Any time now

Here is the latest amaryllis photo.

I expect that one night this week I will get home from work to find the flower completely open.

Training Day

On Saturday, Otis and Cooper had their first training session with Patti. Patti was recommended by Jeff's friend, Andrew. Andrew has a Labrador that likes to jump on visitors and Patti corrected this problem. Since Oti has the same bad habit, we felt it was worth hiring her.

Patti said that 10 minutes of training (mental stimulation) is a tiring for a dog as running outside for 30 minutes. The pictures show just how Oti looked after a one hour session.

We learned "Leave it" and "Drop it", in the hopes that Oti will stop running thru the house with laundry and shoes, "Meet and Greet" and "Basic Recall". Patti said that it we practice ten minutes every day for 6 months to 2 years, eventually Oti will learn what these command mean!

Since Coop does not have these same bad habits, Patti focused on Coop's light and shadow obsession. Even she was flummoxed at how to break his concentration, since Coop has no interest in treats and quickly shredded his new squeaky toy.

It seems that the training is for us more than the dogs. Practice, practice, practice is the key.

Closer

Each day the amaryllis bud opens a little more.

We are getting closer and closer to finally seeing it bloom.

New Hats

Today there was a large envelope in the mailbox from Oti's Maine Mom, Bobbi.

A big THANKS to Bobbi for sending these two new hats to Jeff!

While I was holding one of the hats, Oti jumped up and grabbed it from my hand. The chase was on. Obviously, Oti has not yet learned that hats are not toys.

It is hard to stay angry when Otis looks at you and grins with sparkling eyes that plead come play with me.

Starting

If you look closely, the bud on the amaryllis is finally starting to open!

Bulb Watch Wednesday

If it's Wednesday, it's time to show the latest amaryllis photo.

As you can see, the bud is now taller than the leaves. However, there is no sign of the bud starting to open.

I read that amaryllis flower within 6-8 weeks of planting. We are now in week 9.

Faker

Jeff and I were walking the dogs in the snow when I noticed that Otis was limping. I looked more closely and saw Oti's rear leg was up and not touching the ground.

I was sure that snow was caught in Oti's paw and making him uncomfortable. I took off my glove and brushed off the sand and snow. Oti happily put his foot down and walked away.

One step further, I noticed Coop was limping and staring at me with his big eyes. I sighed, brushed off his rear paw and he trotted away.

It was then that I noticed Oti was now holding his front paw in the air! I had enough, so ignored both dogs and we kept walking.

Once Otis and Cooper realized, they were not going to get any sympathy, they both trotted along on all four paws. Fakers!

Secret Snuggler

When Coop first arrived, it was clear that he had little interest in human companionship. As long as Coop's food and water bowls were full, he was satisfied.

Over time, Coop learned that sleeping on the bed was a VERY good thing. If he had to share the space with us, then that was a sacrifice worth making.

Lately, I have noticed that Coop has become a secret snuggler. When Jeff's parents were visiting, Coop would approach them and put his paw on their leg. This is Coop's way of saying. "Pet Me!".

When I work, Coop will come into the office and nudge me to pet him. In the morning when the alarm goes off, Coop loves to snuggle on the bed and be hugged. If I am stretched out on the floor, Coop will lay against me in hopes of getting his back scratched.

After years of abuse, I think that Coop may be finding his inner Golden!

Bad Dog!

When I got home from work, I noticed that Oti was chewing on something. I assumed Oti was destroying one of his many toys. However, the item he was chewing was light blue in color.

I realized there was only one thing in the basement that would be Carolina Blue.

This is all that remains of Jeff's UNC hat.

I reprimanded Oti, but he just yawned in response. Looks like we will have to travel back to Chapel Hill to get another hat.

Did I mention that we are actively searching for a new dog trainer ?

Snow squall

This morning the weatherman said there might be snow squalls occurring in the afternoon and possible white out conditions.

When I arrived home the sun was shining as I took Otis out for his walk. I brought Oti back into the house and leashed up Cooper.

Cooper and I stepped outside and the first thing I noticed was the howling of the wind. The sky darkened and fat snowflakes began to fall. The driving wind combined with the blinding snow limited visibility to a foot.

