An Interview With Grampy
From the files of Mr. Samuels, Echo editor
Interview Transcript with reporter’s notes: Subject – Aylmer Hill
Samuels: Morning, Aylmer. Been a long time.
Hill: Since when?
Samuels: Why, uh, since we had a sitdown together, you and I.
Hill: When did that ever happen?
Samuels: Well, perhaps not formally – maybe making this a little more special, if you see what I mean. (Note: AH says nothing. Describe his gaze, clear and icy. Omit or at least tone down its disquieting effect.) Care for a Danish?
Hill: Nope.
Samuels: Must be why you stay so trim. If you don’t mind my asking, how’s your health these days?
Hill: Tip top.
Samuels: Probably feeling especially good right now, I’d imagine.
Hill: Why?
Samuels: What with your recent exoneration in the Thatcher murder and all. (Note: no reply, just the gaze again) Um, a splash more coffee?
Hill: Nope.
Samuels: How do you feel about the way the case was handled?
Hill: Been around the block.
Samuels: You’re saying you’ve been around the block?
Hill: What I said.
Samuels: Meaning, ah, in terms of the case, that …
Hill: Been in worse situations.
Samuels: Ah, let’s get into that. I take it you’re referring to your experiences in World War Two. (Note: again no reply, but possibly a slight nod) I’m sure The Echo’s readers would be interested in your account of those adventures.
Hill: Adventures?
Samuels: Ordeal might be a better word.
Hill: Think so?
Samuels: What word would you choose?
Hill: (Note: long silence during which AH’s eyes seem to cloud over) Long time ago.
Samuels: Meaning the memories have faded?
Hill: Nothing wrong with my memory.
Samuels: So when you think of the Bataan Death March –
Hill: I don’t.
Samuels: But if you did, right now, for example, as a matter of historical record for Echo readers, what would your thoughts be? For example, do you feel bitterness toward the Japanese?
Hill: (Note: an even longer silence) Only some of them.
Samuels: What’s your reaction to those who say that once the dogs of war are unleashed anything goes?
Hill: (Note: the disquieting look) Then we’re just beasts.
Samuels: So there should be restraint even in war?
Hill: (Note: perhaps another slight nod)
Samuels: Changing subjects a little bit, did you happen to catch your granddaughter Ingrid’s performance in the Prescott Players’s recent production of Hansel and Gretel?
Hill: Yeah. (Note: a sudden laugh) I snuck in the back.
Samuels: You snuck in the back?
Hill: Got a problem with that?
Samuels: Well, why not just take a normal seat, like anyone else? (Note: an icy look that goes on and on) Moving on to the play itself, what did you think of Ingrid’s performance?
Hill: (Note: After a sudden quick smile that changes his whole face) My family is a private matter.
Samuels: Meaning?
Hill: None of your damn business.
Samuels: So you’d like me to keep the Ingrid part off the record?
Hill: All of it.
Samuels: I’m sorry?
Hill: (Note: covers the mike with his hand) All of it. It’s all off the record. Every single word.
Samuels: But I don’t understand. You said that – (Note: subject has risen and is leaving the room.)
From the extras to the paperback edition of Into the Dark.
Tags: Echo Falls Series
This entry was posted on Sunday, July 17th, 2011 at 8:40 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
9:17 am on July 17th, 2011
I do like Grampy!
Good morning all.
9:21 am on July 17th, 2011
Mom is up so I can get on the computer. We’re still at Sam’s waiting for word from the doctor tomorrow. Mom says all these tests are good but an antibiotic in the meantime might have helped while we are waiting.
9:29 am on July 17th, 2011
Hope you are feeling better today, Molly’s Mom.
We like Grampy, too. Wonder if there is a #4 Ingrid book, how Grampy’s health will hold up.
BSD, How did your Nana like the movie? We are going to watch it this afternoon when it is too hot to be outside.
9:29 am on July 17th, 2011
Isn’t Grampy wonderful? Wouldn’t be easy to live with . . . but wonderful.
My maternal Grandmother got tired of people treating her like she was 3 or 4 while she was in the nursing home. She whacked them with her cane a few times and then all was fine. She was Mrs. McKey, thank you very much, not dearie!
I was going to say something about last night’s comments . . . hmm, guess I’ll be back in a minute.
9:38 am on July 17th, 2011
Right, now that I have refreshed my memory . . .
Riö, Franklin just lifts what he is under with his back and then he fits. Perhaps you could try that?
MollyPop: Would that mean your brother (in-law?) gave you a true alien?
Bella: I understood you completely.
Staff: I would be interested in the drawing for a chicken pot holder. I would then give it to my sister. Her tales of her 3 chickens are hilarious!
Dawson: BRR right back at you!
