We're Ready!

Since it is Fall and the new school year has started, we have kicked off our new season of Programs and Events.  Mommy is still rehabbing her foot, but can wear special shoes and doesn't need crutches!  With Mommy's progress, we felt comfortable scheduling again and are continuing to book more!

In preparation for the new season, we promoted little bro, Ringo to Junior Writer.  He will still be under my supervision and all final decisions will be made by Mommy or Daddy.  Ringo was excited to begin his responsibilities and expand his writing skills.  Look forward to more words from Ringo!

We also got a card reader, so we can accept credit and debit cards!  A new banner now dons our book table at events.  It looks really nice!  Daddy added a new calendar of upcoming events to our web site so everyone can track our movements!

We had a fabulous children's program today called "Storytime with Stacy" at the Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings.  Several delightful youngsters were eager to hear Mommy's talk, listen to Daddy read two stories and they taught us a new song called, "Open, Shut, Open, Shut."

We read "What's On My Nose?" and "Rudy's Check Up."  We figured these two were good choices for this time of year.  Since it's coming up to cold and flu season, it is a good time to learn about what happens at a doctor's office (Rudy's Check Up).  If you have ever read, "What's On My Nose," you'll know why that was a good choice!  A hint, there is a beautifully colored leaf in the story!  We will include some pictures from today's event with this blog.  We hope you enjoy!  Aren't they cute?

 

So far, we have two more events scheduled.  Another children's program will be held at the Heritage Library in Lakeville on Friday, October 16 at 10:30.  Please join us, if you can!  We always have a good time!

In November, we are participating in a Local Author Book Fair.  It will be on Saturday, November 14 from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Western Service Center Atrium in Apple Valley.  It's a perfect opportunity to meet authors and have them sign your books.  Don't forget, Christmas will be right around the corner....

While Mommy and Daddy are out and about, Ringo and I like to enjoy this beautiful weather!  We play as much as we can outside - chasing leaves as they fall off the trees and also squirrels collecting acorns.  We also get the Frisbee, football and tennis ball out for a few rounds!

Happy Fall!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Ali

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of our dear friend, Ali Gratz, suddenly and quietly passing away in her sleep on September 9, 2015.  Ali was the illustrator of our first book, "Rudy Gets A Transplant," and will always be a very important member of the Rudy's Little World family.

At age 11, Ali drew illustrations that were charming and thoughtful. Having been through a kidney transplant herself, she was able to convey a child's perspective to a difficult subject.  Ali captured Rudy's spirit and added a calming quality to the book that helped take some of the fear away.  She inspired other children to try their hand at illustrating.

Ali experienced more in her 19 years than most, struggling with lifelong kidney disease (FSGS), but had a love of life and lived every day to the fullest.  Some of her favorite words: LIFE, LOVE, HOPE and JOY.

Her motto's included: "Look forward."  "Never give up."  "Make someone smile."  "Always take time to get goofy and silly."  "Do something for others."

Ali dealt with her health challenges by showing care, consideration and compassion to others.  She will live on in the hearts of many all over the world.  We thank Ali for sharing her extraordinary talents with us and thank her for teaching us all how to make the most of every day.  Time is precious.  Cherish it.

Class of 2014

Unpredictable

In Minnesota, we can always expect winter to be cold.  It's just a matter of how cold and how much snow.  The rest of the year... you never know.  This time of year is very unpredictable.  One day can be sunny and high 90's, the next can be windy, rainy and mid 60's!  Last weekend was a mix of both.

Saturday, Daddy and Mommy went to a wedding.  It started out warm, sunny and very windy.  The ceremony was outside and the wind blew everything around.  Daddy read a Robert Frost poem and did a wonderful job.  Daddy's an excellent reader!  Everyone went inside for the reception (a fancy word meaning eating and talking to friends).  That is when the storm rolled in!  The wind was blowing so hard, the rain didn't come down - it went sideways!

Sunday was a lot better, but still windy.  Ringo and I had a spa day at home.  It was our first one ever!  We didn't know how Ringo would handle it, he is such a youngster and very unpredictable!  Daddy clipped my nails first and filed them nicely.  I was very still and held my paws up so Daddy could reach them with ease.  I wanted to be a good example.  Ringo didn't take the hint.  Mommy held him while Daddy clipped and filed his nails.  Mommy was in charge of the singing, kisses and keeping the little guy calm.  I was there for moral support.  I liked our Mani-pedi's!

