Day 177

Wow time sure flys when you are with the Captain and that must mean we were having lots of fun together the past 6 months. She tells me Papa's adventure has come to an end and that he is coming home to us. It has been fun but I am ready for the men to be the majority again. Captain gets too bossy and always quites at tug.

I was sure to go out with a bang today and started the day with a nice tour with Captain, but when she made me angry by then leaving me while she went running, I got into mischief. I ate a DVD all up and she was NOT happy. I think she was worried too, but women are weird she laughed, seemed angry, and was worried all at the same time. Papa is much easier to read.

Captain worked from home the rest of the day and was busy the entire time even working extra hours. She drafted a ton of recommendations to agencies and things for the rule makers of all the Islands put together to think about. There were a dozen in all and they kept her busy. She kept humming some CCCE song and seemed to have fun doing it. She sure is a happy odd lady. While she was singing that song the king Ferry Driver came and took me out for a stroll. We had a nice time and I was very good with both my harness and my pinch collar on so he could grab it if I was up to no good. Captain does that too and man, they keep me in line now but I love having a job even if it is being good.

When Captain finally finished we had dinner and she left for a while to run some errands and go to some appointment. I think she was getting gussied up for Papa. I always think she looks nice, but I think she wants to be extra nice for Papa tomorrow. When she got home she had to work some more and I got bored again and ate some stuffing out of my lamb from last time Papa was here.

Hopefully having Papa home will keep me entertained more so I stop making Captain angry. . . .

Day 176

I felt a lot more like myself today and Captain was glad on our am walk when I left her some experiments. Unfortunately I was a little sick later in the day, but hopefully I'll be back to normal soon. It was hot again, but the ferry drivers hosed me off at the start of the tour and I got to walk with some of my smaller two legged friends. I love walking with the little guys because I get to watch over them and feel really big and strong like the big Papa.

When Captain came home we went on a nice tour. On the way home one of the neighbors came down the road on a motored two wheeled thing and I went nuts trying to protect Captain from it or something. It was really loud. Captain and the guy talked a little later and Captain asked him if I could sniff his big bike, but I was more interested in everything else around his house and ignored the bike. I think Captain was frustrated with me, but the thing was quiet so i didn't care. I think she wanted me to know they were okay because then she left the house on her own bike and rode to an appointment. She even peddled over the big bridge to the doggie doctor's office on the Island of Beverly and said her brake was sticking. She just laughed about it, but I think it was a pretty big challenge. We had a late dinner together and I kept stinking up the bedroom and then going to the hallway to get away from the smell.

Day 175

Today is father's day and I am sad that I am not with my Papa. I think Captain is great, but today should be a day for the boys. I think my Papa is off on true adventures now too. Captain did a pretty good job of making it up and took me for a bunch of good tours. We started super early, even earlier than during the week and then had breakfast together before she was out the door in her running clothes. It was hut and humid so I understand why. When she came home, she too was sad because she missed a call from Papa. She made herself a smoothie with special yummy yogurt so her bones will be healthy and sat in that blue pool that Layla stood in yesterday. She is funny. I just laid down in the shade and watched her.

She left again with some bright orange shirt on. If I could read I would think it would say "Run Volunteer." There were over 5,000 people walking around the Island and for the 400 that were running, Captain made sure they made an important turn. She showed me the turn on a tour when she got home. I also noticed that there was one of those metal things with two wheels on it in the drive and she said it was hers. Hmmm, I should remind her that I don't like those things.

Captain left and came home with more groceries than usual. She needs to eat more and she was also trying to get some items for Papa like his milk. It was nice to see two gallons of milk coming into the house again. Now I know he is coming home. Oh, and she had more peanut butter and bananas for ME!!!! I love peanut butter and bananas. She also had a bag full of nuts and dried fruit and and fresh fruits that were on sale and that I don't think she has had in the house before. One was called papaya and she let me taste it. YUM. Papyameay. Plus, she tasted this thick smoothie like milk that is special for her bones and has a lot of protein in it. I think she liked it and she said it was surprisingly inexpensive. Speaking of food, I got my first pig ear in a long time, since the sickness. It was wonderful and I went to sleep quickly after eating it but did choose to lay near the bathroom door so I could feel the cool air. Captain said she would get me the fan down from upstairs tomorrow.

