Day 79: My Fantasy Comes True About A Year Too Late

If you're as lucky as I am, you may live long enough to realize your fantasy. But you might find, like I did today... that it's a year or more too late!

You see... back in Chapter One, I dreamed of a day like today... where I found myself on the inside of the house enjoying the cool airs and the television... and the peoples were locked outside the doors against their will.

Such was the case when the Mom locked herself out of the house this morning. And I experienced a quick moment of deep satisfaction until...

My fantasy failed me as my new Mom talked to me through the door. And I wanted more and more to just be on WHATEVER side of the threshold she was on!

Took her a while and a lot of banging, but we were reunited... and I was ONE HAPPY LULU!

Day 78: Celebrating My Dozenth Friday Night!

Chased squirrels and gathered pecans with the Mom till dark. Then got down to serious relaxation with Kongy (and love for Aunt Karen)!

Mom said am I not bout the cutest thing in the world?

Day 77: What A Difference A Kongy Makes!

Deer Aint Karen,

I love you. I do.

First you steer me in the direction of this sweet gig you called the Mom.

Later you tell the sweet Mom I need [ac]tivities like a Kongy, Animal Planet in the talkin box and a Easter cookie hunt when she's at the factry.

In all my nine years, never even got left in the in-of-doors much less got nothin like I got now! Everthing but the hunt is all mine cause of you, and I think it might be round the corner cause everthing you said has come or is true.

So much so that I'm startin to think you might be right bout nother lil bundle of joy. Vote in my poll and help me decide. There's some debate goin on in this household right now... bout whether a young sister or a blue brother might be the best addition. Not sure how things all shake out but Kongy is all mine, and you are my witness.

I like I can go to you in times of need and you come thru wiff stuff that makes me happy and the Mom not worry so much. You did a good job pickin her outta the masses, but holy Jeebers the worryin that woman does over me! Guessin I seen both sides of that speck-trum, and not only is worryin better but outta all the worryin moms... you picked the one I'd a picked in a blind sniff test. I got some work to do on her still, but she's good stock.

Thats what I'm sayin wiff all the thanks and love in my heart.

Your Nef-You Luke and His Friend Kongy

Day 76: Goldens Rule... How To Entertain a Golden Retriever!

Meet My Best Friend, Kongy!





















Stuff his belly with a coupla Molasses Madnesses.


And then plug his holes with the sweet nectar of the Gods!
























And then hand him over (freezing optional, Mom!)!

Day 75: Last Day of Vacay!

Did lots of ins and outs. Played hard wif my Wittle Wammy. Chased Squirrels. Watched hummingbirds. Took a nap on the big bed. Worked on my MasterCenterPiece.

Then ended it wif a baff dat tasted good!





And a frisky romp through da yard!



It was a wonderful holiday!

A GOLDEN RETRIEVER WHO'S NOT ASHAMED TO BEG FOR COMMENTS

90% of my life was lived in the back yard.
9.5% of my life was lived in a kennel, with my life hanging in the blance.
And coming up on 0.5% of my life lived in the relative luxury of choosing which side of the door I'm on... as well as other complex choices, including sleeping arrangements and which toy I'm taking to bed.

So I ain't averse to beggin'! Fact is, this lil blog is my way to try and connect wif ya... and ya'all 'bout the cari'nest and wittiest folks I know... so I really wanna hear whatcha gotta say!

I've gotten questions about the COMMENT process, so you might find it a lil complicated. If so, I'd like to offer some tips!

From the main page:

1. Click on the link at the bottom of my post... that most likely reads "0 Comments"
2. Enter your comment and the word verification (helps me prevent spam comments).
3. Choose an identity. If you have a Google name and password, enter at the defautl. If not... and most of you don't, select "Name/URL" and enter the name to which you want your comment to be. (Example... "Aunt Bea"). If that isn't anonymous for you, select the last option... "Anonymous".
4. Preview or publish your comment.

And this might be easier for some (not sure)... From the main page:

1. Click the blog title link.
2. Scroll down to the "Post a Comment" link and click it.
3. Enter your comment and the word verification (helps me prevent spam comments).
4. Choose an identity. If you have a Google name and password, enter at the defautl. If not... and most of you don't, select "Name/URL" and enter the name to which you want your comment to be. (Example... "Aunt Bea"). If that isn't anonymous for you, select the last option... "Anonymous".
5. Preview or publish your comment.

Ole Luke don't lie on command, so here's another truth... I got a hankerin' for Golden Boy to be listed as a " Blog of Note"! So, if you got it in ya to help me... (1) COMMENT!, AND (2) follow this link and then:

1. Scroll down the "Vote For A Feature" list and select: "Recommend a Blog of Note".
2. When the menu expands, insert "http://goldenboyluke.blogspot.com/" in the "Blog URL" field.

Live to love ya'all! Inspire me! This could be fun! Paw-ticipate... pwease?!

Day 74: Poll 1 Is Closed!

A regular and interactive feature I include on this lil technological masterpiece I call a blog is what you might call a poll. How it works is I ask a question that puzzles me... and you help me solve that puzzle by votin'.

Now keep in mind... you only help me if you actually vote! Ignorin' the puzzlement... or even thinkin' 'bout it and not votin'... helps me none, not even one lil iota. Not meanin' to make ya mad, cause I know you're the sensitive sort... but consider your nose rubbed in it!

