Ok so you want to know what the P stands for don't you?
You will have to wait. Its a secret.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Scupper P Dogheart and Waterdog
Scupper is our Spanish Water Dog. I wanted a puppy and Warren had other ideas. Among those ideas was not getting a puppy. My mom had found a West Highland Terrier rescue for me and I was all set to get it, when some other lady came by and snatched it up. I cried and cried. It was white and I wanted a white dog.
I looked a lot. I looked at the Pound. I wrote to rescue societies. No luck.
Finally one day my brother Robby called. "Are you looking for a Spanish Water Dog?" he said. No, I had been looking for a Portuguese Water Dog. But they had turned me down. They broke my heart by telling me, "you would not make a good dog owner", and that is a whole 'nother story.
It didn't look good for me to find a dog. But here was Robby calling me up. I said "Say, can you call mama and ya'll go see the puppies for me?" I live 2,000 miles away in Seattle. No," you call mama." So I did.
Mama is retired and of course she was too busy for puppy hunts, but I begged and told her she was the only person I could trust to pick a nice dog. True.
Well pretty soon I get these cell phone photo's of the cutest white fuzzy puppy with a heart shaped brown patch on his back. I loved him right there. Mama said, "I would take this dog myself". That cinched it.
So off on a plane I went, to pick up a dog . He was cute and very busy.
We named him Scupper P Dogheart.
Now see, Warren spent 19 years in the service in Arizona. They used to go to the Air Force R and R at Apache Lake, AZ. Just about every weekend they were there in that boat busy skiing and riding around the lake for joy. It was called Waterdog. He loved it there.
So the man who didn't want a puppy found that he could not resist getting a water dog.
This spring we took the old boat down to Ashley for a wedding gift to her and Dave.
We had the pleasure of introducing our waterdog to Waterdog. A dream come true, full circle.
I looked a lot. I looked at the Pound. I wrote to rescue societies. No luck.
Finally one day my brother Robby called. "Are you looking for a Spanish Water Dog?" he said. No, I had been looking for a Portuguese Water Dog. But they had turned me down. They broke my heart by telling me, "you would not make a good dog owner", and that is a whole 'nother story.
It didn't look good for me to find a dog. But here was Robby calling me up. I said "Say, can you call mama and ya'll go see the puppies for me?" I live 2,000 miles away in Seattle. No," you call mama." So I did.
Mama is retired and of course she was too busy for puppy hunts, but I begged and told her she was the only person I could trust to pick a nice dog. True.
Well pretty soon I get these cell phone photo's of the cutest white fuzzy puppy with a heart shaped brown patch on his back. I loved him right there. Mama said, "I would take this dog myself". That cinched it.
So off on a plane I went, to pick up a dog . He was cute and very busy.
We named him Scupper P Dogheart.
Now see, Warren spent 19 years in the service in Arizona. They used to go to the Air Force R and R at Apache Lake, AZ. Just about every weekend they were there in that boat busy skiing and riding around the lake for joy. It was called Waterdog. He loved it there.
So the man who didn't want a puppy found that he could not resist getting a water dog.
This spring we took the old boat down to Ashley for a wedding gift to her and Dave.
We had the pleasure of introducing our waterdog to Waterdog. A dream come true, full circle.
2010 uhh where did time go?
It's 2010 and we have moved to West Seattle. The view are great the walk through Lincoln Park are a challenge.Scuppes is 2 now and much better behaved. He is learning that I am the pack leader, per the Dog Whisper's instructions. I love the Dog Whisperer!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Arboretum CoHort's at South Seattle Community College Kick off their new Program
Sept 12, 2008United Way Day of Caring
South Seattle Community College
Arboretum Cohort Volunteer
Day of Caring
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Prirates Life for Me!
The Tall Ships are coming to Tacoma, WA.
July 3rd - July 07/08
Did you ever want to dress up like a pirate? You know you want to bellow out a hearty yo ho ho! The Tacoma Tall Ships Festival Volunteers were looking for a good pirate dog for their commercial about the event and LO! Scupper P. DogHeart was selected.
