Choodlemania

Hot times in the city

2009-07-19T22:04:00.001-07:00

What a steamy weekend! Temperature wise, that is. Things have been really blazing outside, so Mami and Papi have left the ceiling fans on, and at night they turn on the window air conditioner in the bedroom. Lulu has been airing her belly in the window all day.
I had to stay inside today because Mami and Papi trimmed the chicken's wings and let them go free range around the yard. They're afraid if I go out there, I will get pecked in the head, so when they're loose I stay inside. And then when they go back in their pen I get to go out again and play snake.
The other night Mami put this magic thing in the bathtub that turned the water all blue and smelly. It smelled so good I almost wanted to get in and swim around, but I decided against it. I just stood on the side and sniffed.
Right now I'm about to have a tasty bit of biscuit. Mami made biscuits for breakfast and there is one stale one left for me. Hurrah!

Feliz cumpleanos a mi!

2009-07-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Friday was my fourth birthday and I had a very nice time. Mami took me out to play snake for hours until I was very tired. Then I got extra biscuits and lots of time to sleep on the couch. It was a very good day, with all the things I like.
Tonight, while Mami and Papi were watching t.v., they gave me bites of pie and cheesecake! It was very exciting. Now I'm extremely full! A birthday weekend with naps and pie, what could be better?

Gooooool!

2009-06-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! I have been spending the morning on the back of the couch, watching futbol on Telemundo with Papi. Its the Confederation Cup finals, Brazil versus US. I'm rooting for the US, and they've got two goals to Brazil's one. It's very exciting. Except sometimes I fall asleep.
Later on we're all going outside to pick cherries and Mami has promised to make a cobbler. I can't wait. I have been eating a lot of cherries lately out in the yard. The chicken ladies like them too. They fight over them when they land in their pen.
Hope everyone has time to get outside today, it's super nice out there!

Playing snake and having fun

2009-06-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

It stopped raining long enough for us to have some quality snake time outside today, which was a whole lot of fun. Mami and Papi moved the chicken coop to a new spot and then Mami mowed the lawn while Papi and I played snake. It was really fun and I got Mami involved by throwing the snake in front of her lawn mower over and over again. She didn't think it was very funny.
The chickens and I get along pretty good now. We ignore each other most of the time. I only get excited if they flap their wings or if they're chasing flies, and then I only want to see what they're doing. Mami says they like strawberry tops and spinach leaves. Isn't that weird? So do I!
After we got done playing I brought snake inside and lay on the couch while Mami folded laundry. She washed my blankets and so I got to have nice clean ones for my bed. They're warm!
We did have some very very sad news today. Papi's Tia has passed away from cancer. Mami and Papi are very very sad. Lulu went and stayed in Papi's lap for a long time after they got the news. I don't like cats very much but sometimes they are very smart about things.

Left alone!

2009-05-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

I hate to tell you this, but on Friday night, I was left all by myself! That's right. Mami and Papi went to Portland for the night and they left me here. It was awful.
Ok, its true that Tia Jennifer and Doris came and took me for a walk, and then played snake. And then they came back the next morning and we played in the yard for a long time. But in between I was ALL alone. Except for Lulu. But she's no help.
Now Mami and Papi are back and the house smells like chorizo and papas because it's dinner time, so I'm feeling a little better about life. Just a little.

Memorial Day in the great outdoors

2009-05-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

I realize the blog post makes it sound like we've been camping, but when I say outdoors I mean the back yard. It's been a pretty fun weekend around here. Mami has been working outside in the yard for three whole days, and tonight, Papi put a bunch of yummy food on the barbecue grill in back and I just sat there and sniffed the smoke, it was soooo good. I also kept an eye on the chickens. Mami won't let me chase them, but sometimes I march up with my stuffed snake and kill it right in front of the coop so they know I mean business. They dont really pay much attention but I know they're watching me out of the corner of their eye.
Mami took this funny picture of me tonight. She and Papi have been hanging laundry on the clothesline because it's warm and a little windy and things dry really fast. This is a photo of some of Mami's special things. They're bigger than me!

The chickens come home to roost

2009-05-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Last night the chickens arrived, Betita and Viola. My reaction to them was just about how Mami expected. As soon as a noticed them (which took a little while) I wanted to chase them. But after they figured out I couldn't get to them, they ignored me, which wasn't very fun, so eventually, after growling a lot, I lost interest.
Mami said it's going to take awhile before I'm very nice to them, but she said that someday we'll all get along. And when they're bigger we'll get to be in the yard together. What does "under supervision" mean?

Chicken house progress

2009-04-26T18:02:00.001-07:00

We're coming along nicely on the chicken coop. Mami spent last weekend at Abuelo's house getting it started, and he's been working on it since. I think it's going to be muy fancy, and I am sure that the chicken ladies will like it. I hope the chickens like me, especially because they're gonna be bigger than me!
Abuelo and Abuela are coming to bring the coop to us on Tuesday. I am excited to see them. The chickens won't arrive for a little while longer. They are still growing bigger and getting their big girl feathers.
This weekend Mami and Papi did spring cleaning and they did something called steam cleaning the couch. That means it's all wet and I can't sit on it. It makes me sad because that's my favorite place to sit. But it should be dry in a few more hours and then I can have a nice choodle nap.

Feathery new additions

2009-04-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't met them yet but apparently Mami went with Tia Becky yesterday morning and picked out two baby chicks for us to have in the yard. They are so tiny that Tia's daughter is going to raise them for us unti they're big enough to come home. Meanwhile Mami and Abuelo are going to build a chicken house in the back hard big enough for them, plus a safe fenced place for them to be so that the raccoons can't snack on them.
I've never met chickens before so I don't know how I feel exactly, but Mami said they're black like me and Lulu and when they get big they'll be bigger than both of us! Their names are Betita and Viola. I bet when they get a little bit bigger they'll want to say some things on the blog too!
Meanwhile, it is 70 degrees and sunny today, and I am outside panting in the yard. Mami has been working like crazy on the garden since it's finally nice outside, and because the forecast calls for rain so she knows this nice sunshine isnt going to last. She's done so much work in the past two days it already looks like a brand new place! Lulu is spending her time by the open windows sniffing the air. I am just looking for a cool spot to take a nap!