Now here are the results from Poll 1:

WHEN SHOULD I STOP COUNTING THE DAYS? I'M GRATEFUL
FOR EVERY ONE OF THEM, BUT I'M NOT SURE I CAN KEEP IT UP FOREVER. WHAT DO YOU
THINK?

NEVER, 4 VOTES (80%)

365, 0 VOTES (0%)

100, 0 VOTES (0%)

WHEN I LOSE COUNT, 1 VOTE (20%)

Day 74: My Prayers Were Answered!

They sure were... because I still don't know what a hurricane is! And from what I hear on the television, my friends to the east fared better than expected.

Mom told me a hurricane is the "Mother of all Storms" we get 'round here... and you know how I feel about even a light rain! It was explained that it's all about cats... the more, the worse. Now that's something I can understand!

Day 73: Praying 'Bout Whether

Whether Gus'll leaves us alone.
Whether I'm gonna be able to do businesses in the days to come soon.
Wether we're gonna need all these bat-trees and fans and such... (tv said sumpin 'bout steering currents and other things I don't know a darn thing 'bout).





Whether everyone will be safe, in this house and ever where else.

As I lay me down to nap... I pray so. I do.

Day 72:Official Start To Golden Retriever's Labor Day!

Labor Day.... Holidays never meant that much to me before, but WOOOWOOOWHOOO in the here and now!

The Mom's taken some vacation days from her labor, in order to labor 'round here... you know... rubbin' my back as I work on my blog and my MASTERcenterpiece for the Golden Retriever Gala!

Life is good at Casa de Lucas!

(I know she saw my kin today. She better not have let any of my secrets slip!)

Day 71: A Golden Retriever's Thoughts On A Hurricane

A boy from Waco, such as myself, got no real concept of what a hurricane is. Till now, I just thought of it as a tourist attraction... another way the hometown filled her hotels!

I'm gettin' that things are different 'round these parts, so I'm watchin' and bservin'...









Here's what I know, for now...

Hurricanes mean... Lots-o lists and incomin' stuff:

jugs-o-water
loaves of bread
food that don't need heatin'
junk food for mental health
bat-trees
bat-tree operated fans
toilet paper
pro-pane (whatever that is)

So far, I like hurricanes! Guess I'll know more by the END of this "holiday" weekend. Stay tuned!

Day 66: Spa Day!

I always wake up happy and hopeful about the day ahead of me... but never would I have guessed that such a special treat was in store... SPA DAY... at MR. T'S BOUTIQUE!

I'm winding down from my big day, but I couldn't go to bed without giving you the highlights...

1. Happy to take a road trip!!!
2. Even happier when the trolley veered off the path to Doc Banks' place!
3. Destination: Mr. T's Boutique and Day Spa! I rank it Four Paws Belly Up!
4. Felt the love right away. Great to see Aunt Madison, Uncle Tom and ALL their kids (and grandkid)!
5. Pure unadulterated ROMP!
6. Mom says I need to apologize for the 'tude. I guess growlin' in a social environment is considered an indiscretion. I sowwy!
7. And I'd be remiss without apologizing for my second indiscretion... but I got this unwritten Golden Rule about "going" as far away from as possible! Sowwy!
8. Romp and mischief aside, don't think for a moment that I didn't keep one eye on the Mom! She tried to slip out and get her camera, my towels and brush... I beat her to the door! (So very sorry we didn't get photos though!).
9. BAAAAAAAFF!... Can't beat Mr. T's technique (which includes soothing conversation), nor the break he offers between the wash and rinse cycles!
10. And what better way to top off da baff... I had Aunt Madison brushin' me while the Mom blotted the wets! Took a long time for fruition, but maybe I AM a special boy!
11. Sniffed down the whole house, strictly for investigative purposes. Noone but the pair-of-noid Mom seemed remotely concerned. Ain't sayin' whether I was a good boy or not, but I'll testify to the fact that my extended kin can keep a good secret if I wasn't!
12. Joined my welcomin' cousins... truly a friendly herd... and laid 'round the table of good smellin' foods. Let the Mom break bread, and I basked in the sounds of pleasant conversation and laughter.
13. Could read the Mom's mind and did not beg. She gave me props later!
14. The perfect Apres Spa: Nap on the cool brick floors!

Today set a high mark for the week. I'M LOVIN' THE SECOND LIFE!

Day 64: Goldens Rule

Ole Cool Hand is always thinkin', figurin', formulatin' and rankin'... Then I got this idea from someone special!

Someone's gotta speak out on behalf of the Great Golden Retriever mind, and I figure it might as well be me! So, here's my first Golden Rule:

FOUR PAW BELLY UP RULE FOR A PERFECT DAY:

Start with thunder and rain free Friday.

Add catching a frog at 5am... and being awake (and smart) enough to spit it out and watch it hop away.

Add a tasty breakfast. Okay, I have that everyday any way... but its a portant part of my food triangle.

Subtract Mom going to the factory for half a day.

Add back in the hamburger she brings home each Friday for us to share.

Subtract peoples calling her on the phone and other ways she's distracted (with the exception of JDY... we both love JDY! I like that he sees things through his Maggie's eyes!)

Add back in the cool air we had blowin' before the $530 windmill bill hit the mailbox.

Subtract the yard guy workin' in the back yard, while I'm stuck in here.

Add back in a neatly groomed back yard.

Subtract the attention to my bald patooty.

And for Dog's sake, add hair back to my rear end!!!

Day 64: FRISKY!