He was a brave little puppy at the photo shoot, where he met lots of children and adults and film crew. There was a mom, dad, three children and Scupper. Everyone was dressed as a pirate (except for the film crew) Scupper was filmed last, all he had to do was don his devilish eye patch and run out the front door to the awaiting van, to join his 'family'. We accomplished this 'action' shot with treats and the clicker training helped a lot. He did just great and he only needed 3 'takes'.
I was amazed at how well he took all of this as he is only 5 months old!
After wards we got to take photos of ourselves from this fabulous house on the water. Behind us is the Tacoma Narrows Bridge one of the larges suspension bridges in the world.
The views were spectacular and it was lovely day warm and sunny. If you want to step aboard with us this summer we have some extra eye patches, and a wooden leg full of rum, and we will have you yo ho hoeing all the way to the docks.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day; Bless the Earth and All Upon It
Earth Day for Fox Island UCC arrived sunny and clear, a far cry from recent spring adventures with clouds, rain, thunder, sleet, hail and snow. Only slightly alarmed that the weather service called for more of the same on Sunday we prepared for the day, with one eye open.
Earth Day celebrations brought FIUCC a lot of children. Eighteen children arrived outside in our garden after their ‘sermon’ and we assembled a group from ages 14 to toddlers.
To accommodate this enthusiastic and hardworking crowd we supplied rakes, shovels, spades of appropriate colors and sizes. Some brought their own garden gloves embellished with ladybugs.
To begin our celebrations, we talked about the native plants on the property and we embarked on a small hike to take a closer look. We learned about Douglas Fir, Oak Fern, Wild Ginger, Sword Fern, Wood Sorrel, Huckleberries, Roses, Creeping Dogwood and more.
To commemorate the day the children planted three Western Red Cedars and four Red Twig Dogwoods. We also planted seeds of California Poppy, Cosmos and Nasturtiums out in the wild rose beds. Nasturtiums, though not native are edible and like the other flower seeds we planted are low water use plants. For our closing we made a big circle around the newly planted trees, joined hands and said a prayer for our plants and the earth.
Won’t you join us for a grown-up work party? Set aside May 17th from 9am to noon for clean up and planting. Bring appropriate clothes with; label your name on your tools. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Bless the earth and all upon it.
Earth Day celebrations brought FIUCC a lot of children. Eighteen children arrived outside in our garden after their ‘sermon’ and we assembled a group from ages 14 to toddlers.
To accommodate this enthusiastic and hardworking crowd we supplied rakes, shovels, spades of appropriate colors and sizes. Some brought their own garden gloves embellished with ladybugs.
To begin our celebrations, we talked about the native plants on the property and we embarked on a small hike to take a closer look. We learned about Douglas Fir, Oak Fern, Wild Ginger, Sword Fern, Wood Sorrel, Huckleberries, Roses, Creeping Dogwood and more.
To commemorate the day the children planted three Western Red Cedars and four Red Twig Dogwoods. We also planted seeds of California Poppy, Cosmos and Nasturtiums out in the wild rose beds. Nasturtiums, though not native are edible and like the other flower seeds we planted are low water use plants. For our closing we made a big circle around the newly planted trees, joined hands and said a prayer for our plants and the earth.
Won’t you join us for a grown-up work party? Set aside May 17th from 9am to noon for clean up and planting. Bring appropriate clothes with; label your name on your tools. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Bless the earth and all upon it.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Scupper the Sailor Dog by Margaret Wise Brown
Scuppers the Sailor Dog, by Margaret Wise Brown is one of my favorite childhood books. Ms. Brown also wrote Good Night Moon, which is more widely known. These books were published as Little Golden Books and could be purchased for about 10 cents.
Scuppers the Sailor Dog bears a remarkable resemblance to my dog. A scruffey little brown and white dog on an adventure.
But my dogs name is Scupper P. Dogheart.
Scuppers the Sailor Dog bears a remarkable resemblance to my dog. A scruffey little brown and white dog on an adventure.
But my dogs name is Scupper P. Dogheart.
