Martha Who?

So yesterday, I (by the way, this is not Oliver) am in one of the big box stores (not the one with red bulls eye). This store recently renovated to include meat, produce, etc. and has rearranged everything. I am in the crafts section and do not see the Martha Stewart products. I ask one of the employees who is stocking the shelves near the craft stuff to find out if they still carry the Martha Stewart products. Guess what? She has no earthly idea who Martha Stewart is. Serious? (Yes, I am.) So, I walk through the store and for giggles, I ask another employee where the Martha stuff is? Are you sitting down? She does not know who Martha Stewart is either! (Are you gasping?) I have the feeling if Martha got word of this, she would not be very happy. Am I just taking it for granted that everyone knows who Martha Stewart is? You know, even Oliver has sat with me and watched her show.

This reminds me of another story from some time ago, I am at Border's and I hear a teenage girl say to her friend "oh, that AUTHOR is still up there speaking." That AUTHOR just happened to be Madeleine Albright, then Secretary of State (that would be of the United States). Okay, to give the high school girls the benefit of the doubt, I probably could not have told you who the Secretary of State was when I was a teenager either. But Martha Stewart? Seriously!

Dear Santa

Let The Decorating Begin

Here is a door decoration Mommie made to hang on our front door. I think it is pretty!



I think the little snow over the weekend helped us all feel like Santa(Paws) is coming!

No Virginia, Santa IS NOT A Drag Queen

Mommie has been watching for a vintage, pink, Harold Gale Santa on eBay. Finally, she brought one home. I think it is helping get her in the holiday spirit. Auntie M thinks he looks like a drag queen. Personally, he looks like a chew toy to me.



Okay, so he is standing next to a pink tree with a string of flamingo lights. That still does not make him a drag queen.

Love the Snow!

My people took me out in the snow today. I think I like it much more than I did when I was a little pup. This is me and one of my best buddies, Dakota.

By 4:30 this afternoon, we had about 4 1/2" of snow and it is not done yet!

She's Been Crafty - Part Two

Mommie has been working on another idea from Cindy's blog. Her friend gave her all the pieces for her birthday to make this beautiful tray. The project uses a picture frame (preferably vintage), paint, Rub 'n Buff to distress the edges, drawer knobs for the feet and then pretty much anything you want to use to decorate the inside.

Well, that is all for now. Mommie has got to quit playing around and get back to homework.

She's Been Crafty

Mommie made this sweet little sign for Auntie Marlynn to welcome her guests to Thanksgiving dinner.

Originially, she saw the idea on Cindy's blog. It turned out to be pretty easy. First, she used painters tape to cover the areas where she did not want paint. Second, sprayed it with primer (Krylon). So let me as you this question "does primer paint only come in grey"? Then, she sprayed it with chalkboard paint (also by Krylon). It took four coats of the caulkboard paint to cover the tray. If you have never used caulkboard paint, you paint one coat in one direction and the second in the other. Beautiful!

Since we're on the subject of caulkboard paint, hop on over to our friend Korie's blog and she what she did with a $2 mirror. Lovie!

What Happens at Auntie's, Stays at Auntie's

So, Mom and Dad where in Philadelphia for a couple of days and I stayed at my Auntie Marlynn's. If you are interested in what I have been up to, at least the published version of our story, hop over to Auntie's blog.

In Philadelphia, Mom and Dad came across a couple of great doggie/kitty stores. Doggie Style and BONeJour. From Doggie Style, they brought back for me a t-shirt shaped cookie, Tator-the dog loving gator and a pink piggy. I first thought Mom was going to keep piggy for herself.

But, she gave him up and within the first five minutes, he was missing an eye. Hey, he has two.

(Check it out, I think his ears are bigger than mine! Whatcha think?)

Fortunately, Mom found her own pink piggy.

New Doo!

