Abby Sunshine

Who is peeking at us with those cute, puppy-dog eyes? Abby? Is that you?

No, of course this is not Abby Sunshine. Every so often, we make a trip to Abby’s homeland. We enjoy visiting the breeder where she was born, Manitou Tollers, in Forest Lake, Minnesota. We delight in playing with little fluffball puppies! They are so cute!!!!

The litter we adored on this occasion are “nieces and nephews” of Abby. Her half-sister, Tori, has seven adorable little pups. There are five females and two males. They are five weeks old.

The little critters were in constant motion and full of energy, I could hardly get any clear photos. In fact, many of my best shots are when they are getting sleepy. That’s when they slowed down a little bit. They were hilarious to observe. After playing with extreme gusto, they would get tuckered out and nap. After a brief moment of calm, they would wake up and scurry around all over again. I can see why people fall in love with puppies.

Enjoy music while looking at the puppy highlights- notice the song slowing down and speeding up, just like the puppies.

Duck Toller puppy highlights:

If you’d like to get on a waiting list for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, you may reach them at manitouduckdogs@msn.com.

Usually we do book recommendations, but today we had to recommend Lassie, the movie we just watched last night. The character of Lassie has been around for quite awhile, there have been many books written about her, as well as TV shows and movies. Who could be a more popular good dog than Lassie, a really smart Collie?

We think they did a nice job putting together this 2005 version of a timeless story. It is a great flick! We recommend it to anyone that appreciates a smart dog , adventure and good-hearted owners. We also enjoyed the setting- beautiful scenery. Of course, there is no mistaking a little boy who loves Lassie,- the acting worked.

Synopsis:

Poverty stricken, the Carraclough family is forced to sell their precious pup to a wealthy duke (Peter O’Toole) who lives more than 500 miles away — until the loyal Lassie escapes and braves an incredible journey home. Set against the colorful backdrop of World War II Britain, director Charles Sturridge’s heartwarming film version of the world’s most famous collie weaves a compelling tale of survival, adventure and love.

Check it out!

Next, read books about Lassie. She has some excellent adventures.

Curiosity killed the cat. Have you heard that old proverb? It suggests that inquisitiveness leads to dangerous situations. Why only cats? That’s what I want to know. I wonder if dogs aren’t also curious.

What would you think if you entered the kitchen and this is what you found? I’ll tell you what I think. I think Abby was curious about something. I noticed that she is smartly using the stepping stool to get closer to her target. I think she smells something delicious on the plate. I also think she looks as if she’s been caught red-handed (red-pawed).

Abby has gotten to be good friends with Thorndyke- which is good. However, is Thorny creating a diversion so Abby can get back into mischief? Hmmm. . .it’s rather convenient that Kitty is nearly blocking view of Abby at such a time. Very suspicious. . .

That’s better Abby. Get down and help with dishes. I don’t think this will lead you into a dangerous situation. Good dog, Abby.

What is everybody talking about this time of year? New year’s resolutions, of course. “I will exercise every day. I will only eat healthfully. I will knit one sweater per month. I will tidy the house every night before going to bed.” You’ve heard these kinds of statements once if you’ve heard them 1000 times.

Listen to this 3 minute speech as Derek Sivers presents new research suggesting that you may wish to think twice before you talk too much about your ambitions.

OK, so what are your resolutions for 2011? Tell me!

A Year with Abby Sunshine, Reflecting on 2010.

Listen to music (simply press the “play” arrow) while remembering this marvelous year.

January 2010, Playing wildly with cousins.

February 2010, Taking Some R&R (rest and relaxation)

March 2010, Spending Time with Her Best Friend/”Sister”

April 2010, Healing

May 2010, Sharing

June 2010, Inspiring Artwork

July 2010, Swimming in Lake Superior

August 2010, Visiting Babe the Blue Ox

September 2010, Sitting with “Mama”

October 2010, Enjoying Fall Colors

November 2010, Loving Life

December 2010, Weathering the storm with “Daddy”

What is happening? It is raining. My fluffy snow- it’s getting soggy! There are puddles on the ground. This is strange. I know in some places it rains in December, but I thought winter meant snow, snow, snow.

