I'm Special

Monday, April 30, 2018
Noccalula Falls Campground, Gadsden, Alabama

Okay, tell the truth.  How many of you have a physician who calls to check on you, not once, not twice but three times.  Yep, my Doc called once again this morning to see how I was doing and to make sure Momma gives me ALL the pills in the bottle until the bottle is empty.  He's my man...and I'm his 'special' patient...well, at least I feel special!!

I think Dad was ready to tell Doc he found the 'quiet' days a bit refreshing.....if you discount the worry element.  I am now super charged!!  Of course part of being super charged is traveling/riding and being quiet.  When we arrived at Noccalula Falls Campground yesterday, I was ready to burn off some energy.....and I did!! 

Momma says she can't believe we are only paying $22 a night for full hook up with cable TV on a concrete pad.  What a deal!!

There are plenty of nice hiking trails.  One is down the hill behind our rig.  Yesterday, being a Sunday, the trail saw lots of activity.  This morning is a different story.  The campground is now pretty empty and there have only been a couple of humans on the walking path this morning,

Looks like a good place to take a long walk to me.  Ready gang?  Maybe I'll catch a quick nap first....under my mattress

I'm Chloe

A jingle in his pocket

Saturday, April 28th
Last day of the Alabama Good Sam State Rally

Dad and Momma came back from the final night of entertainment at the Rally with big smiles and a heavy pocket.  Pure and Simple entertained the group with some lively bluegrass/rock music.  Not quite the talent or quality performance of "The Kempters" the night before.  Rather than a collection of 7 older men (Pure and Simple),

 the "Kempters" are a Dad and his 5 extraordinarily talented children ranging in age from 14 to 27 who play and sing harmony that garner standing ovations from the audience. The phone battery died so grabbed an online pic.

The Alabama Good Sam Club called out some winning numbers for their door prizes at the conclusion of the performance but Dad and Momma didn't get to participate as their number was not called.  BUT......when they called the number for the 50/50 $$ purse, Momma's mouth dropped open with a surprised, "Oh!" as Dad went to the front of the room to collect the $200 winnings.  Reba told Dad that he could recoup my Vet bill...and even have a bit left over for some fuel.

Even though Momma and Dad didn't get to play any of the games because they were taking care of me, they ended the rally with participation that gave them big smiles and a jingle in the pocket.  

Travel day tomorrow to Gadsden, Al....   Catch you down the road..

I'm Chloe

People Food...the power of chicken

I FINALLY got a sampling of 'people food'.  You see my tummy was gurgling and making strange noises all day and that pile of pebbles in my dog dish just turned me away.  I have to admit, Momma and Dad got a tad upset and real worried when I wouldn't even touch my 'high value' treats. I didn't even feel like playing either.  It was a real down day.

Well, this morning all I've done is play since Dad got up. Round and round we go.  Racing and chasing.  I gave 'ducky' a going over squeaking and tossing him all over the rig.  Then a grabbed piggy and he got some of the same.  The tea bottle has been from one end of the rig to the other at least a million times this morning.  All I can say is,  "I FEEL GOOD!!" 

Now you may ask what brought on the BIG change.  I'll tell you what....it's the power of chicken!  You see, when my parents spoke to the Vet Dr. late yesterday afternoon, he suggested that Momma cook up some rice and chicken for me.  All I can say is, "YUM".  Not only did my nose enjoy the aroma, my lips and tongue savored each and every bite.  And when it slid into my tummy, I became fortified.  They only gave me a little bit....even when I begged for more.  They kept saying, 'later'.  True to their word, they went to the fantastic evening show and when they returned, I got more of my feast mixed with some of my kibble.  Well, all that chicken pumped throughout my body overnight and this morning I was super charged and ready to take on the world.

I even got to play with my friend Sue, the big, black Great Dane this morning.

I think I did most of the running around, but Sue sure is friendly.  She even let me enjoy her golf cart.

I'm Chloe

Something to consider

Here's something to consider..... My vet has called the last two mornings.  Not his office....he, himself...the Doctor was on the phone.  Now the question is did he call because:
A.  I'm REALLY sick
B.  My parents need hand holding
C.  I'm so cute and adorable

Well, the mornings are kind of 'rough' for me.  Yesterday, I was so 'squirty' from 7 am to nearly 10 am that it didn't even pay to come back inside the rig unless you were in stair climbing training and wanted to navigate the 4 entrance steps up and down for exercise.  Thankfully, things slowed down around 10 am which was about the time that the skies opened up and soaked the ground.  I could have had a VERY damp coat, but thankfully, I was able to catch a 'puppy' nap about that time.  

The rest of the day wasn't too bad.  Momma and Dad even left me for an hour a couple of times.

This morning wasn't quite as 'active' as yesterday.  My elimination frequency is not near the active level of yesterday.  Doc said this morning that it will probably be Monday or Tuesday before things get back to somewhat 'normal'.

That being said, I think we can cross off choice A. My prognosis is positive.  I didn't even vomit today.   Seeing as my parents left me alone for a bit late yesterday, we can probably cross off  B.  Now we ALL know I'm quite cute and VERY adorable .....so choice C is the winner!!  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!  

I'm Chloe

Over protective???

I'm sure you have known or at least heard about over protective parents.  Well, you tell me....do my parents qualify?

It all began as a normal day here in Auburn, Alabama at the Alabama State Good Sam Rally.  I got up early with Dad and took my morning walk to relieve myself....AFTER Dad made his first cup of coffee.  Dad used one of my pretty purple bags to snag my droppings...and then he used a second bag before he had even finished his cup of coffee.  I heard him tell Momma that he had trouble getting a clean pickup as my stool was loose.  He had to pick some of that pretty clover along with my leavings.  By the time "Uncle" Bob finally crawled out of his sack and stepped out of his rig, I had used half a roll of my purple bags.  What a colorful collection of pretty tied packages.  All I had to do was sit by the door and give a soft whine and I was hustled out the door for another bag collection.

Let's see, I forgot to mention that earlier that morning I had to lay still on the tailgate of our Ram so Dad could use his dremel to give me my pedicure.  I'm really not too sure about this 'pampering' but Dad said if I laid real still, it would be over in a flash.....and then he had Momma rest her hands on me so it would be over in a flash.  I have to admit, it gets quicker every time.... as I am getting used to the sanding and grinding.  All that took place before 'Uncle' Bob even made his morning appearance.  Now you may think that took most of the morning, but Bob was up early for him because he and Kathy took off in a northerly direction heading for upstate NY today.

After they left, Dad asked Momma what our current zip code is so he could type it into his computer search.  I thought he was looking for a barber shop because he is getting a bit shaggy and needs some grooming himself.  Later, I found out what he was really researching.

While I took my morning nap, Momma and Dad zipped downtown to fill the tank on the Ram.  They saw Bob Ward on the way out and they swapped site location info.  Sure enough, Bob came by on his cart when they returned and suggested dining out for lunch...as soon as Reba finished using the FREE washers and dryers.  That was when I found out that my parents had decided I was just pooping tooo much and I needed to see a doctor..now I even was passing some blood.   Bob said that Auburn has loads of Veterinarians which Dad and Momma discovered when did their computer search.   (Ahhh..the zip code research project)

So after lunch, I was scooped up for a short drive to see Dr. Chris who studied my purple bags and told Momma and Dad that he didn't see any parasites...but he did see lots of twig and yard debris.  Okay, so I LOVE a good chew on a stick or two.  And I LOVE to pull up the grass to peek at the roots.  And maybe I do sample more than I should.  Who knew that it would irritate my colon?  Dr. Chris said I was just being a puppy and they didn't need to be too concerned....even though I did zip outside for two more poops while I was at the vet's. And yes, my inflamed colon would produce some blood but that's the nature of it all.  Dr. Chris got real up close and personal with his hands all over me and a thermometer up my sore butt.  Would you believe I weigh 22 pounds?  I wonder if that's because  my new, big adult teeth are a tad heavier?  Doc made me open my mouth and showed Momma and Dad the few puppy teeth I had left and all the new teeth that I now have.  Hey, maybe my butt is sore from swallowing all those puppy teeth that fell out of my mouth?  Now there's a thought, but Doc didn't seem to want to give me a break.  He blamed it all on my stick and grass obsession.

Now I have to admit, one of the reasons that Momma and Dad were so concerned with my poops had to do with my new friend. 

The neighbors were keeping a white German shepherd pup born just 2  1/2 weeks after me.  Faith came over twice to play and did we PLAY.  We raced and tumbled and swapped spit until our tongues hung low and our hearts were racing.  As they were departing after our last play session, it was mentioned that Faith was on a 5 day regiment for a parasite.  Hmmm... Now that made Momma and Dad sit up and take notice.

So with that comment weighing in the back of their minds and my liquid excretions having a bloody appearance, maybe my parents shouldn't be considered over protective????  You decide.

I'm Chloe

As with every campground, rigs come and go.  To everyone's surprise....especially Frasier's.....a new rig appeared in his driveway.

It turned out to be driven by a former work colleague that Frasier hadn't seen in many years.  Steve and his wife were passing through the area and decided to look up his old friend.