That's how a Friday without thunder makes me feel!

1. I got my yard cleaned up!


2. Wallered on me some grass cologne!


3. Ran me some figure 8's! (Training for the Limpics!)


4. Hopped on the bed uninvited several times... then dropped my front legs, leaving my rear end high and my tail wagging. Ain't gonna get kicked off looking that cute!


5. Went out. Came in. Went out. Came in. Went out. Came in... You get the picture.


6. Chased me some squirrels. Slowed down so I didn't catch em.

All in all, on the Cool Hand Scale, I give this day FOUR PAWS!

Day 63: Random Thoughts

Now that I'm out of my cape, I was pondering...

1. Thought I would be happy to have Mom home, but she brought hell-a-shus thunder with her.


2. Never played dress-up before. Kinda fun, but why must we do it when a storm approaches?


3. Playing superhero in the bathroom is distracting to my fear.


4. Pretty crafty of Mom to lure me out of my hiding place with treats. Guess I love treats more than I am afeared of storms.


5. I'll bet I wouldn't have to poop in a swamp if I still lived with Aunt Melinda.


6. Bet the sun is still shining at her place, too.


7. Note to self: Check trolley schedule.

P.S. That snot snot all mine. And don't make the mistake I did by suggesting Mom clean the glass... Nobody taught me how to comfort a crying Mama.

Day 63: The Trolley Returns

Trolley is back on it's wheels, and the cool airs are blowing... in the trolley, anyway.

Now, can someone fix this whether?

Day 62: Oops I Did It Again (Again)!

I knew Mom was coming home for lunch to check on me (how? she told me, of course), but she got here a little earlier than I was expecting. I was intending to craft a patooty toupee from the hair puffs behind the bedroom door. But she caught me red patootied.

And I guess flinging myself against the door (give me credit... only after a hellacious thunderous storm) when she tried to go back to work didn't help matters. Said she guessed I wouldn't be happy till I didn't have a hair on my ass and my mom was unemployed.

I wanted to tell her I would have a furry ass if she was unemployed, but I thought better of it. You see, if I'm to believe what I've been told... the factory puts the food in my bowl (I could have sworn it was Mom, but I guess I'm wrong), holds this not fancy but storm resistant roof up and keeps what cool airs we still got blowing... blowing. So I shushed myself before I could re-butt.

None of that stopped me from hurling every ounce of fight I had in me, as well as a patooty load of guilt upon that door as she tried to go back to the factory after our TWO HOUR LUNCH, though...

Maybe I'm just spoiled? Maybe Mom spends too much time with me, and I resent the times she's not here? Or maybe I need a SISTER??? SUBJECT FOR A NEW POLL!!!

Photo by Ryan Van Lenning. Many thanks for not making me share a photo of my OWN bald patooty!

Day 62: Happy Two Month Anniversary!

Our "Happy" Anniversary begain at 3am this morning. That's when the Mom woke up to begin her worrying about the factory, the weather, the hot spot (non weather related) and.. well, me.

I fought the need for either worry or celebration until about 530am, when I reluctantly agreed to go outside, but steadfastly refused to do any businesses... A tasty and celebratory breakfast was presented to me shortly thereafter, along about the time the monsoons began to pass over the back yard.

Ain't lying... I was doin' the p-p dance. Interpret that however you want, because it applies to both numbers. I was tempted to do it indoors, because of the misery of it all, but I just couldn't.

One super great thing about my new Mom is... her patience, and her resoluteness. I'm guessing she and I went out fifteen times between 5am and 7am... just because she wanted me to do some business. I was reluctant at the time, but I'm grateful not to be holding it now (cortisone shot and all...).

Happy Anniversary to Us! She's coming home for lunch, and I'm planning a BIG surprise!

Day 61: Another GRR(H)eat Story!

Mom says I'm her special boy. And maybe for the first time in my life... I believe that's true.

The thing is... there are so many special golden boys and girls out there. And there are special Moms, like the one I have... think about it, you might be one, too!

Watch Nikki's story, while considering this... Goldens Reward...



Rescues heal!

Day 60: Good and Golden Fortune

Me and Mom spent the last coupla days feelin' a iota bummed on a count of the belly up trolley and all the fun things we missed on a count of it.

But today we heard that, while we were here lickin' our super-fishull wounds... my Cousins Zeke and Rizzo, Aunt Karen and Uncle Craig had a trolley crash on the way to the beach.

Thank Heavens...!!! Noone was hurt, and they were all rescued from the big fast road by Uncle Tom and Aunt Madison!

So I'm pawsin' to reflect on what good and golden fortune is not... and is.

It's NOT that your trolley is without cool airs. It IS that you have loved ones like Aunt Susan to rescue you from a hot day on the road!

It's NOT an OW-WEE and a bald butt. It IS that you have a Mom that worries and cares. And an Aunt Susan who delivers brown bag treats to prevent more!

It's NOT the fact that you missed adventures you were so looking forward to, but it IS living in a home full of mutual care, adoration and respect, with a Mom that makes every day special in some way...

It's NOT that your trolley is banged up, and you are stranded. What it IS IS... you are safe and without physical harm. And equally important IS having friends you call family, like Aunt Madison and Uncle Tom, who rescue you!

And base and bottom line... It's NOT Chapter One. It IS having GRRH believe in you... provide you an awesome ride to H-Town, proper representation and excellent match-making!

