TM, Mama Cheryl (MC), Mama Penni (MP) and Papa Ron (PR) love and care for me.
In memory of DC Dora, CH Angus HXAsd, DC Kearney. Lost from our lives way too soon.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Driving TM Crazy

Lowri - I am driving TM crazy!  It is so much fun.  I just am hanging out and pretending I am not too interested in getting bred.  TM spent a lot of time in the last day or so talking to MP and Miss Paula O'Donnell.  They FINALLY decided today to ship parts of my boyfriend (I do NOT understand this!) tonight.  It will arrive in a cold box tomorrow.  MC is going to come up tomorrow night.  I think they are going to try to reassemble my boyfriend or something.

I get to get up very early tomorrow to make the hour and a half trip to Knoxville for my final progesterone test.  It is at 8:00 AM.  The vet will call with the results in the late afternoon.  Then TM, Mama Cheryl, Mama Penni and Miss Paula will make some more decisions about shipping even more parts of my boyfriend.  One of these days, I will have little babies.  I hear I will get to eat more food when that happens.  I can't wait!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Good Start to the Day

Lowri - We have had a good start to today.  It would have been a great start, except it was raining pretty hard while we were out working.  TM loaded me up and we went to the barn to get Jack.  TM and MC had put Jack in a smallish pen on Sunday.  He was happy there because he got lots of food and water. 

TM let me out of the van and I got to help her catch Jack.  I ran around the outside of the pen and told him to stand still.  TM was a little exasperated with me, because every time she got Jack in a corner, I was right there telling him to stand still.  It isn't MY fault that he didn't listen!  TM finally caught him, buckled the collar on him and led him toward the trailer.  It was my job to encourage him to move.  I did my job very well.

When he was loaded up, TM told me to "go to water".  I looked at her like she was crazy.  IT WAS RAINING!  I finally went and jumped in the water pan.  TM likes me to rinse off my feet and belly before I get in the car.

TM dropped Jack off at the processor.  She backed the trailer right up to the loading dock in one try.  I was proud of her.  Of course, it took three tries to back it into our driveway.  I think that is because no one was watching.  TM doesn't like to let women down when she has to back a trailer.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Progesterone Tests

Lowri - I had my second progesterone test today.  I came into heat on Friday, Feb 15th.  TM caught it on the very first day.  On the 21st, I had my first test.  I was seven days along.  It was 0.2.  Today is my 11th day.  The progesterone test gave a reading of 2.44.  At this point, Miss Paula is shipping stuff on Wednesday and I will be bred on Thursday.   TM says I may have to have another test on Thursday.

I don't understand how this all works, though.  I just know that I don't get to meet my boyfriend.  Daisy, Aiden and Thor haven't any idea either.  I asked the neighbor dogs, but they are spayed and neutered.  Unfortunately, I left home before my beautiful Mama could tell me the facts of life.

This breeding stuff is strange.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Sif

Lowri - MC came up this afternoon to pick up two of the bad lambs.  She has sold them.  Jack goes to the...um...processor, on Tuesday.  He will become dog food for Dinah, Treasure and Miss Monroe.

MC took pictures of Thor's puppy, Sif.  I think she is adorable.  She is 10-weeks old.




Poor TM

Lowri - Poor TM is sick now.  PR hasn't quite recovered from his being sick and now we have to listen to TM cough and sneeze.  She went to bed early last night, hoping she could sleep while laying flat.  Apparently that didn't work.  She got up at 2:30 so she wouldn't bother PR any more.  She came out to the living room with a bunch of pillows and a blanket and crashed on the sofa.  She got some more sleep, which is good.  She wasn't bothering PR any more, but, MAN, our crates are right there!  We need some sleep too!

TM isn't quite sure how she is going to get up early tomorrow to take me to Knoxville to get my next progesterone test.  We have to be there by 9:00 AM and it is over an hour and a half away.  All I know is she needs to buck up, I want to get with the program of having babies! 

But, lest you think I am heartless, I am busy holding TM in the recliner right now.  I know she needs rest, so I am making the sacrifice of laying on her.

We did go down and feed.  Poor Sif came over to the fence and hit the hot wire.  She shrieked and ran back to the barn.  Maybe she is learning early that fences are there for a reason.  Overall, Sif is hanging around in the barn.  She comes out to look at the stock, but TM is quite happy with her staying at the barn while she grows up some.  She is all of 10 weeks old.  She is going to be a great companion for Thor.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Sif Update and Herding

Lowri - Sif survived the night out with the cows.  TM went out this morning and found her huddled under a tree where she could watch the stock.  Apparently, she got stepped on.  She is limping on the near rear.  She puts weight on it and TM couldn't feel anything bad.  There is no swelling anywhere.  TM got her and Thor back into the barn.  She actually succeeded in locking Thor in this time. 

