Saturday, January 23, 2010

The last day

Wow! Has time flown. Hard to believe that it's our last day here. And, to be honest, we are in two minds about it. Yes, we had a great time, with lots of fun and adventures, and new people to meet, but we are looking forward to seeing Mum again and spending time in our own place.

And as if to say goodbye, the weather moved in and completely blanketed the backyard with snow. Kind of like a fluffy farewell as we prepared to head home. But first things first ... breakfast!!!!!!!!!

There are few things in this world that are better for body and soul that a delicious, hearty, prepared-with-love breakfast. Okay, except perhaps dinner and cookies, and definitely cuddles, but I'll eat breakfast anytime it's served to me.

Afterward, we played outside in the snow for a bit, before heading back inside so we could be comfy warm. For a while, I was in a tight ball on our bed, while Moj lay under the table, snoozing away. Faithful readers would be forgiven for assuming that we are sleepy because we'd been up playing cards all night or reading the paper. However, the fact is that we were catching up on Zzzzs in anticipation of the long journey home.

Right after their breakfast, Jenny went out to a meeting, while Leon spent the morning trying to get the TV working. No joy in that department, so we provided some entertainment for him by rough housing in the living room. Happy to help out!

When Jenny came home, we decided it was time to snooze. But soon after, there was a knock at the door. Of course, we went to investigate, and even before the door opened, Mojo began to act strange ... as if he knew exactly who was on the other side. Slowly, the door opened, and we stared for a few seconds before realising it was her ... I mean, she ... I mean, MUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah! Yippee! Yahoo! Fantastic! Brilliant! Jump! Run! Bark! Circles! Go like crazy!

Okay, I think you get the picture. We went berserk, leaping up at her until she came down to our level so we could jump right on top of her. We were very happy because we knew that she had not forgotten us. For the next 20 minutes, we ran between everyone to say thanks - to Mum for coming back and taking us home, and to Jenny and Leon for taking care of us. I fell asleep on Mum's lap, Mojo got extra cuddles from Leon, I showed Mum my new trick - sitting for a treat - and then we packed up everything and went home.

Which was interesting in itself. Mum carried the big bag and Mojo, and Jenny carried me and the bed. But I got a bit nervous and thought I was being left behind again, so I barked all the way home - until Harley and Copper joined in. Then I realised it was all good and barked simply because I was happy!!!!!!

Finally we were in familiar territory, and we did exactly what you'd expect - sniffed around to check everything out and say hi to each piece of furniture, the TV, the fridge, and all our stuff. Yes, we are happy to be home, but Rover's Retreat will always hold fond memories for us.

So, this is Tika and Mojo, signing off, and saying thanks to you for sharing this adventure with us. May you all sleep soundly in your own beds tonight!

Tika and Mojo xxxx

Day 12

We awoke on Friday at a more respectable time - 5:10 am - and once outside, were lulled into silence by the balmy temps and the light snow that had fallen overnight. The day promised to be relaxing and quiet, while Jenny battled her cold and we did our best to comfort her.

And it was a lovely way to round out not only the week, but also our stay here at Rover's Retreat. We slept all morning while she worked, and then we all sat on the sofa while she worked. Then we had a snack while she worked, and finally had our tea while she worked. Gosh, she works a lot!

And in between, when we all needed a break, we went outside for a walk and a play and a rumble. Ah, gotta love these balmy days.

Leon came home and cooked a delicious lamb shank, but again, we weren't fortunate enough to sample it. However, Moj and I 'dined' on the yummy smells that wafted down to the floor where we were sitting, hopeful but realistic.

A bit of TV, lots of cuddles, and off to bed for our final sleep at this locale.

See you soon, Mum!

Tika and Mojo

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Day 11

D'Oh! Left alone again. They slipped away this morning before we could stop them, and Moj and I had to amuse ourselves by reading the morning paper. Comics are my favourite - Tundra, Pearls Before Swine, and Wizard of Id. Moj prefers the flyers, which is pretty funny for a dog with no money and no pockets to put the money in anyway!

Soon after Jenny came back, a new visitor arrived. He had to sign something and then took a few minutes to admire the bookcase. AND GIVE ME CUDDLES! Moj did his best to defend us all, but the visitor - a very tall bloke - was not to be denied. At one point, he even picked me up. Hey, thanks Mister! And what a view from up here! How's it going down there, little Moj??!!

Back on terra firma, we got a cookie because we were so good - or should I say I was so good. Oh, okay, he wasn't that bad, and Jenny isn't so mean as to give me a cookie and not Moj, so everyone was happy!

By the way, did I sit for cookies before? 'Cause I do now!

Anyway, the afternoon passed without interruption, and everyone stayed put at home. Leon is getting better, but Jenny is now sick. As long as they don't give whatever they've got to us, we should be cleared for "return to destination" on Saturday.

Only two sleeps to go ... and you didn't even know I could count!

Tika

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Day 10

Today got off to a rollicking start when we went outside for our morning break at the usual time. Since we'd been awake for about an hour already, Tika decided to try and wake up EVERYBODY in the neighbourhood so they, too, could get a jump on the day. Needless to say, it didn't go over very well, especially since the people at the Retreat were barely awake themselves.

You should have seen it though. Tika having so much fun, leaping around in the snow, barking at shadows, with me egging her on to victory - again. But just like when she tried to run away, she failed to achieve her objective. Doesn't matter. It was so much fun that I'm going to convince her to commit to a repeat performance tomorrow.

