Meltdown

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With the recent political news, I hope this blog gives you a distraction. We are experiencing snow falling off the gazebo only to fall on an unsuspecting dog as if to say WHAT!! That is what happened today. I think she thought it came from the sky. Dennis quickly removed it all so no more slide downs. It is okay. Ella is okay. It happened to Ella - not a visiting dog. That was our excitement for the day.

Ellie and Coco was here for their play and grooming. Ellie never goes to bed for a nap with Nathan but Coco does so I made sure I did her 1st so she could nap. LOL It is funny which dogs love napping and which say - not today!

Panda and her pal in life Logan are back enjoying warm blankets after they go outside. I think they are ones that enjoy it immensely. 

Last night the dogs took the covers off me and I woke up shivering. I think they wanted the blankets for themselves.

We remain hibernating but I do go out with the dogs at times to get fresh air. Dennis and Nathan go out much more than me. I hate winter. As they say - it is what it is.

Oh This Weather

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With this freezing rain they went out between but oh boy snowballs galore on the legs. I am using a plastic slicker for time and it is working. using a metal one will ruin the hair. What a winter this is.

Most of the dogs have departed and a few more are coming this month. 

I am making progress with the 3d printer. It is not there yet but it is now unclogged but printing a stringing mess and that is actually progress. Each day I read and learn and play. It is a process. I have decided to take a udemy course - now to find the time as I still need to exercise for sanity sake. It has been over a year - started December 24, 2024 and I have not missed a day. It is paying off as my resting rate is 55 down from 80. So, it is more than weight but improving my health. 

Dogs were silly crazy today. That last night outside though brings them to a bed that they make wet from the snow. I try to wrap myself in dryness but they like to be close. The crazy issues of a dog parent.

Oh the Holiday End

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It was supposed to be my day off but it isn't. I had dogs to wash and cut so we will try tomorrow. Still can't get my 3d printer up and working. I may forget about it and put it in a closet - how I feel. Not today - is my mantra.

This is not a political environment but I no longer feel any allegience to the United States under the influence of Trump. What a crying shame and now there is talk all over reddit, X, bluesky etc about him screaming he is going to invade Greenland, Mexico, Cuba and yes Canada. Jake Broe says this is how world wars begin under a madman that precipitates it. 

Enough politics - just had to get my stress level under control. Sometimes it helps to vent. Not today but trying.

Ollie and Petey's momma was able to get out of Aruba so they are picking the dogs up tonight or tomorrow morning. I can't let them out as we have that snowball snow out there. 

Dogs act differently here than at home, at times. Trying to grasp why as Ollie at home doesn't like outside and here he LOVES it. He can't wait to get outside. Go figure... They both enjoy themselves so. 

I find dogs fascinating. It seems they like to fool us, at times or maybe we put our own perception and skew reality. Who knows.

I am back to bare feet at night, during the day. I need socks badly and Cinnamon thinks they are hers to destroy. Not sure what got her into this mode but if I don't have them on, I can't lose anymore. Not the way to proceed but hey short term it is a solution.

It was a dog day - they have smiled all day. Me - well we won't talk about that but it is 2026.

Oh the Cold of It

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Juni is here - the one in the front who happens to be a Yoshi pup from her 1st litter. Jax is in the back. Jax departs tonight. 

It is so cold out there that Dennis uses an ice pick to pick up poop. He is so diligent about it that I wonder why you see anything when it comes spring. 

Bailey was here for a groom and is salivating about dinner. Not sure what she eats at home but she thinks steak suits her just fine. We do feed the dogs well. I guess we care more about the dogs than the money, it seems. LOL

Brodie has been doing the zoomies today - like wild and crazy zoomies. He got everyone joining in with his enthusiasm and you could tell he was proud of himself. A little cuddle, a run and the world is a great place. 

Now they eat with gusto. 

I need more socks. I walk around with barefeet and always find myself freezing but Hallie has an issue. I put socks on at night to stay warm and wake up to go to the bathroom as Hallie is eating my socks off me as I sleep. I am so tired lately that I don't even realize it till I realize and then it is too late. She does this with underwear too. It is mind boggling as no matter how much I chastise her, she does this till I am left with chunks out of my socks or no socks. I suppose I should not wear socks so I have some left and the underwear is now in a closed bedroom closet as that is ridiculous.

Just some insight into our challenges - well mine.