B.Stover, Riö and I think Siber-H, actually most anyone: I am trying to find another TV series to watch on Netflix streaming. Any ideas?
I have finished Eureka and actually bought Season 4.0. That was a surprise beginning! But I can’t do that on my own because Zoë loves the series.
Glee is not my cup of tea. Funny at times, but I have lived through the reality of teenage angst and don’t want any more!
Going West down the mountain when Zoë gets back from Walk/Run with the Pack. Have to do a few more things to the pool, but at this point, it is dog ready!
They’ll need it today as it will be 89 degrees!
10:02 am on July 17th, 2011
Melanie, I thought your sister had more than 3 chickens. Does she know what kind they are? Are they all laying now? When they first start their eggs are small and pointy.
10:07 am on July 17th, 2011
A Very Good Sunday to All!
For Luna, Bear, the Newf pack
and Water Dogs everywhere….
On this hot summer day – jump right in – the water’s fine!

10:12 am on July 17th, 2011
Melanie: I wonder if you’d like the Dresden Files based on the novels of Jim Butcher. Also on streaming on Netflix: Waking the Dead, Lie to Me, Damages (which I have not seen yet), Merlin, Primeval.
We’re having record-breaking highs here. Hot and humid and my garden feels like an oven.
Mollypop’s mom: I hope the pain is lessening. (I sent you an email.)
10:13 am on July 17th, 2011
Hey! That looks like Bear and his best friend, Koha, the black lab.
(eh, sorry Siber-H – I can see you cringing from here.)
10:38 am on July 17th, 2011
Good Morning to All!
A hot and humid day here in Westchester. UGH! The rest of the week looks the same, with temps in the 90’s.
To all the “Breaking Bad” fans out there, enjoy the season premiere!
Have a fun day, and stay cool!
Jealous of the Newfs…they have a pool!
10:59 am on July 17th, 2011
SnowBella: Along with Dawson, Melanie and others, we understood perfectly the message sent from your phone last night: “power out in our neck of the woods”.
MollyPop: We don’t understand why the doc didn’t give your mom something to relieve the pain. Is he afraid of misdiagnosing? Too bad she isn’t able to go to the doctor who took care of Sam’s dad so quickly.
Staff: A Hot Pad Blog Draw – Yes! BTW: Please let Alice know the wonderful Mesh File Protector with Cat Decoration arrived in the mail yesterday. Very clever packaging! Your books are going out via Media Mail tomorrow.
Melanie: We are also looking for another series to watch. Have not seen Eureka. Highly recommend Damages with Glenn Close. I believe about 26 episodes are available on Netflix streaming video.
Barb&Maggie: Watched That Evening Sun last night, but would prefer to wait until you have seen the movie to discuss it. Hal Holbrook, of course, was excellent in the part of the elderly gentleman who leaves the old folk’s home to return to his farm.
11:05 am on July 17th, 2011
Heh! At the risk of making you all jealous, here is our upcoming forecast:

11:22 am on July 17th, 2011
We are most definitely jealous, BSD!
11:36 am on July 17th, 2011
Hey, y’all! I would be jealous, except our string of 90-degrees-plus days finally ended on Friday, when it was only 85 degrees. The record was something like 54 days, so we ended up missing a new record by a few days — I’m certainly not going to cry about that! Today it’s “only” supposed to be 89 degrees. Then back to the 90s tomorrow, with a possibility of 100 later in the week. But then I can’t even feel too bad about that, because there’s Macy with her string of 100-plus days!!!
11:49 am on July 17th, 2011
Bear Spirit, I just love your pic of the dogs leaping into the pool. It looks so refreshing. I am safe in the air conditioned farmhouse just about ready to go to the air conditioned quilt shop in my air conditioned van.
I don’t know what I would do if I had to live south with Macy. I can’t stand it hot.
The potholders and the purse were put in the mail yesterday so they should be arriving on Tuesday. Looks like we might have some who want potholders. 🙂
BB much L
11:52 am on July 17th, 2011
eek We won’t have that forecast, minus the rain, until late October. We will have cooler nights than that because of the dry air and altitude.
I didn’t look at that photo of those psycho dogs jumping in the water.
Rio, I didn’t know about Tracy getting thrown out of the game until I read your post. I guess it is a good thing I went to sleep because I would have been pretty ticked off.
11:56 am on July 17th, 2011
Here’s a link to the Guardian review of John Bradshaw’s In Defense of Dogs.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/jul/17/dog-training-john-bradshaw-animal-behaviour
12:59 pm on July 17th, 2011
Spice basil:
1:01 pm on July 17th, 2011
Nasturtium:
1:34 pm on July 17th, 2011
Stover: Thanks for the review of In Defense of Dogs. Definitely sounds good and I think my dad will get it. FYI, I think that Temple Gradin has also expressed a critical view of some of Cesar Milan’s pack behavior theories.
