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.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Fashion Critic

Lowri - Today I got to be a Fashion Critic!  I am going to do that a lot until I get good at it.  Once I know everything about fashion, I will go get a job to help TM pay for the new car.  I want to make sure she doesn't spend my dog show budget on anything but ME!

I was a really big help to TM today.  She went through all the clothes she has.  Some she looked at and threw in the trash.  Some she tried on.  I got to help decide if she looked okay in each outfit.  HOLY COW, the short shorts were bad!  If you weren't blinded by the white legs, then you had to see the, um...um...well, lets just say that TM has age-appropriate legs (see, I am practicing on my Fashion Critic diplomacy!).  We agreed to get rid of those.

In the end, TM had two big bags of clothes she then donated to those less fortunate.  I wanted to go with her to donate so I could offer my services, but TM didn't want me in the new car until she got my crate set up.  Fortunately, she bought the couple of things she needed and then she spent some time getting my crate set up just right.  Now I will be able to go with her so I can polish up my people skills.  Here in East Tennessee, I am thinking I am going to need a LOT of diplomacy as a fashion critic!

Thank you!

TM here.  I have been writing this blog for Lowri (and earlier for Kearney too) for just over two years now.  I am blown away by the stats that are saved by Blogger.  This blog has been read in 68 countries!  Holy cow!  We have had more than 50,000 hits on the blog.  I appreciate that you take the time out of your day to read about Lowri.  I hope I have many years left to write Lowri's thoughts.  She is a blast to live with. 

Susan Long - aka TM

Monday, April 29, 2013

Bunnies Everywhere!

Lowri - TM and I just went for a walk.  TM said that I need to get into shape if I am going to shows.  I suggested that she look at who was talking.  I mean, I have feelings too.  I don't need to be told I am out of shape!  No one needs to hear that.

Anyway, we went for about a 20-minute walk.  Whew, my tongue was dragging when we got home  (TM, erase that thought please!).  I meant to say that I strutted my stuff for the whole walk.  I was just trying to keep TM from feeling badly that she is out of shape - that's why my tongue was dragging.  I was supporting her.  Yeah, that's right.  I was supporting her.

ANYWAY, we saw a billion bunnies out on our walk.  They were EVERYWHERE!  I don't think I have ever seen so many in a week, much less in a 20-minute walk.  TM wouldn't let me chase any of them.  Not until I was back in my own yard, then I got to chase the two away from my fence.  If we had come back a minute later, they would have been IN my yard.  The Mighty Huntress would have gone hunting!

TM took a stick with her on the walk.  I know her knee bothered her on the way home, but I think she really took it because someone said there is a coyote in our neighborhood that has chased people.  TM read the article in the paper when we got back.  The paper people were down-playing the event.  They said we would be really lucky if we saw one.  I say that lady it chased probably didn't feel that lucky to see it.  It is good TM carried a stick!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Rain, Rain

Lowri - It rained almost all weekend.  Today, TM and I went back to town for a quick trip.  She had to get stuff to give away our van and get the new ride.  She was driving pretty carefully because the van isn't technically ours.  I went with her to supervise.

When we got home, I had to stay in the house for the rest of the day.  BORING!  When I finally got to go out, it was so TM could give me a pedicure.  At least Aidan and Daisy got pedicures too.

My half-sister, Smooch, got her Open Standard agility title today.  She won 1st place doing it.  I have such a talented family!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Not the Baby Anymore

Lowri - TM looked at me tonight and sighed.  She said I'm not a puppy anymore.  She thinks I am all grown up.  She said she was going to miss the puppy I was.  I say, Hold onto that thought the next time we go herding.  I am pretty sure she won't be missing that rascally puppy then <snicker>

Today, I got to help TM remove a lot of wire from an old fence in preparation of running a new fence.  She wound the high-tensile wire into a roll.  Actually a couple of rolls.  Then she tossed the rolls over the fence so she could put them over in the upper corner of the pasture.  One of the rolls was very, very bad.  It bounced and went onto its circle-side - and then it rolled off down the hill.  TM stood there and watched it so she could see where it stopped.  It kept on rolling.  TM said bad things under her breath.  It kept rolling.  TM shouted at it, "NOT in the water!"  It kept on rolling - right into the water.  Sif ran down and barked at it.  TM sighed.

When she had retrieved the roll, we went back up to the house.  TM decided she needed to get a new vehicle.  She told PR the van was sounding kind of funny.  He said "Uh oh."  We got locked up and TM and PR went to town.  The van goes to its new home on Monday.  We are getting a Ford Escape.  TM turns a little green every time she thinks about car payments.  I plan on breaking it in right!  Dog hair, here we come.

Friday, April 26, 2013

No Puppies!

Lowri - No puppies, none, nada.  I went to the vet today to get a picture taken of my tummy.  The vet said I was a very pretty girl (she has good taste - and tastes good too), but that I definitely was not pregnant.  TM was sorry to hear that.  So was MC, MP, and Miss Kathy.  So were several people who wanted puppies from me.  Sorry everyone, but I want to go to dog shows.

TM left the vet's office and went straight to the Post Office to mail my show entries.  So now I am going to the dog show in Gray, TN.  I am glad.  I like all the primping that happens - the hot oil bath, the massage, the occasional trip to the chiropractor.  I could do without the pedicure, but I guess that has to be done too.

We are back at PR's for a long weekend.  I helped TM plant in the garden tonight.  We planted potatoes, peas, beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, cabbage and cantaloupe.  I can't wait for all that stuff to grow so I can go eat it!  TM says we are supposed to plant according to the moon, but she couldn't as it is supposed to rain all weekend and next weekend too.  TM has to plant when she can.  If she waits until the moon is right and she is on the farm and it isn't raining, she might never get a garden planted.  I am not sure why you would want to plant by the moon.  We can see so much better during the day.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Busy, busy

Lowri - TM has been really busy this week and didn't take the time to record my thoughts.  I think she was a little down because she is almost positive I am not pregnant.  Tomorrow she will know for sure.  I have an appointment to get an xray of my belly.  TM has show entries filled out and ready to drop in the mail.  They will be sent if I am not preggers.  If I am hiding a puppy in my tummy, she has promised to beat me (not really, TM wouldn't do that).  She says I would do something like that to totally screw everything up.  I would, too <VBG>

Today, Miss Ginger, our housekeeper came to get her massage.  I haven't seen her in four whole weeks.  I was in my crate as I had just finished breakfast when I heard her voice.  I started crying and banging on the door.  I LOVE Miss Ginger.  TM came and let me out and I raced out into the living room so I could hug her.  She laughed and scratched me in all the right places.  I told her how much I had missed her.  I just kept crying as I climbed all over her.  She is a special person!

Tonight I got a bath.  TM said that I was getting my picture taken tomorrow at the Vet's place and I should be all clean like a show dog.  I wanted to climb into TM's lap while I was wet, but she was too sharp to fall for that one <G>

Monday, April 22, 2013

Sunday and Monday

Lowri - I have had the best two days!  Yesterday afternoon, I got to help TM build fence.  I went out into the field with her and watched her "plant" a post.  Then PR came out with the tractor.  I got to lead them around the field from post to post so they could either dig holes or set the posts in concrete.  I was the very best helper!

Today, I got to do more of the same.  I am an amazing dog!  I help build fences.  Then to make it even better, I got to help TM with the ducks.  I herded them around the duck arena for a bit.  And then we put the ducks away and I got the lambs back into their field. 

I sat in the car in my crate while TM and PR planted some trees.  They were three apple trees.  Then TM went and planted tomatoes in the hanging planters.  I got to help her with those.  We stretched some wire between three posts, planted the tomatoes, hung them up and watered them.  Finally, we watered some other trees.  It was a great two days.

TM doesn't think I am pregnant.  She says I am going to have an xray next Saturday that will say for sure.  I don't think I will tell her one way or the other. 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Building fence

Lowri - Saturdays are usually great days at the farm.  I get to do all sorts of useful chores.  Boy, not yesterday!  Aidan, Daisy and I sat in our crates for most of the day.  At least I got to spend most of the time in the xpen.  It was boring, but we all caught up on our sleep.

TM, PR and a young guy spent the day building fence.  They are going to double the amount of field they have under fence.  The young guy did most of the heavy lifting.  TM was VERY glad of that.  When they finally got done, they came in and started to relax.  TM took a shower.  I am very glad of that since I spent the rest of the evening in her lap.  I also got fed my dinner.  I was very hungry by 6:00.