When she went back down there a couple of hours later, Thor was still locked in the barn.  He was very stressed, so TM let him out.  Sif stayed in the barn.  She figured out the dog feeder, she has water and she is resting on the hay.  TM thinks that is a great place for her while her leg recovers.

For those who might not be up on their Norwegian lore, Sif is Thor's wife.  While our Sif will never be Thor's wife (he is neutered), she will be his companion.   TM says pictures will be forthcoming in the next couple of days.

After taking care of Sif, TM took me herding.  I got to herd the older lambs.  Jack was VERY bad.  TM let me make him behave.  I really liked that <G>  The other four lambs were pretty wild and ran a lot.  Sometimes Jack went with them, sometimes he didn't.  I made him <VBG>  Once all the lambs were working well, TM said "That'll do."  I ran over and jumped in the water trough.  TM toweled me off and we went back to the house.
 


Friday, February 22, 2013

We Have a Puppy

Lowri - We have a new puppy.  TM bought her for Thor.  She is 10 weeks old and is a Great Pair O'Knees.  TM has been trying to figure out when to go get her.  Since we didn't go to Florida, she thought tonight would be a good time.

We drove and drove and finally found her way out in the country.  TM loaded her up in my spare crate.  I told the puppy she had better behave.  I warned her several times.

Then TM asked the GPS to take us to PR's.  I am not sure the GPS was working right.  We went through some different kind of country.  TM was muttering "Deliverance."  I am not sure what that meant, but it didn't sound good.

We did get to see a white peacock.  It was strutting it's stuff.  I thought it looked very impressive.  We also saw a blue and green one sitting on a truck.  The best sight was a dead cow.  I really wanted to check it out.  I am sure it would have been VERY tasty!

We finally got to PR's.  TM let us out and Thor came down.  The puppy took one look and dashed over to Thor.  He looks a lot like her parents.  Thor wasn't sure what to do with her, but was very kind.  TM locked them in the barn.  That didn't last long.

When TM went to check on them after dark, they were long gone.  TM went out to the big field and there was Thor.  After a minute, TM saw the puppy.  She came up to greet us and George and Gracie, the bull and cow, took minor exception.  Gracie charged the puppy with her head down.  TM held her breath.  She was picturing pancake puppy.  Gracie stopped at the puppy and very lightly pushed her with her head.   Then she turned around and walked away.  The puppy came on up to the fence.  Even the ram just shook his head at the puppy.  Everyone seemed to realize the puppy is just a baby.

TM is trying to come up with a name for her.  She likes Sif.  PR likes Valkyrie.  TM says that is too hard to say.  We are going to play with names for a bit and see what fits.

No Florida

Lowri - TM was all set to toss me in the car and dash to Florida so I could have a rendezvous with my boyfriend.  Then she got the results from my progesterone test.  I was at 0.2, NOT Florida ready.  Since we have a weekend to deal with, TM huddled with MC and MP and they have a plan.  I do not get to meet my boyfriend.  WHAT????  No boyfriend?

TM - Wah, wa wah.

Lowri - OOOOOH, I don't get to meet him.  Instead TM will be getting a shipment.  I am not sure I like how that sounds.  Doesn't sound promising from my perspective.  I get another progesterone test on Monday, just to make sure, but everyone thinks Tuesday will be the day.  Sigh.  Florida would have been fun.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

More Photos of ME!

Lowri - MC sent us more pictures of this weekend.  TM wanted to say that all issues of focus are her error NOT the camera's.  Poor TM.

This picture is while we were waiting for our turn.  I was trying to see what TM was doing.

This is on the Down and Back. 

I am waiting for MC to give me my Fajita Chicken. 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Quarter of the Group Place

Lowri - Sunday was mostly AWESOME, starting on Saturday night.  TM was pretty tired so she climbed into bed early.  I climbed onto her to hug her - before she even got ready.  She laughed and held me.  MC just shook her head.  I don't know why, but I REALLY love TM right now.  I spent the night cuddled up tight to her.  MC says I am hormonal. 

At the dog show, I got another massage.  Man, do they feel great.  At the ring, I noticed the boys were looking me over.   They think I am starting to get interesting.  I think it is because I am a star.

The judge thought I was beautiful and I won!  It was great.  MC feeds me all sorts of treats.  The fajita chicken was the BEST!  When I went to the group place, MC hid a drool rag along the ring.  Apparently, when MC shows me the bait and makes me wait for it, I start drooling.  MC wanted the rag so she could wipe it off before she got to the judge.  I can't help it, I LOVE food!

