tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19143464539260409192024-03-14T00:44:35.970-07:00Just Another Dog BlogOne camera, two dogs, and a lot of free time...2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.comBlogger445125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-10601540209957482062015-03-25T13:04:00.003-07:002015-03-25T13:04:36.464-07:00Life is hard<div style="text-align: center;">
Still not adjusted to the time change.</div>
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:)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16867422062" title="Morning by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Morning" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7627/16867422062_b37bf95fcd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-1939389786985438762015-03-23T08:21:00.000-07:002015-03-23T08:21:05.910-07:00Spectating<div style="text-align: center;">
Bella’s favorite pastime</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16899771255" title="Armchair sheepdog by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Armchair sheepdog" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/16899771255_9f6d90ece8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Watching sheepdogs do their thing. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16898322731" title="Sonoma Wine Country SDT by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Sonoma Wine Country SDT" height="415" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7615/16898322731_497c8ec9a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I think that’s her only regret in life. That she was, at least, not owned by someone who let her watch sheep for a living. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16691985237" title="Sonoma Wine Country SDT by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Sonoma Wine Country SDT" height="415" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7608/16691985237_dc460f16c3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Not work herself, mind you, just stand around and let everyone else know what they are doing wrong. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16873426856" title="Sonoma Wine Country SDT by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Sonoma Wine Country SDT" height="415" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8742/16873426856_f484ccfe65_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And look at this guy. So damn handsome! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16279330783" title="Sonoma Wine Country SDT by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Sonoma Wine Country SDT" height="415" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/16279330783_f1ddfc61b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Striking dog. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16898323481" title="Sonoma Wine Country SDT by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Sonoma Wine Country SDT" height="415" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8691/16898323481_c83cb28822_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Yes, I know, it’s not what matters. Don’t breed for looks and color. Got it. </div>
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A girl can have preference, though, right? </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16711902500" title="Sonoma Wine Country SDT by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Sonoma Wine Country SDT" height="428" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8691/16711902500_9ebe36fff4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Something is wrong with you if you don’t love a red dog. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16711675438" title="Sonoma Wine Country SDT by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Sonoma Wine Country SDT" height="415" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7609/16711675438_2723161fe0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
:) </div>
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I made a huge mistake on our way home yesterday afternoon. I decided to hit the Marin Headlands while I was up there. I rarely go north. Since I stopped trialing, I pretty much never go that way. I have also never been there on a weekend day. Holy cow. Now, I have lived plenty of places where you have, at least, a tourist season. I try to be understanding. People drive or walk slower because they are not familiar, they are looking for something or just gawking. Out of towners are not going to understand that even though there is a stop there no one actually does. Just relax. No need to honk. I also enjoy going places different and I don’t want people treating me poorly just because I don’t live there.
That being said, I couldn’t believe the driving behavior I saw. This is a winding road often paralleling a cliff. People passing on turns, parking behind people and blocking them in, there were even a few who actually just stopped in the middle of the lane turned theirs cars off and just got out. Left their car parked on the street on a curvy, crazy-busy road just to get a picture. It’s a bridge, people, just a big red bridge! The post card in your hotel lobby probably has a much better photo of it than you will get with your phone anyway! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16898525482" title="GG Br by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="GG Br" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16898525482_758240710e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-10554425273004542572015-02-25T13:22:00.001-08:002015-02-25T13:22:43.443-08:00California snow<div style="text-align: center;">
Our coastal version of the white stuff</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16450975920" title="Birthday Girl and her ever-present shadow by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Birthday Girl and her ever-present shadow" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8616/16450975920_0e934ddbe6_z.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-47494327209244968532015-02-24T06:34:00.000-08:002015-02-24T06:34:00.348-08:001,2,3...4,5...6,7,8...9,10...11...<div style="text-align: center;">
Twe...el...el..el...el..el...elve!</div>
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Time is so weird. 12 years! Seems like just yesterday I got this brown blob of 5 pounds. Also, though, like she's been here forever.</div>
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She's still got it.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16416476518" title="DSC_8572 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8572" height="331" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8588/16416476518_4f1b6a7b04.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It just doesn't last as long any more. :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16416650260" title="DSC_8697 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8697" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/16416650260_d0fb70526b.jpg" width="331" /></a>
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And, if you are child of the 70's and would like a Time Machine ride or you're not a child of the 70's and would just like to know exactly how BAD ASS Sesame Street was...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JZshZp-cxKg" width="420"></iframe> </div>
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You're welcome for the ear worm.
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We're off for the beach. </div>
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Sorry, Rest Of The Country.</div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-62370659090227020032015-02-21T11:50:00.000-08:002015-02-21T11:50:43.405-08:0012 years of waitingIf the collie-types are good at anything it's waiting. Self control may need to be...encouraged...as a youngster, but the stand and stare thing is there already. Bella's 12 years of waiting do pretty accurately describe her life.<br />
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2003-Cookies</div>
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2004-Squirrels</div>
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2005-Summer</div>
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2006-Hummingbirds</div>
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2007-Ball</div>
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2008-Ball</div>
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2009-Ball</div>
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2010-Dignity</div>
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2011-Ball</div>
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2012-Ball</div>
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2013-Dignity</div>
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2014-Dignity</div>
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2015-Nap</div>
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Cookies, squirrels, summer, hummers, ball, ball, ball, dignity, ball, ball, dignity, dignity, nap.</div>
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In a nut shell? Yup. :)</div>
<br />2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-62565627098115371422015-02-13T08:29:00.000-08:002015-02-17T15:11:16.776-08:00Such a dork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know why watching dogs play is so entertaining, but it is.</div>
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It looks like they are in the Old Fart Room today. Crappy screen grab, I know, but it so "them."</div>
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Bella in the upper right, partaking in the Coffee Clutch, surrounded by four dogs.</div>
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Kate, on the left, partaking in the movie playing in her head, surrounded by four balls.</div>
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HAHA.</div>
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"So, I'm thinking maybe someone could kick one these? If not now, that's OK. Maybe later? I'll just sit right here, just in case."</div>
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<br />2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-29954182589253761232015-02-08T14:31:00.000-08:002015-02-08T14:31:06.156-08:00Out of practice<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been having some rain, glorious rain! At least February won’t go down in the record books as a totally dry month like our dear friend, January, did. </div>
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I thought I had a nice window for a run this morning, only it started pouring like mad the last half mile. Now, I actually like being out I the rain, what I hate is getting back in the car when you’re soaked. I don’t know why it feels so gross to sit in a car in wet clothes, but it does. </div>
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I didn't feel like dealing with wet and possibly muddy dogs in the car today, so I had the brill idea to get a cup of coffee, open the back door, and throw the ball from there.</div>
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Some were a tad judgmental about my idea. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16475270801" title="DSC_8514 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8514" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/16475270801_bfaba03459_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And then there’s the Good Dog who has no opinions about anything. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16451004526" title="DSC_8519 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8519" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/16451004526_50228e6a21_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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What I didn't take into consideration was the fact that the back yard, while looking all lovely and green, is really just a big ol' mud puddle at this point. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16451004666" title="DSC_8518 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8518" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/16451004666_6948bc9664_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Their lower bits were way beyond wiping off with towel, so I ended up out in the wet again to hose them off before coming in. Best laid plans, and all. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16290760029" title="DSC_8540 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8540" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/16290760029_c86027a865_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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At least they’re back to being all fluffy and soft. That rain water is the bestest.
