ANOTHER ROAD TRIP.
We just returned from Portland. The last time I was in Portland I was in intensive care at the Doggie Hospital having a blood transfusion and I certainly have no pleasant memories of that. This time was different; it was a little holiday. I got to lounge around the room and eat goodies from room service. I made some new friends and got fussed over by other guest we met in the hallway. I also acquired a new member to my part-time staff. His name is Danny and he was my doggy sitter (although I prefer the term "companion") while my daddies kept an appointment. We had some wicked snow down there and city driving was slow and bumpy; but it is winter in Maine and that's what we get - SNOW!

OPEN THE DOOR, IT'S COLD OUT HERE.
Boy, that white stuff is everywhere. Yesterday I almost disappeared into it when I stepped out the front door. I decided the back deck is the best access at this time of year. But - the staff must be on the alert to open the door immediately when I have concluded my outing.

WINTER RECREATION.
Ah, yes - time for winter sports. Now, when I was a bit younger that meant a reckless romp in the fresh powdery snow or a long leisurely walk in the woods at Shackford head. I also thoroughly enjoyed facing the gale when I would go to the corner or the driveway during a Nor'easter, plant my feet firmly and lift my majestic head directly into the wind. It was delicious. The scents that came crashing in on me were momentarily overwhelming and I loved to feel the icy chill on my nose while my ear were waving in the gust like little black and white pennants.
I still like kicking powdery snow and I can face a good gale now and again, but my new favorite winter activity is snoozing with Daddy David in the afternoon in the bright sunny bedroom. Yeah! Good times.

PATIENCE PAYS.
I have learned to always be on the alert. I am especially attuned to kitchen clanging and food preparation sounds. I am able to hear the zip locked cheese container being open from the upstairs bedroom. A sound that particularly captures my interest is the noise of the ice cream maker. When the whirring begins I know I only have to be patience for 30 minutes and then a sorrowful pleading look with just the right amount of cuteness will get me a few licks on the ice c ream dasher before it goes into the dishwasher. It is not easy for a Dalmatian to have patience, but it usually always pays off.

WINTER DREAMING.
I had a dream last night. I thought I was at the breakwater enjoying french fries and a hot dog from Rosie's - my favorite summer haunt. I could smell the sea air and hear the gulls squawking high above me.
Soon I awoke and went outside only to discover it is still winter here in Eastport. Although I love the snow and the brisk wind, I was a little disappointed to realize that a hot dog from Rosie's is yet a few more months away. oh well, I can dream - can't I?

MY THINGS.
Occasionally I have an off day. I am not sick or anything serious; I just kind of feel icky. All I want to do is be lazy and take it easy until I am my old perky self again.
At times like these it is such a comfort to have my own things - like my white waffle weave security blanket. There is something magic about it. David or Thom cover me up and snuggle me in and all of a sudden all's right and cozy in the world. It is so special to be pampered.

PACKAGES FROM AFAR.
This year I got packages in the mail too. Aunt JoAnne in Las Vegas sent me a Dalmatian puppet which I have not destroyed or eviscerated (yet). Aunt Frani in Ohio sent me a lobster which has since bit the dust. He has been completely eviscerated and now looks more like lobster road kill. However his legs were very well constructed and are still functional for a good tug-of-war when I am in the mood. Yep, everybody spoils me - even my aunties.