Close to You

I think the song Close to You was written with Mabel in mind. Bless her punkin' heart, she just needs to be close to someone.

So imagine my surprise when I opened my bathroom door after showering to find this:

She had gotten as close to me as she could, seeing as the door was closed. Not only was she sleeping, but she was zonked! I was able to step over her, get my camera, step back over her, and take several pictures.

I love this hound!! And while some days the need to be close to you is a little much, most of the time there's nothing better than having this sweet baby next to me.

As a side note, I downloaded several Photoshop Elements actions from The Pioneer Woman and used a couple of them on these photos just to see what they would do. The photo above used the edge burn. Here are two more images of sleeping beauty.

Notice the ear is almost over her eye for a complete black out. Used the colorized action on this photo.

Another angle of the sleeping hound. Used the vintage action on this photo.

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Belly Lovin'

There are many things to love about Bassets - droopy eyes, waddle when they walk, howling at the front window, and so much more. But Basset bellies, they are something to behold!

They tend to droop down when walking. Spread to the side when laying down. And are covered with spots that resemble a cow's hide. And boy do they love to show off their bellies!

So when the hounds roll onto their backs, it's hard to resist rubbing them. And at times blowing raspberries on them (although Mabel won't usually hold still for such silliness).

You can imagine my delight when both offered up their bellies and luckily the camera was within reach. Unfortunately, stillness is not a hound trait so the photos are a little out of focus. But you get the idea.

Release the hound......bellies!

Cleo showing off the finer points of her belly - two angles.

Mabel putting her whole body into the belly show.

Once the bellies were sufficiently admired, rewards were in order (or at least that was Cleo's opinion). I placed a few mini marshmallows in my pocket and this is the look I was waiting for - hound anticipation.

So intent and so dang cute!

And just a few candid shots that I couldn't resist.

She's got the look down pat - droopy eyes will get you just about anything!

Mabel wasn't sure she wanted her picture taken again :)

I love these dogs so much! Life wouldn't be the same without them.

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Sunday Afternoons

Cleo falling asleep

The comfort of a good pillow

Mabel trying to decide if she should nap or not

Decision made

Nothing better than a Sunday afternoon nap!

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This morning.....

I couldn't sleep last night and so it was midnight before I settled in for sleep.Not a problem, until it was time to get up. I set my alarm last night for my usual time but during one of my jaunts during the night I reset it for a later. When the alarm went off, I rolled myself out of bed and opened my door to be greeted by Mabel and her ever wagging tail.

Now granted it didn't take much encouragement, but seeing that sweet hound made climbing back into bed even more inviting. And so I asked Mabel if she wanted up (which she rarely turns down) and up on the bed she went. We both settled in, after resetting the alarm, and soon I feel asleep with Mabel curled up at my feet.

The alarm sounded the second time, which this time could not be ignored if I was going to make it to work only slightly late, so I got up and started my morning routine. What about Mabel? Well, I did get a small tail wag and a belly to rub, but no interest in getting off the bed.

Fast forward to when I'm ready to leave but I still have a hound curled up amongst the blankets trying not to make eye contact in hopes that she can stay there all day. But her dreams were dashed as I lifted her off the bed and she made her way to the family room where she had to settle for a pillow or couch for a day's worth of lounging.

You're probably wondering how I got her off the bed since she had no interest in vacating the comfort of down and blankets. That's a little something between Mabel and I.

As evidence of how much she enjoys my bed, here's a photo from a few weeks ago. Notice how the blankets surround her - a little scruffing is a helpful technique for achieving such comfort.

I stood to the side of the doorway to capture this without her waking up.

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Lucky Life

In a week with plenty of discussion regarding luck I'm taking a minute to record a few ways that my life is full of "luck" or maybe "golden" items. And no, I'm not Irish, but that doesn't mean I can't follow rainbows, look for four leaf clovers, or count myself lucky! (Items listed in no particular order.)

