Worldstock (see Christmas Post)

I truly love my handmade Peruvian Cross. Kevin got it from Worldstock...

Worldstock brings you handmade furniture, bedding and jewelry, available only through Overstock.com. You'll appreciate the uniqueness of our Worldstock clothing, area rugs and home decor, all handmade by skilled artisans from around the world. From handbags and shoes to patio furniture and picture frames, whatever Worldstock item you purchase, you're empowering the families and towns of talented individuals in developing countries.

To support this effort visit: http://www.overstock.com/Worldstock/6/store.html

-Julie

New Year's Eve Party

Lazarus, Moses, Julie, and I were invited to a "dog friendly" New Years party! There were no fireworks or loud music to speak of. Laz made so many friends. Moses was so active that he got tired as midnight approached. They were already worn out because our whole pack had gone swimming that day at the Comal River. The final photo is of debauchery at the party that we were not part of, but it was kind of fun to watch. Lazarus loved the guy with the leather wristbands!

Kevin

Gimme Some Sugar!

I don't know how many posts are already of our dogs drooling over cookies we are making, but they are just SO CUTE! So, here are some more! Note Moses' particularly pathetic look.

Christmas Dinner

Kevin and I enjoyed a fabulous Christmas Dinner with our good friends, Ellen and Ross along with their SUPER SWEET dog Jack. Here are some pictures of that event.

Christmas 2007

Well, Christmas was quite fun, and I think everyone liked the gifts Santa brought. Lazarus and Moses especially like a football made out of a tennis ball material from Uncle Christopher and family, and the huge toy box from Grandma Joan. As you can see, it was a lively morning playing with all of the new toys. My gift from Kevin was a very special one. He got me a cross, hand made in Peru, that supports the local artisans there as well as fills a spot on our newly formed cross wall. It is beautifully hand painted and just exquisite! If you'd also like to support this cause, stay tuned, and I will get the information up. Kevin is enjoying his President Lincoln T-shirt from me, and a football and basketball from Lazarus and Moses.

Merry Christmas to Everyone, and Lets all pray for Peace on Earth. God Bless EVERYONE!!

-Julie

Remme Corporation Christmas Party!

We had a good time at the Remme Corp Christmas Party, eating lots of great food, doing the two-step and seeing the historic chapel on the property. Fun was had by all. At the end of the evening, we were informed that all the Remme Corp employees received a great GRILL for Christmas! What a treat. Our current grill is broken, and has a funky thing growing on the side of it, so this was a truly needed gift that we will be sure to enjoy.

Texas State Holiday Party

My work had a holiday party this past Saturday at a beautiful new house near Woodcreek. The party was hosted by a colleague in the Geography Department. It was a lot of fun fellowshipping with other faculty in a non-academic setting and getting to see and meet other spouses and partners. Since our dogs did not come, we were eager to be entertained by quadruplets of our office manager who are about 2 years old. They are a total hoot! Anyway, this picture is of us in front of the Bay window overlooking the Blanco Valley.

Kevin

Hard Day's Work

On Sunday, Dad decided to trim the trees and he asked me and Lazie to help. Our main job was to help clear the limbs as the fell and take them to the brush pile to burn later. Laz helped a bit with the sticks by chewing them and making small pieces of mulch. I tore apart some of the leaved branches to make smaller piles that in hindsight were more difficult to move. We used the pick-up and Dad loaded the material into the bed and I was the navigator through the back yard-- see I am in the navigator seat! It was a lot of fun driving through the yard, but it was hard work. Laz and I were beat by about 8:00, so we took a nap on the couch before we all went to bed.

Mosi

College Gameday in San Antonio

ESPN's tv show, College Gameday, did a live broadcast from in front of the Alamo on Saturday because the Big 12 Championship was played in San Antonio. Julie and I decided to go and be part of the crowd. USC was playing their rival (UCLA) that day so we made signs and wore our USC gear to cheer them on. We were not the only non-Big 12 fans there as some Ohio State people were near us too. It was a lot of fun, and we got on TV during the segment where they discussed the USC game. Nobody has claimed to have seen us on TV yet, but the photos are screen shots from our TV as we recorded the broadcast to see ourselves. We also enjoyed seeing USC win their game and advance to the Rose Bowl.

As for the BCS... It once again screwed over the Pac 10 as only USC made a BCS bowl. This hurts their revenue, and the match-ups are very disappointing. They basically did a wasted vote type of gerrymandering by putting teams that have a legitimate gripe about being better than LSU (USC, Okla, Ga, Va Tech) in crummy match-ups versus underwhelming opponents rather than having them play each other. Not to say the underwhelming opponents may not win their games, it just shows the gutless nature of the BCS!

