Fresh and clean

This morning, I had to hide under the bed in an attempt to escape a bath, but Mami found me and popped me into the tub. I hate getting wet, it's so stinky and cold. Also it makes me look a lot smaller. But she is a pretty quick scrubber, so it didn't take long, and then I got to run around the house going cracker dog until I dried off.
Later on, Mami gave me a cheese and bacon dog biscuit as a reward, which made everything seem a lot better.
Hey, this is my 100th post! We should have a party!

Packing

Last night was pretty weird, because Mami started taking all these big cardboard boxes and filling them with stuff. Lulu and I weren't sure what was going on. We started circling around them like sharks, sticking our heads inside and sniffing and occasionally bumping into each other. The boxes just grew and grew, and it got all dusty, and there was newspaper all over but Mami wouldn't let me eat it. I was very confused. Finally she stopped taping things and sent us all to bed. I was tired from all that sniffing, and so was Lulu! She went right to her basket. This morning I checked, and all the boxes are still there. I wonder what's going on.

I heard some news

Mami and Papi get to move into their new house next week! I guess they found out today that they sign all their paperwork on Monday and then they get the keys. This means a lot of boxes to play around in with Lulu, and chasing the broom, and then finally getting run around my new yard. I can't wait!

Kitten talk

Lulu here once again. I haven't posted in awhile but I thought it was about time. As you can see here, I've been helping everyone with getting ready for the big move. In this photo, I was trying out the new bedspread for the guest room, to make sure it was comfortable. I think it goes nicely with my eyes, don't you? I am a little worried about moving, I hear the new house doesn't have a staircase, so how am I supposed to escape when Emma is chasing me? Also, I don't know where my food bowl is going to go, and that is of prime importance. Mama assures me that everything will work out, but I'm a cat and therefore I don't like change.

Regalitos

I had a very exciting day yesterday. Mami took me out for a drive and we visited the new house, although I didn't get to run around because the people are still moving out, and Mami was afraid I'd chase their cats. Afterward, we went home and there were two big boxes waiting for me, filled with presents from my Abuela in Nuevo Mexico.
I got so many good things, including a small wardrobe to keep all my dresses, and a big snake that crackles, and a furry stuffed chipmunk. I spent all night killing the snake and chewing on the chipmunk's feet. It was very very exciting! I love presents.

Exciting times

I know I post a lot of photos of me eating and sleeping, but honestly, that's a lot of what I do. Here's me this morning, eating my first meal of the day.
So it looks like by the end of the month, we're going to be in our new house. I still haven't seen it yet, but I hear the yard is really big and has scrunchy grass and places to dig. My abuelo is going to help put some wire fence up so I can't squeeze through the holes in the wood fence. I don't think they trust me to behave and stay in the yard, especially not if I see a cat to chase.
I can't wait to see where I'm going to be living! I'm going to run run run around the house and chase Lulu and sniff in all the corners. Woohoo! As soon as we move in, I'll show you some pictures of my new digs.

Dinner time

This is me eating my birthday dinner last month. I got to have a big plate of pork dogfood, which was a special treat, because normally I'm on a dry dogfood diet.
Last night, I tried everything in my power to get Papi to give me some of his chocolate chip ice cream. He tried to tell me it was poisonous, but I don't believe it. How come he doesn't get sick then? I think it was just an excuse to keep the container all to himself.
Mami's more generous. She gives me sherbet on a spoon. I especially like raspberry. Lulu doesn't care for it, she said she likes things with cream in them. She's more of a picky eater than I am. In fact, sometimes I eat things that aren't even food at all. Like sticks and rubber bands and pen caps. Mami says it's a wonder I'm still alive.

Hangin' with Miss Lulu

We don't always get along, but Lulu and I are still pretty good friends. Most of the time, we just chase each other around and wrestle and jump out from behind doors and make a lot of noise, especially when everyone else is asleep.
But sometimes, when we're both really sleepy, we'll let our guard down and snuggle a little. Like last night. I was asleep on Mami's lap when Lulu came to lay next to her leg on the couch. At first I was nervous that she might swat me, but then I could tell she was lazy, so I leaned over and gave her some kisses on her face, just to test her, and she didn't mind, so I gave her some more. Then we both fell asleep. It was kinda nice. Until the phone rang, and Mami left the couch, and then we started chasing each other again.

