Month: July 2014

Meet & Greet at Swiss Star Farms

~ JodiLea ~ 2 Comments
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1-year old female (crappy photographer)

Hope y’all had as happy of a weekend as I did!  (You probably didn’t though, because mine involved granddaughters and puppies, and unless you had those 2 things going for you, then you didn’t.)   Sorry.

I had a MAJOR ‘dog-fix’ visiting Bobbie at Swiss Star Farms in Grass Valley, CA.  I had three of her dogs fighting over me, each wanting to be first in line to be cuddled and get their ears rubbed. Each was more gorgeous than the next. I have to admit that I want my dog to be beautiful, way beyond the puppy stage. Does that make me a “dog-snob”?  I only had the camera on my phone, so these photos in no way do the happy trio any justice.

MommaAndChild-OutHeat
Young female & Mom Catching some shade and water.

The three dogs I met on Friday had a combined weight of 500 pounds, and yet, somehow, they believed they were lap-dogs. I’m not a dog-whisperer, but I have a lap, and those three ‘puppies’ were determined to use it. That’s a lot of love. A furry, lovable, herd of teddy bears who forget their mannerly ways when visitors arrive to see them.  I was enthralled. It had been a long time since I was near any large dogs, so of course I immediately forgot their names in all the excitement.  Once each one got some attention, they settled down next to our chairs to enjoy our doting over them, while we chatted with Bobbie about them, and their linage.

Bobbie sent us off with an 8-page questionnaire to fill out and return to her. I have filled out shorter forms applying for a security clearance. Breeders are very serious about who they entrust to adopt their puppies. I find this comforting, rather than annoying. (Security Clearance forms will always be annoying, however.)

Bernese Mountain Dogs (referred to as ‘BMDs’ from now on, cause I’m too tired to type ‘Bernese Mountain Dog’  constantly), are beautiful, smart and sweet dogs. They are a large and strong breed, a hearty ‘working dog’ class, originally from Bern, Switzerland. They are trained to herd livestock, pull carts, and wagons. They are also instinctively protective of their family members.

Once you adopt one, no other breed will do.

“500 pounds?” my dog-less friends ask. “That means dogs weighing 166 pounds each!”

I just smile in response.  They have no idea.

🙂

Tid-Bits & Giggles Thursday

~ JodiLea

Since I can use some giggles to cheer up this awful week, I set forth last  small__doveFlyingnight in search of something worthy to share with my awesome readers.

Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the headache from the half-assed pain meds that are NOT working on the PAIN in my jaw, because I have not found one thing to make me smile, forget giggling. Bah Humbug. Or whatever the equivalent is in the summertime.

Then, my wonderful  sis-in-law, sends me a link last night. I have to share this with you!  It may not get you giggling, but this tid-bit will amaze you. His name is Darcy Oakes and this is his audition for Britain’s Got Talent:

http://www.flixxy.com/darcy-oakes-jaw-dropping-dove-illusions-britains-got-talent-2014.htm

TTFN,
JL

Have a ‘magical’ weekend!
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photo credit: Today is a good day via photopin cc

 

 

 

 

 

12 Things Your Cruise Line Won’t Tell You

~ JodiLea

PrincessCruiseShip  A dozen little things we learned along the way the hard way…

  1. As soon as you get your itinerary, get on the cruise lines webpage, and verify you have the cabin you want.
  2. Not sure what you want? The ideal cabin is mid-ship, accommodates two people only (otherwise you get bunk beds nailed to each side of your room), and has a balcony. A balcony costs more, but then, what doesn’t?
  3. Repeat after me -“Nothing is included, except the cuisine.”
  4. Pack food and water in your carry-on bag. You won’t mind how heavy it is when you are stuck in a 3-hour security line.
  5. You do NOT look awful! It’s your cabin lighting. Or lack of.
  6. The open ocean is more active than coastal waters. Take Dramamine 1st thing when you wake up on ‘Days at Sea’. Trust me.
  7. You will start showering, using one arm to wash and the other for balance. Two weeks later, I am still doing this.
  8. WiFi internet access is now offered on ships. For the bargain price of $.79/minute.  [Again – See #3].
  9. Coffee is included – except in the coffee bar.
  10. The elevators are always full and very slow, so take the stairs. Less strain and more calories burned.
  11. Travel with friends and family. Bonding occurs while everyone goes through enjoys the same experience.
  12. Don’t stress about packing. You will bring the wrong things, regardless.

One more thing – cruising is a blast, yet not all cruise lines are alike. Do some research and find what you want   😉

Good Luck & Bon Voyage!!

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photo credit: Port  via photopin cc