Day 59: Random Thoughts

Things I THINK I love:

1. Trips to Galveston.
2. Walks on the beach.
3. Board Meetings.

Things I KNOW I love:

1. Oodles of loving. (Mom's guilt ROCKS!).
2. Bacon and eggs.
3. Aunt Susan's "treats".
4. Muncho chasers.
5. Squirrel chasings.
6. Brushings.
7. Mid-Afternoon Stories.

Things I DON'T Like So Much:

1. Chores. Especially of the Dyson nature.
2. Moonlight work (Mom's), though I'm grateful for the benefits.
3. The storm defender cape. I've personally sent mixed messages as to whether it works. But do I like wearing it? Not so much, but I've also got a gargantuan bo-bo on my butt!
4. Windmills... and warm temperatures on both sides of the door. (Windmill people presented Mom with a bill for $531! Not much market for a PPV dog blog, past my prime for centerfolds, and I ain't deliverin' newspapers, so...)

Things I HAVE TO Get Used To:

1. Mom's thrill (not) over windmill bills.
2. Warm temperatures on both sides of the door.

Things I HATE With A Passion:

1. STORMS.
2. THUNDER.
3. IMPENDING MONDAYS.

Day 58: Random Thoughts

Things I love:

1. Big and happy plans for a Saturday!
2. Visiting with the teller in the bank drive-thru!
3. Coffee and pound cake on the Starbucks patio!
4. Promised destinations reached! Even if it means a baff!
5. Air conditioning in trolleys!!! This cannot be understated!!!
6. Cape and cone free weekends!
7. Aunt Susan aka Sammy's Mom for rescuing MY Mom. And for delivering healthy and tasty treats to help my hind side heal!

Things I don't like so much:

1. Hopes dashed. Plans cancelled.
2. Loud explosions in the trolley. Hot air blowing from her vents.
3. Did I mention hot air blowing from the trolley vents?
4. STORMS. THUNDER.
5. Capes and cones. And a nervous, distracted Mom.
6. Going to bed when it's still daylight. Gonna be a good boy, though, 'cause Mom's stressed!
7. The proverbial dark cloud over mine and Mom's head.

Day 58: The Trolley

Growl.
Groan.
Pop.

And the trolley is belly up (but not in a good way).

Day 56: I HATE HOT SPOTS!!!

THE FEELING IS MUTUAL!



SANS TREATS ON MY NOSE AND ALL MANNER OF OTHER FORMS OF SELF CONTROL!

Day 56: OOPS! I did it again...

Heard the garage door going up at noon today. Knew it was the Mom coming home to check on my "itty bitty" hot bobo.

Did the only thing any macho self respecting boy would do, after spending the morning chewing on his own hip...

I hid in the baffroom.

Think, think, think... I said to myself. She's gonna find me. She's gonna ask.

I did. She did and she did.

My answer: "A bear bit me!"

The Mom's reply: "Where's the bear?!"

My answer: "It was a bit and run."

I'm not sure she bought it, but phone calls were made, and it seems that she's taking the rest of the day off to take me for a trolley ride. Guessin' Doc Banks will be at the halfway point of the trip.

Fun image courtesy of active.com, promoting the 2007 Spring Fig Leaf 5K run (the only clothing optional 5k Run in Georgia!).

Day 54: POTENTIAL SISTER ALERT!

AM I READY???

On the one paw, it would be super cool to have a sister to hang out with, specially when the Mom's away. We could also run 'round the yard together and join forces to destroy the evil squirrel empire!

On the other paw, I'm not so sure I'm ready to share. I mean, I like that the Mom is all mine. I like bein wherever I want to be, and I consider the entire house and yard reserved by me.

Affection been generous 'round here. Taken some getting used to, on a counta my past, but we've stablished some patterns that make me feel stable. Not quite sure I'm ready for apple cart turnover...

And then there's the toys... I never had a lot of stuff before. It took some getting used to, but... I really LIKE having stuff. I like toting it, rearranging it and never having it taken away. It's a good feeling, really. Really!

The Mom's concerned about how I feel... but I'm concerned about her, too. Ain't gonna lie. Betwixt her worrying about my emotions, poop, bobos, general health and well being, weather radar and thunderstorms, getting herself enrolled in oh-bedience training... AND the factory, I gotta wonder...

IS THE MOM READY???

Gonna nibble my hiney and think about it for a while...

Really cute graphic courtesy of Serendipity Pet Shop, a most excellent place to shop for gifts... and the Mom has a birfday coming up!!!

Day 51: Cousins Zeke and Rizzo

As Mom left this morning, she said she had to go talk to some folks about designing them a new porch.

She came home smelling like my Cousins Zeke and Rizzo.

I can only de-duce that Aunt Karen is getting a new porch!

Day 49: Random Thoughts

Some days, ain't much happening. And trust me, I count these lazy days of my second life as golden moments! Good time to just sit 'round, scratch what itches and let your mind wander...

1. GRRH COOKIES are good!!! Aunt Elaine ROCKS the oven, ya'all!
2. Squirrels can jump 4 real! Come on... from the oak tree to the top of the hot tub gazebo to the roof of the house to the pecan tree? Wow. I need to work out... maybe even a membership to Goldens Gym???!!
3. Uncle Tom gave me a bye for a "you know what". That's our secret code for 'baff'. (Don't tell the Mom).
4. Glad I'm employed in the fields of hospitality, entertainment & security. I don't think factory work is all that much fun.
5. I KNOW I can dance! And Uncle Stevey gonna teach me all his tricks!

