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!
I told you yesterday that I’d have a surprise for you. Well, here it is!
Did you think it was me at first? I know I sure did! Then, I realized that I was looking at it, so it would be hard for that to happen. I still look outside at it and then at my own paw sometimes, though, just to be sure!
You all may know my friend, Clifford, the Big Red Dog. Well, I’m now officially Winston, the Big Golden Golden.
My brother got it for me as a surprise. I am honored to be part of our Christmas decorations this year!
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.
