Not exactly what Mom and Dad expected

Well, we are back from Pocatello. As usual, TaiChi and Bufus and I were travelling pros in the House With Wheels. I did some navigating for a while.


TaiChi did some power-napping


And then I settled in for some serious napping, too.


I had to make sure Dad got the right turn-off though.

Turn here, Dad.


It looked like all was well.


But then I saw this sign.



Virginia?!? That’s a lot of states away from Idaho. Apparently the Starship Enterprise (as Mom and Dad call the House With Wheels - sort of a long story, but Uncle Charlie and his family call their motorhome the Battlestar Galactica, and since we are bigger than they are, we figured we’d go with the Enterprise. (Mom actually has ordered licenses plates for both our House On Wheels, and Uncle Charlie’s. Alas, NCC-1701 was taken, so we will just be ENTRPRZ)) hit Warp 9, got slightly off track and went East rather than North, and it went REALLY FAST . But Mr. Sulu (Dad, since he’s the one who actually ‘steers’ the ship, while Captain Kirk (Mom), sits around and gives directions - did I mention that my Mom is certified Nerd?) got us back on track and we made it to Pocatello.

Where Mom and Dad didn’t take any pictures. It was cold and rainy when we arrived Friday night, and then Saturday morning started off cold and rainy.

And the race car broke. Twice, actually. Uncle Charlie broke it the first time – he hit a cone head-on and ripped out the bottom of the radiator. So Mom and Aunt Linda drove someone else’s car. Note from Fi’s Mom: thanks, Cal! The Cobalt was a ball – a tad bit different from the Miata, but fun. We REALLY appreciate you lending us your car. Thanks to the helpful people in the Idaho region, we were able to get another radiator delivered to the course, and Uncle Charlie put in a new radiator.

Here’s a picture of the yellow car that Mom and Aunt Linda got to drive (neither of them is driving it here, but it shows you that we were really at an airport!). Needless to say, there are no pictures of the Miata….


So, in the afternoon session, it had finally stopped raining, and Dad and Uncle Charlie got their runs in, and then Aunt Linda did her runs, and then Mom did her runs. Well. She did two runs. (And hit A LOT of cones…) And on her third run got “red-flagged” (the race was held at the Pocatello Airport, and they have to stop running cars every time a plane taxied down to the runway, or a gas truck came by, or a fire truck came by – any car on course gets stopped with a red flag…). So, she came around, and got ready to take her ‘re-run’. And got up to the start and stepped on the accelerator, released the clutch (she told me this all in great detail) and went nowhere. Uncle Charlie dashed up to the car and had Mom shift it in to second gear and try to launch. The car shifted fine, but still didn’t go anyway. So, it wasn’t the transmission. But the car wouldn’t go anywhere.

Uh-oh.

So, Uncle Charlie pushed the car back to grid and had Mom start it up again while he looked under the car. And something was definitely broken. So with the help of some friends, they pushed the car back to the trailer, where Uncle Charlie got it up on jack stands, and determined that the rear axle on the passenger side was broken. And at 5pm on a Saturday in Pocatello? No such luck of tracking down another Miata axle.

So, with help from a lot MORE friends, they got the car pushed up in the trailer, and called it quits. And Mom started muttering something about ‘Stock cars’ again. I think that she wants to go back to the Big Yellow Car. At least until she can get something that has horse silhouettes on it…

Mom and Dad were hoping that they might be able to co-drive with someone else on Sunday, but no one seemed willing to offer up their cars (despite offers to help pay for tires), so Mom and Dad packed up the House With Wheels and headed back home.

Uncle Charlie and his family stayed so that the kids could run their karts, and when they left Sunday evening, the truck (that tows the trailer with the broken Miata) wouldn’t start. Aunt Linda and the kids came home with another friend from Utah, while Uncle Charlie stayed up in Pocatello with friends while the truck was getting fixed. Apparently the truck will be fixed tomorrow (the computer in it blew up), and he will come home.

So. I had a good time looking out the window (even though my teevee opened on to a grass field where people had cars and trucks parked and where kids played soccer, and where Dad threw my football for me; rather than on the race course), and I got to spend quality time with my toys.


And TaiChi got lots of quality sleep time in, and Mr. Bufus ruled his domain with an iron paw, but Mom and Dad were a little frustrated.


And now my Granny (Mom’s Mom) is sick, and I’m worried about Granny. I hope she gets better soon, or AirFiona may have to fly Mom back East to see her. (Actually, AirFiona will fly Mom out there at some point, but hopefully when Granny is feeling better.)

*whew* That was a lot of stuff going on, huh?

