Tah-Dah!

Well, here it is -- my very first music video. The star of the show, Benny, is my cousin Orielle's kid, and Aimee's brother. He likes to be.... shall we say..... busy. The song I chose says it all. Make sure you turn the volume way up!

More Awards and a Gift!

My good friend Chase sent me these two awards. Thank you so much Chase! You're awesome!

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

The second award is the Neno's Award and is given... "As a dedication for those who love blogging activity and love to encourage friendships through blogging.To seek the reason why we all love blogging. Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it. Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award. Answer the Award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging. Tag and distribute the Award to as many people as you like."

Here goes.... I love blogging because it is through writing about my adventures that I have met all of my new furry friends from all over the world. I love blogging because I get to share my love for dressing up. And, I love hearing about, and seeing through pictures, how all my friends spend their days.

I'd like to pass along these two awards to: Lorenza, Harry, Moco, and Laney.

I also want to thank my new friend Checkers, who just gave me this wonderful gift today. I am honored and look forward to continuing our friendship. Thanks Checkers! You're Super!

Lights! Camera! Action!

Well, I have to say, the new digital movie camera I got for my birthday is totally awesome! I've been mulling over a bunch of ideas, but I've decided that my first attempt at the great art of film making is going to be a music video. The auditions went off without a hitch, even though Benny was the only one who showed up. Aimee was too busy working on a new toilet paper art project and Orielle decided that working behind the scenes in makeup and costumes was more her thing. Oh well, so it looks like Benny's going to star in my first video. Stay tuned.....

My First Award!

My new pal Mango gave me this award today. I'm very excited because it's my very first award. Thank you Mango!!! You rock!!

I'd like to pass this award along to my new friends, Honey, Chase, Checkers, Maggie and Mitch, and the 'splorin' Wolfies.

Birthday Surprise, or Not

So, Friday was my birthday and as some of you may know, I turned the big ONE-OH, double digits! Benny and Aimee made me hide my eyes saying they had a big surprise for me. I have to say, it's not exactly a surprise when they tell me it's a surprise, but I went along with it anyway. After they counted to 10, skipping number 7, I opened my eyes to find Orielle with a plate full of homemade peanut butter cookies, or shall we say, a half a plate of cookies and a bunch of crumbs dangling from her lips. It was the thought that counts. After the P.B. feast, they presented me with a bunch of presents, my favorite being the digital movie camera I've been asking for. Ah, the joy of film making -- the possibilities are endless! Afterwards, we were subjected to yet another round of Benny's magic tricks. One thing I don't understand: if he loves tennis balls so much, why does he keep making them disappear?

Sticks and Bones

Anybody ever see that show called “Bones” with that guy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Which, by the way, was the most awesome show ever. Well let me tell you, I have watched Bones two times now and not once, I repeat, not once, have I ever seen any bones in that show. I mean, come on! How deceiving! I was all set for some good time, heavy duty chewing and what did I see? Nothing! Now, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, even though they talk a lot about “steaks,” and I have yet to see one, they do offer an assortment of nice size pointy sticks. Mmmmmmm, I love sticks.

Tag, I'm It!

I am taking a short break from my wacky and wonderful adventures because I have been tagged for the very first time by my new friend Chase to tell five random things about myself.

1) I love standing in the wind, especially when it lifts up my ears and I look like a 747.

2) I love watching awesome sci-fi movies, especially Godzilla!

3) I love helping with chores around the house. My fave is doing the "pre-wash" cycle in the dishwasher.

4) I was named after a hockey player. "Brind'Amour" in French, means "a little bit of love."

5) For all my new friends who have been asking...... yes, we are Clumber Spaniels.

And now, I'd like to tag my friends, Honey, Harry, the 'splorin' Wolfies, Laney, and Maggie and Mitch.

What's So Funny???

I know what you’re thinking…… but it wasn’t me! It was that sneaky little girl, Aimee, who decided to wake up extra early this morning and play an April Fool’s trick on her brother, Benny. I knew she was up to something when I caught her pushing Orielle’s laundry basket in front of the mirror to block it, all the while giggling and snorting under her breath.

Then Benny wakes up and comes into the kitchen for breakfast in his usual jolly way, making jokes, and teasing his little sister and well, let’s just say he still thinks we’re laughing at his corny knock-knock jokes…….Poor Benny, he has no clue….. I guess that box of washable markers I gave Aimee for Christmas wasn’t really such a good idea.

Intro to Fine Arts

Self Portrait on Pink Canvas

by Pablo Brincasso

An Irish Faerie Tale

"A leprechaun!” Annie shouted and startled Bobby right off the bed. “I know what we can bring for show and tell -- a leprechaun!!!” Annie and Bobby had been trying to figure out something amazing that they could bring to school tomorrow and had not been having too much luck. Annie kept trying to convince her brother, “We could make a trap and catch him.” “Gee, Annie, I don’t know. It sounds like fun but Mom might not like that idea. We better not tell her.” “Okay, Bobby, I won’t tell her.” The children set off in different directions collecting the things they needed to build a leprechaun trap. When they met back, Annie asked him, “What should we use to get the leprechaun to go in the trap, Bobby?” “Don’t worry -- I have an idea!” Just then, their Mother walked into the room and asked what they were doing. “We’re building a leprechaun trap,” shouted Annie. “ANNIE!” Bobby yelled in disbelief. Mom just shook her head, “You two and your imaginations! Just whatever you do, don’t go onto Mr. Shannahan’s property. You know how cranky he always is... and don’t be late for dinner.” “Okay, Mom, we won’t,” Annie promised.

After finishing the trap, Annie and Bobby packed everything up and headed outside to look for clover since Bobby told Annie that leprechauns love clover. They wandered around the property for a while when Annie noticed a huge clover patch on the other side of the fence. “I found some clover in Mr. Shannahan’s yard, Bobby!” “Don’t go in there, Annie! We’ll get in trouble,” said Bobby. Just then, Bobby had an idea. He instructed Annie to hold the gate open so he could run into Mr. Shannahan’s yard, grab some clover, and come back quickly. “Okay, Bobby,” Annie agreed.

While Bobby was picking the nicest clover he’s ever seen he heard a strange noise coming from the direction of Mr. Shannahan’s house. Bobby froze, then slowly looked up, and saw Mr. Shannahan coming out onto his back porch. Goose bumps broke out all over Bobby’s body. “Hey, you hooligans, get off my property or I’ll hang you up on the clothes line by your ears!” shouted cranky Mr. Shannahan waving a fist. Bobby gasped, turned, and headed for the gate when he suddenly bumped into Annie. “Annie! What are you doing here? I told you to stand there and hold the gate open!” “I don’t know, Bobby! What are we gonna do? Now we’re locked in!” Annie screamed. “RUN, ANNIE, RUN!” The children circled around a few times not knowing where to go. Somehow Bobby managed to find an opening in the fence at the other end of Mr. Shannahan’s property. “Annie, follow me!” shouted Bobby. They both found their way through the hole in the fence and ended up in a beautiful section of woods. The children took a few minutes to catch their breath and then went looking for a good place to set their trap. Bobby placed the clover he’d picked all around in hopes of luring a leprechaun while Annie set the shoebox trap. “What kind of bait did you bring, Bobby?” “What leprechaun’s love the most of course -- Lucky Charms” he replied. “Oooh, good one, Bobby. They ARE magically delicious!”

With the trap set, Annie and Bobby took a few steps back and hid behind a tree and waited. A short while later the children heard a rustling sound coming in their direction. Bobby peeked around the tree and whispered to Annie, “I think I see a little leprechaun.” The tiny leprechaun slowly approached the trap, scrutinized it, and let out a rip-roaring belly laugh. “B’gosh and B’gorrah! Is this another ridiculous leprechaun trap before me eyes?” The children slowly inched out from behind the tree and Annie said, “Yeah. Are you gonna go in it?” “Well, the Lucky Charms were quite ingenious, and I did think about it for a second, but, I’m sorry, m’thinks not, m’lass.” The leprechaun removed his hat and introduced himself. “The name’s BrynMahr O’Brien, and if ye like, we can play all afternoon together instead.”

The children were having so much fun playing with little BrynMahr O’Brien that they forgot to watch the time. When they realized they had missed dinner, they quickly said goodbye to BrynMahr and ran all the way home. They crashed through the door screaming, “We’re sorry we’re late, Mom! We set our trap but didn’t catch a leprechaun because he was too smart for that but he played with us all afternoon! We forgot what time it was. We’re sorry….” Their mother just stood there quite serious and said, “I was worried when you didn’t come home for dinner and I’m tired of you two making up stories about things that don’t exist. Now, go to your rooms and don’t come out until tomorrow morning for school.” The children slowly made their way to their rooms upset that not only did their mother not believe them but they also didn’t have anything to bring for show and tell.

The next morning the children made their way to the kitchen for breakfast. Their Mom stood there waiting for them with a smile on her face. “I just want to apologize for yelling at you yesterday but I was very worried. I know you like to make up stories and that’s fine.” “But Mom, we really did see a leprechaun,” said Annie. “Whatever you say, Annie. But I want to make up for yelling at you. I don’t usually give you your favorite cereal, Lucky Charms, for breakfast on a weekday but I just wanted you to know that I still love you.” Bobby whispered to Annie, “Did we make that whole thing up yesterday? Or, did we really play with a leprechaun?” “I think he was really real, Bobby. Don’t you?”

After their mother poured the cereal, she placed the box on the table. When the children looked up at the box, they couldn’t believe their eyes! There, on the front of the Lucky Charms box, sat BrynMahr O’Brien. The children looked at each other, looked at the box, looked at each other, and laughed. Their mother added, “I’m sorry you don’t have anything to bring to show and tell today.” With that, BrynMahr O’Brien winked at the children. “Oh yes we do!” they laughed!

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

Brownies and Cookies, Oh My!

Hey! Guess what? Today is National Girl Scout’s Day! And it just so happens that a while back I tried to convince Aimee to join the Girl Scouts, you know, to provide an outlet for her…… well…… enthusiasm. Anyway, she wasn’t buying it. When I explained that joining the Girl Scouts would give her more self-esteem, she said she feels confident enough when she wrestles and pins Benny to the ground. When I said she would learn about environmental issues, she said she knows all about environmental issues from all the digging she does in the yard! Then, when I mentioned she would learn about health, traveling, and the arts. She replied, “Uncle B, I already know about that stuff! I’m very healthy! I sleep all the time – it’s very relaxing and stress-free. And, I do a lot of traveling, too! I go from the couch in the living room to the bed in my bedroom. I travel all the time!” I have to admit, that girl is artistically inclined. You should see what she can do with toilet paper! Man, she’s good! Anyway, I told her that she would have to be a “Brownie” first and amazingly she agreed. Most likely, it was because she thought it had something to do with food.

So, I got a call this morning from her Scout leader saying that I owe the Girl Scout’s $84.00. I hesitantly asked, “Now, what did she do?” The Scout leader said she told all the girls they each had to sell a case of Girl Scout cookies. But in stead of hearing, “you have to SELL a case of cookies,” Aimee heard, “you have to SMELL a case of cookies.” And, we all know what happens after you smell a case of cookies……. Yup, you eat a case of cookies. It’s only natural though, especially when it’s a case of Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies! So, now, I owe $84.00 and all that’s left is a bunch of crumbs!!!! That’s my Aimee!

Snowonder Why I Love It!

Brind'Amour: "I think I smell another tennis ball under all this fluff!

Orielle: What? I wasn't eating snow. Why do you ask?

Benny: Can anybody say.... BRAIN FREEZE!!

Party Hearty Mardi......Gras!!

Well, we just got back from our trip down to New Orleans. It seems there's this holiday called Mardi Gras and the main purpose of the holiday is to celebrate by dressing up in colorful costumes, watching the parades, eating like there's no tomorrow, and hoping you catch some beads that people throw at you. Weird, no? Yeah, but any holiday that involves costumes and eating is worth celebrating in my book!!

Separated at Birth?

Isn't the resemblance between Laa-Laa and Orielle remarkable?

It sure makes you wonder....

Messenger of Love

Remember that guy who hired me for the Santa Grams? Well, guess who I heard from the other day? Yup, the same manager! He said that he made so much money with my Santa Grams that he wants me back for Cupid Grams. Can you believe it? He even bribed me with a nice case of graham crackers, which I willingly took, of course. I met with the manager bright and early this morning. He handed me the long list of weekend gigs in one hand and in the other, a red sash, ring of flowers for my head, and a set of sequin cupid wings. I took one look at those and nearly choked.

I put together a nice repertoire of Elton John songs to perform but just couldn’t bring myself to don the halo and wings. Speaking of Elton John, I remembered I had in my trunk, a pair of Elton glasses I got at a flea market in Chattanooga. I put together my own outfit, figuring the manager wouldn’t mind, and headed out to my first stop. It went well. I made a few tips and was off to the next gig. The fourth stop happened to be an office party and after belting out “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” one woman screamed, “AREN’T YOU SANTA?!” Ah, she saw right through my disguise. All the screaming and clapping only encouraged me to break out into “Crocodile Rock.” Now, what crocodiles have to do with Valentine’s Day I’m not really sure but it was definitely a crowd pleaser. Not only did I make a lot of tips, I got myself a date!!! Happy Valentine’s Day!

It's Just a Game!

The other day was one of those “lounging around” kind of days, if you know what I mean. It was snowing out, there was nothing to do, and so Orielle and I decided to play Dogopoly while the twins were out playing in the snow. Benny spent most of that time trying to catch snowflakes. He must have gotten his silly gene from his mother. I have to say that playing board games with Orielle requires one part patience and two parts humor. Basically, she doesn’t play right. For instance, when she lands on “Go to Kennel” she says she can’t go to kennel. Who would take care of her babies? I say, “Orielle, it’s just a board game.” “I’m not going” she responds. So, of course, I let her get away with it because she’s cute. Then, it’s a fiasco when she lands on “Fleas – pay $200.” She claims she doesn’t have fleas, nor does she want them, and won’t cough up the dough. Again, I tell her it’s just a board game and that she must pay the $200. She gives me that blank stare that she does so well, and then comes the excuse that she doesn’t have $200, she has the twins to feed and can only pay $50. So I say, okay, $50 is good. And this time, when she landed on “Go Fetch” she got so excited she got up and ran to fetch her bone leaving me alone, playing Dogopoly by myself. And I was winning!!! Yup, she’s a corker all right. But she’s cute!

Weather or Not....

Yeah, so today was Groundhog Day. So what. I mean, first, they wake up Punxsutawney Phil from a long winter’s nap. So we can ALL understand his crankiness. Then, they make him search for his shadow in his groggy stupor and predict the weather! Now, let me ask you this – What does a sleepy groundhog know about weather? They spend most of their lives hiding in holes! Whereas, I spend my days traveling, conducting experiments, competing, toying with numerous part time jobs, and studying weather patterns in my spare time. So, here's my prediction…. The relative humidity was 82%, barometer 29.94, dew point 27 degrees, visibility 10.00 miles, UV index low, and wind speed CALM but rising. Therefore, I predict rain! And an early spring bringing lots of rain with it. Rain, rain, rain, and more rain! Yeah! I love rain. Rain is great. It makes awesome puddles to run through. It makes you blink really fast when it runs into your eyes. It makes bobbing for tennis balls in rain-filled holes incredibly fun. And most importantly, every time you come in from the rain you get a cookie for being dried with a towel, otherwise known as the “towel cookie!” You NEVER get those on sunny days!!

Oh, and, by the by, in honor of National Weatherman’s Day on Thursday, Feb. 5, I’d just like to say I LOVE RAIN!! R-A-I-N, that spells RAIN! Yeah!

Happy New Year....Again!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!! That’s “Happy New Year” in Chinese -- Cantonese, to be exact. Isn’t that cool! I’m sure you all know that today is Chinese New Year. It is the Lunar New Year 4706, the year of the ox. The Chinese celebrate with good food, fortune cookies, games, dance, crafts, and parades. Personally, I found dressing up in a dragon costume and scaring the pants off of Orielle, Benny, and Aimee by chasing them around the house and roaring like Godzilla the most fun of all. RAHRRRR! Okay, fortune cookies are fun, too!!

It's a Secret!

Whew! I just got back from Washington. You may recall that I missed being elected President of the United States by only a few measly votes. But, just the other day, I was recruited by the government to be part of the Secret Service team during yesterday’s presidential inauguration. How awesome! I wonder if this had anything to do with me learning karate. I must admit, I did learn some really great moves from the movie, Kung Fu Panda. You may have seen me yesterday on TV. If not, you can always catch the reruns. I’m the one wearing the black tie and dark glasses.

Hi Ya!

Konnichiwa! That’s “hello” in Japanese! The New Year is starting off on the right track. I signed up for Beginners Karate and already have received my yellow belt. Things are going great! I love the part where we yell “Hi-Ya!” but mine comes out more like “Woo-Rah!” Running laps, practicing the death grip, and working on tumbling is just so awesome. The only problem I’m having is working those darn nunchuks. I keep hitting myself in the head. It must be that whole lack of thumbs issue working here again. My sensei says if I keep up the good work, I may have an opportunity to enter a karate tournament in a few months. Isn’t that swell? Sayounara! That’s “goodbye” in Japanese!

Party Animal

Happy New Year everyone! Well, I’m finally recovered from our New Year’s Eve bash. It was outrageously fun and as you can tell, maybe a little too much fun. Orielle took that picture of me in her attempt to get even for those “precious moments” I caught of her on camera. As you can tell from the crooked picture, she was having a little too much fun herself. Now, how that lamp shade got on my head I’ll never know. Everyone just giggles when I bring it up.

After a day of recovery, we all got together to tell each other our New Year’s resolutions. This year, I want to take up a few new hobbies. I’m thinking maybe dance lessons and advancing my photography skills, as well as possibly getting into movie making. And I definitely want to learn Japanese. Imagine watching Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla in its original language! How amazing is that!!! Oh yeah, I’m also going to take up karate.

Orielle said she wants to do more traveling, baking, and exercising. But her main resolution was to be more careful about getting caught in embarrassing moments by me and my camera (hee, hee, hee).

Benny also wants to keep fit and trim by exercising regularly. His main resolution is, of course, to perfect his magic skills -- but he’s also talking about going to clown school.

Aimee had no interest in resolutions whatsoever. We asked her if she wanted to try an exercise program like the rest of us. She said no. We asked if maybe she wanted to take up ballet to learn poise. She said no. We asked if she would like to try to curb her toilet paper fetish, but again, she said no. She finally explained, “I don’t like change. I just like everything the way it is.” Isn’t she cute?

Santa Gram?

Still looking for a way to make some extra cash for Christmas, I searched the Wanted ads very carefully this time and thought I found the perfect job. The ad read, “Looking for the right person for Santa Grams.” Wow, I thought, Santa grahams! I love graham crackers and figured the job had something to do with making little Santa graham cracker cookies, you know, like those little elf cookies, or possibly a taste tester, or even maybe a packager. So, I applied for the job. The interview went well, and quick if I might say, and ended with the manager stating I was perfect for the job. He never actually explained what the job entailed but regardless, I was excited about working with food.

So, I showed up for my first day of work and was terribly confused when the manager handed me a Santa suit and an address. “What?!” “Okay, I get it. I deliver the Santa suit and pick up the Santa Grahams, right?” I asked. “What are you talking about? Don’t be ridiculous. Just put on the suit, go to the party at the address I gave you, do a few Christmas songs, and don’t forget to collect the money,” he grumbled impatiently. Still confused, I asked, “What about the graham crackers?” The manager just blankly stared at me for what seemed like forever, then rolled his eyes and turned and left. Well, here we go again. Another one of those misleading jobs.

But, not to be irresponsible, I donned the suit, beard and all, and headed off to the party. It was a little awkward when I first arrived. Some people screamed “Santa!” while others just giggled sheepishly. Suddenly, an uncomfortable silence took over. Remembering what the manager said, and being a performer by nature, I quickly went into Bing Crosby’s version of White Christmas. The response was pretty good so I figured I’d kick it up a notch with Elvis’ version of Blue Christmas. Boy, was that well received! And my hip action really got the girls going! Before I knew it the crowd was going wild and tips were flying. I didn’t need much encouraging to start break dancing to the tune of Jingle Bell Rock. Everyone went nuts. They all started chanting, “GO SANTA! GO SANTA!” But how I got up on that table Russian dancing to Feliz Navidad in double time, I’ll never know. What a night!

So, it looks like I really did find the perfect job after all. The manager received so many requests for me that I even got a bonus! And not only that, he gave me a case of graham crackers as an early Christmas present.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas Wrapper?

I got over the fact of being fired right after I heard about this great job offer in one of the local stores. I heard they were looking for a Christmas Rapper and being as musically inclined as I am, I quickly applied for the job. I showed up in my hoodie and bling ready to perform my newly written Christmas Rap. The manager took one look at me, eyebrow raised, and said “Here,” as he handed me some scissors, a tape dispenser, some stupid antlers and a bow tie. He quickly shoved me behind a counter and said, “Wrap all the gifts as efficiently as possible.” Now how am I supposed to wrap gifts without thumbs, I ask you. Tying bows is practically impossible and the tape keeps getting stuck to my fur! In dire need of some extra cash I tried to go with the flow and belted out my Christmas Rap anyway thinking it would entertain the customers standing in line….

My name is Brin Daddy B
And I’m here to say Merry Christmas ya see
I know what you be wishin’
And I’m on a big fat mission
To get the gifts you been askin’ fo
So you don’t be wishin’ for those gifts no mo
I’m here to help the fat man here
Just like I try to do every year
So have yourself a merry merry day
I wouldn’t want it any other way…

After nearly finishing my Rap the manager rushed over and gave me the all familiar “YOU’RE FIRED” spiel. Foiled again! I must research these job offers thoroughly before I apply next time….

Lounging Around

Ok, so I’m home, practicing Christmas tunes for the twins. Go ahead, ask me why. Well, it all started when I applied for a part time job as a lounge performer to make some extra cash for Christmas. I got the job immediately. I mean, after all, lounge songs are my specialty. I dressed appropriately all set to please the crowd. I figured I’d blow them away with my first song, Look of Love by Burt Bacharach. I barely completed the song when the manager came rushing over to me and brashly said, “It’s the holidays. Do you think you can play something a little more Christmassy?” “Sure!” I replied and belted out Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin. I barely got through the song when I saw the manager come charging at me once again. “Look Mister, I hired you to play Christmas tunes, not elevator music!” he yelled. “That is a Christmas tune. I just sang about scarlet billows. Scarlet is the color of Christmas and billows is what Santa uses to get the fire blazing in the fireplace so no one can figure out how he got down that chimney” I replied. “That’s bellows, not billows, you nit!” he shouted. “Fine, Mr. Cranky” I mumbled under my breath. Everything seemed to be okay for a while until I ripped through Floyd Cramer’s version of Chattanooga Choo Choo. That’s when everything turned from bad to worse. He screamed something incomprehensible about the song and Christmas when I cut him off. “Mr. Manager, Chattanooga Choo Choo’s are under everyone’s Christmas tree going round and round pleasing kids all over the world.” “THAT’S IT! YOU’RE FIRED!” Can you believe it? He actually fired me. Hence, that is the reason why I’m here practicing hum drum Christmas songs with the kids.

We Believe!

Thanksgiving was a hoot! We got up early, ate, took a nap, played a few games of Wii Bowling (Aimee shared my controller since hers is still MIA), took another nap, went for a walk and dove in all the leaves, and found the biggest slug we’d ever seen. Too bad I didn’t have my camera! Then we headed home for the highlight of our day – the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The best part, of course, was the last 10 minutes when we all rushed over to the TV to cheer Santa’s arrival. Woo Woo! Santa’s here!! So much excitement -- it’s time for a nap!

Time to Spare

I just love bowling. As a matter of fact, I’ve always wanted to become a professional bowler. But can anybody answer me this…... Why in the world, when you go bowling, do they only give you two shoes? And what’s up with the way they drill the holes in the balls? Do they ever fit anybody? And why is the alley so slippery? A person can break their neck out there! It’s no wonder so many bowling alleys are closing down. But now, I’m doing more bowling than ever since I just sprung for a Wii and got Wii Bowling. It’s amazing!! You don’t need any shoes (two or four), you don’t slip down the alley and go head first into the gutter (although Orielle got a big kick out of it every time I did it), but most importantly, you don’t need an ill-fitting bowling ball! And, I’m so excited about the release this week of AMF Bowling World Lanes which offers Tournament Mode!! How awesome!!! Now, if we can only find Aimee’s game controller……

Practice Makes Perfect

Okay, so Orielle wasn’t exactly pleased I took a picture of her ironing in her house dress and curlers. So I figured I’d take her out for the day to, you know, make up a little bit for the ironing debacle. I’ve been target practicing lately, and since it was such a nice day out, I invited her to come along. At first, she wasn’t all that keen on going until I mentioned that there would be food there. She quickly changed her tune. Little did she know that she would become more a part of it than she realized, and that the food I mentioned would end up on her head!

Gosh, I'm good!!!

This has been a reenactment. Do not try this at home without a parent or legal guardian present.

Moving On...

Darn! I didn’t get elected President of the United States, even after all that campaigning I did that day! That’s OK. It was a good thing actually, because on my way home I had time to stop and take a few nature shots. My favorite was the one I like to call “Tennis Ball in Fall Foliage.” But nothing topped what I found when I walked through the door at home. Once AGAIN, I caught Orielle in one of those “moments.” I guess she wasn’t expecting me quite so soon. Ooooh, she’s really gonna kill me for this one!

Vote for Brind'Amour

Hi. My name is Brind’Amour and I am running for President of the United States. I realize I am a last minute candidate but if you vote for me, I promise, you will not be disappointed. If elected, my first order of business will include the following.

-- Universal (free) pet insurance.
-- Lower interest rates for all first time homeowners who buy new dog houses.
-- Tax breaks on higher education, i.e. Rally-O, Obedience, Tracking, etc., in addition to free Pre-K programs for young pups.
-- Grants to help small business owners get started, i.e. in the categories of gourmet pet bakeries, pet bedding shops, pet toy stores, etc.
-- Building more parks.
-- Installing more fire hydrants in neighborhoods (for safety reasons, of course).
-- No restrictions on pets in public, i.e. malls, restaurants, visiting Santa, etc.

Vote for me! My name is Brind’Amour, and I approve this message.