He has a heart shaped patch on his back which is too cute.
I have to repeat his name to folks because they don't get it, and they have never heard of a scupper unless they know sailboats. A scupper is a water drain on deck. So I have to say it several times or spell it. What is it, scruffer? stupper? stupper? huh?
I have to repeat his name to folks because they don't get it, and they have never heard of a scupper unless they know sailboats. A scupper is a water drain on deck. So I have to say it several times or spell it. What is it, scruffer? stupper? stupper? huh?
I think that it has something to do with my accent as well, but I don't know for sure about that. Maybe its my braces.
Baby in the house
Its been quite a while since I had a baby in the house. We put up baby gates in the kitchen so ole Scup is confined to a hard surface which is much easier to clean than our carpet.
Warren has been a trooper. I did not count, but I believe that he was up more than me. One night Warren took longer than usual to return to our cozy down covers. When I asked him why he was taking so long, told me that he liked to 'hold' Scupper till he was sleepy again before putting him back in the crate. Awh that is so sweet. I have 2 sweet boys.
The first 4 or 5 weeks have been hard but we are coming out of it now, I can see the light. There were no "mistakes" made for the past 4 days! This is an unprecedented new record.
Scupper P. Dog-heart has learned a lot. He can sit, stay,down, heel, leave it. Leave it is a very useful command when he has grabbed up my gloves or shoe or the kitty poo next door. UGH and I let him lick me; but not on the face!!! Not anywhere on the face.
Oh my, getting up to take care of 'business' at all hours of the night is a real nightmare. Especially in the chilly PNW. I have to put on my fleece jacket and slip on my clogs. Then I have to leash him up so I can take him over to the area by the fence that is covered in wood chips. Before going out we ring the bells. We have big sleigh bells hanging by the door , we try to get Scup to ring them too and then we say "outside get through".
So, then I go over to the fence and repeat the phrase 'outside,get through hurry'. I change my tone to sound more urgent and I repeat "hurry hurry hurry, get through"I accompany this phrase with a hand signal. The hand signal is performed by pointing the index finger to the ground and making a circular swirling motion. This training has paid off, because today I took him out while on the phone. Rather that have my caller hear me giving the command 'get through, hurry" I just made the swirling motion and Scupper good boy went on command!! Yippee.Warren has been a trooper. I did not count, but I believe that he was up more than me. One night Warren took longer than usual to return to our cozy down covers. When I asked him why he was taking so long, told me that he liked to 'hold' Scupper till he was sleepy again before putting him back in the crate. Awh that is so sweet. I have 2 sweet boys.
The first 4 or 5 weeks have been hard but we are coming out of it now, I can see the light. There were no "mistakes" made for the past 4 days! This is an unprecedented new record.
Scupper P. Dog-heart has learned a lot. He can sit, stay,down, heel, leave it. Leave it is a very useful command when he has grabbed up my gloves or shoe or the kitty poo next door. UGH and I let him lick me; but not on the face!!! Not anywhere on the face.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Flying Colors
Lauren took her drivers test last week and made 100!You can't do better than that can you? She has been riding around giving back seat advice for a year now, and by golly she knows what she is talking about.
The officer who issued the license told her he did have a
small problem... huh? Well he can only record pass or fail and he was sorry to say, that there was no place to record "pass with flying colors."
The officer who issued the license told her he did have a
small problem... huh? Well he can only record pass or fail and he was sorry to say, that there was no place to record "pass with flying colors."
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Island Rain
I promised to be at the Habitat for Humanity clean up this morning. We had a house sitting empty for months while a new recipient was found. The garden was neglected and some plants had been stolen. I was so tired from all the traveling this week. Losing my uncle Dan was really hard, I will miss him. I will try to use his life as an example for my own. I really wish that I lived closer to family.
It was awfully hard to get up at 7 am, get ready and drive 25 miles to the Key Peninsula, but I promised so I did it. Warren my dearest, got up and made my breakfast for me, sourdough toast and overeasy, oj and a hazelnut latte. He is getting to be a regular on the breakfast grill.