Lost and found

I have the hardest time with all the bookshelves in our house. It doesn't take long before one of my favorite balls rolls under there, and then I can't get it out again. Then I lay on my belly and growl and whine and kick and wait for Mami to come over and fish it out. But sometimes, when she bends down to get it, I get too excited and I bop her in the eye with my nose. Then she gets mad and doesn't want to help me any more. Until I beg.

Cautiously optomistic

Well, it's time for me and Red Cat to celebrate. We heard this morning that the owners have accepted Mami and Papi's offer on the new house, so if everything works out, I could have a back yard by next month! I'm so excited that I have to wrestle with everything! Mami and Papi are pretty excited too, but there's a lot of paper stuff to do before it all gets done, or that's what they tell me. I like paper stuff, it's fun to tear up, but I have a feeling Mami wouldn't be happy if I took any of her papers and ripped them up on the carpet.

Just hanging around

Per usual, my weekend was pretty mellow. I got in some good walks, and a lot of time on the ol' scooter ball, and last night Mami bought me this sweet purple stuffed cat that I think is pretty fantastic.
I also tried some new foods. I'm not so hot on blueberries, but I really like Canadian bacon, and I'm keen on raw greenbeans. Mami didn't give me too many, she thought it might do something funny to my belly, but I suffered no ill aftereffects.
Tonight, Mami and Papi are going to see about a house. I've got a good feeling about it. Who knows, I may be getting a yard sooner than I think!

More napping

I love the summer, because it means Papi is home a lot more than normal, and we can take naps together. For instance, last night, I used his belly as a cushion and slept for an hour, while Mami was downstairs watering the garden.
I keep hearing talk about possibility relocating. Mami says they're looking for a house with a big yard for me, which would be fantastic. And Lulu wants a house with lots of windows and places to sleep in the sunshine. They said they're taking all of our needs into consideration as they house hunt. I'm excited, but I'll miss the old place. It's where I grew up. I won't miss the stairs though. I keep losing tennis balls down them.

Life back home

We've all settled into our routines again, Mami's back to work, Papi's writing late into the night, and I'm getting double cuddles, which is very nice. Mami's also been a little sick, leftover bug from Mexico, she says, so sometimes she lets me sleep in the bed with her when her tummy is feeling nasty. I feel bad about her tummy and all, but anything that lets me sleep on the blankets is a good thing. After all, naps are my favorite things.

Office visit

Today I'm visiting Mami's office, and I like to sniff the brand new carpet. Sometimes I think the boss gets worried that I might damage the new carpet, but I'm a big girl and don't have those kind of accidents any more. I hope that Dewey will visit today, I haven't seen him since I got back from vacation.
Earlier I went on assignment with Mami and I got to meet a whole bunch of little old people who are growing tomatoes. They were really happy to meet me. I got to kiss a lot of new noses. Now I'm settling into my special office bed for a nap.

Cumpleanos

Since I wasn't able to blog during my birthday, I'm going to share a photo taken during my celebration. It was pretty exciting. I got to wear a hat, and they gave me a big plate of pork dog food with a candle in it, and then they gave me a big red rubber ball with a bell inside. It's my new favorite toy!

I'm back!

Well, I had a wonderful time visiting my Grandma in Portland while my parents were in Mexico, but I'm glad to be back home again. I really missed Lulu, and my house, and my toys, and I got to go to the office today to see my old friends again. It's super hot here today, but the office is airconditioned.
I'm going to miss my grandma but we'll see each other again soon. I will really miss her big back yard.

On holiday

Hey everybody! I'm getting ready for a two-week hiatus, so I thought I'd wish everyone a happy July, and best wishes til I return. I'm going to be spending a couple weeks with my grandma, enjoying her fenced back yard and a little big city life. Look for my return the last week of July, and I'll let you know how everything went. Oh, by the way, I turn 1 year old on July 10! Eat a piece of cake in my honor!