On the subject of tv series, since we are not Nexflixers here in Chevy Chase, so I don’t know what is and what is not available, but one of our all time favorite series (and available on DVD) is Due South, which was actually made in Canada. It ran for about 4 seasons, and is one of the best written, funniest, sweetest and poignant series ever broadcast. In addition to the two-leggeds in the show, the real star was a member of the nation within the nation, who played a wolf-dog mix named Diefenbacker (who was also deaf but could read lips). We would highly, highly recommend it.
Hope Mollypop’s mom and T & G’s mom both are doing better. And stay cool (everyone except Masquers) because it is going to be hot out there for the next several days. Me, I’m saying an extra thank you prayer for the guy who invented air-conditioning. Wookie
P.S. My mom says thank you to Staff, the hot pads sound great.
1:44 pm on July 17th, 2011
Grump!… Someone here is awfully ticked off today…sniff!…She’s sick and tired of being woken up really early every weekend because someone else has to crash bang around from 5:30am on till we crawl out of bed around 6:30…snort!…This is okay during the work week, but on the weekends it’s a tad perturbing. This morning my friend being sleep deprived because of all those thunderstorms keeping her up many nights…cough!wheeze!…finally was sleeping until someone barged into our room and slammed the window shut and said in a loud voice, “Not getting anything done this way and its getting hot out already!!”…snort!… We looked at the clock and it was only 7:00am….grump!…My friend was fit to be tied. She got up and she stormed out of the house (with me!) and went over to my other house and dug out old grout in the bathroom and put new grout in and then put up a new show curtain….grunt!… Boy was she pissed off though…huffle!…She is still fuming.
Rockies!….We came back to her mothers house so she could get cleaned up. We are going to leave soon and go watch the game at a sports bar….heh!… Hot wings and beer baby!…Woooooo!… We may never come back here again…snort!snort!
2:10 pm on July 17th, 2011
AJ should be home sometime today. Finally. He will also have a little Charlotte in tow. I’m excited to welcome our girl home.
Staff: A drawing for hot pads?— Count me in!
Like pug, like pup: While I was in the kennel this morning, I was taking turns giving each dog love and attention as is my normal practice. Impatient for his morning ear scratch I heard a snort from behind me. Looking over my shoulder while still giving Garcia the opportunity to pass the time with my hand in his mouth, I saw Rio looking intently at me. Snort again.
Here is a link you might enjoy:
http://youtu.be/EVwlMVYqMu4
2:11 pm on July 17th, 2011
Will they let Rio into a sports bar?
Due South (Seasons 1 – 3) is available on dvd on Netflix but not on streaming.
I just saved three baby rabbits who had fallen down the grill by my basement window. It’s six feet deep and I had to use a six-step ladder….and it’s 92 outside. They hid in the edges thinking I wouldn’t be able to see them. Then they tried to run from me (one actually tried to climb up). They squealed as I caught each one. They hopped away very quickly when I put them on the grass. Now I’m wringing wet….
2:13 pm on July 17th, 2011
Happy Sunday, Plunderers.
We had a fantastic weekend. But now we are zonked. Pints for Pups was a blast. We were never around so many of the nation within the nation before. There were big dogs, little dogs, fat dogs, skinny dogs. And Beer! Even doggie bars with our favorite drink (water) and doggie pools.
And look…is this a cousin of Rio’s who is a Phellow Philies Phan?

2:26 pm on July 17th, 2011
Yay for Bee, the bunny wrangler. Those guys would have been sol around here, because nobody would be outside to know their plight. Dad parked at the top of the “hill” at church, and mom stood in the shade of the entryway until he brought the truck down. It is her opinion that if “someone” wants to protect his precious truck by parking way up there then he should be prepared to give mom limo service.
Mom nearly cried when she saw that forecast. Maskie, you bad kitty. j/k. That looks more like a Thanksgiving forecast. Me, with my sleek coat, would shiver in those temps. As it is, I need a blanket in order to deal with the a/c.
2:29 pm on July 17th, 2011
Did all the Howlers get to go? Were there min-pins? There are never min-pins. It makes people think that we are not very social. I personally love a good party, but it is so rare that I am invited.
2:33 pm on July 17th, 2011
Rio: Wish there was some way your friend could make her mother understand she would like extra sleep-in time on the weekends after working hard all week. There seems to be something about older folks that has them going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. A sports bar is the ticket! Nothing like watching the game on a big screen, amid enthusiastic fellow fans with lots of beer and hot wings all around. Life is good!
2:35 pm on July 17th, 2011
Macy, Sasha did not care to go stand around while Mom & Pop tasted beer and other doggies sniffed her bum. Only Meashka and Dima went, along with Cousin Zoe. We saw almost every breed who have become our friend on this blog, except no min-pins. We were wondering why none of your family were there. There were doggies in purses, as well as doggies that looked to be as big as our horses.