As we walked in the road, I made sure to stick close to the edge. I doubted that anyone driving would be able to see me. I was glad that I was not driving on the Merritt Parkway. The 90 minute commute this morning was enough!

What surprised me was that in just a few seconds the weather completely changed.

Not Yet

It's been a week and the amaryllis continues to grow taller. However, the bud still refuses to open.

I am thinking of starting a pool where people can guess the bloom date. My best guess is 2 more weeks (Feb 10).

Color Splash

I love having fresh flowers in the house, especially in the winter when the days are gray and cold.

These cheerful flowers brighten the entire room and remind me of warmer sunnier days to come!

Norwalk Aquarium

With family in town, we did not want to spend the day inside. However, we did not want to drive too far to find something to do. The Norwalk Aquarium, which we had never been to was the perfect solution.

The Aquarium is just up the street from the Brewhouse. When we pulled into the parking lot, I was surprised to see a large number of cars. We finally found a free spot on the third level.

As we approached the Aquarium, I thought the building appeared rather small, but there are many interesting things to see. Some of the highlights are the seals and African penguins. I was surprised that most of the penguins are 20+ years old.

There are tropical fish, turtles and sharks. There was a special frog exhibit.

The Aquarium raises jellyfish. I was amazed by how beautiful and graceful these dangerous creatures are.

The SONO Brewhouse Restaurant

To celebrate Jeff's birthday we went to the Brewhouse in South Norwalk (SONO). This was my first visit and I was surprised to see an upper and lower level eating area. On display in the restaurant is beautiful copper brewing equipment.

As the name suggests, there is an extensive selection of beer on the menu. The unique beers did not disappoint. The menu is varied from pub food to steak or seafood. The Brewhouse Burger was fantastic.

If you are in SONO, I would recommend stopping to eat at the Brewhouse.

Surprise

The Lexus needed an oil change, so New County Lexus dropped a loaner car off at the house and drove off in my RX-350. I expected the loaner to be another RX and was surprised to see an IS-350 (pictured)in the driveway.

The driver told me that there is no key, but instead a push button starter in the car. As long as you have the security card with you, the car will start. I have not driven a car in a long time, let alone a sports car.

It took a few minutes to adjust to the smaller interior and sitting low to the ground. I have to say that I was very impressed by the speed and handling of the IS. This car is a rocket and its effortless acceleration and smooth handling make it fun to drive. You could definitely get a ticket without even trying.

The second surprise was when the dealership called to say they had done some work which was covered under the warranty. It turns out that the Lexus has a 4 year/50K miles warranty, not 3 yr/36K as I had thought. Getting out with a bill less than $100 was the best surprise of all.

Is it winter ?

The snow has melted and the daffodils are starting to come up.

It seems that I am not the only one confused by the warmer weather.

You Gotta Hate When That Happens

You've trained all your life to get to the Olympics. When you finally get there and you're on National TV:

Almost There

The amaryllis bud is getting bigger. It is now higher than the rim of the vase.

We are having family visit this weekend. If this flower opens before Saturday, it will be a great centerpiece in the dining room.

A Massachusetts Miracle?

Let's re-evaluate at 8PM tonight...

6 months

It has been six months since Oti arrived in Wilton. I am amazed at how quickly the time has gone by.

Oti and Coop get along well. Coop likes to boss Oti around and Oti usually submits. Coop can take a toy from Oti, but if tries to steal rawhide, Oti growls and makes it clear that he will NOT share.

When Oti first arrived, the dogs would sleep in opposite ends of a room. Now, they often curl up near each other. Most mornings find both dogs and us squeezed together on the bed.

Coop used to be a slow eater. Now, with Oti nearby Coop gobbles down his food faster than Oti does!

I never thought that Coop would be jealous, but he sometimes is. If Oti is getting petted, Coop thumps his tail long and loud, until you leave Oti to pet him.

Oti does not like to be alone. When Coop is not around, Oti searches desperately for him. I worry what will happen when Coop loses his battle with cancer. Oti is happiest in a pack and loves to be around people.

Oti is a dichotomy, watchful and protective with Peter Pan's spirit. Oti refuses to grow up and at moments of pure bliss, acts like a puppy.