Home Yoga

LIAM GETTING READY FOR YOGA

I have decided to do Home Yoga. I take a yoga class at the library once a week. I really like it and only recently have been able to recall many of the positions. For four years I was not able to remember more than a few sequential poses. The emphasis had been on breath work-very heavy breathing. Liam demonstrates in next photo.Our current class is geared more to movement. Now the poses seem to be staying in my head. I find this very heartening as new knowledge is supposed to be hard to keep as one ages. I store my library class mat in the car with the other paraphernalia that goes with class yoga- pillow and blanket.  I buy a second yoga mat for the house. I bring both inside and lay them out to see if I want to switch them up. I notice the new one is smaller in length, width and thickness. Hmmm... Ideally the new one should now go to class because space is limited and this would give the class an inch or two extra. If we all got this size mat we could fit another person! However, I decide to keep the new one at home, open space here is not so plentiful either. Liam finds all this very interesting and sniffs around. I am sure there is a smell to the new mat. I do a few of the moves and Liam is mesmerized. Many yoga poses are copied from animals and nature. Maybe he thinks I am a tree, a pigeon, a cat, a cow or of course the famous downward facing dog.

DOWNWARD FACING DOG

          He follows me through and shows me a pose 

   I have never done

 though it is an iconic beginner one.

CHILD'S POSE-A CLASSIC IN YOGA

I find I do not need to refresh my memory too much as dogs know how to stretch and how to move their bodies to un-kink them. I can watch Liam instead of remembering. I have a buddy. Our own home yoga class. Thanks Liam for the variation on the downward facing dog-upward facing dog-another new one for me.

UPWARD FACING DOG

Woof, Woof

Rim Runner

LIAM LOOKING AT SNOW

The snow arrives Friday afternoon February 8. An ice rain snow combination affectionately dubbed a wintry mix by weather forecasters. This season The Weather Channel began naming storms and we are up to "n." This one is Nemo. If you don't know their rationale here is the link explaining why it is good for storms to have names
http://www.weather.com/news/why-we-name-winter-storms-20121001

Nemo deposits about 12 inches here in New Hyde Park, Long Island. When Saturday arrives we have no losses: we maintain and gain- we maintain power, trees, roof and we gain snow. We have a 5 year old rescue dog Liam who has been waiting to go out and do his business.  He takes a look and heads out reluctantly.
I expect and anticipate watching him play in the snow. Dogs love the snow. This is an oft repeated statement. Unchallenged. Supported by a media deluge of doggie snow photos from all over whenever there is a snowstorm. And right next door we have an "up close and personal" performance of "Dogs love the Snow."  My neighbor's granddogs, Tango and Charlotte, run, jump, hug, roll, play dead, circle, feign disinterest, pop up, fall. What a joy to see! Pure pleasure for them and for the audience. Dogs love the snow.

LIAM WATCHING THE DOGGIE NEIGHBORS PLAY

HUG THE PERIMETER, THEN RUN THE RIM

 
Tango and Charlotte are called in, our voyeurism is over. Liam hugs the perimeter of our yard in his careful exploration of the blizzard landscape. He then takes off for a full run of the rim. He stops at a tree to check on a squirrel. Treeing. I have learned this term from this week's annual Westminster AKC Dog show. There are breeds who keep animals up in a tree. Good for hunting.
Liam trees a squirrel.

TREEING A SQUIRREL

The squirrel remains high up in the oak. Liam shows no interest in the snow. I watch the Nemo news reports and see many videos featuring dogs frolicking in the snow. Liam does not like the snow on his feet. He is low to the ground and his belly touches the snow. He does not like that either. Liam will not sit in the snow, not for a second. He does not like any wetness at all near his body. Dogs love the snow. Really? I see photos of my friend's dog sitting in the snow in Central Park, snowfrosted twig in mouth. A dog loving the snow. This next photo is as close as fun in the snow that Liam achieves...Standing... looking...

                                                            

Paul points out that Liam is small and possibly fears drowning in the snow. Maybe. I have to content myself with you tube videos, Twitter,  FB pix and fun visits of my neighbor's dogs. I see that many dogs love the snow.

We are dog owners with a yard that has no paw prints .
Liam completes his leaping trip around the edges 
ends up back on the concrete and quickly barks to reenter the house.


 
                                                           Not all dogs love the snow

NO SNOW IN HERE

Woof, Woof

Hungry Games

WHEN ARE THE TREATS COMING?

Super Bowl Sunday provides an excuse to eat the wrong foods. I mean, everyone is doing it, or at least it seems so. We have the same sort of plans as many. Ready to go are all the treats that are off limits most weekends: mozzarella sticks, pizza bites and nachos, interspersed with palate cleansers of lime flavored Doritos. In order to offset this decadence we have on hand two jars of Paul Newman's super healthy salsa. An added bonus is the knowledge that all salsa sale proceeds go to charity.

WHAT AM I GETTING?

The family member who is not getting extra treats is Liam. He may have licks of lattes, yogurt and Edy's ice cream if they become available during the day.