Fancy Sunday

2009-03-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Today was an unusual Sunday because Mami got up much earlier than normal in order to go to a fancy dress event with a friend. She got to wear a Regency gown and go watch a Jane Austen movie and then have tea with a bunch of ladies who were also dressed up.
Meanwhile, Papi and I slept in until 11 and then we wandered around for awhile because we were sleepy. Finally we went outside for some exercise.
That's when I surprised Papi. See he didn't realize, but I've had my eye on a hole in the fence for awhile. So when I heard our neighbor walking down the sidewalk with her little girl, I made a break for it. Papi was so surprised when he realized I was on the other side of the fence. He had to run out and grab me and take me back inside.
Then when Mami got home he showed her where the hole was, and they fixed it with wire and a staple gun. So now I don't have a place to escape. Until I find a new spot.
Then tonight we all went on a long walk, but I got scared a couple of times. First I screamed because a paper bag came rolling toward me. I thought it was a monster.
Then a little black and white kitten tried to follow me home and I started to cry until Mami chased her off. I don't need any more cats! One is enough.
When we got home Mami shared her quesadilla with me, and then we watched some t.v and I fell asleep on my back with my fang showing. It was really nice.

Yard work and weird weather

2009-03-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Mami and I spent the afternoon digging weeds out of the garden in between rain showers, and I got a lot of digging done. There is lots of soft wet dirt where Mami pulls up the dandelions so I get in there and dig and dig and dig. I also pulled a bunch of the dandelions out of Mami's hands and carried them around the yard, and then she had to go pick them up again.
Afterward we hung some more fairy lanterns out that Mami bought, a green one and a blue one. In the summer we will put candles in them at night. It will be very pretty.
The strangest thing was that when we came inside during the last rain storm, it started snowing. Not enough to stick but still, it's crazy! It's almost April and still more snow! We cant believe it.
Mami planted some pink and purple primroses in the front flower pot on the step and put some pink dianthus around the back. It is supposed to be Spring now so she is trying to get things in order but the weather just wont cooperate.

New cousin!

2009-03-14T21:19:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! I just learned this morning that my Tia Chelsea has a new little one, a baby black tom cat! She just got him. Sadly, last week she had to put to sleep my cousin PD, who was very old and had cancer. He was a handsome black dog who was very sweet, although he didn't like kitties at all, so Tia Chelsea could never have one. But now she has a miniature version of Lulu! I am anxious to know what they are going to name him. I hope to meet him very soon!

Snow? Snow?

2009-03-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

It's March, right? So what's up with the snow this morning? Seriously, things are screwy. First Mami tells me that we lose an hour today because of some government thing, which I don't understand, and then I go outside and there's snow all over the place. It gets in my toes and its really cold!
I like snow when it's winter time and we can run round and eat it like ice cream. But now it's time for sunshine and warm things. This world is a crazy place.

Friends moving closer

2009-03-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

While I have some friends moving away, there are others moving closer. This weekend my Tia Jennifer and Catters and Cat Smacky moved into a new apartment much closer to us. In fact, it's on the same street as us, only, well, 15 blocks away. Which is almost more than I can count.
So they're getting settled in, and they're nice and close by now, so Mami doesn't have to go halfway across town to visit them. Hurrah!
Here is Catters and Mami having a moment.

People I miss

2009-02-28T16:11:00.001-08:00

I was feeling kind of sad today because I was missing my friend Charley. She and her Mami have moved away from here to a far away place called Columbus. I don't know where that is but Mami said it's too far to drive there.
Sometimes my Tia Candace sends me pictures so that I can see that Charley likes her new home. It's nice to see the pictures but I sure wish she could come play with me.
Tomorrow is Mami and Papi's seventh anniversary. I guess they are going to go out to a nice dinner somewhere that they can't take choodles. That's okay though cause I'll just nap until they get home.

Where's the spring?

2009-02-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's still winter. I mean, there are lots of things blooming outside, and it smells really nice, but the yard is a big muddy mess and it's cold and rainy and it's still not nice enough for walks. I am stuck inside with Lulu, watching the rain and listening to music with Mami and Papi.
Speaking of which, Papi has a nasty cold. He didn't get out of bed until after 1 today, when Mami finally got him up by making eggs and bacon and cinnamon rolls. I hope Mami doesn't get the cold, because she's the one who takes care of me, and I need a lot of taking care of.
We have been having fun playing ball in the house, even when Mami was cooking this morning. And when Papi's sick I usually get to climb into bed with him and cuddle, which is also very nice. But I hope the sun comes out soon and the yard dries up so I can go out and play snake and eat grass and be an outside choodle.

Lazy afternoon in the February sun

2009-02-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

I made a video of the things I do when I'm hanging out at home. I spend a lot of time on the couch. Today it's really sunny so we've got all the windows open and we're enjoying the springtime air.

Chores

2009-02-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have a new favorite thing. When Mami takes laundry out of the dryer and brings the basket into the living room, she puts me inside the basket. Then I snuggle into the warm clothes as she pulls things out one by one and folds them. I stay in there until there's nothing left but the clothes I'm laying on, and then I have to get up so she can fold them.
It's so toasty in the basket and everything smells clean and nice. It makes me really sleepy and I yawn a lot. Afterward my hair gets kind of static-y, but my belly is all warm.

How did it get to be February?

2009-02-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Hey folks. I have really been slacking and I'm sorry. I have been spending too much time sleeping in and watching t.v. on the couch, and not enough time on my blog. I am making it my late New Year's resolution to fix the problem.
Today was kind of exciting because my Tia Jennifer made a surprise visit while I was still in bed, and she brought me a new toy! It's this crazy looking yellow rubber chicken that squeaks. It's kinda tough for me to squeak myself, but Mami steps on it for me and it makes these great noises. I really like it. It's different from all my other toys.
Jennifer also brought Mami and Papi some coffee because they ran out this morning. Thank goodness for aunties!

Time to go outside

2009-01-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

I hear that there are some big wind storms up north, but here in our town there's not a breeze blowing, and it's really sunny. Mami got up early and mopped the floors and cleaned the kitchen and then she took a bike ride to the store for breakfast stuff. We had a big brunch of yummy bread and turkey sausage and hashbrowns and now we've got the windows open because it's so nice out.
I had big tummy troubles last night so Mami took me outside twice to eat grass. I feel a lot better now, but just in case, Mami didn't give me any sausages. Which was sad. But now she's going to go out and trim back some soggy branches and leaves in the yard and I'm going to go help. I need to stretch my legs a little!

