Turkey with Boob

Pamukkale:


Istanbul:


Hierapolis:


Pigeon Valley, Cappadocia:


Uchisar:

Leaf Peeping -- Pt. 2

(Ok, so it's been a week, but I've been busy working for the baby. Whut.)

The baby and I had an early start to the second day of our leaf-peeping trip. the morning of our event-packed day was otherwise uneventful but for the baby running into the street. According to Enn, the baby was standing in the middle of the street looking like Joon directing traffic; i.e. a little confused and dazed. Luckily, said street was a country road, and it was early in the morning. That said, it was very naughty of the baby to run away like that. Luckily nothing bad happened and the baby came away without harm.

After piling into Brutus (Kires' Rav 4), we trundled off to nearby Hunter Mountain for its Oktoberfest. I'd been a little meh about it all since these sort of events usually meant schwein, schwein, and more schwein. I'm sure the baby would've been in pig heaven (ha, ha) but I wasn't so much looking forward to it. As it turned out, all my worries were for naught as there was more non-meat options than at my cafeteria at work. After scarfing down some breaky and gawking at the oldies dancing in their lederhosen and dirndl, the gang (including the baby and me), bought our tickets and got on the Skyride, a/k/a ski lifts being used for off-season purposes -- in this case, leaf-peeping.

Once we reached the summit, we took lots of pics and wandered around the many black diamond trails which, quite frankly, were were challenging despite the absence of snow. That said, it was really nice to get out to where the air was crisp and clean, and the views magnificent. The baby enjoyed it very much, especially since she was the dog on that entire mountain top. There are benefits to being so small and so easily transportable.

After departing the Hunter, Brutus took us to and deposited us at some random parking lot on the side of a single-lane highway. There was a promise of a waterfall somewhere in our vicinity, but Enn, Ephanie, the baby and I were somewhat unconvinced as we marched in single-lane fashion along the side of said single-lane highway as cars maneuvered around us. After a short hike downhill, we turned the corner on the single-lane highway and saw a sign for Kaaterskill Falls, which evidently is the highest two-tier fall in NY State. Who knew.

The baby, Kires and I hiked the half a mile trail to the waterfall while Enn and Ephanie played model and posed by the lower falls. Although the trail was very steep in the beginning and somewhat slippery at points, the baby was able was scrambled nimbly around the rocky trail mostly on her own. She only needed help once in a while, and most of that was due to her leash getting caught in some crevice or branch. I was very impressed by the baby's athleticism, which was a sentiment shared by the many people we encountered on the trail. There were lots of bemused and astounded asides when they would notice the baby's presence on the trail. I think I see many outdoor activities in the baby's future.

Leaf Peeping -- Pt. 1

This past weekend the baby and I joined our friends for some fall foliage fun up in Catskills Park. At first the baby was a little disappointed that "Catskills" was not literal because she's ever so curious about those of the feline persuasion. However, she quickly overcame her disappointment and managed to have a very good time. Though, quite honestly, how could she not enjoy herself? Five people with her for 3 days straight. She loved every minute. Well, maybe not every minute -- for ex. those minutes she spent throwing up after getting carsick -- but you get the idea.

We began our trip first thing Saturday morning. The day started out in a somewhat troublesome manner for the baby as she was most anxious from all commotion that went with last-minute packing. I do believe she thought that I was going to leave her behind because she followed me from room to room like a little four-legged, beige shadow. She was therefore most relieved when she saw her carrier come out of the closet. She's such a silly puppy sometimes. I mean, what did she think I was doing when I packed away her treats and kibble, not to mention frozen chickum???

Our first stop in the Catskills was Woodstock. Kires was much taken by all the hippies and shops catering to said hippies. The townsfolks in turn were quite taken by the baby. I don't know if it was because of that movie, but everywhere we went people wanted to pet and touch her. If they didn't, then they talked amongst themselves when the baby would pass. It's all quite odd. Anyway, I was quite glad to not to have heard "yo quiero taco bell" until our last day. The baby is confused why people always say that to her; and thinks that there must be a lot of people with tourettes that make them want tacos.

While in Woodstock, Enn, Kires, Ephanie and I had a delicious lunch at Oriole 9. It reminded me a lot of the type of restaurants that I used to visit in the areas around Boston and Ithaca -- small and friendly with lots of good food. The baby was a very good girl and spend the entire lunch lying on the banquette next to me. I rewarded her with some pine nuts and parmesan that I sneaked from Enn's massive salad.

