perfect day for a walk to the recycling bins.
Off we set, revelling in the early start and the quiet neighbourhood. It's not a long walk, and fortunately neither Mojo nor I had to carry the shredded paper. Jenny doesn't want to put it in the blue bins in case it all blows away - although then, I suppose, she wouldn't have to carry it all the way to the recycling bins on Ness. Oh well.
The trip there was non eventful, but on the way, something curious happened.
A short distance from the bins, Mojo started to limp. His back left leg. Leon thought Moj had something in his foot, but upon closer inspection, all seemed okay. Then Leon thought it was perhaps because Moj's nails were too long, and we moved across the road so we could all walk on the grass - except Leon and Jenny who stayed walking on the pavement.
And then something even more curious happened. After a few minutes, I started limping - same leg, same way as Mojo. Both of our 'problem' feet were inspected, with no obvious signs of anything being wrong. Five minutes later, when the problem hadn't righted itself, our handlers asked each other if perhaps they should carry us all the way home ... but while they were debating their options, Mojo and I started walking normally again.
Curiouser and curiouser.
Too bad. Being carried home would have been nice - for us, at least. But I have to say, I was as befuddled as they were. Still, none of us have any idea what was going on, but when talking later, Mojo and I wondered if it was some form of sympathetic limping - or merely a pathetic attempt to get some extra attention.
Any votes on either scenario?
Love Tika and Mojo xx
Off we set, revelling in the early start and the quiet neighbourhood. It's not a long walk, and fortunately neither Mojo nor I had to carry the shredded paper. Jenny doesn't want to put it in the blue bins in case it all blows away - although then, I suppose, she wouldn't have to carry it all the way to the recycling bins on Ness. Oh well.
The trip there was non eventful, but on the way, something curious happened.
A short distance from the bins, Mojo started to limp. His back left leg. Leon thought Moj had something in his foot, but upon closer inspection, all seemed okay. Then Leon thought it was perhaps because Moj's nails were too long, and we moved across the road so we could all walk on the grass - except Leon and Jenny who stayed walking on the pavement.
And then something even more curious happened. After a few minutes, I started limping - same leg, same way as Mojo. Both of our 'problem' feet were inspected, with no obvious signs of anything being wrong. Five minutes later, when the problem hadn't righted itself, our handlers asked each other if perhaps they should carry us all the way home ... but while they were debating their options, Mojo and I started walking normally again.
Curiouser and curiouser.
Too bad. Being carried home would have been nice - for us, at least. But I have to say, I was as befuddled as they were. Still, none of us have any idea what was going on, but when talking later, Mojo and I wondered if it was some form of sympathetic limping - or merely a pathetic attempt to get some extra attention.
Any votes on either scenario?
Love Tika and Mojo xx
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Spooky
Okay, so here's the thing. The wind has only now stopped after blowing like crazy across the Prairies for three days. That made us crazy enough while we were out walking, but now my bowl is acting all spooky.
The last two nights, while I've been eating, the bowl has jumped a little bit and made such a noise that I had to run away and hide. Not even when Mojo set off to claim my leftovers as his own did I return to the scene of the spookiness. We tried everything, but to no avail. Until finally we found a spot on the carpet where it doesn't jump and spook me, so hope that's the end of that.
But I am not the only recipient of the eerie goings on around here. Yesterday, the unthinkable happened. Mojo finished off the entire bowl of dry food! All by himself! Without any prompting whatsoever! And he repeated his performance today! And both times several hours after eating dinner! What's up with that?
I tell you, spooky times here, but as long as we don't have to deal with all that windy weather, which makes us walk funny, act skittish, and temporarily turn around and walk in the opposite direction, then I guess we can handle anything else that comes our way.
On a final funny note, every time we walk down the street, Mojo picks up pace and races into our yard. Then he won't leave, despite Leon's prompting and even though the world is there waiting for us to discover it. Silly boy.
But no complaining about the walks. Really enjoying the spring weather. Hope it's sunny and hot where you are!
Love Tika and Mojo xx
The last two nights, while I've been eating, the bowl has jumped a little bit and made such a noise that I had to run away and hide. Not even when Mojo set off to claim my leftovers as his own did I return to the scene of the spookiness. We tried everything, but to no avail. Until finally we found a spot on the carpet where it doesn't jump and spook me, so hope that's the end of that.