A Halloween Fairy Tale

It was a dark and stormy Halloween night. Ok, it wasn’t stormy at all, it was quite nice actually. It was the perfect time of night to go Trick-or-Treating. A brother and sister named Bobby and Annie set out to do just that. Their mission was to fill their bags with goodies. They traveled down the road looking for the houses that might offer the best treats. Before long, they came to a stop at the edge of the woods where a narrow path led the way to the mansion on top of the hill. “Let’s go this way Bobby!” “No, I don’t think we should go that way, Annie. It’s too creepy.” “You’re just trying to scare me, that’s all. Come on, let’s go, Bobby! Big houses always have the best treats!” With that, they set off down the path when suddenly a giant frog jumped out in front of them! “AH!” screamed Annie. The children tried to hurry around the frog in order to get away but the frog somehow kept blocking their way while croaking, “Ribbit, ribbit, RIBBIT, Ribbit!” “Look Mr. Frog, we can’t understand you and we’re heading over to that mansion to get some Halloween treats so kindly GET OUT OF OUR WAY!” shouted Annie. The children managed to get around the slimy frog and continued on their mission. “Gee Annie, I’m not sure we should keep going” Bobby mumbled. “Come on Bobby, we’re almost there and look, the mansion even looks haunted! It’ll be fun, you’ll see.” Without saying anything else, they made their way to the iron gates that surrounded the mansion. Annie pushed them open and practically ran up the steps leading to the front door. She and Bobby both knocked at the same time and realized that the door wasn’t closed at all. It slowly creaked open and lo and behold, there, sitting on top of a table across the room, was the biggest bowl of treats the children had ever laid eyes on. “Annie, I don’t think we should go in there.” “Don’t be silly, Bobby. It’s Halloween and those treats are for Trick-or-Treaters. Let’s go get some!” The children each took a treat, and then another, and another, and another. No matter how many treats the children took, the bowl seemed to never contain any less. “Wow, Bobby, it’s like magic. This house is awesome!” With bags full of treats the children decided they should be heading home. As they turned to leave, their eyes locked on the beady green eyes of a wart-infested witch! The children stopped in their tracks barely able to breathe. The witch let out the most heinous cackle and snatched up the children with lightning speed and dragged them down into the dark, damp basement. She threw them into a cage, slammed the door, and locked it. The witch cackled again and shrieked, “I’ll see you later for… dinner!” She threw the key on the desk as she glided up the stairs. “Oh my God, Bobby. What are we going to do? Why did you bring me here?” “ANNIE! It was your stupid idea to come here. Now, you get us out!” As the children argued they spotted that giant frog they met on the path tapping on the basement window. Being that the frog was so big, it didn’t take much to push open the window and hop down inside. “Hey, hey! Over here! Come help us, Mr. Frog!” shouted Annie. “The key is on the desk over there. Please, go get the key!” pleaded Bobby. Somehow, the frog seemed to understand. He hopped on over to the desk, scooped up the key, and promptly delivered it to the children. “Wow, Mr. Frog, I can’t believe you really got us out of there! Thank you!” Annie said as she and Bobby ran for the window. They piled some boxes up and quickly climbed up and out. The children ran all the way home. The frog followed right behind. They all met on the front porch of their house, completely out of breath. Huffing and puffing, Annie said to the frog, “Thank you so much, Mr. Frog for getting us out of there. How can we ever repay you?” “Ribbit” croaked the frog. With that, Annie leaned over and kissed the frog on the cheek. POOF! The frog suddenly turned into the most handsome prince…..

NO, WAIT! That’s the corny ending that everyone uses! What really happened was that Annie leaned over and kissed the frog and with that ‘POOF’ he turned into a ghost and scared the pants off the children. They ran like the dickens into the house and slammed the door behind them! Their screams were heard from miles away….

The end.

By Brind’Amour

Phantastic!!!

What a night! What a game! All I can say is GO PHILLIES!!!

We're sooo tired from staying up late but it was so "Werth" it. We were Rockin' and "Rollins." It was "Utley" phantastic! What a "Victorino!" Ok, I'll stop....... zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Halloween Hoopla

Had a little hoopla this weekend. No one could decide what they wanted to be for Halloween this year. Nothing like waiting 'til the last minute! While we were tossing around ideas, we decorated the house. It looks GREAT and SPOOKY. When we got to the last storage box, Aimee found the Frankenstein and just knew at that moment that she wanted to dress up as the Bride of Frankenstein. But when Benny got wind of that one, he said she didn't even need a costume because she already looks like the Bride of Frankenstein. Then, Aimee gave him that "look" and.... well..... hence, the hoopla.