Holiday, snow & squirrels

It was a snowy Christmas around here, which didn't turn out all bad for the canines of this household. Because of the snow, the humans didn't leave for the day, and thus, were here to entertain and cater to both Beau & I. It was a good Christmas for us (even though, there could always be more food and treats.)

If you recall, last Christmas, mom's friend sent scarves for Beau and I. Now, Beau didn't seem to mind at all, but I...well, not quite so excited about that. This year's box, however - jackpot! I could tell there was something worthy of my attention immediately. There was going to be no waiting until Christmas eve for the contents of that box...smoked bones - a specialty of a local butcher store. Ah, doggie delight!



We did have packages to open on Christmas eve as well, a new bag of treats for both Beau and I. After shredding the wrapping paper, I attempted to move on to some newspapers that had been left laying around, but for some reason, that was not appreciated. I was just trying to get a start on making confetti for New Year's Eve!





Our blogging friend Gus has mentioned that there are no squirrels in his area of Alaska, so, here is a short video of a woodpecker and a squirrel enjoying the offerings at the bird feeder after the Christmas snowstorm. I know, Gus, it's not the same, and they are much more fun when they run and you can chase them.



Unfortunately, this week held a sad event. Our blogging friend Marmalade crossed the Rainbow Bridge this past week. We know her family misses her so much, and we will miss her too. Please join us in sending comforting thoughts to her humans and her canine brother Bernie.

Nosy

Since bloodhounds are equipped especially well to use their nose, it is probably a complement to say that we are nosy. Now, some might take that to simply mean that we are tracking dogs, but after looking at the definition, I do think it applies to our attitude in general.

unduly curious about the affairs of others; prying; meddlesome; inquisitive

To document these fine attributes, an assortment of pictures, captured as I am in the process of being nosy.



Checking out the Christmas tree.



No, I was not given any of the peanut butter stuffed pretzels. Har-umph! I tried to knock them on the floor in hopes of breaking the container, but no luck.



Anything of interest on the desk? Tote, camera case, anything?



Oh, the top of the fridge! The humans keep the toys up there, and everything else they want to keep out of hound reach. If I can just stretch....



So close, but just can't quite get it....
(however, do you see those fine butt wrinkles?)

Dashing through the snow...

Dashing through the snow, on a very windy day, o'er the drifts we go, drooling all the way....



This was the scene in the back yard last Wednesday after the blizzard conditions subsided a bit. We ended up with around 8 inches of snow, which fell accompanied by winds up to 40 mph, and cold temps. The good part was that since law enforcement was suggesting no travel, school was closed & mom was home for the day. I know, Edie and Gus will think we are not so hardy in this area with the schools closed. Getting around town would have worked, mostly, but out in the flat open areas, with the wind, the visibility is close to non-existent.

A few more pictures follow, as well as a short video clip, taken from inside the open garage door of the snow, wind and drift!

Ushering in December with snow

Thanks to a weather system sent our way by our fellow bloodhound blogger Gus, of Fairbanks AK, we have started to feel the colder weather and some snow has been falling. Now, keep in mind that the temperatures moderate quite a bit during the time the weather system makes its way from Alaska to Minnesota. The temps are in the upper teens and 20s during the day, and have only now started to dip to the single digits above overnight. We'll soon have wind chills below zero, but, as a bloodhound, I pretty much pay no attention to the discomfort of my humans and take my time to find the perfect location for all *ahem* "outdoor" activities.

Snow is excellent for sniffing activities and I was pleased to snuffle around in it this week. We're forecast to get even more this week. We'll see how that turns out.











I noted in one of Wimsey's Tweets that he likes to make nests of newspapers. It always seems to make my humans so happy to read about traits that bloodhounds share in common. I am provided with ample amounts of newspapers in my kennel, and love to make nests as well. But, sometimes that famous bloodhound drool causes me just a bit of a problem...