Flip-It Friday: Take the Middle School Political Test

Because I just can't help myself.

If you can't stand talking politics, here's a boy and dog in the Philippines escaping flooding:

If you can stomach any more politi-talk, here's a easy test with a new perspective.

I'm apparently a Liberal Patriot. I take this to mean that I am pretty lax on what individuals do with their own lives, but am pretty into the whole 'being American' thing. Spot on, if so! If it means all of the things on this list, then no. I don't think that's what I am. 

Will you take this quiz? What are your results?

And are the pictures showing up for you? For some reason I am not seeing them consistently load and wonder if it's just me...?

Happy Friday, Wimps Pimps!

"If you can grow mutton chops, we'll give you a Texas license"

...  or put you in the circus," said the man who checked my Illinois ID at the brewery.

And out of the several hundred people at the brews and beards event, he even remembered me when I left. I must have had "Yankee" tattooed on my forehead. 

Texas was a GREAT time! Food, booze, a great couple of friends and some of their furry family made for one excellent weekend.

Some new and repeat photos from my Instagram and iPhone:

 Sneaky photos in the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit

The Nuremberg Bible.

The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the Middle East... but Texas is everywhere!

Brewery tour. They hosted the North Texas Beard Alliance (is that a real thing?). 

Live music, craft beer, beard contests. Awesome!

Pint glasses to take home that say "Beer'd"!

TCU kegs.

Then we went to the Stockards...

Where the cattle roam...

And the cowgirls wave for the crowd...

Rhinestone cowgirl.

This pooch walks himself.

"The National Beer of Texas"

The Wongoose Zoo includes Millie the pitbull...

Phoebe the Alaskan mutt...

Ozzie the small dachshund/terrier mix...  

 Ernie the huge hound (sitting on/crushing Maddy's lap).

And two cats. 

But who cares about cats? j/k, cats are... fine!

Such a good time. I will come back someday and take on even more restaurants, sights, music, dogs and great weather!

Thank, Wongoose Zoo, for taking me in and showing me the town. You're welcome in Chicago anytime. You guys set the bar high for giving a well-rounded experience in only 2 days!

(You're crazy if you don't think he's) Man's Best Friend

My family had to say goodbye to a very good friend of ours recently. I have no recent photo of him, but he looks like this:

We have had the pleasure of sharing lives with a few "brown dogs" in our time and love them all. This friend was especially, well special. He was born at our house, part of a long line of successful bird dogs and a superb personality. He's the closest thing I've had to "owning" a dog (if one can "own" something and consider it an equal at the same time) since my dad has let each of us kids cosign the AKC paperwork for one of our family dogs.  He could perform "deep and wide" better than most Sunday schoolers. He never complained when it was his turn to take up guard of the picture window. He would oblige you with a grunt conversation when you scratched the inverted hairline in front of his ears. Like a comedian who breaks character, he would scrunchie up his lips when he knew you were laughing with him. He was the most gentile pet but the most serious hunter. He took his job seriously, but not himself. He was fast and smart and always willing to bring the stick back if you cajoled him. He was flexible and patient. He outgrew the chewing part of puppyhood, but never gave up his puppy-like spirit. An optimist and excellent team-player to the end,

 Mr. Wacka 

Wacka Tin Tin, 

Silhouette

Bat Faced Mangy Butt, 

The Buddy, 

Rocka-billy,

Rock,

Rocky,

You are already missed like a fat kid misses his best puppy friend.