But I am not the only recipient of the eerie goings on around here. Yesterday, the unthinkable happened. Mojo finished off the entire bowl of dry food! All by himself! Without any prompting whatsoever! And he repeated his performance today! And both times several hours after eating dinner! What's up with that?
I tell you, spooky times here, but as long as we don't have to deal with all that windy weather, which makes us walk funny, act skittish, and temporarily turn around and walk in the opposite direction, then I guess we can handle anything else that comes our way.
On a final funny note, every time we walk down the street, Mojo picks up pace and races into our yard. Then he won't leave, despite Leon's prompting and even though the world is there waiting for us to discover it. Silly boy.
But no complaining about the walks. Really enjoying the spring weather. Hope it's sunny and hot where you are!
Love Tika and Mojo xx
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Finally!
Okay, so I know we arrived Friday evening, and I know you were expecting to see our first blog for this visit well before this, but let me tell you, so were we! Let me explain ...
So far, this trip has been a little restricted. When we arrived, we went round to the back door - not our usual MO, and quite a different view of the yard seeing it first instead of the front door. Anyway, once through the gate, we were freed from our harnesses and ran amuck in the backyard - the first time we've seen it without any snow. Wow! It all looked so big!
Finally inside, it was smaller than we remembered - perhaps because we were comparing it to the big yard. Then we realised there was something blocking our access to the computer ... er, I mean, the rest of the house. What's going on, we wondered?
Before we could speculate, we were politely informed of the painting going on in the other room - the one adjacent to where we normally hang out. And in the days that followed, as Jenny and Leon disappeared and then reappeared a number of times, sometimes wearing different colour splots on their clothing and in their hair, we totally got it and were actually happy about being safely cocooned away in the back room. The other room was apparently pure chaos - stuff everywhere, the smell of paint in the air, people moving like busy bees. Clearly no place for a dog - or two!
Eventually the painting was finished, and eventually the chaos was resolved, and eventually we reclaimed our territory.
So, here we are, almost a week later, posting our first update. And we'll try to keep it short, while fully informing you about what has been happening.
Walks every day - long ones. Meals on time - thank goodness. Treats at appropriate intervals - with some prompting. Pets and cuddles to make up for our temporary detainment - just as well. Lots of play time - let me say again how much we love that yard and bathing in the spring sun.
All in all, life continues as normal. And you can expect regular postings from now until our stay is over. So keep checking back, although you're probably too busy having a good time.
Love Tika and Mojo - yeah, we are writing as a team now. Who knew?!
So far, this trip has been a little restricted. When we arrived, we went round to the back door - not our usual MO, and quite a different view of the yard seeing it first instead of the front door. Anyway, once through the gate, we were freed from our harnesses and ran amuck in the backyard - the first time we've seen it without any snow. Wow! It all looked so big!
Finally inside, it was smaller than we remembered - perhaps because we were comparing it to the big yard. Then we realised there was something blocking our access to the computer ... er, I mean, the rest of the house. What's going on, we wondered?
Before we could speculate, we were politely informed of the painting going on in the other room - the one adjacent to where we normally hang out. And in the days that followed, as Jenny and Leon disappeared and then reappeared a number of times, sometimes wearing different colour splots on their clothing and in their hair, we totally got it and were actually happy about being safely cocooned away in the back room. The other room was apparently pure chaos - stuff everywhere, the smell of paint in the air, people moving like busy bees. Clearly no place for a dog - or two!
Eventually the painting was finished, and eventually the chaos was resolved, and eventually we reclaimed our territory.
So, here we are, almost a week later, posting our first update. And we'll try to keep it short, while fully informing you about what has been happening.
Walks every day - long ones. Meals on time - thank goodness. Treats at appropriate intervals - with some prompting. Pets and cuddles to make up for our temporary detainment - just as well. Lots of play time - let me say again how much we love that yard and bathing in the spring sun.
All in all, life continues as normal. And you can expect regular postings from now until our stay is over. So keep checking back, although you're probably too busy having a good time.
Love Tika and Mojo - yeah, we are writing as a team now. Who knew?!
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