We ordered a new banner for our upcoming events, it looks very nice.  Our book sales have been unpredictably slow this summer, so we hope they pick up!

We have a few programs for this fall, but we would like to get more.  Mommy and Daddy do great programs, so if you know anybody needing a great program.... :)

Mommy's therapy on her foot has been progressing well.  She is able to put more weight on it and walk longer!

For the past few weeks, Mommy has been having some vertigo.  That is dizziness and makes her shaky on her feet.  She also gets sick to her stomach.  She can be great for a couple days in a row and then it will hit her unexpectedly and suddenly!  Very unpredictable!  We are not sure what causes it yet, could be sinuses, a pain in her neck, or the knock she took in the head when we got our new refrigerator.

Weather, love, business/sales, behavior (especially of little brothers), health - all unpredictable!  Wow!  Is anything in life predictable?  I'm going to think about that a while.  I need a nap!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Is It August Already?

Where has the time gone?  I can't believe it is August already.  The only reason I know it is for sure, is because we celebrated my sixth birthday on Sunday.

Since it was my birthday, Ringo asked me if he could write the blog this time.  I told him he's still too young and needs a little more experience, so he asked if he could write a few lines.  I said, "Sure, give it a try.  By the way, those 'lines' are called sentences."  I'm always trying to teach the little one and groom him for the family business!

Without any further hesitation, here's little bro, Ringo!

Hello, everyone!  I'm Ringo, Boomer's little brother.  He said I could write a few sentences for the blog this time.  I'm glad he asked because I want to tell you how great he is.  Boomer! is an awesome big brother and continues to teach me many things every day.

This Sunday was Boomer's sixth birthday.  All he wanted was a couple of special treats, which he shared with me.  He also wanted to play Frisbee and lots of it!  That Frisbee is his favorite play time activity.  Usually I chase Boomer while he runs after the red disc.  Once in a while Daddy throws it to me, but I am too little to catch it in my mouth like Boomer!  I prefer to chase Boomer.  He always pays attention to me, keeping track of where I am at all times.

My big brother watches over me, shares with me, teaches me, encourages me and loves me very much.  The feeling is mutual :)

Happy Birthday, Boomer!

Love,
Little Bro, Ringo
P.S. Don't forget to read my writings with an English accent as I am quite British!  Ta!

More Significant Dates

Even though the Fourth of July and Daddy's birthday are over, we still had some very important dates to celebrate!

On July 15, we reminisced about Mommy and Daddy's fabulous experience 5 years ago.  That is the day they met many terrific people in New Jersey!  They still keep in contact with many of them.

On July 16, we celebrated the 6th anniversary of Mommy and Daddy's transplant.  That's right, Daddy gave Mommy one of his kidneys and saved her life!  Isn't it wonderful that they are such a good match?

One year ago on July 17, we had a little guy join our family.  We named him Ringo, or should I say, he chose the name, Ringo!  He has been quite a blessing to our family - full of energy and character.  He's a pretty good little brother, too!

Today (July 22nd) we will remember our older brother, Kirby.  6 years ago today, Kirby went to Heaven.  He was Mommy and Daddy's first puppy and taught them a lot!  He especially showed them how much they love puppies in their life and that opened the door for the rest of us!  Thanks, Kirby!  Brothers Dito, Dexter, Rudy, Ringo and me owe you, bro!

Here is a picture of my little brother, Ringo, smiling as usual!  He is not quite ready to start writing yet, but he does add to the creative process!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Why are Summers so Busy?

Why are summers so busy?  I asked myself that question after I heard Mommy and Daddy talking about the weekend ahead.  Is it because the weather is nicer (around here, anyway) than in the winter?  That might be partially true.  In the summer, we spend more time outside playing.  Daddy has to cut the grass in our yard so we can run around.  There are always projects to do that can't be done when it's cold outside.

This year, Mommy and Daddy went on a vacation that lasted 8 whole days.  Ringo and I had a long sleepover play-date with our friends! When they returned, Daddy had many photos to sort and organize.  He likes to take photos!

