SQUIRREL!!!

It is fast, but watch for Magellan's leap from the middle of the walkway to the middle of the grass!!!
How DARE a squirrel try to enter our yard?

Our Famous NFL Picks, 2009

AFC East

Julie: New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins

Kevin: New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills



AFC North

Julie: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens

Kevin: Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals



AFC South

Julie: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars

Kevin: Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars



AFC West

Julie: San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders

Kevin: San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos




NFC East

Julie: New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Vicks

Kevin: New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys



NFC North

Julie: Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings

Kevin: Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions



NFC South

Julie: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Bucs, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers

Kevin: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Bucs



NFC West

Julie: Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers

Kevin: Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams



Super Bowl

Julie: Green Bay Packers over Houston Texans

Kevin: Green Bay Packers over New England Patriots

Brooke as a Fashion Designer

So Kevin and I decided to have a night out before the semester began, so we went to the Round Rock Express baseball game (AAA). We left the dogs alone for about 5 hours to get to the game, have dinner, and watch the game. I asked Kevin to bring me some shorts so I could be a bit more comfy during the game, and he mistakenly left my closet open. His closet is always open, and he did not think a thing of it. Brooke, on the other hand, noticed something out of the ordinary and began exploring the closet that is usually off limits! She cannot reach the clothing on hangers or stacked on the shelves, but she did explore things on the floor. She sniffed around and found my green heels that are new and really have been seldomly worn. She even pulled them out of the shoebox to explore the footwear with her teeth. She made her fashion changes, and obviously decided they should have at least one peep-toe. She was so excited about this artistic and spatial freedom, that she also left two little yellow puddles. Ahhh, the joys of having a puppy in the house!

Julie

The Pointers Hit the Town

So, Mom got a call about a party on Saturday night. It was in Seguin, and it was a benefit for the Guadalupe County Animal Shelter. There was a band, named Milkbone that was really good and we got to see our trainer, Hepzibah, and Joy who works at Thunderpaws Canine Solutions. I was the clear choice to bring to this event, and because there was a band, Lazarus probably wouldn't have liked the loud music so Magellan came along. (Brooke is still working on her leash training and was immediately eliminated)

I was trying to show Magellan how to act cool. He did alright, but the kid has a lot to learn. Dad did pretty well, but Mom was a total goof as usual. She and Laz make a great pet partner pair! lol

Keepin' it real,

Mosi

Trip to Piedras Negras

On Saturday August 8, Julie and I went on a mission/ relief trip to Piedras Negras, Coahuila, on the south bank of the Rio Grande across from Eagle Pass, Texas. Our goals were twofold: to gather information for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas on how local churches can help the Iglesia Angilcana El Buen Pastor, and to give out food in four of Piedras Negras' poorest neighborhoods. We went with Steve and Betty Roederer from the Diocese of West Texas, and Billy Hausser from St. Luke's Episcopal who already has a relationship with the Buen Pastor congregation.

We left San Marcos at 6:30 to rendezvous in San Antonio at 7:30. We arrived in Eagle Pass at about 10:00 AM and changed vehicles to cross the border. When we arrived at El Buen Pastor, we were greeted by Padre Miguel who explained his church and their mission focus which is to show love, and share the gospel message with the poorest people in Piedras Negras. As the photos show, these are shanty towns along the railroad right-of-way with little more than tar paper for walls and holey metal roofs. These are the neighborhoods where we distributed one pound sacks of beans and gave the children pencils.

We also visited the Casa Bethesda which is an orphanage for children with significant disabilities. This private facility, houses about 20 people aged 9 months through about 55 years old because many of the residents have been disowned or have no family to transition them into society, and they are not forced out of this facility. While many of the children are mute or have significant learning and physical disabilities, the smiles we saw here were often more numerous than in the poor neighborhoods where our sacks of beans were intended to help these people make it through the weekend.

Another big focus of El Buen Pastor is youth education. We sat in on part of a bible study that a subgroup of the church's youth participated. No matter the economic situation, the El Buen buildings were a safe haven where youth could relax and have a good time. Meals are often provided with Christian Education events and are likely the only hot meals with meat many of the children receive in a week.

Keep these people and this church in your thoughts and prayers. While the resources are limited, the Spirit is working in this place and bringing love, hope, and opportunities to people who seek and find in this place. Expect to see more updates on this blog as Julie and I plan to return with others to learn the story of this place. This church truly reflects the unselfish teachings of Christ as their church slogan is to come and worship; leave ready to serve.

Kevin and Julie

Lazarus Birthday #5

I want to report that I had a marvelous birthday party last night. There were 21 people and 14 dogs at the event and I want to send out a blog shout out to all the pups in attendance: Lazarus, Moses, Magellan, Brooke, Annie, Jack, LeRoy, Lola, Candi, Daisy, Neeve, Dawson, Daisy, and Pumpi! I had so much fun playing with all the other dogs, eating cake, and visiting with the guests. Before my party, we went on our bi-weekly visit to the nursing home, and I was sereneded with Happy Birthday by the folks in the Memory Care Unit. Most everyone remembered that song, and I LOVED IT!

I was very tired today, but I did go for a walk, and I am looking forward to going to the Lake with Mom, Dad, and their new canoe. I also am eager to have Dad take me to Chick-fil-A on Monday so I can use my $5 gift card grandma sent from Florida. The photos show some play in the yard and the dog cake being cut.

