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.

SOMETIMES IT'S JUST ME AND ELF.
The harried activity of the holiday season is half way over and I need a nap. All the food, all the company, all the guest fawning over me and all the special attention I get from my Daddies at times becomes overwhelming. I ate too much; I worked too hard on opening my presents; I wore myself thin trying to be "cute" for the guests and company. Now, I just need a nap with my little snuggle-buddy, Alf. Sush.

DREAMING OF LOBSTERS.
T'was the night before Christmas when all through the house hussle and bussle could be heard in every corner. David and Thom were preparing for tomorrow's feast. The house smelled of all kinds of goodies, but the one scent that captured my soul was sitting atop the dining room table. Lobster, yes, it was lobster. And I knew there was one with my name on it. I had already eaten my supper and was having a snooze while visions of bright red crustaceans danced in my head. Oh, will tomorrow ever arrive?

SANTA PAWS CAME TO MY HOUSE.
I knew when they put up the tree there were going to be presents for me to open. Sure enough, I came downstairs the other morning and the place was dripping with bright colored packages. I only wish they were all for me; but I made out all right. In fact, the week before, I got my doggie cousins' Christmas gift because I smelled it in the bag the minute Daddy David brought it into the house. I was just my persistent demanding self and never left his side until I got those doggie chew bones. I guess Thom and David must have bought more for Patrick, Lytton and Benny because I devoured all three from the initial purchase.
I really enjoy tearing the paper off my gifts. Christmas is so special. We always have lots of good food too. This year we had lobster and naturally, I had my very own. Company came, supposedly for dinner, but I understood they just came to pay a social call on me. Boy do I get lots of attention and praise when the house is full of guests. I deserve it too. I wish Christmas was more that once a year!