Lambiedog

Sam's birthday

I was excited to help Sam celebrate his birthday.

The present-opening was enthralling.  I watched carefully to learn appropriate etiquette.

    The celebration culminated in cake and candles.  Formidable!

I dreamed I was at Dairy Twirl

          There were dogs and people there.   I was the only white dog.

Of course, I was with my family.

 

 I got a vanilla twist cone.

 

It was a good dream.

Dolce turns two

     I have not yet reported on a recent social event I had the pleasure of attending:  the party to celebrate Dolce's second birthday. 

    As a birthday party habitué (having attended Dolce's previous birthday party), I knew the ropes, and quickly took up my preferred position under the refreshments table.

 

    Soon the Frosty Paws were served.  The birthday girl ricocheted between two dishes' worth.

 The other guests also partook heartily.

  
  

  After the singing and Frosty Paws, I stationed myself by the goodie bags.  This being L.A., I had a feeling that that there might be a run on the gifting suite.

    And, in fact, other guests had the same idea.

   

 
    Luckily, there was more than enough swag to go around.  Our thoughtful hosts even gave me an extra gift bag to bring to my friend Willy. 

The party also afforded me an opportunity to muse about my personal growth.   Whereas at last year's more raucous party I'd been by any measure a shrinking violet, this year I felt myself to be more of a dapper sophisticate.  Perhaps this is the confidence that is said to come with age.

An effortless style icon

 
    The name:  Lambie

The ambiance: Leather recliner chair

The music:  Now, Los Angeles, from the new album Natural Spirit by Warm Brew

The food:  Cooked turkey mixed with Science Diet kibble

The drink:  H20, because I am health-conscious

The fashion:  Vintage Friends of Babydoll Pliner

Quotation:  "My ear is looking a little red here because I have an ear infection."  

  

Willy on a quest

    I was enjoying myself on a walk the other day, when I heard some commotion over at Willy's house.  I ran across the street to see what was up.      

 My friend was not looking his finest.

   It transpired that he had found a very interesting smell to pursue, at significant cost to his good grooming.

    He invited to check into the scene myself, so I did.  But frankly it was a bit too raw for me --not my sort of vibe.

 So, while Willy returned to his labors, I visited with Kim.  It occurred to me that she might give me one of her famously delicious dog treats.

She did.

New rawhide

 

Snack time

 We were playing over at Willy's house when Kim brought out some treats.  We all gathered round.

 On the ladies-first principle Miss Jade got the first snack.  Then, maybe on the guests-first principle, it was Charo's turn.  

Finally it was time for the Most Important Dog to receive my treat.

 

 As the host, Willy was very patient and waited until everyone else had been served. 

A locally-inspired wine

 

  Willy's family gave us a New Year's gift: a bottle of Bluffs Pinot Noir from the winery they co-own, Pali Wine Company.  Pali specializes in Pinots, mostly from unique vineyards but also some blends.  The blends are named after the co-owners' neighborhoods. This one was named "Bluffs" in honor of Willy's family.

     Although I am not much of an oenophile myself, I know that my family is going to enjoy this bottle.               

Year-end wrap-up

        I spent last night at the bar with my drinking buddy, reviewing the past year's ups and downs.

 It was a good year overall.  I solidified friendships, controlled my seizure disorder, and honed my connection to the bluffs.  We got a new president, and he got a new dog.

 Yes, there were some disappointments, notably in the squirrel department.  But, as my friend reminded me, in toto it was a banner Year of Lambie.

 No one can know what the coming year will bring, but tomorrow I may come up with some resolutions to guide me going forward.  

So, until next year...have a safe and happy New Year's Eve, dear Readers!

Trick or treat

Over at Willy's house they've got some new treats that are phenomenal.  Kim brought them out when I stopped by to pick Willy up for a walk.

Kim and Willy have a routine involving a trick that he does for the treat.  Kim says, "Willy, roll over," and he rolls over.

Then he gets the treat.

 

Kim tried for a bit to get me to roll over.

But that's really not my thing.  My feeling is, let's dispense with the preliminaries and just let me jump up and get the treat.

She did.