Day 1 - the Airport and Puppies

Monday 10/18/2010

Not having flown since 911, the airport was an "interesting" experience.  We got there an hour earlier than the two hours required, so had a LOT of time to kill.  I found out during the security check that I could have taken some toiletries along, good to know.  Also found it interesting that there are NO CLOCKS anywhere in the airport - very curious.  Candy found me right away and after a small mix up we connected with Bernie.  We took the scenic route to see the puppies, since someone was talking too much and missed a turn.

Immersing in puppies was totally fun.  Naturally they are wild little biting machines and especially love to go after feet, with or without shoes.  My nearly brand new shoes are looking rather frayed.

I made the mistake of picking Gimme up right away to love on her.  She made it clear, that effrontery was not to her liking.  So I backed off and let her come to me.  She is certainly an independent little spirit.  Throughout the evening I took time to single Gimme out for extra attention, but put her back with the others before she could object.

We took the pups outside and they really enjoy the romp.  They bound around climbing mountains and gamboling across the plains and thoroughly enjoy chewing on pine cones and Tana's oregano.  Its a hoot and a half.  While I was watching, they planned and executed an escape from the yard.  It provided a little excitement in our day.

The pups love spending time outside with their Uncle Jordi.  He really is the sweetest guy and just dotes on all his nieces and nephews. 

Mealtimes are barely controlled chaos.  They start fussing from the other room the moment they hear the preparations begin.  Strangely they do not fuss when we are preparing people food, so they've obviously discerned some difference.

After supper, Candy and I instigated a free-in-the-living-room play session with our two girls and another puppy.  Hers is Grace (was Johnnie) and mine, of course, is Gimme (was Petey).  Tana got a request for video of a person interacting with Brady.  I volunteered to play with the boy (God will honor my sacrifice).  It was fun - he's an engaging little man. 

Later got to talk to Nina about him and shared some other observations.  She has decided to get him and I know she will be well pleased with the choice. 

Editorial note:  Since I originally wrote this entry, Nina has started a blog for the little man, who is now known as Maverick.  You can follow Maverick's Blog too, if I don't keep you busy enough.

Tana also taught Candy and I how to make really nice fleece tugs for the dogs.  Naturally I've already developed a variation that is faster, as well as a different braid design...