2:53 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wookie: We were so excited to hear about the series Due South! It definitely sounds like our kind of show. But, no! B. says it’s not available on streaming from Netflix. All I know is, they had best improve their instant play/streaming features, especially in view of the new price increase. Grump!
B: Your herb garden looks wonderful! Love the container the basil is growing in. > That was a beautiful thing you did rescuing those baby bunnies. Wonder how they managed to get stuck there in the first place. They must have been very small to have fallen through the opening.
Hey O.Howlers! Good to hear the Pints For Pups was a success. Doggie bars and pools too, wow!
2:54 pm on July 17th, 2011
There is a new Masterpieces Mystery series beginning tonight: Zen starring Rufus Sewell.
I saw the baby rabbits through the basement window. I wasn’t outside at the time. Mollypop’s Living Proof frizz-free hair products even work after the saving-of-the-rabbits-in-sweltering-heat episode.
3:19 pm on July 17th, 2011
Orange mint–I think this is a pretty plant:
3:27 pm on July 17th, 2011
B, we love your plants! Next year, we need to make a stab at pretty container herb plants on the patio. Altho we aren’t sure they would get enough sun. Or that certain members of our pack would treat them kindly.
3:30 pm on July 17th, 2011
Hello to all. It has been an awful weekend for us felines. We were locked in the cellar! T.C. cried so cute for Mom to let her out, but Mom showed no sympathy. I stayed way down in the cellar and pouted and plotted.
Mom said she wasn’t sure if we would be safe with Cousin Zoe. How could that be? Zoe wouldn’t have hurt us..after all, she liked playing with all of our toys.
3:31 pm on July 17th, 2011
Howlers: Many herbs don’t require a great deal of sun especially if in planters. I never put sweet basil in the direct sunlight. Lemon balm, spearmint, chives and arugula are in shade much of the day. I had to put the celery herb and parsley into the shade because it is too hot. (The herbs growing in the ground can take more sunlight.) The sun can be handled but regarding the pack, I don’t know…LOL!
3:32 pm on July 17th, 2011
O.Howlers: Seems Sasha has a mind of her own.
B & SnowBella, we enjoyed the links. In Defense of Dogs is going on our reading list for sure. It is always good to find out dog training techniques are improving. A couple of comments we didn’t agree with – one being the head cocking thing. This is something I have done when trying to understand what mom is saying. Perhaps individual dogs have different ways of expressing themselves. All in all this book promises to be a best seller.
3:40 pm on July 17th, 2011
3:45 pm on July 17th, 2011
DRAT!!! We posted a pic of each of the Howlers who attended Pints for Pups, and its awaiting moderation. grump
3:47 pm on July 17th, 2011
The house is clean, the chores are done, writing is being avoided, so to pass the time I’m packaging all the Snowhook auction items to be sent to the winning bidders.
3:51 pm on July 17th, 2011
Luna and her dog, Belle Starr. Luna rarely gets any alone time…
4:00 pm on July 17th, 2011
Hot!… Well, she left me at my other house while she shopped and then left the shopping in the cool house and picked me up…sniff!…We went to check out our favorite hot wing place, because it has moved into a larger space. When we got there they said I could not come in…grump!…Not even to go outside on the patio. Now they that they have their new place they are all snobby and uppity or both. This just made someone here even more angry…yeep!
Basement!…So now we are downstairs eating a sandwich and watching the Rockies in the basement…snort!…At least it is nice and cool down here, even though she is still pretty hot under the collar…sniff!
4:05 pm on July 17th, 2011
Rio: It is obvious where your friend’s loyalty lies.
4:07 pm on July 17th, 2011
Oops—I submitted before I finished my last post.
Rio: It is obvious where your friend’s loyalty lies. A sandwhich in the basement beats uppity hot wings for a party of one.
4:24 pm on July 17th, 2011
Rebeccer!… I don’t know about that…sniff!…She said next time she goes she is leaving me home…grump! …Is Luna the one on the right? She looks a little disgruntled….heh!…Does her pup follow her around even though it is grown-up?…snort!…Poor Luna. All she wants is some time to herself to do her nails ….sigh!
4:31 pm on July 17th, 2011
Rio: You are correct—Luna is the dog on the right. She’s probably a little disgruntled at me because I may or may not have interrupted a mid-morning nap to take the picture. Belle Starr refuses to leave Luna’s side. If we call Luna’s name, two dogs come running.
4:33 pm on July 17th, 2011
I have put Due South on the queue. “Damages” even though YSAS was in one of the scenes does not go well over here. We just can’t get past Close’s character. She is VERY good, but the character, as far as we watched, was NOT likeable.