But to not end this post on a downer, I have a picture of Mr. Bufus for you. Dad had raw Ahi tuna for dinner a few nights before we left for Idaho, and Mr. Bufus got to have a couple of pieces. And this is a picture of a Very Satisfied Cat, taking his After-Tuna-Dinner Nap. He’s got the life!



*kissey face*
-Fiona

ROADTRIP!!!!

Ohboy!Ohboy!Ohboy! Mom is packing helmet bags, and getting bags of foodables together. This can only mean One Thing: ROADTRIP!!!! House With Wheels time again!

Okay. I just asked. And Mom says, yes, we are going to another car race. This time we are going to Pocatello, Idaho. It’s a two day event, so we’ll be gone for a few days – so multiple days in the house with wheels!!! I’ll make sure Mom takes the camera so we get lots of pictures! I can hardly wait!!!

So, I’ll have to make this a short post, because I need to snoopervise the packing, to make sure that she get The Right Toys and The Right Treats.

Oh, and one other thing. Mom says that I’d better start paying better attention to the dog trainer, and that she is going to have to spend more time “working” with me, because (and I quote) “there is a very good chance that you might be an older sister, and if you are an older sister, you’ll have to be A Good Example”.

I wonder what she means by that.

*kissey face*

-Fiona

Note from Fi’s Mom: After watching Fi play with Molly in the park yesterday, I began thinking that Fiona would really benefit from having another dog that she could play with. If TaiChi were 10 years younger, there would be no issue, but TaiChi is too old to be a good playmate. On a whim, I contacted the breeder from whom we got Fiona, and much to my surprise, they are hoping that they will have a litter around Christmas time (assuming that the female goes into heat when expected, and everything goes as planned). As much as it pains me to admit it, TaiChi isn’t going to live forever, and even if she does, I think Fi (and TaiChi!) would be happier if she had someone that is going to be around her size, and robust enough to do some serious playing. So, yes, if Fi’s parents (it would be her actual mother and father – this is a very small, family breeder – not a large operation) have another litter, I think we will get another goldendoodle.

And while I know that in the grand scheme of things it would be better to rescue a dog, this isn’t the time/circumstances for us to do that right now. We’ll just keep supporting the shelters and rescue organizations.

Not-exactly-Wordless Wednesday

I know it's Wordless Wednesday, but I've got to break the rules today. Because I had a Very Exciting Day today!!!!

Mom and Dad took me to The Park. Usually we only go to the park if it is free of other dogs (Mom says it's because I'm a spaz.... Thanks, Mom...). And today they thought the park was empty of other dogs, but as soon as Dad threw my new football toy (which is The Best Toy EVER!) this black Lab came dashing up and chasing my football. My Football!

At first her Mom and my Mom and Dad tried to keep us apart, but when they saw we were just involved in a friendly game of chase, they decided to let us play. And Molly was all into my football. BTW, Mom didn't bring the camera, so she had to use her phone....


Waiting for Dad to throw it...

I was faster, but I'd let her get the ball, because I'm nice that way.

And then we had a nice friendly game of bitey-face/chase.

Then Molly decided that she was hot and so she went into the stream to cool off. I wasn't Super Convinced about the merits of the stream. Notice Molly cooling her belly in the water... Again sorry for the quality of the pictures. Even in this economy it's hard to get good help!


And then we spent more time running around chasing the football.

But when Molly went over to the playground and the sandbox where her family (including little kids) were, Mom and Dad decided that having me both wet and sandy wasn't their idea of a good time. Did they ask me?!? NO, I tell you. And I was getting a little hot.

So I went back to where we had water, and I drank and cooled down for a bit before we headed home.


I hope I see Molly again - it was REALLY fun playing with her - it's the first time that Mom and Dad have let me really play with another dog. And it was Super Fun!!!

And now I'm tired and must nap, because this chasing and playing bitey-face is Very Hard Work.

*kissey face*
-Fiona

Beauty Tips

Finally – an award that I got that Mom has time to post! This is from my very handsome, well-travelled, adventurous, and athletic friend Dennis the Vizsla

Now apparently I am supposed to share 7 beauty tips, and then pass the award along to 7 other people who will share 7 beauty tips, and then pass it along to 7 more people. According to Dennis (who is the Font of All Knowledge That is Not Possessed By Mango The Relentlessly Huge and Wise) this will result in as many beauty tips as you might find in Dog Fancy, or Cosmo, or something. I don’t read either of those, so I’m not entirely sure what he’s talking about. I read Dogmobile and Driver, and Grassroots Motorsports for Dogs, and most of the beauty tips there are related to how you get grease out from under your toenails, and how to comb out one’s ears after a high-speed head-out-the-window ride. But I digress.