Finally, Captain took me outside and tied me to the tree while she watered the plants. She can't let me loose because of the crazy lady a couple doors down. She did keep my leash on me and played tug of war with me to make up for me missing Papa. It was fun but she quit when I tried to get my grip better and latched down on her hand. Papa is much better at tug of war. She said he has been rowing some boat at the gym (why is there a boat in the dessert let alone inside I have no idea) and that he is all ready to come and play with me.

Day 174

I am exhausted after one hot and busy day on this Island. I started with a nice long tour with Captain before it got hot and at our usual early morning time that we love. We even sat in the park for a minute to reflect on our adventures together. I guess I reminded her that it has been an adventure when I lunged at another four legged being trying to protect her. . . I guess she didn't think she needed protected and I got in trouble and she cut her hand a little on my harness. Seemed more like a saddle for her than a harness really.

Captain then left early for a run and came back pink in the face. I sat with her and helped her by eating the ice out of her very cold bath. Then, she laid on the couch and watched cartoons with me before getting up and showering. She met with some lady to talk about what she should eat and how much (I hope the lady told her to feed me more) and she went and got stuff for the grill for Papa so he can cook for us (yup us). She came back and spent lots more time with me and even let me stay outside with her while she washed the car. I was on a long rope tied to the tree but preferred to just stay under it in the shade. She, I knew she would, gave me a bath and the neighbor ladies and Layla came to say hi. Captain watched Layla for a while and filled a little pool for us, but I just drank from it and watched the water move around when Layla got in it.

Later, a two legged friend that clearly knows dogs came to play music and sing along (some girl group Papa doesn't like), play games, drink wine, and eat rice and fish with Captain. They even gave me my own box of rice with a little metal handle on it to have with a little kibble. They laughed and played a game with wooden pieces piled up and I would jump whenever they crashed down. I was tired and gave up on bed time and curled up on the couch. Every so often I would give Captain the "is it time for bed" eyes, but it took her a while to get the hint even though they were both yawning from our usual bed time on and were in their pajamas the whole time. Silly girls.

Day 173

Wow, the Island got warm today. I went on a nice tour with Captain and rested in the cool house until the ferry drivers came. Still no experiments, but I feel good otherwise and enjoyed playing in the hose to cool down. I love getting dried off too and do my happy dance and roll around like crazy. After all that I was happy to curl up on the cool floor (which I must say feels very clean this week) and rest until Captain gets home.

I got to eat more of the yummy chicken and rice for dinner tonight and didn't even notice when my two legged friend Kathey came in to say hi and go to dinner with Captain. She startled me and I had to bark a little until I realized it was her. I like getting this chicken for dinner so much I might try and hold all my experiments and keep eating it. Something tells me Captain may not agree though. . .

busy day planned for tomorrow with lots of errands and chores with Captain. I think she might even give me assignments. She sure is getting bossy in her old age, but I still love her since she takes such good care of me.

Day 173

Seven posts left and then I don't know what I'll do. The good thing about Day 173 is that I am feeling a little bit better, not 100% but better. Also, since Captain knows I don't feel well and I haven't given her any experiments she just kept taking me on tours all day. I think I'll just keep holding it in and see how it pans out. Then again, she didn't have the ferry drivers come since she was home and just had a shortened workout. I was fine with it until I saw ferry driver Josh's truck and that made me a little sad that I was probably missing a nice tour with a friend or two. Captain says I can go on a tour tomorrow.

I napped in between all those tours and just had a few times where I was king watchdog of the Island. First thing was when Captain was trying to chat with Papa briefly. Second, when she let some man in the house. He walked all around and was checking light bulbs and appliances for excessive energy use all the while I was in the garage and then when he went into the garage, Captain put me into the house. ARG, I let her know I was unhappy by throwing her shoes around the garage--three pairs of them. The third time was when I got in the most trouble and that was when Captain had some big shot on the phone from an Institute that is famous and the neighbor knocked on the door to give Captain some check only to have me bark in the background. The man on the phone didn't seem to like dogs according to Captain.