Happy Birthday Lulu!

2009-01-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend was Lulu's eighth birthday and since she's low-key about such things, we didn't celebrate with any big crazy party. Instead, Mami got her some party mix cat snacks for her breakfast, and she has a lot of fur mice to play with. Papi turned on the heater in the office so she could be toasty if she decided to hide out in there, which she did for most of the day. Mami was outside doing lots of yard work so I stayed in with Papi, who did a bunch of cleaning and then made Mami a big sammich. He brought it out to her and we sat on the front step and had a snack. I got the leftovers. It was great. Here we are this evening, all lounging on the bed with Papi, who is taking a nap. Still. You can see his feet in the photo. He gets sleepy really easy. Anyway, happy birthday Lulu!

New dog friends!

2008-12-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

You know I'm always excited to expand my circle of dog friends, so imagine how excited I was to learn that Mami's friend Tiffany has two little dogs of her own. The first one is Beau, and he's a Bichon Frise with a very bold and warm personality. He likes cheese (so do I!) and cookies (me too!) and likes making new friends.
Then there's Sera. She is a rescue dog (like me!) only she is kind of shy of new people. Mami said she looks just like me only bigger and a little furrier. Mami couldn't get very close to take a picture because Sera was afraid of her camera, so the photo is a little blurry, but imagine me only kind of enlarged, and you'll get the idea.
There was a kitty too but Mami didn't get the chance to take her picture. Anyway, hurrah for new friends!

A late Christmas

2008-12-28T20:01:00.001-08:00

Hurrah! Good news all around. Papi got on his flight and is supposedly in some place called, I can't remember, Poo-land. I don't know. He hasn't written yet to tell us he's arrived but we think he's fine.
Today Mami and I took a trip up north to see the abuelita and the abuelos. We brought a calendar of photos of me to the abuelita and gave her kisses, and then spent the day at the abuelos house, opening gifts and eating lots of food and playing on Abuelo's computer. It was super fun. It was a long and sleepy drive home but now we're back and Lulu said she didn't miss us at all. Now it's time for t.v. and sleep.
Oh, and that photo of the snow shows why we couldn't go up on Christmas Day. Too much of it!

Post Christmas snooze

2008-12-27T09:38:00.001-08:00

Papi went off in an airplane yesterday and I was very sad because suitcases are always bad news. Mami came back though, and then I spent all night growling and woofing from my bed to show her that I was on the job. She didn't seem all that happy to hear me though. She kept telling me to be quiet.
But now Papi's stuck somewhere called Chicago because his plane had some trouble and then he missed his flight to some other place called Europe. I'm not really sure what's happening except he's stuck. He's gonna keep trying to get a different plane but if they don't get him on a plane by Sunday, I think he's just gonna come home. Poor Papi.
Here's a picture of me with Tia Candace on Christmas Eve. She gave me some cool toys.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hello all. We're here at home, because all the snow up north has made us cancel our annual Christmas visit to the abuelos. They have too much snow with more coming, so it wasn't safe to drive. Mami and Papi are sad, but they are making the best of it. We're hanging around by the Christmas tree and eating chips and making posole and people are coming by to visit. I miss my abuelitos but I like being home too. Hope you are all having a nice Christmas!

Snow and Christmas!

2008-12-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

So what a weekend~ First Mami put up the Christmas tree, and it smells so good and looks so pretty! And then this morning, when I went outside, there was snow! Unfortunately it melted and then rained, but tonight it snowed again and now it's all icy. I don't even know what tomorrow is gonna be like but wow! Crazy times. It's going to be an exciting weather week.

Goodness!

2008-12-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I posted but Mami started her new job so she's been too busy to help me very much. Tonight I am spending my time with this crazy new gift Mami bought me. It's a monkey ball! It's like a tennis ball only covered with a stuffed monkey and I've been throwing it around like crazy. I love it!
Hey, Tio Casey sent me a photo of the Christmas parade. Don't I look tough with the derby girls? I thought you'd like to see it!

Freaky

2008-12-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

We were playing with the iBook photo thingy and came up with this one. Mami calls it "Twin Choodle and the All Seeing"

Parade!

2008-11-29T15:16:00.000-08:00

So last night I was in the Christmas parade with Mami! I was the unofficial Roller Derby Choodle! I had on glow stick blue wings and a skull bandana and I was so cool! I walked in the parade along with Mami and all the skaters, and I was very brave, even when Santa's firetruck siren went off behind me, and we went by horses and llamas. I got pets from little kids all along the parade route while Mami handed out skull suckers. It was so much fun! But I was really really tired when I came home, and I went straight to bed.

A little blueish

2008-11-27T22:06:00.001-08:00

I was all excited about Friday because my abuelos were supposed to come down for a late Thanksgiving, because Mami had to work on Thursday. But tonight Abuelo called to say he's sick and he and Abuela can't come. That means no big turkey dinner, no mashed potatoes and no snuggles! I am pretty bummed.
Instead I guess Mami and Papi are going to do some shopping and maybe go wine tasting or something, and we'll have turkey this weekend sometime, since they haven't taken it out of the freezer yet. So no visit and no party but maybe I'll still get some turkey.
Anyway, here's a photo of Mami and her friend Yoshi at work. Yoshi's Mami is Wendy, and she works at the paper. They all had to work today so Yoshi came to visit. He's cute, but not as cute as me!

Bone chlllers

2008-11-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

These last few days have sure been bone chillers. It's not only cold, it's super wet, so it goes right through your fur and deep into the toes. I don't spend much time outside other than my morning constitutional. And then Mami has to wipe the dew off my fur before I climb into bed with Papi.
Lulu has been staying out of the office in the daytime and prefers the living room, because it's a little toastier. And it gets dark so early that we're always in pitch black before Mami comes home. But we're usually asleep so it doesn't matter.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving but Mami has to work, so we have to wait til Friday for turkey. I can't wait.

Keeping busy

2008-11-23T16:46:00.001-08:00

This weekend we fit a lot of things in. First of all we took a really nice long walk on Saturday and explored a bunch of places that I hadn't seen in awhile. The leaves are thick all over right now so there were things to jump in and sniff and chew. It was really sunny but cold out, so I walked fast to stay warm.
On Sunday we stayed around the house most of the day and Mami put up Christmas lights on the front and side of the house. She had a new staple gun Papi bought her, so she got on her ladder and put a bunch of twinkly lights all over. It looks really pretty and Christmassy now.
Here is a video of me fighting invisible enemies on top of the guest bed. Mami has to put that sheet down to keep the cat fur off the comforter, because Lulu uses that as her favorite sleeping place. She takes up the whole bed!
Papi bought a new heater for the office. It is incredibly toasty. It makes me kinda sleepy whenever I go back there. It's going to be a nice warm winter.