I’m zonked. Today was making PVC sand filled weights for the platform. That meant getting the stuff, rushing back here, doing the weights (got three done) and then the dolly broke. . . you know the normal stuff.
So I quit everything about an hour ago and just stayed in the Pool. Mattie stayed with me! Even though it was her dinner time.
T’was HOT today.
4:37 pm on July 17th, 2011
Belle!… Do both of them race?…snort!…Where in the line-up are they pulling the sled? I bet they are beside each other, huh?…heh!…Poor Luna…snorkel! …My worst fear is that someone here will drag home a puglet and it will follow me all over the place…grump!..I don’t think I could take that. I need my private time…sniff!…Not to mention, I don’t share my stuff. Not with anyone…grunt!
4:47 pm on July 17th, 2011
Rio: Snort at the thought of either of the girls racing. Their favorite position during a race is on the couch while I watch race stats.
When I first started mushing, I had 1.5 sled dogs. Tenzing was the one and Luna the point-five. She knows all the commands, listens well, yet perfers not to break a sweat. We run her in wheel, closest to the sled from time to time. When training yearlings, Luna is great to have in the team because ‘ain’t no one mess with mama.’ She is a great disciplinarian; if a dog is acting out or not paying attention a bit of time next to Luna usually gets that problem straightened out.
I took Luna and Belle Starr on my first run after my back surgery a few years ago. It was Belle’s first time in harness. Maybe it was a combination of the need to do whatever Luna does and that I had Fargo, who runs a tight ship in lead but you would have thought she’d been to Nome a few times. That said, she doesn’t have the temperment to run in team, nor the build of our other dogs—to say she is small for her age in an understatement.
4:50 pm on July 17th, 2011
Blow-out!…Well, my friend just told her mom off in no uncertain terms…grunt!… No more coming in our room closing and opening windows, turning off or on the fans….sniff!…She said she can do that herself without someone else deciding when we are hot or cold and waking us up two or three times a night, not to mention the clanging and banging that goes on in the wee morning hours….grumble! …Now everybody is really mad…heh!heh! …I can just see my friend banging the bathroom door shut at like 3:00am – just because….grunt!…I hope not, that will wake me up and then I will have to go outside and then everyone will be mad at me too…sniffle!
SiberH!…Are you watching this game?…grunt!… I think Stewart just signed his trade papers by fumbling with that ball forever and letting that guy get to third base right under his nose…groan!
5:21 pm on July 17th, 2011
Home! Home! Home! AJ and Charlotte are home! AJ said the Charlotte was a bit skiddish about being away from her mates, but when we took her down to the kennel she jumped up, gave a hug and the tail started wagging. Welcome home, little one, welcome home.
5:25 pm on July 17th, 2011
5:26 pm on July 17th, 2011
I’m watching the game, Rio. Mom just got the computer turned back on for me. Earlier this morning I watched the videos of last night’s game on the Rockies website. That was a really bad call by that umpire last night. Chris and Tracy were really mad, and I don’t blame them.
5:27 pm on July 17th, 2011
SiberH: Please check your SDD.
5:30 pm on July 17th, 2011
HowlFest at Pints for Pups

5:31 pm on July 17th, 2011
Enjoying the photos of the Huskies…Siberians and Alaskan!!
Fellow Siberians, Glad you had a good time at Pints for Pups!
5:52 pm on July 17th, 2011
Howlers!…Wow! Those are some graat photos of you guys…snort!…It looks like you had a Howling Good Time too!…heh!
5:54 pm on July 17th, 2011
Rebecca, Check your SDD
5:56 pm on July 17th, 2011
Weird!…Something weird is going on right now during the game….grunt!…Someone in the stands is bothering the Brewers Pitcher somehow. Either by flashing something or heckling him…snort!…Who ever it is needs to be Kicked out On His Arse!…grump!
6:07 pm on July 17th, 2011
Great pictures earlier from Bee, and great pictures of the Howlers. Bet they had a great time. Hope it was cooler than here.
Everyone is staying inside,except the goats and chickens. We have checked to make sure they have enough water, but nothing else we can do for them. They can’t come into the a.c.
BSD, Barb watched the movie…you are right Hal Holbrook did a good acting job, but we did NOT like the movie. Assume Nana did not either. Found it dark and depressing, and well, the part about Pepper was just totally upsetting and diastasteful to us. What did Nana think? Now I see why she didn’t want to say anything till we watched it. Would not recommend it to anyone!
6:07 pm on July 17th, 2011
Siber-H: Checked and response sent.