Kevin

In memorium, Verna Juska

Our pack was saddened to hear of Verna Juska's passing last night. As Christians, we celebrate her life and her reunion with her loving husband Felix who died in 1974 and their Cairn Terrier Archie who has been gone for about 17 years in Heaven. At the same time, we reflect on such a wonderful life filled with unconditional love, unselfishness, and tireless giving. She served as the unpaid Office Manager of the Adelphi Presbyterian Church for about 30 years and was one of the bright spots in that somewhat uninspiring congregation. She was a great family friend who hosted a Thanksgiving feast every two years for families that shared bonds through the Beltsville Research Station of the USDA where her husband and my grandfather worked together as PhD agronomists. Long after Felix passed and my grandfather had changed jobs, the Juska home hosted a great holiday feast. Julie got to experience one of these feasts which makes me happy. My early birthday parties were always given a boost when Verna and Archie would come by. Archie was always the "life" of family parties. When my Dad died in 1995, it was Verna who stepped in and took control of the tedious calling and making sure all the details were taken care of immediately after his passing. I had to make the dreaded call to my Dad's mother, but Verna took care of the rest. She also recently hosted Julie and I when we spent a week in Maryland this past August. I look back now and unbelievably cherish that time spent with her, and we thanked her for her hospitality by giving her yellow roses as a sign of love from us Texans.

It is hard to imagine how someone you aren't related to can have such a positive impact on your life. While us mortals are pained in losing a friend, I am comforted in the wonderfulness of her terrestrial life and am confident of her joyful welcome into God's Kingdom.

Kevin

Texas State Tailgate

On Thursday, we decided to go to the Texas State football game against the rival Sam Houston State. David came along and made a pot roast for the tailgate which was great especially in the colder weather. We ate and talked for a while and then went over to meet Dr. Augustin and had a drink with him on our way into the stadium. Notice, I came prepared with my "game face" on. We had good seats-- 9 rows up on the 41 yard line. Texas State played really well for 3 quarters but blew a 14 point lead and lost by one point. The game was exciting though and Julie enjoyed using her foam paw for indicating when Texas State earned a first down. Because of scheduling conflicts, it was the first game we went to, but it was the last game on their schedule. On Thanksgiving night, the big game will be Arizona State versus USC.

Kevin

Mosi's fun weekend

I had a fun weekend. On Friday, me and Laz got to go with Mom to the make-up counter at Saks 5th Avenue again. Some of the ladies remembered me from last year and remarked at how I have grown into a nice doggie. I got bored though after about 10 minutes. Dad was bored 2 or 3 minutes later, but Lazie just kept on trying to get over to Mom and all the other ladies to see what they were up to. On Saturday, I wasn't feeling so hot so Dad cooked some Chicken noodle soup for dinner and he shared it with me and Laz. I love soup! It is so good when it is poured over our kibble in our food bowl. Then on Sunday, I got to go to church and participate in the service. Mom took me up during kid's time and I modeled as the pastor talked about a girl in San Marcos who needs a seizure dog as a therapeutic friend. I was very interested in the guitars and the donuts Mom had in her hand, but I let the kids pet me who wanted to pet me. It was a great weekend-- except for my untimely bath that I got Sunday night after I had rolled in something. Laz just stood back as far away as possible as to not get sprayed. I thought he was a water dog! Anyway, have a good week!

Mosi

Gracie the houseguest!

Last night a sweet beagle puppy came over. She was lost and Moses and I told her she could stay at our house. Dad brought her inside and she was so thirsty. When Mom came home, we ran out to tell her that we had a guest. Dad carried her outside and Mom gave her a big hug. I was secretly hoping that she wouldn't finish all her dinner, but she ate every morsel. She must have been hungry because she isn't very big. She is a really small beagle. I really didn't mind having her around though. She minded me and didn't act too crazy or anything. Mom just kept saying how "tolerant" she was, whatever that means. She snuggled with Dad on the couch and slept in the bedroom with us on a pillow. She slept next to Moses and stayed out of my sleeping area. Since we didn't know her name, Mom and Dad called her Toots.

This morning on our walk, we stopped and visited Shoes and Socks, also beagles. I have never seen shoes and socks so excited, they knew they looked alike. I took that opportunity to check out Shoes and Socks' living area. It's nice, and I liked their igloo. Anyway, our friend Nancy seemed to recognize "Gracie" and helped us find her Mom. She was happy to go home, but I think she had a good time with us too! (Especially since I was such a good boy). It turns out that she has a younger Chocolate Lab brother named Duke. That must be why she liked me and followed me around. I made sure to keep an eye on her while she stayed with us.

For my efforts, I got to have some fabulous Americone Dream Ice Cream. It is Stephen Colbert's favorite ice cream and I like him.

Your Pal,
Lazie

The Uncle Visit

I got to finally meet my uncle, Christopher. It was nice that I got to see him last week, and he spent one night at our house. I love house guests and if they want, they can always get a warm and wet greeting from me in the morning, as I like to give kisses. We went on a walk together and played some football until Moses bit the ball and popped it. He can be so annoying! Anyway, we had a lot of fun, and I look forward to the next time we have visitors!

Your pal,

Lazie

Can you say Relaxed???

Last night, the boys decided to chill out and listen to music. Mom was in the office working on her "Local Geology" lecture. Our friend David, had given us some plugs to retrofit our old speakers to the new stereo receiver, so we listened to the Rolling Stones and Buddy Holly on the CD player. We had not just listened to music for a while. We were not interested in the World Series or anything else on TV. We built deer fences all weekend so we were tired!

Kevin