Dogs are having fun. Many have departed. Those that remain are having a blast.

Last of those flying out of Aruba has now made it home or to the states. Crazy world we live in - rather scary. 

We surround ourselves with dogs so it helps to make that reality fade, to a point.

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday - 1st of the year!

Brr

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There is not many photos today as I have a ton of grooming. I am taking a break to update the blog then back to it.

I am going to watch more Landman while grooming as Dennis finds it too soap operish for him - whatever that is.

We still have a few going home. A few families that made it out of Aruba and a few that can't get out due to Venezuela. All planes are halted, at the moment. Makes planning for grooming hard but that is nothing compared to being stuck somewhere. Poor people. 

The dogs will be fine. They like it here - lol

Dogs today are finding it cold. Just more toasty indoors. I get that. I went out with them and shook despite a heavy coat. What a cold winter.

Warmer Inside

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It is warmer inside. It just is 4 months away from warmth. I am counting on it. LOL

The dogs that remain are having a blast. 

We have class tonight. It is Nathan's day off and let's see he went for blood tests at Lifelabs, food shopped. Now he has class. That about sums up days off around here.

Dennis doesn't like Landman so it is me alone that will watch it. I can do it while grooming too on the ipad. I have this retractable arm that holds the ipad. I am adjusting to the new headphones that are actually nice as I take the headphones off my head and it stops whatever I am listening to at that moment. I still hate the sound but have to find time to figure out perfecting the sound. For now, I tolerate.

Dogs didn't want to stay outdoors too much. They realize it is cold - me too. I have been playing with them a great deal today. They have had a ton of fun. 

Still trying to figure out the 3d printer. I did a factory reset on it and send out a test. Eventually I will learn how to fix this or that. I guess I was lucky to print out as a much as I have without much of an issue. 3d printers are not for the faint of heart. You really must learn the machine. Oh well - eventually I will. 

Someone gave us these treats for the dogs - believe it was Lola the puppy and the dogs loved them. Of course Stryker is miffed as he doesn't get dinner on class night. He looks at us as if we are mean.

New Year's Day

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It is still mighty cold almost bitter cold out so short play sessions outside and they know the drill again. If this human or Dennis and/or Nathan is cold - well it is time to come in. Better to go out many times vs freezing your ahem off, I say.

I made it till midnight and so did the dogs but not Dennis or Nathan. 

I groomed. Dogs departed and I am fighting with my 3d printer as it is giving me fits so taking a break. It can be quite challenging to get proper prints and you do silly things - oh well. A break is a good thing. I had things planned after doing something for someone else then it said to me - no. I laugh - technology. I will try more things tomorrow to find a solution. 

I am trying to get Dennis to watch a show - episode 1 so we can watch it together. Nathan watches Korean tv and AI junk so he is alone with that. LOL Dogs don't care so some keep him company.

Charlie, Jax and Barney departs tomorrow. The house is emptying out. We miss them when they go. 

Can't believe it is 2026. How did that happen?

Happy New Year's Eve

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It remains cold. Dogs go in and out but do not stay outside long except dogs like Chai, Rain and Stryker. Maybe they embrace this winter as they should. I found myself going out back and dealing with ice. I was nervous. Dennis walks out there like nothing and so do the dogs. Me, I hold on to everything. I am certainly a woose as I get older.

Still, I ran around like a fool inside with the dogs. I got in extra exercise and had fun.

I am working on creating a watch stand that I can insert my charger in. It is printing now but will need to be assembled. I hope it comes out. I printed it in a deep metallic blue and bronze gold. It still prints away till 8pmish. 

Many dogs were groomed and departed. The last to go will be Coco the maltese. She has been a real hoot this trip. She gets everyone paying attention to her and they all do. 

Tonight Nathan will go to bed at 930pm and I will attempt to stay up. I never make it. I may be awake at midnight but certainly in bed. The dogs just don't get this craziness. I am not sure I do.

But here is to a sensation 2026 to everyone!! Stay safe, healthy and smile - and if so inclined dance like you mean it and you soon will!

So Cold

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It is ever so cold out and today someone took our blue bins - can you believe? We have looked all around the block. It is so strange. Nathan is back out looking to see if someone placed them back out but nope - not there.

It was bitter cold out today. 

Dogs did go out for short stints throughout the day. 

