Poundage & Pumpkins

The day started off as lazy, sleeping in. Finally rolled out of bed and gobbled down my breakfast. Yes, I'm a gobbler when it comes to food. Give me one minute and my food will be in my tummy, with no morsels or crumbs any where to be found.

Mom got this harebrained idea of a weigh in... she thinks the poundage has found me again.... Well, kinda of.... it is sneaking its way back to my petite figure. My frame is small and need to keep the weight off my bionic knees. Treats will be reduced... bruhahha.. not for long.... the temps are finally getting cool enough for my long walks. Exercise = more treats. Note to self.. next weigh in, Mom needs to be included. Hehee, snort.

After the weigh in and a pedi, next destination was Home Depot. First on the list was energy saving light bulbs. Then I got distracted by the pumpkins and gourds.

HD is awesome! I was posing for a white gourd when two HD people asked if I wanted to pose on the bails of straw. OH MY GOSH! I have never had a crew choreograph photo op! The bails had no props, then poof!... All of a sudden, everything was there.

The Great Aquatic Adventure

Finally! Yesterday was the day for the Great Aquatic Adventure. Kayaking the Colorado River (aka Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake) was a first for me. Mom insisted I must wear my life jacket & she wore one too. but her's wasn't as spiffy as mine. Safety First!

Standing in line to get the kayak, the rules were explained by the crew members at The Rowing Dock.... no swimming and no fighting. What?, really?, you think I'm going to pick a fight? I'm bionic, not a fighter. Then I heard lots of "Oh look! A Pug is going kayaking!", "She's so cute!" Darn right... This Pug is going kayaking.

Mom has been kayaking before but has never launched off a dock. Shhh, don't tell, while but I got a good laugh of her trying to crawl into the kayak and not tip over into the river. Then it was my turn, piece of cake.

We headed upstream, the wind felt cool on my ears and face. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I even spotted a Great Egret searching for breakfast.

On the way back to the dock, it rained. I need to go kayaking more often to make it rain, or Payton's rain dance is working, maybe a combination of the two. But it worked!

This was totally THE best aquatic adventure ever! I loved it so much, I want to go again next weekend. I still can not figure out WHY I didn't know this fabulous adventure was right next to The Garden. Now I have two favorite places in Austin.

On the water, I saw something really cool, paddle boarding.. Hmmmm....

I'm super frustrated with Blogger!!! My kayaking video is not centered, cutting off words and it takes 5 plus hours for post to show up on dashboard. Does anyone have any solutions? How do you turn off the stupid advertisements on the video?

Turn Right.., Now!

This past weekend was suppose to be the vestie-aquatic adventure. The gear was loaded up and we were off following the directions of the voice of the Garmin. Being a new destination, Mom wanted to get the directions just right. HA! Mom and the Garmin must have been having a blonde moment. The Garmin said "Turn right..., Now!" Thanks for the advance warning. Well the turn was missed and we pulled into a parking lot to turn around. That's when I realized we were in my favorite adventure place in Austin! I had no idea there could be an aquatic adventure right next door to The Garden. Maybe I was having a blonde moment too. How come I've never noticed this before?

Since I was already hear, Mom changed the plans and I went for a hike and exploring instead. Zilker Botanical Garden is a hidden gem in the heart of Austin. It's a wonderful place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy all the sounds and smells of nature. Plus its the only place in Austin that isn't brown and crispy.

This picture makes Mom laugh. While she thinks I'm being silly, little does she know, this expression is just for her for not taking me on the aquatic adventure. Mom promises the vestie-aquatic adventure WILL be next weekend, if its not rained out. Yes, there is a chance of rain. I will believe it when I see it raining.

Rain!?

When Mom got home from work yesterday, she said "the rain is headed our way! It's going to rain!" Yea! Could it be true?... it's finally going to rain? Well I'll believe it when I see it.....As you all know, rain is desperately needed and is a welcome site to see.

So we headed outside to the patio to watch the clouds roll in, enjoy the coolness in the breeze and the smell of the approaching rain. The clouds were really cool looking. Slowly coming closer and getting darker. In the distance was the soothing, rumble of thunder. By the way, Thunder does not grow grass. Come on Rain!

Then, I spotted the White Wing Doves at the bird feeder. I really like the birds when they come to the feeder and bird bath.

As you can see, I'm trying to get them to play a game of chase. This is the stance I assume when instigating someone to chase me. But for some reason the birds don't want to play, but I'll keep trying.

Mom was busy keeping an eye on the clouds, when they were starting to swirl. Mom freaked out, whisked me back into the house. Thank goodness the Tornado didn't finish forming. What a relief!

Well, looking at the radar, seeing the clouds you would think it would have rained cats and dogs.... Nope, the weather is still broken. All the rain that came from the clouds didn't even cover the patio.

Heat & Humidity

I was hoping to share my life jacket aquatic adventure, unfortunately it has been postponed until next weekend due to the heat and humidity. Looks like the Summer hibernation has turned into Fall hibernation. Today's forecast is a melting 103 degrees. Day 86 of 100 degrees or hotter.

Since I was going to spend the day in doors, only venturing outside for a quick "break", I had two things on my agenda. First one, throw all my toys in the washer to get squeaky clean.

Second on the agenda, lounging and taking lots of naps. Zzzzzz.

Foggy Aquatic Adventure

Despite temperatures finally cooling off just a tad, adventures are still early in the morning. Afternoon temps are in the mid to upper 90's. The mornings are great, upper 60's to low 70's. I sound like a weather reporter on TV.

When we left the house, it was clear, but the air felt "heavy". Driving to the Lake Pflugerville, we went thru a fog bank. Arriving at the lake the sky was clear, then it all changed, within about five minutes, it was all foggy. Now I know what my friends Noodle, Mochi, Pug and Dutch are talking about being in a fog.


This aquatic adventure is so much better than the "Cool" one. No behemoths big dogs running around. It was if I was on my own private beach.

But I'm was a little sad, the last time I had an adventure at Lake Pflugerville, Brandy was along for the swim. She would be so proud of me for swimming without my life jacket. Kudos's to Brandy for being the best swim coach.

It's beyond Brown and Crispy. What grass is left is disappearing. Looking into the cracks, they are so deep, I think I could see all the way to China.

Looking forward to next weekend's first time adventure (for me), this should be interesting. Here's a hint.. even though I have mastered my swimming abilities without my vestie, Mom insists I will wear my spiffy life jacket. Well guess what, I'm insisting she wears one too!

Stay Tuned....

All time, record breaking, 85 days of 100+ degree of pug melting weather, the temperatures are finally subsiding. My summer hibernation may be ending soon. This morning was cool enough to use my bionic abilities outside, Finally!

Since last weekend's swimming adventure was cool and refreshing, I have been pestering Mom for more aquatic trips.

Score! Stay tuned...

"Cool" Adventure

Mom loaded up the Runner with all the essentials and we were off on a road trip. Not like the Great Adventure road trip, this one was only an hour down the road. Destination Landa Park's Doggie Dip Day at the natural spring-fed, COOL 72 degree pool. Plus I was going to meet Rocky in the fur for the first time.

Apparently the planning had been going on for two years. Year one was postponed by my 2nd bionic knee surgery. Year two the natural fed pool spring pool was flooded out. But today was the day! Meet my friend Rocky.

Rocky and I heard our Mom's talking, about all the big dogs running around like behemoths. There must have been 75 big dogs including about 5 or so little dogs, including me being the only pug. Visiting pug meet ups or the doggie park, I run off leash, not on this adventure.

As soon as Rocky's leash came off, poof, he was gone. I thought he would stay close to me so we could play in the water, but as you can see, I was watching him run away to play with the Big dogs.

Rocky had a great time running and running. If I was off leash, I would totally out run him. Hehee.

Posing on the blue lily pad, I realized, no one wanted to play with me. What's up with that... ?

Even though they can't be seen in the picture, I did find a school of small fish that would swim with me. My friends, did you notice what's missing in this picture?! Yep, that's right.. my life jacket! Take that big dogs, I didn't see you swimming like me, a real BIG Dog. You are little wimps for staying in the shallow, kiddie pool end. Except for Rocky, he's NOT a wimp. He would have gone swimming with me if he wasn't distracted by trying to socialize a couple of female dogs. Geez, boys! Hehee, snort.

Mom was super proud of me. So this adventure was fun after all. Especially after we got home and got extra treats for being such a good swimmer.

Red Flag Warning

The weather is beyond broken. Yesterday was day 80 of at least 100 degrees, an all time record... Thinking it was going to be another scorcher, I slept in and lounged around. When I finally ventured outside, much to my surprise, it was cool and comfy.

10am, low humidity, could my summer hibernation process be finally over? Mom gathered up my harness and we were headed out the door. A walk with no melting temperatures, awesome. It was super windy on the walk, gusts up to 25-35mph. The weather man said it was a red flag warning day. Oh, this is not good...

Low humidity + super windy + brown & crispy= disaster... wild fires! Lake Travis has evacuated 4,000 humans and 25+ homes are destroyed. (I was there last weekend). Not to mention the homes burned in the sounding areas. Mom is really worried about me being home alone while she's at work. My bags are packed and I'm going to camp.

Much0-Kuddos to all the First Responders to their sacrifice in helping in a very difficult time.

Beyond Brown & Crispy, Part 2

After running in the sand, searching and searching, I finally found the water. Before Mom could get the video camera started, I was in the water. Yes, without my life jacket, Mom was surprised, which you can hear at the beginning in the video. If you listen closely, you can hear me whining... I really wanted to go investigate the thing-a-ma-jig sticking out of the water. But since the Park Ranger was keeping an eagle eye on us and the Park requires that I remain on leash, the object remains unidentified. Could it be something like the loch ness monster?

Leaving Bob Wentz Park, Mom started laughing at the Garmin. It thinks the 4-Runner is in the lake, didn't realize I was riding in an amphibious vehicle. Garmin needs to update it's drought Lake Travis level information. Hehee, snort.

After "driving out of the water", next stop was Mansfield Dam Park. This area of the park is the designated swimming area. Apparently you need to be a rock climber to get to the water. Normally the water level would be where we are standing.

The Park Department has human life jackets to borrow, but no rock repelling gear.

Only 10 days until my cool adventure. Here's another hint I received... I've never been there before, but it's something I have already done. Now how can that be?... I'm confused.

Beyond Brown & Crispy

Rise and shine at the crack of dawn, before the dreaded 111 degree forcasted melting weather arrived. I knew it was going to be a great adventure when we made the commute to pick up Aunt T. It's still difficult going on adventures without Brandy, especially since swimming was involved today, but I've have my big girl panties on.

Destination Lake Travis, or what's left of it. Texas is desperate for rain... I had my paws crossed that Hurricane Irene would have made a visit to Texas, instead she headed to the East Coast. Thank goodness my family and friends are all safe, but soggy from all the rain.

Lake Travis water level is 46 feet below full pool. We drove down the boat ramp that is normally covered by water. Mom parked the runner and we were headed out to find the water...

Then the Park Ranger pulled up along side of us as we were walking to the water. I had a feeling we were in big trouble....for what, I wasn't sure, but you know when you get that feeling in your stomach... well, I had that feeling. Mr. Park Ranger said ... "Mam, is that your SUV? It's parked in a no parking zone, right next to the no parking sign." Really, how embarrassing, Mom really had a major blonde moment this time. Thankfully Mr. Park Ranger was nice & didn't issue a ticket. Out of all the wide open space to park, she had to park in a no parking zone, Geez! As we were walking up the hill to the runner to move it, I heard Mom say, he sure was cute.

Stay tuned for the rest of the adventure...

Hibernation

Sound asleep, I woke to my favorite words... "Breakfast is ready". The original adventure plan was to rise and shine at the break of dawn before the dreaded Pug melting weather set in. After gobbling down breakfast, I checked the forecast, the weather was going to be to hot... 104 to 106.

The weather is definitely broken... back to my hibernation process, wake me up when it's cooler and raining... I have a feeling this is going to be a long hibernation...

Going outside is walking into an oven... When will the melting temperatures end? Hold the presses... I just remembered, Mom has been hinting on a super "cool" adventure planed in September. Hint, hint... "cool"... For now, back to napping and lounging.

Snipe!

My hunky friend, Noodle suggested that I become nocturnal until the scorching temperatures cool down, great advice. So I'm going on another night time adventure.

Since I've been back from The Farm, one thing I can't get out of my mind is the elusive Snipe. Apparently the best time to catch one is night time instead of during the day, which is perfect, now that I'm nocturnal.

Catching a Snipe requires two things, a burlap bag and some one to chase them out of the ground and from under the brush. Check and check, ready to go. (thank you Aunt Toad, just wish Camp Director could have been on the hunt too). But wait... the burlap bag is huge, how big is a snipe?

Game on... After waiting all day for the sun to go down, it was finally dark, we headed downhill to the woods with a flashlight lighting the way. As we approached the woods, Mom turned off the flashlight... What..? Really? How will we find our way? She said our eyes will adjust and the moon will light the way. Ok whatever, but it was true. So glad I secretly installed night vision on Mom's Iphone. This will assist my search for the Snipe and to make sure no snakes will be slinking around to get me.

The humans headed out to scurry up the snipe to my direction while I was left holding the burlap bag, waiting to capture the creature as it's zipping past me.

Then I spotted a pair of glowing eyes, could this be the snipe or something else like Sasquatch? All of a sudden I heard something walking slowly, crunching the brown, crispy grass, coming closer and closer... It ran past a lightening speed, all I saw was a blur. There wasn't even a chance of capturing the snipe let alone seeing what it looked like.

As we headed back to the house Mom said the full moon was helpful for the snipe in spotting us first and it zipped past me just to show me you can't catch me.

Next time .....
Then I woke up, it was all a dream... But I know they are out there... I will have a Snipe spotting one day...

Surprise Night Time Adventure

With Sunday being the 54th consecutive day of 100 degrees or greater of squelching, Pug and human melting weather. Daytime adventures are out of the question. If there's a will, there's a way... just have to improvise...


It was past my bedtime when Mom said one of my favorite things... "Are you ready?" Heck Yes! Flying down the stairs from the bed, we were out the door & loaded up and off to our friends house that has a pool. How cool is this... a night time swimming adventure.

I'm always ready for a swim, but after watching Shark Week this week, I was a little worried. Thankfully, the humans reassured me no sharks in the pool.


What a relief.... no sharks. Now I can swim, swim & swim. I highly recommend swimming at night, under the moon and stars...it's very peaceful. Plus it's great to swim with my Mom. Next time, I think I will challenge her to a race, I would totally leave her in my wake.

Tropical Storm Don

Since everything is brown and crispy from the drought, almost everyone (except the cotton farmers) were looking forward to Tropical Storm Don. The sky before the storm looks tranquil, but the temperatures are sweltering. With the severity of the drought, it will take a Tropical Storm or Hurricane to catch us up on the rain fall totals.

Friday evening the rain gauge is empty, but Tropical Storm Don is headed to Texas. We waited and checked National Hurricane Center on the progress of the storm... and we waited some more....
A few dark clouds started rolling in... still waiting. Then there were the Sun Beams...

Sunday morning I checked the rain gauge... it's empty...zero, nil, zilch, not even one drop.. really?... I'm so baffled, I can't look at the gauge. T.S. Don took a West-ward turn and passed central Texas.

Brown and Crispy

Day 44 of consecutive 100 plus degrees = pug & human melting weather (most of this week has been 105). This summer has been the true definition of what I call Summer Hibernation.

The backyard thermometer has almost pegged out numerous times... and it's in the shade. Thank goodness, I know how to do my business on potty pads in the comforts of the air conditioning.

With no recent measurable rain in almost forever, the drought is so bad, everything is brown and crispy, especially the grass. No rain = mandatory watering schedule restrictions... watering is restricted to twice weekly between 7pm - 10pm. Get this, there is even Water Police... if your watering on the wrong day or the water goes in the street, the Water Police will come and get you or at least issue a ticket.

With everything super crispy, there is a ban on all grilling (charcoal & gas grilling) as well as no camp fires.

Mom says there could be some help on the way with rain and slightly cooler temperatures, I think his name is Don.