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.