True love

This is my boyfriend, Dewey. Well, he doesn't exactly let me call him my boyfriend, but he lets me follow him around and walk along side him and he doesn't mind if I sniff his ears a little. He is soooo very handsome. He's a full Chihuahua, like my mom was, and he has the nicest white tip on the end of his tail. I don't get to see him very much, but when we're both at Mami's office at the same time, we take walks together. He doesn't let me get near his cushion, though, he shows his teeth at me. I think he's dreamy.

Nature

Sunday afternoon, I got to take my first nature hike. We went walking up in the forest just north of town, and it was very beautiful. I have never been in such a big, warm, smelly forest before. There was so much to sniff! I couldn't believe it! We walked around the woods on this big path for an hour, and there were birds and flowers and branches and rocks and a whole lot of other things to look at. When I got hot, Mami made a cup out of a big leaf and gave me bottled water, which was very nice. When it was time to go, I was VERY tired and fell asleep in Papi's arms on the drive back to town.

Popsicles

You know what the best thing is about summer heat waves? Icey treats. Mami and Papi both spend a lot of their time eating popsicles in the afternoons to cool down, and I always get the tail end. I like all the flavors, orange, cherry, grape, lime, and most especially, banana. I'll eat rootbeer but it's not the best. Kind of too sweet, if you ask me. But I'm not complaining.

Papi love

During the summer, Papi is home a lot more because school is out, and so we get to spend time together. Lately we've been sitting on the couch watching the World Cup, and taking walks to see Mami at her office, and taking long naps in the afternoon when it gets too warm to do anything. Papi is always there to hold me when I'm tired, or bring me more cold water or keep my kibble bowl filled up. I love summer.

Did I mention it's hot?

Seriously, I thought the Pacific Northwest was too cold until about a week ago, and then all of a sudden it's hot as blazes! There aren't enough fans to keep my belly cool, and it's too hot to even go out on walks, because the sidewalk would burn my pads. All I can do is pant and eat popsicles. It's really cramping my style. Lulu is even worse, because her fur is a lot thicker, but she spends her time downstairs where it's dark and cool, and I don't get to go down there with her, so I'm stuck upstairs, feeling muggy and sad. I can't wait til Fall!

Heat wave

Hijole! It is smokin' outside. It's going to be more than 100 degrees today, so I'm staying indoors. This week, Mami has taken me on a lot of walks, but I think we both agree that it's bettter to lay on the floor and sleep than to go out on that hot pavement and run around. Maybe tonight when it gets dark we can go run around on the grass in the park, but for now, I'm going to lick these ice cubes Mami put in my bowl and take it easy.

Sleepy

I'm pretty bushed. Papi was up really late last night running around and putting things in a big black bag, and this morning, Mami and Papi got up really really early to go to the airport. I guess Papi is taking a trip for a few days, which means Mami and I get the couch to ourselves! Unless Lulu comes and hogs it, that is. But right now I need to nap until Mami comes home. All that busyness wore me out.

Gettin' clean

Well, my weekend was fairly unremarkable, except for yesterday morning, when Mami decided I smelled like old corn chips and put me in the bath. I don't mind the bath, because the water is always warm and Mami doesn't make me stay in there very long, but the fun part comes after she dries me off and I run around the house like I'm on fire. I go up and down the hallway and around the living room and up onto the couch and back down again and then I roll around on the carpet for about a half an hour, to get the soap smell off. Then for the rest of the day I'm all fluffy.

Thursday fun

Yesterday was pretty fun, cause Mami had the day off work, so we spent most of our time together. First we had a really long walk around downtown, and I got to go shopping! We went into this neat garden store and bought my Abuela Anne a birthday present, and the clerks all loved on me, which was nice. I have learned to be very polite and quiet in stores, so that I don't get into trouble, and that way Mami lets me sniff things. There's always lots to smell in stores. Then we went home and I had a nap while Mami went grocery shopping, and she came back and brought me a new toy, a turqouise ball. I pretty much killed it immediately and tore it apart. She also bought some weird spray stuff and put it on the carpet, and now it tastes bad to chew.

Trouble

Well, I got into a little trouble yesterday. It seems that Papi wasn't too happy when he came back from the barber and found that I had taken a pillow Mami just made from India fabric and had gutted it on the floor.
He also wasnt' happy that I tore up the corner of the hall rug, and that I'd taken one of Mami's black purses and gnawed on it.
I don't think they understand that I'm a puppy, and that's kind of my job. If you don't want something chewed up, don't leave it where I can see it. I'm alone a lot during the day, and I have to find something to do with all my free time! I can't just chase the cat all day.