Tomorrow we have dogs arriving for New Year's eve and day. People are planning to party - good for them. Create some memories.

Here we will be celebrating with the dogs. We will be toasty warm. I will have a drink - some good tv watching. I started watching Landman season 1 and season 2 is already out. I just watched the 1st episode  but I liked it so much, I plan to watch the rest. I like the actors in it too. What are you watching?

Some dogs departed. Planes are late. Someone is stuck in Japan - terrible place to be stuck in - not but still when you want to get home - you want to get home.

It was so cold, I warmed up blankets for the dogs. They love it and it is as easy as throwing them in the dryer. On cold days, I imagine they feel good as they roll and cuddle in them. Smart dogs!

Icy Times

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It is so icy out there that the dogs really appreciate the warmth indoors. I know - I swear they told me so when they look out and say - really?

The play is rather fun to take in. They do know how to enjoy.

Nathan got the wipers fixed. It was a nut that had fallen off - if you can believe. It was dicey driving in the rain to the car repair place but he accomplished it. 

I bought a cheaper headphones - have to learn how to connect and use them before tomorrow as I have a lot to groom then and I do appreciate listening to stuff.

We are about to snuggle with dogs and watch tv. 

Hope you didn't have to drive anywhere as it is crazy out there.

Update and Fun

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This is Yoshi's Lola with her partner in crime, Axel. They are getting along fabulous. I am told they both have the same spunk but watching a video, she is too smart as she cuts him off at the pass when running in the back yard. Be still my heart. I needed to hear good news today!

This was the wrong day. If anything was going to go wrong - well that's today, it seems. 

Dead high end headphones - there goes my tips, broken wiper mechanism for the car - won't even turn on, filament stringing, a warnings for filament and tubing errors, wet dogs that need drying, exploded bed in the washer that we are still dealing with - blockages, stupid filler pellets that seem to never stop appearing and I used all my grey filament but found one - last remaining one. Got to order more as grey is what I need for a project I have in mind. I place that up so I remind myself. I also found out what splendid stringing is about and why it occurs. Should make a glorious piece of art work from it.  I could go on as there is more but I won't bore you. 

I had so many wet dogs to comb and dry today. Will it stop raining or just bloody snow? Now they say we are under snow squall warnings. Alert - it is raining here not snowing. Where are you weather alert people? Are you looking outside?

I am in a mood... it has been a day.

But the dogs had a splendid time. Ms Coco refused to go out in this rain and can you blame her? She looked at me and used the pad then looked at me as if to say - really no need to go out. 

The dogs always manage to have fun and I want to be a dog that lives here!

Oh the Joy of Craziness

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Petey is saying - I can see you - you know. 

Dennis is off to the movies with his brothers to see Avatar. He won't return home till just before bed. 

I think my 3d printer is having a heart attack as I have been printing nonstop. If I am exercising and my phone says a print is done, I run upstairs to get it set up for another and then go back to exercise. I so hope I am done tomorrow so I can print something fun for me. I do not know what that is yet - lol

Dash and Tessa departed today and are off on holidays with their humans for 4 months. Jax and Nori departed too. Tomorrow PJ and Simba depart. Then on Monday I have a day off. I so need it. LOL

My late mom had dementia so I try to work my mind by learning. Nathan teases me that if it happens to me, he will drop me off at a parking lot. I laugh but when I stop laughing - well that is a scary thought. So, if you wonder why I am constantly learning - well I enjoy but want to keep the mind working. Silly but true...

Last night was really wet. Blow drying multiple dogs is not fun just before bed and I think tonight will be the same but who wants a wet bed or to have chilled dogs. 

Still, even with ice, the dogs trudge out there and play as it may be their human's holiday but it is their holiday and they so know how to have fun!

Winter Wonderland

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Ollie and Siopao had a huge play session but they were hardly one of the only ones. Jersey and Winston who both departed today also played their heads off. Still they all played at various times but who carries a camera around?

Mia who is 16.5 years old ate 2 full meals today and licked her bowl clean. When dogs get old, they tend to eat less like us - well some of us. I could eat all day if it was chocolate or great tasting food. LOL 

Ms Coco didn't want to be out in the snow. She is a bit miffed that Mia is trying to monopolize Nathan's time so she gets creative about it. That gal is smart! Hazel has learned by watching Coco. Socks - well he just looks as if to say REALLY!

