Wild West Wednesday

Mom's Big Brown Helper

Chester's Mom: GOOD MORNING, CHESTER!!!

Chester: Wow Mom! You certainly are lookin' rested and ready to go this mornin'. You do know it's Monday, right?

Chester's Mom: Yeah, I know it's Monday Ches. Thanks to you and all your help with my housework this weekend I feel pretty good going to work knowing that our house is all clean and sparkly. You did a great job and I really appreciate it. I only have one complaint and it has nothing to do with what you did.

Chester: Well thanks Mom, glad I could help you out. But what seems to be the problem?

Chester's Mom: Well, for some odd reason I have this "crappy" taste in my mouth. I used Scope and I even brushed twice trying to get rid of it. I can't figure it out.

Chester: Hmmmmm.....that's odd, hopefully it will go away soon.

Heh, heh, heh. Let's all hope this week doesn't let a crappy taste in your mouth.
Chester  ;0=)

New Management

Give me an "F"
Give me an "R"
Give me an "I"
Give me a "D"
Give me an "A"
Give me a "Y"

What's that spell? FRIDAY! Goooooooooooo Friday!!!

Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited to see this work week end? I am but not for any particular reason other than a change of pace does a body good. Time for me to decide what's on my agenda for two days in a row. Time to relax and unwind. I know Mom needs a break too 'cuz she seemed a little more tired than usual, and she mentioned "my grain" a couple times. I am so glad my 2 leggers don't make me eat kibble that has a bunch of grain in it if that's the way it makes you act. They're particular about what I eat and check to make sure there is meat in it and not a bunch of grain. We just stocked up so here is a picture of what my food bags look like:

If you read the ingredients there's a lot of meat and protein along with blueberries, sweet potatoes, carrots etc. All good stuff that keeps me in tip-top shape and gives my coat a nice healthy glow. Mom recently got a good tip from Mrs. Author about puttin' Activa vanilla yogurt on my kibble, so now at my evening meal I get 3 teaspoons of yogurt on top of my food. Not only is it good for me but it also tastes yummy and creamy good. What's not to love about that? Thanks Mrs. A for the great recipe!!!

Now I'm not complainin', but day in, day out this can get old. So when the weekend comes, it's good to take a break from the norm and get out and try something a little different. You may remember me mentionin' Madam Shoesies several weeks ago. Well, while I was waitin' for Truffles to get down here so I could take her out for a nice date, the board of health came along and shut them down. I do remember thinkin' that the buffet did seem a little on the sloppy side, but attributed it to being busy and not being able to keep up with the high volume crowd.

Madam Shoesies

I was highly disappointed that Truffles and I never made it there but maybe it's for the best. The cool thing about it is that within a few short weeks, new management has stepped in, cleaned the place up and opened under a new name.

The Hard Sole Cafe

Ya gotta admit,  it's much cleaner than Madam Shoesie's and the Hard Sole Cafe is much more skilled in their presentation. The menu looks delicious - born bites, merrell medallions, hot hikers, 2 kinds of cowboy kickers, blackened sole,  and tied ox fords are just a few of their specialties. The biggest surprise of all was that they added what Madame Shoesie's never got a chance to before they were shut down. Yep, Truffles-they have your fav and mine, hard shelled clogs, and they look fresh!

The menu also says it is BYOB-bring your own badonkadonk. I hope Truffles gets hers here soon because I don't know how long I can wait to try it out. I'm pretty sure too that if Godiva sees this she might tell "Granny Pants"to take a hike through the Ben & Jerry factory while she takes me out for an evening at the Hard Sole Cafe. A dawg can only be tempted for so long before he breaks. One thing I did do was get some for take-out which will help me make sure it is a worthy place to take my fiance plus help me to resist Godiva's charming offer for a night out with her at the Hard Sole. I can hardly wait to dig in! I'll let you know what I think later after I've sampled all the delicious delights inside my doggy bag.

