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I noticed that my last post was Sept 11, 2010, so I thought I should post one year later. Today is the 10th anniversary of 9-11, and it's been sad watching all the memorials and hearing people's stories. I have been in California since about Aug. 12th. Murphy and I drove down to visit my dad. While I was here, my dad had a stroke, so I stayed and am trying to help with what I can. It's been a sad, tough time, seeing my dad go through what he's going through. Murph keeps me company - I was even allowed to bring him into the hospital for a visit or two. After three weeks, my dad is finally out of the hospital and in a skilled nursing facility. A whole other level of sadness.
I'm back. It's been a busy spring/summer, full of emotion. Murphy's grandma, my mom, passed away June 11th. A very sad time for all of us. But friends and family gathered to celebrate the wonderful, caring lady that she was. I couldn't have gotten through it without my brothers, aunt, friends and, of course, Marc and Murphy, who were there with me. While in Irvine, Murphy got to visit a SoCal dog park. Not sure the other dogs knew he was from the Pacific Northwest. Not sure Murphy knew what to do with all of that sunshine. I'm glad my mom got to meet Murphy - her furriest of grandchildren. She was happy for me, that he had made me so happy. She also reminded me, when I was able to ask her for life advice after describing a book I had bought at the hospital about women sharing advice to their younger selves, to listen to others and love Marc no matter what. Love you and miss you, Mom.
Murphy is getting ready for his big adventure, and so are we. We are all driving south to California to visit family. It didn't seem right leaving Murph alone this Christmas, his first Christmas. He already has gifts in his stocking and under the tree. And his bag is packed, unlike ours. Happy Christmas to all...see you in the New Year.
When times are tough...I'm thankful for the love of family and friends.
Murphy was a good sport when he let me put this head band on...but he kept his eyes closed. Maybe that was because I have to wait until he's half comatose before he would let me do such a thing...Happy Halloween!
I've been sick this week. Bad cough. Headache. No swine flu, just something else. This according to the doctor. Murphy and I have just been lounging about. It's not uncommon for me to wake up with something furry around my head. Wish I could be healthy and stay home - then we could play more. But I don't think work would approve. Check out Murph's bedhead. You can barely see his face underneath all of that scraggly mess. My little muppet.
Last Monday night, a school night, Marc and I went to see Pearl Jam. Marc had seen them before, but I hadn't so wanted to. After all, Pearl Jam in Seattle - it's like U2 in Ireland; or the Beatles in Liverpool; or Bob Dylan in Hibbing, Minnesota - okay, that may be a stretch. So we lumbered over to Key Arena and saw a great show. A friend at work took this photo. Great rock band. Great show. But I'm getting old. The MJ was prevalent at PJ and the drunk behind us, while funny, was also annoying. An interesting mix of people. Seattle proved to be the best home crowd, though, singing along and showering the band with as much applause and awe as they could muster.
Bruce Springsteen turns 60 tomorrow, Sept. 23rd. My hero. 60. In honor of this, Murphy will wear a red bandana during his evening walk. Tramps like Murph, baby he was born to run...
We recently spent the weekend in Chicago, primarily to see U2 at Soldier Field, but also to see the city. The wonderful windy city. From the top of the Sears Tower, to Wrigley Field, to a play at Steppenwolf, the Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute - we couldn't have asked for a better weekend. But something was missing. Murphy. Around every turn, we were reminded of our little guy - meeting another labradoodle on the street; seeing a sign near Wrigley that said Murphy's, to receiving text of a picture of Murphy sprawled on our friends' bed, with the caption, "Easy Livin.'" Murphy was well taken care of by our friends, Bill and Bev. We missed Murph's antics, and were so happy to return to his welcoming, furry arms.
Murphy, the most adorable labradoodle in Ballard - and maybe on the planet, recently attended the Project Ruffway contest at All the Best Pet Care. Murphy and I love All the Best Pet Care because every time we walk in, they treat us like royalty - giving Murphy treats and letting him play in the store. For the contest, Murphy attempted to dress as a little devil - not a stretch - but his horns didn't stay on very well. There were many other dogs there, but he was the only one who attempted a costume, so he WON! We knew he was a winner already, but this confirms it. This is the write-up from the store: "Devilishly cute Labradoodle puppy Murphy won last night's "Project Ruffway" pet costume contest. He would have preferred eating his costume to wearing it, but hey, he's a puppy. Thanks to Laura Bee & Otis of Laura Bee Design...s for serving as judges and providing the grand prize!"
We love you Murphy! You're awesome!
I'm quite busy these days what with ripping around the yard; learning sit and down and chasing after some of my favorite toys, like the beaver tail and my hedge hog. I also love chasing my rope toy in circles around my Mom as she tries, quite unsuccessfully, to keep it away from me. So that I can concentrate on important things like this, my Mom decided to take over the blog for awhile. This is her first entry. WOOF!
If you haven't already checked it out, please read 1000 Awesome Things (1000awesomethings.com). It's a favorite blog of Murphy's and mine. The author writes about fun, often silly, memorable, AWESOME things, one of which recently was favorite t-shirts. Murphy has kindly agreed to model one of my favorite t's. From U2's Joshua Tree tour, the shirt is worn, soft, perfect polish rag material, despite the holes. A wave of sadness washed over me when I saw those holes. It was like a piece of my past had disintegrated. Yes, there are memories and ticket stubs - but there's something special about the concert t-shirt. It's a statement to the world that, "Yeah, I WAS there." Or, "I'm into this band. I'm cool." For whatever reason we fork over the now ridiculous sums of money to advertise our love for certain music, or music artists, the reasons are usually filled with love. Music has healed me during sad times; inspired me in tough times and brought happiness most all other times. My favorite memories of dating my husband were when we would just lay around listening to music with the lights out. Nothing comes close to the feeling. Is it strange that I've gone on Ebay searching for old concert t's I may have once had or wish to now have, so I can let the world know, "I'm a fan of ________ (fill in the blank)." No, I don't think so either. Music soothes the soul. Kind of like puppies. The lovefest never ends.
AWESOME!
I had my first bath today. Barbara's hands were full, otherwise you'd be looking at a very unflattering photo of me. So, thankfully, you're stuck with the duck. My fur is very soft now, and I smell good. Really, I do.
My mom made me dance around the living room today to the Go Gos Greatest Hits. It reminds her of her days in L.A. It also helped her get things done around the house. Anything to make my mom happy, especially since I cried a lot last night.
I noticed that my last post was Sept 11, 2010, so I thought I should post one year later. Today is the 10th anniversary of 9-11, and it's been sad watching all the memorials and hearing people's stories. I have been in California since about Aug. 12th. Murphy and I drove down to visit my dad. While I was here, my dad had a stroke, so I stayed and am trying to help with what I can. It's been a sad, tough time, seeing my dad go through what he's going through. Murph keeps me company - I was even allowed to bring him into the hospital for a visit or two. After three weeks, my dad is finally out of the hospital and in a skilled nursing facility. A whole other level of sadness.