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-64251569308411313302015-02-03T07:45:00.000-08:002015-02-03T17:12:37.949-08:00The best days are never at work<div style="text-align: center;">
I took the day off and drove down to San Simeon to the Elephant Seal rookery. They are at the breeding bit of their winter cycle. I guess it goes: boys come up first, lots of fighting, girls come up, have babies, after 3-4 weeks of nursing ready for baby making again. </div>
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Or not… </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16245550369" title="600_7250 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7250" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/16245550369_048e3b8bd7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Look at the baby's face after mom told the big guy to shove off. Junior’s first swear word! Haha.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16430864452" title="600_7251 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7251" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/16430864452_f167bc25b7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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There is lots of noise and a fair amount of biting but surprisingly little violence considering the density of the population. </div>
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There were a handful of dead pups, likely from getting crushed. Keeping other seals from running over your kid is a full time job. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16431803245" title="600_7258 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7258" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/16431803245_dc8c76c1e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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One that requires an exclamation point be added to the end of your conversation. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16244397710" title="600_7308 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7308" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/16244397710_dfd82abe33_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And, sometimes the beginning. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16430040651" title="Chomp by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Chomp" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/16430040651_15620e1919_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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There was much more posturing than actual fighting between the males. I suppose at this point the lines have been drawn in the sand and everyone is a wee bit tired. They are in the enforcing stage, not the establishing stage. They all seem to go out of their way to not waste energy. </div>
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“Is this a good spot?” </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16405825356" title="600_7193 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7193" height="428" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8565/16405825356_52951c0b81_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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“No? I was just leaving” </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16244400160" title="600_7190 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7190" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/16244400160_76077df897_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And the males. </div>
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Amazing how a creature can go from this scary, ugly thing… </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16430040991" title="600_7286 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7286" height="428" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/16430040991_d393256798_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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To all cute and innocent looking with a slight change in head position. I would buy a car from that face!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15809288564" title="600_7346 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7346" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/15809288564_b89c76488f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Ellies in the mist </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16244398740" title="Two boys by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Two boys" height="428" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16244398740_827176f219_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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If the babies can keep from getting crushed, this is a pretty good time in life. </div>
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Eat, sleep, sun bathe. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16244399630" title="Careful where you sleep by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Careful where you sleep" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/16244399630_8d6b40bfec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The pups gain about 10 pounds per day eating the incredibly fat-rich milk. The milkfat is over 50%. For comparison, human's is about 4%. </div>
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Growing is hard work. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15811754883" title="600_7239 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7239" height="428" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8681/15811754883_7fd95e2f0b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I’m not sure how normal this is, but this female on the left (that’s her pup in the middle) allowed the other (seems to be full grown) seal on the right to feed. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16405821626" title="600_7385 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7385" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/16405821626_c3bf502443_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The pup moved right out of the way. The mother looked at the other adult and just put her head back down.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16244395760" title="Milk fountain by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Milk fountain" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/16244395760_dc0f13f1fc_z.jpg" width="561" /></a> </div>
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Strange. </div>
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Although, I guess there is a lot of that going around. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16244147838" title="600_7187 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_7187" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/16244147838_5feb7c8749_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And, just because, Pelicans. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16244395660" title="Pellies by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Pellies" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/16244395660_ab513e9950_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And a bridge.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16244394820" title="Not Bixby Bridge by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Not Bixby Bridge" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16244394820_4f561114e3_z.jpg" width="428" /></a> </div>
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I need to figure out how to make my job Driving Around California Photographing Shit. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15809516424" title="20150202_123832 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="20150202_123832" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/15809516424_1361af723d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Or, maybe that’s just what makes days off special?
