A Few of Liam's Unfavorite Things

AN UNFAVORITE THING?

Lots of talk about the Sound of Music play last week. Performed live here on Long Island, NY.  Haven't heard about it?  Here is a NY Times review. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/07/arts/television/carrie-underwood-stars-in-nbcs-live-sound-of-music.html?_r=0
I don't think it was one of the reviewer's favorite things. SNL spoofed the new version of the play and social media has been as alive as the hills with opinions.
This week Liam has had his share of unfavorite things. There are holiday changes inside. There is a tree, pillows, a blanket, the snowman squeaker toy, and Charlotte, the Christmas doll.

THEY'RE BACK

Liam's Unfavorite Things
A few...
numbered below

1-Snow
Liam has been through snow before. This week our first measurable snow fell and Liam gave it a swift perimeter run and then headed to the side gate indicating that he was over it. In honor of the Sound of Music we have prepared a video accompanied by sounds of holiday music.

Liam is not a snow dog. He takes it or leaves it. His run over, Liam is ready to come back in. No rolling, leaping, digging. No extra play.

2-Holiday Decorations
Cards, stockings. A lot more mail each day, which means a lot more opportunity for barking. Fed Ex, UPS, Mail Carrier come and go and all at different times of the day. Unfavorite things. Liam has been through Holiday season before. He knows the drill. It disrupts the daily routine. Liam perches looking for his doggie friends Wrigley, Twinkie and Piper. It seems this snowman follows him everywhere














                                  Even when resting in front of his fireplace, snowman is there

 3-Missing his playmates

I SEE WRIGLEY WILBUR

Wednesday he saw his friend Wrigs on the corner and went crazy barking. I think I saw him. I told Liam "get dressed"
I throw on my cold weather gear which is a lot and harness Liam up, (no, he did not dress himself) and we run down the block, zigzagging by, over and through the icy patches. No Wrigley in sight...we were not quick enough or it was not him.
Back to an unfavorite thing, waiting and hoping and looking.

MAYBE HE'LL COME OUT LATER

What to do?  Liam moves on from his unfavorite things by forgetting them. Dogs do that. Snowman joins him. He's got his friend. He rests his head on his "Liam" photo pillow and snuggles into a "dreaming" dog decorated blanket. Not so bad. Simply forgetting his unfavorite things...


He has a few latte licks, see video...There is always another latte to be licked, a dog to play with, the snow will melt...

We like the new version of the Sound of Music. It is fun, the flaws enhance the entertainment and there are some fine moments. If you have read this far. you might  have the "My favorite things" song in your head. Here it is, the Long Island version, Carrie and Audra


there are mentions of a dog bite and snow flakes...appropriate for the season and for the dog

Photo of Liam enjoying the sun shining in on the holiday tableau

SIMPLY FORGET THE UNFAVORITE THINGS, EVERYTHING SEEMS NOT SO BAD

Woof, Woof

Tree Treasures

LIAM ON HIS COUCH ENJOYING THE 2013 TREE

Today is the last day of Chanukah and it is ebbing away as we write. Time to tell our Chanukah /Christmas story.  A 16 year collaboration. In 1997, our friends, Renée and Izzy Lewin, came to our home for a Holiday visit. They observe Chanukah and we put up a Christmas tree. The plan was to have a drink, a visit and then go out to dinner. They brought two ornaments which represented a part of their life at the time. Izzy had a gorgeous grey cat named Smoky. This napping kitty in a basket pays homage to Smoky's cozy life and the joy he brought to his family. Renée paired the kitten ornament with mice hugging Hershey kisses. Their

job was to emphasize the sweetness of the season. This first get together began a tradition.
Each year Renée continued her quest to decorate our tree with non-ornaments. She searched and came up with items that were meant for other uses or ones that no longer had a use like this porcelain purse. She gifted us with a piece of a chandeliera mini urn from Spaina flattened Stoli shot glass.Technically not ornaments. We call them tree treasures. I created a Pinterest board for reviewing and commenting so that we could keep a record of these gifts. I entitled it Tree Treasures to establish their separateness from traditional ornaments. Admittedly there are a few traditional ones such as the pickle. The pickle has such a quirky legend (told on the board) that it is worthy of inclusion. On the Pinterest board we have collaborated by commenting on each tree treasure.  A conversation about each from the perspective of Renée the giver/searcher and me the receiver/decorator.  Here is the link which will bring you to the board. Look at the tree treasures and see our history and relationship through the photos and comments
http://www.pinterest.com/cbiz50/boards/

In 2008, Liam joined the gathering and his drink of choice is Starbucks latte licks

and his toy is a squeaker Snowman who has survived burial in the yard (note the dirt on his toy's tummy) and many mouthings. His squeaker remains inside for now.