As a test of my love and that pesky phrase in the admist the wedding vows ‘to love, honor and obey,’ AJ made me promise not to see the Harry Potter movie without him. This was a true test of love. I didn’t find myself at a midnight showing dressed as Hermione, I didn’t hit the theatre on the way home from work. In fact, I’ve avoided going to town altogether this weekend so I wouldn’t be tempted. Shortly after arriving home and getting Charlotte settled, he announced, “Get ready. I’m taking you on a date.” I’m twirling and twirling.
6:16 pm on July 17th, 2011
Well, things have bern a little unsettled around here also. First of all, Dad’s Dad has been in the hospital. He seems to be doing a little better now. Mom has in interesting relationship with her inlaws. They have never acknowledged the adoption and will have nothing to do with my boys, which upsets mom.
Anyway, dad got mad at mom today at church and walked off. She hasn’t seen him since. Dad takes medication which mellows him out, but he quit taking it.
So he is mad all the time and is always threatening to leave. The worst part is that he takes his rage out on the boys, which also upsets mom.
And finally, the boys got into a fist fight today and it was a doozy. Mom almost called 911 because Chad was out of control.
So me and mom and Teddie and Gus and most of the Kats are hanging out in Mom’s bedroom. Mom keeps talking about running away from home but if she does, I hope she takes me with her.
6:18 pm on July 17th, 2011
Someplace!…I wish we could go someplace…sniff!… I know my friend is UP TO HERE with sitting around this place…snort!… We never did get to the mountains because my car needed all those repairs…huffle! …Next weekend won’t be any fun either cuz of all the furniture moving around….grunt! …Life really sucks right now.
6:19 pm on July 17th, 2011
Sucks!…Sounds like Wolfie’s life really sucks right now too…wuffle!
6:26 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie, All of us are with you guys in the bedroom. Hugs and prayers going out to you.
6:46 pm on July 17th, 2011
YEEP!…Last out and Tulo is up to bat…snort!snort!…It is 4 to 3 Brewers – two bases are loaded…grunt!…Come ON TULO!…wooooo!…Clap!Clap! – Clap!Clap!Clap!
6:48 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie! Big hugs from us too. That is the worst thing for your mom to be going through. Just know that we are all thinking of you and your family right now. I hope this helps in some small way.
6:49 pm on July 17th, 2011
GRUMP!…Are you freakin’ kidding me…snort!…Un-believable…grump!..Now I’m as pissed off as she is..snarl!

6:51 pm on July 17th, 2011
Leaving!…We are going over to my other house and try to keep some plants alive on the north side of the house…grumble!…If I had a can, I would kick it…snort!
6:51 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie, we are hoping you all stay safe. Help your mom get away from what sounds to us like a very dangerous situation. There are places to call, and people who help.
In the meantime, you can blur over here and spend time with us.
6:52 pm on July 17th, 2011
sigh, Tulo struck out…sob, sob
7:01 pm on July 17th, 2011
Hair is wonderfluffed, overalls exchanged with city clothes and one last check-in before I head on my date.
Wolfie: I echo Siber-H—we are with you in that bedroom to offer comfort, security and care. Several heads have been placed on your knee under the guise of needing an ear scratch, but in reality to offer comfort, to absorb your hurt. Please let us know what we can do to help.
7:14 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie’s Mary: I think running away sounds like a good solution. You need to think about yourself for a change.
7:18 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie, Our hearts and prayers go out to you and everyone in your family today. Not a good day for you. Are the boys still on the straight and narrow? Hope dad comes back all calmed down and peaceful.
7:43 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie/Mary, so sorry to hear about your troubles, and wish there was something constructive I could do to help. Stay safe, take care.
Rio, i like your accent up there where you say ‘kicked out on his arse’.
7:57 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie-you and your Mom have through some tough times with your boys. are they still clean and sober?
8:01 pm on July 17th, 2011
I’m with B, I think running away sounds good.
8:05 pm on July 17th, 2011
Whew Wolfie, that is hard. Having someone sick in the family is hard enough, but when your Dad is not taking his medicine that is not geometrically increasing the trouble, but is raising it exponentially.
Which, of course, raises the tension on everyone else in the dynamic.
YIKES, no wonder your mom wants to run away. Don’t worry, I don’t think she’d leave with out you four footed ones.
The Newf Pack and I are sending good thoughts and prayers to you . . .
8:10 pm on July 17th, 2011
On a brighter note, Melanie/Dan, I’m so enjoying ‘For the Love of Puppies’, it’s so readable and lovely! I feel like i’m there in the house watching those pups…
8:13 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie and Wolfie’s mom. We echo the setiments expressed by everyone else and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. It’s very difficult when you expend so much energy trying to meet everyone else’s needs that you don’t have the time or energy to take care of yourself. I know how much Teddie, Wolfie and Gus adore you, and hopefully their love and devotion will bring you some comfort at times like these, but in addition to that, taking care of your own needs is very important too. Big tail wags, licks and wiggly buts from here in Chevy Chase. Wookie
8:20 pm on July 17th, 2011
Liz, I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I’ll tell Dan and Zoë in the morning. They have gone to bed.
