Captain Courageous

So this morning it wasn't raining or snowing outside, and I got to have the run of the yard. But just as I was finishing up business, I heard something suspicious in the bushes. Turns out, some strange and stripey neighbor cat was doing his own business in MY yard! Well, I was going to have none of that.
I burst into those bushes as puffy and growly as possible, and that cat didn't know what hit him. He was up on the top of the fence before he even knew what was happening, and then Mami finished him off by clapping at him. She said that I was lucky I didn't lose an eye, going after a cat twice my size, but I think I put the fear of Choodle into him.

Choodles are magic

It is so squishy squashy rainy outside right now that it's not even funny. I took one step out into the mud this morning and came right back inside to use my box, because I am not going out in this. Last night around midnight it snowed a real wet cold snow and Mami went out onto the porch and brought me a handful of snow to eat, but even then, I wouldn't go outside. It's ridiculous. Choodles need a lot of sunshine to warm their ears and bellies and keep them cheerful. January is not my favorite month.

Snowy paws

We've had two mornings of snow in a row, and it's been mighty chilly out there during my morning constitutional in the yard. It's hard to find a clear spot not covered with brr! Yesterday, it was snowing these huge flakes bigger than my head, and I got all covered with the stuff. It was okay though, because it made the grass extra crisp and tasty.
But it's also cold as heck, so when I get inside, I dry off and then snuggle on the couch, that is, after my biscuit reward. I also got a bath yesterday, so I'm pretty curly again, but not for long. Usually a few naps and I'm back to fuzzy again.

My friend Chuy

I always like expanding my list of small dog friends, and this is a brand new one. His name is Chuy, and he is a dog of uncertain origin, but is very handsome and only a little bit bigger than me. He lives outside of Santa Fe in a fancy Southwestern house, and he has a habit of getting into trouble. For instance, the other night, he snuck into the kitchen and stole a steak off a plate, and ate the whole thing! He got in a lot of trouble about that. And he didn't feel very good either. I wish people would leave steak lying around my house.

Lucky!

So this is my cousin Lucky. I posted a picture of him when he first came into the family. He lives with my Papi's cousin, Nicole, and Mami and Papi got to meet him on Christmas Day. He is a very soft and sweet little guy, and unlike me, he likes to wear clothes. For Christmas, he got a little jacket that says "Punk" on it, and he thought it was very stylish. I suppose he looked pretty good in it, but frankly, I'd rather be nekkid. Here he is with Mami.

My cousin Zia

This is my little cousin Zia. She is a Jack Chiweenie, because her Mami Frida is a chihuhua daschund and her Papi Diego is a chihuahua Jack Russell. She is very shy, and very fast, and she only lets my Abuela pet her. She is very pretty and sweet but she is shy of strangers. She gave my Mami a kiss but she wouldn't let her snuggle. That's too bad, because Mami is a very good snuggler. Anyway, here she is!

The family

As promised yesterday, I'm going to be posting photos of family and friends down in New Mexico that Mami and Papi brought back from their Christmas trip. Today, I thought I'd introduce you to Frida and Diego, my abuela's dogs. I met Frida when I was very tiny, but she didn't like me too much. In fact, I think she would have smacked me if no one would have been looking. But I guess I was kinda annoying back then. Frida is a chihuahua-daschund, and her husband Diego is a chihuahua-Jack Russell. They have a daughter, Zia, who you'll meet tomorrow. Frida is actually pretty nice, but Diego is very fiesty and barky and jumpy, and he doesn't like Papi too much. He let Mami pet him though, although he jumped the whole time. They like to spend their days in the back yard, and then come in at night.

Happy New Year!

Hello everyone! After a pretty uneventful week with the housesitter, my padres finally returned and now we're all back together as a family. I'm very pleased to see everyone again. I guess they had a good time in New Mexico. They brought back lots of photos which I will share with you this week. This photo is of the new scarf my Abuela sent me as a Christmas present. How was your holiday?

Holiday hiatus

Happy Holidays everyone! Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice, and Christmas is coming next week, and we're all wound up around here. Mami and Papi are getting ready for their holiday trip to see my abuela in Albuquerque, and the housesitter is coming tonight to learn the ropes. Although he's a blogger too, he has his own blog to take care of, so I'm going on holiday hiatus until January. So I hope you all have a wonderful time with friends and family, and I'll see you all next year (or a few days before, if I'm feeling peppy!).
Con carino! Emma

Knitwear

This is me modeling something Mami's working on this week. No, it's not a dog sweater, although I think I look really good in cranberry. Actually, it's something for humans to keep them warm, and it's a gift for one of my abuelas, but I can't tell you which one in case she reads this. Mami really likes to knit, and even though she's just learning and can't make complicated things like socks yet, she is getting pretty good at scarves and hats and blankets. She has to hurry up on this project though because Christmas is right around the corner!