Day 48: Log and A Firefly On The Big Bed

The Bid Bed... Been invited on it. Hopped on it. Sought refuge from a storm on it. Climbed on it. Napped on it... briefly. Watched tv on it. Watched Mom reading a book on it.

And last night, after I was invited on it and rejected the offer... well, Lulu changed his mind. My pee-rogative, ya know. Lights went out and before even I knew it... I hopped and plopped before drowsy Mom could overrule!

Slept all night long up there by Mom on what you call a temper-pee-dic. Gotta say, I might notta really thought out this 'just happy to be sleepin indoors thing' as the big bed feels better than I imagined on the big bones.

Gotta also tell ya... we slept like a log and its firefly, me definitely being the log... with the attentive and firefly Mom. Log don't much care about the firefly, but still...

Ever good sit-chee-ashun got its good points and bad. And in the case of the big bed, the mom is both. On the one paw, she's great to back up to, like a really soft pillow. But she's also an oven, so ever so often you gotta roll over and give her the stiff leg.

And ever time I moved so much as a whisker, she was flittin' round like a firefly, checkin' on me. Had to remind myself from time to time that that's what love must feel like... otherwise it would be downright annoyin'.

Funny thing is... today, I feel like a firefly... Mom, a log.

Day 47: Edouard, Upper and Lower Lake Comet

Heard the stories, and now I've seen it for myself.

Upper (right) and Lower (right Lake Comet:



I'm guessing you gotta be pretty special to have stuff named after you. Huge pawprints she left. Mom says mine are just as big... just different, and I too will have stuff named after me.

I put some thought into that, and I like... Luke's Laps. There's two of em.

One is the tracks I make through the yard, speeds ranging from a slow sniffing amble to an excess of 90mph! And the second Luke's Lap is the place Mom makes when she sits down. It's my favorite place to put my head, and I like to think of it as my own, hence the name... Luke's Lap.

Day 47: A Golden Retriever's Thoughts On Tropical Storms

Edouard (I don't think that's how Uncle Tom spells it) hit today. OK, it was more like a gentle brush against your tail as your wagging it... It got a little wet around here, and seeing as how I'm not exactly into that downfalling water (more of whatcha might call a drinker myself)... I had a good bit of time to think:

1. Pretty much anything that keeps Mom home with me all day ranks four paws belly up!
2. The fact that the trolley is blocked in by the BBQ pit means she can't make a fast escape.
3. Lawn furniture in the house means an obstacle course to the door.
4. Potted plants in the house is a temptation. But no, I didn't.
5. What they need is a weather dog that actually tells the weather. A bit of wind, a lot of rain, but... NO THUNDER, and that's what counts.
6. Puddles are fun to chase skwirls through... slows em down.
7. Racing through standing water should be a substitute and not a reason for a baff!

Day 44: A.B. (After Baff)

Had a brief run-in with an air gun, but was able to convince Mom that real men don't blow their hair dry...

Instead, they crawl up in their Mama's lap to get towel dried and brushed.

That's how Cool Hand rolls...



My idea of blowing my hair dry is running about two dozen figure 8's at lightning (I know, I can't believe the analogy either) speed!

Here's Mom's best shot at trying to capture the moment. Can someone show her how to use the action sport setting on the FooGee?




Settled down and rested a bit while Mom cleaned up the mess.



Dam, I'm pretty... errrr RUGGEDLY HANDSOME!

Day 44: My First Baff

The Mom, hopped up on iced tea... and guess what happened to me?! I thought at first that we were taking a swim, and I hopped in, willingly. But then the tides turned, and out came the suds...


But actually, the baff I dreaded... wasn't so bad. I know there's things you gotta answer to at the Pearly Gates, and I'm hoping the subject of my first baff here comes up... 'cause today was proof I'm a good boy!

Ain't gonna line up for another one, ya understand... but wif Mom rubbin' on me and all, wadn't bad overall.


Tastes good, too!

Day 44: The Deal

Mom went to First Saturday at Orvis this morning, but I didn't mind, because Aunt Karen and I struck a deal.

She promised to make sure Mom wouldn't come home with a sister (ain't ready to share the Mom).

And I promised to make sure I had a cold bear ready for her. I assumed that meant polar. It took some googling and ebaying, but I was ready for her.

Aunt Karen fulfilled her end of the deal. Mom came home smelling like jasmine, but she came home alone. But judging by the look on Mom's face, I'm thinking I might have read Aunt Karen's email wrong...

It was too late, anyway... the Mom is hopped up on iced tea!

Day 43: Bigger Than a Food Bowl

Mom came home with this thing today.

What is it?... And what does it mean to me?

Too big for a toy. Too big for the living room.

Looks like a bowl. I wish! Too big.

Could be a pool. Wrong shape.

Gonna keep my eye on it.

Day 40: The Factory Stinks!

This is the first day that there's been mostly quiet in my new home... lots of silent attention... hugs, leanings and loving... but no songs, no dances. And I know something is wrong. Not sure what it is, but the Mom is not the same.

I'm thinking the factory emitted unmannerly gases today. My bedtime story tonight will reveal...

Day 38: Golden Moments & Random Thoughts

1. Excellent start to this day!
   
2. Turmoil ensued upon our return from the walk. Seems there was a 'funk' in the air... completely unrelated to me, whatsoever (thank Dog).
   
