Enjoy the Weekend!

Start your weekend off right with some humor! This video makes me laugh out loud every time! Now that you're laughing ~ or at least smiling, have a great weekend!

Hooray for Hickory!

{image from here}

A Scottish Deerhound named Hickory won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show this week. What a beautiful and elegant dog!

Treat yourself to a great weekend!

Hoping your weekend makes you feel as good as these guys!

Spectacular Sadie Shines at Westminster!

It's a day to celebrate for scottish terriers the world over as Sadie won Best in Show at Westminster on Tuesday. Read the full article here. Watch videos and catch the latest scoop on Scottish Terrier and Dog News ~ always an entertaining read.

{That'll do, dog. That'll do.}

10 Most Weirdest Dog Breeds

1. Affenpinscher

This sweet little dog has earned itself the nickname of Monkey Dog because it has a very primate like appearance and personality. It has a terrier body, shaggy fur and squashed in face give it a rather unique look. Even stranger is the fact that the hair is thicker and shaggier around the chest and shoulders than it is around the hind quarters, creating a look that resembles that of a mane. The most common color is black but silver, gray, red, tan and belge (mixture of red, black and white hairs) are other possible colors.
2. Xoloitzcuintli

This dog has a name that is even stranger than its appearance. The name is pronounced Sho-lo-eets-quint-lee but if that becomes too challenging this dog is also known as the Mexican hairless. These dogs have had a long and unique history in Mexico and they were even considered sacred by the Aztecs. The ancient Aztecs believe that these dogs were needed to help guide the souls of their masters into the underworld. What makes this dog stand out is not only the fact that it is hairless but also because it has a long neck, bat ears, almond eyes and a sleek body.
3. Puli

While there are a few different dread-locked breeds this is one of the more popular and unique breeds. The Puli has dreads which are called cords and they start to form when they are 9 month old puppies. This dog requires very demanding grooming as they cords have to be separated to prevent excess matting from occurring. Despite the fact that their coat looks heavy and cumbersome, these dogs are actually very light and agile.
4. Cambodian Razorback Dog

This dog may look normal at times but it is known for its rather large and unique razor down his back. These are actually tropical dogs but they have a long coat, which is not common for a dog that lives in these warm areas. But this dog does not seem to overheat and they can be found all over Cambodia. This is a very territorial dogs but they do not bark unless there is a real need for them. While they can be very friendly and loving dogs they are not for the first time dog owner.
5. Bergamasco

This is another dread-locked dog that has a very unique look but this dog does not have dreadlocks in the form of cords but rather in what is known as a felt. Their coat has three different types of hair which is very thick and easily mats. The mats start from the spine and go down the flanks. These dogs are actually born with short, smooth fur which eventually mats in this unique way as the dog grows.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo

This dog may not look entirely strange but it is a very unique dog. This breed has very curly, thick and woolly hair that is even considered to be hypoallergenic. But what really makes this dog stand out is that it is the first known dog with the ability to search for truffles. Typically this was the job of pigs but now this fluffy purebred dog can take over that job. The Lagotto Romagnolo is also a great companion dog for just about anyone.
7. LowChen

This dog has the appearance of a large dog in a much smaller package. It has often been referred to as the Little Lion Dog, the rarest dog in the world and the most expensive dog in the world. This anywhere from seven inches to thirteen inches high and has a long and wavy coat. This dog has no undercoat and the hair should never curl. These are very friendly and intelligent dogs so they make great pets, if you are able to find an afford one.
8. Bedlington Terrier

This sweet little dog looks just like a lamb but has the countenance of a sweet and friendly dog. They have pear shaped heads, triangular ears and fur that looks like the curly hair of the sheep. This dog was actually bred as a fighter, which may seem strange compared to his docile appearance. The terrier is groomed with longer fur on the head and legs with shorter fur on the torso. The reason for this is that the dogs used to hunt vermin and the longer fur prevented the animals from hurting the dog.
9. Neapolitan Mastiff