I brought red twig dogwood, crocosmia, cedar trees, iris, and a red maple to plant up for the new home owner. These offerings came from my small nursery that I run on the side of the house. Mainly I have things I get from all the local garden clubs and sometimes I get free plants from the South Seattle Community College nursery.
When I got there, all the regular guys were there. I teased them and dubbed them the Chapel Hill mafia. Chapel Hill is the biggest church in our area, but not the only one who participates in Habitat! Some of us come from my little church on Fox Island. We had coffee and doughnuts and I remembered how much I like it when Starbucks shows up with their volunteers. They bring all that good stuff and its free and yummy. The Habitat folks are all good and jolly, and share a camaraderie.
I felt cheered to be with them.
The morning was cold and later began to drizzle, we waited under the eaves for a while, and like all the rain around here it blows over quickly. I call it island rain.
Pretty soon we just worked in the drizzle. Fleece is handy for this climate, as it keeps you warm even in rain.
Finished up by noon and of course the sun came out all the rest of the day. Down here in the south sound it is sunny more often and this phenomenon is referred to as the 'rain shadow'. I found out later that there were several inches of snow up north of Seattle. This is a crazy place of unpredictable weather.
It was awfully hard to get up at 7 am, get ready and drive 25 miles to the Key Peninsula, but I promised so I did it. Warren my dearest, got up and made my breakfast for me, sourdough toast and overeasy, oj and a hazelnut latte. He is getting to be a regular on the breakfast grill.
I brought red twig dogwood, crocosmia, cedar trees, iris, and a red maple to plant up for the new home owner. These offerings came from my small nursery that I run on the side of the house. Mainly I have things I get from all the local garden clubs and sometimes I get free plants from the South Seattle Community College nursery.
When I got there, all the regular guys were there. I teased them and dubbed them the Chapel Hill mafia. Chapel Hill is the biggest church in our area, but not the only one who participates in Habitat! Some of us come from my little church on Fox Island. We had coffee and doughnuts and I remembered how much I like it when Starbucks shows up with their volunteers. They bring all that good stuff and its free and yummy. The Habitat folks are all good and jolly, and share a camaraderie.
I felt cheered to be with them.
The morning was cold and later began to drizzle, we waited under the eaves for a while, and like all the rain around here it blows over quickly. I call it island rain.
Pretty soon we just worked in the drizzle. Fleece is handy for this climate, as it keeps you warm even in rain.
Finished up by noon and of course the sun came out all the rest of the day. Down here in the south sound it is sunny more often and this phenomenon is referred to as the 'rain shadow'. I found out later that there were several inches of snow up north of Seattle. This is a crazy place of unpredictable weather.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
I want to know God's thoughts...the rest are details.
Albert Einstein
This candle was lit all day today,Good Friday for Uncle Dan.
Today he left us to go and join God. It is very hard when one must say goodbye to someone precious. Suddenly, like a huge wind the landscape changes then all is still. I silence my music and lite the candle in our hallway.
I call his daughter, my cousin Carol. "Aren't you glad that you knew him"? she said. Oh yes I agreed, I was priviledged to know him, I hold him in the highest of esteem. He was a great man.
My husband Warren is a Steven Leader, just like Uncle Dan. Each time the class meets, Warren lights this special candle. I use it also,for our prayer chain. The candle sits in an alcove in prominent place in the houses entry.
This place where the candle is lit, is painted the color of golden flowers. Light falls from the skylight onto a small collection of plants in the opposite corner and a table displays a very special Mexican creche. No one really comments on my small altar, as it is hidden in plain view. It comforts me there.
Today the candle burned all day for Dan, filling our home with it's rich beautiful aroma.
Goodbye and Godspeed, Dan. We love you.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Emailing: Alaska and Lauren's Birthday 003
Lauren's Birthday 2007
Lauren had a surprise for her birthday! She thought she was going to a dinner with just her dad! Instead her friends and I were laying in wait at home just dying to say SURPRISE!
In the traditional way, Lauren screamed and was really surprised! We had taco salads and all the fun junky stuff including losts of candy for Sweet 16 Lauren. Cake and ice cream, balloons for days. The backyard was alight with torches and the piece de resistance was the great weather!
We used the old hula hoops and had races, sat on and chased balloons and generaly got silly. Lauren's friends wrote great things about her in her journal.
Happy birthday Lauren and many more.
Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula National Park
Warren and I just had a five day adventure in Alaska. I only have about 4 terrible fly bites. Not too bad. Saw a lot of flora and fauna. Luckily I did not run into bear. There are signs and warnings everywhere about how to act around bears and moose.
We did see a moose, he was a big 'un. We were in the car, parked safely across the street. Warren said to watch his ears, if they go back we gotta go too. He did not mind munching on grass while we watched him.
One day I drove by myself (while Warren flew to Dallas )2 1/2 hours to Seward to go on a six hour catamaran tour. We saw a humpback whale and her baby. There was a calving glacier, sea lions, porpoise's chasing the boat, eagles, terns, puffins (puffins look silly).
This was an awesome sight and the weather was wonderful. Go to Alaska before you die.
We did see a moose, he was a big 'un. We were in the car, parked safely across the street. Warren said to watch his ears, if they go back we gotta go too. He did not mind munching on grass while we watched him.
One day I drove by myself (while Warren flew to Dallas )2 1/2 hours to Seward to go on a six hour catamaran tour. We saw a humpback whale and her baby. There was a calving glacier, sea lions, porpoise's chasing the boat, eagles, terns, puffins (puffins look silly).
This was an awesome sight and the weather was wonderful. Go to Alaska before you die.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
School's Out Yeah
Well I thought that summer would never get here. I am finished with Spring Qrt. A bunch of us went to Endoline Joe's ( end of the trolley line)
and had lunch and celelbrated with champage. I made all A's for the first time in my life. I am so proud. All it was was a lot of hard work.
Hmmm. I bet my mom or someone told me that when I was younger.
I love going to school. It makes Warren laugh to see me in pigtails
I am going to post all summer long.
Today I spent 4 hours a FIUCC gardening, came home and stayed in my garden until dark.
It gets dark around 9:45pm.
I like that.
and had lunch and celelbrated with champage. I made all A's for the first time in my life. I am so proud. All it was was a lot of hard work.
Hmmm. I bet my mom or someone told me that when I was younger.
I love going to school. It makes Warren laugh to see me in pigtails
I am going to post all summer long.
Today I spent 4 hours a FIUCC gardening, came home and stayed in my garden until dark.
It gets dark around 9:45pm.
I like that.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Chance of Rain
South Puget Sound,Washington
Mostly cloudy, chance of rain. 45 degrees.
Because of the mostly uncharacteristic weather across the globe; the normal weather forecast of " mostly cloudy, chance of rain with temperatures of 40- 45 degrees " feels right.
The planet unequivocally undergoing changes. We all see it, feel it, and we're paying for the damages. While scientists in Paris are unbelieved. Disbelieving politicians who claim to be men of faith, claiming that the men of letters are liars.
It's all so confusing. What will one do?
Kiss your enemies and plant a tree for your children
Mostly cloudy, chance of rain. 45 degrees.
Because of the mostly uncharacteristic weather across the globe; the normal weather forecast of " mostly cloudy, chance of rain with temperatures of 40- 45 degrees " feels right.
The planet unequivocally undergoing changes. We all see it, feel it, and we're paying for the damages. While scientists in Paris are unbelieved. Disbelieving politicians who claim to be men of faith, claiming that the men of letters are liars.
It's all so confusing. What will one do?
Kiss your enemies and plant a tree for your children
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Claire's Residence
Claire's Residence
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
This is Lakewold,former private residence, now a public garden in Lakewood, WA.
Claire at earth day
Claire at earth day
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
Earth day a traditional day to honor mother earth. Plant a shrub or a tree. Here at Fox Island UCC we are planting shurbs.
Todi,Italy 06
Todi,Italy 06 043
Originally uploaded by skysmiler.
See Virga just to the west of Montecastrilli? Chase crews get good photo ops.
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