3. All manner of bottles, jugs, boxes, packages and bags were hauled out from under the water well and quickly dispatched to the other side of that door I can't go out of without invitation.
   
4. Mom left me behind briefly, she said, to put her head together with the Aunts and Uncles. That must have created a scene in the restaurant... five humans with their heads all together.
   
5. I have an Uncle Craig in addition to my speical Aunt Karen!
   
6. Uncle Tom and Aunt Madison sent me a miracle potion. Itch soothing, bo-bee curing, cool stuff. Mom lost me with her explanation, but me and Uncle T go way back and when I said to him... 'trust me in the straightways' and he did, I knew then that I could trust him too!
   
7. And COOKIES!
   
8. For whatever good reason that came about, Mom and I had a laid back afternoon not totally centered around the water well or her determination that "Sweet Boy" has a BAFF.
   
9. I love my back door. Most espeically because it comes with a personal doorman and boy servant!
   
10. Life is good. No. Life is grreat!

Day 38: A Golden Retriever's Triathlon: All In A Morning

Walk: Rising with an outdoor temperature of 74 degrees, I quickly woofed down my breakfast foods, did a few businesses and Mom and I were off for a long walk in the nay-borhood. It's called that because I'm denied secondary businesses in other people's yards... which leads me to wonder, as I'm sure it does you... what is the point of the walk? Guessing Mom needs exercise!

Run: I ran the fences with my pals Sam and Beauregard (long name for a long, yet short fellow). Great fun, because I can watch Sam through the see-through fences. And I can see Bo in the crack below the wood fence. Gotta keep an eye on that short fellow though, cause he only runs half laps!

Bark: Rotty the Wilder and I had a vociferous exchange this morning. It was all in that "top of the mornin' to ya" kind of good fun. Didn't neither of us mean no harm nor alarm. Certainly didn't mean to wake up the entire planet, as the Mom suggested. I just think ole Rotty might be hard of hearin'.

Day 37: Wake Up Call

I rise and shine each morning at 5am. It's taken me a month to learn to sleep that extra 30 minutes. (430 am must have meant something at Aunt Melinda's!).

I'm not one who cares much for early morning businesses in the yard, so it's not my bladder that has the alarm clock.

It's my belly! And the belly must be connected to the feet, cause I dance for my breakfast every morning! And promptly each day since my arrival, the Mom has risen and attended to my morning cravings.

And now this morning, I hear grumblings from the big bed. She rubbed my head that I rested on the side of the bed, but I guess it was too dark for her to see my wagging tail. Instead of rising to my challenge, she lifted the covers, patted the bed and urged me into her cocoon.

I didn't buy it. No way. But I did figure out how to get her up...

Drop my big bones down loudly on the hardwood floors... and siiiiiiiiiiigh!

She was up in a flash.

Day 36: Finally Friday!

Ooooooooo! I love me some Friday! ...Mom home early, a little burger for lunch, an hour of JDY, some squirrel clearing and loving galore! It don't get better than that! Well, not until Saturday, anyway!

I lolled my way through this fine afternoon of sunshine, going out, coming in, going out, coming in. Repeat. Had a fine, albeit rectangular treat as a mid-afternoon snack, and I truly thought we were going to ease our way into a quiet, carefree evening.

And then out came the goop tube. Let me say, there's not much kind of Mom's attention that I don't relish. And I ain't lied to you yet, so I won't start now... I hate the goob tube. I will not sit. I will not stand. I will not lie down with my back up.

But I DO SO ENJOY a rasslin' match! And we had one today!

Day 35: Has It Been That Long?

I suddenly realized a couple of nights ago...

THIS IS MY HOME.

I've grown so comfortable here... with the pace, the schedule, the goings on.

There's a skip in my step that hasn't been there.

And there's a good balance between activity and peace. It's all pretty much predictable in that good 'I need stability' sort of way, and it suits me.

Of course, my Mom IS a social giant... so there's been that to deal with. Heh heh heh heh heh... Sometimes I make my own self laugh!

Day 35: Rumblings

It rumbled this morning.

I hopped on the bed and laid really still.

I was alone all day and did Dog knows what...

It rumbled at 5pm.

I got up, looked at Mom, and laid back down on the floor.

It rumbled at 53opm while I was outside sprinkling the yard.

I returned to the patio and stood by Mom.

I was not frantic in the least.

And I haven't had a pill pocket (1.5 mg Ace) since 5am!

I like to think I'm a brave boy!

- - - - -

Made lots of memories lately,scratched em out on paper...
and I'm itching to get them online!
In the next couple of weeks, I'll be blogging in both real time and filling in the blanks.
If it's confusing for you, imagine how I've felt this last eleven months!
Come back soon! Tread through ALL the posts!
It will be worth the wade!

Day 34: Whoa Dolly!

Woken up early to little flickers of light.

Outside, breakfast and a pill pocket at 430am.

Thunder rumbled.Jammed my nose in Mom's thigh.

Scratched at the floor. Mom said "NO".

Hopped on the bed. Hopped off the bed.

Entered the bunker. We fell back asleep.

Whoa, Dolly!

