I’m very excited to tell you about the Twelfth Treasure of Christmas! The morning started with a walk over to Nationals Park.
Walking to Nationals Park
My brother said that he had not been inside the ballpark for over a year. At first, he thought it would have been to see one of the World Series playoff games, but I reminded him that he went got to go to Winterfest last Christmas season with my niece:
It looked very pretty!
Winterfest 2020 at Nationals Park
Maybe this coming year we’ll be able to go to Bark in the Park!
When we got around to the home plate side of the Park, we met some Army fellows running the stairs. Wow, that looked like fun!
Watching the Running of the Stairs
Now, for the big news! The Twelve Treasures of Christmas sure ended on a high note! When we got back to The Wharf, look what I found:
Carrying the Big Box
I was so happy to find this box, that I carried it down the promenade:
The Box on The Wharf
My brother even let me take it all the way to the boat. He’s so nice sometimes!
Finishing the Box
Well, I hope you have had some great treasures of your own this Christmas season, just like I had! Our friend Jim always says that the best gifts come wrapped in skin and bone. I always thought he was talking about steak bones and such, and I totally agreed. Then one day, my brother said he could also mean things like people and dogs. I think I agree with that even more!
We took a really long walk this morning. It was great!
We started up by the Capitol. It was really pretty at sunrise!
Whiskey Tango at sunrise on the Mall
Then we headed west down the Mall, past the Washington Monument and on to the World War II Memorial.
Refreshment at the World War II Memorial
I had never been able to get near the pool, but no one else was around, so my brother let me get a drink from it. I felt very honored!
Well, I mentioned a few days ago about singing along with the fire truck sirens. Something big must have been going on because at least five trucks went by as we were walking by the Reflecting Pool.
Singin’ Along!
If you come visit me, maybe we can sing a duet together!
I had never been to the Vietnam Memorial. It is really something. I felt like there was a big rift in the earth, and as you walk down from one end, the list of names start to get taller and taller, until you think you’re at the bottom of a big canyon.
At the Vietnam Memorial
There were very nice Christmas wreaths placed all along the Memorial. My brother was worried that I might mistake one of those as a little tree, if you know what I mean, but I was very careful to be respectful. I’m the American Dog, after all!
Here’s a nice statue dedicated to all the nurses who were in Vietnam. I wonder if there are any soldier dog memorials.
We also went by the Korean War Memorial, but my brother forgot to turn on the camera. That’s OK though! He did get a picture of me in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
We walked about five miles this morning, so I was ready for breakfast when we got back. And then, what to my wondering eyes did appear, but Treasure Number Eleven! I love carrying sacks by their handles! It’s what I do – I’m a Golden Retriever!
Grazie!
Well, I’ll see you tomorrow! I hope you have a good night!
Today was rainy and we didn’t get to take very long walks. However, it was one of my biggest treasure days! Not only did I get this great box of Grey Goose (hold the geese), but I also got some delicious, fresh rainwater, served up right at mouth level!
Tasty, Tasty, Rainwater!
We also got to ride in the car over to PetSMart after Church to get some new treats. I met some new friends there. What a great day!
Have you ever had one of those days where, just as you think it’s cold and dreary and not much is going to happen, it becomes a banner day? I’ll bet you have, too — and I hope you have another one soon!
Grey Goose, Hold the Geese
Well, that’s all I have today, but as you can see, it was a very good one!
Well, the new year has started out with its own set of surprises! For example, today’s treasure wasn’t a treat to eat at all. It was a fun, unexpected splash – and it happened so fast that my brother hardly had time to get you a picture of it!
On the way to the “Title” Basin
This morning, we walked around “The Title Basin”. At least, I think that is the name of it. Here’s the talk my brother and I had about it:
Me: Where are we walking today?
Brother: The Title Basin.
Me: What’s the name of the Basin?
Brother: Title.
Me: OK, the “title”.
Brother: Right.
Me: Right? Is the name the title or is the title the name?
Brother: What?
Anyway, even though I never did get the name of the “Untitled Basin”, I did find out that it serves a good purpose, besides being pretty, especially when the cherry blossoms are blooming! It was built to catch 250 million gallons from the Potomac River, twice a day, at high tide. Then, all that water flushes out into the Washington Channel, where our boat is, to help keep it clean. Isn’t that great! Now, if they ever have a contest to give the Basin a proper name, I would like to suggest that they give a nod to how it works with the tides. I think folks would be very impressed!
World War I Memorial
As we started around the Title Basin, we saw the World War I Memorial. It’s kind of between the World War II Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. My brother thinks that’s a little out of order, but it sure is a nice place. In fact, when my niece and nephew-in-law got married, our friends the McEntires took these great pictures of the wedding party there:
Beautiful!