Cousins in the house

Here are some pictures of my cousins in North Carolina. They are Meggie the peek-a-poo and Molly the cocker spaniel. They live with my Mami's cousins out there. I have never met them but they sent me a very nice e-mail. Hello, y'all!

Meet Yoshi

Okay everyone, my new friend has a name. Remember the Pomeranian puppy I introduced you to last week? Well, his Mami and Papi have now named him Yoshi. As you can see, it's a short fuzzy name, like him! Welcome, Yoshi! Maybe we can have Yoshi do a guest blog when he gets a little more acquainted with the world.

Holiday time

Well, it seems like the season has officially started. Mami spent two hours wrapping gifts yesterday, and getting them ready to pass out to various friends and family. Lulu helped, but I was cold so I stayed on the couch in my blanket. Then last night Mami and Papi got all dressed up and went out to a Christmas party, and they came back full of rum cake and tamales. Not fair.
I get to go visit my Tia Candace later this week for a dinner and gift exchange, and get to see Charley too. I bought her a present, but it's a surprise, so shhh.
Next week Mami and Papi will be visiting my Abuela in Albuquerque, but we have a nice house sitter coming to stay with us. He is nice, and sometimes he takes care of Tia Lisa and Tio Tony's house and cat too. I hope he likes to give out biscuits.

Back again

Hello! You're probably wondering where I've been. Well, what happened was that my Abuelo had to have surgery on his eye because he had a cataract, which is the same thing sometimes I hear dogs get but I guess people get it to. Anyway, Mami had to go drive him to the hospital for surgery and then stay up there with him and Abuela and Teddy and take him around to appointments and things for a few days. She got back yesterday but today she had to work all day long, so she finally got around to helping me with my blog tonight. Here is a photo of Abuelo. He's feeling much better now and Mami said he only has to wear his patch at night. I think they should put one of those collars on him so he doesn't itch, like when I got fixed.

Another new friend!

This is my brand new friend, a tiny baby Pomeranian owned by my Mami's friend Wendy, who is also Dewey's Mami. You may remember that Dewey is a handsome chihuahua who is also my secret boyfriend. He is so new that he doesn't even have a name yet. He came in to visit Mami's office the other day. He is as tiny as I was as a baby, only more fluffy. His Mami is still considering names.

Movie time

The other night, Mami went with my Tia Jennifer and the girls to see "The Golden Compass," and she told me all about it when she got home. There are a lot of animals in the movie, including lots of dogs and cats, and they're all kind of magical. The animals are all supposed to be soul companions of their humans, and everybody has one. When Mami came home, she said that I was hers, and that Lulu was Papi's. Which kind of matches up, because Mami is more bouncy and chipper like me, and Papi is more grumpy and yowly, like Lulu.
I guess the best part was the scene with the ice bears, which sounded real exciting but I think it would be too scary for me. I get kind of worried when I see shows where animals fight. I also hear there's a monkey that gets slapped. I kinda wanna see that.

Snow and cookies

This morning when we all woke up, it was snowing outside! It never stuck but it snowed for about an hour and it was very pretty. Lulu and I lined up along the couch to watch it. Then, after breakfast, Mami spent several hours making Christmas cookies, and I helped by sampling dough and licking up all the flour, as you can see from my white beard. After all the cookies were baked, I got to help eat a few before she popped them in the fridge. Yum!

A wag of the tail to you

It somehow escaped my notice that over the weekend, my number of visitors topped 1,000! As of right now, I've had about 1,070 visits to this blog. Thanks everybody who has stopped by. I now have friends around the world! Feel free to comment on my blog if you're new and you like these little stories about my life. Wag wag!

Holiday preparations

Sunday afternoon we finally dragged the Christmas trunk out of the living room closet and started putting up decorations. We're not getting a live tree this year because Mami and Papi are going to be visiting my Abuela in Albuquerque for Christmas so there's no use in putting up a big tree that needs water, 'cause it's one more thing for the house-sitter to deal with.
But she has a small tree, about my size, that she keeps in the closet, so she decorated it with white lights and red Christmas balls, and its very festive next to our Navaho rug. There's also a lot of Santas all over the place, and fancy things hanging from our dining room chandelier, and various pretty decorations that are all too high for me to sniff.
It looks very nice, especially at night when Mami turns on the lights. It gets very sparkly and it makes me kinda sleepy when I stare at them. I really like Christmas.

Monkey bats

For the last couple of days, we've been watching the Sci-Fi miniseries "Tin Man," on t.v. because Mami is a huge "Wizard of Oz," fan, and frankly, I'm lucky I'm not a boy or I might have been named Toto. Anyway, there are these characters on there called "Monkey Bats," which we couldn't find a picture of, but they're basically a bat-monkey hybrid with big ears and wrinkly noses and monkey bodies with wings. They're really scary, but at the same time a little bit cute.
So Mami and Papi think that I look like a baby monkey bat. I'm not so sure, but I don't think they mean to be insulting so I'll let it pass.

Redecorating

Sunday it was so rainy and windy outside that no one wanted to go outdoors. Papi went to school to work on the final proofs of his new book, and Mami and I stayed home and watched home decorating shows while we did laundry and chores. Then we got really inspired by all the stuff we saw, so Mami went into the guest room and took down all the Indian vases and paintings and the saris and bedspread and the purple pillows, and packed them all away.
Then she went into the linen closet and pulled out a big embroidered quilt abuela made her when she was a baby, and a whole stack of vintage table cloths and embroidered pieces, and hand-stitched pillows, and she redecorated the whole room. It was pretty neat. It looks like a whole different place.
Lulu was checking it out this morning. She likes birds, so her favorite thing in the room is the quilt.

Windy weekend

Hello everyone. Sorry I haven't been writing much, we've been real busy here with chores and work. Yesterday, Mami threw a baby shower for my Tia Becky, and we had a whole table full of snacks and two tea sets. It was so fancy. I got lots of snacks from my friends, including Doris and Annie, who like to give me cheese and cookies. Later on, Mami took the leftovers to work so that the photographers could eat them, because they were cold and tired from covering the Civil War game. I got to see my Tio Casey, and wrestle with him. I love to visit work!
Today it is so windy and rainy that the power blinked once. Mami is worried that it will go out because we have electric heat and it's cold! Hopefully it will be okay. Otherwise we have to use a lot of blankets.
So here is me in the kitchen this morning waiting for a biscuit. Mami ate sausage and eggs for breakfast and I didn't get any. Not fair.

Dark November mornings

Papi let me stay in bed this morning when he got up early to grade papers. It was really nice and warm there, and I got to lay on the body pillow, which was even better. Before Mami left for work, she came in and made fun of me, but I don't care. Any morning where I can stay in bed until the afternoon is a good day to me.

Small

There are a lot of advantages to my size. People pick me up and hold me all the time, which is nice, and I can fit between two people on a love seat, with room to spare. I can get places in the house even Lulu can't, and I can wiggle free if I need to when Mami grabs me to put on a sweater or something. I also fit perfectly under the coffee table, as seen here, which is to my benefit, because when Mami and Papi eat in the living room, the snacks often land right at my feet. Also, I can take what they accidentally drop and drag it to where they can't reach me, and eat it before they get to me.

Projects

Yesterday Lulu and I spent all day in the guest room, helping Mami make a baby quilt for Tia Becky, who is going to have a little one very soon. Mami has never made a quilt before but she used to watch Abuela make them all the time, and she has lots and lots of fabric, so she decided to try it out. It was so much fun to jump on the bed and roll around with all the quilt squares, even though Mami yelled at me. Then Lulu lay on top of the fabric and I had a sneezing fit and got things all wet, and Mami chased us out of the room, but we came right back.
Lulu's favorite part was the cotton batting, which is fluffy like clouds and she likes to curl up in it. I liked pulled the fabric off Mami's lap while she was using the sewing machine. She said it took twice as long to make the quilt because of us. I don't see why. Anyway, she finished it and it looks really good. It has animals on it like bear and deer, and it's pretty navy blue and cranberry. And I think it has some cat hair on it too, which makes it extra special. It's Mami's first quilt and everybody helped.

Post-Thanksgiving siestas

Well, today was our family Thanksgiving because yesterday Mami had to work, so Mami's parents and my abuelita came to visit us today. The morning was very busy, because Mami and Papi were running around cooking things, and I tried to help, but they didn't drop much on the floor, which was disappointing. Finally everyone arrived and we all sat down to a big feast of turkey and mole and potatoes and calabacitas. I got a little turkey at the end, and then afterward I got a big juicy bone.
Abuelita wanted a walk so after we had cheesecake she and Mami took me around the neighborhood. It was so nice and crunchy out, with lots of leaves and blue sky and things to sniff.
Then we came home and everybody left but us, and we all took a really long nap, before another round of turkey. This time, I got a shortbread cookie for dessert, and then I passed out on the couch with Lulu. I hope there are more leftovers tomorrow.

Happy Turkey Day!

Such a sleepy day

With Mami home sick I spent all day with her on the couch. I tried to stay awake and be helpful but you can see how far that got me. Lulu sat on the other end of the couch to keep Mamis feet warm. Tomorrow she's going back to work so I wont get a chance to have as many snuggles, but it's been a nice treat.