                       

Happy Friday!
I hope your weekend gives you a change of pace, makes you feel fresh and helps you to forget this week's ishoes too!
Chester ;0=)

Woods Wear Wednesday

Stuffie Overload

Mom decided I could have a supervised stuffie session in the back yard last night. She took all 3 of the ones that came from my favorite chocolate candies, Truffles and Godiva,  and threw 'em in front of me and said "have at it!" I didn't know what to play with first.

I performed a quality manuever catchin' duck as he was about to fly away.

Dead duck.

I rolled the devil outta this stuffie.

And now, what is that I see? The weekend?

It kinda snuck up on me as I was havin' all this fun.

It's lookin' good and from what I hear, this is where I'm headed.

Which means gullible 2 leggers with food in abundance.

It doesn't get much better than that.

Don't worry-I'll work off the extra calories with a good swim.

I hope you all have an abundantly great weekend sneakin' up on you too!

Chester ;0=)

Waste Not Wednesday

Autumn Buffet

Are you all askin' yourself the same thing I am?
Monday already? Yeah, I thought so. So if I tell you sumpthin, I think you'll understand.

This weekend was perfectly seasoned with just the right blend of herbs and spices and I have to admit, I indulged in a big way. Like Goldilocks said when she tasted the porridge "Not too hot, not too cold, just right!" Oh yeah, I committed the sin of gluttony when it came to the Buffet of Life these last few days. I have a confession - I had fun in excess and did not want stop to pound the keyboard.

Today is Dad's birthday and I thought I'd give honor to the man who chose to share his life with Mom and I. He has many fine qualities, not the least of which is sharin' his human food with me. Here you see us partakin' in an apple on one of our outdoor adventures together this weekend.

Dad, like most 2 leggers has a sweet tooth so Mom made him his favorite cake for his birthday, Butterscotch Coffee Cake. Click on it if you'd like to see the recipe.

Happy Birthday Dad, you old dawg, you!

Posting may be even more sporadic as the days are gettin' shorter and there is still some fun to be had. Don't go far because I'm still takin' pictures and notes and I will be sure to share them as time allows. Hopefully I'll have some fresh "Life and Times" of this Chocolate Labrador to share with you as the chill of the winter air forces me inside more and more.

I hope all of you are also takin' time to indulge in your very own Buffet of Life-wherever that may be. Just don't forget to let out a good burp now and then.
Chester  ;0=)

Patriot Day

Mom has asked me to allow her to speak her mind here today so the following post is from her.
My random posting schedule will resume next week.
Thank-you and have a great weekend, 
Chester ;0=)

Hello friends!
Yesterday's post ended the silly, summer-long spoof of me being lost in Lake Marberg. Of course I was not in the lake and was enjoying the summer right along with Chester and my family.

Today is September 11th and as we all well know, 8 years ago many loved ones were forever lost in the terrorist attacks at New York City, Washington DC, and Shanksville, PA. I had the opportunity to visit the memorial in Shanksville last year and was deeply touched by the sentiments sent by people from all over the world. The mood was somber and respectful of those who will never return to their families. As you look over the pictures, let's all remember those who were lost and the ones left who have been forced to learn to live life without them.

Not to be forgotten either are those who are keeping our enemy at bay in our Armed Forces.
THANKS to each and every one who has served, or are serving our country in the military, and to your families back home. It is because of you that we can enjoy the freedoms of the United States of America.

God bless you, each and every one.
Chester's Mom

Man's Best Friend

I know it's only Thursday but what I'd really like to be fishin' for is a weekend!
Chester  ;0=)

I'm Caught in a Trap

From what I hear, ever since the beginning of creation, men have been gettin' themselves into a whole heapin' mess of trouble as soon as a woman shows up. Knowing this does not necessarily make me feel any better. I've had my share of troubles in my short three years on this earth and have always been able to worm myself outta them. This time is different. I am truly clueless as to how I'm gonna get myself out of this mess. Yep, I got woman troubles. It doesn't matter what I'm doin' my thoughts will suddenly stray to the predicament I find myself in.