Bat dog strikes back

Well, now that my nails are trimmed, I've turned into stealth choodle. You can't hear me coming down the hall, and when I bounce next to the bed in the morning, there's no click click click. Mami says now I sound like a tennis ball bouncing. She likes it better that way. It's easier to ignore.
But that doesn't mean my teeth are any smoother. I'm still a good biter and chewer. In fact, I demonstrated my talents on the hall rug this morning. Papi thinks I'll grow out of it. I'm not so sure.

Relaxin'

Yesterday, while Mami was at work, Papi had bad allergies so he slept all afternoon. It looked like a really good idea, so I did to. By the time Mami came home, we were awake, sort of, but neither of us really got very peppy until the weather cooled down and the pollen went away. Today it's rainy, which makes us less sneezy. Unfortunately, Papi is taking me to the groomer's today to get my nails trimmed. I kind of get bitey when my parents try to cut them, so they're bringing in a professional. Normally I don't bite strangers.
Normally.
I'll bring you a full report tomorrow.
UPDATE: I just got back from the groomers. It went just fine. It only took five minutes, and I now have nice short little nails again, so I won't click on the hardwood floor. The big bear that trimmed my nails does a much better job than Mami and Papi. I didn't even growl.

Viva Mexico!

Papi and I got up this morning to watch the second half of the Mexico versus Iran game on Univision. It was very exciting! I liked watching Argentina yesterday, but this was even better. Papi gets very excited and shouts at the television. Mami likes to watch it too. Yesterday she made us Dutch babies with fresh strawberries, and coffee, and we watched the game and then went for a walk. I like to play with my own pelota when we're watching, it's red and yellow and it squeaks really loud! Ole ole ole ole!

Happy Friday

Hey folks! Blogger.com has been malfunctioning all week and hasn't allowed me to do any posting, so sorry about the lapse. It's been frustrating, since I had so much to tell you. On Wednesday, I was very sick with a belly ache and spent most of the morning feeling very stinky indeed. Yesterday I was much better, but I got in trouble for chewing bits out of Papi's vintage embossed leather briefcase. Tonight, I'm excited, because my Madrina Mary Ann and my Tia Theresa N. are coming by to visit and to watch the premiere of "Meerkat Manor" on Animal Planet. We looooove meerkats!

Weekend in the country

I had a great weekend! Mami and Papi loaded me into my new dog car carrier on Saturday and we drove up into the mountains to visit Mami's parents. I got to follow my abuela around as she made pancakes and bacon, and then we sat on the deck in the sunshine and then I wandered around the garden sniffing flowers. I even got to walk in the woods! It was very exciting. I've attached a bunch of photos for everyone to see! Enjoy.

Sniffing Abuelo

Getting hot on the deck

Wandering in the woods

Picnic!

Yesterday I attended my first picnic, and it was quite exciting, although the rain certainly dampened my spirits and my paws for awhile. But since Mami carried me most of the time, it wasn't too bad, and we got to be next to the barbecue, and everything smelled SO good. All of Papi's co-workers were there, and my Tio Tony brought me over a special piece of grilled burger that had fallen apart. Papi gave me little bits of it so I wouldn't get a stomach ache, and it was crazy good. I don't understand why Mami got a whole burger and I only got a little, but oh well. In this photo you can see me in my fancy picnic dress with another of my favorite people, my friend Lani. She likes to hug me and lets me lick her face, which is my favorite thing to do. Someday, I want to go to a picnic where it's warm and everyone sits in the grass and I can roll around.

Rock n' roll

I'm pretty sleepy this morning. Papi was up all night long with allergies, and naturally, I had to stay up with him. And then at about 6 this morning, when he went to bed, Lulu and I decided to run races. I would chase her until she ran downstairs, thump thump thump, and then she'd run back up and rush me and I'd run into the bedroom and we'd crash into things. It was pretty sweet.
Today I'm resting up, because this afternoon is Papi's department's annual picnic, and I'm planning on stealing snacks from everybody. Mami's gonna let me go, as long as I stay away from the brownies. Hurrah!

The destructor

Mami is making me post this photo of me after I killed Red Cat. I know I don't look too guilty, but I knew Mami could sew him back together, and she did. He is good as new, and even has a new squeaker in his belly, and I haven't torn him apart since! I guess Mami sewed him up real sturdy.
All my toys have been repaired now, and I've been extra special careful with them. I don't like it when she puts them in the closet and I dont' get to see them for days and days and days. It is very frustrating.
On a happier note, this coming weekend I get to go see my grandparents out in the country. I can't WAIT to run around in the grass and chase birds. And there's always PIE!

Dinner

Last night Papi was sick with allergies, so Mami made him his favorite meal, basil chicken and mashed potatoes, which means I got to eat a forkful of potatoes when the meal was over. It was pretty heavenly. They've switched me to a new kibble too, one that I like a lot better. In fact, I like it so much they've had to limit me to half a cup a day, and I'm still starting to get chubby. But I don't think I'll ever be as chubby as Lulu. She had a head start, after all.

Red cat's demise

My favorite stuffed toy is a big flannel cat that my abuela Flora gave me, named Red Cat. We have a love/hate relationship, Red Cat and I. We roll and wrestle and play and bounce, but sometimes, I shake him and bite him and throw him to the ground, and I love throwing him in the bathtub when Mami's taking a bath.
Well, last night, Mami was taking a nap and Papi was reading a book in the living room, and I had enough of Red Cat. He'd been saying some pretty snappy things to me, so I just pounced on him. That's when I heard the stitches at the back of his neck rip. As soon as I heard that, I grabbed hold and pulled, and stuffing started coming out. Well, as you can imagine, I got so excited that I just kept pulling and pulling and pulling.
But then finally I got bored and wandered off, and I didn't remember until Mami woke up, walked into the hallway and screamed. Then I saw what she saw, a decapitated Red Cat with his fluffy guts all over the floor.
Papi thought it was pretty funny, but Mami didn't. She gathered up all his stuffing and put it back in, and then she put him in the animal hospital in the closet, where Pink Elephant and Bear are waiting to be stitched back up. I wish she'd hurry up and fix them. I have more playing to do.

Lulu speaks

Hello all, Lulu here. Just giving you an update on the kitten front.
I don't actually know much about what's going on upstairs these days. It's been so hot, I've been spending all my time down on the futon, keeping out of the heat. I usually go upstairs at about 9 p.m., for snacks and scratches, when the air begins to cool off.
I'm even too hot to chase Emma off when she comes bouncing at me. I try to cool off by rolling back and forth on the wood floor in the hallway, and there's always this bouncy growly little beast trying to bite my tail or my ears. If I ignore her, she usually gets bored and goes away, but it's still annoying.
The other morning, I forgot myself and brought my favorite purple fur mouse upstairs and left it in the hall while I had breakfast. By the time I finished, Emma had ripped the mouse into 100 pieces and threw sawdust guts all over the floor. I was pretty upset, but it was my fault, leaving it where she could find it. I'll know better next time.
I'm hoping she goes up to Portland soon to visit Grandma, so I can have some peace.

Happy days

Today, according to the Internet, is supposedly the happiest day of the year on average for folks in the Northern Hemisphere. Given that it's in the mid 70s, the roses are blooming and I got to sleep in, I'd say they were just about right.
Yesterday it was a little too hot, especially since we took a long walk to campus during the hottest part of the afternoon. I was very pant-y by the time I got to Papi's office. The walk back was a little slower for me than normal. Humidity tires me out. I'm made for desert heat.
So today, I'm gonna take it easy, do a little dog yoga on the carpet, and maybe sleep until Mami gets home. We've pulled the curtains and have a cross breeze going, so it should be pretty nice.

Books

Today, Mami took me to the grade school where she volunteers, and I got to read books with all the little kids. It's a program called SMART, and it helps kids develop a love of books and literature.
I don't get to go to SMART very often because I get the kids too excited to read, but today was the last day of volunteering for this school year, so Mami took me in as a special guest.
I got to hear lots of good stories about dogs and bears and chickens, and I got to kiss lots of happy little faces. It was very fun, and I can't wait until next year when I get to do it again!