The judge still thought I was beautiful so I won a quarter of the group!  I got my picture taken with the judge.  She obviously wants an autograph from me when we get the photos.   TM and MC were very happy.  They called EVERYONE!

Next on my list of things to do is going to see my boyfriend.  I understand he is going to Tallahassee later this week.  TM is going to take me down to see him.  I can't wait, he is VERY handsome.  I think he is like my daddy, he has lots of girlfriends. 

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Best of Breed

Lowri - I am having the best time in Greenville, SC.  TM is worrying about PR a bit.  He is at home and is sick.  He has that stomach bug that is going around.  TM has been calling him pretty often.

My sister, Dinah, and I have been frapping like crazy.  No bed has been safe.  It is GREAT!  When TM and MC went to dinner, we were locked in the car.  That was a shame, cause MC's leftovers smelled incredible.  Afterwards they went to an interesting store.  It was called Trader Joes.  They bought us freeze-dried strawberries and pineapple.  It is FABULOUS stuff!

I am in heat and am acting very hormonal.  TM is giving me lots of love.  Last night when she came to bed, I crawled up into her lap and dissolved.  TM just pet on me.

I went Best of Breed at the show, but the Group judge didn't think I was fabulous.  Oh well, I looked superb!  Here are the pictures.

How could the judge possibly not love me?


Friday, February 15, 2013

Dog Show Weekend

Lowri - Whee!  Dog shows this weekend!  I am going to Greenville, SC early tomorrow morning.  I am going to play with my half sister, Dinah.  I am going to sleep on the bed in the motel.  I am going to get LOTS of really good bait.  I am going to kiss LOTS of new people.   I am going to wear my pretty panties.  I am...WAIT, WHAT?  TM, You are NOT supposed to slip your thoughts in when you are typing MY thoughts.  I don't WANT to wear panties.  I don't WANT to be the "pretty panty girl."

Oh well, at least tonight I get a hot oil bath and I get a massage and I get to be groomed.  I LOVE dog shows!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Cheering

Lowri - TM tipped me over to look at my unmentionable this morning - and started cheering!  It is bad enough to be embarassed, but cheered over too?  I am almost in heat.

TM - Wah wah wa wa!

Lowri - OH!  I am getting a boyfriend!!!  He is a REALLY handsome dude in Florida.  TM is VERY excited!  So is MC!  MP got a voice mail, as did Miss Kathy.  I know they will be very excited when they hear.   Whoo-hoo!  I am getting a BOYFRIEND!!!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Fencing

Lowri - I got to help TM put up the electric fence to try and keep Thor fenced in.  It was kind of boring, but I did go find part of the deer carcass that Thor had last week.  It was VERY tasty!  I also got to harass the two cows and the ram until TM saw me.  Then she made me come with her.  We were out for about two hours, then she brought me back in with her.  She helped PR on the steam shower (she keeps making happy sounds, but I don't see why a shower would make her happy).

I got locked up in my crate while TM went back out for several more hours of fence work.  She didn't get it done, but she got three-fourths of the way around the big field.  Maybe Thor will stay in...we won't take bets on that, though.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

New Lambs - Well New for Us

Lowri - TM and I went to MC's place to help load the three lambs that are coming to visit.  I was a very big help!  I told them to load up in the trailer and they did.  TM is rolling her eyes.  I did help. I did, I did!

Anyway, when we got home, TM wormed the lambs while MC helped.  Then, finally, we turned them loose into the arena.  TM brought Big Mama and her triplets into the arena.  I got to herd all of them!  Because Big Mama was there, she was a calming influence on all the lambs.  I worked all of them for a bit.  Then we loaded Big Mama and the smallest triplet in MC's trailer.

Dinah got to come in and herd the three new lambs and the two big lambs of the triplets.  Unfortunately, Jack, the ram-lamb of MC's, did not want to play.  I got to come back out and help.  TM wanted to split Jack out so Dinah could work the other four.

Then we had a farce.  Thor went over to check out the new neighbor's four dogs that were loose.  TM was yelling at him.  Jack jumped over the electric fence in with the big ram.  TM was worried the big ram would kill him.  Jack jumped back over the fence.  She prioritized and dealt with Thor first.  She and I dashed over, caught him and brought him home.  Then she moved the two cows and the ram into the big field and shut that gate.  She locked Thor in with Jack and the youngest bull - oh wait, I hear Thor out in the front yard barking.  He didn't stay locked up.

Finally, TM got to work Dinah.  She did a very nice job.  Then Treasure came out to work the sheep.  TM was happy with her.  Treasure made some good decisions and some not so good decisions, but she kept working.  TM likes that!