Family visits

2008-11-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

Mami went up to see the abuelita this weekend, and her Mami and Papi too. She didn't take me because I don't like to drive very much. Abuelita gets tinier each time Mami visits her but she was very happy for a visit. And the abuelos had a cake for Mami cause she got a new job at the same university where Papi works. It's very exciting. Mami got to visit the abuelos dog, Teddy. He was looking very nice because he just got brushed. Then he got in trouble for eating dirt. It sounded like a fun day. Meanwhile Papi and I stayed home and had a walk and then played in the yard. Whoopee!

Kitten sneezes

2008-11-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Lulu has a cold, and she sneezes quite a bit. She's been taking to sleeping on the arm of the couch all day, and whenever she wakes up she does three sneezes. It's quite dramatic. Mami said she doesn't have any other symptoms but a wheezy nose, so she figures that she'll be better in a few days, but it sure is noisy. Otherwise she's still running around scratching on baskets and jumping up on things, so I don't notice anything different. I just hope she doesn't sneeze on me!

A little sad

2008-11-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was kind of sad. Abuela left early in the morning for the airport, and when Mami and Papi came back, well they were kind of boring compared to her. They didn't stuff me full of treats or carry me around. In fact, they went and took a long nap and I didn't even get to snuggle in the bed! It was totally unfair.
Lulu was feeling sad too. Mami gives her scratches but not as many, and she's always busy with something, so last night Lulu and I just sat on the couch together and took a nap because there was nothing else to do. I wish she'd come back.

Family!

2008-11-09T06:46:00.001-08:00

For the past four days, my abuela from Albuquerque has been visiting and it's been so much fun! We have spent lots of time together visiting. She bought me a scarf with skulls on it that I don't like very much, but I only had to wear it for pictures.
Yesterday was even more exciting because my other abuelos came to visit and we had such a good time. There were so many snuggles to go around that I didn't know who to visit first.
Today I am sad because Abuela goes back home on the plane. I have to stay home, I cant go to the airport because I don't travel in the car very well. But I will give her lots of besitos before she goes home.

Papi and some salsa

2008-11-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

Hey folks! My abuela is visiting from New Mexico so I've been really busy playing with her. She is here celebrating her 60th cumpleanos! Tomorrow we're taking her out to supper with some friends. It's gonna be fun. Well, I can't actually go to supper but maybe they'll bring me back a snack.
I'll show you guys some photos tomorrow, but right now, here's a video from Dia de Los Muertos of Papi dancing with my Tia Alison. Papa is a super good dancer. If you look really close you'll see me sitting in Tio Dennis' lap. There are a lot of other good friends in the movie too, like Tio Jon and Tia Isa, and Tia Lisa and Tia Jennifer. I've got lots of nice aunts and uncles. Try to spot them if you can! Ok, back to playing with Abuela!

More party pics

2008-11-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Just a few more pictures of me with some new and old friends. We had a great time Saturday night, and thank goodness for daylight savings time because whew, I was tired all day Sunday. Mami said I had bloodshot eyes! I had a choodle hangover.

Pig in a wig!

2008-11-02T14:49:00.001-08:00

IMG_1147
Originally uploaded by meerkat1975

Hey everyone. I'm still recovering from last night's Dia de los Muertos party, but I'll post some more photos of our wild time later. You can't see it in this picture, but Mami's wearing horns and a tail!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! It's Halloween, a great time of year, and we're gonna celebrate tonight by eating lots of candy! At least, that's my plan. As you can see, Lulu started early by trying to eat Mami's devil trident. She thought it was cinnamon, but it's only sequins.
Mami is a roller derby girl today at work for Halloween. Tomorrow is our big party, and she's gonna be something different, I can't remember what, but it's political or something. I don't pay attention to that sort of thing.
Anyway, be safe, don't feed chocolate to your dogs, and don't run over any hobgoblins. Cheers!

Fresh burst of sunshine

2008-10-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Well I didn't think it was possible, but yesterday was positively warm out! Mami opened all the windows and it was like 70 degrees and sunny most of the day. We still stayed inside cause we had lots and lots of chores to work on, but I stationed myself near one of the windows and Lulu did the same. It was so fresh and nice outside! And the leaves were drifting all around and everyone was out and about to bark at.
Sometimes Lulu and I get grumpy when its winter and we're all bunched up inside, as you can see from this old picture. So a nice break with some fresh air does us good.

Sweet slumbers

2008-10-23T08:48:00.001-07:00

Mami and Papi have both felt run down lately, which means they go to sleep a lot earlier, and sometimes, I get to climb in with them! It's so nice and snuggly, especially now that the days are colder, and my little bed isn't as cosy as the big bed. And even if I don't get the whole night, I get up there every morning with Papi for a little morning nap. It's heaven!

Autumnal walkies

2008-10-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

Mami got home before dark tonight so we took a little walk to look at all the trees in the neighborhood, because they are all turning pretty shades of red and yellow and orange. It was really nice out tonight and everybody was out walking around and enjoying the evening.
I had a lot of good leaf sniffing and exploring and some message leaving, but sometimes I'd run too far on the leash and Mami would get mad because her photos would come out blurry when I jerked on the line and made her fall over. I'm strong for a 6-pounder.
We even discovered a neat alley we had never explored before that let us see into other people's back gardens. It was so cool. I was a little scared because it was kinda overgrown but Mami said it was safe so I went ahead.
Now it's cold and I had my evening biscuit so it's time for a nap.

Another dog blog

2008-10-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, Mami just showed me this dog blog that I've never seen before, and one of the dog's names is Emma! And another is a Chihuahua! It's really interesting. I think these dogs live in Tejas, where my choodle brothers and sisters live. You guys should check it out!

Ears

2008-10-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I got another bout of yeastie ears, so every morning Mami has had to take time to put medicine in, which means she hasn't had time to help me blog. Sunday we finally got through the medication and so now I'm feeling a lot better and less itchy, and she has a teeny bit more time to help me out. So hurrah for ears!