Our next stop was the Martin Luther King Memorial. I had always heard he was a giant of a man, and they were right! Look at this!
Dr King was a Giant of a Man!
And he’s not the only one who was much larger than I had thought. Take a look at Fala, the Roosevelt’s dog, who I had always pictured as a little guy. Well, when we got to their Memorial, I was in for a big surprise!
There’s a nice view of the monuments as we walked to the Jefferson Memorial:
Crossing the Bridge over the Tidal Basin
And, take a look at how much self-control I exercised when we came across a flock of geese!
Geese on the Tidal Basin
I’ll let you in on a little secret. I was able to walk past the geese because I had already set my sights on today’s Treasure of Christmas. After all the rain we had, there was a really nice puddle with about two or three inches of water in it. Well, it was calling my name. I’m sorry we don’t have a picture for you, but my brother spent a lot of time trying to pull me out of it instead of getting the camera. As you can see, though, it was a refreshing rest before we finished the walk!
Out of the Puddle
Later in the afternoon, we took a nice stroll at The Wharf. It was a little breezy, but it was great to see so many people and dogs out enjoying the afternoon down by the water!
Breezy at The Wharf
After such a big day, I was ready to take it easy! I hope you were also able to take a little nap outside on such a beautiful day!
Well, we only took a few steps outside the Yacht Club this morning and I had found my first treasure of the day!
Shake Shack!
I love Shake Shack! They have those nice big, bags and those tidy little boxes, that are perfectly mouth-sized. So thoughtful of them!
My brother wouldn’t let me go through all the bags that were by the trash can, but that’s OK – I knew the day was just beginning!
We got a good walk in, with a beautiful sunrise. I was so happy, I had to do my Whiskey Tango dance in front of the Disabled Veterans’ headquarters. I hoped they enjoyed it!
Whiskey Tango at the Delta Alpha Victor
Today is also the memorial day of St Thomas Beckett. I don’t think it’s his birthday; I think it was the day he died, but it was a very long time ago. I sure am learning about a lot of brave people! I love hearing about brave people, and dogs, too!
Today was so exciting that I’ve already carried two treasures – and we haven’t even gone on our evening walk yet! The second one happened so fast that I don’t have any pictures for you, so let me show you my first, beautiful find this morning:
The Ghost of Cinnamon Rolls Past
Unfortunately, the cinnamon rolls were gone, but there was some of that icing on the lid, just waiting for me!
Now the second treasure of the day happened at PetSmart. My brother and I went there to get me some food: he was looking for reduced-calorie, for some reason. I think I almost have the moves perfected, so let me share them with my four-legged friends. I’ll bet you’ll be getting more treasures in no time:
Find a rawhide bone on one of the lower displays and grab it.
Put up a fight to let go of it, but not too much. This is important, because it puts everyone at ease.
Wait until your brother or sister is distracted. I waited until my brother was trying to talk to the saleslady, get out his credit card, and punch in his rewards number, all at the same time.
Grab another treasure! This time, make sure that you have a really good grip on it. Don’t let go. Your patience will be rewarded.
In our case, the lady was so nice, she said, “Oh, Winston, that can be my Christmas gift to you.” Wasn’t that thoughtful? Anyway, I had it all eaten before we got back to the boat, so I’ll show you the happy dance I did in the parking garage, instead:
Whiskey Tango in the Parking Garage
My brother calls my little dance a Whiskey Tango. He can have the whiskey, and I’ll do the tango. That’s one of the many reasons we get along so well!
I also heard that today is the Feast of the Holy Family. That’s so cool, because we go to church at Holy Family when we’re back home! I often wonder what kind of dog Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had. I’d like to think it was one of my great-great-great-great-grandparents. If you know the answer, please let me know!
Well, it’s time for my new dog food. I’ll see you tomorrow!
I am so excited about Christmas! We took a long walk this morning up on the National Mall at sunrise. There were smells I’d never smelled before and sights I had never seen this early!
It is the First Day of Christmas and also the Feast of St Stephen, who got hit by a lot of rocks because he told the truth. I have a cousin named Stephen, so I was worried when I first heard that, but it turns out that St Stephen is in the Bible, not in Oklahoma City. Whew!
Well, I told you all I was going to share my Twelve Treasures of Christmas with you. Here’s the first one:
To Go!
I found this beautiful sack at The Wharf last week. The handles were a real treat! So handy! It is so funny that people would forget to take such nice treasures as this one home with them, not that I’m complaining!