Here are the pictures that go with my work.
The ram-lamb has the horns.  I told him he had better listen to me.

This lamb tried to escape me.  I didn't let him.

Heading the lambs.

Move along, Jack!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Massage

Lowri - You may think I like to be in the sitting room with TM just so I can put my head in her lap and hold her down.  That is part of it, I do really, really like that.  BUT, I frequently get a massage.  Tonight I got a full body massage.  I got to say, I barely have any thoughts left to tell TM to type for me.

She worked on my back.  Oh, oh, my.  I am so limber.  I LOVE having my back worked on.  Then TM worked on my shoulders.  There were some sore spots, but, MAN, my shoulders feel so good now.  I LOVE having my shoulders worked on.  Then she worked on my neck.  MMMMMMMMM.  The neck is the BEST!  My tail, legs and feet are now limp.  I LOVE having those worked on.  Then TM finished by rubbing my belly.  Oh wow.  I LOVE having my belly rubbed. 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

YUM!

Lowri - TM made me food tonight.  I think there is a month's worth of new food in the freezer.  Let's see, she put in liver, heart, gizzards, sweet potatoes, kale, and applesauce.  That was in the meaty mixture.  She put that on top of chicken necks, backs, thighs and drumsticks.  Man, I am drooling just thinking about it.  AND I got to clean up.  Yum, yum, yum!!!  The only part I don't like that much is that she weighed out EVERY container.  I guess I won't be gaining weight any time soon.

On the other front, TM is still checking my unmentionable every single day.  I am not in heat!  I could TELL her that, but noooooo, she wants to check for herself.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Back In Town

Lowri - TM and I came back to town so TM could go do more work.  I came with her so I could supervise.  TM did a bunch of little projects and finally came in the house.  I bugged her until we went back into the sitting room.  I wanted to lay on her and hold her down.  When we are at PR's, that's easy to do.  I just jump in the recliner with her and, Presto, she is held right there.  The only place I can sit on her in town is in the sitting room.  She doesn't stay there because the computer isn't there.  I have mentioned things like laptops, tablets, smart phones, but TM hasn't taken the hint. 

Anyway, I just kept poking at her until she gave up and headed out to the sitting room.  Once she was comfortable, I flopped over on my back with my head in her lap and allowed TM to rub my belly.  It was very nice.  I nearly fell off the sofa because I was so relaxed. 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Thor

Lowri - Since Thor is spending a lot of time up at the house, PR suggested  just leaving the barn open.  That will allow Thor to go in and out as he pleases without having to go up to the top of the pasture, wiggling under the fence and then going exploring.  Now he can also put himself away.  TM is just waiting for the weather to clear up so she can put up the electric fence.  That should be next weekend.  Thor has one last week of freedom before he gets locked back up with the stock.

TM is also going to get him a puppy.  That should make Thor happy.  She knows it is her fault that he wants to be up at the house.  She pets on him every time she goes out to the barn.  She KNOWS she isn't supposed to.  He is the stock protector.  He does take that job seriously, he just wants to be pet on too.  It is a tough balance, and TM knows she didn't get it right.  She is going to try harder with the puppy when they get one.

As for me, I got to herd the big mamas today.  We didn't count the lambs, but I did move everyone around the field.  It was great fun.  I did lots of bouncing, but I also listened to TM.  I may grow up to be a good stock dog - NAH!  To much fun to bounce <G>

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Snowing

Lowri - It has been snowing here all day.  I LIKE going out and playing in it, but TM doesn't.  We do what TM likes.  Is that fair?

Thor has been getting out.  I think their last fix to the fence lasted for a day.  TM tracked him up the hill and back to his escape route.  She put lots of branches down so he would have to stay in...He followed her back up to the house.  She said bad words and went back down to put him away.  If it quits snowing, she is going to put electric fence.  THAT should fix him.

My lamb is looking very, very good.  I can't wait until I can start teaching her stuff.  TM didn't even try to count the lambs today.  They shift position so fast.  I may have to help her tomorrow so she can get a decent count.  I like doing that.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Inversion Table

Lowri - I got to help TM, AGAIN!  I don't know what she would do without me.  She needs so much help.  Tonight, her back was hurting her.  She went into the room where PR has his inversion table.  She got on it and tipped over backwards.  She was stretching out her spine.

Here is where I helped.  Knowing that she needed to hang out for a while (<snicker> get it??  "hang" out?), I tried to distract her so the time went faster.  I stuck my nose in her ear - multiple times.  TM squealed each time I did it.  Then I stood there and allowed TM to scratch my belly.  I did a fine job of distracting her.  I am a GOOD girl!