Riö, sorry your friend is having trouble with her Mom. It’s difficult when a person comes back to live with a parent. I am frequently seen as age 7 to 14 years old. I now say, “Hey, 57 years old here!!”
Mary take care. This kind of stress can make you ill. So make sure you give plenty of tummines and take some licks.
The Pool is doing what a pool should be doing. I’m exhausted, but it should now be down to just minutes a day in care. Or will be, when I’ve done a few more things!
TTFN
ps B. Stover and Oley Howlers, beautiful pictures.
8:39 pm on July 17th, 2011
Yes, so many beautiful pictures today. They make me want to get a husky.
8:47 pm on July 17th, 2011
Photography!…Excellent today!…wooo!….We here love to see good photography ..heh!
Liz!…You could have been here last summer watching 12 other pups with all of us but you were too busy then to be interesting in the mere littleness of us…heh!..Your loss lassie.
Wolfie!…My friend says to tell your friend that she is ready to run away with her right now…heh!…She here is thinking a trip to Alaska on a Cruise Ship sounds awfully good right about now….snort!…Then somehow you guys could go visit Rebeccer and AJ if they ever get back from their date that is…wuffle!
9:14 pm on July 17th, 2011
Thanks, everyone. Today has been impossible. But Chad has agreed to a psych insult, and maybe we can get to the bottom of this. I’m sure that they are clean and sober. They are testing clean. Melanie is right, dad’s behavior sets the tone for everyone else.
Rio, tell your friend that mom is packing for the cruise. We need to find one that allows members of the nation!
9:16 pm on July 17th, 2011
Grampy!…I’ve decided I could live with Grampy…snort!…I mean, if something happened and I couldn’t live with my friend anymore…sniff!…I would choose to live with Grampy…snorkel! …He has high regard for his family and doesn’t treat them like insignificant morons…heh!
9:21 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie, thinking of you and yours today. Hope things get untangled.
Settling in here at the new place. Mom leaves to take boxes to the trash and I can’t see her, so I get a bit freaked out about that. She comes back right away and hugs and pats and tummies me, and then she plays tug the rope, and I quit panting and just breathe like normal. She says, “You are a good dog. I’m here, I’m here.” I am figuring out that even tho I can’t see her, she will come back to me.
Had our first visitor, a nice college senior named Paige. She is going to come in every day and play with me and make sure I get a middle of the day potty break and a walk when mom is at the busy place.
All is well here, just hot, so I only go outside when I gotta go (ifyouknowwhatImeanandIthinkyoudo).
10:07 pm on July 17th, 2011
Time to go to bed. Its been a tiring weekend for us Howlers who aren’t used to so much happening.
Wolfie, we will keep sending positive, peaceful thoughts your way. Please help your mom feel good, as we know she will be helping you.
10:14 pm on July 17th, 2011
Good night all.
10:43 pm on July 17th, 2011
Barb&Maggie: Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I was supervising package wrapping which was getting a little stressful when Nana couldn’t find the right size box. But we improvised and all is well.
As to the movie – well, we must say it left something to be desired. After that terrible incident with the dog, threads began to unravel in the story line. We got the feeling that whoever was editing the script just lost interest. That left the rest of us blowing in the wind. Holbrook’s wife, Dixie Carter, appeared in only a few scenes – another disappointment. Like you, we do not recommend it.
11:00 pm on July 17th, 2011
May each one of us feel
how much we are cared for
by the wonderful plunderers
Good nite dear friends – Bear
11:11 pm on July 17th, 2011
Mama is home! She is tired but happy as it was a really good show, and her back never hurt her even one little bit, even when they were packing out and loading their van. And then she came home home home to us – to snuggle and pet and scritch. And guess what – Mama just told us that we are THE VERY BEST DOGGIES IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! (she didn’t tell Basil and Sage any such thing – they aren’t talking to her since she left them here)
Wolfie – please, please tell your Mom that she is the most important one in her own world. And if she isn’t safe, she can’t be sure anyone else will be safe either. And she DESERVES to feel safe and cherished! She does! And if that means running away from home, then maybe she should put some serious thought into that. There are ways that she can get help and assistance, and we really want to know that she is safe and happy.
And Rio – maybe your friend could try a peace offering with her mother. Something like a cup of camomile tea…with an Ambien dissolved in it…..
just sayin’
Bee – you are our hero for saving those bunnies. You just racked up major coney karma points.
Howlers – Mama says we can go to the post office with her tomorrow when she has to get a Very Important Package in the mail.
And now, we are going to curl up in our snuggly beds cuz Mama says she is just plumb out of gas….g’night everyone.
