Well, the leaves are falling, and its that dangerous time of year again. You know what I mean...when you are walking around in the yard, playing with dogs or scooping poop, and suddenly you feel that telltale squishy feeling under your shoe, and your foot slides a bit. Ugh! A landmine, hidden under the leaves.

Most of the year we can avoid such happenings, but in November, it is almost impossible. We have Norway Maples around the entire yard, and they don't lose their leaves until November - most of the trees still have a good amount of green leaves still on them - but when they start falling, watch out! The leaves are yellowy/brown and big, over 4 inches wide, so they are very good at hiding things, if you know what I mean No matter how often we rake and clean the yard, there is sure to be at least one hidden surprise! It's almost enough to make one wish for some snow just to make things more visible again!

Rules for dogs

We do share Thanksgiving with the dogs.

You know that, don’t get pushy.

Good dogs will eventually get leftovers.

Leftovers have not just come from the oven.

Leftovers are not found on the stove top, table, or counter waiting to be carried to the dining room.

Leftovers are not on the dining table.

They are not leftovers until after the food has been served to humans and the plates have been cleared from the table and treats appear in the dog’s bowl.

Tripping humans carrying food may be punishable by banishment from all food serving areas.

Refreshments are not set out on coffee tables for dogs to graze on; they are strictly for human use.

If Uncle S*** has a few beers stay out of his way when he walks and do not trip him even if he is carrying a bowl that might have snacks in it – he could kill you in the fall.

Do not make sheep eyes at Aunt B***. She does not control the food and I will not say ‘Yes’ when she asks if you can have a ‘widdle bitty bit’. Yes the same goes for Uncle J***

Forget snatching stuff from the short humans. That only makes them cry and crying children lead to banishment to the crate for dogs.

The children’s table is not the ‘children and dogs’ table even if the kids tell you it is.

You are not a centerpiece!

Leftovers for dogs do not include turkey bones in any form and will never include any type of pie (that’s dads!).

Items put in the trash are not leftovers for dogs.

Squash can too be a leftover for the dogs, particularly the chubby ones. Don’t turn up your nose at it just because you’d prefer turkey meat!

Rules for humans – anyone caught feeding the dogs leftover creamed onions, corn in any form, broccoli, cauliflower, or turnip will not be invited back! You will however be required to take the dogs home with you so you can enjoy the results of your generosity!



Nancy

FMK Affens

I've been told that Che likes to sleep in the bathtub sometimes. Unfortunately, it amplifies the sound of his snoring!

Ahhhh...isn't it wonderful to get that extra hour of sleep when we go back to standard time in the fall? It's also nice to wake up and have it be light outside instead of looking like the middle of the night! The downside is that it gets dark earlier in the evening - time to get ready for hibernating indoors at night and comfort food meals - winter is on the way!

Now that Halloween is over, the stores are in full Christmas mode. I went to Target today, and found Christmas DVDs and CDs right as I walked in...the half priced Halloween stuff is in a section right next to the full priced Christmas trees and decorations. And we have gotten so used to having almost two full months of Christmas shopping that it doesn't even seem weird anymore. Kind of sad when you think about it, Thanksgiving just gets sandwiched in there in the crush.

Well, I'm getting ready for the cold days to come, I bought hats and gloves, a tea kettle, and I couldn't resist those cheap CDs and DVDs. I bought a reindeer outfit for Biz, and I've been laughing all afternoon thinking about how pissed he's going to be when I put it on him! Even though I am tempted to do that now, I am going to wait until after Thanksgiving, and I hope he keeps it on long enough so I can get a photo of it. He watched me take it out of the bag, and he thinks its another doggy toy for him to destroy - not before I get a picture! LOL

Phoebe hasn't had anyone to run and play with since she arrived here. I thought Shrek would be happy to be her buddy, but he's not - he thinks she is nothing but a pest and wants nothing to do with her. Since she is finally out of season, I thought that because Arlo is so sweet and gentle, he might make a good playmate for her. Today we let them out in the yard together to see how they would do. A perfect match! Now Arlo has two girlfriends, Ellie Mae and Phoebe, but not at the same time! Here are some pictures I snapped of them this afternoon.