At the Toutle River

Henry is having a short time out. He and his cousin, Daisy Mae, we're getting way too rambunctious and there were a couple of startled yips from one of them.

Do all puppy Mamas give time outs or is Henry the only one suffering from the mean Mom?

Henry - mighty traveller

Henry finally got to revisit his cousin Harlow Jean. He had a great time with her and his Tante Kathy. Kathy has a doggie treat drawer that has become he ry's favorite place next to where ever Harlow Jean is located. Harlow is a very mellow youngster and tolerated Henry's enthusiasm with patience.


The North Cascades pass was beautiful. Snow and really incredible mountains. It is closed late October to April because of the heavy snows.

After a great visit, off we went over the pass to Lynden. On the way we stopped at a market -- Henry was not invited in, too scary!! Had to share though. How is that for a grocery store?

Salad Makings

After a careful evaluation of the vegetable matter available, Henry has selected a round leafed morsel as his chosen target. He made it to the dock to look over the inventory, then plopped in to collect one at a time.

There is almost no hesitation jumping in the water now - but he is maintaining his dry back, head and tail.

The best part is that my little worker is not eating the stuff - so I don't have to do a safety check and better yet - I should be doing that weeding anyhow. Must say, I can't wait until he sees the muskrat. It is larger than Henry!

Oops....

So here is the deal. It has been raining with enthusiasm off and on for two and a half days. Henry is a Southern California dog.

Henry took one listen to what was happening outside - and sometime between midnight and six a.m. he climbed off his cozy spot at the foot of the bed and made a bad choice.

Mama rolled her eyes and thanked the doggie angel guiding her steps that it was not a sleepy eyed Papa wandering out first.

Ah, Henry. So many rules. I heard dogs can mature to a human three year old. Remembering my two human daughters, I must say that is a really endearing year.

Not a Summer Day

We had the first dramatic storm of the summer. Lightening and huge immediate claps of thunder are not Henry's favorite things. He was more than ready to take both on, but I talked him out of it.

Greg and I had fingers crossed that the trees around the house would not take a hit. They didn't, but when the weather clears enough we will take Henry in an explore to see what did get struck.

So we are inside today - with quick trips out to cut wood. The kitchen ceiling is nearly finished - we just need to do wood fill and seal. Yay for rainy days!

Oh, and if you are a plant person I have a question for you. The beautiful little pink and delicately scented flower is at a neighbors house. The bush is about ten feet tall and covered with these flowers. Later in the summer it is just leaves. Do you know what it is? I am sure Henry would love to have one down by the lake!

Poor Bored Henry

Henry's humans are working on the cabin kitchen - finishing work started a couple of years ago.

Henry has attempted to steal the cut pieces, the tape measure, the pencils, the drill bits. He has barked at the boats, the walkers, the birds, the rustling leaves.

Next the electrical - and then maybe a trip down to the lake for our good boy!

Grooming Success

Okay I know Henry looks his best all long haired and brushed out -- but his fascination with the lake, the bushes in the forest and all things dirty and able to tangle in his fur has led him to his latest puppy cut.

He is, of course, still his old handsome self, but I had to tighten up his seatbelt harness a full inch so you might not recognize the boy!

As always, the groomers loved him. See. Here is proof! What do you mean they say exactly the same thing on all the puppy sheets? Of course they do. All the pooches are as wonderful and sweet - and clean for the first five minutes leaving the groomer.

Old Dog - No New Tricks

Henry was offered the Sunshine Award by the very generous Peace Love and Poodles blogger. (A sharp and fun site to visit if you have not discovered it yet.) Henry's poor techno dummy Mama could not figure out how to upload the award photos or link to the "pass it to the next" requirements. I can do that stuff on my computer in Whittier. I sure cannnot do it out on my iPad at Loon Lake. So thank you Peace, Love and Poodles, and to my friends out there in cyber land, please know I enjoy your blogs and visit them even when I don't always leave a comment. I'm sending you my own "You Make Henry's Sun Shine" award.

Henry would love to romp with you!

Chilly Lake - Happy Splasher!

Henry followed Odin into the water and out to the dock! It must be all of three feet. What joy. He raced around in circles on the grassy area at the lake in celebration of his incredible bravery.

We had Great Grandma's Dutch for breakfast. We had my Mom's nacho casserole for lunch. Henry played in the water while we made s'mores. Life is good!

Day Eleven - at the lake

Henry has met a tall poodle-lab mix, a Scottie, a cute little fluffy red head, and a spaniel. So far they have only visited through the fence, much to Henry's disgust.

Henry's parents have been busy clearing out all the winter debris - and there was a lot! Done now so I guess we will need to organize play dates.

There are lots of steps down to the lake so not today. Henry is pooped. Parents too.

Wednesday - day nine

We made it to Loon Lake - Henry even allowed us to get the water started. In a few hours we will have hot water! Life just doesn't get much better than that.

We passed scores of huge wind turbines on the way. Henry slept through all the scenery. Bored.

He did not sleep through our attempts at leveling the burro. He did doggie laughter at our ineptness.

Daisy Mae and Henry

My brother and sister's place on the Toutle River reminds me of that magical place my mom's aunt Mina lived on the island near Seattle. Up a forested almost hidden road to Mina's little house. The setting something like the seven dwarfs place - but without the wicked queen.

Henry has found this the best "back yard" ever in Rog and Karrie's forested fourteen acres. He has kept busy romping with his very active cousin, Daisy Mae and he has fallen asleep without a twitch all night long - delightfully exhausted.

The Toutle

This place is so beautiful. If I tried to imagine the perfect little spot of nature, this could be it. Everything is so lush....except Henry and his cousin Daisy. They want to play together so bad they threaten to destroy each other. Daisy is still a pup and hasn't figured out she is three times Henry's size--but they are getting there. A natural girl, Daisy just wants to have fun.

Daisy makes a wonderful "hummm ah hummm" sound to tell you things. I haven't heard her bark. She is a sweetie pie, definitely not a guard dog.

Day Four

Fun day for Henry! Lenny is a French bulldog who lives at my younger daughter's house.

Not only that!! Behind the garage is a old fence barely doing its job. Guess what is just on the other side - yummy fresh chicken dinners. Henry was beside himself with glee.

Day Three

We made up the road past Shasta. It was beautiful with a misty halo. This is such beautiful country.

On the way, stopping for coffee, we parked with the big boys. The burro felt so important!

Day Two

What the heck?? Another day in the car with my treats and toys? Humph. Sue says tonight will be in the woods (that is doggie good) near a rail road museum (stuff to pee on).

The Trip - Day One

Final we are off on our adventure. Henry has already proved himself useful! He made us stop for a pottie break only to discover our deferred door maintenance probably should not have waited until after the trip.

The door was open! The chaos within was threatening to become freeway carpeting. It appears we only lost one curtain rod - which is great considering. Anyhow, Henry's timing was wonderful!

Don't bother him. He is having a thank you treat.