Rain, rain go away. Come again another day.

This book cover, from a 1901 edition of Mother Goose was illustrated by William Wallace Denslow.

Apparently there are many versions of this rhyme. Here are a few:

1. Raine raine goe to Spain: faire weather come againe.

2. Rain raine goe away, Come againe a Saturday.

3. Rain, rain, go away,Come again another day,Little Arthur wants to play.

4. Rain, Rain, Go away; Come again, April day; Little Johnny wants to play.

I think these versions are essentially the same. Here is our version:

Rain, rain go away!

Seriously, Rain, rain go away,

Turn to snow on this fine day,

Little Abby wants to play.

I wonder what I have in my hand that Abby could possibly want. . . Gee, what could it be? Her eyes are focused. She is intent on her goal.

She tries a new tactic. Perhaps barking at me, telling me that she wants what I have will help her cause. She is still very focused.

Now she’s getting desperate, or perhaps suspicious that I am holding out on her.

Now Abby is reacting to something! What’s the sudden outburst of energy?

Has something been thrown in the air? WOW!

Fetching? Oh, really. Who would have thought!

Good Dog, Abby. Bring it home.

What should a good dog do in a winter wonderland?

Let’s look around and see what Abby sees.

There are icicles dangling from the corner of the house. They glisten and look beautiful, shimmering against the winter sky.

The light is covered in a deep layer of snow.

The arborvitae bushes are flocked with snow.

OK, enough of this beauty, Abby must get out and find ACTION!

Wow- he’s going on the roof! Snow removal time. How can Abby help get snow off the roof? Is she even noticed down in the deep, deep snow? Is she trying to get Todd’s attention?

I guess hanging around with Thorndyke inside the house  is what Abby will do on this beautiful winter day.

What are you doing?

I’m wondering if “King of the Hill” has gone to Abby’s head. . . I know we were excited to play, and excited to learn about this good old game- one that continues to stand the test of time, but really Abby. . .enough is enough.

I found her sitting atop her mountain throughout yesterday and this morning. Is she guarding her post? Is she watching for intruders to “knock her off?” Or is she simply a dog, finding a good place to sit? Perhaps it’s a good vantage point and she can easily spy activity in the yard.

Yesterday, as she was sitting up high, I noticed a sunbeam right there- shining on her. It made her look like an angel on a cloud.

Who’s up for King of the Mountain?

King of the Mountain (aka King of the Hill) is a game, the object of which is to stay on top of a large hill or pile as the “King of the Mountain.” Other players try to knock the current King off the pile and take their place, thus becoming the new “king.”

The way the “king” can be removed from the hill varies, but ordinarily pushing is the most common way of removing the king from the hill.

To play, you first need a mountain- preferably a huge pile of snow.

It was easy to find this mountain of snow. We just looked outside our window and there it was, nearly covering the window.

Next you need an eager player, actually more than one.

In our case, we have one. Abby Sunshine is an eager participant. In fact, she has already climbed the mountain without being told!

Next you need to be ready to push the others down.

Who would Abby push down a hill just to win the game? Is this game is too rough for Abby? Maybe it’s a good thing she’s playing it by herself. But if she’s by herself, is she really playing the game?

King of the hill is also used as a metaphor. It is used to describe someone who is the best at something. For example, tell me who is the “king of the hill” around here, so I will know who to knock off. This goes back to battlefields of long ago.  All sides fought to conquer the high ground, the hills.  This was often the best vantage point and the point of most advantage.  Whichever unit won or took the hill was likely winning.

And there she is, the winner! AbbySunshine, KING OF THE MOUNTAIN!

Here are some other kings of the mountain: