Water Monster Retrospect

I'll just leave this video of Merlin vs. The Water Monster here while the Periphery takes a short break.

For the record, it's Green Hose 7, Merlin 0. But there is always tomorrow.

What Doesn't Kill You - Makes for a Great Revenge Story

Bring it on.

You may have noticed a slowdown in Life on the Periphery posts. Partly because it's summer, 
and partly because I've been writing. Not poetry this time, but a new fantasy novel. Newer than my 
other new one. I got an idea and it just grew and grew until I had to start writing it down. I've been 
working on it for a couple weeks, writing in great bursts. Much of the writing is getting to know my main
characters. I had a clear idea of my protagonist, so I started shoving her into little scenarios to see how
she'd react.

Of course the novel started out linear, here's the inciting incident, here's what happened right after, etc.
Then it all turned left, another character demanded his time on stage. We'll call him Character A 
for Annoying. He bulled his way into my book. So protagonist and I set out to test him, to see if he was 
worthy. I chased him down alleyways with a rifle, then a wolf, exploded magic at him from all sides, 
had the bad guys thunk on him, let the protagonist take some cheap shots. Character A has passed 
the test so far, although he's looking a bit rough around the edges.

Character B was a whole 'nother kettle of anchovies. She is aggravating in that 'don't tell the 
protagonist anything important' sort of way. She revels in letting the protagonist flail about and figure 
it out herself. Which is good, in a way. No one likes easy answers. Yeah, I'm lying, everyone likes easy
answers. But character torture is in the job description.

The bad guys kind of fell into place after I figured out what my protagonist was doing running around 
the wilderness away from her hometown. What's a girl to do when bad guys come to drag her back 
to the city? Why level up, of course. Secure some weapons, invoke some magic, and conjure some 
great scary creature to stand by her side. Let Character A join the fun, as long as he doesn't cramp 
her style. Time to save the world. Or at least, her little part of it. 

Gratuitous Corgi Pic for Anon

Old Dog, New Tricks

Merlin with his faithful outdoor companion. The Ball.

It’s been six weeks since we lost Max, Corgi Extraordinaire. We are slowly adjusting to his lack of presence. Our other Corgi, Merlin, is slowly adjusting to being the only dog. It took him a while to learn he could come up on the bed, sleep on the bed, use the dog stairs to clamber up on once forbidden territory. The bedroom used to be Max’s domain, a place for an old dog to relax and escape from his snarky younger brother. Max would nap, watch a little TV, (he liked the cooking channel and Bloomberg news) and contemplate dog things. Merlin contemplates dog things from his comfy bed in his crate, and now listens to music during the day. He likes light jazz, the 80's station, fetch, and long walks in the park on a sunny day.

Merlin still wanders sometimes, searching for Max, we think. There is less wandering than the first two weeks, but still, it’s hard to remove someone who was there your whole life and not miss them. To combat boredom, we bought Merlin a dog puzzle. One of those that has hidden compartments you place treats in and hide under fake plastic bones fitted into the slots. He figured it out quickly, but that doesn’t seem to take the enjoyment out of doing it. More puzzles are in the offing.

We also bought him a puzzle cube, where you put treats in and the dog rolls it around the floor while treats fall out at random. He didn’t seem to like it that much, even with enticing liver treats in it. We gave it to him one day, by the next day, it disappeared. Where did he roll it to? We’ve checked every nook and cranny upstairs, including behind the couch. Nothing. It’s bright yellow, how can we miss it? Unless he figured out a way to get it through his dog door and hide it in the snow, we’re stumped.

Then there are the chewy busy bone-like things we got him. Everyone said their dog loved them, chewed them right up. Merlin has carried his around for weeks, burying it in a dog bed one minute, the couch cushions the next. But not chewing it. He never was much of a chewer but surely something beef tasting could be a little bit tempting?

So we are on to teaching an old(er) dog new tricks. Merlin is not impressed with learning to shake. I guess he figures Corgis are short enough without giving up a paw. We’re reinforcing sit, down, stay, and don’t rip the treat out of my hand. He is a bit of a Land Shark. Twice a day there is a rousing game of fetch. Rousing for us, since we have to go get the ball when he decides he’s done and it’s our turn. We are also trying car rides that don’t end at the vet, or groomer. A wandering ride that sometimes ends up at McDonalds for a doggie cheeseburger.

It’s been a tough adjustment for all of us. Merlin is settling in as only dog and all the spoiling that entails. Every time we go out somewhere and come back in the house later, Merlin is at the top of the stairs to greet us, perhaps waiting a few beats longer in anticipation of his big brother returning.

Max - Saying Goodbye

Max 3/22/04 to 12/22/17

It is with great sadness we must announce the passing of Max, our Corgi. It was rather sudden and we are heartbroken. Max was the best Corgi anyone could ask for, a credit to his breed and a prince of a fellow.

My son summed up Max's lifetime eloquently:

"It makes it easier knowing his life was a spectacular dog life every day he was with us. Though a dog's life is brief, I'm glad his was the best. If only we could all be so lucky as to have each and every moment we are alive be as good as his."

Goodbye Max - Maxie Doodle - Maximus Minimus – Little Prince.

Cross the Rainbow Bridge and leave old age behind.

Frap Free, Max!

We love you.  

Puppy Max

I felt like doing a flashback post, so I give you Puppy Max.

A few months old and already plotting his herding chores.

Napping after a hard day of dogging.

Contemplating which mischief he will get into next.

"The stealthy Corgi lies in wait for his arch nemesis, Anubis D. Cat." 

Posing with one of my humans.

Max at 6 weeks old. Ears up and ready to fly. After a nap, of course.

Every pizza you bake, every snack you make, I'll be watching you.

Summer Corgis

I heard complaints that there wasn't enough Corgi representation on the blog of late. Here are some pics to remedy that.

Play Ball!  Max is ready for summertime ball games.

Merlin welcomes you to his summer with a patented Corgi grin.

Merlin would also like to inform you he is on guard against the Water Monster.

Max, on the other hand, will have nothing to do with the Water Monster. He patrols dry land, thank you very much.

Merlin guards against the resident squirrel, Aloysius, and his evil visiting brother Earl the Squirrel.

A discussion about proper ball retrieving etiquette takes place between the Bark Brothers. 

Happy Howlidays from the Periphery

My Christmas was merry, how about yours? Elf hats aside, my humans did okay with spoiling me. My revenge is jumping in the show piles they just shoveled and knocking them down. I doubt I will get dressed up for New Year's!

Is this really necessary? It's an affront to my dignity, I tell you. I tolerated it because you humans seemed really amused, but... And no, I do NOT look like the Max from How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - Handmade for the Holidays

He sees you when you're snacking, he knows when you're awake. Rumor has it Merlin reports directly to Santa regarding naughty and nice lists. That stare tells me I've been naughty. I better make amends!

It's been a bit busy here on the Periphery with a mad scramble toward Christmas and putting the last touches on things. So naturally I've been procrastinating in my own way, by making things.

Homemade dog biscuits in the hopes of getting back on Merlin's good side. Specially formulated for senior dogs - but Shhh. Don't tell Merlin. He still thinks he's a pup.

Meatballs - from my mother's recipe. Merlin and Max are hoping to score a few of these. That would put me on the Nice list for sure.

A new brew of kombucha is percolating. Not for doggies.

On the handknit side, a lace cowl made of Peruvian wool. With all the cold weather we've been having, someone will need some stylish neck protection. Now onward to socks! Onward to mittens!

On the jewelry side, one of many pairs of handmade earrings being fashioned. This version of a Celtic Knot is in copper with glass beads. I learned a spiffy way to make earwires from YouTube.

Max remains indifferent to the whole Christmas thing, preferring to lounge on the bed and watch Star Wars. Of course, his place on the Nice list is assured - unless it's up to his brother.

The Most Interesting Corgis in the World do Winter

I don't often play in the snow but when I do I'm sure to embrace my inner Husky and roll around.

I don't often stop for photographs, but when I do, you get my winning grin.

The ball? Uh, I rolled it up into a snowman, why?

Sneaking out the gate? Uh no, not me. I was merely checking security. Yeah, that's it...

I don't often baroo, but when I do, I make sure the whole neighborhood hears me.

Why yes, a nice cup of water with a shot of whiskey in it, please.

I don't always roll in the snow, but when I do... nope, I'm lyin'. I ALWAYS roll in the snow

Snow is all well and good, but quality napping is where it's at.

Dog Days

In celebration of National Dog Days, here are pictures of the dogs in my life. I'm sure Anon was missing his daily dose of Corgi pictures . . . .

The faces that launched a thousand photos.

The faces, all grown up but still very photogenic.

I'm ready for my close-up!  And to explore all that open space behind me.

Ready, willing and able to supervise all your activities, food related or not.

Flashback Granddog - when we could still pick him up.

100 pound granddog that still thinks he's a puppy.

Granddog 2, complete with bat ears and eye spots.

Granddog 2, wondering when supper is served. Look at that sweet face - so hard not to give in.

Dogs of days past - My Basenji. I have a thing for radar eared dogs, okay?

And finally, here's to Anubis, the cat that thought he was just one of the dogs.

Images on the Periphery

Life on the Periphery is going to take a little break from the Internet. Here are some pictures to keep you entertained. Meanwhile, keep cool out there!

Missouri Buttes and Devils Tower under cloud cover.

Here I am, preparing to go around the bend!

Max and Merlin preparing for a Saving One Life walk. Notice Merlin's bandana is already filthy.

Flashback Pic - Riding Nightwind.

Flashback Pic - Riding Lemon

June visitors to the lilac bushes.

The Dynamic Duo starring in "Walk This Way".