• Friends - friends that I live with, friends that I work with, friends through Facebook, and friends that are always there even when we haven't connected in awhile.
• Work - I have a job and one that I enjoy. I have side projects that allow me to express myself creatively and connect with other people too. And my job involves a hobby that I love and get to share with so many people, which makes me happy.
• Hounds - I know I talk about the hounds all the time but I cannot imagine life without a dog in my life and these hounds have left big footprints on my heart. I love their silky ears, their playful natures, Mabel's constantly wagging tail, Cleo's truly Basset personality, their wrinkly paws, and the Frito smell they have after a nap.
• Knowledge - my knowledge of where I was before this earth life and where I will go after wards. My knowledge of a Heavenly Father that loves me and watches over me. The knowledge and skills that I learned as a child from my parents (cake decorating, fishing, gardening, and more). The knowledge I've gained through formal education as well as on the job. And the opportunities I have to continue learning and gaining knowledge.
• Stuff - I love my iPad and am lucky, so very lucky, to have one (and yes, I'm a tech junkie!). All the stuff I have to create with - scrapbook supplies, paints, cake decorating supplies, cook books, etc. And the chance to not only have stuff, but to have a place to put my stuff.

I think that about covers it. I know there are more, but these are the things that come to mind immediately. I am a very lucky person. Life is good! Happy St. Patrick's week (even if it is already past). Here's a picture of the happy hounds - they make me smile and remind me just how good life is.

Mabel in the yard last summer

Cleo sleeping - love those wrinkly paws and the ear over the eyes

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Snow Hounds

This morning we woke up to 8 inches of snow. Not a big deal, unless you are a Basset Hound who needs to go out and do their business. You see, it's okay to romp and play in snow that comes up to your chin, but squatting, that's a whole different expectation.

So, I grabbed the shovel, cleared the deck, the stairs, the dog ramp, a path to the grass, and two grass patches (so no squatting in snow was required). Feeling pretty proud of myself and out comes Mabel. What does she do? Walks over to the snow covered sidewalk (only about 2 inches of snow there because of the blowing factor) and squats and piddles. NICE! Good thing I cleared those grass patches!

But I know she'll use it later so it's all good. But it is funny to see the hounds romping in the snow with only their heads and tails visible until they "rabbit" hop through the mounds. So cute!

On my way home, I discovered another snow hound of sorts - actually a beagle. We have a neighbor that creates snow sculptures on a regular basis when there's a ready snow supply. He is amazing! Tonight's sculpture is Snoopy and Woodstock. The lighting was still pretty good, so I snapped a picture.

Enjoy!

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Things I've Learned from my Dogs

There is much to be learned from these delightful, four-legged friends. Here are a few things I've recently re-learned from the hounds:

1. Always greet people excitedly. When you do, they tend to return the excitement.
2. If you really, really, really want something, look pathetic, don't take your eyes off them, and then moan once in awhile for good measure.
3. On a cold day, when someone gets up from where they are sitting, hurry and move to that spot - its sure to be warm.
4. Sleep as much as you can.

I think dogs have it the right idea - keep things simple and enjoy things to the fullest in the moment.

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Basset Antics

The fur babies are in fine form this week - as far as Bassets go.

Two mornings in a row they've held a rousing bark-a-thon at 4 am. Not sure the neighbors are fans, I know I'm not.

Cleo loves to sit in front of the dog door and let it open and close, open and close, open and close at least 10 times. What is she doing you ask? You've got me. After this little ritual, about half the time she'll go outside and the other half she wanders back over to the family room area. Guess it wasn't very interesting outside after all.

Mabel greeted a neighbor boy last night with her normal barking when he rang the doorbell and then proceeded to provide lower more accentuated barks until he thoroughly acknowledged her and stepped close enough to scratch her ears. I think she couldn't understand why that wasn't the FIRST thing he did when I answered the door.

And yet, even with their quirky little ways, I love these sweet babies. They brighten my day and offer love anytime, often without even being asked.

Cleo can howl with the best of them!

How could you resist petting her?

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