I must not have been too bad because Captain had to run an errand to a different Island called Cambridge to buy my Papa a new computer (it should be a shared computer, but Captain knows how that really works) and she took me with her for the ride. It was a long ride but Captain showed me the city all lit up with late day sun so it kinda sparkled. She showed me where she worked and where she runs in the mornings. She tells me a lot of things in the car when she drives. I think she hoped it would warrant her an experiment when we got home, but she was wrong.

Day 172

Ugh, I still don't feel well today and the overcast Island fit my mood perfectly. My belly just rumbles and well, I have bad smelly gas. Captain took me on a tour like normal and I was sick so she stayed with me longer and debated working from home but really couldn't so she left me with a huge kiss and a breakfast of white grainy stuff to eat with the orange tasty root vegetable.



Queen ferry driver came and took me on a long tour. I was so happy to see her I did a little happy dance and then was very good on my tour with her for over an hour. We passed two of those metal things on wheels that I hate and I was just too sick to care. I was in heel the entire time too. Even though my belly was still upset, I had more energy but I didn't leave her any experiments. As soon as Captain got home I had to go outside though, I think that medicine wore off. She laid with me again and rubbed my belly while I chewed the little bit of my huge bone that is left. I do feel better and well enough to do that, but now I need my lower half to cooperate. Captain and I were both worn out from the sickness and were in bed by 8:45. Night world. Papa, see you in 6 days!

Day 171

It was a long night on the Island and I had a couple of night tours. I felt bad waking Captain up but I had to go. She gave me another pill and even lay down with me and rubbed my head and belly. I finally slept. We slept in a little and then went on a tour and Captain gave my Papa an update. I think I heard he say he owes her and something about "mama needs a new pair of shoes." I don't know what shoes are but she deserves it for all the belly rubs. I got to eat some yummy orange mushy stuff just like what Captain has a lot for dinner and it was good. My belly still hurt some so I just slept most of the day with about 4 shorter tours with Captain and no ferry drivers.

Captain and I had a nice walk in the evening and I refused to give her any more experiments. She left for an hour or so with her short dark haired friend that she went away to Vermont with and who sometimes brings the girls over that love me and pet me. They went for a walk and then Captain came home and took me on a walk again before bedtime. We saw Joan, the two legged lady that tells the traffic to stop for us sometimes when we walk. She knew my name but not Captain's so I introduced them. I was feeling much better and did Crazy boy when I got home. Only thing is I think it stirred up my insides and now I have the worst smelling gas ever. I decided to let Captain smell it and went downstairs until it smelled better.

Day 170

Ohhhhh my belly hurts and I feel horrible. I got really really sick in the house today and made a royal mess. Both king ferry driver and Captain did a lot of cleaning up and Captain did a lot of window openning. After she gave me immodium I slept a while. Captain had to leave me for a while so she could go to a meeting and get me more medicine. I slept more but then when it was time for bed I had to get her attention and make her take me out on a walk to go to the bathroom. ohhh, I just can't type anymore cuz I gotta go out again. . .

Day 169

Captain and I had a busy but very fun Sunday. We woke up early, even though we were up a little later than usual, and went on a nice walk. Have I mentioned I love the green hair that grows from the ground around here? It tastes so good. We ate breakfast and I got bananas as usual and a little bit of peanut butter so it was heavenly. Captain left for a while and came back all dirty and limping a little. I smelled that place on her where she took me that was full of trees and had a big area of water in it. She told me she just slipped on a wet rock and that she felt like a kid running over 8 miles on trails where she had to run up hills and over rocks and even saw a white tail four legged creature called a deer. I felt bad she hurt her ankle, but she is one tough cookie and even ran on it more--how else would she get out of the woods since I can't answer the phone and come sniff her out? She is able to hobble around on it and our friend Mike worked on it some to make it better.

After Captain showered and iced her foot our two legged friend Jenn came over with two mini two legged people. Captain left with her and went to lunch where I understand Sam kept her pretty busy and wanted to sit on Captain's lap during dinner. I don't know why Captain let her and won't ever let me. Sam kept giving her "big hugs" and told her she loved her. Captain even helped Sam with her mac and cheese and let her get chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Sam didn't like them to touch though and wouldn't eat those parts saying they were ruined. I think Captain was tired when she came home, but she brought the two legged mini beings with her and I got to investigate Alex the smallest one and Samantha patted me. and was pretty proud to have used our bathroom.





