Monday, December 14, 2009

THE BIG EXCITING CLEVELAND SHOW...THAT NEVER WAS (BIG OR EXCITING)

Rupert has just returned from a four days show in Cleveland, we joined him, Colleen, and Shirley for the the last three days.
We had high expectations, since it was supposed to be a BIG show with lots of vendors and dogs. Well, the vendors were there, but the dobermans weren't. No dogs, and judging that left exhibitors shaking their heads in disbelief, made it for a huge disappointment. For our part, we looked on the bright side: Rupert had four days of very good training, improving everyday and establishing a relationship and routine with Colleen that will help him in the January shows. He also came away with a Reserve Winners, and Winner Dog for one point. All and all, I don't think it is too bad for our little boy who basically started his career this past October!
Above is Rupert standing for examination. he's pretty well behaved considering that he is not too crazy about his backside being checked out!

Above is Rupert at the Winner Dog podium with Judge Robert L. Vandiver.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!!!

Quartu, 1980 or so, Nonna and Michelle in the balcony of via Paganini. Michelle is holding on to Talley while Rufus looks around, Nonna is fast at work on her inseparable knitting.
None of the building has started yet on the other side of the road, and if the picture were of better quality you could see the beach!

Rufus and and Talley posing for GQ magazine (doberman edition).

Nonna in Texas City, Tx. always hard at work on her Knitting.

Michelle, Marcia, and I at the beach, looooong ago!

Nora in Sardinia, this is a Phoenician City that was buried by a tsunami. Later it reappeared and has wonderful mosaic floors and much more.

Rome, we have been there several times and every time we enjoy quite a bit.
Colosseum, in the days when you could still walk around it and go in.

Yeap, go in....

Via Appia Antica, where Jesus met Peter running away from persecution and was asked "Quo Vadis Domine?"

Texas City, TX. Tommy and Johnathan...well Michelle is there also, although we cut her head off!

The Fountain of truth in Rome, you better be telling the truth when you stick your hand in its mouth, or you may have it bitten off!!!! I guess Edwin lied!

Paris! What a trip! One that will definitely go down in the annuals as a warning to numskulls not to over pack!!!

One delicious thing that might have made the trip worthwhile was the fabulous food, the baguettes were irresistible, I also seem to remember a Chinese dinner that wasn't too bad...yes, I said Chinese!
Hardy and Holger in Illinois!

Tony, in Illinois!

Hardy, Johnathan, Michelle and Holger in Duluth, Mn.
What a walk on memory lane!

Monday, November 30, 2009

THANKSGIVING AT MIMAS

THE GUESTS...

Thursday morning, Zsolt and Marisa playing cards as we prepare the turkey.

Rupert and Cooper hugging...so sweet! This is after they tried to take a chunk off each other!

Michelle finished the Santa hat for Marisa, and doesn't she look cool and sweet!

A view from the second floor, while we are sweating in the kitchen grandkids and dogs are sprawled in the great room....they don't look too worried about dinner!

Julia and Rupert...I think... why worry about cooking when you can lounge with your favorite dobie!

Dylan and Rupert...for sure

Marisa and .....?
Julia and Rupert
Hello' Dylan and Evan!
Edwin preparing the broth for basting and eventually for the gravy, we begin cooking on the day before Thanksgiving when we boil extra necks, wings, liver etc, we also make the pies and cranberry sauce. This year, Michelle made the cranberry sauce and a pumpkin meringue pie; I made sweet potato and raisin pies.
Grandpapa tossing the stuffing, must make sure is just right before stuffing the turkey!

While everyone cooks or lounges the dogs play, and play, and play!

Time to stuff the turkey!

...almost done...

Just a few more handfuls and....

It's ready to go into the oven....finally!

Cooper takes advantage of the confusion and eats Rupert's food and drinks his water!!!

Then they both inspect the floor for crumbs...

Mimas rubbing a little olive oil on the turkey's chest just before putting it in the oven.

TA...ta...ta...ta!!!!! The finished product! Two days' work all leading up to this!

A little carving and...

Dinner is served!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

JUST IN...

The official pictures of Rupert's wins at Back Mountain: Winner Dog

Best of winners, Best of Opposit Sex.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

WHAT A NICE WEEKEND!

We have just come back from the Bloomburg dog shows and have a permanent grin on our faces, I think it will last a while because Rupert made us so proud!
Saturday 31 October, Back Mountain Kennel Club, this is the American Bred line up, Rupert in the middle with Colleen.
The Judge, Dr.Donald A. Gill examining Rupert.

Colleen staking him, one more turn around the ring and the First Place Blue ribbon will be his...he will rest for a while and then....

...back in the ring for Winners, Rupert is being handled by a complete stranger (peach jacket) as a favor to Colleen who in handling a Special. See that little bitch right behind him, #24? She will Take Best of Winners and go on to the Working Group competition.

One more look at Rupert.

Here is is at the "podium" posing for Winner Dog, one blue and one Purple ribbon, 2 points.


Sunday November 1, Back mountain Kennel Club, Am. Bred. lineup.

The Judge, Mrs.Patti Widick Neale checking the boys... Colleen has the red hat.

...Taking his turn around the ring... and pretty soon getting his second win

Picking up the Blue Ribbon from the judge: thank you Mrs. Nealy!

Back in the ring for Best of Winners, again the handler is unknown to him, but he is behaving.

Rupert, and Shirley with Helium, they both won their class, and since Colleen couldn't clone herself, Shirley pitched in.


Getting ready for the judge...

(I stand nicely and they feed me liver, not a bad gig)!

One more run around the ring and the Winners and Best of Opposite sex will be his, and we sat there stunned!
Posing for picture (Boy I could really get to like this!)

The booty!