This dog is given a very strange appearance because of the amount of loose skin that folds over their face. They have these wrinkles all over their body but they are most prominent on the face and head. These wrinkles actually involve extra care as owners need to clean in-between the folds in order to prevent acne and infection. These dogs have a very formidable appearance and it is for that reason that a Neapolitian Mastiff was chosen to play Fang in Harry Potter.
10. Chinese Crested

This dog has always received the bad rap of being the ugliest dog breed. This is because the dog is hairless everywhere but on the top of its head, its paws and its tail. This presents a very unique appearance. Even though most of its fur is exposed it is actually very sensitive and sunscreen needs to be used if this dog is going to be spending too much time outside. They also need to be bathed and moisturized regularly in order to prevent dry skin and infections.

Busy Day Ahead!

It's going to be a long & busy day ahead ~ lots to get finished ~ set up for the show starts today and I am still working on a few things. Some of us are getting a bit tired of it all.....

Walnut 2009 ~ The Sights.1

At long last I am finally posting some sights from the Father's Day weekend antique show in Walnut, Iowa! I do apologize for the delay ~ in my defense, I have been terribly busy and I didn't realize just how many photos I took! Yikes, I am going to have to break it down in several posts.

At any rate, with no further delays...... the best way to start your day at Walnut is to treat yourself to a pancake breakfast at the Walnut firehouse. The fireman have built this amazing pancake machine ~ after seeing it the first year, I remembered it as making hundreds of pancakes at once ~ returning the next year, I realized I had a somewhat exaggerated memory ~ 12 is still pretty impressive!

After a hearty breakfast, it is time to decide where to start ~ the two main streets are lined with vendors, there are several indoor venues with visiting vendors and then there are several antique malls and shops as well ~ plenty to keep you busy! This is truly a show where there is something for everyone ~ below are some shots to give you an idea of what kinds of things are for sale at this show.

{great weathered doors and wall decorations from simply iowa}

{ceiling tins and braided rugs in a homey display}

{duck pull toy and cast iron rabbit}

{great pickle display from general store or deli}

{children's litho lunch box}

{group of chairs and benches from a dance school for young children}

{for the Anglophile ~ some cricket balls}

{depression glassware as far as the eye can see}

{entrance sign to one of the antique malls in Walnut}

{incredible tramp art radio}

Would love these sculptural turbines in a garden. . .

or this wonderful vintage garden tool set!

Speaking of gardens, I had to include the photo below ~ one of the Walnut residents had this wonderful garden planted at the side of their home ~ it looked like a garden in a magazine or garden book! Everything all lined up and amazingly healthy ~ cabbages, lettuces, beans, beets, corn, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, you name it, it was there ~ and thriving! And to think we have trouble keeping hostas alive ~ maybe Walnut has no squirrels or rabbits?!

One type of animal that is found in Walnut is the dog! Whether there are many local residents, at least during this show, there are always many visitor dogs. Here are a few of my favorites:

This is Midge ~ or Midget ~ a yorkie. Initially I thought she was a wig as she was sacked out in a basket on top of her owner's jewelry display ~ I jumped a mile when she moved!
Unfortunately, I can't remember the rest of the dogs' names ~ I should have taken notes! They were all friendly though and seemed to be enjoying the show and all the attention they were getting. Below is Pete, the scottie ~ we met his owners last year when Grace (their female scottie) was travelling with them. Pete is a new addition to their family ~ he and his brother were adopted recently by the antique dealer and her sister. Pete was pretty sweet!

{that's all for today ~ more tomorrow!}

Cardboard Artisan ~ Brentley

This is not my dog Sprocket, but he sure has similar tastes! This is Brentley, a handsome and creative guy I found on flickr ~ talented too! Made me smile ~ a good start for the weekend ~ Have a good one!

{image from here}

More Snow?!

Is anyone else ready for spring?!