Captain picked up the house and iced her foot again just in time for my two legged friend Mike and a new two legged friend Theresa to come over. I liked both of them, but mostly enjoyed playing with Mike. He played keep away with me with the end of what is left of my giant bone. I need a new one. I was so good when they were here that I bet Captain will get me one. They had a great time chatting and having a nice dinner. They actually had my Papa's pasta sauce (which everyone loved) and some of that stuff that Captain likes in the fancy glasses (Robert Martini cab). Captain did something new and they all tasted it before and after she poured it through the glass looking thing. They all agreed it made a difference and had fun pouring the wine through it. They want Papa to come home and join in the fun and SO DO I.

Day 168

It was a rainy and early start on the Island. I was so sleepy when the alarm went off that I followed Captain into the bathroom but instead of resting my head on her leg, I only made it halfway in the room and plopped down. Luckily I got hours more of sleep while Captain went to a Wicked running thing and ran a race that was something called 26 x 1 with a lot of her running friends. We had a nice walk in the sprinkling rain when she got home. I was happy to see her! I was even happier when she cuddled with me on the couch and watched some television with me. I like people running on tracks and lifted my head when the ladies were jumping over the hurdles. I don't think Captain could jump over those when she runs.

After a little rest, Captain ran the vacuum thing and I kept jumping at it when she used it on the curtain that I sleep near. I didn't like the noise it made and lept at the hose almost knocking Captain right down. Soon after, my friends Anne and Jason and Eileen came to visit. I don't know why Anne thinks my name is Ewe but I am a different four legged being than whatever she is calling me. Jason played with me and my squeaky teddy bear from when papa was here. I sat and stared at it for minutes while he just held it and then he would finally give it to me to chew and try to give back to him. Eileen stayed the longest and I lay with her and Captain on the couch with my paws wrapped around Captain's leg and my head in her lap for an hour. It was great, but she didn't get a photo to share.

Okay, off to update photos for yesterday and off to bed for another busy day.

Day 167

What a crazy but wonderful day on the Island, I'll summarize here but add more detail tomorrow with photos as I am exhausted and Captain and I have big days tomorrow. The sun came back out and I sunbathed all spread out on the couch the minute I realized Captain was working from her box at home.

She was up early like she used to be but she left a little earlier actually and then returned to the house from a run on the Island instead of along the Boston Island. The day started as a normal one, but then later involved a short play with Chicka interrupted by a crazy woman screaming and shouting about loose dogs. Luckily that incident was followed by a lovely walk with my friends from the Island of Pug who still looked up to me even if that woman doesn't. She should be more scared of my Captain than me as Captain wanted to say mean things I could tell. . . she didn't though. . .not this time. . .

Late in the day Captain left and traveled to the Island of the Depot of the Home where she picked up exotic plants for additional container experiment growing. She also bought new flowering green plants to replace the ones I pee on and ripped the old one's right out of the ground with her hands before quickly using a metal thing she would jump on and scoop dirt with. Lickity split and she had those plants changed, fed, and happy. She also brought back a new eggplant that has some growing to do but looks strong and cages to put over the vastly growing and budding tomato plants. Further, she brought some new additions I had never seen, she planted a long row of basin in a trout, some wonderful smelling stuff that smells like Captain's bath bubbles that I love (I think she said lavender). She even planted some new plants inside from the one's I didn't water while she was in IN. they all smelled like cooking food when she was messing with them. She named them Sage, Rosemary, and hmmm I can't remember the other one. . . maybe Thyme will tell.

Then, the day got even busier for me as Danielle and Deanne came over for fish tacos even though Danielle couldn't eat them. Captain made her special ones, but she can't eat much because of that baby taking up all her space. She had chips and salsa, corn, and Captain's quinoa. Deanne and Captain enjoyed the fish and the green goop too. I bet my Papa would love some goop when he comes home. They watched a weird and colorful movie in the man room (well Deanne watched it while Captain and Danielle snoozed). My little friend Layla came too for a bit, but she was nervous to not be in her own house so she left after a while. I taught her all the man cave rules and told her she could stay, but she was nervous anyway.