Day 33: The Luke Wing

Sounds prophetic... "Day 33"... like something big should happen:

1. Typical rise, shine and breakfasts.
2. Sprinkled the lawn and had a nice poop.
3. Discovery of a pair of sites by PC (the poop checker, aka Mom in previous posts), who had a frantic reaction... bagging it and placing phone calls. I thought a pair was better than one, but maybe she expected more...
4. Pill pocket "to protect me from the devil within".
5. Long drowsy day with PC in some all day eating, or meeting or some such thing...
6. Quickly danced to the out of doors when PC returned.
7. Fitted for a harness... and belted to the car seat? Hey! Who's idea was this???
8. Amazingly brisk car trip at 4pm. Guess it WAS rush hour.
9. Ice cold spring water in a bowl in the car... aaaahhhhhhhhhh.
10. Whoa! Who's idea was it to go BACK to the doctor's office??? I mean, they're great people, and I love em... but twice in a month makes for good relations; thrice is pushing the limits of friendships.
11. Smelled cats.
12. Wanted their toys.
13. Within PC is an endless number of questions, some born of a pair of noya, if you ask me.
14. Nurse Leslie gave me a wad of cat food. She'd like to think she fooled me, but I know there was treats inside.
15. Sweet gal cleaned my tail, too. Tried to show her how well I could do it myself... but she insisted.
16. PC paid the bill and there was a discussion of their opening "The Luke Wing" in the near, near future.
17. Wow... my OWN wing! I always wanted to fly. Thought I'd need a pair of em to do that, though.
18. 5pm. Guess we weren't in such a RUSH to get home. Got bored and laid down in the back seat, evidently exactly like good boys do.
19. Arrived back home all in the same day.
20. Sprinted around in the back yard. Ate some foods, drank some waters, and did it again.
21. Watched tv about some Dolly. Guess there's some concern about whether...
22. Now I'm just hanging with PC, who is also an excellent HR (head rubber).

Day 32: Evening 'Action' in the Kitchen

This day will be forever known as the day I discovered that a pot of spaghetti can be cooked atop the grilled cheese sandwich toaster / pizza oven.

I’m not accustomed to working for my board, but standing (ok, laying...) guard over a pot of spaghetti is a worthy cause.

Which brings me to another discovery...

Spaghetti! Who knew it tasted so good! Nothing inspires a high chin and a youthful two step quite like a plate of it!

Day 32: Devil Made Me Do It!

I licked the scab off my tail this afternoon. I did.

I would like to say that a wild pack of dingos broke in and chewed my tail until I cried for mercy... but there's no way I can explain why the alarm didn't go off.

So I admit it. I sowwy!

Can I make up for it with dashing figure 8's, grass cologne and a LuLu smile?

Day 31: A Typical Sunday In the Life of a Happy Golden Retriever

1. Exchanged Anniversary greetings.
2. Enjoyed tasty two part breakfast (cause someone around here thinks I eat too fast) and good quality time in the back yard.
3. Danced for joy at the opportunity for a car ride!
4. Can you believe that people would just willingly pass their tasty breakfast foods to you... while you wait right there in the car???! I gotta learn to drive!
5. Bacon is good!
6. Interrupted good poop to chase a squirrel out of the yard.
7. Sadly turned down fun play date with Aunt Dav because Mom had to do chores.
8. Sat by the door and watched Mom go in and out with alternate loads of dirty and clean clothes. She likes to think she's teaching me not to bolt through a door, and I humor her... but secretly, I'm thinking... that's one chore I never want to learn to do!
9. Took what Mom calls a half bath, or a cheater's bath. Rub me on one side... I'll roll over for my belly, and then the other side! Can't help but follow up with a bit of grass cologne!
10. Went a few more rounds with 'Dyson'. My tactic? Enter the room behind him... that way you you're never cornered.
11. Sprinkler system sounds suspiciously like a storm. BUNKER!
12. Some celebrate anniversaries with cake. I celebrated with the YUMMIEST of cookies!
13. I've come to judge a day by the way it ends... and this one ended with perfectly, with a long walk through the neighborhood... and a bedtime story whispered in my ear.

Day 31: Our One Month Anniversary

Time flies when you're in the Wright place!

And by the calendar,Today is our One Month Anniversary!
(can hardly believe how non-committal I was back then!)

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Day 30: Tails From The Dog Show

It being Saturday, and all, I expected a leisurely breakfast, a mid-morning walk and some serious belly rubbing.

Things didn't quite go my way, but looking back on the day... I'm glad! Ya see... Mom and Aunt Dav went to the Whirl Cereal of Dog Shows, and turns out... that's a really good place.

Seems Mom finally met up with my Uncle Tom, who had a few stories to tell her about me. I hadn't told Mom about the riotous good time we had together in the car or our man-to-good boy chats. But I'm glad she knows now.

I look back on that trip as the day Lucky Luke was born again!

I didn't want Mom to leave me this morning, but it's given us another way to connect. I love me some Uncle Tom, Aunt Madison and Aunt Karen... and Mom does too!

Day 29: Cookie Monster

One of the only good reasons I can think of for Mom to leave me home alone on a Friday afternoon is to...

Go get me more of these cookies!

Make me wanna dance in that ole James Brown 'I feel good' kinda way!

Homemade by my Aunt Elaine (got one of those gold thumbs in the kichen, ya'all) at Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston, I suggest you try the beef... thin and tasty! Chickchick and turkturk are good, too, though. Mom takes a whiff ever time she gives me one... Some rasslin' may be in our future!

Look em up and buy some cookies at their next event. Use the code name "COOL HAND LUKE" for, well... not a special discount... but maybe a little special attention!

(Mom better remember to push those further back on the counter!)

