"I'm Back!"

December 3, 2007: Hello, everyone! My leader has not been very conscientious about keeping my diary current. So, I had to show him some things that were going on in his own back yard so he would he would add them to my diary. At this moment, I am nudging his elbow as he types. We had a big bird flying around us for a few days. I think he calls it a "hawk." The hawk landed on our fence a few days ago, like he was swooping down to say "hello." He was very big, with gray and white feathers. But when he saw me, he flew off. I think I scared him off! Yesterday, he was back, but he sat high in a tree. As he landed there, I saw that he had dinner clutched in his talons. (I think it was one of the many squirrels that live--or lived--around here.) After he finished dinner, he flew off towards the south. I'm glad I'm too big for him to mistake me for dinner!

Familiar Face

October 4, 2007: Last night we had guests. One was familiar: she was my leader's daughter and the mother of the Silver Bullet--one of my best fans! The other lady I didn't know but she was nice. They weren't here very long, however. I hope they come back soon! It's getting a little cooler here in Atlanta and I think my hummingbird friends have left for the winter. I haven't seen any for three days. I'll keep watching.

Oh, Henry!

September 27, 2007: Today we went for a walk past our neighbor's house where a German shepherd friend of mine named Henry lives. Henry is still a puppy (about 6 months old), but he's big and strong. As we got closer, Henry pushed against the gate to his yard and pushed it open! He came running towards us. He was so happy to be out and free that he played a little rough. I am bigger and older than Henry so I put him in his place with a few sharp growls (and maybe just a nip of two). With the help of my leader and his mate, we finally got Henry corraled and back in his yard. Whew!

Is She Back?

September 24, 2007: Guess what? I was sitting by the gate and I looked up and there was my missing spider friend! At least I thought it was. The more I stared at her (remember she is a black and yellow argiope), I noticed this one looked a little smaller. Maybe she's her sister?

P.S. to Johnsonfamily: I'm glad that my "slippery bottom" isn't waxy build-up! :-)

Slippery Bottom

September 21, 2007: I have a little problem: a slippery bottom. In my leader's house there are carpeted floors and wooden floors. My leader's favorite chair is in the family room that has--naturally--smooth, wooden floors. Whenever I sit beside him to be petted, I slowly slide backwards until I'm beyond his reach. I have to walk up close again and when I sit, it starts again. That's the problem with a slippery bottom!

This and That

September 18, 2007: My leader has been dragging his feet lately about posting to my blog, so I convinced him to catch up! The other morning after getting a drink, my leader wiped my mouth with a paper napkin. It tasted good, so I ate a piece! My leader opened my mouth to get it, but. . . too late! Yesterday, I met another black Lab walking with his leader. "Max" was taller than me, but he was skinny. (I hope he's getting enough to eat.) Tonight I heard a funny-sounding bird in a tree nearby. I felt the urgent need to find it, but I couldn't leave the yard. The chirping finally stopped, but it was a real curiosity. P.S. to Sophie: Sounds like you have a lovely coat. I'm glad your leader helps you take care of it.

Big Bang

September 12, 2007: My leader brought me a surprise today! He bought me a new, big ball. It was pretty and had a picture of SpongeBob SquarePants. It was about 10 inches across so I couldn't get it in my mouth like a tennis ball. He kept kicking it at me and telling me to "get it!" So, like a good, obedient dog, I got it. I opened my big mouth and bit down with my big teeth and. . ."BANG!" Instantly my new round ball was an empty rubber bag! Well, it was a nice two minutes.