That is it.  That is just about all we did yesterday.  Today is starting out good.  I got my breakfast and now I am in TM's lap.  She is making noises about throwing me off because she has to go to church.  I am laying as heavily as I can in her lap.  Maybe she will just collapse under my weight and stay home.



Friday, April 19, 2013

Visiting

Lowri - We went to Knoxville yesterday so I could visit with Treasure, Dinah and Miss Monroe.  TM took MC to the eye doctor while we visited.  I had the best time playing with them.  Dinah showed me where they killed the opossum.  I wish I had been there for that!  Apparently, MC came out and put it outside the yard.  After a while, it came back to life and ambled off! 

MC and TM both looked at my belly.  Neither of them can figure out if I am really pregnant.  They think I am, but say it is NOT a full house.  They are so silly.  TM told MC about some of the shows this summer.  They are busy making alternate plans.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Poor TM

Lowri - TM has been sick again.  The pollen count has been so high from this crazy Spring that her allergies kicked in big time.  Last night, she couldn't sleep because she was coughing so bad.  She finally came into the sitting room and slept in the sofa recliner.  I moved over to put my head on her so I could comfort her by giving her something to do.  She petted my head so softly.

TM is not altogether happy with me.  I am not losing my girlish figure.  I am within two weeks of whelping, and I am not showing off a big belly.  TM actually went out and looked to see what shows are coming up and where she might take me if I don't have babies.  I am not telling her.  She is going to have to wait for xrays on the 27th.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Back to Town

Lowri - TM and I came back to town so we could work.  I am practicing to be a WalMart Greeter.  Since I don't think my boyfriend is going to get a job to support our family, I am going to do my best to be a good single mom.  Fortunately, I have a good support system with TM, PR, MC and MP.  They are going to keep food in my bowl while I start my children off right.  Then I am going to go get a job.

I am pretty sure I can, as I charm all of TM's clients.  WAIT...Maybe I can be a Massage Greeter!  I could work from home.  I could help relax all of TM's clients.  I could even do that massage where you walk on the client's back!  I also do a GREAT ear cleaning and my foot washing skills are AWESOME.  I wonder how much I can make in tips?

Monday, April 15, 2013

Herding Again

Lowri - TM said I wasn't going to get to herd sheep for a couple of months, but she didn't count on the young thugs.  That's what TM calls the young lambs.  They had crawled through the gate and were up on the hill with the big mamas.  See, TM has the gates turned up-side-down so Thor and Sif can come through.  The big sheep and the cows don't fit.  The young thugs discovered they fit just fine.

I had to go up on the hill and bring all the sheep down.  I did it very well.  I did.  I did.  TM is having a tough time typing my thoughts, because she doesn't agree with my assessment of how I did.  Anyway, I brought all the sheep back down and TM let them into the middle field.  After some sheep shenanigans - okay, maybe I helped - TM finally got the lambs separated from the ewes.  I helped her move the ewes out to the field.  I was sure TM wanted me to bring Gracie and Junior too, but I guess she didn't.  She yelled again.  Good grief, I just wanted to enjoy my herding.

When we were done, TM had me go to water.  I jumped in and TM washed me off.  Then I got hosed off.  I felt great.  I did a GREAT job!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Great News!

Lowri - Today my Daddy finished his Started Duck title.  He did it in GREAT style.  He went High In Trial!  It was a big trial of all Corgis.  It was in California.  I wish I had been there to see it.  He was AWESOME.  He got more letters!  He is the KING of letters.  My Daddy's full name is GCh/Can Ch C-Myste Baledwr Pursuit of Happiness CD RN HSAsd HIAs HXAs NAP VCX ROMb TT.  His name is HUGE!   

The letter he earned today is the "d" in HSAsd.  That is a pretty small letter, but it is a huge accomplishment!  He finally decided ducks (or geese as the case may be) are worth herding.  In his last few tries on ducks, he won a RHIT Cardigan with a 1st place - at the Nationals, a 2nd place and another 1st place with HIT.  My Daddy is amazing!