After lunch, we headed off to Ashokan Reservoir. On our most circuitous route, Enn tried to trixx us into believing that Ashokan was a Japanese word; but I don't think anyone believed her. Well, maybe the baby, but then again she's only 1 1/2.

Here's the baby surveying the reservoir:

B.R. 10/5/08 -- Antic

Today was a very busy day for the baby. The reason? Atlantic Antic of course. After waiting so patiently for so many months, the day of the fair had finally arrived. We were both very excited for a day of treats and sights -- with an emphasis on the former, duh. Naturally, with all the anticipation, it was impossible for us to stay in bed. So, not surprisingly, it was an early start for us both. As per usual, we played a rousing game of fetch to get our hearts pumping. Afterward, she had her final heart worm pill for the season which took like a very good girl; though I have to admit that wrapping said pill in cheese and bacon probably helped. For breaky, it was chikum and kibbles for the baby, while I enjoyed some butter and honey on toast. Then it was off to the store for me, while she tended to gathering her toys. Upon my return, the baby was fitted with her fall gear -- a nice fuzzy sweater -- and we were off...

Along the way we met with lots of friends: Enn, In and In, Esley, Vixxie, and Isa. Although the baby had a terrific time, I think it may have been a bit much for her because she promptly collapsed into a little pile of sleeping piap when we returned home. In fact, except for a few brief bursts of activity -- a little game of fetch when Ephanie came over, and then later, dinner -- the baby has been quite the sleepy piap. Of course some of us didn't mind this so much because as this proved an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the baby (you know who you are). For those who don't know, when she's sleepy, she'll let anyone hold her hand/paw; and I guess this was too good of an opportunity to let up. Also, I know that the day must've been a bit much for her because she had a little bout of exploding d. I'm blaming it on the mystery meat she sneaked off of the street this afternoon.

B.R. 9/21/08 -- Coinkydink

After a morning of lazing about, the baby and I ventured into Manhattan for some fall/winter clothes shopping. The goal was this boutique around the Flatiron; but due to the MTA's rerouting of the trains we had to switch up our usual approach by taking the F. Since we were taking this line I figured that we might as well just hop off at 2nd/Houston and take the 103 up to Ephanie's and Enn's.

Where's the bus?

Getting in line:

What's funny is that I saw the lady in the second pic again earlier this evening. This was a rather rare event as I hardly ever run into anyone that I've seen, know or recognize around the City. Anyway, around 8ish, I spotted her arriving at East for dinner with her partner. The baby totally called that one.

Three views from 2nd and Houston

The baby has been quite the traveler the past few days. She and I have been all over the city -- traveling up the UES to visit Kires and through street fairs and broken train tracks to Ephanie's for some rock 'n roll. Here's some pics of the baby from one of our trips:

Hi, y'all:


Say whuts?


Singin' the blues:

B.R. 8/23/08

Thank goodness for the baby. If it wasn't for her I probably wouldn't have gotten out of bed until well after what was acceptable for work. Turns out that I forgot to set my alarm last night, and with the noise machine on it wasn't like I was going to hear the traffic or anything else that would've woken me up. But never fear, there's the baby. Twice she came into the room to jump on my body/face. I thought she was just getting antsy, since she settled down after the first time and curled up for a little while (I think -- can't be sure cuz you know, I drifted back to sleep). When she did it the second time, I thought that I might as well check the time cuz it seemed as if I'd been asleep for a while. Also, I wanted to check if the baby had sinkled or anything else. As it turned out, she did -- twice! Some bell should've gone off in my head cuz she only acts "pesty" when she wants me to come with her to the b-room so that she'd get praise for going no. 1 or no. 2. She's good that way.

Well, once I check the time I got a little freaked out because it was late!

After a quick breaky for the baby and a little breaky for me -- and a quick game of fetch as a reward cuz she did wake my azz up -- I got to work.

Knowing that it was going to rain today -- supposedly all day though as it turned out it was only early this morning and then again in the evening -- I took the baby out a little earlier than usual for our daily walk. Since it was still daylight out, quite unlike our usual walks, I brought along a camera in case the baby was feeling like posing. She did! Here's the baby on the Promenade (a little Vertigo, dontcha think, that is if vertigo was horizontal and not vertical, well whatever, you get the point) ------>

Weekend Revisited

The baby had a moderately exciting weekend. We first started things off with a long walk on late Friday night. She had some minor excitement when a little dog came up to sniff her butz, but the baby's snarling attitude put a quick end to that.

Saturday was somewhat of a disappointment as the weather was hot and humid. The baby had a great big day planned what with dueling fairs at Brooklyn Pride and also the Renegade Craft Fair. But alas, the weather was non-cooperative and a storm ensued just as the baby and I were contemplating heading out. Perhaps we should have just stayed out when she and I left earlier in the day for our weekly jaunt to the local farmer's market. Oh well.

After a disappointing Saturday the baby and I were cheered by a promising change in the weather. It was much cooler today and not so horribly humid. We were to have accompanied Enn to the last day of the Telectroscope; but alas, as soon as the baby, Enn and I stepped out on the sidewalk the sky unloosed great big drops of rain. Seeing how heavily it was raining, we took refuge at bus shelter where I tucked the baby into my bag, unsheathed our umbrellas and returned home. After waiting out the rain, the baby and I chucked the idea of seeing the Telectroscope (since we'd already passed by it several times on our walks) and instead accompanied Enn on a little MTA adventure on the 4/5/6 to visit Ephanie. The baby played at being little stowaway in my bag; but, as one can see, the only thing she managed to hide was her left ear:


Enn wanted to show the baby how she rocks out on Guitar Hero. I think the baby was duly impressed as she couldn't keep her eyes off of Enn. Either that or she was fascinated by the bit of rice hanging off of Enn's shirt.

B.R. 6/5/08

That's the route we took today, but more on that later.

The baby had another one of her slow-starting morning. I think it's probably my fault. She's usually ready to WAKE UP by 6 or 7 a.m. Unfortunately for the baby, I'm not, so I make her stay in bed with me until 8, or 9 if I oversleep (oops). I think sometime in the intervening hours she must lull herself into sleep because quite frankly what else is there to do when she's trapped on the bed in the bedroom with me? So by the time that I'm ready to wake up, she's probably just gotten herself back to sleep. No wonder she's super-yawny and not really in the mood to play. That said, it take but 15 minutes or so before she's fully awake and ready to go.

Since I worked from home this morning, the baby and I had plenty of opportunity to play this morning. I was even here for her morning yump, which I've missed the past couple of days. It was very firm and had a nice sheen, which made me v happy because I know that her digestive system is working a-ok.

When I got home today, I took the baby for a long-ish walk because we missed out on walking yesterday due to rain. It was a terrific walk, and something wonderful happened during on our return leg -- the baby sinkled while we were walking through Cadman Plaza Park; as indicated by the lightening bolt! It was unexpected because (1) it's been a LONG time since the baby has sinkled in front of someone, and (2) for the entire 7 months she's been with me the baby has never, ever sinkled outside! I was so very proud of her. Yay!

Here's the baby posing outside Empire-Fulton State Park -- OUTside, because piaps are prohibited from entering (boo):

Baby's Big Weekend Revisited

Here's the baby, Ames and I on the Brooklyn Bridge as mentioned from her big weekend:


And here's a very special close-up video of the baby in her outdoor wear (including old harness) enjoying the disco lights currently decorating the Brooklyn Bridge:

The Baby's Big Weekend

It's been a few days since the last baby update. The reason? There just hasn't been enough time to update given the baby's packed schedule. She is a very demanding presence, and one barely has the time to keep up with her on her regular schedule nevermind her weekend extravaganza.

On Friday, the baby took a long walk up the Promenade to the Brooklyn Bridge to watch the light show now enveloping the Brooklyn Bridge for its 125th year anniversary. On the way, she met up with her blind date for the evening -- a sweet King Charles Spaniel named Milo. Here's a picture of him when he graduated from his puppy class:

Unfortunately for Milo, it was not a love match and he was quickly left behind on the Promenade. Oh well, at least the lights on the bridge were pretty. One the way back the baby had a run-in with a very large Malamute-Lab mix, but the baby stood her ground and did not snarl or bark or even bite. She is growing up to be quite the fearless pup.

On Saturday, the baby took her first trip to Central Park as she and I partook in a picnic in Sheep Meadow. The trip started off well enough as Scooby came by in her car to pick us up. However, maybe it was the traffic or maybe the baby just has a bad constitution for car rides, in any case, she threw up twice during the trip. So it was not surprising that she was quite happy to be on land once again. On the whole, she was quite happy-go-lucky walking to and from our destination, but because the weather had gotten overcast and blustery she was none too happy hanging out in the open expanse and spent the entire picnic hiding in my hoodie (as I was wearing it!) Quite frankly though I was glad for the company. Upon our return from the cold and blustery plains of Sheep Meadow the baby and I took a nap together. She is best napping buddy, ever!