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-28227152951350519582015-01-26T11:22:00.000-08:002015-01-26T11:22:10.575-08:00Routine<div style="text-align: center;">
We has it. </div>
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I guess that’s just how things go. Since we have no more training and trialing and weekend traveling we have just gotten comfy with the daily doings. I am enjoying it. We have been doing a lot of this. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16179887698" title="DSCF2507 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2507" height="401" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/16179887698_e9d37d76c4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The girls seem to be pretty happy just being out and about. There is not quite as much need to be DOING. Watching is now OK. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16341542626" title="DSCF2516 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2516" height="359" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/16341542626_2bafb989fc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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If watching involves the car being surrounded by pigeons and seagulls….even better! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15745068044" title="DSCF2528 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2528" height="359" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/15745068044_e749983c5c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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We did nose work a few years back. I stopped taking classes for 2 reasons: 1) no one had classes on a weeknight and I was trialing a lot then and 2) that organization is a little off-putting to me. Very controlling and secretive and there was no way in hell I was signing that ridiculous release that they had to trial. Maybe that’s changed, dunno, but anywho, they started offering classes at the place my house mate teaches agility. It is something the dogs really enjoy, but a class? Nah. I think I am just done with the formal anything with these guys. We are all content to just hang and explore and play ball. </div>
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I guess we are in the coasting stage? </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15745068644" title="DSCF2514 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2514" height="359" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/15745068644_168d6130c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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They have taken up a new hobby. </div>
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They are now bringing home art projects from school. </div>
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I am now "that person."</div>
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Although, I'm sure it was more voluntary with Kate. Getting your feet dirty is way more up her alley than Bell's. Plus, she would totally rock a beret.</div>
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Haha.</div>
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At least I didn't put them on the fridge.</div>
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-49284238477316691402015-01-19T09:35:00.000-08:002015-01-19T09:35:02.434-08:00Socal<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the holidays I met my mom down in Socal for a little adventure. I’m still not done picture sorting. </div>
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We were down there right before the big “snow” event, so at least driving was good. No fog in the central valley, no snow through the Grapevine. The weather was perfect for the dogs, too. Their kind of road trip weather. </div>
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We started at the Salton Sea. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15965518739" title="Salton Sea by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Salton Sea" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8576/15965518739_f3eb6e5bb4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Quite a magical place, really. Had I known it was going to be so cool I would have planned more time there. Birds galore. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16150834472" title="A threesome by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="A threesome" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8594/16150834472_e79b081011_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And Bella thought it was fantastic that they had dog treats EVERYWHERE </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15965518109" title="DSC_7930 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7930" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7578/15965518109_049d9ed637_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I guess Tilapia in southern California prefer sunbathing to swimming? </div>
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After that was Joshua Tree National Park. Another place that was way too cool for a day trip. That would be a great place to spend a few days. They variety of landscape in the park is pretty remarkable. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15965516559" title="DSC_7998 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7998" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/15965516559_6373059c86_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16150832182" title="DSC_7995 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7995" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7501/16150832182_27d7d018f9_z.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15531849563" title="DSC_7965 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7965" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7555/15531849563_91ae53d6b0_z.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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Although, national parks are not the bestest place for dogs since they are really not allowed. In camp grounds and within 100 feet of the road. I understand most people’s dogs are assholes, but really? </div>
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Booooo. </div>
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Bella though Joshua Tree was only good for naps. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15529253944" title="Bored Bell by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Bored Bell" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/15529253944_d646422932_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The rest of the time we spent on the ocean side. No LA, but close enough. They have quite a lot of lovely parks. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15531892633" title="DSC_8260 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8260" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8658/15531892633_17ff227dc0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And lots of stuff for Kate to sit on.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15964322530" title="Kate and some Coots by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate and some Coots" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7470/15964322530_4b3b6313e1_z.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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And posing rocks.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16125842706" title="DSC_8258 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8258" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7581/16125842706_e643f5dc67_z.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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For cormorants, too. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15964301278" title="Pelagic post breakfast by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Pelagic post breakfast" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/15964301278_2e936d615e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I really like Socal. I can’t really put my finger on why. The overabundance of palm trees? Holy cow, they love those palm trees down there! Maybe it’s the lack of Silicon Valley D-bags? They better weather? Maybe it’s just because it’s different and I’m in need to a scenery change? Dunno. </div>