Yikes!

2008-10-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

So this weekend Mami and Papi took a shopping trip down south, and came back home with a new pair of shoes for Mami. Only these shoes are very scary and dangerous. Did you know there are shoes with WHEELS on them? Big fat wheels that make you fly around the floor really fast?
I was terrified. I have never seen such things before, and here Mami was, rolling back and forth on the living room floor. So I hid under the coffee table until she was done. I don't like them at all. I think wheels belong outside, where my tail can't get caught.

A cat walks into a bar...

2008-10-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

It has gotten really cold here this week. Mami brought the lemon tree into the house to keep it warm, and she put away all the lawn furniture and covered the shed with a tarp to get ready for winter.
Last night it was so cold that when Mami got home from her roller derby fundaiser, she caught Lulu and I sleeping next to each other on the couch. I was embarrassed.
The best way to stay warm is to find a lap. Sometimes Papi lets me sit on him when he's reading things on-line, and then I get to hear him read me things like funny jokes, or watch little movies and things. It's really fun. And warm. Sometimes Lulu wants to share a lap too, but she has to wait her turn because I don't give up laps very easily.

Kisses

2008-10-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

I just can't get enough kisses. Even when I'm not feeling really great or I'm tired from a long day, I find them irresistible. Especially Papi, because his beard is always full of tasty things, so I kiss him after dinner to enjoy whatever it is he's eaten. Last night it was plantains and black beans. Yum yum!
I try to kiss Mami too but she's very wiggly and it's hard to get her, but I'm good at attacking Papi. He never wins!

Lulu complains

2008-10-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

So it's cold now. Very cold. And rainy. Always dripping all over the place. But Mami won't turn on the heat. She says it's not nearly that cold out, especially for those wearing fur pants (meaning me) so I just have to wait. Which means I have to get really snuggly when they're home, to stay warm, but that means shoving that little Emma pig off Mami's lap, and then there's a fight. It's not really worth it. She tried to take my nose off the other day but luckily my nose is very small and she missed. But it hurt my feelings all the same.
I wish they'd just turn on that heat!

Feeling funky

2008-09-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

So last night I demanded half of a meatball during dinner, and then it made me really crazy and wild and I ran around a lot. Afterward, I started to feel kinda weird in my belly.
I woke Mami up three times last night crying and whining, so she kept taking me to my box, but I didn't need that. I tried to explain that I wanted to go outside and eat grass, but she doesn't let me out at night because of raccoons.
Finally this morning when she put me outside, I went and ate as much grass as I could handle. Then I went to bed and groaned, and my tummy made really loud noises all morning long. Mami tried to give me mint tea but I don't like that stuff. I just need more grass.

Back to school

2008-09-29T10:58:00.001-07:00

Today is Papi's first day back at school, but we got a little snuggle in before he had to leave and teach. Yesterday was really nice outside, so Mami and I went out in the yard and she did some knitting while I did some rolling in stinky things in the grass.
Last night Papi was working on getting stuff ready for school on his computer, so I sat with Mami while she finished knitting some hats for people having babies that she knows. I got so relaxed that I ended up sleeping on my back. Mami said I make funny faces when I do that so she took some photos of it. I kinda look like a bat in these.

Festive fall

2008-09-27T12:07:00.001-07:00

Mami had Friday off so I followed her around while she did laundry and mopped floors and made the house look nice. I don't like the smell of floor cleaner, and Mami won't let me walk around on it til it's dry, so I stayed on the couch for awhile. Then last night, Mami went to a big roller derby party with her team, and Papi and Tia Jennifer went too. I wish I could go but Mami said the bands were super loud and that my ears would have been hurt.
This morning we all got pastries from the French bakery and I got some yummy leftovers. I love cream and pastry.

Grapey goodness

2008-09-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Mami and Papi like to take advantage of all the yummy local produce that grows around here, and yesterday they stopped by a U-Pic grape place on their way to going shopping. I guess there were all different kinds of grapes to pick, and they got three different types, some white ones, some rose colored ones and some really sweet brownish ones that kinda tasted like grapefruit.
They were snacking on them all night, but I didn't get to try them, because apparently grapes are bad for little dogs like me. I promised I'd eat them really slow and chew, but it was a no-go for me. At least I got a little peach pie after dinner.

Arrrrr mateys!

2008-09-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day, and we always celebrate it because Mami's former co-worker created the holiday. Now he lives in the US Virgin Islands and actually lives the pirate lifestyle, but in the old days he was the editor of the entertainment section of the paper where Mami works.
Mami got to go to a school today where all the kids were dressed like pirates. She wore her skull and cross bones head band. She said it was really fun.
So arr!

A fall stroll

2008-09-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Today is Mami's last day of vacation, so we are making the most of it. After Mami made a big brunch, we walked with Papi to campus so that he could do a presentation at school for new students. It was so nice to take a long long walk in the sunshine and visit with all the new faces and run in the grass.
After we dropped Papi off, we went to see my good friend Leonora, who works in Papi's department. She gave me a whole bunch of cookies and then a big bowl of water. It was heavenly.
After that we walked home, but I got really tired during the last part. Mami kept telling me we were almost home. Now I'm resting on the rug and recouperating while Mami does some chores. Maybe later we'll go rest in the back yard. It won't be sunny that much longer so we have to enjoy it while it's here.

Ahhh

2008-09-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Sleeping in with Papi is a real treat! I know he starts school up really soon, and that means less time sleeping in, so I'm taking advantage of it while it lasts. Now that they're back from vacation it's really nice to get extra cuddles and hanging out time. And chips. A lot of blue corn chips. Yum!

They're back!

2008-09-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

So Mami and Papi are finally home. They got in late last night, but their luggage got stuck someplace called San Diego. It was really hard for them to get home because they were in Tejas, and there was this big stormy thing called Ike, and all the planes got cancelled. It was scary I guess. But now they're home.
My housesitters were soooo cool. Jon and Issa spoiled me and let me do all kinds of things that I can't get away with when Mami is home. I really liked them a lot. I kind of miss them now, but I am glad Mami and Papi have come back. They are giving me lots of biscuits and hugs!