On Sunday, the baby and I ventured forth for a playdate with Teto, a kitty belonging to Lexis and Ina. Outside of the vet's office, the baby has never really seen a kitty. The one time we saw one during one of our walks, she seemed somewhat confused when we happened up on a kitty. It wasn't a pup, but it wasn't not, was it??? Anyway, I was very excited to find out how the baby would react to a kitty. Lexis and I have been preparing for this day for some time, and have previously exchanged baby- and Teto-scented items a few months ago in the hopes that the baby and Teto would become accustomed to each other's scent. That said, we were both concerned that one would beat up the other and the whole thing would end up very poorly. As it turned out, our fears were unfounded as both the baby and Teto behaved as graciously as could be expected. The baby was excited to see Teto and seemed quite amazed at her jumping skills -- as was evident by her look of incredulity as she watched Teto jump from the kitchen floor up to the counter then the cabinets. Meanwhile Teto was nonplussed by the baby's presence, except for the one time that she tried to swipe at the baby when the latter got a bit too close for Teto's comfort. There was in general a sense of détente, and hopefully on subsequent visits they'll even begin to enjoy each other's company.

Yesterday, the baby and I took a trip to visit Eph. After getting baby settled, Eph and I went to see Prince Caspian (a rather cheezy affair; not recommended). When we returned the baby roused herself from her spot on Eph's couch (yes she has a spot) and proceeded to dance a rather lazy maypole dance around us. She's a good sport though, and later I took her to the local pet store to buy her a new harness as her current one has been chafing her rather delicate skin. Sadly the store did not carry the type of harness that I want for the baby, so instead we got a greenie and a new toy.

The end.

B.R. 5/17/08

That's a pic of the route the baby and I took this afternoon; a reward for being such a patient pup. She had to wait about 3 hours between when she got up and I finally got up. The baby is always very good about waiting for me to get up. She'll jump all over me to get me to wake but if she sees that I'm really sleepy and not moving at all, she'll usually run off to play by herself or curl back up and take a spot next to me -- usually the latter. Anyway, when I finally did get up we played fetch and she had her breaky. She still had some kibbles left over from last night so I knew she wasn't falling over hungry. That said, she did do her customary dance around my legs as I walked to her food area. While she ate I took the opportunity to shower and dress, and then we played tag out in the hallway after taking out the trash and recycleables. After a quick breaky for me, we took our little walk.

It's always funny to hear the comments some people make when they see the baby. Most of the people we pass will look and smile while others will say hello to her under their breaths, and a few will stop me to tell me that the baby is super cute. And then there are the couples. When they pass us, I'll hear one of them saying how nice it'd be to have a dog, while the other will either agree or say that they don't want a dog. The latter is more fun because it means that I'll soon hear the beginnings of a mini-argument. Hee.

Anyway, the paw print on the pic of our route is where this pic was taken -- the baby is in the lower right-hand corner and looking at the southern tip of Manhattan:

Let's catch you up...

So it's been a couple of wks since my last post, so to fill you in on what I've been up to, here's a little show and tell:

Enn, Ephanie, Vix, L and I braved the Staten Island and made our way to the wilds of NJ, also known as Six Flags Wild Safari. There, we watched idiots try to entice wild animals into their cars and watched lazy animals watching us.

This is right after the giraffes spotted a keeper driving with their feed. They all took off like they were late for a party:



Here's a mother and three cubs. What you can't see are kajillion flies zipping around these bears. Not so cute, but I like the electric fence. It's a good touch.



Then we hopped next door and got on some rides. I got a little motion sick after my second loopy ride and broke out in cold sweat. So the prospect of getting on this was not so pleasing, but clearly not everyone felt this way:



Then last wknd there was the annual Halloween dog parade at the dog run at Thompkins Sq Park. I don't know who looked sillier, all the dogs in ridic outfits or the mass of people milling about.

Here are two of my favorites from that day:




That's it. La la. Show over. Go home.

HP Attack

Ephanie and I visited Harry Potter Place in Soho:



We saw lots of adults dressed in age-inappropriate clothing, and lots of children with random crup drawn on their faces. Unfortunately I didn't take any pics of those because I didn't want my camera lens to crack.

We also saw the Knight Bus:



We also took some silly pictures of ourselves as HP. Unfortunately I was looking the wrong way so the picture looked as if I have a broken neck. However the worst part was that while we were stuck in line waiting for the photos Scholastic began live-streaming JKR's reading of Book 7. I began humming like a crazy person. Damn you Scholastic, damn you.

Piaps of Pride!

Piaps, like people come in a variety of shapes and sizes; and I was glad to see that diversity reflected at this year's NYC Pride. That said, check out the azz on that lab -- someone doesn't hold back at the chow bowl: