ANOTHER DOWN-EAST BLIZZARD

     This happens to be an older photo, but last night's blizzard was a repeat performance.  It was snowing and blowing - not a fit night out for man nor beast.
     Thom and David aren't much into playing in the snow, but I happen to love it.  I especially like the powdery white stuff that I can kick up and burrow into.
     The cold doesn't seem to bother me.  I guess I really am a "Down-east Dalmatian".

A WINTER'S NAP

     Winter-time and retirement just go hand in hand to create the most ideal conditions for a nap.
     It seems in this house somebody is always taking a nap.  So, I never have to look far for a snuggle-buddy.
     Sh-h-h, I'm having a nap.

ON THE JOB
     
     Sometimes when David has food pantry duty on a Saturday Thom and I drive out there to deliver his lunch.       I get to hang out in this wonderful room filled with edibles.  Of course, I can't eat anything, but I can dream, can't I?

SUMMER DREAMING

     I went out on my walk this morning into the dirty remnants of yesterday's beautiful and magical white, clean snow.  The temperature rose and the snow melted and now it just isn't so pretty anymore.
     As I lie in the studio looking out the balcony door my thoughts turn to Blueberry Point and the wonderful summer I spent there with my dog buddy, Bosco.
     The property was so large and secluded we both could run free all day everyday - through the blueberry barrens and down to the beach to go swimming at our leisure. As night we stayed in the house as not to cross paths with the bear who roams the woods.  Good times and summer is on it's way again.

HOMEMADE DOG COOKIES

     This is one of the perks I have for being the only Dalmatian in residence here on Water Street.
      These are my very own red caviar dog cookies made from scratch by one of my two legged staff members.  They are made from wholesome ingredients and are actually good for me.  Sometimes when I have extra I allow my staff to send a few off to my cousin Bailey in Ohio.  I understand she like them as much as I do.  But then, who could turn down caviar cookies?

RECYCLE DAY

     In the summer recycling drop-of days are every Saturday.  In the winter we can only drop-off on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
     I know when items begin coming up from the cellar and going into the car that it is a recycling day.  I always go along and I love it.
     This becomes a social event for the community.  Everyone takes a few minutes to chat and many come over to the car to fuss over me.  I am well known in Eastport and have a good sized following of fans.

LIVING CLOSE TO NATURE.

      Sipp Bay - so close, who knew?  We found out we were only a few miles from a beautiful place called Sipp Bay.  One morning we all took a ride there to check it out.  Very beautiful and a place that will be different each time you go.  Weather changes, tides come and go, different wildlife may be present and the vegetation changes with the seasons.  I loved it because of all the new scents.  With my magic nose I am very attuned to these things.

A LOUD AND COLORFUL CELEBRATION.

       Well, another Fourth of July has come and gone here in Eastport, Maine.
      A lot of the dog population in town are frightened and annoyed by the noise of the fireworks, but not me.  I enjoy it.  It is amazing to see the bright and colorful lights dripping down from the sky.  I look forward to watching them every year - twice.  We live on an island across the water from Canada and we can see their Canada Day fireworks from our balcony.   I am a lucky because I get the treat of two celebrations each year.

A BIT OF EXERCISE.

      Another day at the Dawg Park and I am helping Daddy David get some exercise.  Although I only weigh 80 pounds, I am solid and all muscle.  Therefore I always win these tug-of-wars.  I am so lucky to have humans that take me almost everywhere they go.  I get to the park regularly and often get down to the sea.  I also go for a hike in the woods practically every morning out at Shackford head.  There are lots of animals living there and it is a cornucopia of tantalizing and delightful scents especially in the early morning.  

VENETIAN BLIND SHADOWS.

     During the summer my nap time coincides with the western sun making amazing stripes across me.  The sun is warm and toasty and I am so cozy.  I look good too!

A BIT OF VANITY.
  
     I love the sunlight and I think good lighting is imperative.  I have the knack of picking the very best spots for my photo ops.  One of my daddies will always have a camera handy.  The proof truly is in the lighting.  "I am ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille."

FICKLE WEATHER.

     Last week it was Spring with temperatures in the 50's.  Beautiful and invigorating.  I went to South Beach.  I went to the Dawg Park.  I went to Clark Street Beach and into the woods at Shackford Head.
     This morning it is not Spring anymore.  I woke up chilly and had to wrap up in my nice blue blanket.  Oh well, the house is toasty warm and there is plenty of food.  I'll just stay inside and wait for Spring to come - AGAIN!

SOLAR POWERED DOG.

     It was another one of those special winter days yesterday.  The temperature was in the twenty's and the wind was gusting enough to make a bitter chill.  I am invigorated by the cold, but my daddies  are not so inclined.  They take me our for the necessary purposes plus to get some exercise but not quite as much as I would like.  I also tag along in the car for errands and even when there are no errands I am taken for rides to dispel the winter cabin fever.
     It is a good time to locate my favorite sunbeam, lie on the bed, and recharge my batteries with some solar power.

LATE SUMMER COMPANY.

     Last summer my Auntie Din came to visit us.  (I think she really comes to see me).  I love her and have know her since I was 4 months old.  She never gets upset with me if I become a little pushy or annoying.  When she arrives I bark and shout and run out to greet her.  She usually hangs her purse around my neck and I carry it into the house for her.  If  Daddy Thom corrects me in front of her I can tell she is displeased.  I think she loves me as much as I love her.

Getting Our Pirate On.

     Last September was another Pirate Festival.  An event that has become quite popular here in Eastport, Maine.  It stated out so small a number of years ago and has grown to one of out major tourist attractions. 
     The entire island supports it.  People go to work in pirate costume.  Age is no barrier.  Adults, teens, babies, seniors and ever pets participate. 
     As you can see by my expression,  I am not 100 % sold on the idea and I am thankful David and Thom do not forced me to "dress-up".  I do like all the people and the crowded festive streets.  Strangely enough I  look forward to the fireworks.  There is something about the noise and all those flashing brilliant colors in the sky!  The big plus is there are bits of dropped and forgotten food here and there in the streets and if I am quick enough and sly enough I manage to partake.

Back To Blogging.

     I cannot believe it has been over a year since I have updated this blog.  Perhaps the answer is in the photo.  Have I been lying about too much?  I should hope not.   I may have become  a bit slower and less multi-task oriented.  After all, I am seven years old now as of last January 30th.
     My only consolation is that Thom has not been keeping his blog up to date either.  Maybe I can be his inspiration.
 

REFRESHED AND INVIGORATED

     Aha, that felt good.  Now I'll just go home and have a bit of a nap on the deck chair in the sun.  Boy, I really love Summertime.

DALMATIAN RETRIEVER

     I've always been a water dog and I go into the sea even in the winter.  But I just waded and walked along the shore.  After a few play dates with my buddy Bosco, I learned to really swim.  Now, in the summer I can really fully the cooling water with a proper swim and I usually take my green squid along with me.  

PROPERTY INVADERS

     These 4 leggers abound on my island.  They feel quite safe and are very bold.  When I go for a walk I can catch their scent everywhere.  If only I was off leash I could rid the place of these "dear" critters  

 BUSY DAY - TIGHT SOCIAL SCHEDULE.
     Since I am a member of the family I go almost everywhere Thom or David go.  If either car leaves the Door Yard, you can bet I will be in it.
     This particular day was David's turn for duty at the local Food pantry.  As you can see I was in the jeep concerned we would be late while I anxiously waited for David to find the keys and get it together.
     Needless to say, all went well.  We arrived early - so all my worrying was for nothing.
   

     I love going to the Food Pantry or to the Gallery with Daddy David.  It gets me out and about and I get to meet a lot of our friends and neighbors.  Many of whom are my devoted fans.  Naturally this comes as no surprise because I am extremely handsome and quite affectionate and lovable!