 They joined us for dinner and our evening campfire as everyone exchanged stories.

Nice couple from Pennsylvania who were enjoying the Panhandle's much warmer temps







They only joined us for one night as they were on a time schedule to get to Tampa.

.
Uncle Bob has been expanding my 'bag of tricks'.  I know how to  'sit' for a treat and 'come' for a treat .....but now he has decided I have to lay down for a treat.

I'm so fast laying down he doesn't even get the command out of his mouth. I think I just about have him trained. Heehee

I'm Chloe

Great Day for New Adventures

Momma wants to know WHY I am not satisfied with the TON of toys and chews I have.  I say, "That old stuff!" Now don't you know I'm just a pup with an inquisitive mind who likes to explore and sample new things.

Let me tell you, last night was a winner for explorations.  It had rained most of the day.  That evening, after the rain had stopped, Dad and I were outside socializing with Bob and Frasier.  I asked Dad to go inside and he just opened the door for me.  Guess what I found?  Momma was in the shower.  No one with an eagle eye on me.  And he didn't even crate me.  Exploration time!!  I just didn't know where to begin.  Momma always gets bent out of shape when I go over by the end table next to her chair.  I was sure that meant she was holding out on the good stuff over there.  Sure enough.  I found this interesting looking thin black cord.  Hmmm.  Reminds me of the power cord to Dad's computer that I severed.  Tastes a bit like rubber..oh,..that's just on the outside.  It's silver and red inside.   Let me get this down on the floor where I can really check it out.  Now if I just pull hard enough.....ah....that black square popped loose from the wall and almost hit my head.  What are these two prong looking things for? 

Oops, now that black cord is no longer attached to the black square.  Hey, I recognize Momma's phone on the other end. 

Oh look, there is that basket that holds more treasures and curious items.  Ick!  This one tastes like cork but it sure has a pretty design on it.  








 Hmmm.... now what can this little jewel be?  Oh no,  here comes Momma.  Oh, that's what that thing is.  No Momma, I didn't take my blood pressure.  I was just looking at it...with my teeth.  I'm sure you've heard of braille.  Well, I just use my teeth seeing as I have no fingers. I guess my tooth must have gotten hung up a bit.  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! 

I am so helpful.  I just helped Momma upgrade her phone charger to a new and improved model seeing as Dad said her current one is 'beyond repair' ...whatever that means.  If I had a bit more time, I could have been able to help with more upgrades.  Maybe next time....

I'm Chloe

Lovin' Defuniak Springs

Oh my, this is a super campsite here in Defuniak Springs on Dad's high school buddy's land.  I helped Dad clean off the nose of our rig.

Then I helped Bob empty his pockets full of treats.  Yum

I am a growing girl after all so I need to nibble to keep up my strength.  

I offered to help out with the fence building project but by the time they got all the equipment gathered, I had collapsed for my morning nap.  

I guess they really didn't need me after all.  The four board fence is beginning to take shape.

They could have invited me for their lunch break!  My buddy Red was there.

But you have to admit, my beauty rest is REALLY working.  I get prettier every day!!  Tell me it's so, Bob.  Let's smooch.

I'm Chloe

Catch me iif you can

Have you ever played 'Catch Me If You Can'?  Momma LOVES games, but I'm not sure if this is one of her favorites...although she does laugh a lot while playing.  
To play, can either go into stealth mode and snag something you KNOW you aren't supposed to have or you can do a snatch a grab like this morning.  I know how much Momma likes to bake and most recipes call for flour so.....when she slid open the drawer....

I decided I might like to do a little baking myself.  Well, I was so quick snatching that flour bag, Momma didn't even have time to say "What are you doing?"  or even one of those quick and forceful "NO" that she spits out.

Now the next part is the tricky part.  You really have to be nimble and quick. You run as fast as you can so you look like a blur.....

And then you can always duck under the table to catch your breath.  But you don't want to stay still too long.  Racing around the island always gives a challenge too.  But whatever you do, don't get boxed in a corner or you may have to leap your way out.  If they are quick, the game could be over.  I have to proudly admit, I'm usually quicker. I think my slippery, silky coat gives me an advantage.  Couple that with nimble and I’m a tough competitor for sure.

Now there is another game that Momma likes to play.  She calls it 'Redirect'.  Instead of continuing to chase me, Momma grabs my current favorite toy and begins squeaking it.  At first, I fell for that ploy rapidly, dropping my treasure to capture my toy.  But being the smart gal that I am, I no longer go for the immediate swap.  If I can hold off long enough and resist the toy, I can even score a 'treat'.  I have to admit, I can't resist those freeze dried liver treats she redirects me to.  And I happily call that a "Game Over... I Won"  Heeeehee 

I'm Chloe...and these games wear me out!