I'LL JUST WAIT IT OUT

The day starts with some brooming of the snow. We have been receiving daily coatings of snow which respond beautifully to the push of a broom.  I have bought 4 brooms at Ace hardware -2 indoor, 2 outdoor- and the purchase is the cause for some smirking at the register. "Would you like me to wrap those?' No I'll just fly away on one...I know, obvious and I was so ready for my line


First up for TV watching is The Puppy Bowl #IX. Liam reacts only when he hears some barking which is not so often. Marta puppy is MVP. The starting lineup is featured in the video which follows

 
The consumption of the treats begins around 6 PM as does Liam's hope for a share. He tries the sitting in back technique, then on the side.

 

His patience and belief that he will get something are inspiring. He keeps at it through the powerful women's performances, the power outage, the 49er comeback and the stream of commercials,
his favorite being the Bud Clydesdale.

         Take a look if you missed it.

      Liam's odds are never in his favor with me, but he peeks through the table seeking an opening.

WILL DADDY LEAVE SOME LICKS FOR ME?

And yes, Daddy Paul comes through with the Edy's ice cream

for some last licks.
A long wait, Liam beats the odds and gets his luscious licks from the container. There is always a chance. And Liam goes for it every time.

"May the odds be ever in your favor" 

These Hungry Games are now closed until next year.

LIAM IN POST GAME COMFORT

Woof, Woof

Train the Trainer

LIAM IS READY FOR TRAIN THE TRAINER MONTH

January is National Train Your Dog Month. Each month of the year has its designations for causes, activities and groups' recognition. I did not know of this one until this month, this year. Perhaps I did not have a need to know.
Here is the link for more info
http://www.trainyourdogmonth.com/
And a Facebook page as well
https://www.facebook.com/NationalTrainYourDogMonth
If I am learning from experienced dog trainers, I suppose it will be a "Train the Trainer" series of sessions. I am being trained and then in turn will train Liam.

"I WILL BARK MY COMMANDS"

The phrase "Train the Trainer" is one often used in the workplace. I have been at both ends. I find myself in it again though I anticipate only one sided activity.

I am the trainer, Liam the trainee and he will not be training anyone else.

As soon as my training resolution.is made, Liam exhibits new behavior and it is not in response to any new training on my part. Liam tries a literal twist on "training the trainer" by initiating a new communication system of barks to obtain what he wants. How does he know that the human community has designated this month for dog training? I feel sort of a role reversal as I employ hand signals and he "speaks."


Liam introduces a proactive one bark command, sometimes with a follow me look. If I do not follow quickly he waits at the bottom of the stairs.

Other "train the trainer" commands are added to Liam's repertoire.

a looka bark for latte licks and success

 two barks in quick succession for a treat 

                                                                             
Daddy is home-several barks and a pause

then wait for Mom to follow

And if I don't follow, I soon hear Paul announcing "I'm home" heavy with the message that at least Liam came down to say hi!





 
Today is the last day of National Train Your Dog Month. Liam has learned a lot. So have I.  I use sit/stay commands with my gentle bark. Liam listens and performs most times. I listen to his barks and oblige if his request is reasonable. We are talking and training. That is okay. Ours is a month of mutual training.

YOU TALKIN' TO ME?

Woof, Woof

Friday Night Fever

STAY AT HOME FRIDAY

Paul is preparing for work as usual last Friday morning but at some point he announces that he is not feeling well and will call in sick. He also adds that he feels he might have a fever. Oh no, I think Crabtree's tonight is in jeopardy. We go every Friday. See link for their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crabtrees-Restaurant/123761394359663?ref=ts&fref=ts
To Paul a fever means you are truly sick. You must stay home with a thermometer in constant use. Liam listens to Paul's calling in call. It will be 8 sick-work lingo-meaning you are requesting to be out for the 8 hour work day on your accumulated sick time. I have in my mind that this is a three day weekend and calling in sick on the Friday before a big weekend is not good in the work world. Paul does not yet have the requisite "sick"congested voice and fevers don't project through the phone. He makes the call and upon hanging up, he says "Wow, you managers know what to say "Feel better, and enjoy the weekend." I am a retired manager from the same place of work and will always be a manager in Paul's eyes. Yes, I often said the exact same reply as did his manager.

Next stage, taking the temperature and hoping it is the normal 98.6 or near normal. I decide that my plan is to put forward the hypothesis that any number under 100 is not serious and that Crabtree's must still remain on the table. We have several thermometers and Paul tries his temperature on each, hoping that one will show no fever.  I also am hoping but not with entirely pure reasons. The first reading by mouth thermometer comes in at 99.2. Then we do the next "in the ear" thermometer.  His temp is 96.9.  I am pleased but realize it is too low to be believable. I take mine- 96.... hmmm something is wrong. We have dueling thermometers.