A little dancin'

Mami got a bad cold today and came home early, and sometimes when she's sick she likes to watch cheerful things. This is one of them, it's a scene from an old Bollywood movie. I hope you like it. I think I would look pretty hot in gold lame.

Turkey bacon

We had a really, really late brunch this morning, and I just got finished eating a pancake and some turkey bacon. It was sooo tasty. I didn't get any coffee, but I don't think I'd like it anyway. It's super dark and rainy here, so that means no walk today, but I think Mami and I will play some ball later down the hallway. Papi has to go to his office and grade things. I wish he'd grade them here but apparently I am too distracting. I promised not to throw my ball at him this time, but I don't think that will work.

Smarty pants

Guess what? Papi did this test on-line that looks at your blog and figures out what kind of level of intelligence it takes to read it. You'll be proud to know that you all are geniuses! But I'd expect nothing less.

Cash Advance Loans

Special choodle treats

Tonight, I got a surprise visit from my Aunt Candace and my friend Charley, who is a big dog but who doesn't scare me. Much. I love Aunt Candace, not only because she really knows how to scratch me, but because she supplies me with the juciest, smokiest, biggest bones ever! Tonight she brought me a new one, but Mami wouldn't let me have it because I've been eating a lot of bones lately and she thinks I should save it for later.
I was disappointed but then Aunt Candace found some biscuits in her pocket so Charley and I each got to have a special snack. I gave her lots of choodle kisses in return. I love surprise visits. They make me one happy choodle!

Heffalumps

I'm gonna take a stand and say that I don't like elephants.
Now I know this is going to upset some people, but last night, while I was sleeping on Mami's lap, this program came on about traveling in Ghana, and there were all these elephants stomping around and snorting. It was enough to wake me up and then I got pretty upset.
Usually I don't pay much attention to the television, but this time, I sat up and growled and snarled and barked until Mami scolded me and made me lay back down, but then when the elephants came on again, I did it a second time, until Mami had to turn the sound down. She said that an elephant would be more afraid of me than I would be of him because I look like a schmouse, and everybody knows that elephants hate schmouses.
But I'm not planning on making any up close and personal elephant introductions any time soon.

Windy weather

It is incredibly blustery here today, after a very pleasant weekend with sunshine and lots of pretty leaves. But this morning I nearly got blown out of the yard when I went out for my early a.m. constitutional. I went back indoors as soon as possible.
I didn't do a whole lot this weekend other than playing a lot of ball inside. Mami had to work and Papi was really busy with school again. I almost got in trouble last night when Mami spilled brownie mix on the floor and I nearly got a mouthful, but she was too fast for me.
It's so cold and blowy out I think I'll lay on the couch and nap until everyone comes home. I hope the power doesn't go out, but if it does, there's a polar fleece blanket to burrow under until they get back.

Bones!

Just me and my bone. Thought I'd share. Well, brag.

Laying low

So, my Tia Candace came by the other day with this big bag full of really excellent bones for me. They are all smoked and tasty and big as my head, so whenever Mami lets me have one for awhile, I disappear to one of my favorite hiding places and gnaw on it until I'm good and thirsty.
I get a little mesmerized when I chew on them, which can make me kinda jumpy. Lulu has learned not to walk too close when I have my bone, because I make terrible jumpy growly business at her when she comes near. Mami says that cats don't like bones. I would not jump to that conclusion. Even Lulu can smell how good my bone must be.
What's sad is, I don't get the bone when Mami is not home, because she says there could be splinters. So I only get it during "supervised time." I would like to sneak it when she's gone, but she puts it in the fridge and I haven't figured out how to open it yet. But I'm trying.

Life after the party

So it's taken me a couple days to recouperate from the wildness of Saturday night that stretched into Sunday morning. I've been doing a lot of power napping, combined with some rubber ball workouts, and stretches. I didnt' get to sleep in much this morning, but the house was empty most of the day and Lulu and I took advantage of the quiet. I like company, but I also like it when they go away.

Crazy party time!

Hello all! Got my photos back from the big party and thought I'd share a few of them with you all. It was a crazy night, the last guest didn't leave til 4 a.m., and I stayed up the whole time! Luckily I got to sleep in the next day, phew! Man, I got carried around by so many people that I can't even remember everyone. It was really fun and I got lots of snacks, and there was a fire outside that I got to sit by for awhile, and it was all really fun! Hope you enjoy the pics!

Dia de los Muertos

Happy Day of the Dead, everyone! We are gearing up for our annual party, getting the ofrenda ready and making lots of trips to the store for supplies. I can't wait for everyone to arrive tomorrow night! The house will be full of people and food and music and maybe even some dancing! OOOh!
Tonight though, we will light some candles and be solemn for a few minutes to remember those who have passed, like my dear friend Lucha.
I will blog more on Sunday or Monday and share some pics!