Another summer vacation!

Well, we finally got to find out what Richie has been doing in the garage for the last 6 weeks. It all started on something called "Canada Day", when Richie and Christine were busy running around all morning packing stuff up. I was getting anxious, as I could have thought for sure that they were going to leave us (or me) behind. Not that there's been any track record for being left at home, but I was whining by the gate nonetheless. Anyhow, after a few hours of organizing, Richie pulled this thing out of the garage, and attached it to the back of the Rover. He opened the door, and I ran right in - not like I'm going to miss out out on any of this action!

We actually drove to Richie's parent's place, where we have been before. They spent a lot of time swimming in the pool, but since I couldn't figure out how to wade in, I didn't go swimming myself. Paisley and I just hung out in the shade and pooped in Grampa Chin's orchard.

After a couple of sleeps, we got back in the Rover and went to a campsite where we met up with our friends Greg, Shannon, Bentley and a new doggie named Breton. We immediately went swimming in the lake - you can see me in the picture above returning from an attempt to try and catch a duck and her baby ducklings - dog are they ever fast!

But it was really hot up there - something like 34º C - that is, if I could read a thermometer. So when we got back to our campsite, we had to hang out in the shade on the grass beside our new tent trailer. This was a good time for Richie and Greg to drink beer, prepare dinner, and drink more beer. Followed by wine and then a scotch before bedtime. I can tell when Richie has been drinking all that stuff, as we dogs have very keen noses, and Richie, well he smells like booze in the morning.

Speaking of the tent trailer, here it is, after Richie and Christine unfolded it for us. It is really neat, as there is plenty of space for Paisley and I to sleep on the part of the trailer that is on the ground, while Richie and Christine get to sleep on the elevated section. I kinda miss being able to trample all over them in the middle of the night, but I think they prefer it when Paisley isn't trying to lie on their heads! I was also able to come and go throughout the night - I had my tether attached to the tent trailer, and I decided that I preferred sleeping outside.

Here's Paisley sneaking up on Christine's lap (again) for a photo opportunity. I really enjoy being out here camping, but I think after a couple of days, Paisley really wanted to go home. She didn't tell me that, but you could see it in her behaviour - she was ready to get back in the Rover at the drop of a hat.

After three sleeps, we got what we were waiting for - cooler weather and some rain. Here we are that morning hanging out under the awning so that we don't get wet. I don't really mind the rain, but it sure seemed to get the humans bent out of shape for some reason. Anyhow, it didn't really last long, and by that evening, it was sunny again!

The next day, we packed up our stuff, and hopped back in the Rover for a long drive home - well it might have seemed that way, but Paisley and I slept almost the entire trip, so we didn't really care. We did get a bath (again!) when we got home, but for some reason, I am still really itchy. Oh well, I am getting a lot of attention from Richie and Christine, as well as a dollop of peanut butter every 6 hours).

Mischa

(editor's note: Mischa contracted a heat rash from spending so much time in and out of the water, so what she thinks is just peanut butter, is really a Benadryl caplet disguised inside)

Suckers!

So for a couple of months now, I've been fooling them by behaving like Paisley - I haven't been digging holes in the lawn or garden, I haven't shredded up my stuffed toys, and I've been really affectionate and attentive when I'm in the house. Heh heh... I lured them into a false sense of security, and they thought everything would be good. Until tonight.

Richie put a frozen hot dog in the sink to thaw while he went out to the garage to work. When he turned his back, I stood on my hind legs and managed to fish the tasty frozen treat out of the sink! But while I was up there, I saw that there was something else there that was worth investigating. It was a yummy chocolate cake! I peeled back the tin foil and took a few good bites of it. I was a nice dessert, but in truth, I much preferred the hot dog.

When will these two learn? I just can't be trusted.

Mischa

Posing...

Here we are, taking a few pics in the backyard with all of the foliage (the plants) grown in. It has been really hard for to go digging in the garden, as the plants are taking up so much space! Anyhow, I don't think they really like it when I dig anyways.

And here's the finished patio area that Richie made a while ago - now that the grass has grown in, it is a really nice place for us to sit and enjoy some sun... that is, if it's not too hot out. Otherwise, the cool concrete under the deck is where you will find me most of the time.

Mischa

The dog days of summer...

Now that Richie and Christine have finished their backyard landscaping, and the grass has grown back on the lawn, they are spending more time with us in the yard.

Here we are hanging out with Christine in the new little patio area at the back of the yard - I really like sitting under the bench, whereas Paisley is a little bit too big to slide under. She prefers to sit on their feet anyways.

While Richie has been busy with a large project in the garage (I haven't quite figured out what it is, but apparently we will find out on the July long weekend), Christine has been able to do some quality lounging on the patio. It must have been hot for her, as she has a towel on her head!

Mischa

More fun in the backyard

We had a nice weekend with Richie working in the backyard again. It seems he found yet another stash of cedar panels from the original kitchen demolition (long before I was born!). Anyhow, apparently, it was Christine's idea to use it for some end tables for the new bench at the back of the yard. So Richie started thinking and was busy cutting and sawing the wood until he made the tables. I try to get him to play while he's working, and will stand nearby and bark and bark, until he chases me away.

Here he is putting the finishing touches on the tables. At this point, it got kinda hot, and Paisley and I decided to get out of the mid-day sun, and have taken to the little nook in the garden wall that Richie made recently. It's nice 'cause we get to lie on the cool, damp ground, with a little bit of shade from one of Christine's bushes.

As you can also see, the grass is finally starting to grow... well, at least where I haven't been digging. The other day, I got sprayed in the face with the hose - I think it had something to do with the hole I dug in the garden, but I am not really sure. I dug another hole in the yard last night, and now it is already filled up, but it also smells like poo!?! I don't really understand what is going on, but I might just have to give up digging.

Mischa

Here's Humphrey!

Richie's sister came over on the weekend with Lupin and our new cousin Humphrey!

Here we are greeting our new 5-month-old cousin... as you can see, he's already pretty big for his age. He's surprisingly calm for a puppy - I was a lot crazier when I was his age. He actually has a whole different disposition than us Berners... apparently as a flock guardian, he is supposed to patrol the perimeter to make sure the sheep are safe from the wolves. So when he was here, he would walk around the fence and check things out, rather than attack us (like I would do). Funny huh?

Anyhow, he's really cute - not as cute as I was when I was a puppy, mind you. But nonetheless, he's still welcome here anytime.

Mischa

More funny pictures

Here's some pictures Richie took over the past few weeks that are kinda funny.

Look how far I can get the peanut butter container onto my snout so that I can get that last bit of scrumptious stuff from the bottom of the container!

Here's the famous "froggy" pose while I wait for Christine to get up on the weekend.

Paisley finally got her whole body up onto Christine's lap the other day - a 100 lb. lap doggie!

This is our typical pose by the front window as we watch Christine drive off every morning. Check out the size of Paisley's butt! BOL

Mischa