Oh Sherlock, My Sherlock

Sherlock and Thor. Original photo by P. Rickrode

Almost exactly 10 years ago, I got my husband of one year, a puppy for his birthday. You see, my husband had to leave behind 2 wonderful dogs when he got divorced from his first wife. When he met me, I had a super spoiled beagle mix dog named Tango, who was a one-parent kind of dog. Tango and my husband did not always see eye-to-eye, especially when it came sharing a bed with me. Things got ugly. Husband eventually won that battle.

Anyway, in an attempt to even the playing field so to speak, I brought home this totally adorable purebred yellow lab puppy for my sweetie’s birthday. Neither my husband nor Tango were as excited about this new acquisition as I was.

For the sake of keeping this blog moving along, let’s all time travel and move forward to today. I lost my Tango quite a few years ago, but we still have our adorable and super sweet Sherlock. He’s managed to accidentally learn a few things over the past 10 years, but he remains pretty much dumb as a rock. And, while he is getting a little belligerent in his old age (who isn’t really), I still get glimpses of that adorable puppy he used to be.

Happy birthday to my sweetheart and happy anniversary to Sherlock, who came into our lives 10 years ago this month. We are so blessed for his undying love and devotion, need for treats, and a hankering to rise and roam about a hour before the alarm is set to go off.

Here’s a very short video of why we all love labs. I hope it will brighten your day.

Are you a dog lover? What kind of dog is your favorite? Got any great dog stories to share?

Word of the Day: Acephalous

Fun fact about me: I have never lived anywhere where a street light shone in my window.

Original post by Jansen Schmidt, August 2014. Original photo by P. Rickrode. Video courtesy YouTube.

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Total Randomness – What Haven’t I?

It’s time for the next installment of What Haven’t I. I can sense your excitement all the way over here.

As some of you know, I recently celebrated my birthday and my ten-year wedding anniversary. My husband was generous to a fault with gifts this year, and we were able to arrange our work schedules so that we could spend three entire days together doing nothing but fun stuff.

Day one found us in San Francisco doing everything touristy and cheesy. Yes, we ate crab cocktails on the wharf, we stopped and watched the sea lions lounge in the sun, we explored the wax museum and ate an awesome dinner at Scoma’s on Fisherman’s Wharf.

For day two we went the opposite direction and spent a idyllic afternoon at the south shore of Lake Tahoe. We relaxed on the paddlewheeler around Emerald Bay and drank Tahoe sweet teas. We played a little Let It Ride poker and craps and then enjoyed a lovely buffet dinner at the top of Harrah’s while we watched it rain.

On day three we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, went to a matinee and had an awesome dinner complete with chocolate martini and creme brulee for dessert.

So in honor of three days of relaxaing fun, I’m devoting this episode of What Haven’t I to random experiences I have enjoyed, or not enjoyed, thus far in life. It’s up to you to decide, which thing I haven’t done. You all know the rules by now, just post your guesses in the comments section below and check back on the 23rd to see how many you got right. The luckiest guesser and the fastest responded will both receive a fantastic prize (if they check back and post another comment)!

So, here are the random things:

1.  What have I never experienced: a) Flying first class; b) Don Perignon; c) Box seats at a sporting event; or d) Riding in a limo?

2.  What haven’t I ridden on: a) A double-decker bus; b) A zamboni; c) A stagecoach; or d) A golf cart?

3.  What haven’t I seen in person: a) Niagra Falls; b) the Grand Canyon; c) Mt. Rushmore; or d) Old Faithful?

4.  What haven’t I eaten: a) Grasshopper; b) Alligator; c) Turtle; or d) Snake?

5. What haven’t I ever tried on: a) Hoop skirt; b) Boxing gloves; c) Bulletproof vest; or d) Football helmet?

I’m anxious to read your guesses. And I ask you, what silly random thing have you experenced that would surprise your kids, your parents, your high school teachers, your neighbors? Let me know. I won’t tell anybody – I promise.

Word of the day: Vulpine

Fun fact about me: My brother and I used to dare each other to jump off the roof of our house. Yes, we each did it. More than once.

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What Haven’t I? – Birthday Edition

Well, it’s that time of the month again – time to play What Haven’t I!

This month, in honor of my birthday on the 24th, I’m asking for your guesses regarding my previous birthday activities.

Before we jump into any situations to ponder, let me say congratulations to Tameri Etherton, our February winner! Congratulations, Tameri!

If this is your first visit, the rules for participating are simple – write your guesses in the comments section below, check back on the 2oth to see if you’re a winner. Every month I will award two prizes; one to the person who gets the most guesses correct, and the other for the first person who left a comment and checked back regardless of how many guesses they got correct. You can’t win if you don’t play.

And now, without further ado, here are the questions:

1 – What haven’t I received as a birthday gift?

a) – Really Expensive Jewelry; b) – A car; c) – Flowers; or d) An ugly sweater

2 – What haven’t I attended for my birthday?

a) – The ballet; b) – A bull riding event; c) – The circus; or d) – A Nascar race

3 – What haven’t I eaten for my birthday?

a) – Steak and lobster; b) – Chinese food; c) – Reuben sandwich; or d) Turkey

Twilight on Lake Tahoe

4 – What haven’t I enjoyed on my birthday but I really want to?

a) – Bunging Jumping; b) – Scuba diving; c) – Swimming with dolphins; or d) – Zip-lining through a jungle

5 – Where haven’t I been in honor of my birthday?

a) – San Diego; b) San Francisco; c) Los Angeles; or d) Lake Tahoe

So? How well do you think you know me? I’d love to read your guesses in the comments below. What have you experienced, or not experienced for you birthday, but you hope to enjoy some day soon?

Word of the Day: Squarrose

Fun Fact about me: I love to color. (I even have color books and crayons, but don’t tell anyone.)

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