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Saturday - a Dog's Life

Lowri - TM and PR went away for hours today.  I could smell that they ate while they were gone.  They didn't bring me ANYTHING!  They drove up almost to Kentucky and bought a head gate to catch the cows with.  I am going to talk to Junior and tell him to RUN if he sees it.  He doesn't need to get caught (TM is planning on making him a steer)

When TM and PR finally got home, I got to go walk with TM up the hill while she counted her steps.  They are planning on putting up more fences and TM needed to know how many posts they would need.  I think they are going to town on Monday to get supplies.  Hopefully, that will mean I get to romp with TM tomorrow.  Maybe even herd ducks!  TM has said no more herding sheep or cows for a LONG time.  I almost cried.  I didn't because I am going to be a mama and I need to set a good example for my children.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Back at PR's

Lowri - We are back at PR's tonight.  We got to see Junior running and bucking.  He is so cute! 

I didn't get to tell my thoughts to TM last night.  She has been very busy at work.  This is a good thing as it means she can afford to keep me in the style I want to be kept in.  We did get to spend time lounging in the sitting room.  I also got my second meal.  I am so excited that next week I get even MORE food!

Tonight, TM called Miss Paula to tell her I am pregnant.  Miss Paula was very excited about the news!  She is going to let my boyfriend, Dickens, know he is going to be a father.  I hope he is going to get a job.  My children will have high expectations. 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Hobbits and Junior

Lowri - I am planning on turning into a Hobbit for the next 10 weeks or so.  All I need to do is to continue to look pitiful.  Poking TM helps too.  I am planning on First Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevensies...I am going to be one happy Cardigan!  TM fed me twice today so I am well on my way!

TM finally had time to download the pictures of Gracie and Junior.  Here is the best one.  He is so cute.  Too bad he isn't mine.
Junior is two days old.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

TM Has a Heart

Lowri - Tonight I told TM that I was hungry.  I told her I was really, really hungry.  I followed her around and poked her with my nose.  I stared at her supper.  I tried not to, I know I am not allowed to, but I was HUNGRY!  TM thought about it and knew she had fed me.  I agreed that she had, but I was HUNGRY.

I followed her into the kitchen and poked her a few more times.  Finally, she got the hint!  Since I am almost six weeks pregnant, she decided to go ahead and up my food by 25%.  Food, food, glorious FOOD!  TM scrambled up some pheasant eggs with a little cheese.  YUM!  As soon as I finished eating, I went back to the sitting room and sacked out on the sofa.  Not hungry and sacked out.  Life is good.

Busy Day

Lowri - We had a great day today!  I got to see Gracie's calf.  He was born this weekend.  He is so cute!  TM explained to me that I can't have it because it is a bull calf.  I might have been lucky if it was a heifer.

TM took care of all the animals.  Her knee still hurts, but it isn't too bad.  She fed and watered the birds.  She fed Thor and Sif, and put their feeder up so it can't be knocked over.  She also tied up a bunch of bales of hay so the cows and sheep will have plenty to eat.  She also figured out that we lost a lamb.  She looked and looked but never saw any sign of murder and mayhem.  The lamb was just gone.  PR didn't know anything about it.

I got to get out and help TM make adjustments with the stock.  I got to help move the COWS!!  TM doesn't like to have me work cows, but she NEEDED me!  It was great!  Don't worry, TM didn't let me get close to the cows.  She just positioned me so that I stopped them from going the wrong way.  It was great and I was a BIG help.  TM shut the gate so the cows and big sheep would stay up on the hill.

Then I moved the lambs into the middle field with Gracie and Junior.  They can all go into the small field, but now Thor and Sif can protect the lambs as they are together with Gracie.  TM is glad that the lambs will be safe now.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Home Again

Lowri - We went to herding trials this weekend.  There was no network connection at the hotel (it was a really cheap hotel to save TM and MC some money).  I thought TM would implode with no internet for two and a half days.

I did NOT get to herd!  That is just so very wrong.  I should always be allowed to herd at trials!  TM said it was because I am pregnant.  I hear that Miss Kathy told her not to.  I COULD have trialed on ducks because I was just barely showing.

Anyway...Treasure didn't qualify on ducks either day.  She just wasn't all that into it.  She was happy and listened to TM, but she didn't try very hard to actually herd.  TM and MC decided that she gave all of her ability to her brother, Kearney.  He needed it so he could finish his HC before we lost him so early.