Your pal,

Lazarus

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

Surgery

I'm happy to report that so far, Kevin's is recovering well from the surgery to repair his deviated septum he had on Friday. He has had some wonderful support from his "nurses" Brooke and Magellan. Moses has also provided much comforting and support, and Laz, as always has been wonderful. Magellan and Brooke seemed to be the most concerned for Kevin since they have not really seen him "down for the count" before. Kevin doesn't remember much from the surgery day, but the doctor said it went very well, and he should have a significant improvement in his breathing in 3 weeks to a month.

Julie

By the way, Brooke is our Foster Dog for the German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of North Texas (Dallas, Austin). She is a doll and is particularly smitten with Kevin.

Our new Ford

HI! Magellan here. I want to tell you about our awesome new vehicle. Mom and Dad brought it home and it is so fun. It is called a Ford Flex and I love it. There is room for me and Mosi to play, big windows to stick my face outta, and the air conditioning is nice and cool. We also have a few free months of satellite radio, so we now get to hear "Willie's Place" (XM 13 / Sirius 64) in both cars. I just wish I could convince that CAT Grace to ride along next to me so I can stare at her even more. Anyway, here are some photos! I better get back to playing. I need to keep up my pack cred.

Magellan

Saint Louis Trip

Last weekend, Julie and I took a short vacation to St. Louis, Missouri. We chose to go to St. Louis because neither of us had spent much time there and we could see a lot of the city without renting a car. We went to two baseball games and watched the Colorado Rockies defeat the Cardinals. It was funny for us to witness fans who were very upset seeing their team lose in a blowout fashion. This is just a way of life watching the Rangers! We also visited and went up the Gateway Arch. Julie was very reticent to take the ride, but we made it and had a great view of the city from the observation area. We also toured Forest Park on bicycles because this city park is larger than Central Park in New York. This was also the main staging area for the 1904 World's Fair which is known by our pack as the event where the ice cream cone was invented. The dogs and Grace were very happy to see us when we returned.

Kevin

Photos: Julie at Gateway arch, Busch Stadium as seen from top of arch, Union Train Station.

Magellan's trip to the beach

My name is Magellan, and I want to tell about my super fun day at the beach. I got to go to the North Padre Island National Seashore with my pack and we had a long stretch of beach to ourselves because we used our 4 wheel drive. I loved having my head out the window as we scoped out a spot, and then Dad and Lazie showed me how to swim in the waves. I really loved chasing all of the shore birds and I basically ran for about three straight hours. After all that running, I got hungry and I found some crabs along the beach. The birds had eaten most of them, but I still liked having them hang out of my mouth. I finally tired out and just wanted to sit on Mom's lap for a while. It was a super fun day, and I love my new pack.

Jellie

Alaska Trip

Julie and I went to Alaska last week. I was attending the American Water Resources Association conference on Water Supply and Climate Change where I presented a paper with my colleague Laura Stroup. Julie just came along for fun.

The conference was in Anchorage which was nice. We rented bicycles and rode the coastal trail which has a great view of Mt. McKinley. Once the conference ended, we rented a car and drove to Homer which was awesome. On the way to Homer, we had a great view of Mt. Redoubt which is currently an active volcano. It was releasing a decent amount of ash, but it did not affect our travels at all. In Homer, bald eagles were all over the place. Mainly, they just hung out around the beach. We also took a boat ride to Gull Island to see some puffins. After Homer, we drove to Seward and spent most of the day at Exit Glacier and with sled dogs. We even took a sled ride pulled by the dogs. They sure are good at what they do!

We saw four moose, two lynx, beavers, a harbor seal, numerous fish and bird species, but Julie was partial to the dogs! It was a really nice trip.

Kevin

Photos: Julie and I at Exit Glacier. From the dog sled. Biking the coastal trail

Meet Magellan

Meet Magellan Hayes Romig. He is our newest pack member that we adopted last Thursday. We rescued him from the German Shorthair Pointer of North Texas Organization. He is a cross between a German Shorthair and German Wirehair Pointer. We do not know a lot about his previous living arrangements, but he loves to play with Moses and Lazarus, and he is super-interested in Grace. Way too interested in her opinion. He is about 1.5 years old, and he is full of energy, healthy, and is super sweet. He likes sniffing around the yard, going on long walks, and so far he is not too fond of swimming at the river-- although he did try it. We anticipated picking him up after our trip to Alaska, but the rescue organization was in need of opening a slot in foster care so much! We believe this is another situation arising from the economic meltdown, thanks again Bush and Cheney!

You might be wondering how he got the name Magellan? His name had been Charlie, but we did not think that went with his personality. We had explored many biblical names to keep our theme going such as Elijah, Abraham, Obadiah, Solomon but none of those worked. We also considered other names like Angus, Fredrick, Deupree, Granite, and Inspector McBirdie. So, we went for a walk this evening in the canyon, and I had the insane idea of letting all three dogs off leash. Lazarus went off to poop immediately like a super-good boy. Moses, did his small circle route before rejoining the pack after about 15 seconds. Charlie, went tearing off through the woods. We lost sight of him after about 10 seconds. We all went after him and called his name over and over. We walked about a mile through the canyon looking for him. It got dark, so we decided to go home. When we arrived home, here is the dog waiting for us at the garage. He went off exploring and ended up circumnavigating the neighborhood! His name became Magellan. As for the middle name, it celebrates Rutherford Hayes who was one of our most famous bearded presidents.

The pack will be in good hands this week with Kayla house sitting. She already mentioned possibly going tubing with Laz!

Kevin