Most exciting visitor

2008-09-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight the housesitter came by to visit and to get a refresher on what it takes to make me and Lulu happy. I was very happy to see him, because last time, he read me stories and we had a great time. I hope there are more stories to come!
So starting on Monday, my blog is going on whatcha call it, hiatus, while Mami and Papi make a trip down to visit my Tias in Austin, and Lulu's cousin Emi. I will let you know how it goes when they get back. Until then, hope you have a good September. It's super nice and lovely here, so maybe the housesitter will give me some good walks.

Sunshine's back

2008-09-03T22:25:00.001-07:00

and I've been begging to go out in the yard, so this afternoon Mami and I headed outside for a little running around before she had to go to roller derby practice. It's good to get a little fresh air and stretch your legs in the sun for a bit. I wish I had more time, but maybe tomorrow we can do some stuffed snake throwing. But right now, it's time to snuggle on the couch with my ruby slipper toy and do some late night napping.

Running out of kibble

2008-09-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

So we had a kibble crises this morning. All weekend long, Mami and Papi have been busy cleaning the house and trying to get things ready for vacation which starts soon. Finally today Mami ran to the pet store to get my kibble 'cause I ran out, but they had closed for Labor Day! I eat special kibble that they don't sell anywhere else in town, so we were out of luck.
But lucky for me, Mami bought me some hold over snacks til tomorrow, including wet dog food. I never get wet dog food! I only get kibble because it's better for my teeth. But oh it was so good! I hope I run out of kibble again soon.

Broken bathtub

2008-08-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

Mami tried to take a shower on Friday and all of a sudden the pully thingy on the spout didn't work, so she had to use a bucket to wash her hair, like the one she uses to give me a bath. She didn't like it very much, and I can understand because I don't like baths either. Then Papi had to use it too, and that's hard, cause it takes a lot of water to get Papi clean.
This morning after they ate pancakes, Mami and Papi went to the store and came back with a shiny new spout. It took two of them to figure out how to make it work, but they got it on finally, although it was hard to make the spout face the right direction! Mami was very excited when she turned on the water and it worked! Now they can take showers again. Which I guess they're happy about. As for me, the less I'm in the water, the better.

A new accessory

2008-08-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

Mami brought home a very fashionable gift tonight for me. It's a choodle-sized purse! Isn't it elegant? It's a houndstooth coin purse, but I think I could carry kibble in it.
Actually she thinks she's going to use it as her coin purse for work, but I am going to keep it for myself! It's not often I find cool choodle accessories!

Lazy, cheese-eating day

2008-08-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

Lulu here. It's gotten warm again, and muggy, so I've stationed myself at the top of the bookshelves, firmly ensconced in the office so that I can sleep without Emma getting my tail.
Lately I've been very concerned about the amount of noise coming from the attic. It appears that Emma's rat friends have made their way into the heating ducts, and have been fighting. Mami's just about to give up and put rat poison in the attic where none of us can reach it, but she feels bad to have to do it. I think she wishes there was a rat relocation program. I think she should just stick one of those bossy neighbor cats whose always in my yard up there for the night, and let them do a Thunderdome kind of battle to the death. But she's not going for it.

More pie!

2008-08-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Last night Mami went to visit Tia Lani's house to pick blackberries from her back yard. There is a whole wall of blackberry vines on the other side of her fence, and so Mami filled up a big plastic bucket with berries. Tia helped her. She says blackberries are a lot messier than blueberries to pick because they are squishy and stainy, and also, she got covered in itty bitty scratches, and got a thorn in her toe 'cause she was wearing flip flops. But then she came home and made a big pie, which you can see here is ready to go into the oven. This morning, I heard her having pie for breakfast so I hopped out of bed and came into the kitchen to let her know I'd like some too. She put pie juice in my kibble bowl and I ate the whole thing right up. Yummmy!

TVs boring again

2008-08-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

So the Olympics are over and now what am I supposed to watch on t.v.? There was literally nothing on last night! Not a single thing worth watching. I had gotten used to seeing diving and running and all sorts of fast moving things on t.v., and it was kind of exciting. But now it's all boring shows about travel and decorating and fashion. Not my kinda stuff. Maybe Mami will let me watch reruns on the computer instead. I really like that track and field stuff.

Tia Candace

2008-08-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

The other night Tia Candace and Charley came by and had dinner with us. We got chicken bento and it was delicious. Tia gave Charley and I lots and lots of snacks, in exchange for doing tricks. Charley knows lots more tricks than I do, but she's older.

Spiders!

2008-08-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Lulu here. This morning, Mami found a massive spider living in my litter box. It was quite shocking. She told me that I could have been bit in a very delicate place if she hadn't found him.
It took a lot of chasing him around the box with the scooper but she finally succeeded in bringing an end to the big guy. Normally she rescues them but he was too fast, and there was too much at stake. I stood next to the box and watched. It was very dramatic. I'm glad she found him before I climbed back into the box. That could have been ugly.

Rain + bed = sleepy

2008-08-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Remember last week when it was like 100 degrees every day and Mami and Papi had to put the air conditioner in the window to cool us all off? Well, that noisy thing is gone, thank goodness, but all of a sudden it's chilly and rainy and weird outside, and it makes me want to sleep in bed all day.
When it's cool out, Lulu gets all peppy and runs around mewing and prancing and demanding things, but it makes me want to curl up in a ball on Papi's side and stay there til Mami gets home from work. Not that Papi stays in bed all day. He's up by noon usually. But he lets me stay under the covers after he gets up, and that's where I wish I could be the whole time. It's just so gray and blah out now.

When blogs collide

2008-08-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you remember my Tia Lani, who loves my besitos, but she has a really nice niece who was living in Australia, who has her own blog, just like me. Well, except that she's not a choodle. Anyway, she has a really cool baby named Gus, and she blogs about him the way that Mami blogs about me.
But now she has moved with her family to Oregon, and tonight, Mami and Papi went to go meet her. I wasn't allowed to go because Mami was afraid I'd have an accident on Tia's nice white carpet. But I hear that they were asking for me, which was nice.
So here is the very famous Gus. He is very handsome, and about three times as big as me. You can read about him on his own blog, 7000 Days.

New amigos

2008-08-18T09:21:00.001-07:00

On Saturday night, Mami and Papi went to see some friends over in the next town for a big fiesta. There was cake and chicken and wine and lots and lots of something Papi calls "Takeela." I dunno what that is, but it comes in a really big bottle. Bigger than me. Anyway, I didn't get to go, but they met two new dog friends that are super nice, and they speak Spanish and English, just like me! Their names are Chato and Chiquita. Cute eh? They spend a lot of time lounging on the grass, and getting snuggled. It's a good life for dogs these days.

A new garden friend

2008-08-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Mami and Papi went on a drive and found a place that sells garden statues, and they came home with this one to put outside Papi's home office. It was very heavy and Mami got knicked on the ankle and she and Papi got covered in sweat trying to put it into place because it was so hot outside, but it looks very nice now that it's done.
At first, when I went outside, I barked and growled at her because I thought she was a real person, but then Mami showed me she was only stone. Now I think she's kinda nice.

Hot hot hot

2008-08-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

Did I mention it's hot. Blazing, ridiculously hot. Last night, nobody got sleep. I walked around the bedroom all night. And then this morning, Mami put me in bed with Papi and I asked to get back down because it was too sweaty.
Tonight Mami and Papi put the air conditioner in the bedroom but there are cords all over to make it work and I don't like it because they had to move my bed. And the big box makes weird noises. Mami said its gonna be cooler now, but I'm not sure it's worth it.

Happy Birthday Annie!

2008-08-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite people, Annie, is turning 12 today so I'm giving her a birthday shout out. Here we are together at Mami's birthday back in May. Annie is very very good with animals and might even be a veterinarian one day. Feliz cumpleanos!

Garden time

2008-08-12T22:21:00.001-07:00

Here's me in the garden with Mami and Papi on Sunday. We don't do anything too exciting, it's been too hot to do much more than lounge.

Blueberry muffins & Buffy

2008-08-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

I think it's possible to watch too much television. Last night, after a rousing game of throwing Snake in the garden, Mami and I came inside and watched three episodes of Buffy back to back. Then after she got back from the gym we watched another episode. I really like Buffy because the vampires are all growly and there's lots of action, but that was a little too much for me. Then I had weird dreams where Lulu's teeth were pointy and she was chasing me around the living room. Or maybe it wasn't a dream...

Frozen snacks and hot afternoons

2008-08-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

Spent most of Sunday afternoon outside with Mami and Papi, just lounging outside in the shade because it was so hot. Mami dried clothes on the line and Papi played on his computer and I spent a lot of time running in the grass until Mami mowed.
I discovered that although I don't like regular blueberries, when they're frozen, they become really tasty! I cant get enough of them.

Mmm Pie!

2008-08-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Mami picked a whole bunch of berries yesterday and I helped her bake a pie! Now I don't care for raw blueberries, I tend to spit them out across the floor when they're presented to me. But put anything in a pie crust and I'll eat it! So when it was all baked and cooled off, I got a big piece of crust, and then Mami let me clean her pie plate afterward. Such cinnamony goodness! It turned my whiskers purple for a little while but it was worth it.

I'm a fighter

2008-08-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if you know, but I'm an excellent wrestler. I am ready at any time, any place, to take down a hand or even just a finger or two. Here you can see me practicing my moves on Mami's hand, which I finish off with a fierce lick that's my signature move. The music in this video is by the Bastard Fairies, by the way.

Lulu thinks about things

2008-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Lulu here, this time sitting with Mami during breakfast. I get her all to myself in the mornings usually, because Emma is asleep in the big bed with Papi. Which is fine by me, because then Mami and I can talk about sophisticated things, and I get her lap all to myself. This morning we used the computer camera and took glamor shots. But Mami's hair's all wet and funny and she didn't put on her lipgloss yet, so I have to say I'm the better looking one in these pics.
Today's gonna be like 90 so I am going to find myself a cool bookshelf and hide on top of it for the rest of the day. Have a good one.

Kitten friends

2008-08-02T14:21:00.001-07:00

Mami went to take care of Tia Jennifer's cats today and took some fun photos of them. They are waiting for their Mami to come home from the beach. I guess they get pretty bored when they're left alone. I don't like to be left alone either. Lulu doesnt play with me very much so all I do is sleep. Maybe next time they should come visit me instead. You can see in the top photo that Smacky has learned something very shocking, but Mami wouldn't tell me what it was.

Summer reading

2008-07-31T23:14:00.000-07:00

Lulu here. As you can see, I've been spending a lot of time in the office, brushing up on my summer reading. Whenever Mami and Papi come by, I hide my book and pretend that I'm just sleeping or rolling on the floor or licking my paws. But actually, I'm half way through "Love in a Time of Cholera." It's pretty good. I'd recommend it.

Grumps

2008-07-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

So Mami said that when I eat pork I get really grumpy and snappy, especially when Lulu is around. I'm not sure why she thinks that. Maybe it's because I do a lot of growing and bouncing and biting in the air after a little snack like that. But I'm the same way when I get a new rawhide bone. Mami says Lulu doesn't want my bone, but I know she likes pork because I've seen her eat it. Cheese too. And sometimes ice cream. So you can never be too careful.

A very wise choodle

2008-07-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

I may be very young, but I have been working hard to improve my mind these last three years. I know the names of all my toys, even the new ones. I know a whole pile of tricks, and I know the exact moment when Mami's about to drop food on the floor when she's cooking. I even know when it's time to put myself to bed.
Lulu thinks she's the smart one, but she's not even awake half the time.

Walks and walks

2008-07-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

and walks. It's been super nice in the evenings so we've been taking nice long walks all around town. Miles and miles of them. I really like to get out and about in the summer. There's always people to meet and dogs to bark at and squirrels to chase. We went on campus and saw a whole bunch of people sitting on blankets, waiting for an outdoor play to start. I wanted to stay but Mami said choodles are not invited. Not fair.

Gardening tips

2008-07-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

The other night, Mami went out to plant some flowers that Abuela brought her over the weekend. She had a whole bunch of roses and carnations and columbine to plant.
I'm pretty into gardening lately, so I decided to help out. So while Mami was digging with the big shovel, I jumped in the hole and started working on it too. But then Mami made me get out because I was blocking the shovel. I waited until Mami had stuck the rose in the big hole, and then I grabbed the branches and pulled it back out. I didn't think she had it at a very good angle. I wanted it flat so I could sniff them better.
But that wasn't Mami's plan. She took the roses away from me and stuck the bush back in the ground and then planted it. The dirt smelled really good and soft, so when she was done, I jumped in and started digging in it so I could feel the dirt on my paws. That's when I got dragged out of the garden.

Everybody's okay

2008-07-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hello all! An evening update to let you know that we're doing okay. I had my booster this morning and although they did the dreaded temperature check (why do they use the same size thermometers for big dogs and little ones?) the shot itself didn't hurt cause the lady was so gentle. And I got cheeze whiz!
Papi's root canal went okay too, although it took three hours and they had do laser his gums because the broken tooth was so short. He is napping now but Mami is making him mac & cheese and mashed potatoes for dinner because they're soft and that's what he asked for.
I'm feeling chipper and didn't even need to take too many naps today. No more shots til next year, the vet said. Hurrah!

Eek!

2008-07-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning Mami tells me I have an appointment for a booster shoot. I am none too happy about that. But I hear Papi's got it even worse, he's got to go get a root canal in the afternoon. I don't know what that is but I'm pretty sure it's worse than a booster. So I'm just gonna play in the backyard and hope they forget the whole thing.

You're how old?

2008-07-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today is my Tio Casey's birthday. He is still lots younger than Mami (like two years at least) but he gets grumpy when people remind him of that, so I will be quiet about it. Anyway, I am sending him good birthday wishes even if he doesn't want them!

In the garden

2008-07-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

Papi's new camera makes neat movies! Mami just made this one this afternoon. It's pretty cool! Hope you like it as much as the first movie! This one has music by the Mexican rock group, Kinky.

Papi's home!

2008-07-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Papi got home late last night and we're all very happy to see him. We all slept in very late and then Mami and Papi went to have a late breakfast. Now we're all home and Mami has Papi's shirts on the clothesline and we're looking at photos of his trip! I'm so glad he's home.

Super Friends

2008-07-19T11:13:00.001-07:00

Last night we went over to Tia Candace's house to help her pick out some new wood floors and new countertops for her bathrooms. She is going to move somewhere far away so she is selling her house and wanted Mami to help her pick out some fancy things that will make it sell faster. I am very sad that she is leaving but it won't be until after Christmas which is a long time away, thank goodness.
After we looked at house stuff, we went in the front yard and Charley and I played and played. I got really tired. Moosh the cat was in the back so she didn't get to join in on the fun. I don't think she is interested in playing chase anyway.
When I left, Tia Candace gave me delicious jerky and a new squeaky fuzz ball toy that I have named Bleu. It is my new favorite thing.
Hope you all are having a good weekend. Papi gets in tonight and I am very excited!

Bartender, gimme another one

2008-07-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when I am really interested in something Mami's eating but I am not allowed to sit up and beg, I go to the other side of the coffee table and pretend I am ordering food.
This apparently is cute, because sometimes Mami hands me a little snack across the table. It works especially well if I put one paw on the table and kind of lean into it. Papi calls it "Ordering a sasparilla." I don't know exactly what that means, but as long as I get food out of it, I'll keep doing it.

Rawhide time

2008-07-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

It was so cool and nice out last night, and after a great game of throw the stuffed snake in the back yard, I settled in for a long night of chewing on my rawhide. It was very pleasant. And then I slept in Mami's robe on the floor, which is a special treat. I think I've caught up on my rest time now.
This morning, Mami was mad because after getting rid of the sugar ants coming in from the utility room door, a whole new batch of them is coming through a plug in in the kitchen. She spent a long time chasing them around with vinegar and then putting ant poison out where Lulu and I can't get to it. Stinky ants.

Pooped

2008-07-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Heya. I'm pretty tired today, so I'm gonna blog quick. I got to sleep with Mami last night because it cooled down really nice around here, but she was having a lot of trouble sleeping so I didn't get much rest. So much tossing and turning. It was bad. She kept turning on the light and then turning it off, and then I had to jump out of the way when she rolled past. I didn't like it. Maybe tonight I'll sleep in my bed instead.

Snakes!

2008-07-15T10:53:00.001-07:00

Well, one snake. My favorite one. I've been carrying him around a lot outside lately. Since Mami won't let me have my tennis ball outside because I get obsessed with it, this is my new outside toy. It's pretty fun to stand in the grass and kill it over and over. Here I am, waiting for Mami to throw it. You can see I'm panting because it's super hot outside. It's a pretty neat snake and has a good throwing range. Sometimes I get swocked in the head with it, but it's stuffed so it doesn't hurt, and it gives me an excuse to kill it harder.

Family update

2008-07-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

Papi is in New Mexico on his book tour and visiting family, and this is the latest photo of our newest cousin, Bela Violet. She is verging on cuter than me, but I'm not threatened. Because I'll always stay choodle size, and eventually, she has to go through puberty. But right now, we're neck and neck.

A little respite from the heat

2008-07-14T10:22:00.001-07:00

Lulu here. Alright, it's cooler today so I think I can handle it. Mami even left some windows open for me this time. As long as I lay low and don't get chased by Emma I think I'll be okay til she gets home. Maybe I'll even have enough energy to catch that fly that got in last night. Emma tried but she's not much of a high jumper.

I'm melting

2008-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Lulu here, and can I just say I'm fracking hot right now? Seriously, this world was not made for people in fur pajamas. Nothing I can do seems to help. I make myself as flat as possible on the living room floor and still I'm hot. Emma eats popsicles all day so she's fine, but I don't like popsicles, which leaves me no outlet.
It's 10 a.m. and it's already climbing to 80. I am not looking forward to the day. The only thing that's brought me joy this morning is that while I was laying around Emma walked by, and I swocked her in the belly with my paw and made her jump. That was a pretty good moment.

Post 500!

2008-07-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

Heya! This is my 500th post, which is not bad for a choodle who has just turned 3! I am at home with Mami today and it's really really hot outside. Every time I go outside to help her check out the laundry on the line, my toes get itchy because the ground is blazing hot.
Today I really miss Papi a lot. Even though Mami let me sleep in the bed last night, it's not the same. He will be home in a week, but it seems like a long time away, so here is a photo of Papi with Tio Victor in Mexico, just 'cause I like this photo.

Party weary

2008-07-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

I had the best time last night. My Tia Becky and Annie and Jace and my Tia Jennifer and Doris came over and we spent the evening in the backyard, playing bocce ball (I helped Doris win by moving her ball closer to the goal) and eating chips and salads (I love chips!) and running around. Then we had peach pie! Oh, it was sooo good. And Tia Jennifer and Doris gave me the most beautiful present. Well, it's for me and Mami. It's a special box with a heart inside. I love it! Mami put it on a shelf that's low enough that I can look at it. So pretty!