Warm weekend

Man it was nice this weekend. On Saturday, we all walked down to the waterfront to visit the Farmer's Market, and everyone else in town had the same idea! I met this tiny little blue merle chihuahua named Frida. She was only two pounds, and she was about half my height. We did a little nose sniffing. She seemed friendly enough.
Once we got to the market though, Papi had to carry me because there were a lot of big dogs around and I got a little nervous. Mami bought roses and tulips and cinnamon rolls, and Papi bought cheese and challah bread. Mami's big bag got all filled up with snacks. Then we walked back along the river to our house, and I got to jump on lots of little kids running around. Then I took a long nap.
Sunday was very warm, so I stayed inside with Lulu, while Mami and Papi went out to take in the sunshine. Today is going to be 90 degrees. I think I'll sleep under the bed, where it's cool.

Yesterday was a very busy day. Mami took me to the office! I wore my new pink top and everything.
It was so exciting, because I got to spend all day getting kisses from Mami's co-workers and running around the office and sniffing everyone and licking toes. Even the bosses don't mind when I come visit, because I never bark or have an accident, and I've always got good manners.
By the end of the day, though, I was soooo tired that I asked Mami to take me home. I had just had too much good fun. Then I slept and slept and dreamed that I worked in an office and had my own desk, with a big round bed underneath for naps. It was nice. I wore a little grey suit and I had a tiny briefcase. I was very fancy.

Presents

We got a big bunch of packages in the mail on Monday from my abuela in New Mexico. She sent Papi and Mami a lot of cool things, but most specially nice was the big pile of new outfits she sent me. Although I don't like trying on outfits very much, I know I look extra specially good in the outfits Abuelita gives me.
So now I have a new yellow raincoat and hat, a denim jacket, a black tweed jacket, two t-shirts, a blue coat and a white bathrobe with a hood. I can't wait to wear them, but I haven't left the house since they arrived so I haven't got a chance to go out in them yet, although I tried them on when they arrived. I'm so stylish!

Birthdays

Today is Mami's birthday. This weekend, we had a big party where lots and lots of people came and ate and drank and gave me kisses. Even though it was Mami's birthday, I was the real hit of the party, and thankfully, Mami didn't make me wear a dress.
It was our annual Cinco de Mayo party, so we had quesadillas and beans and fresh salsa and margaritas. Well, I didn't have any of those things. I did eat some chips that fell on the floor when no one was looking. That was nice.
Sunday I was so tired from the party that I slept all day long on my Tia Chelsea's lap. This morning I felt a lot better, so I greeted Mami with a birthday kiss!

Book learnin'

Yesterday, Mami and I took a long walk up to campus to visit Papi. I got to go inside and walk around in the hallways, and sniff in the classrooms, and generally enjoy being a dog about town. We had to wait awhile for Papi, because he was recording a podcast with some friends, and we have to be really quiet when they're recording, especially no sneezing or barking or whining.
Then I got to go in and sniff some books, which are always good for smelling. Papi and Mami have lots and lots of books at home, but they don't smell as old as the ones at school. Sometimes when Mami's reading, I sit down in the middle of her books, but she's not very happy when I do that. She makes me move. They're not very comfortable anyway, I prefer laps.

Sorry I haven't posted in a bit, Mami's been working late days and hasn't had time to help me put together a posting. Papi's got terrible allergies, so I've been kind of lonely. He just sits in bed and groans a lot, and then blows his nose. Lulu is sneezy too.
I managed to sneak one of his clean Kleenex out of his pocket and tear it up in the hallway, but Mami caught me when she came home late last night, and I got in trouble. She wouldn't let me eat any of it.
Today it's very warm and nice and Mami has promised to take me on a walk when she gets home. I can't wait! Everything is going to smell so good!

May Day

Today is International Worker's Day, and according to the television this morning, people are marching for worker's rights and migrant rights.
There aren't any marches going on in our town, but there are restaurants closing down for the day, and a buying boycott, and students staying out of school. For those folks who can't get out of work or school, they're asking that they wear white t-shirts in solidarity, and refuse to buy anything.
I don't have any money, so there's not much chance I'd be buying anything anyway, and it's too warm to put me in a t-shirt, but I'm going to shout my choodle shout of solidarity: Si Se Puede!