Dinah managed to complete her HT (Herding Tested) title.  I say managed for two reasons.  On Saturday, she didn't want to play.  She sat in the middle of the arena and watched TM and the sheep.  TM spent a LOT of time and energy getting her to work.  She finally did and got her first leg.  On Sunday, TM allowed her to watch the PT runs and Dinah got all excited.  When it was finally her turn, she was ready to work!  She did a VERY good job.  She moved her stock, she "looked back" to the one that split off and then picked him up and brought him back.  It was very nice.

I do have one thing to say though.  Dinah allowed TM to get hurt and did NOT punish the sheep for doing it.  It was that old freshman maneuver.  One sheep crouched behind TM and another pushed her.  TM went down hard and twisted a knee.  Dinah just STOOD there!  Then TM told her to stop while she assessed her injury and got up.  The judge told TM stop to Dinah again and call her.  Dinah qualified and got her HT title.  I had some things to say to Dinah for allowing TM to get hurt.  It would NOT have happened on MY watch.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Herding Trial

Lowri - We are going to a herding trial tonight!  I would be a LOT more excited except TM told me I don't get to herd.  I am going just to support Dinah and Treasure - well, and TM too.  Treasure is going to herd in Started Ducks.  Dinah is going to be in Herding Tested.  TM is going to try to scribe for the sheep trial. 

 We are leaving tonight just as soon as MC can get here.  I LOVE road trips.

We didn't post last night because TM was sick.  She had taken a pain pill for her back and it reacted badly - probably because she hadn't eaten much.  She went to bed at 8:00.  That is crazy!  Fortunately, she got up in the middle of the night to let me out.  I think she is fine today.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Babies

Lowri - TM has started buying baby things.  She and MC are talking about what they have and what they might need for my babies.  They are starting to get excited.  TM was shopping online tonight.  She bought some stuff for when I actually whelp.  Tomorrow, or maybe next week, she is going to buy the stuff for my nest.  She has started to reconfigure the sitting room so I can have most of it for my babies.

It is great.  I am excited!  I think I am going to get more to eat, starting next week!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Extra Food - Update

Lowri - I am pretty sure the book said that TM was supposed to up my food immediately upon breeding me.  She hasn't done so.  Tonight I pointed it out to her AGAIN.  She said I wouldn't be getting extra rations until I was six weeks pregnant.  That HAS to be WRONG!  I just know I should be getting more food now.  Can anyone refer me to a good book so I can prove to TM that she is starving me...I mean my babies?

Update - I told TM I was HUNGRY.  She didn't listen, so I am determined to provide for my babies the old-fashioned way!  I went out into the yard and caught a bunny.  It was a full-grown rabbit - and I did NOT need anyone else to help me catch it!  I am the GREAT HUNTRESS!  Unfortunately, TM figured it out before I got to eat it all.  (sigh) Another rabbit STOLEN from me...

TM here - Lest anyone thinks my yard is in the wilderness, I am in town with chain-link fencing around the entire yard.  I don't know where these rabbits are coming from.  You would think they would pass the word that the Great Huntress lives here!

Monday, April 1, 2013

My Daddy

Lowri - My Daddy is at the Cardigan Welsh Corgi National Specialty Show - without Mama Penni.  She stayed home because she has baby puppies out of Dory by my Daddy.  I know, I know, my Daddy is a cad!  Not only does he have babies to feed at home, but he is out vacationing with ANOTHER sweet thing. 

Anyway, he and Miss Ellen Gerwin went to the herding trials.  On Saturday, my Daddy WON his Started Duck class and went RHIT on Ducks (Reserve High in Trial).  That is so Awesome!  His Advanced sheep class didn't go well.  Apparently, he gave Miss Ellen some attitude and lip and she told him they weren't going to herd in that case.  She took him right out of the arena.

Then my Daddy got to have some hanky-panky with his sweet thing.  She wasn't supposed to be quite that much of a hussy so soon.  Anyway, that fried my Daddy's brain.  He wasn't able to think at all during the Sunday trials.  Good thing Miss Ellen had a couple of her dogs along so she could get some Q's (qualifying runs).   My Daddy apparently did all he was going to do on his first run on ducks on Saturday.