Teddy and Charlie depart tomorrow and have they made new pals. Jax and Nori depart too and Nori came completely out of her shell. Ollie and Petey have been playing outside so much that they are wet rags way too often. It is a riot!

Kevin - why do you want everyone else's bowls. I so laugh... Benjy too.... ah it is dinner time and can I have yours too? Simba - what can we say about Simba - a puppy who just thinks life is all about having fun. You should have seen Simba, Stryker, Winston and Quinn together this week. It was hysterical. Skylar is like a flower blooming. She doesn't let the weather bother her and demands her warm blankets after an outing as I always do when it is snowy or wet out there.

Oh and Big Coco think snow angels are the best. She thinks someone gave her a holiday present called snow. 

I could go on but I would bore you. 

I will say I won't be revealing names but last night someone grabbed the end of the toilet paper and ran with it till it was empty. I was brushing my teeth. I turned around and like a run that I was imagining was at the speed of light, the toilet paper was empty and a dog smiling from ear to ear was at the other end. 

This is some of the fun we deal with daily and I do have my sense of humour as it is plain fun to see this in action. 

Christmas

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This is Winston and Hazel playing up a storm.

Kitty, Jim and Derek wanted to wish everyone at Talemaker a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year. 

Merry Christmas, Nathan and Darlah!

Chester is doing amazing, growing like crazy and having a blast with the whole family. Here is his first time in the snow, his Christmas Eve bath, and a pose in front of the tree. He is such a blessing to our family.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and wish you all the best in the New Year!

Blessings.

Chester and the MacDonald family

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The dogs here are having a great time. Nathan made chicken and fed them warm dinner of freshly cooked chicken and steak for those that can't have chicken. They all ate it with gusto.

There has been a tremendous amount of play.

I added 2 christmas photos to the blog that we received. Hope you enjoy!!

Holiday Week

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Tobi - a Hallie pup came to join us just for the day while his family are doing festivities tonight for Christmas eve. He is so excited to be here and thoroughly pleased with having so many to play with. 

We have an amazingly fun house today. The dogs are so excited.

Quinn departed today and I will tell you waggy tail to see his mom. You will also see him in the gallery playing with Nathan jumping up and down with excitement. He was a joy to have here. We so enjoyed him.

Sherry and I exchange gifts for the holiday so I am busy making her things she wants with my 3d printer and she is buying me a 4 pack of filament. Filament is what is used and melted down to create.  I just started and 30 minutes later the 1st may be done. I made a can holder for the fridge for Dennis. That took 11 hours. LOL No wonder why some people have several printers as some of this stuff takes forever but fun to watch. I really didn't want a 3d printer. I actually wanted an engraver but here I am learning and actually having fun. I have a long way to go but I am learning. I have already gone through a spool of filament already and I suspect many more will end up empty. 

We are going to watch the last Pluribus tonight. 

Looks like Jersey departs tomorrow and Gucci arrives.

I have done 365 days of exercise without missing a day. Today was a year. I am shocked that I stuck with it this long and it has been this long since I started. It helps me manage stress and gets me healthy so I can be all I can be for Nathan, the dogs, our kids and every one else that I am fond of. 

It is icy out there. We have a ton of that dog safe out in front to stop anyone from slipping. I wish they sold this stuff in a huge bucket full. Maybe they do and I just don't know where to get it.

The dogs are about to eat and Nathan just made them steak to add into their food. I wonder why he didn't make me one. LOL

Happy Holiday season everyone!

Oh the Wet Play

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We had a big meltdown where it appeared like rain coming off the gazebos. The dogs really were wetter than wet. Still, fun was had as you can see in this photo. 

It was Dennis day off so I was the photo taker. Will we have snow this week? They say maybe rain. LOL

We had a good time watching Avatar while Dennis held down the fort. You really should see it if it is your type of movie. 

Today we simply chilled and played.

Tomorrow Quinn gets a groom - boy he needs it and he will depart to go home for the holidays. He truly had a great time. 

We have a really fun house, at the moment according to the dogs!

Holiday Fun

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Yes, we have the pups playing but we also have a number of adult visitors enjoying each other. 

Ms Coco the maltese demanded to nap with Nathan today. When he invited the pups, she went what about me. He smiled and off she traipsed off to nap with Nathan. We love the Coco.

I also want to say thank you to her parents for such a lovely huge basket. Dennis said look at what I can make and pasta too! lol He so loves being able to create.