Day 166

The Island turned cool today and was rainy. It was actually half the temperature of what it is in Baghdad where my Papa is staying. I can't wait to see him. I think Captain is getting excited too. She is still giving me lots of love and attention though and lay down next to me for a long time tonight just petting me. I think she actually fell asleep doing it.

Everything else on the Island is pretty normal, Captain is back to the running I think, though taking it a little easy for now. She went to run in circles tonight in the rain like she often does on Thursdays (well minus the rain part) and seemed both happy and worn out from it. It actually seems my Captain is most happy when she is worn out. I can totally relate to that and this is a great Island to wear yourself out on.

I do think there is something not as normal brewing next door though. The nice lady with the naked four legged creatures and tiny human that she is carrying inside her seems to be leaving a lot lately at odd times of day and night and I don't think she is going to work. I do in fact believe that she is having the little human checked out because it wants to come out too early. Captain is going to feed her dinner with us tomorrow night, and her sister too. I hope they share with me.

Day 165

It sometimes feels like I am alone on this darn Island. Captain left early and then I swear I wasn't sure she was gonna come back. When she did she fed us, took a bath, and was in bed before it was dark out. I decided to play a game with her to entertain myself. I first hid my toys under the carpets (the big one during dinner and then the long one upstairs when she was in the bath). Then, I decided to go after then and in a sense hid myself under the carpets too--or at least tried.

Day 164

I had a nice day on the Island. I think Captain had a rough night of rest again but she was out the door early like before her marathon. She was at work late again but when she came home I played a little with Laila and then had a great dinner. Captain took some of those fancy glasses over to the neighbors and her food. I was sad because she and I enjoy eating our dinner together, but I got over it when she gave me my dessert to chew while she was gone. I did miss her though. She came home and told me I may get to meet a baby soon as the neighbor has been having something called contractions. It is not quiet time for the baby, but Captain says soon.

While Captain was making dinner the door had a knock and there was a delivery man with a box. He was really scared of me and Captain wouldn't let me meet him. Hmff. I don't know what is so scary about friendly faced me. The box was some of that stuff Captain puts in those fancy glasses. They must have known she opened one or something and immediately sent another.

Day 163

It was the start of a new week on the Island. I could tell because people were up earlier and out on tours like us now that the rain stopped. Captain took me on a nice tour after she woke up from what seemed like a rough night of rest. I even got as close to her as possible during the night in case she needed her big strong man. Soon Papa will be home to comfort her and hopefully these dreams I hear her having will go away when he returns.

Captain went off on the ferry on the track to work and I hung out on the cool floor. My belly kinda hurt because when Captain cleaned out the room for the ferry on Sunday I found a bag of liver biscotti treats and ate the entire bag. Luckily it settled down. I went on a nice tour with the Papa ferry driver and my big man Otis from the Island of Dane. We had a blast around town and looked like a great pair.

Captain came home late and hung out with me during dinner. She did some weird stuff in the bedroom where she kept punching the air and dancing around a bit. I tried to dance with her but she laughed and didn't seem to appreciate it. Luckily I was tired so I just watched. She wears me out even watching sometimes. I hope it helps her sleep better tonight and that she wakes up to great news from work.

Day 162

Captain and I slept late and woke to storms again today. Captain sure does like the storms. We got a nice tour in when it was just sprinkling and made it inside just before a big storm. There were a lot of them on the Island today. Captain used the day well getting the house cleaned, doing some work on that box, and leaving and coming back with a ton of food in bags and a new bed for me. She said the stores with the food were very crazy and that she had to wait in line almost 20 minutes at each place. She said she is going to send Papa to the store when he comes back. . . Back to me . . . The bed goes well with the colors in the room where we cuddle a lot, but it is foamy and feels different, so I don't really lay on it a lot. Captain did manage to get one photo of me on it though.

After Captain cleaned she left for a while and came back smelling of chlorine just as the sky opened up. The TV stopped working and Captain and I layed on the floor together snuggling. I like doing that with her and think that tv can just stay off. I can't wait until it is the three of us cuddling soon. Captain says Papa will be home soon.

This last storm did a bad thing and Captain is very upset. The potted garden she and I watch over everyday took a beating with the storm. The eggplant that was growing so strong and budding a little purple being was snapped off at its base. Its poor little leg just ripped from the pot. Captain almost cried I think. We had both really been looking over the plants and were so excited to see little buds of tomatoes, peppers, and this cute eggplant. If I could mend it for her I would.