{image from here}

The story of my dog, Buttons

This is the story of Buttons ~ the scottish terrier our family had when I was 2. The memories I have of Buttons are probably based on images I have seen in my mom's photo albums, as I was a bit young to remember much from my second year. According to family legend, Buttons was quite a feisty little dog ~ he used to jump into my father's newspaper as he was reading the daily news and he also bit into the toaster cord and got a bad shock. Apparently, I was not Buttons' best friend ~ although I am told I enjoyed playing with him ~ I also used him to bring attention to myself. In my defense, I was competing with my newborn brother, so I guess I was desperate.

{cigarette card from my personal collection}

As the story goes, my mom was elsewhere in the house ~ perhaps cooking dinner or tending to the meddlesome newborn ~ my dad was watching me and Buttons in the living room while he relaxed and read the newspaper. I might add that my dad has amazing powers of concentration ~ he can block out just about anything if he so chooses! Apparently, I decided that Buttons would be a good footstool ~ Buttons was not agreeable to that idea so he let me know it. My mom heard all the commotion and came to find my dad still reading the paper ~ oblivious to the whole incident ~ and me sitting on the floor crying and bleeding from a bite to my head. Poor Buttons, I don't know where he was, but it really wasn't his fault!

After that incident, my parents decided they ought to find a safer home for Buttons ~ it must have been hard for them to give away their dog, but I think they wanted to do what was best for the dog. It was only a matter of time before my younger brother would be running around creating even more havoc than I. Buttons did end up in a home with two other scotties, so I hope he was happier there! I guess I should be glad my parents gave away the dog rather than me!

{first aid cigarette cards from here}

Just an extra note: I have absolutely no scar whatsoever and I hold no malice towards the scottie ~ I have two scotties! My parents also have a scottie now!

Speaking of Buttons . . .

I bought this children's book several years ago on ebay since I love scotties and my very first scottie's name was Buttons. This book has a copyright of 1936 and is illustrated by Marguerite Kirmse, an illustrator well known for her expertise with dogs. The story and the illustrations really capture what a scottie is all about ~ a BIG dog in a little (but powerful!) body!

Remembering Gretel

{ Gretel in 1971 in front of my log playhouse }

Seeing that today is February 11th, it reminded me that this date was the birthday of Gretel ~ my family's pet schnauzer ~ long passed on, but fondly remembered. We always had at least one dog ~ Gretel being the first dog I claimed as mine ~ even though she was the family pet. Gretel was a great companion ~ she put up with getting dressed up in my mom's old formal gowns, posed for many photos and artworks and even took me rollerskating down the street. She was also an excellent mouser and food moocher ~ every summer she would manage to strip the strawberry plants of only the ripe strawberries. My dad taught me how to groom her too, so now I can give any dog a schnauzer/scottie haircut!

One year my parents decided to breed Gretel, so my brother and I got to stay home from school the day she had her puppies ~ he and I sat in the bathtub and watched as our neighbor who was a nurse helped my mom and Gretel deliver 5 puppies! Another was born on the way to the vet to get checked out ~ we named all of them even though we knew we weren't allowed to keep the puppies ~ the one that was born in the car we named Dodge ~ after the family car ~ a lovely faux wood panelled 1965 station wagon. I don't remember what we named all of the rest of the puppies, but I do remember we were sad when we had to give them away.

{Gretel and her pups}

{Georgie with me and my brother}

At an early age, not only did I exhibit amazing talent (ha ha), but I also showed a keen love and interest for my pet ~ as shown below in these portraits of Gretel. My mom gave me a big box of artwork I did as a kid while I was home visiting this Christmas ~ there are some pretty funny things in there!

On the reverse of this one, my mom had written " What are you thankful for?" It must have been a school assignment as 1st grade is also written on the back.

{ my favorite ~ no age, just my name and phone number on the back }

Friday's Attire

Still FREEEEEZING! Guess I'll have to break out the dog wrap for tomorrow ~ I'll be sporting a black and white scottish combo instead of the golden shown below.

{image from here}

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