In all fairness, I think that all of my family should get a chance to share their beauty tips, so we’re going to split them up.

Fiona’s Beauty Tips

1. Keep those pearly whites pearly white. I don’t like having my teeth brushed, so Mom feeds me ‘dental care’ food. Seems to work.

2. Regular exercise to maintain your girlish figure.

3. Just the RIGHT amount of eye shadow and mascara. I’ve found that permanent make-up works best for me – it doesn’t come off during strenuous exercise, and I don’t have to spend hours in front of the mirror getting it Just Right.

TaiChi’s Beauty Tips

4. LOTS of beauty sleep. You can never get enough beauty sleep.

5. Find a good beauty parlor.

5a. Preferably one that does nails. (Trying to match Mom’s nails is an added plus.)

Bufus’ Beauty Tips

6. Regular hair cuts to show off your solid, sleek frame.

7. A really cool hat can give you a jaunty, devil-may-care look.

8. Okay, so it's one extra - TaiChi and Fiona got 3.... Shower regularly.

And the seven people I've tagged? Here they are (and forgive me if you've already done this....my secretary doesn't keep very good records....)

1.Subi

2.Hero

3.Dozer and Coop

4.The 4 B's

5.Sierra Rose

6.The Clampets

7.Mason Dixie

Happy Beautification!

*kissey face*

-Fiona

An Update from the Complaint Department

Okay. Well. I’ve been reading all of your suggestions about the neglect and abuse that I am forced to endure, and I had a chat with Mom yesterday when we went on our hike. A Longer-Than-Usual Hike, I might add – almost 3.5 miles! Not our longest, but still pretty good. I was a wee bit tuckered out after it…. And snoozed for about 2 hours. Mom didn’t get to sleep as long – she had to make dinner!

Anyway on our hike, she explained to me about this ‘bye-sickle-ing’ thing. We live in the mountains (did I ever mention that before? We live in the mountains, and in the winter time lots of people spend lots of money to come here and ski…) and she said that pulling my 55 lb self and a trailer up many of the hills around here might be impossible for her. I told her that it would be good exercise for her, and she said that it wouldn’t be exercise if she couldn’t even make it up the hill that is a tenth of a mile into her ride. I think she could at least TRY…..

She also said that while going up the hills could be Very Hard, If Not Impossible, she descends some of these hills at over 30 miles an hour, sometimes in corners. I told her that Lance and I had gone faster than that in the Tour de France, and she said that Lance is a professional cyclist, and Very Good, and that there was a bit of a skill difference between her and Lance. Since Dad tells me that 3 years ago she was falling over at stop lights because she couldn’t get her feet out of her pedals, I’m willing to believe that maybe Lance is a better cyclist than Mom.

Mom said that she didn’t think that going down a hill at 30 miles an hour, with a trailer would be a good thing for either of us. And frankly, I agree – I’d hate to get bounced around inside my trailer if Mom crashed. Besides, I don’t like the sight of other people’s blood.

So, we have agreed that I won’t go on the ‘Bye-sickle-ing’ with them.

My Granny, however, sent me an email that I think will be Very Helpful:

Dear Fiona,

You certainly do have a case for complaints. I would suggest the pitiful route. Results seem more likely than with the whining approach, and hissy fits just engender a deaf ear. Pitiful can take many forms, including sitting at the door when someone FINALLY arrives home. Instead of jumping up with glee at the miscreant’s return, lying there, perhaps whimpering, is bound to turn on the guilt factor. While you’re alone, you could find some photos to bring up on the monitor, with the heading “Good Old Days” as a silent reminder. Another good tactic is to get a favorite toy, or even a leash, and make a determined but unsuccessful attempt – you’re too sad and dejected to be more enthusiastic – to throw the ball for yourself or to wrap the leash around yourself, ready for a walk. There are also some good websites that have articles on the benefits to a person’s health derived from ENJOYING life with a pet.

(Thanks, Granny! I'm going to get to work on these tactics right away!)

So I am practicing my pitiful look for when they come in the door. I tried it yesterday, and it Worked Really Well.

Mom took me on a Long Hike, and even got a few pictures. (Although she only had her phone, and not the camera, so the pictures aren’t exactly the best…)

Mom, would you get the water already. I'm HOT!

C'mon. Enough pictures already. There are flowers to sniff and bugs to try to eat.

See, much to sniff! Let's get a move on!

Onward and upward, Mom!

Oh, and on the way home? We saw this deer in our neighbor's front yard. I was pretending that I didn't see it, but when it took off (after Mom snapped the picture), I was already to chase it. But Mom wouldn't let me. Sometimes she can be No Fun At All. *sigh*

If Mom had actually brought the REAL camera, you could see the deer better....

So I’m going to keep practicing looking pitiful, and see if I can really work the guilt angle. It should at least get me more hikes, and possibly even some toys…. Here’s Mom’s latest attempt at bribing me…

Hey… Everyone has their price, right?!?


Thanks again for all the advice, and offers of new homes – I think you scared Mom into action!

*kissey face*
-Fiona

Complaint Form, Please

I need to lodge a protest with the management. My servants parents have Really Been Slacking. And I'm Not Happy About It.

Yeah, fine, Mom takes me on hikes, and Dad plays ball with me, but they Aren't Home as much. And this is completely unacceptable.

Apparently they have been "bye-sickle-ing". Which, from the sounds of it, is a lot like what I did with Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France, but they don't go near as far, or as fast. But they've been doing this alot. Mom says they are trying to "get in shape". What shape are they trying to get into? A box? A triangle? And what are they going to do once they get into this shape? I don't get it.

And they are spending their entire mornings Away From Home. And Not With Me. And the worst part? Usually in the afternoon Mom takes a nap with me (because TaiChi wakes her up at night to go outside - old lady bladder and all) but because she's "bye-sickle-ing"in the morning, she's "working" in the afternoon. Which seems to mostly consist of her typing on the computer or talking with Dad and Uncle Charlie. So no nap time with me.

I really don't think this is acceptable. So can those of you with more experience tell me who I submit my complaint form to?

*sigh*

*kissey face*
-Fiona The Disgruntled

PS O Hai, Kim. Welcome back. Hope you are enjoying yourself. So sad that your office doesn't give you something better than IE 6.0...

Wordless Wednesday: TaiChi the Optimist

The weekend in review

Okay, it will take me forever to catch up on all these bloggies because Mom was Too Tired to turn on the computer yesterday. (Except to go on to eBay….) Just because she was baking in the sun all day Sunday. Heehee. Get it. Sun? Sunday? Heh.

Note from Fi’s Mom: Sunday was a great event, the course was technical and challenging, and I learned a lot, even if I hit a lot of cones, but sitting on asphalt in an open-cockpit car in 100+ temps? Ugh. I had other drivers who were spraying down their tires actually spray me, as well… All the stock car people with air conditioning were mocking me…. *sigh* At least my loving husband – who was working while I was driving – brought me lots of water. It was still MIGHTY hot. Anyhoo… Back to Fi.

I don’t know what Mom was complaining about. TaiChi and Bufus and I were Quite Comfy in the air conditioned House With Wheels.

And I had a great view on my teevee/living room window.

So I got to see the course.

And watch Dad standing around ‘working’. (He's the guy in the green vest. That doesn't look like work to me....)

And Mom hitting cones. (There aren’t any pictures, but boy… Mom hit A LOT of cones. And I talked to some of the other autocross doggies, and they say that you really ARE NOT supposed to hit cones. So my Mom is doing something wrong. According to Dad and Uncle Charlie, too, she is doing something wrong. But she’s getting better. So they say. Because she had 1 run (out of 8) where she didn’t hit any cones….). She also spun the car once. Which was kinda of cool, but I guess also not what you want to do…

Fi’s Mom here again: In my defense, my driver’s license is only 2 years old. Really. So I’m still on the low end of the learning curve. And here I am (below), NOT hitting cones (in the picture above, yeah, um... well, there was supposed to be a cone next to the one lying down...). At this particular moment.

In this picture, Mom is Going The Wrong Direction!!!!! I think the course worker is trying to tell her which way to go!!! Silly Mom; there are cones on the course that tell you what direction to go....

Dad drove really well.

And Uncle Charlie won the whole thing. Of course, he should, as he’s the National Champion, In This Car. So he should be fast.

And at the lunch break? Uncle Charlie’s kids came in the House With Wheels, and I got to try to steal pieces of their lunch (much to their dismay…. But I had fun!). I wasn’t successful, BTW. But neither was TaiChi, and she is the Master of Wheedling Food Off People, so I don’t feel too bad that I wasn’t successful in getting some lunch from someone.

Here's another autocross doggie..... Check out that tongue!

Anyway, I will try to keep up with bloggies now. Although Mom is hogging the computer again – she has been ‘writing’ – something that she hasn’t done in A Long Time, and so she’s sucking up all my computer time. I may have to talk to her about my own computer.

P.S. From Fi's Mom; the driving pictures were not taken by my, but by other photographers whose watermarks are on the pictures. Thanks to "Ray the Rat" for the hard work- I'm not trying to steal credit!