Much to our surprise and delight this year's decorations were delivered early to guarantee their incorporation into our 2013 blog story. We have two- a miniature menorah and a mushroom brooch. The menorah is a family heirloom and we are honored to display it. The mushroom may be viewed on the Pinterest board. Our board has all the tree treasures.
Liam is represented several times. You will see a plush Liam shown herehanging from a key chain, a bolo bat toy for him and a canine charm jewelry. Take a look at the board for more. Pick one, a few or all and look and read. A visual and interactive journey. Will  keep updating our Pinterest board. Join us on Pinterest by following, commenting, repinning or viewing.

LIAM'S SPECIAL CUP WITH HIS NAME INSCRIBED

Woof, Woof

Liam Writing Licks

YOGA CLASS FIRST,  THEN WE WRITE

Carol
Writers are urged to set aside time for writing. Makes sense. There has to be discipline and commitment. We work on LiamLicks all the time. A photo will present itself, a story forms around it. An event takes place and we share it. An encounter, a connection, a loss, a find. All possible threads for a blog story. The final push is always Thursday afternoon. A sacred time after Yoga class dedicated to our blog. The publication deadline is Thursday evening. At times, not often, other activities supersede our working afternoon. A one time class, lecture or seminar, a mandatory meeting, an immovable social event.
Today there is excitement at Yoga Class...we are photographed for our teacher's new website. Here is her page
http://www.myholistichaven.com/Home.html
Her daughter is a graphic designer and our photographer. She is positioned next to me for our session. I am honored and thrilled. A Leo never avoids a photo op. After class I head to the wine store with my environmentally

friendly bag, then to Starbucks. A bit of time online to catch up. Then time to go.

This week we have a library seminar. Offered one time this Thursday only. Announcement on the flyer Come and Meet  Mr. Frank Lazzaro, Former White House Holiday and State Dinner Decorator for Three Presidents  here is his link
http://www.franklazzaro.com/
Thanks Hillside Library for having this lecture and for the fireplace for our reading pleasure

Liam
Mom comes home from Yoga at Hillside Library. She has made her other stops, Wine store and Starbucks.  Her Thursday morning routine gives her pleasure. Today she participated in a photo for her teacher's website. Mom is already in the slideshow on the Hillside Library website. http://www.hillsidelibrary.info/
Her yoga class pic shows up after a few. Mom loves the camera, Such a Leo (me too) I hope to get a quick walk but Mom goes online. She starts our blog story. No walk now. She has our latte (I'll get licks) and wine (that's for later) It seems there is a break in the routine for this Thursday. She is off to a seminar. I am alone. We are supposed to do this together; I work best in a pack. My wolf heritage. There are distractions outside. Squirrels running, birds flying, dogs barking. I'll rest a bit on Mom's hounds-tooth shawl... ideas flow better in reposeNot sure what story we are telling this week. Maybe I will wait. Inspiration may come  I know I have to stay upstairs...that is where we work. I technically am not in violation of this rule by sitting on the bed. I know breaks must be taken to rejuvenate the brain and rev up the creative juices. Once on the bed though it is hard to stay upright. So comfy. I flop over

Maybe some latte licks will perk me up.

Carol
The lecture is fantastic, a view on history by a person who was there. Mr. Lazarro is a storyteller with many framed photos of White House events and a charming presentation. And he is from Queens, NY! Has written an ebook. He is an entertainer, motivational speaker and an informed historian. Very audience friendly. Not a circuit lecturer with a game face. He is the real thing. Mr. Lazarro has lived life and wants to share.
I have his autograph. Here is the brochure and there is my personal note on top. See upper left, Carol, Best Wishes, Frank Lazarro.