My people took me today for a little hair cut, nail clipping (normally, Auntie M clips my nails, but it is part of the package) and tooth brushing. Here is my before picture:

Lookie, my name is on the board welcoming me! They know I am a VIP (Very Important Puppy)!

Yes, I know I look good!

Shabby Chic Silvia Blog Candy Give-A-Way

Check this out:

Shabby Chic Silvia

News Flash – Oliver Kicked Out of Rio Grande Café (Reston Town Center)

Yes, my friends, this is a true story. The first time we dined at the Café with Oliver, we specifically asked if their patio was pet friendly and they said “yes”. Subsequently, we have dined there several times with him. Well, all that changed last night. We are about three quarters of the way through dinner (after waiting a half an hour for a table-I might add), when a manager-type comes over and tells us that Oliver cannot be on the patio and we’ll have to put him on the other side of the fence. We told the guy, that we have dined there several times and this has never been an issue and we even asked the first time, if they were “pet friendly”. The guy was very polite about it and said he was sorry and it was basically per his boss. (By the way, where was his “boss”?) At that point, we just decided to leave and asked for our check.

Phil had me take Oliver to the “other side of the fence” and towards the front door while he settled up the check. Long story short, Phil had an additional discussion with our server (who also never told us that Oliver could not be there) and yet another discussion with the “manager”. You can imagine how the discussion went and Phil said the manager was still very polite with him and ultimately comp’d our meal. Not to sound ungrateful, but taking care of our meal didn’t make us feel any better nor was what we were trying to accomplish.

So my friends, when you are visiting the Reston Town Center with your four-legged friend keep walking by Rio Grande Café, you are not welcome.

Oliver Goes S.O.B.

On our way to Florida, we must make our traditional stop at South of the Border. Since we are allowed to carry Oliver into the Myrtle Beach gift shop, it’s his favorite. I’m not sure why they actually call it the Myrtle Beach gift shop, other than they have few items with “Myrtle Beach” printed on them.

Probably my favorite shop is the El Drug Store. On our first stop a year ago, Phil came out and told me go in and said “tell me what you notice on the wall”. Well, there were two shelves about seven feet high and about four feet wide loaded with (close your ears guys)…lets just say “some products for the ladies”. I took great comfort in knowing that if CVS, Target, Safeway, etc. ever ran out…I could always find them at South of the Border. This trip, they are stocked with the world’s largest fly swatter…

Florida or BUST!

See you in a couple of weeks...this doggie's going on vacation.

Christmas In July

Bulletin Board

Sometime ago, I saw a fun idea for a bulletin board on Melissa Priest's blog. Her husband used chicken wire and scrap wood to make a bulletin board. How cleaver is that? So here’s my version…

I found the frame at thrift store for $2 and some change. Borrowed Marlynn’s staple gun (and staples). And, my dear friend, Pam…she’s my “what can WE make as a shower gift” friend (see May 26, 2009) happened to have chicken wire (or poultry wire as it’s called) in her garage. She’s not sure why, but she did. I’ll bet if she looked hard enough in that garage, she could have found me a frame, staple gun and staples.

Also, I picked up a pack of the Bistro Chalk Markers at the Paper Source. Do I have a chalk board? Of course not! Off to the thrift store again. $3 later and I have a chalk board. I plan to paint the frame, pink of course, but since it’s been sitting in my living room for weeks and I was finally motivated to hang the chicken wire bulletin board…up it went.

Blog Award

MWAH! From Oliver's Auntie Marlynn! Puppy kisses to you!

Luau (4th of July Party)

Oliver received his first party invitation. Hmmm…do they sell grass shirts for dogs?

Well, he’ll at least wear a cute little scarf I picked up for him at Great Dogs in Great Falls.

About a month or so ago, I helped my friend, Pam, make bridal shower invitations for a shower for her niece. Then, about a week and a half before the shower, she says to me “what kind of favors can WE make for the shower”. Are you catching all this? “A week and a half before the shower” and “WE”. I give her two suggestions of cute ideas I’ve seen recently. First, was a decorated notepad matchbook. Second, was a Post-It Note coaster (see the Chic ‘n Scratch blog for a great tutorial). What do WE decide to make…yes, the Post-It Note coasters.