Holes in my coat

April 16, 2018

I got to go for a ride today into downtown Defuniak Springs.  Man, I was so excited when we walked in the door and saw this full grown Aussie in the waiting room.  PLAYTIME!!  Come on Momma, don't be so cruel.  What do you mean I have to sit like a lady?  Hey, here comes another potential playmate with short hair and short legs.  I can tell she wants to play as well.  Just let me get closer.
Well, that never happened because I went into the next room where they put me on this platform and exclaimed, "20 1/2 pounds"  Who me???
I have been to a vet in Summerfield twice and they have the absolute best treats.  I got Momma to buy some for me so I could have them at home.  This vet was only interested in poking holes in my coat...WITHOUT ANY DISTRACTING TREATS.  But do you know what?  My Momma is the absolute best.  SHE had the freeze dried liver treats to take my mind off those needles poking holes in my coat.

Frasier had to pick up more feed for the goats.  Momma and Dad rode with him to Fuller's Grocery in neighboring Darlington.  Momma said she just couldn't find words to describe the store.  Her first thought upon entering the door was 'does this belong to a hoarder?' 

 It was difficult to maneuver down the five aisles.

The shelves were overflowing into the aisles.  It appeared that the merchandise at one time might have been organized and then the hats somehow got located next to the bread and the nuts and bolts.  Total chaos.....or over the top clutter.  Either term fits.
And if you look real hard, you can locate the checkout area.

Rather than grocery, a better term/description would be farm store.  They have the best price in the area for feed that is stored in an adjacent building.  Fencing, gates, pvc pipe, fuel and you name it are also available for purchase.

Not only did they fill the back of Dad's truck with feed, Frasier was tickled to uncover a 25 pound container of screws for the fence project at 1/4 the price of Lowe's and Dad located a can of brake fluid.

Now the brake fluid lets me brag on Dad.  It seems our hydraulic brakes were acting up...as in not providing any braking power.  Dad added more fluid at a rest stop and we were good to go.  When we arrived, he decided it would be a good idea to bleed the line and get any air out of the lines and that procedure led to a new discovery.  While he was under the rig, his belly/T-shirt got wet...with brake fluid....from a leak.  Ah ha!!  No wonder we were low on brake fluid!!  A quick repair of the line and now we are as good as new.  My Dad can fix almost anything!!  And Momma was successful in getting the brake fluid out of his clothes.  It was a good day for sure😉

 
I'm Chloe

And so it begins

As spring arrives and begins to make way for summer, my parents 'hit the road'  and keep the wheels a turnin'.  The beginning of April began with a campout with our Golden Triangle Sams friends at Wild Frontier RV Park on the north side of Ocala. On Friday, 12 gals gathered in the good sized kitchen in the clubhouse for a class in yeast dough.  They made cinnamon buns and a Swedish Tea Ring for all to enjoy.  

They also played with sour dough starter and produced loaves of bread and rolls.  Yep, Momma led the experience.

They tell me the treats produced were yummy but you couldn't prove it by MY tummy.  I haven't had the opportunity to enjoy 'people' food in my diet.  But I guess that's okay because I talked Momma into purchasing a BIG tub of my favorite treat.  I LOVE the freeze dried liver treats that the vet introduced me to.

  Momma calls them a 'high value training treat'.  I love them so much, I will do just about anything.  I've been working on training Momma to hand out more treats.  I just about have her trained.  All I have to do is sit so pretty and come when called and the treats keep a flowing. Maybe soon I'll let her give me treats for going 'down' as well.  It's a hard job training a two legged!!

The campout ended on Sunday and we loaded up heading for the Panhandle....Defuniak Springs....where Dad's high school buddy lives on 40 acres.  We made several stretch stops along the way.  Now Momma and Dad may want you to think they were stopping just for me but I was riding just fine, napping in my crate in the back seat.  It was really Momma who needed to stop and stretch!!  You see, I ride better than she does and that's the truth!

Frasier's house is on the hill

And our 5th wheel along with Bob and Kathy's motor home are parked at the beginning of the driveway with full hookups.

It's a super private campsite with lots of wood available for the fire pit. With the cooler Panhandle temps, the fire feels nice in the evening.

This campsite even comes with a playmate.  Although I am a tad disappointed.  The first afternoon Red ran and romped with me all around our campsite. 

 The next day, he turned into an old stick in the mud.  Something about my wearing out his old bones and my needing to turn off the energizer bunny batteries.  Poooh!

Having fun on the first leg of our summer expedition....

I'm Chloe