Too Cool for Obedience School

Just before I left last week for my trip to Europe (post and pictures forthcoming) I decided it was time for Vinny to take a ride in the convertible. I bought a seat cover to put over the passenger seat and then strapped him in for the ride.

Most dogs love the idea of sticking their heads out the window so I figured a ride in the Mercedes would be doggy heaven; I'm thinking that Vince doesn't necessarily agree however. Vince isn't much of a "head out the window" kind of pooch anyway and I think he was actually a little cold with the top down. He seemed fairly indifferent about the whole affair, didn't hate it, but didn't love it either.

He did seem to enjoy the ride a lot more once I flipped on the seat heater for him. What a spoiled dog huh? I can just hear him now at puppy camp: "why do I need to finish obedience school I've got a seat that heats my rump and two humans that spoil me rotten?!"

Greetings from Eastern Europe

I am currently on an Eastern European extravanaganza! (Say that 5 times fast). I started out in Riga, Lativa, and now I am in Warsaw, Poland. The picture is of me along the Daugava river with old town in the background. The old town area is quite charming and fun to wander around. I have posted my pictures of Riga on my picture page. See the Paula's photos link on the bottom right.

Going back to April when I was in Bratislava, I thought I would post a couple fun pictures. In 2006 went up to the castle for a great scenic view in Bratislava. Then when I was back in 2007, I thought I would take the same photo. Due to some technical difficulties, I was unable to retrieve the photo until just now. Thanks to Michal for taking multiple pictures to finally get the same angle, and mad props to Jakub and his recovery techniques!! So the 2006 photo is the first one, and the second is from 2007. Too bad I wasn't wearing the same shirt. ha

Too Funny!

Normally forwards don't do much for me but I've gotten a few in the last few days that crack me up!

Vince is a tail chaser, so this is really appropriate!

My Cub Friend Fans, I Give you:

Is That Real or Memorex?

I know I'm showing my age with that tagline, but it seemed so appropriate. (For those of you that have forgotten Memorex was a cassette tape.) Anyway, Vince has been increasingly interested in what is on the television. This is partially driven in Michigan City by the size of the television. As you can see from the photo, many of the things on the screen are "life size" to Vince.

This started last year when I was watching the Purdue basketball game and Vince tried to snatch the ball when it was being passed between two players. Guess he couldn't tell the difference between 2d and 3d huh?

While the chases of balls and intense study of moving object are funny, the funniest episodes are when a dog or cat appears on screen. A few weeks ago a dog was on the Fox morning program during their "adopt a pet" segment. Vince just couldn't seem to figure out why he couldn't detect anything when he attempted to sniff the other dogs rear end! I nearly laughed my butt off watching that.

Memorial Day

We went to our friends Grady and Anna's place for a Memorial Day cookout on Monday. We had a great time hanging out on their roof drinking beers and eating hot dogs and hamburgers. Even Keith managed to make it back from Michigan for the occasion!

Joel and Julie came in from Suburban Iowa for the cookout. Luckily Julie's sister now lives in the Bucktown area so they were able to come in the night before, thus eliminating the need for camping gear! (We tease, we know that you don't live that far out Joel and Julie. The most amazing thing happened while Joel was on the deck; we actually got a picture of him where he's not making a goofy face and is relatively sober!

The biggest news from our point of view though was that Anna invited Vince to come over for the party. This is a big deal because Anna and Grady have not one but two cats! Vince loves cats, he views them as playmates to chase around and have fun with. Cats however do not seem to view Vincent with the same adore. Most of the cats that we have come into contact with have hissed and quickly moved away. This however does little to discourage Vince he still says hello with that dopey grin and wagging tail of his.

We never did get Max or Dirk to interact with Vince. Dirk was in the living room when we left and he ran like hell when he saw Vince coming. I guess they just don't see Vince as being friendly!

Vince got all the attention he could handle at the cookout and by the end he was pretty worn out. He's been pretty much sleeping all day on Tuesday, isn't that the life?

Vincent Expands his Domain

In between our job demands and travel Paula and I have managed to start setting up our rooftop deck for the summer. We added a new tent for coverage (great for rain or shine) and have planted a few of the flower pots.

Well, I should say that Paula is handling most of the planting as I am living in allergy hell right now. This is far and away the worst allergy season that I've had in years! I'm not the only one at least, the people at my plant have all been having issues - must be something in the northwest Indiana air!

Since the roof is open and we tend to spend a lot of time up here (I'm posting to the blog from the table now) we decided that Vince should be allowed to come up as well. Our townhouse is connected in a row of nine and we're trying to contain him to three roofs so we have had to block the fire escape steps.

We had friends over for dinner on Friday night and spent the whole evening out on the deck. Once he settled in Vince was a good boy who just sat at my feet under the table enjoying the "great outdoors."

Paula's Glorious 3-Way

People, get your mind out of the gutter! I am talking about the fantastic Skyline Chili 3-way of course! I am currently working in Cincinnati…home of some great food including Skyline Chili. Props to Jason for the introduction into the Skyline experience that’s been rocking my taste buds since summer 1994. My mission (that I have chosen to accept): eat my fill of Skyline. Right now, I’ve got a full count going on (3-2)…3 3-ways and 2 cheese coneys eaten. I’m thinking I can squeeze in one more 3-way while I am here, but we shall see if the pant seams burst first.

Of course, no trip to the ‘nati is complete without a trip for some legendary black raspberry chip ice cream at Graeter’s. The picture shown above is KM, myself, and Jenny after out trip to Graeter’s in Fountain Square (after dinner at Zips for the best burgers in town). That is why we all look sooo happy.

I also managed a trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum as well as a Reds game. Yes, the Reds actually won too. It was quite a home run derby as Ken Griffey, Jr. hit his career 572 home run. The weather has been perfect, but I am looking forward to the holiday weekend at home.

Next up for June: 20 day trip to Riga, Warsaw, and St. Mortiz. I am looking forward to this trip as it will be my first time to each location!

Check out all my Cincinnati pictures.