11:12 pm on July 17th, 2011
Bear, We didn’t know this, but Dixie Carter, Holbrook’s wife passed away last year. She was born in ’39 so she was 70 or 71 when she passed.
Good night all.
11:23 pm on July 17th, 2011
Well!…We are going to “try” to go upstairs and go to sleep now…snort!…But if someone comes in our room and wakes us up – its war…grunt!…Oh, and I am supposed to “not snore.”…heh!..As if I snore! My friend snores, not me…dammit!heh!
11:53 pm on July 17th, 2011
Wolfie, sorry, but I had to laugh about the psych insult. That doesn’t sound like anything mom would be willing to pay for. She gets all she needs for free. No kidding tho, warm thoughts to all of you. Mom says you need a good game of WWF or maybe some Hanging. She will be playing in a few minutes. It is part of her going to sleep routine.
Tupper, if your mom has run out of gas, maybe some pug has a little to spare….
11:53 pm on July 17th, 2011
Brother Rio – I’m sure no self respecting pug would snore.
Pooting now on the other hand…..
11:55 pm on July 17th, 2011
Miz Macy my dear. When is the next dance we can shake a leg at?
11:57 pm on July 17th, 2011
Mary, ML here. What age did you adopt the boys? The grandparents have been ignoring them for HOW long? Man, that is messed up, too. Have you ever noticed that when one person’s crisis seems to settle down, somebody else get’s their knickers in a twist? It is like a vacuum that has to be filled. It would be nice if everybody could be happy at the same time.
11:59 pm on July 17th, 2011
Oh Mr. Redbone, how are you tonight! Why, I am ready whenever you are. It only takes me a second to get ready, as I never have a hair out of place. (really, it is not possible for ANY of my hairs to move around)
Sure hope it is not as hot in your neck of the woods as it is here. I may need to have some lemonade on the veranda!
12:00 am on July 18th, 2011
Perhaps, some of that “cola” that you brought to the party would do just as well.
12:05 am on July 18th, 2011
Yes, Bee, you are the hero! Bunnies are people too!
Jasper’s mom, I glad that you are settled closer to home!
I hope that AJ and Rebeccer have a fabulous date! I would love to see your new “do”!
And I am especially thankful that the Royals mum is better! And that the new pump is working for the Newfies!
And may Rio and Friend get a good nights sleep!
12:16 am on July 18th, 2011
nite nite,
Macy out!
12:30 am on July 18th, 2011
Again, we are late in posting. Mom and Dad took a quick out of town trip to Dallas for our Aunt’s 60th birthday party. That’s okay bacause we have fantastic kittie sitters who come in to feed us. They are talking about retiring to Arizona in a few years and Mom doesn’t know what she’ll do then. It’s rare to find friends one can totally trust taking care of the 4-leggeds.
B., good job rescueing the bunnies. And we are very envious of your green thumb. Those plants look amazing.
OleyHowlers, what a neat way to spend the weekend and thanks for the great pictures. But poor Buddy and TC. It is their house, after all.
Rio, what an adjustment your friend is faced with. Things her mom wouldn’t do to any company staying at her house, we’re sure, she feels she can do to your friend. It’s not unusual for the elderly parent to try to “take charge” of your life again after moving back. Would it work to get a small window A/C unit for your friend’s bedroom? That way it would be cool for you guys while you’re sleeping, and her mom wouldn’t feel the need to come in to open/close windows? Good luck working out some sort of agreement on personal space!!
Oh, Wolfie and Mary. What a day you have faced. Our hearts go out to you and we wish we could offer a solution. One of Mom’s friend’s husband also takes meds to help him mellow out. He gets hard headed sometimes and stops taking it too. He is impossible to live with then because any stress sets him off. Hasn’t it been years since you adopted your boys? How strange that the inlaws still haven’t acknowledged that they are part of the family. You are in our prayers.
T&G, glad the art show went well and that your mom’s back didn’t bother her. Since Mom was out of town, she didn’t get the auction item mailed. But tomorrow she will get it all packaged up and into the mail on Tuesday!!
Everybody, hang in there. Hopefully,tomorrow will be a better day.
12:38 am on July 18th, 2011
Rio and Wolfie: You are welcome at the Kennel. We’ll leave the light on for you.
The movie was excellent! I had fun on our date.
T&G: I’m so glad to hear the show went well for your mum, and just as important that she didn’t have any trouble with her back.
Wolfie and Mary: You are loved.
12:50 am on July 18th, 2011
101 *giggle*
8:20 am on July 18th, 2011
It’s Monday morning.
No dark side even though at 101 comments. Can’t refresh either. The clock says 5:17. Maybe I’m too early. Maybe I’m not awake yet. Maybe……..
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