23 January 2011
BLOG 35: PRAIRIEDOGESE, DOLPHINS, AND CHILLY WATERS
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Boat Trips
Our good friend from the North, Mers, visited us this last week and thus gave us a good excuse to go out on the boat! For the most part the weather was warm, the seas were calm, and the dolphins were abundant--check out the schnaz on this dolphin. Gotta love SW Florida!
Beautiful Cruise
Later in the week, we were joined by friends Friz and Patrick. We cruised on glass-like waters around the barrier islands to Barnacle Phil’s on Upper Captiva for a light but tasty outdoor lunch, including a hamburger for the Kids.
Chilly Waters
Being the rigorous captain that I am, my plan for the return voyage was to pilot the sneaky-shallow waters back the way that I had come. Prudence has it merits, especially on an out-going tide, and my very nature is cautious. However, Mers was adamant about taking a short cut, and backed by boisterous cacophony of support from the crew, I grudgingly capitulated. Foolish me! Within moments of following Mers’ direction we were aground! Using all of my abundant knowledge and skills proved of no avail in removing Rough Draft off the shoal, so for the safety of the ship, I reluctantly called for a crew overboard, heave-ho. With Friz remaining on board to monitor water depth, wind direction, and crew morale (it only took them a few moments to start whining about the cold waters (the woosies). I used my mighty marine intellect to guide the force and direction of their physical endeavors. After this short but enlivening interlude, we were back on course*.
*Note that my interpretation of this adventure might be slightly different from those of the other passengers. :’>>>
Prairiedogese
Jerry Alexander, our worldly rat terrier, sent me this link on Thursday morning: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/20/132650631/new-language-discovered-prairiedogese.
As some of you know, Jerry loves watching all critters, but one of his favorites is viewing prairie dogs. He starts to shake and yip whenever he sees these small teddy bears. He was excited about this article as it explains that prairie dogs have their own language--he is waiting for Berlitz or Rosetta Stone to publish a program, because he is going to sign up and learn their language! The next time we are out West, he is going to invite them into our motorhome. Take a look at this article and listen to the different prairie dog conversations.
Pups Across America
Here are some shots of the Kids. My favorite is Rag Top Jerry--he has wanted to ride in a convertible forever and Uncle Patrick was kind enough to fulfill his wish. Now he wants to go for a ride on Patrick’s “little boat” (his PWC)!
Painterly Pups
Here is the painted version of Jerry and Mitzy.
Come back next week for some more pup pics and Pine Island action.
Our good friend from the North, Mers, visited us this last week and thus gave us a good excuse to go out on the boat! For the most part the weather was warm, the seas were calm, and the dolphins were abundant--check out the schnaz on this dolphin. Gotta love SW Florida!
Beautiful Cruise
Later in the week, we were joined by friends Friz and Patrick. We cruised on glass-like waters around the barrier islands to Barnacle Phil’s on Upper Captiva for a light but tasty outdoor lunch, including a hamburger for the Kids.
Chilly Waters
Being the rigorous captain that I am, my plan for the return voyage was to pilot the sneaky-shallow waters back the way that I had come. Prudence has it merits, especially on an out-going tide, and my very nature is cautious. However, Mers was adamant about taking a short cut, and backed by boisterous cacophony of support from the crew, I grudgingly capitulated. Foolish me! Within moments of following Mers’ direction we were aground! Using all of my abundant knowledge and skills proved of no avail in removing Rough Draft off the shoal, so for the safety of the ship, I reluctantly called for a crew overboard, heave-ho. With Friz remaining on board to monitor water depth, wind direction, and crew morale (it only took them a few moments to start whining about the cold waters (the woosies). I used my mighty marine intellect to guide the force and direction of their physical endeavors. After this short but enlivening interlude, we were back on course*.
*Note that my interpretation of this adventure might be slightly different from those of the other passengers. :’>>>
Prairiedogese
Jerry Alexander, our worldly rat terrier, sent me this link on Thursday morning: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/20/132650631/new-language-discovered-prairiedogese.
As some of you know, Jerry loves watching all critters, but one of his favorites is viewing prairie dogs. He starts to shake and yip whenever he sees these small teddy bears. He was excited about this article as it explains that prairie dogs have their own language--he is waiting for Berlitz or Rosetta Stone to publish a program, because he is going to sign up and learn their language! The next time we are out West, he is going to invite them into our motorhome. Take a look at this article and listen to the different prairie dog conversations.
Pups Across America
Here are some shots of the Kids. My favorite is Rag Top Jerry--he has wanted to ride in a convertible forever and Uncle Patrick was kind enough to fulfill his wish. Now he wants to go for a ride on Patrick’s “little boat” (his PWC)!
Painterly Pups
Here is the painted version of Jerry and Mitzy.
Come back next week for some more pup pics and Pine Island action.
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