I did not solicit. He came over. Okay, I may have waved.
The seminar ends. I must get going. We have a blog to write and publish and Liam needs a walk.

Liam
I am at my perch on the couch. Better squirrel watching down here. They walk on the railing so near my nose. Ah, dreams of the chase. Uh oh...My collaborator is home. I have to get back upstairs. I'll hide. I have nothing done. My rest naps, bed sitting. latte licks have all expanded to fill the time.
Mom is full of joy. She learned so much at the seminar and met up with folks. She said the purple hat ladies showed up. Or is it the red hat/purple ladies? Well, anyway, one of them won the centerpiece that Mr. Lazarro made at today's seminar. Before we do LiamLicks we go for a walk. Guess what? Our garbage can is back!  Not the school can, but an even better bigger waste can and it is located only two blocks from our house. We're so thankful. Mom thinks she caused this because of her blog story "Pooped out"

Carol
I do think that our blog story did have an effect. That's our story. Maybe only karmic but somehow the garbage can is back. And the boulevard is once more clean. Hope it stays put.

Happy Thanksgiving...we will not be working next Thursday so see you all in 2 weeks
We thank you for your loyal readership and participation.

Liam
I am not done. Something else Mom does. Laundry. She does it all day as we are writing LL. I am afraid of the basement and never have gone down there. She loves that part of Thursday. I hate the sound of the dryer buzzer. It terrifies me as much as thunder and the toaster popping. I hear we are off next Thursday. Mom says to say thanks to all of you. I say thank you every week. My two words are always the same. My thank you is at the end after my picture

IT IS 8:30 PM, ARE WE PUBLISHED YET, MOM?

  Woof, Woof

Rhinebeck Veterans

LIAM ON VACATION

Sandy wiped out our November Rhinebeck trip last year and the year before illness did. Our last fall visit was in November 2010...room 24. We stay at the Beekman Arms.
 http://www.beekmandelamaterinn.com/beekmanarms.htm
I document each trip with the room door photo. Since we have been coming for many years we know many of the rooms. This year we are on the 3rd floor, room 31. One we have never had. November is our month of choice because the foliage folks are gone, the rates are lower and the fireplace has a chance to roar. We go on Veterans day because it is a non-work day and its commemorative patriotic spirit is a match for our journey to an area hosting veterans and boasting historic places. George Washington was all over here as was FDR.
Liam goes on his overnight to Best in Show
https://www.facebook.com/bispr
Best in Show posts pix of play time and we check on the pix while relaxing in Rhinebeck. If I see him, I then post a comment "Hi Liam."
Here are some visual highlights of our trip...Food, Drink, Fireplace and Liam
Our favorite restaurant Terrapin outside
 farm to table food during Restaurant Week in the Hudson Valley.
 http://www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com/home.php
some duck bolognese with brussel sprouts at Terrapin

BEEKMAN ARMS KALE WITH ROASTED GRAPES AND PUMPKIN SEEDS

A fireplace and drinks.  I love fireplaces. Paul does not come close to liking. We nestle in for what I hope is a warm respite by the fire. Paul finishes his Irish coffee quickly. They go down easy...and announces he will be going to our room to watch DWTS. Really? I have a full glass of wine and a crackling, spitting fire.  Logs being loaded promptly. Mesmerizing. I have my Kindle. The only way to reach the third floor is by the stairs and every step echoes to the lobby. I know when Paul has reached room 31. I shoot my video, you will see the fire, then our drinks, wine on left is mine, empty glass is Paul's, the voices are other folks chatting in the tavern
After I am done with my Indie film I hear steps coming down, the amount of footfalls indicates the person is coming from the third floor. Oh Paul has decided to come back and join me. There is Paul peeking through the banister, I hear, "There is no heat in room 31, please send some up."  Hmm, so it is cold in room 31. We have a warm fire going right here. I stay and enjoy the fire. Paul trudges back up to the third floor. Elizabeth Berkley is voted off DWTS.
and what of Liam enjoying his vacation in playgroup?

LIAM ON LEFT, HI LIAM!

LIAM  IN THE MIDDLE

I see other posts from owners lamenting no pet sightings. Thank goodness Liam is in a number of photos.

LIAM HAS A BUDDY ON THE RIGHT

He is in the back of the group and then in the front. They post 127 photos and Liam has a good shot at being in some and is. The staff tells us he is friendly and playful. Always an honor to score a solo portrait, Though a Leo birth sign has that love of the spotlight and Liam loves the camera
                      

THE HOME COUCH IS THE BEST
WOOF, WOOF

Pooped Out

LIAM IN WALKING GEAR 

We have a dog walking street in New Hyde Park. It is Leonard Blvd. The designation of boulevard evokes a street with high level aspirations. It is the western quarter of the perimeter of North Hempstead Town Park.  There is no access by car for a good number of blocks. If you are on the east side of New Hyde Park Road and own a dog you most likely walk along Leonard Blvd.

LEONARD BOULEVARD LOOKING NORTH

Our street, Baxter Avenue, has Leonard at its end. Being the second house in, Liam and I have a short walk to reach it. Some folks drive to it and park and walk. Idyllic. Peaceful. There is a no car access street before New Hyde Park Memorial HS so it is possible to continue the walk.by turning left by the school. We place our doggie waste deposits in the can at the edge of the school.

LEONARD BOULEVARD LOOKING SOUTH

In the six years we have had Liam this street is our walk for the bathroom trip. Not everyone picks up their doggie deposits. I mentioned the High School. Not every student throws their trash in the can.  One has to dance a bit and zig zag to avoid stepping in poop and fast food remnants.The food containers and discarded drink cups and dog leavings are minefields for humans and conversely a "walk in the park" for our dogs.

This year we dog parents are invigorated by news of a dog run. Oh joy! Right across the street.  Like city folks enjoy. Just a walk, and sit and watch. A study is being done. Surely we will be approved. There are fields of unused land at this town park. A second garbage can appears on Leonard Blvd.  Two places for poop and student debris. A luxury. Our cans no longer overflow. All this must be prep for our dog run.

Bad News.
Dashed hopes.
No dog run.
Study shows not feasible. Smells fishy. Reasons cited nonsensical.  Informal talk around the boulevard is that there is fear we dog owners will come, leave our dogs in the dog run and go watch the sports activities in the Town Park or go to the Health Club. Really? Why would we all do that? Leave our dogs alone and go for a swim??? Do residents leave their children alone at the playground and go for a workout?
Undercurrents of disappointment and suspicion in this dog loving community.

After the news, our Boulevard changes.
Our second can vanishes

Back to the over flowing school garbage can.
Last week that one disappears.

Why? Seems can has been removed because those in charge of emptying it cannot stand the smell.

We now do not have any garbage cans along the popular dog walking section of the Boulevard.

No place to place waste.

Immediate result
Dog waste pile up where the can was.
Poop protest?
People are not picking up.
A rebellion.
There are no receptacles for dog waste disposal.
We have to take it home.

Students join in. They are now dropping their garbage on the sidewalk and street and grass as they walk home.  On our most recent walk I see a pizza box, Dunkin Donut detritus, chip bags, smashed pumpkins, candy wrappers and bones. Yes! Bones! Liam smells every item before I see each one. I am tugged back and forth as his nose goes. The littered street looks like Jericho Turnpike during our street fair.

Do we have a backlash here? People unwilling to carry waste and garbage home. 
Liam and I meet our friends Wrigley Wilbur and his Dad (SSA retiree) we lament the poop situation and the dog run situation. What to do? We chat, pick up... and continue on.

Liam gets ready for another walk. I get the poop bags out. We hope our walk is a worthwhile one. 
Run to the back, sneeze, run to the side, shake, go to the front, repeat as necessary. Liam has a sort of OCD tick about the walk. He has to do this every time. He knows the blue harness means a walk, not a backyard bathroom trip. So he will not do his business in the back.  We both want a productive walk.
See his routine

And away we go. Liam is ready at the gate.

Good news
The Holiday cups are out. November 1st. Liam has his inscribed by our New Hyde Park Starbucks manager, Anita. She adds a cat sticker to entice him. Liam will have his licks at home after the walk. Anticipation. Thanks Anita and Starbucks staff.

The Leonard walk is fraught with danger and fun for Liam. Same for me. Check paws and feet upon return. So much out there.

EMPTY LIAM, POST WALK

Woof, Woof