Day 161

Captain was gone all day today and the neighbor ladies came and took care of me numerous times. They even took lots of photos of me and let me play with Laila and with my friend Chica. I'll put the photos on the bolg once I get them. When I was on my long walk with Laila, people pointed a lot at us and laughed. I guess we looked like a funny pair.

Captain got home way past her bed time and seemed like maybe she had actually already been asleep (she told me she slept a lot in the ferry, but not to worry because someone else was driving it). She gave me a really late dinner and cuddled with me and then went straight to bed.

Day 160 Part 2

Captain was home with me again today, but she didn't see to feel good and didn't spend much time on that work box of hers. I can totally understand, my belly was grumbly too. When I went on my am tour I didn't have any experiment parts to leave for Captain. By my ferry walk time, I left 5 nice experiments for the Queen ferry driver and one had paper in it. When she told Captain, Captain cracked up laughing and showed the queen ferry driver the birthday movie we made Papa. I enjoyed my tour today but was very tired from it. Captain was going to take me again and get fresh air, but she had to leave me because I was too tired from running in and out of sprinklers and playing.

Later in the afternoon, I went out and played with my neighbor friend. She is tiny and I play gentle with her. She is funny because when Captain shakes the tree leaves, Laila jumps all about and tries to eat all the leaves. I decided to try them too, but I much prefer grass.

Day 160

My Papa's Birthday is today!!!!!
My Captain and I made him a video for his birthday. I hope he likes it! Here are some of the photos from the video.

Day 159

I had a nice time today with my Captain. I went on a tour with her and chewed my huge bone for a part of the day and it is a lot smaller now. Maybe Captain will get me a new one for my birthday if not before. I know my Papa has a birthday tomorrow too. I wonder if he would like a bone. Who wouldn't?

I was good on my tour with the ferry driver Josh and we worked the whole time on heel. He gave me little bits of Captain's cookies when I did what I was told and we sat and waited any time people came near us.

I was tired after all that work, it was like I had been on a much longer walk and I layed with Captain while she worked for much of the rest of the day. We even listened to thunder and a storm for a while. I like laying with my Captain when that happens.

Day 158

I was bad on my tour today with the ferry drivers. Captain has to really be a Captain to me and put on her Mama pants until my Papa comes home in three weeks. I wish I hadn't been bad because I have a feeling that my tours will not be as fun for me from now on. With that said, I saw a new part of the Island tonight I have never seen and had a wonderful tour with Captain exploring it. I was super well behaved as a way to thank her, even though she didn't yet know what I had done because we rushed off in the ferry as soon as she got home. We were in the ferry for a while and then there were all these runners around and we were talking to some of them, but I could see a lot of trees and was hoping I could explore them. I was good and watched them all, about 60 of them, run by us and then was elated when we followed them all up this trail and into the woods. It was beautiful and just what Captain and I both needed. Captain jogged a little with me, but we mostly just walked and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. We were mostly out there alone and sometimes a runner would come back towards us and I was really good. Once, we saw our friend Mike and he went fast past us so I decided I would follow him and go down a different rockier hill. Captain was laughing the whole way and I almost made her fall down--seems her legs just weren't quiet there yet. The water at the end of the hill was beautiful and I even posed for another photo just for my Papa.

Day 157

I think everyone on the Island was sluggish today. I was just giving my Captain some sympathy for her sore legs and tired nature:) At least, that is what I am telling her. I went on a nice tour with Captain this am in the sprinkling rain and then a nice dry tour in the afternoon with ferry driver Lisa. Once Captain got home, we went on a nice tour together too. I tried to taste all the different grasses again. I just like the way it tastes, Captain read about dogs eating grass and some dogs, like me, just are hungry and like it. I saw another dog, a really tall thin dog, coming toward my favorite grass and growled and made Captain angry. Apparently I was being strong and she was having more trouble than usual tugging on me. I guess she uses those leg muscles of hers when she pulls on me too. As for food, I also like the bubbles in the water when she takes her bath. She got fed up with me after a while and told me to knock it off. I couldn't help it--I just kept licking them off her. She made me chew on my bone instead while she watched her favorite tv show and then we went to bed very early.