Sunday, February 3, 2013

Of Quilts and Class and Haircuts and Things

We've had quite the busy weekend.  First, it started off with a box from our Granny and Grandpa.  Technically the box was for Mom and Dad, but since the gift inside starred US, it is totally relevant to this bloggie.  Granny and Grandpa had been talking about making a quilt for Mom and Dad for Christmas, and Mom was happy when it arrived (Christmas is fluid when it comes to hand-made gifts).  But she was totally blow away when she opened the box and saw the quilt.


That's not exactly the best picture, but we wanted to give you an idea of the size of it.  Because it turns out that the quilt has pictures of us!  (And TaiChi and Ben and Billy and Bufus, because they are always with us.)  Grandpa got pictures from our bloggie and printed them on fabric and they were included in the quilt, along with pithy comments.  Check out some of them!

Me as a wee pup, hanging out with TaiChi the Wise

The upper left picture is me checking out Abby on her first day home.

MangoMinster immortalized forever in our quilt!

More pawsome pictures and stitching
We were all totally blown away by this - how cool is it?  And for Granny and Grandpa to put all that work into finding meaningful pictures and putting them in a quilt is beyond thoughtful.    I'll tell ya, we were all deeply touched by Granny and Grandpa's Very Cool quilt!  Thank you so much!!!  We'll treasure this always!

The next excitement was doggie class.  It turns out Jessi (the Turkey Hotdog Lady) is training a dog trainer for another Petco, and we were to be some of the trainer-in-training's first actual doggies.  Poor kid!  Apparently we are 'tough' because while we are very well-behaved, we're also totally spoiled; we get tons of attention at home, so we aren't actively seeking out human affection, we are free-fed (we always have kibble in our dish, to eat when we are hungry), so we aren't used to 'working for food' (we leave that to Mom!  Heehee!), and we have tons of toys, so we don't get super excited about new toys.  Jessi knows how to stimulate our mentals, but Riley the trainee was in for a bit of a challenge with us.

Hi.  Um, so you want us to do what today?

Dangling treat ball?  Okay, we'll pretend to be interested.
We actually had a good time with the trainee - we played hide-and-seek, we demonstrated our loose-leash walking skills, and we gave the trainee a chance to try to engage two doggies who are not easily amused.  (We actually ARE easily amused, but in a 'bitey-face on the bed on top of the humans' way, not in a 'here's  new toy' sort of way.)

Of course, after class, we spent time amusing ourselves in the manner we know best - frisbee and bitey-face in snow!




And then today, after some more frisbee time





Mom decided it was time for Abby's haircut.  All because Abby had taken to flopping down in the snow every few minutes when she got hot!


So, Abby got the same 87 hours of torture, ah, treatment I got last week - brushing, bathing, drying, brushing and grooming.

Here is her 'before' picture.

Cute, but furry.
Here are some 'action' photos...  Apparently Abby is Not Took Keen on having her face, feet, or front legs groomed.  However, Mom just cranked up the music and kept the HBO words to a minimum.


Abby not looking like a happy camper

Note Mom's grim determination!
And then the finished product...



Not perfect, but as our Granny would say, a man on a fast horse wouldn't notice the imperfections.

For those of you who are worried that Abby might be cold now that she is nekkid again, I can assure you she is very comfortable without all those extra hairs.


And I had to make sure she was still bitey-able.


Yep.  Still bitey-able.

And finally, in case you were worried about the paucity of photos of my pretty face, I won't leave you disappointed.

Heehee!

*kissey face*
-Fiona and Abby the (newly shorn) Hippobottomus

9 comments:

Millie and Walter said...

What an amazing quilt! Your grandparents did a fantastic job. Your grandma is a great quilter (I am assuming that grandpa only did the pictures).

Have fun in the snow.

Millie

Molly the Airedale said...

The quilt is absolutely gorgeous! What a fabulous gift!
You look just beautiful, Abby!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Dexter said...

I think your momma's concentration face is funny. She looks like she is holding her breath. Breath, doodle mom, breath.

You both look delicious with your fur sales and I am sure the junior trainer was quite smitten by your collective charm.

Now then, what is this free feeding stuff and where do I sign up?

Kisses,
Dexter

How Sam Sees It said...

We've been admiring your quilt on Facebook! I can't imagine a more beautiful and heartfelt gift!

Sam

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

BaaaWaaaah our Mom's Mom used to say, "Never be seen on a galloping horse." too!!!

OMD that quilt is OUTSTANDINGLY Beautiful!!

We got the Baff and clip torture yesterday, too. WHAT is up with this? Maybe we should PUT our Mom's on those Galloping Horses and Hope they take them for a WILD ride.

Kari in Alaska said...

Love that quilt

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

georgia little pea said...

I am still tripping over that quilt. Definitely one for the heirloom box! Wish I had a grandma and grandpa :)X

bichonpawz said...

That quilt is absolutely AWESOME!!! What a special gift!!! Your grandparents did a great job capturing all of those special moments!!! We love all the pics too...Liz...you did an awesome job on Abby! I am not very good at doing the girlz...they sort of look like they went through some sort of shredding machine!! :) xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

I thinks your Mom must be improving her torture technique judging by the piccures!

i just love your quilt, what a thoughtful loving and unique present. Even better that it immortalises you lot and all your lovely memories! I would be speechless if I didn't be a barky sheltie!
~Lickies, Ludo