Fortunately, I have enough coasters, mostly purchased. Some pillaged from Outback and Sweetwater Traven (shhh!). The key is then finding a store locally with the Bind-It All wires in stock. Between Angela’s, The Queen’s Ink and the USPS...we’re in business. And, WE decide WE want them all personalize with the first initial of the guests who are attending the shower. Oh, and by the way, did I mention that WE have to make 36 of them?

I have to say, WE did a fabulous job…didn’t WE!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day does signify the unofficial start of summer. More importantly, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. I, personally, would like to thank our service members, past and present for their personal sacrificies to protect our country and our freedom.

My cousin, Jeremy, is currently serving the U.S. Marine Corps. One of his tours brought him to Washington, DC to serve with Marine One during former President Bush's second term (he's on the right). Jeremy's dad also served on Marine One during the Carter administration.

Marlynn recently blogged about starting a "Gratitude Journal". Each night you write down five things you are grateful for. I am thankful that every night when I go to bed, I will wake up and still be free.

I'll Scream Later - Marlee Matlin

Recently, Phil and I ventured in to DC for Marlee Matlin’s book signing at Border’s. Her new book, I’ll Scream Later was released on April 14, 2009.

She first read from her book and then took a series of questions. She is just as beautiful in person as she is on the cover of her book, the big screen and television. But, listening to her speak, you can tell she is just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. I would think in another life, we could be girlfriends.

Phil had books signed for his mother and sister and her family.

He shared with her that he is the child of two deaf parents who raised two great kids. She laughed at his comment and even shared it with her interpreter, Jack. How proud I was to see my guy “signing” with a movie star!

2009 Reston Pet Fiesta

For the second year in a row, we have attended the Reston Pet Fiesta with Oliver. The fiesta is an outdoor festival of local businesses, animal rescue groups and pet owners. The fiesta was kicked off with the Tails on the Trails dog walk to benefit the Gooddogz.org organization. The walk was approximately one mile on the WO&D trail. Oliver still doesn’t quite understand the concept of a leisurely walk and pulled us along the trail, with the occasional puppy ADD moments of backtracking to say hello to the pack behind him.

Dozens of animals are wondering throughout the day (with an escort…of course) looking for their forever home. Oliver provided his words of encouragement to one puppy in particular looking for a good home.

As you can see, Fairfax County encourages recruits of all sizes.

The wonderful organization Westie Rescue, Inc. once again was on hand with their representative, Bell. She is quite the queen/lady and maintained her composure as Oliver hopped around in front of her like a court jester.

Tails were waggin’ and bellies were being scratched.

It was a good doggie day!

Rock Lobster

(singing)

"We were at a party
His ear lobe fell in the deep
Someone reached in and grabbed it
It was a rock lobster

We were at the beach
Everybody had matching towels
Somebody went under a dock
And there they saw a rock
It wasn't a rock
It was a rock lobster"

On a recent trip to the "man's store" (Lowe's) for a dryer vent hose thingy, I wondered through the garden section looking for potting soil. There he is...

Now was he on my shopping list? No! Did I need him? No! But he had to come home with me. Why was I drawn to this portly lobster? Is it my Florida roots? My love of the beach? It certainly isn't my love of seafood (my motto is "if it swims...I don't eat it"). Or am I just reminiscing of the frat parties The B-52's concert back in the 80’s? Probably all of the above.

So, in case you missed the frat parties or just want to relive the memories, sing with me (Rock Lobster).

Rubber Ducky...You're the One...

This is Oliver's warm up to a visit to Korie's house this summer. Apparently, she loves to photograph her beautiful little girls and visiting pets ala Anne Geddes. Since he's got the hairy white face going on, don't be surprised if you see Oliver sporting an Uncle Sam get up on the 4th of July!

Oliver Goes International

When we adopted Oliver, fortunately for the first two weeks, we were able to be home with him. After that, we were blessed with Uncle Joe. Uncle Joe really isn’t our uncle, but has since been adopted as such. Joe is our dear neighbor Jenny’s fiancé who visits from Ireland for long winter breaks. Uncle Joe volunteered to walk him during the day to help us through his puppy training. First, it started out as walks. Then, we hear he’s visiting Aunt Jenny’s house (eating carrots), going to get “petro” with Uncle Joe or visiting our elderly neighbor Emily and her cat, Chester (who wasn’t very happy when Oliver played with his toys). Oliver apparently was getting well known around the neighborhood, even by the kids walking home from school. So much so that a young girl stopped me this year and asked if that was Oliver? She wanted to know where the old Irish man was that was walking Oliver? And, if I was walking Oliver now? If I was walking Oliver now? Hmmm…you see whose puppy he was becoming?

This past Christmas, Oliver gave Uncle Joe and Aunt Jenny framed pictures of him. We have since heard that Oliver is now proudly displayed on Uncle Joe’s mantle in Ireland.

Copic Certification Class

A few weeks ago, my friend Lori told me about the upcoming Copic Certification Class at The Queen’s Ink in Savage, MD. Classes are first open to designers, teachers that are associated with a stamping store, etc. However, about three weeks prior to the class it is opened up to Home Party Representatives and craft enthusiasts. Since I fall into the latter category, I was put on a waiting list. Needless to say, when I received the email advising if I was still interested in the class and I should contact them right away to confirm, I couldn’t dial the phone fast enough.

Our instructor Sally Lynn was incredible. While the class is more instructional than hands on, we had an opportunity to work with the markers and air brush system.

From Sally Lynn, the great ladies in the class, Jacquie, to Patti and her wonderful staff at The Queen’s Ink (a big thanks to them for their hospitality), it was an awe-inspiring day! Savage, MD is only an hour from Northern Virginia…remember to support your local stores.

Post Easter

Whew! I'm still full from my Easter lunch at Auntie Marlynn's house. My people shared with me nibbles of Honeybaked Ham, steamed green beans, raspberry pie and vanilla ice cream.

The Beginning...

December 16, 2007; Phil decides he wants a puppy for Christmas. After spending Spring Break in Scotland, his heart is set on a West Highland Terrier. So off to Potomac Kennels in Gaithersburg, MD we go. There were a couple of Westie pups, but one in particular catches Phil’s eye. This little pup is only 12 weeks old and weighs 3 ½ pounds. We take him into a little room and, of course, he’s as sweet as sweet can be and runs around the room like a little race horse. Phil is ready to take him home, but it takes a little convincing with me.

This decision must be discussed over the best home style fried chicken at a local haunt, Hershey’s Restaurant (no relation to the chocolate company). I must digress about the chicken. If you’re looking for a clogging artery, slap your mamma chicken experience, Hershey’s is your place. It’s on Oakmont Avenue (Gaithersburg) in an adorable country rambler by the railroad tracks along Washington Grove that's been around since the 50's. It puts the “kitch” in country kitch.

Back to the life altering puppy adoption. First, my heart is still tender from the passing of my fat girl, Gato (kitty) in February. As I tell Phil, my heart just can’t take losing another baby. Second, I’m not about traipsing down several flights of stairs in the cold, rain, snow, etc. and walking a dog. I don’t even like to walk myself in these conditions. Phil’s response? Larcy, all you have to do is love him. Back to Potomac Kennel’s we go and the rest of story? Hence the blog name “It’s All About The Little White Dog”.

Since Martha Stewart’s dogs can have a blog, why can’t we? Also since my friend Korie, and I quote “Larcy used to be a cat person before she got all "Oliver" on us”, has now shamed me in to professing my love for this little white dog.