Last night we went to sleep while Jenny was still working. Actually, I'm surprised that Tika slept okay (and still sleeping by the way, in case you're wondering why I'm at the computer again). She was rather restless, walking around a lot and licking the carpet. Jenny and Leon were a bit worried, but managed to distract her with cuddles and cookies.

Basically, I think she misses you, and I have to admit, I do, too. We really like it here, and everyone is so nice to us, but it's not our place. Yes, I know what I said in my other email, but I've concluded that there's nothing sinister going on here, and I have to say that these two have completely won me over. Shocker, right? Surprised me, too! Anyway, as I've always said, there's no place like home, and it will be fun rediscovering all our usual haunts again - and for me to reclaim my place as King of the Kastle. At least until Dad comes home!

How's it going there anyway, Dad?

Okay, enough soppy chit chat. Besides, Tika is awake and trying to push me off the keyboard. Hang on, Tika! What? Yes, I told them about you this morning. Well, everyone thinks I'm the bad guy, so I wanted to set the record straight that you, too, revel in the troublemaking. I wasn't making you do it! Really?! Oh, you're asking for it. Time to rumble!!!!!!

[Dead air while both Tika and Mojo play attack games in the living room until Tika takes back the keyboard. Law and Order, anyone?]

Er, yes, about my barking. A simple matter of being a little too happy and wanting to share it with the neighbours. Unfortunately, the neighbours didn't want to share back. Although later I heard Harley barking - at a much more respectable hour - in solidarity for my early enthusiasm. Not sure if there'll be a repeat performance tomorrow. You'll have to wait and see!

So, with all that commotion a distant memory, today was a bit different. Another visitor. Nice man - Gordon, I think - who came in the afternoon to help Jenny mail some stuff out. Only stayed for a little while, and took all the stuff with him when he went.

Afternoon was lazy ... for us, at any rate. Jenny worked like mad, then we all ate, she went out, and Leon relaxed to try and shake off his cold.

Sleepy now. Later, dudes!

Tika (and Mojo)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Day 9

Moj and I decided that 4:10 am was a good time to get up this morning. Unfortunately, no one else did, so we were left to our own devices for another 53 minutes. Okay, so it was a bit mean of us, especially considering that Leon had the sniffles and really needed to sleep. But I don't know what Jenny's excuse was. Oh well, we survived till she came downstairs and the wait made breakfast all the more delicious!

Day progressed pretty much as usual. We went outside. We ate. They ate. Leon left. We slept till 10:30. Jenny went out. Came back. Leon came home. Dinner was served. Is everybody happy? You bet your life we are!

Happy National Popcorn Day!

Tika

Monday, January 18, 2010

Day 8

Thank goodness it's Monday. Monday is our friend. Everything back to normal, at least from our perspective. Quiet, peaceful, calm, relaxing.

One thing we've noticed is that we've been here more than a week and we're still finding new things to explore. It's not a big place, and I'm pretty sure we are covering the same ground over and over, but somehow it all seems worthy of reinvestigating. Same carpet, same furniture, same old same old, noses to the grindstone, senses working overtime. All interesting enough for us to check out one more time.

Today, when we weren't sniffing around inside and out, we were sleeping. On the sofa, in our bed, under the desk. Don't you just love routine?! No one came to visit, no one went away, no one disturbed our downtime. By all accounts, a pleasantly bland and benign day.

Just what The Doctor ordered.

Tika

Day 7

Never a dull moment around this place. Every time you turn around, something new is happening.

Day started as normal - outside and breakfast, with Leon leading the charge - and then a big noisemaker came out. Scared the pants off us both when it started up, and we raced outside until it was all over. It was big and yellow and picked up dust and stuff. Fortunately it was gone by the time we came back in, but Jenny and Leon seemed to be fizzgigging around, making sure the place was clean and tidy. Then they settled down in the kitchen to cook some delicious crispy bacon ... ah, what a treat, although not for us, as it turned out.

Enter the visitor. Of course, Mojo turned all Protecto and growled, barked, and ran away ... his usual stuff, which, in my mind, completely contradicts everything he said in his blog entry. Why would he go to all that trouble if he wasn't feeling the need to defend his new territory? Think about it, people!

Anyway, Miriam was really nice, and petted me as soon as she got in the door. She tried to make friends with Mojo, but he wasn't having a bar of it - until she stopped looking at him. I kid you not. Whenever Miriam looked at Moj, he ran away; when she wasn't looking, he crept closer. Not sure if he was trying to get a better view, or hoping to lull her into a false sense of security so he could scare her into leaving. Either way, it didn't work ... and I was glad it didn't 'cause I got all the attention!

Miriam stayed, everyone talked, the bacon slowly disappeared - although none dropped on the floor for us as I was hoping it would. Still, there was lots of time for cuddles afterward - Miriam even sat on the floor with me and talked to me for a bit. Once again, Moj missed out. Silly boy, although instead of acting all indifferent, he seemed to be a little bit sad. Could it be he's changing his tone?????!!!!! Smaller miracles have happened.

Oh well. After Miriam left, the others sat down and we all spent the afternoon doing nothing. Nothing, I say. Imagine that. After all the activity of the past two days, they would completely give up and do nothing. Why the heck can't they be like that all the time?

Last thing I remember is learning something about brothers and sisters on the TV. But neither Moj nor I could keep our eyes open for very long, and were fast asleep before you could say ....

Sure hope Monday is quiet. We've got lots of sleeping to catch up on.

Tika