Our trip to Ruidoso, NM

This summer has been characterized locally by record heat and drought. Because of the relentless heat, we decided to take a trip to the mountains in New Mexico to cool off. We chose Ruidoso because it was not as far as Taos or Santa Fe. Laz and Magellan really liked the crisp mornings and cool breezes. Moses and Brooke were a bit chilly, but liked being along for the ride. Grace stayed home as she prefers not to travel.

Julie's parents also joined us as we rented a cabin. The dogs loved having more people around to pet them, lavish attention on them, and share ice cream cones. Magellan ran around the cabin neighborhood a lot. Brooke made friends up the hill with two other dogs. Moses brought his brand of security to the neighborhood woofing at strange noises, and Laz was good old Laz-- happy, good, and funny!

On our last full day, we took a 8 mile hike in BLM land near Fort Stanton. It was pinon juniper country so it had limited shade but it was not too hot. Magellan ran off for a while, but as a thunderstorm approached and a roaring thunder clapped, he met up with us as a pack of coyotes howled in the distance. Brooke kept up well with the group, but is still tired from the journey. Moses had a good time and proved what excellent shape he is in. He needed the least amount of water and kept a sound and wise pace. We were so proud of Laz for not being too scared of the thunder. We did not get very wet, and we plowed on and finished the hike in about 2.5 hours. We came accross some beautiful bluebirds, one rattlesnake, some baby horny toads sunning themselves, and a ground squirrel that Moses chased up a tree.

The three photos are of: Moses at his lookout post with two lieutenants, Moses with Julie's parents, and Julie and Laz on the trail in the BLM land.

Kevin

Magellan's Musings

Hi everyone! I'm Magellan, and I want to write about how I am fitting in with my new family. I really like it, and I love getting two regular meals per day! Like Lazie and Mosi, I have my bowl raised off the ground. I got a little spaghetti in with my kibble in this photo.

Laz and Mosi like to play baseball in the backyard and run after the ball after it is hit? They seem to like it, but I don't get it? I like chasing the ball a time or two, but I prefer looking in all the trees to see if a cat, squirrel, or bird happens to show themselves. I have entertained other people at the dog park with my ability to jump around the trunk of a tree trying to get squirrels.

I also like the furniture in my new home. Sometimes I sneak up on my Mom and Dad's bed and take a nap. I usually sleep in my crate at night, but the bed is fine for my naps. I also am enjoying the sofas and playing on them. I can leap from one to another and like to show off my athletic talents while playing and wrestling with Moses and Wiggles. Even Laz has played with me a time or two! Anyway, I wanted to let you know how well I like my new home.

MAGELLAN

Best 4th of July EVER!!!

If you have followed this blog, you will see that I do not like loud noises-- especially fireworks! I usually hide in the bathroom and have an awful night on the 4th of July. However, this year was great because we live in a city that had an "official" fireworks display far enough that I did not hear anything. Plus, Mom and Dad knew when the display would begin and end, and during that time, we all had a sing-a-long and danced to different music on the stereo. Our new speakers really helped. We listened to the whole CD soundtrack to "A Mighty Wind", heard selections from the Bee Gees, Everclear, Bruce Springsteen, and The Mamas and Papas. It was so fun that I never even went into the bathroom at all! Moses and Magellan sat by Mom and loved her singing. Brooke sat on the sofa and chewed a bone. I mainly followed Dad around and played some indoor fetch, tug, and other horseplay. Thanks to all my friends and neighbors who refrained from having personal firework shows, and this is definately a positive outcome of our local severe drought.

Your pal,

Lazarus