Noel-ing

Here's a picture of Chappy from first thing this morning, while he waited (mostly patiently) for permission to check out the presents under the tree.

I say "mostly" patiently because he DID go over and sniff at all of them (especially a couple of the more-interesting smelling ones . . . like bags of dog biscuits from Martha's Vineyard) . . . but he managd to restrain himself from tearing into the presents until we gave him the go-ahead.

Well, okay, he needed a couple of reminders that we weren't ready yet. My favorite was when I told him, "We're waiting for Grandma," and he plumped himself down on the rug with a sigh, as if he was saying, "But she'll NEVER get here!"

Boy, this sure reminds me of Christmases when I was little. My Mom's parents would come visiting and we'd have to wait for them to get up and come upstairs before we were allowed to open any gifts . . . I tell you, my grandparents were lovely people, but boy, on Christmas morning, they were SLOW.

He really does love opening presents, though. And was more than happy to help us open our own--he'll grab pieces of the paper and pull . . . how can you resist such a great helper?

Although this toy kept him focused on his OWN gift for a while. This is a Sonik dog toy--a squeak toy with an ultra-sonic squeaker that people (supposedly) cannot hear, but that dogs can. He had a grand ol' time playing with this, even before he had it out from the tissue paper. I just told him that I hope the squeak never breaks, because none of the rest of us would ever know!

Really, toy-wise, Chappy did very, very well this Christmas. (Isn't it nice to know that he's as loved and appreciated as he deserves?) A toy fish, a frisbee, a vinyl football (a little too large for him to pick up easily), this "No Noyz" toy, a stuffed denim bone . . . plus biscuits--including the homemade ones from my niece that he absolutely loves.

He also had a walk this morning. It's supposed to rain this afternoon and we wanted to be sure to get it in beforehand. And turkey-with-trimmings during dinner . . . as well as getting to lick off the carving platter. And we're all home where we belong--unlike a normal Monday.

Yep. My dog is having a great Christmas!

I am, too, and here's a glimpse of some of my loot, er, presents.

A set of Boykin Spaniel coasters, from Chappy (ordered from MV, and with the dog sitting on the beach). Now I just need to come up with a reason to USE coasters (grin).

A cookbook on Baking by Dorie Greenspan which has me drooling, the recipes sound so good.

A Gorillapod tripod for my camera, which looks like a whole lot of fun to use . . . just as soon as I convince Chappy that it's not a toy . . . or something to be barked at.

No. No yarn or spinning supplies, BUT look at the great DVDs!

Lucy Neatby's Knitting Essentials 1 and 2.

A Knitting Glossary with Elizabeth Zimmerman and Meg Swansen.

And Handspinning Wool Advanced Techniques with Mabel Ross. Hurray for the videos! I love when people shop off my wish list!

Any suggestions as to which video I should watch first?

Now, it's almost time for pumpkin pie--my home-baked pie (although I use premade pie crust). Although there are several variations in that new cookbook--including one that combines pecan pie and pumpkin pie into one . . . and a cake that has pumpkin, cranberries, apples, pecans, spices . . . I think I might have to just start baking my way through this book from the beginning! But, um, not quite yet.

And, oh yes, my Dad loved his stollen. (You remember the stollen story, right?)

Hey--and guess what I found when I cleaned out my purse last night?? So funny . . . I don't have that much stuff in my purse (or, I try not to), but I'd swear that bead and screw weren't there last time I looked . . . It's a Christmas miracle, is what I think. And now I'll just have a backup . . . which is never bad!

Anyway, we've been having a great day. Chappy is exhausted (again) . . . all that present-opening excitement followed by all that turkey, on top of his busy, sociable day yesterday that included two hours in the car. Exhausted, yes, but very, very happy.

Whether you're Christmas-ing or not, I hope you're having a wonderful day!

Comments

[Nancy J]

Great day! And, could you share the dog biscuit recipe?

[minnie]

sounds like a lovely day! we had a nice christmas too!

[Chris]

Looks like it was a lot of fun for everyone! I recommend Knitting Glossary, but you might want to have some yarn on hand for impromptu swatching of intriguing techniques.

[jen]

ooooh you made out well! so did chappy!

merry christmas to you , your mum, and chappy!

xoxox
jen and her hounds lucy and samuel

[Carol]

A wonderful Christmas! May your holidays continue to be as great! Have fun with those vidoes!

[Kat]

Merry Christamas to you and Chappy!

[Norma]

Sounds like a perfect Christmas! Good for you!

[JessaLu]

Merry Christmas (again)! :o) So glad you all had a good holiday!

Beanie made out, too - and then turned into a doggie version of the 'terrible twos' around 11am and had to have a time-out :o(

[Kelly]

Merry Christmas!! Looks like a great time was had by all