….thanks to Roda for hosting the Critter Connection
On Saturday I helped my daughter, Andrea, paint the apartment in their basement. Afterwards I spent some quality time with Olive. Doesn’t she have the sweetest face?
…..this week’s photo challenge is friend
Frances is ready to play with the newest ‘dog’ member of our family, sweet little Olive.
….it definitely wasn’t love at first “bite”
Puppies and old dogs don’t always mesh. A and J were looking forward to introducing their new dog, Olive to G’s and B’s older dog, Lucy.
The experts say that there’s something about puppies that older dogs recognize as being non-threatening. They instinctively know that these frisky young pups, although somewhat annoying to older dogs, are harmless and in need of nurturing and gentle instruction in the hierarchy of the canine world.
I guess Lucy had not read the chapter on caring for pups. A while back she had been attacked by another dog in the dog park and in her defence she has been wary of all new dogs that she meets. Olive learned very quickly that Lucy was less than pleased to meet her. We ended up keeping both dogs on leashes in the house during dinner time. Food issues between two dogs can be quite unpleasant and since Lucy is about four times bigger than Olive we erred on the side of caution during mealtime. 
As the day progressed Lucy relaxed a bit, literally, and slept on the couch while Olive pranced around the house and stayed clear of Lucy. Luckily Lucy doesn’t feel the same way about our granddaughter. Winnie can sit on Lucy and dress her up and Lucy reaps the rewards at dinner time when Winnie drops food by her high chair. It’s what I would call a symbiotic relationship.
Winnie is a little unsure of Olive. She’s not used to such an ‘active dog’ but over time I’m sure she will grow to love Olive as the rest of us have. As for Lucy, I think that she will stay out of Olive’s way and be somewhat territorial but time will tell.
The next challenge will come when the girls bring Olive over to our house to meet Frances.
” Say what??? Who’s coming over for dinner?”
…..thanks Cee for Share Your World
Do you prefer juice or fruit?
I’m definitely a fruit person. I stopped drinking juice a long time ago when I found out how much sugar is added to juice and how much of the fibre is removed. Eating one piece of fruit is much more satisfying than drinking a glass of juice (equivalent to 2 or 3 pieces of fruit).
Did you grow up in a small or big town? Did you like it?
I grew up mostly in a large city. For a period of 4 years I lived in a smaller town and I have fond memories of playing in the neighbourhood and riding my bike. When we moved back to the big city I lived directly across from the skating rink, the park, my school, the tennis courts and the outdoor swimming pool. I loved it. There was always something to do.
If you were to paint a picture of your childhood, what colors would you use?
I would use bright colours like blue, red, pink and green.
Ways to Relax List: Make a list of what relaxes you and helps you feel calm.
• reading a book
• knitting
• painting and drawing
• having tea with friends
• enjoying a cup of coffee after dinner with my husband
• doing yoga
• going for long walks with my husband
• going out for dinner
• lying on the beach at the cottage
• having a pedicure
Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?
I’m grateful that my father is adjusting to living on his own again and finding a new purpose at the retirement home where he resides. I spent time with my family this weekend and was introduced to our daughter’s new dog. She’s a beautiful French bulldog. A and J named her Olive. Winnie wasn’t too sure about this new addition in her aunts’ home but I’m sure both baby and puppy will adjust and get used to each other in time.
I’m looking forward to finishing my report card comments this week and doing some more art assignments from Carla Sonheim’s 365: A Year Long Class.
