If only the Critter Café was a business

I should start charging the guests to the Critter Café. Business is booming and yet, though the squirrels have become very bold in demanding their walnuts, the crows and ravens are coming is large groups, and the Banded Pigeons have formed a formidable gang, not one has paid their bill or left a tip. Of course, the joy of seeing these beautiful animals enjoying themselves is really all the payment one can expect. With their native habitats destroyed and food supplies low, this is the least one can do.

The second the door opens, this little guy shows up. He's even been known to come straight in to demand walnuts. Of course, there is no point in resisting.

For some reason my ravens and crows have been camera shy the last two days, so I only managed to catch a few going for the peanuts. The Banded Pigeons, on the other hand, had no problem chowing down without a thought to posing for the camera. 

Sorry for the bad quality. Had to take the photos from the kitchen window. Click on the photos to enlarge.

A Thanksgiving blessing

Quincy lives in Northern California, which is unfortunate (not for him - he's very happy where he is) for me, because he is the sweetest little guy and it would be so lovely to have him around. Alas, my brother is unwilling (understandably) to move closer to us just so I can have the opportunity to cuddle with such an adorable boy. Quincy enjoys his long walks on the beach and being the pampered young man he is. Just recently he had to go through a dental procedure, which his Mom and Dad have said makes him peppier and more alert than ever. To prove it, they sent these:

That's exactly the kind of pep and vigor I have on Thanksgiving, so yay Quincy.

A genius business plan approved by our doggy friend Nick

Though I am happily retired, it has been suggested that it might be time for a side hustle. After letting Nick's Mom know I was painting over some letter openers (that I want to just give away) which had my name and business info from 35 years ago, she mentioned a few ideas for businesses to add to them to advertise. Mind you, I value her for her brains, dry wit and wicked sense of humor. Decorative Asbestos Tile - hard nope. Bespoke Athletic Ascots - tempting, but nope. Conversion Therapy for Straight People - interesting, but again nope. And last but not least - Gourmet Seaweed Twinkies and Coffee - that has possibilities, but nope. Then inspired by her suggestions, we discovered that Nick was totally on board with one of my ideas. His Mom jumped in to help with a comprehensive business plan. Not to brag, but it is genius.

At this point, I naively thought we had sorted it all out - meaning it wouldn't happen of course - but she came up with a terrific marketing plan. After all, if no one knows you're in business, it won't go very far. 

Now there are two downsides to all this. The first is that I can hardly keep my own yard in check, much less anyone else's garden. The other, far more important issue is that as upper management, Nick would be required to actually work for a living instead of simply bossing his Mom around. That would prove difficult. 

And the winner is....

Our weekly trip to the dog park meant I was mobbed by every dog there (mostly Shepherds, Huskies, and one giant Great Dane). I'm beginning to think they even know what the car looks like because they gang up immediately at the gate for their treats. Some will even try to take the treat pouch off my belt -- but don't worry -- they are gentle about it and do understand the word NO. What was notable about today's adventure was Baron's interest in slobbering all over the sweet Huskies. And here's the thing -- they not only didn't mind, they went back for more. Given that Baron is the size of a small pony, you might think that would be a deterrent, but he is nothing if not a big slobbery gentleman. So everybody was a winner today.

This is Baron:

These are his slobber mates:

And this is what his slobber mates look like when not being accosted:

 

A Sushi roll - nope - not that kind

There is an adorable dog on our street who is sweet but still very shy in spite of best efforts to win her over. Her name is Sushi, and her little cinnamon roll tail helps with that illusion. Here she is in all her sweet glory. First, those big eyes:

Next, a glimpse of her curlicue tail.

And finally, her wonderful upright, but still floppy, ears.

The very definition of adorable.

Taking over (as one should)

Bailey apparently has decided to takeover the guest room in her home. The way we know it is definitely her room now is the presence of her favorite toy, on the bed, with her.... Yes, dogs rule.