My brother says that some folks think that Christmas Day is the end of the holiday, but that we’re actually just getting started on the Christmas season. I can’t wait to show you tomorrow’s treasure!
I hope you all are having a great Christmas! I was excited going to sleep last night. Here’s how the boat looks.
Our Christmas decorations
Sure enough, after our walk this morning, we came back and saw that Santa had left me a new toy! It’s a big rope with a crinkly center. Hours of fun!
Oh, by the way, have I showed you the outside decorations? I think there’s a striking resemblance!
My brother smoked some cheese early this morning and then he smoked a beef tenderloin to take over to my niece and nephew-in-law. I got to be the taste tester! After that, I was ready for a nap!
When my brother got back, we took a walk. It was cold and windy, so we had some more beef to warm us up when we got back to the boat.
I love Christmas! It’s a time of the year when all my two-legged friends act more like dogs. They’re nice to one another, they have a sense of wonder, they like to be close together, and they love to eat! Just like God intended, if you ask me!
I’ll see you tomorrow with the start of my Twelve Treasures of Christmas.
Well, my brother and I are back in Washington, DC! Here’s a picture of us leaving the house last Wednesday:
Before I tell you about our adventures, a big “thank you” to my niece’s mom: she made me a nice blanket for Christmas!
It is very soft and it has pictures of the Pioneer Lady’s dog in a pickup truck on it! I think it’s time my brother and I got a pickup, but I think I’ll still let him drive most of the time. When you’re the driver, I think your passengers expect you to stay seated and not just decide to lie down whenever you feel like it.
Our first night, we stayed in Jackson, Tennessee. With my traveling bowls, I felt right at home!
Our room had a nice couch for me to sleep on – just like home and the boat.
The hotel folks had dog treats for me in the lobby and there was a nice courtyard to explore.
Speaking of the courtyard, I think the hotel was also called the “Courtyard”. What a coincidence!
The next day we got to my friend Tripp’s and his brother, Mike’s. They live in the Smoky Mountains. Speaking of another coincidence – the mountains were a little hazy!
We got to their house before they did, so I got to play in the backyard. I even got to “borrow” one of Tripp’s toys for the rest of the trip.
At first I thought it was a little lamb, but it’s actually a fluffy piñata, because it’s full of squeakers! At last count, I have removed four squeakers from it. What a nice surprise!
It’s always fun to visit them on Lake Douglas. Wait a minute – Douglas is also my brother’s name! This trip is jam-packed with coincidences!
On Lake Douglas
Well, I’ll keep you updated on our adventures on the boat, soon!
The Holidays are right around the corner! I discovered a really amazing way to make them even more special this year, but first, let me give you an update on what’s going on at our house.
First, I’m very excited that we’re going to have two turkeys this year! My brother is taking a brined and smoked one to Max’s family (Susie and Mark) for Thanksgiving, so he wanted to make what he called a “trial balloon” this weekend, just to make sure everything worked out. No complaints from me! He brined it on Friday night and smoked it yesterday.
Now that you mention it, a turkey does kind of look like a balloon!
I was very happy with his results! Now, before we continue, do you remember our ongoing agreement to not worry my veterinarian, sweet Dr Green? I’m still eating green beans with my meals, so if you see her, let’s just accentuate that part – no need to mention what else is going into the bowl! OK: the turkey was delicious! I even got some of the broth with my green beans and food this morning. It made me break out into one of my happy dances. Does food ever do that to you? You should try it sometime!
Do a little dance!
Now, here’s my tip for sprucing up your decorations as we get ready for Christmas. The other morning, my brother let his guard down just long enough for me to find a piece of aluminum foil behind Billy Simms’ BBQ palace. It was covered with barbecue sauce and, before my brother knew what had happened, I swallowed the whole thing!
They say that good things come to those who wait, and that is sure true here. This morning, on our walk, I had the most festive poop you’ve ever seen! My brother refused to take a picture of it, but trust me: it would have brightened your day! It sparkled like Christmas tinsel. That brought on another happy dance.
Let’s exercise away some of that turkey!
Maybe you can help me get the word out to all our four-legged friends. Let’s try to spread some Christmas cheer to our two-legged friends who are still in time-out, wearing their muzzles! My brother disagrees with me, but I don’t think our people friends would even have to pick up after us. I know if I walked out into my front yard and saw one of these beautiful decorations, I would break out into a big smile!
I’ll try to contact the dogs who live on the Pioneer Lady’s ranch. Maybe some of you can write that Living Southern magazine or the Hallmark Station. All it takes is aluminum foil, food, and a little patience.