MUST REST WITH A FEVER

Timeline

11:00 AM  I go out to CVS for supplies and buy a new thermometer. I read the labels of the various brands and all directions display the same instructions- "for mouth, underarm and rectal use."  nothing about ear. We are sticking the thermometer in our ears! I am sure that was correct placement at some time-to stick it in one's ear. Really, I am sure that was correct.

11:30-12:00 PM   new thermometer stuck under tongue shows temp of 99.2. Several readings taken.

1:00 PM- Paul makes reservations for Crabtree's.  False hope, perhaps?  Fever steady.

1:30-3:30 PM  I do my workout at the gym. There I meet the Crabtree's bartender and tell him of our possible non -attendance this evening. We part with the goodbye of "see you later" Keep hope alive.

4:00 PM.  I arrive home with latte to the report of fever still at 99.2  I offer my opinion that 100 is really the line of demarcation for serious illness. No impact. Sticking it in one's ear yields a much lower reading, too bad I discovered the correct insertion spots.

5:00 PM decision- no Crabtree's.  Paul "Will you be upset, if we do not go?"  Heck, yes, but how can I ask a sick person to go out to dinner?  I regroup silently and say "I will be fine."  I think of it as an opportunity to rack up some "good spouse" points. We call in sick to Crabtree's-3 sick (representing the 3 hours we usually spend there)  I text our friends not to expect us. We buy food. 

7:00 PM- I arrive at New Hyde Park Wine and Liquors to secure wine for the evening at home. I record my location on FB- something I do every Friday from Crabtree's.  I hope and expect my FB family to notice my location and comment. They do and I am able to share my feelings of disappointment as well as enjoy their witty postings. Paul is not on FB. My silent suffering spouse points are intact.





7:30-10:00 PM  Very busy not thinking of Crabtree's. Heat up the pre-cooked store bought meal. Turns out to be a tasteless mess making the thought of Crabtree's more poignant. Liam is thrilled to have us home and attempts to share.in the meal.

Liam snuggling in after dinner Lance Armstrong and Oprah provide a distraction. Laundry, writing out donation checks and cleaning become part of the night's activities. Wine always causes me to notice hard to see dirt and releases an urge in me to wash every item of clothing. After a glass of Cabernet I often see black mold and set about to attack it. I also love to brillo anything in sight. I am at a fever pitch. Maybe I now have a temperature.

10:00 PM.  Lance, laundry and cleaning are done. Lance might be the most "done." Crabtree's would have been done. We survive a non-Crabtree's Friday

Saturday morning light reveals no black mold, no Brillo damage- piles of laundry completed and many donations to all my causes ready to go.  And a ready to play Liam dog.

DAYLIGHT REVELATIONS and LIAM READY TO PLAY

 Paul's fever continues through the 3 day weekend.  Liam loves the company of his stay at home Dad,My performance as "the Good Wife" loses its passion by Monday thereby endangering any good spouse points I have earned thus far.

Paul returns to work fever-less on Tuesday.

Snow is predicted for this Friday, January 25. We have been in a deep freeze and Paul has teased "Wonder if this storm will affect Crabtree's?" Paul's' favorite meteorologist Janice Huff appears on the screen every day adding fuel to the question. The answer is no-Crabtree's is not affected by weather....but I stay quiet and nonchalant.  We'll see, let's play and pass the day

Woof, Woof

Who Are You?

HARNESSED NOT LEASHED, WILD OR TAME?

In October 2012, Pete Townshend of the band "The Who" wrote and released his autobiography titled "Who I Am."  Here is a review, if you like.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/books/review/who-i-am-pete-townshends-memoir.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
I thought it a nice play on the band's name as well as on their hit song-not sure which or both were intended. This idea of "who are you" used to come to me occasionally when I looked across at Paul and thought "who are you?"  Why is the stranger on my couch? When growing up in our Pomonok Queens apartment I expected my parents and my sister to be on the couch or on one of the chairs. That was the family. In my adult life I had a new person, Paul. Then five years ago another "person" joined in, Liam. Paul and I sit on the couch with Liam between us. We both pet Liam and our hands meet.  Like an electric shock we both jump! We both expect a paw and get a hand.  It occurs to me that this other family member, our son, is really an animal-a potential beast.

BEAST WITH NIGHT EYES

It has been a long road, 15,000 to 31, 000 years depending on which study you believe but Liam and other dogs are probable descendants of wolves. http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/dogs/index.html
Liam thinks he is a human. He has not read the article in the above link. I am sure that he sees the physical difference between us and dogs. I know this because he will always pick a human to play with over another dog. He does not like hanging with other dogs. In play group at his Best in Show Pet Hotel he always stands next to the human group leader as if he is also in charge. I think of this when I hear him snore during a TV show. He carefully places his head on a pillow in the most human like manner and curls up in my shawl to watch Revenge, Top Chef and anything on CNN.  Paul and I often ask each other "Did you set him up? Did he do that himself? Yes he did.

I look at him looking at me.  Wild dog? wolf? dingo? Who are you? Here is "The Who"

Who are you?
My mother said "He is his own person."

WHO I AM -  LIAM

Woof, Woof