Christmas & Holidays in Guelph

Christmas this year was great! Now that I live away from home, I can savour and cherish my family time even more than I did before. I had lots of great food and meals shared with my family and nights together over movies or board games.

Someone got a Barbie Camper-Van!

On Christmas day we went over to my aunt's house for an all round multi-family celebration. Around 10 pm I took scamp out for a walk and we discovered an injured mourning dove! These birds have a knack of falling into my care. I took her home in a shoe box and let her dry-out from the melted snow in Icicles old cage, ironically replacing hers on Christmas. The little bird's tail feathers where missing and she is now spending the rest of winter and spring at a bird sanctuary in Rockwood, Ont.

I never ended up naming her, but if I could now, her name would be "Snow-Drop"

For Christmas my aunt and cousins got my a round knitting loom set. Its been great, I've made four circle scarves/cowls and a few other things since I started looming. Its so easy to pick up and do while I'm watching TV or reading. Lastly I've been so lucky to catch some of Bronwyn'sfigure skating while I'm home. Each time I watch her she is getting better and better, she truly loves this sport, I'm hoping to start sewing her some dresses, and expanding it into a hobby-job.

Look at that stride!

Thanksgiving 2010

In October I went home for Thanksgiving, it was as short trip, but it was relaxing and fantastic to see everyone again. Dinner was a great relief from the strange cafeteria food. They cook nice things but they put certain veggies in the wrong dishes like baby corn in vegetarian lasagna. Or corn in quiche. Its just strange.

Everyone was in good spirits and we had a great evening enjoying the fall feast classics! We used my home-grown herbs, beets and carrots! Not only were my veggies sweet and yummy, they looked fantastic. I couldn't help but say every 2 minutes "How are our organic fresh beets?! Did you know that the turkey is only seasoned with our herbs?! I mean wow, yum!" I'm so excited for next year's crop!

I would love to show you the beautiful pictures, but for what ever reason I don't have them on my computer. They are awesome I promise. I'll post them as soon as I can. Instead I will show you Scamp's first adventure to the big trail dog park in Guelph. We had great weather and Scamp voluntarily dipped his paws in the pond!

Scamp, Chip and Finnegan

Fall colours at the park!

October at Home

Here is Bronwyn, getting some chilly final use our of the pool in mid-september.

Here is Scamp, after his walk. He just loves mom. We also found out that he has intestinal parasites, this explains his frequent vomiting, he has a very deep rooted infection that may take months to heal completely . He is getting better each day.

More Cottage Photos!

Scamp's Happy Tail.

Scamp enjoying some morning sun.

Scamp has adjusted very well in our home and we are all starting to love "adore" this little mutt. We couldn't have adopted a sweeter and more docile pup as our first dog. Unlike a person, Scamp doesn't seem to have any emotional baggage. Other than his early depression-like state, He just wants to be loved, and with five people in the house that isn't hard. Last night there was a huge thunderstorm and he slept peacefully the whole night, unlike everyone else who was restless and kept up by the bright flashes and drumming of the storm. Scamp is very quiet, he makes small gnarls when he yawns and whimpers when he can't run over and smell another dog, but other than that, we've heard less than a handful of barks and hours of happy tail wagging. Check out the Guelph Humane Society's Happy Ending page, for Scamp's cameo in the next few days. Adopt on! I don't think this will be my last adoption.

My friend Maddy found a stray in Chachapoyas, Northern Peru and is trying desperately to get her back to Canada on a flight. This is a photo of Scamp campaigning for her fundraiser.

New Family Member!

On Thursday we brought home a new addition to our family. We spent all week going back and forth to the Guelph Humane Society, and finally we adopted Scamp! A three year old Chinese Crested mix (Powder Puff variety). He was believed to be from a puppy-mill, purchased at a pet store and surrendered about 10 days ago by a divorced couple who couldn't decide who would keep him. He was shaved down due to the poor grooming his previous owners had provided. They also didn't realize he had a food allergy and was breaking out in little blisters all over his body. But don't worry! He is happy as happy gets now, with his reaction stopped and healing and his silky coat growing back, he is cozy and curled up in his plushy dog bed. He has a great temperment and is a very smart boy. Aidan is thrilled to finally have a dog and the two of them love to cuddle and watch a movie. We are all loving the daily walks and can't wait to see what kind of adventures we will have, as a complete family!