Dennis took Saipoa, Dimsum and Kevin last night to his bedroom as he simply wanted some dogs with him. 

Tenshi's family also gave the dog's a real treat too - how nice is that? They will all have a treat tonight!

The dogs are truly having an outstanding time. The pups - well they always have the fun in them. 

Dogs are chilling or playing or napping depending on the time of the day and how much they played. 

It is cold out but we have an amazingly fun house, at the moment. It is like they were invited to a party and everyone truly and genuinely likes each other. 

Tonight Nathan and I are heading to Avatar on the movie screen. It is a very rare treat. It is a 3 hour movie so Dennis will be holding down the fort. Looking forward to getting out of the house before the after Xmas crew arrives.

Perfect Balance in Play

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I watch Quinn with fascination. He thought he could climb into the dishwasher and Winston was going to join him. Stryker and Simba had no desire. Quinn plays and stands for the longest time standing perfectly balanced on his 2 back feet. Not since Fiona have I seen a dog that can do that. 

Everyone slept till 7am today. They also had a long nap with Nathan this afternoon. The pups were out cold. 

We had visitors come and go. Some remained that arrived today. It is almost Christmas. People look for warmer places or heading to families. Our fun is dogs and people coming to drop off and pickup - good conversations and dogs that are excited. 

I want to thank Ronnie for the lovely gifts for Dennis, Nathan and I. It was great to see you and hear such great news. Latkes yum!!

Even though it was and is ever so cold out, the dogs still enjoyed outside. Me, not so much. We had wind and our back door blew open as someone forgot to lock it and I woke up to a mighty freezing house. We always lock the doors so this was unusual. No one is taking credit for it. Imagine that. I was busy grooming and I do the dishes - not take the dogs out last at night. So, I know it wasn't me. We could have had critters come in - geez. We were upstairs sleeping and actually toasty warm. The kitchen though.... snow would have survived in it. Guess who will be checking the door tonight? I can guarantee it will be locked every night. You can count on it. I am going to hate seeing the bill for last night. 

That was our fu

Fun Day Today

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We have a ton of fun with a house full of pups. 

Want to say thank you to Atoosa and her husband for the present of nuts and thank you to Kathy for the cookies that are almost all gone. Plus the gift from Ellie's family - special! Tonight a gift from Malla's mom - deepest appreciation!

Quinn is here having a total blast. Atoosa and her husband brought Kandoo and Nafas over to play with the pups. Winston will join the fun shortly. 

I had a very full day of grooming so I missed some of it and some of it I clicked and enjoyed. I even shortened my exercise just so I could participate. I have my priorities. We also have a pup called Simba who is from Paula here. So it is a fun silly house. We had Malla, Gus, Ellie, Pepper, Skylar, Mia, Maurey, Jersey, Ty, Petey and Ollie here. Some were here for the day and grooming (I had a ton of groomings - same tomorrow - always before Christmas) so they have or will depart later tonight or shortly.

The dog play has been amazing. You can't help but laugh - a real belly laugh too.

I am doing a print that takes 11 hours. I used up my black - good thing I had another as it was midstream. I learned how to reload and continue. I still have 4 hours to go. LOL It is the longest one I have done. I am learning. How could I print so much when I used other colours and run out of black. Last night while I slept I did an orchid plant pot that was really well designed. The fun you can have. It is dangerous but I pay little to politics so that's a positive. 

Dennis computer won't turn on so he is depressed and computer parts as of late are really expensive. I told him he will figure it out - hopefully.

Can you imagine so many pups in bed tonight? Going to be fun!

Cold and Windy

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It is so windy Nathan is thinking of not going to class. He has not decided. All I know is even the dogs think it is cold out there and it is. I am sitting with wet hair and thought I was going. Maybe I should dry it anyways.

We have had some cancellations - dogs sick, emergency in family etc. So, if you need to get shopping done or need a break, we are here. We suddenly have room.

I am tired tonight. Think I feel like my brain needs a break. 

The dogs are really a great cohesive group here. Sometimes it takes someone a day to warm up especially if they haven't been socoalized but they always do. They realize the friends they make brings a ton of fun. Our dogs tend to welcome quite nicely and enjoy the new fresh faces and the old friends they haven't seen for a bit.

Hope you have everything done for the holidays. That mad rush can be - well madness.