Roo-Bee and The Big Back Yard

The Mr. and I took a long weekend to go south for the pre-winter. We spend over 3 days with my parents and their big, fenced-in, bunny/mole/chipmunk-filled back yard. 'Twas dog-heaven!

My brother joined us for two days and some whiskey-ciders. 

I put a cinnamon apple garnish on his drink with an accidental middle-finger outline. 

He made an appropriate face.

We got to take Roo with us which was nerve-wracking for her inclination to car-puke and her somewhat tenacious play. He did fine on both and my family's dog, Dilly, was so patient. Here she is napping. In Roo's bed. With a pillow on her. 

Here they are both napping. Roo loved being part of a pack. She weaseled her way into a cuddle at any chance she got. Dilly was again patient, although she was not as thrilled for the head-to-head cuddles. So cute it needs to be the largest photo.

Here the Mr. is with a gun. 

Lord.

We did end up target shooting later that weekend. 

I smoked 'em!

These targets are hanging up in my office and I can't wait to show my highly conservative bosses my accuracy and versatility with a 1911 Sig Sauer, a revolver (Dad can comment with the make) and a bolt-action Browning. 

Right AND left handed. 

Boom. 

Thanks for the 

dog play,

black coffee, 

dutch apple pie (I ate more last night even thought I wasn't AT ALL hungry!), 

campfire meat, 

laughing at the stupidest things, 

shootin' the metaphorical breeze, 

deer sightings,

shooting the literal rifle range,

apple cider,

talks during football/baseball/movies,

later nights,

sleeping in,

muddy boots,

government shutdown distraction,

tennis ball, 

naps, 

and twin beds :)

A Wedded Thought Sandwich

I asked the Mr. last night on our Roo-walk what the favorite part of his day is.

"This. Walking with you and Roo every night. And nice weather."

The power of suggestion is strong with this one. I could say that I thought I had a stomach ache from dinner and within hours he'd have one too. Both of us having different meals. Maybe he's joining me in solidarity*!

He asked me the same question and I said, "This too. And watching the news with you. I like watching the news and having something to talk about during and afterwards. It keeps us from rehashing the same topics or complaining about work all the time."

The Mr. went on to say that he thinks having Roo has strengthened our relationship. I think so too, now that he said so.

The power of suggestion is strong with me too.

Roo has given us mandatory time outside. And we often do it together because we both want to spend time with her. And the nice weather. We team up for walks, some awkward games of fetch-slash-keep away in the front yard**, co-tackle teeth brushing and argue about the best way to train her not to chase the bunnies***.

She's something we can join together to be both for (in times of cuteness) and against (in times of chew-ness). We argue about her sometimes and she pisses us off, but she's taught us patience and defined "fambly"****.

Post inspired by this quote and article:

What's the secret to a happy marriage? 

National Public Radio! My husband and I spend a lot of time during the week driving in separate cars. We both listen to NPR. At the end of the day, when we are done talking about work, one of us will say, "Did you hear the piece about…?" It's nice to have so much to discuss.

*Is "solidarity" a popular word now? I see it everywhere and feel the need to use it frequently. Is it like literary twerking?

**Roo does NOT bring the ball back, so we tease her.

***Bottom line: impossible.

****The Mr. knows what I mean.

Chicago Dog Beach

Chicago is a dog-friendly city. We have sidewalks everywhere, grassy patches, dog parks in convenient places, tons of groomers/boarders/walking services and....

Dog Beaches!

 Eat. My. Sand. 

 Roo's the lunchmeat in a nipping-sandwich.

Whatdoyaknow? Roobabe can swim. As with all things, she did it with gusto and without fear!

Too bad she gets car-sick on rides over 20 minutes long (she puked on the way home from this excursion), but we're hoping she gets over that soon.

 Lots of fishermen this Sunday. This guy got a big fish. Not so sure I'd want to eat Lake Michigan fish, though.

 "Is it ok if I just pull really hard on the leash the whole time? Ok, thanks." - Roobabe

 Diversey Harbor

 "Roobabe, let's pose for a picture."

"Oh, ok, here's my butt."

 "Let's go!", says Roobabe.

The human folk enjoyed a nice sunny walk with Roobabe and some Chicago style hot dogs from a friendly, underground locale called "Flub a Dub Chub" hot dogs. Then we all had a nap. It was such a good Sunday.

 Album cover art!

 So dirty!

As for my birthday, we went to see this hilarious show on Friday. It was a surprise and we got orchestra seats in row M... which is near the stage! Good job, Mr.!

We ate dinner here on Saturday. We had and recommend the pickle-tots and the coffee cake dessert. I had an orange-y cocktail. It was pretty good but the Mr. wasn't feeling well so we didn't linger. We picked up our Roo at doggy daycare and surprised her with two new toys for her birthday. She had one chewed up in minutes. The other is a nylon bone hybrid and more sustainable.

Research Shows

You can stop reading right now if you don't want to hear more dog facts.

To learn more about Roo, I was wikipedia-ing her breed heritage.

Basenji's are linked to the Congo (Africa), China (southeast Asia), and related to the dingo (Australia). How worldly!

They are considered the "barkless" dog.

They have been called the "most ancient dog" as they have ancestors dating back further than any other breed.

A basenji was featured in an episode of This American Life on NPR.

They're sight hunters and a member of the AKC and UKC "hound" group, although the shelter labeled her a "terrier".

Oh and this isn't on Wikipedia, but she's also total cuteness.

*UPDATE* I just listened to the radio show on NPR that I liked to above and I laughed and thought "holy hell, what did I get myself into?" The dog in the show has some shocking similarities to our Roo. Oh. My. Word.