Day 29: Mom Meets MY Kin!

This being a ruff week of pill pockets and itchies that I've been too drowsy to scratch...

I won't deny that I was looking forward to an afernoon of Judge David Young, Divorce Court and Uncle, I mean Dr. Phil... all of whom I've grown accustomed to spending Friday afternoons with at this extended summer camp / forever home.

So, when Mom put on the different clothes, I was disturbed until she told me that she was going to meet my Aunts Karen and Madison.

And I thought, well, can't I come too? But Mom explained that she was going to a place that helps girls and boys in need... find a good home...

And I thought... 'Nope, that ain't me! Found one! Thank you very much!'

That confidence aside, in my lowered head and tail... I expressed my hope... please, let my kin remember and think fondly of me.

And Mom returned joyous and bearing gifts and stories.

'We are not alone.Our peoples get us'.

And by 'peoples', she meant MY kin!

I love my new 'AK Baby' and I put her to my bed tonight. She smells like love!

Day 19: Random Thoughts

Before I retire...

1. Get to go to see Doc tomorrow. Yip-pee.
2. Bactine on my butt makes me sneeze out my nose.
3. Benny-drill makes me very sweeee...... pee.

Day 19: I Had A Itch (X Rated)

Mom's first words were... "What the hail did you do to your tail?!"

I approached her slowly, a little embarassed... and frankly, frantically scrolling through the roll-over-dex in my big brain, trying to come up with the perfect story.

I thought... it got caught in a bear trap... no, there's none of those around here. No, wait... a band of gypsies lured me to the circus on a bicycle and my tail got caught in the spokes...

But then, I just gulped... looked up at her with my pitiful eyes (you gotta practice that look in the mirrors)... and I confessed.

"I had a itch."

Day 18: What Doin'?

The Mom and I enjoyed a nice long walk tonight. One of the things I love about our walks is that they're filled with "good boy"s, "love ya Luke"s... and songs!

My second favorite song she sings goes like this...

What doin Mistah Boy, Mistah Boy, Mistah Boy...
What doin Mistah Luke, Mistah Luke, Mistah Luke...

What doin Mistah Boy, Mistah Boy, Mistah Boy...
What doin Mistah Luke, Mistah Luke, Mistah Luke...

[repeat]

(the answer... obviously... is SCRATCHIN AND CHEWIN)

Day 17: Grandpa's Birthday And LuLu's Got A Song!

The Mom's been kinda quiet today, but she's told me a few stories bout my Grandpa who she said would love me till no end. Said she wished more than anything he was here today to revel in me and me in him. I think he must be pretty special.

She given me this new song some days ago, but she singin it today maybe to cheer her ownself up or maybe to channel Grandpa's fun nature:

[sung to the tune of "Who Let The Dogs Out:]:

Who is a good boy?
Luke, Luke, Luke, Luke, Luke...

Luke is a good boy!
Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof...

He's a really good boy!
Luke, Luke, Luke, Luke, Luke!

It's great fun to hear my song, and I like to rest my chin on the Mom's leg when I hear it!

Day 15: First Date On The Fourth

Ahem... :::paw lick paw lick::: Well, well, well...

Had me my first date today. FINE looking gal named Shiner (SBBBBERT), came over and scoped out my yard... as well as my immaculate and manly undercarriage and the fan of my tail.

Don't worry. I returned the favor... well, with the exception of the tail part. If I may say so... she's lovely without one.
She's a beautiful girl, don't you think???! Sweet nose, perky ears and smile that makes your tail wag... and believe you me, I've got one!

Me and Shiney were highly chaperoned, and while we played it totally cool on this hot, hot day... the sparklers were definitely lit... if you know what I mean!

I'm surprised Aunt Marti and the Mom (and it's a shame) didn't whip out cameras. They were as proud of the two of us as if it was a prom date!!!

(Don't go calling the Ginnis Book... Ain't no snowball's chance in hell that this photo was taken today!).

The only embarassing incident of the day, if you don't count the sniffing poop like a snowcone incident... was when it started to thunder. I mean, I'm a BMIY (big man in yard) to a point. Thunder, and put my testosterone in the drawer. I'm going in.

Great thing about my Shiner, though, is... she doesn't like it either. She followed me right in the door. The Moms yacked over who knows what, and we... well... slipped away to the cool floors.

I'll defend her reputation to the end of time, but Shiner and I... we slept together. Yes, on the first date. How lucky is Luke?!

For once, I thank thunder!

Day 15: Happy Fourth of July!

Independence is great, definitely worth the patience, the sacrifice and the wait.

Of course, I feel that way about dependence, too. You can't quite 'preciate depending on something... good OR bad, until you can't depend on anything... not steady, anyways.

So, ole Cool Hand's having a moment of reflection today...

And I think I might just have outlasted the odds and found myself in one doodle-dandiest of situations... because I suddenly find myself with plenty of both.

On the front paws, I'm free to mill about this place at my own leisure or sport. Independence is good. Sure, certain things are expected of me, but they ain't bad or unreasonable things. Most are for what the Mom calls my own safe tee (whatever that is).

And then again on the hind paws, I've got a place and a people I can depend on like the clockworks. The people (aka the Mom) is good about providing the things I most depend on, like opening the door BOTH ways. And that's more important to me than the regular and tasty foods in a clean bowl!

So, I'm celebrating them both, today. Happy Independence AND Dependence Day, ya'all!