We also had Daddy's birthday!  His birthday is on July 5.  When he was young, his Mom told him the whole country lit fireworks to celebrate his birthday.  She said they did it the night before because they were so excited!  So, with the holiday and Daddy's birthday, they saw many people (family and friends).

Next, they will be going on a paddleboat ride on a river.  It sounds like a lot of fun!  Next month, they are going to a concert at the Zoo.  Even though it's at the Zoo, Ringo and I can't go - I think the animals would scare little Ringo and the noise would hurt our ears!

One of these days, I hope we will be able to catch up with some of the normal activities (maybe a rainy day)  For now, I will feel lucky and enjoy the sunshine!  Never a dull moment.


Love,
Boomer the Mello Yellow Lab

Family, Friends, Fun!

Daddy and Mommy went on a fabulous trip to Washington, D.C. this month.  While they were gone, Ringo and I had an extended sleepover at the home of our friend, Jennifer.  We also had a fabulous time!  Every day we had at least 5 to 7 furry friends and human friends to play with us.  I made sure I spent at least one night with each of the humans in their beds, so no one felt left out.

Daddy had not been to our nations capitol before, so they wanted to be sure they saw as much as they could.  Mommy planned a full itinerary for them including visits with family and friends!

The first day was an exploration trip to find out how to use the Metro (the train system in the D.C. area).  They flew in mid-afternoon and Mommy's brother (John) picked them up at the airport.  The traffic in D.C. is a lot busier than where we live!

Mommy said it was so nice seeing Uncle John again.  I know how she feels.  When my brother, Ringo is away from me, I miss him, too!

Mommy and Daddy never used a train before, so it was quite an aducation.  They looked up the routes they would need each day and became real experts at something called the "Blue Line."  The list of adventures included breakfast with our Senator (Al Franken).  They got to say "Hello" and have their picture taken with him, but then he was off to vote on something.

After the Capitol tour, they walked outside and saw the capitol on the outside, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and several sculptures.  Daddy took many pictures (at least 750 of them)!

Later that day, they had dinner with Uncle John and his family.  I found out I have two human cousins named Lauren and Jake!

Day two, Mommy and Daddy went to Arlington National Cemetery.  They took a trolley around the cemetery because it is very big.

That afternoon, they went to cousin Lauren's graduation at Constitution Hall.  All the graduates looked very nice, especially Lauren!  When the ceremony was over they all went out to eat at a place with cheesecake!  As you can tell, I love food!

A tour of the White House was scheduled for the next day.  The First family was out of town, so they didn't get to meet Bo the dog :(  Daddy said there were many rooms.  He didn't get to take pictures because cameras weren't allowed inside.  When the tour was over, they could take photos with their phones outside.

When Mommy and Daddy returned to the hotel, Mommy's friend, Stacy and her husband (Bill) were there.  It is so funny that Mommy has a friend named Stacy because that is Mommy's other name, too!  They hadn't seen each other for four years, so it was a wonderful reunion!  After many hugs in the lobby, they went to the Botanical Gardens to see and smell the flowers.  Then they went to a fabulous dinner at a two story restaurant on Backlick Road.

The next day they tackled the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.  It was a big place with lots of interesting stuff!  Daddy and Bill took many photos, while Mommy and the other Stacy walked around and met many people.  For some reason, people liked talking to the Stacys!  It was so nice of Mommy's friend to push her around in a wheelchair - because of Mommy's foot, she is not able to walk more than 30 minutes at a time.  Mommy can hardly wait until it is healed completely!  After the museum, they had an Italian meal that was very tasty and filling!

That night, they hung out at the hotel bar while a storm went raging through the area!  It was a nasty storm and a little bit scary!  Stacy and Bill had to leave the next morning to go back to work.

The last two full days, Mommy and Daddy had a boat cruise on the Potomoc river where they could see Georgetown and all the memorials/monuments lit up at night.  It was beautiful!  On board, they had a nice meal and a band played awesome music.

The final day, they took a guided tour to make sure they caught all the memorials (Vietnam War, Marine Corp, Jefferson, Lincoln, Korean, WWII, etc.)  It was very hot, so we appreciated the AC.  They met Uncle John for dinner and one more hug.  The next day, they took the shuttle to the airport and flew home to Ringo and me!  I'll admit, it was nice to see them again - we were all smiles!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab
P.S.  Here's a little slideshow Daddy made of their trip - just the highlights for now...