I need help and I need it now. This problem is way bigger than what the Dog Whisperer can handle. So who ya gonna call when you are havin' relationship problems? I dialed the number for Jerry Springer and explained to the receptionist that I am a dog bein' hounded by 2 lovely bitches. She patched me straight through to the big dog himself.

Jerry: So, Chester Hoover - I hear you've got a relationship problem and you'd like my help. My receptionist tells me that you are engaged to Truffles who lives several states away but now Godiva who lives only an hour away has started chasing you.

Chester: That's correct Jerry, and they are both drop dead gorgeous. And you wouldn't believe all the loot they've been showerin' me with. The package that came last week made me realize just how serious Godiva is about wantin' me for her very own.

Jerry: So you've taken gifts from both of them? This makes it more interesting. I think we might have something here. Do you think the girls would be willing to discuss this in front of a viewing audience? Do you think they would maybe do a little catfighting if pushed? Of course we'd have to go over all the legal stuff and have you all sign papers saying you are willing to talk about this on TV.

Chester: Their parents would more than likely sign for them, I think. As to the catfightin', it would be more like a dogfight and we all know that's illegal.

Jerry: Chester, are you sayin' these girls are underage? We cannot do shows with minors. These girls have to be 18 or over.

Chester: Good grief! We're dogs Jerry and unfortunately we'll more than likely all be dead by the time we're 18. We gotta get this settled now while we're still in our prime. Truffles and I are both 3 and Godiva is a very young 8.

Jerry: Seriously? You're a dog? Chester, this show is for humans. You dogs are much smarter than 2 leggers, you don't need my help to figure out this love triangle. Goodbye Chester-and good luck.

CLICK.

Thanks for nothin' Jerry. It looks like I am on my own with this one. Maybe if I weigh out the pros and cons of each it will help me think much clearer.

Ms. Godiva


GODIVA - PRO's
PRO #1. Bein' a little older, she is more established and would probably be able to make me a kept dog if I so desired. Just look at the loot package she sent me last week that I must admit has veered my attention away from my Vermont vixen.



My load of loot included several bags of dog munchies, bully sticks in all shapes and sizes, a duck stuffie, and a bright red devil stuffie which I must admit scared me just as much as Truffles mention of rusty scissors in her toy box. There was also a huge Wubba made exclusively for water use, a mouse pad and coffee mug set with a chocolate lab on that Mom confiscated for her own personal use before I had a chance to get my paws on it, and 3 good smelling shampoos. Not only was there all this, there was also a personalized groundhog card and letter from Ms. Godiva cleverly hidden inside a Godiva chocolate box. I won't disclose all of the letter but let me just say she thinks I am quite handsome and has been admirin' me for some time. She was holdin' it all in until Truffles opened fire on her womanhood on the Facebook venue. Not in so many words I believe Ms. Godiva is sayin', "Game On, Ms. Fudge Pants". Bein' the show gal that she is, Ms. Godiva also included several pictures of herself and a couple made even me blush.

PRO #2. She was bred from some of the strongest lab show breeding stock in the country and has earned 7 Best Of Breeds while getting her championship. That is very amazing because that means she was not only the best female but even beat out all the males. How many girls can claim that title?
PRO #3. She has earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate the same as me, although I'm guessin' she didn't brown nose the evaluator the same as I did to get it.
PRO #4. She only lives about an hour away so if I get a cravin' for chocolate, I do not have far to travel.
PRO #5. Her dad has connections with the owners of the local dog spa which is heavenly for those endless winters when it is too cold to swim in the lake. (This is a BIG PRO)

GODIVA - CON's
CON #1. As I said, she is a natural born show dog and loved all the attention that goes along with that. Although her 2 leggers say she has settled down, it concerns me she may yearn for that kind of attention again.
CON #2. She is used to a raw meat diet which I'm not sure if I can afford to keep her in that kind of luxury .
CON #3. She has children of her own (artificially bred so I'm told). Even though two are famous in their own right, you never know when any one of them will drag their troubles home again.
CON #4. One of those son's name is Moose and by his size he lives up to the name. I don't think I would wanna get on the wrong side of him. She also lives with 4 other labs and GULP! - she now lives under the same roof as a Jack Russell. (Although he has a very cool name, Rocky the Jack Russell brother is a BIG CON)

Ms. Truffles


TRUFFLES - PRO's
PRO #1. We are very close in age so we probably have more in common and have about the same energy level.
PRO #2. She is very much in favor of adopting dogs of all breeds and sizes which shows me that she is a girl who has more concern for the benefit of others than herself and wants to help those who are less fortunate.
PRO #3. She's very computer savvy and will easily be able to work from home if she so chooses.
PRO #4. The fact that she has simple tastes endeared her to me from them moment we met. Give her a can of gravy and she's happy, as am I.
PRO #5. Her 2 leggers have their very own river in their back yard. (This is a BIG PRO)


TRUFFLES - CON's
CON #1. She lives several states away which makes our time together limited until we can be married.
CON #2. Havin' a broken leg as a pup has left her with a mild limitation, although one would never know it by lookin' at her shapely legs.
CON #3. She has a psychopath brother, a sister with a filthy drug habit and GULP! - she lives under the same roof as a cat. (Nigel Buggers, the psychopath brother is a very BIG CON)

So there it is. I don't think I'm any closer to comin' to a decision than when I first started. Please don't judge me for my spineless inability to come to a decision. Truly I am torn between the devil and the deep brown groundhog.



If anybody out there has the magic key to open this trap I've come to find myself in, please by all means feel free to offer advice. I know I will have to hurt one of these lovely ladies and honestly it tears me to pieces to think I will have to be the dog to do it. Now I know how Truffles must have felt when she had to let Rory B. Frock down when she chose me over that Celtic charmer.

Wait a minute!!! What was it that Jerry said? Us dogs are much smarter than 2 leggers? Here I am, gettin' my brown knickers in a terrible twist without thinkin' this whole matter through thoroughly! I think I have answered my own question.

Truffles dearest, please forgive me for my recent strayin' of the brain. I remember only too well how I felt when I thought I might lose you for the sweet talkin' Rory, yet you stood by your initial commitment to me and let Rory down ever so gently. If you still find it in your heart to continue with our marital plans, I would love to forever be your one and only mate.

I am so sorry Ms. Godiva to have to let you down. Had you come along before Truffles, our futures may have turned out quite differently. As it is, I cannot go back on my word to Ms. Truffles. You have certainly tested this ol' boy and I'm ashamed to admit, I almost failed Truffles miserably. I hope you don't find me ungrateful for the truly wonderful gift box you sent. It ROCKED in a big way. I will return it if you would like, although the pretzel shaped bully stick is unretrievable and the Wubba got a good workout in Lake Marberg on Sunday and is not quite as good as new. If you can find it in your heart, I would love to continue our friendship. And if you're interested I know where there is a handsome little Sweetie Wheatie with a big heart who LOVES chocolate. Don't let the size fool ya, there's a big dog fillin' out that Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. Wouldn't it be great if one day we could go out to dinner to together? Maybe even to Madame Shoesies?

Rory B. Frock


Thank goodness I had a long weekend to think this whole affair through. Now we only have 4 days to get through till we can call it a weekend again. I hope that all of the tests that are placed in front of you this week will be easy ones.

Chester ;0=)

Footloose Friday

You and I both know it's Friday and there's a long weekend starin' us directly in the face. No tedious readin' is necessary today. Just a little mindless fun. If you have 3:45 minutes to spare, crank up the volume and just push PLAY.




Happy Labor Day weekend!
Be safe and enjoy!
Chester ;0=)

Wet Bottom Wednesday