LOOKING FOR CAESAR.

(This photo is courtesy of Photobucket. I still haven't found the adaptor for my own camera to show you the real Louka, but this doggie could be her twin)

I think my two dogs have made a pact with the neighbour’s two dogs. It used to be that Bud and Grump-puppy would only bark if someone was coming up the driveway and, believe me, they have lots of time to warn me before the intruder reaches the house. Ditto for the hounds across the road. Now, however, if anyone even turns into one yard or the other, the whole four of them raise voice. It has been happening since the beautiful Louka moved in. Not only does she run the show and initiate the squabbles, she also wanders around at night, or sits howling, and gets everybody going when the humans (her servants) are trying to sleep. She’s not into obeying orders; neither those of her master, nor those of the lady who gives her treats (me). A typical husky mix, she believes in doing pretty well what she wants whenever she wants. Ah, Caesar – where are you when we need you??

Speaking of the famous dog-whisperer, he held an event last week at the Bell Center in Montreal, the home of my Canadiens. I missed it (there was a hockey game going on elsewhere) but have heard attendees rave that it was spectacular. The man is not only an expert on canines; it seems he can also put on quite a show. I’m having regrets now. I really should have talked Louka’s master into dragging that gorgeous beast into Caesar’s presence, and maybe everyone around here would have an easier time of it. Don’t get me wrong. I admire a dog with character – just not when its character is stronger than mine! If Louka was human, I strongly suspect that she’d be in the Paris Hilton group, or maybe competition for Lindsay Lohan. Still, one can’t help but love her. She is such a cuddly doggie. A gentle wave of her bushy tail with the sincere, apologetic look from her expressive eyes and we're all convinced to overlook her shenanigans.

My first weekend in November was relatively quiet, especially compared to those of October, where my house was filled with family and friends. I mostly cleaned, just taking time out to meet my ex-associate for an hour, once more to discuss our situation. I regretted the move afterwards, even if it was a necessary evil. The enormous pressure he is under is wearing on him, and his trumped-up excuses cut deep into any respect I still feel for him. It ended with my realizing that he is scrambling, doing and saying anything and everything to avoid paying what he owes. After I walked away, I sat in my truck for at least 20 minutes, analysing what, if anything, was left of our relationship. I discovered that I felt only pity for what has become an extremely sorry excuse for a friend.

But.....

Mother Nature afforded us a sunny, pleasant temperature on the day we turned back our clocks. The Weather Network assures me that the whole week to follow will be similar. Sunshine AND an extra hour of sleep?? Now, how can that not make me SMILE?

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

THE PORCUPINE STRIKES AGAIN!

I wanted to show you all a picture of the beautiful Louka, the neighbour’s husky-wolf who spends much of her time here playing with Grump, and trying to ignore that our macho Bud ignores her. I can’t find the wire thingy that transfers photos from camera to computer. There have been many cellular phones in and out of this house in the past years, so I have numerous wire thingies lying around, but not one of them fit the bill. It looks like I’ll be shopping in electronics. I wonder how you translate wire thingy into French?

I would wait and hunt for it when I have more time, but my granddaughter posed with the little lads when we celebrated the birthday last weekend. She’s been asking me to put them up on Facebook. It’s a rare occasion when Peanut (our pet name for granddaughter) asks for something; so M’mère will rush to oblige…especially for that reason. This child of my daughter’s has been working since she was twelve. First it was babysitting, then serving behind snack bars, now a cashier at the IGA. She’s attending university, so her mom helps to pay for the apartment she shares with other students, but Peanut pays the rest of the expenses herself. She’ll be 18 next week, and her mom is throwing her a huge party to celebrate. M’Mère will arrive back from Detroit just in time to attend – there’s no way I want to miss it. I can’t remember if I mentioned that she’s the only female of the six grandchildren; the other five are boys.

But back to Louka – she showed up with porcupine quills in her nose again today. I texted her master to warn him. He came home, and I heard him whistle for her…then the yelps of pain. Oof! I shivered with each cry, poor girl. She showed up later for supper with her nose clean, quill free, and seemed none the worse for her 2nd experience. I hope she has learned her lesson, but, like humans, some dogs just never do get it.

I did make it to the hairdresser this morning, and walked out of there a new woman, in looks anyway. I decided on the spur of the moment to have her cut my hair short. I fear it is going to take me some time to get used to it. All day I didn’t see another soul who knows me, so have had no comments for or against. I expect the first person I’ll see is the fellow who is coming tomorrow to check out the hot water tank. Although he is a friend, he is also male, so probably won’t even notice. I guess the verdict will be rendered only on Monday when I get to the office, unless I drop by my daughter’s house tomorrow night. A good idea; she’s very blunt about things like that, so I’ll know if I should wear a hat, or invest in a wig, until the hair grows again, LOL.

Bedtime. Jacuzzi first. Off I go. Sweet dreams, folks – they’ll make you SMILE in your sleep!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec