Gardening

 We have a little garden in the backyard. I should say that Sandi has a garden in the backyard. She takes care of it. This year it is a garden on steroids. Growing like crazy.

Gypsy guards the garden, standing between it and the many bunnies that are just waiting to hit it hard. I need to figure out what to do with a massive amount of Basil.

10 Years

Gypsy is showing some signs of age. 

She is getting a bit of gray hair.
Look who's talking!!!
This is true.
She is sleeping much more.
She is beginning to huff and puff on walks.
Her eyes are looking a bit cloudy.
She really has to focus on going down the stairs in the morning. She has fallen down them a few times.
She can't jump like she used to.
Sandi can actually tag Gypsy during a game of tag.
However,
She still gets happy feet when she sees me putting my shoes on.
She still loves to go on walks and search for bunnies.
If she does see a bunny, she prances like a show dog.
She loves it when we have people over.
She still plays tag with Sandi, just a bit slower.
She is still crazy about Dino. The only toy she plays with.
She still gets excited when she hears me get my keys. Thinking we're going on a road trip.
She continues to keep our air space free from big black birds. Birding when ever required.
When I come home from work she still runs to the door with a smile on her face.
She is still our quirky little poodle.

Birthday Girl!!!

We can't believe it! Gypsy turned 10 years old this past Friday. This was cause for much celebration. While I was at work, Sandi and Gyp paid a visit to the $1 store and went crazy picking out party hats. After work we met some of our friends at one of the many dog friendly establishments in our little town for a "Poodle Party."

Gypsy ordered the usual cheeseburger with fries.

Make it as rare as possible! I want to hear my burger Moo!

And she always passes on the lettuce and tomato. They even put a birthday candle on her plate.

We stopped by and met a big German Sheppard. We gave him a party hat so he didn't feel left out. 

He isn't really my type!!

By the time we returned home, Gypsy was exhausted. She dropped to the floor and was out. She had a big day. 

Party like a Poodle!!

Bike Ride

Sandi formed a bike club several years ago. We have members from as far away as DC that come ride with us. It has been fun riding with this group. Gypsy is the official poodle for the group and has attended many rides.

One of the rides this group has rallied around is the "Tour de Cure" that benefits the American Diabetes Association. This disease is one that affects many, and both Sandi's Mom and Dad suffered from it. Our club, many pictured above, was once again the largest fund raising group for the Tour. We raised over $17,000 for the cause this year.

The ride took place yesterday. It was probably the warmest day of the year and a bit windy. It was a challenging 60 some miles but for a great cause.

Leaving The Nest

When we moved here we had two trees in the yard. One was about five foot tall and basically a stick. The other was a pine that had the top broken off and so we called it our pine bush. Our neighborhood used to be a corn field so, it was pretty barren. We planted trees and shrubs and we now have a total of 15 trees on our lot. They have really grown fast and I'm glad we took the initiative to plant them. Along with trees comes birds right? We have several feeders out and spend a great amount of time checking out the bird activity at the feeders. Gypsy also keeps an eye on the feeders. If we get too many Doves strolling around under the feeders Gyp will spring off the deck and give them a drive by, making them scatter. This spring I think we have about 6 or 7 nests in the yard. We saw the little guy above leave the nest. He perched in the tree for awhile, getting his wings together and Mom was right by his side.

We have had Blue Birds in this house in the past but I think this year it was taken over by Sparrows. They are squawking things. They have not left the nest yet and the parents are diligent about bringing them food.

I think this little guy was the runt of the litter. He had some difficulty getting air borne. He spent some time hopping around on the ground and finally took a perch on the fence. He eventually was able to take off.
We keep a close eye on Gypsy this time of year just in case she finds a little baby that might have fallen from the nest.

Meanwhile...

 the cats are still putting a hurting on this random box Sandi put out. All of them have played in and on top of this thing. They love it.

Chloe has been the most frequent occupant. She has had many a cat nap in the box, her snore letting us know she is inside.

Finally, Sushi got the best of the box and it gave out. We'll break out another soon.

Warming Up

 We've lived in this house for some time now. Gypsy has seen us make many home improvements over her almost 10 years.

 I think she could care less about most of them. She could care less about the color of the walls, or if we have stainless steel appliances. Just as long as she has her memory foam beds.

That said, the one home improvement that is a total winner with her now that it is warming up is the ceiling fans we put out on the deck. Yes, even though it has been push the 90 degree mark, Gypsy is totally happy relaxing on the deck with the ceiling fans going.
Hey, how about a bed out here???