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They do have really accommodating birds, though. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15532001133" title="DSC_8054 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8054" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7555/15532001133_56e42a902c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Even the escapees willingly pose. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15964431050" title="DSC_8129 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8129" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8572/15964431050_615492257f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Everybody’s looking for deal. :-)
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-31617642138617418292015-01-01T16:58:00.001-08:002015-01-01T16:58:48.589-08:00A new years romp<div style="text-align: center;">
Not in our normal New Year’s park. I would like to be able to say I switched it up this year for some meaningful reason. Like, last year was just full of suckage. Different start to this year? Hopefully a better one? Not really. I just got on 880 instead of 280 and ended up going somewhere else. We have a lot of 80’s in the Bay Area….80, 280, 680, 880, 580….it’s all very confusing. By the time I realized my road choice error I didn’t feel like correcting it. </div>
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It was a really beautiful day out today. With all the freeze warnings and doom and gloom weather reports I was expecting worse. Just a lovely and normal January afternoon. </div>
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he rain we have been getting caused us to deal with something we have not had to in quite some time… </div>
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Balls lost in tall grass </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16169551135" title="DSC_8301 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8301" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8651/16169551135_06c9f649f5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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There was much frantic searching </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15547202114" title="DSC_8298 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8298" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7484/15547202114_1fa2b4800d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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By Bella, anyway. </div>
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Kate is no help at all </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15982231060" title="DSC_8302 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8302" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8649/15982231060_5f985f13b5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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She does not understand the seriousness of an MIA ball situation </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16143758886" title="DSC_8306 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8306" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16143758886_198b834081_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The product of a short-term memory issue. </div>
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<i>What are doing again?</i> </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16143759476" title="DSC_8300 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8300" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7574/16143759476_d444feda5e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Thank goodness for The Saver of Days </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16168798192" title="DSC_8303 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8303" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16168798192_ecd34aa827_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Such a handsome pair </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15983770057" title="DSC_8295 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_8295" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/15983770057_3bba33a19f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Hope you all had a safe New Years. We are the staying in type as I am not a fan of the alcohol and fireworks holidays. I don't care for either of those things on their own. Together? No thanks.</div>
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Bella has been getting more and more bothered by fireworks as she ages. Really just the past few years. She doesn't bark or freak or have a panic attack, but is clearly no longer a fan. Last night was the first night that she actually shook. I gave them both 1.5 mg of melatonin and they were out cold in 20 minutes. </div>
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At midnight we had a little bit of this...</div>
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And a little bit of this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j0V1WkwxYwqn5CAN5HDi2KLb3N3vJYYJcPwjVKYYQo5VXTNxG3VoOMopgJXKz5RBMd9WTJE4NnxMc8DYbBIj5XpTnpxYl9LnznKfxmbs04C9a6IR77NPSdSy1-1U1yaIDNfz1LTHSSw/s1600/20141231_223852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j0V1WkwxYwqn5CAN5HDi2KLb3N3vJYYJcPwjVKYYQo5VXTNxG3VoOMopgJXKz5RBMd9WTJE4NnxMc8DYbBIj5XpTnpxYl9LnznKfxmbs04C9a6IR77NPSdSy1-1U1yaIDNfz1LTHSSw/s1600/20141231_223852.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yay for that. </div>
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They both looked so refreshed this morning. Slept like logs. </div>
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Good to know I have something that works.</div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-15097353928161547252014-12-25T13:15:00.001-08:002014-12-25T13:39:33.989-08:00Bella wishes you a Merry Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15483150324" title="600_6973 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6973" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/15483150324_a2a79321d3_z.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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Kate, however, only got a Tale of Woe in her stocking and refuses to wish anyone a merry anything until these stupid holidays stop requiring things be stuck on her head.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16104747442" title="600_6968 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6968" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7481/16104747442_4a209fc0b9_z.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-53058638907966166882014-12-24T14:50:00.000-08:002014-12-24T14:50:13.988-08:00Her whites are whiter<div style="text-align: left;">
We will be headed down to SoCal for little adventure on Friday. Since it is always nice to travel with clean dogs and it had been who-knows-when since they were last bathed, we had a groomer come out. This is someone my house mate has used before and her dogs were due, too, so four in a row. </div>
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Kate was her normal, agreeable self. Even if she is not a fan of something, her protests consist of just standing there quietly and calling you names in her head. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15904807769" title="DSC_7809 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7809" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7561/15904807769_2d8b9f1ded_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Bella did way better than I thought she would. My dogs, being the smooth-coated and generally self-cleaning didn’t go a groomer until about 3 years ago. I always thought it was a bit silly (and perhaps lazy) to pay someone to wash your dog. I decided to try it because I was on a trip and dogs were boarding. I had to go back to work the day after I returned and didn’t feel like dealing with post-board dog bathing. I was amazed at how different they felt. Even with my easy-peasy coated two, the difference was huge. No way you can get as much hair out at home as they do with the power wash and blow drying. Months after if they were out in the rain I could still smell the shampoo. I asked how they did and was told it must have gone OK as the front desk folks usually only hear if something hoes poorly. </div>
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Great. Sold. </div>
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This will be the post vacay routine now. Sure, a bit pricy, but for an occasional thing? Going for it.
Then the following year. I got back from wherever I was to a clean Kate and unbathed Bella. I was told she freaked out so bad that they thought she would hurt herself so they quit. That was the end of that. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15468578904" title="DSC_7807 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7807" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8596/15468578904_40e9cc520f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Bella hates the vet. Passionately. Anytime someone starts doing anything remotely clinical she gets all “hell no!” If they react to the “hell no” by trying to physically force her it’s really over. Four people cannot keep her still. I am amazed at how many dog “professionals” have absolutely zero understanding of pressure. When to apply, when not to. How to read how the dog is reacting to you. Maybe more dog people need to work with large animals? Spend some time with horses? Cattle? Work some sheep with or without a dog? You learn pretty quickly that your upper body strength means nothing.</div>
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Bella was at the vet a few months back to have an eye checked. I always tell them, “don’t clamp.” Let her go and just ask her to do whatever you need her to. The vet said she was in a complete panic (being held by several techs). They let her go to give her a break and let her settle. She said, “One tech just put her hands out and Bella put her head in them and just stayed there. Let us do what we needed to do as long as no one touched her body.”
Ding, ding, ding! </div>
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Guide, yes. Force, no.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16090186952" title="DSC_7813 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7813" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8629/16090186952_6ee80e0d9c_z.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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So, I was not sure how she would do with new groomer. I was able to be with her the whole time. She was not a fan, but tolerated the bath well. Just stood there for the most part with the typical mopey bath face. Not even to pacey. </div>
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She was really not a fan of the dryer. I think this is probably what she remembered her second time that lead to the refusal. She stayed on the table. Shaking like a leaf, but stayed there. I think she probably shook off a pound in the time it took to dry her, but no major theatrics. </div>
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We will try this arrangement again.
She did protest in her own little way. We went for a little hike the day after. She was looking for this opportunity. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB4Q7Fjd-OfGJsF7Is-QAJqkBu6Z9L-apKiTWGQvJrtxkZRR4w5juYt756lILmEkmTfwGa3aAsp0jsIfkAv_CG84jOh_IqeRO9IEwJMwKszDAW12RcmoksGw_h-i6l4IGZFmhvgzK7aw/s1600/600_6913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB4Q7Fjd-OfGJsF7Is-QAJqkBu6Z9L-apKiTWGQvJrtxkZRR4w5juYt756lILmEkmTfwGa3aAsp0jsIfkAv_CG84jOh_IqeRO9IEwJMwKszDAW12RcmoksGw_h-i6l4IGZFmhvgzK7aw/s1600/600_6913.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Little turd. </div>
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But, nice shiny bitches ready for a little travel adventure. Fingers crossed for no snow on The Grapevine! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15904808099" title="DSC_7804 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7804" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7464/15904808099_169353739c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-24738734425520235272014-12-21T16:47:00.001-08:002014-12-21T16:47:54.255-08:00No middle ground<div style="text-align: center;">
In September </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/14910362620" title="DSCF2146 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2146" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14910362620_2a1b4628e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15074009556" title="Kate sticking it to The Man by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate sticking it to The Man" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/15074009556_9ea376c810_z.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Same signage and dock this morning </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16075047865" title="600_6923 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6923" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7468/16075047865_413777339c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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No photo op today</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15452744384" title="600_6925 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6925" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8626/15452744384_7e52ecb273_z.jpg" width="428" /></a> </div>
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Main marsh at Coyote Hills in September </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/14910359980" title="Main Marsh from Muskrat Trail by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Main Marsh from Muskrat Trail" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/14910359980_6a4540a28c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And this morning</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15889288617" title="600_6878 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6878" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/15889288617_8da05cfc49_z.jpg" width="428" /></a> </div>
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Yay! So full! And so green! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15888960129" title="600_6910 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6910" height="428" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8571/15888960129_a076426425_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Even the macro lawns are super green </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16049246826" title="600_6908 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6908" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7568/16049246826_5c108e0fd0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Water, water everywhere and lots of drops to drink </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16073120031" title="600_6919 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6919" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/16073120031_ae5f06bee8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And along with that water, mushrooms everywhere! Carpets of them. There are an amazing amount of teeny creatures on mushrooms. They are their own little worlds. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/16074350242" title="600_6884 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6884" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7569/16074350242_a4bc172b0f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The rain is, of course, very welcome. Bit much maybe to get 3 years’ worth in 2 weeks? Too soon to complain? We really are never satisfied, right? Always “too” something. </div>
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Not too green for Kate. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15889285557" title="600_6951 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6951" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7479/15889285557_0cb8783e77_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Better than all the brown backgrounds. </div>
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Not that there is anything wrong with brown… </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15889284827" title="600_6956 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6956" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7512/15889284827_8d8c866d25_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-67886811571598503782014-11-29T15:21:00.000-08:002014-11-29T15:21:34.600-08:00Sittin' on the dock of the bay<div style="text-align: center;">
Not watching the tide roll away, though.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15882972016" title="DSCF2492 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2492" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/15882972016_433e3ab273_z.jpg" width="359" /></a>
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Just watching avocets and sandpipers across the way</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15721289338" title="DSCF2502 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2502" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7491/15721289338_13bb03870e_z.jpg" width="359" /></a>
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Which I suppose rhymes, too. </div>
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Possible dog song.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15906796491" title="DSCF2488 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2488" height="359" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8576/15906796491_6d7000b9b9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We managed to miss the rain today, which is actually a bummer. It was coming down so hard this morning it woke me up. Stopped dead about quarter after 7. Nothing since, but a few teasing clouds.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15882971706" title="DSCF2506 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2506" height="402" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7469/15882971706_ab51865710_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We may get another round later this afternoon. That will be ball in the back yard time. I have been dying for a good soaking rain. Yeah, yeah, drought and all, sure, but really it's just because it's the bestest dog wash ever. First, requires no effort or clean up on my part. Second, not stressful on the dogs (I have yet to figure out why water in a tub is bad and water outside a tub OK, but whatever). And last and thirdly, they are just the softest after a rain bath. Way better than any shampoo or rinse. Bunny soft!</div>
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Fingers crossed that wasn't the last rain for another 6 months!</div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-48287732458352320632014-11-25T15:37:00.001-08:002014-11-25T15:37:22.129-08:00Beach day<div style="text-align: center;">
I would love the beach so much if it didn’t have sand. Lord, how I hate that stuff. You know, it wouldn’t be so bad if it were at all possible to leave it there. I guess if you live there you just get used to it? It’s traveling properties are remarkable. I had a chapstick in the car. Opened it to use it on my drive home. IT HAD SAND IN IT. Never left the car. WTH?</div>
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Speaking of sand, this one will be pooping sand castles in a few hours.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15877600391" title="DSC_7679 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7679" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8590/15877600391_02648f3827_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I don’t know how many face plants one needs to do before on realizes that slowing down a bit may be beneficial. She did not reach that magic number today. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15693568919" title="DSC_7680 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7680" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/15693568919_4efed4c1a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And this camera juggling thing is a pain. Maybe going back to just one body is the best? I’m not sure how I am doing it but I keep accidentally adjusting the exposure bias. I didn't check when I started shooting this morning. My bad, I know. So all the really funny pictures where they are getting their willies out look like this… </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15693821627" title="DSC_7652 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7652" height="441" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7467/15693821627_b2c8a12baa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I guess we just call it “art” and run with it? </div>
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It was a stunning day today. Perfect dog temperature, too. I didn't get some extended sillies. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15257322474" title="DSC_7672 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7672" height="441" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/15257322474_493bfb1706_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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But just the tail end. More old lady posing after energy drain. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15693568739" title="DSC_7689 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7689" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15693568739_210704b073_z.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Pelly over Carmel. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15692273140" title="DSC_7742 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7742" height="424" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8650/15692273140_afd102b445_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Belly over Carmel.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15853778526" title="DSC_7716 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7716" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7511/15853778526_54e5a6a91f_z.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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After she cleaned her face off by ingesting a half pound of sand. Certain bits will be very clean tomorrow!
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-41123166035635643712014-11-24T15:33:00.005-08:002014-11-24T15:33:59.501-08:00Great day for a walk<div style="text-align: center;">
So, that’s what we did. </div>
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After work, of course. I am off this week, so naturally, and in the most American way possible, I end up at the office. Not for long. Had dogs with. Also wearing sweats. So, not a real work day, but still. Vacation that does not include trip to Santa Clara would be lovely. At least the 49er’s were not playing. </div>
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The good part it at least being at work puts us closer to the bay. We went the Palo Alto Baylands for a stroll. Soo many people out! Not sure if it was normal lunch strolls for folks? Everyone else off this week? I was not expecting to see more people than we do on a normal weekend.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15684499370" title="DSCF2456 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2456" height="359" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7518/15684499370_768d4605ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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So many birds to watch. Very busy out there. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15686063637" title="DSCF2464 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2464" height="359" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8672/15686063637_23e03b653e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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You normally see pelicans in a group. Funny to see a singleton. You really notice how freaking huge they are when they are surrounded by Shovelers and Coots instead of their own kind. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15252176003" title="DSCF2470 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2470" height="359" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8567/15252176003_7bb1041229_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Kate was not in a posing sort of mood today. Tired from office excitement, maybe. She just *knows* there is a tennis ball in the building somewhere and must…find…it. She didn't. It was lost. About two years ago. That Kate, not much into letting go. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15685815359" title="DSCF2466 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2466" height="359" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7555/15685815359_8087ce4a47_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I had this brilliant idea for a little trip this week, but I got busy and/or lazy about firming up plans and when I decided to do so there were no dog-friendly hotels left. Boo. So, we are staycationing. I have a long list of things that I will feel mildly bad about not getting done. Dumb shit like car washing and haircuts and new glasses and dog bathing. The beach sounds a little better. Maybe we’ll fit that in between naps and cookies. </div>
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Bendy chops! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15871189132" title="DSCF2460 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2460" height="359" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8625/15871189132_6ec9f3bdf8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-26392057031814628152014-11-10T08:26:00.002-08:002014-11-10T08:26:36.351-08:00Frisbee catchers<div style="text-align: left;">
I used to get weird breed guesses for my dogs a lot. People *swore* Bella had to have German Shorthair in her because of the ticking. Some agility folk loved to argue with me about Bella being pure bred Border Collie. No amount of explaining could change their minds. I have even been told that Kate is a pit bull. </div>
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For whatever reason, this doesn’t happen much anymore. On our walk yesterday, though, a guy who was biking with his gf stopped to ask me if they were Jack Russells. I was so not expecting that. I said, “is who a Jack Russell?” He pointed at the girls. “Them.” “Oh, no, you’re about 20 pounds off. They are Border Collie mixes.” </div>
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“Right, those are the ones that catch Frisbees.” </div>
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“Sure.” </div>
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I guess when discussing my dogs, that does about explain it. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15131861424/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="454"></iframe>
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Though, I expect that the folk that need a working dog, the keepers of the usefulness, may be a little disheartened by that. </div>
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But the sheep, they are soo big. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15749931051" title="DSCF2422 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2422" height="359" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/15749931051_3a84fe7d99_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Would rather watch ducks. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15751822495" title="DSCF2436 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2436" height="359" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7478/15751822495_515bcd48ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And, I rarely take notice of this, but when I do it’s like I can’t stop seeing it…
Kate has the biggest sticky outy thumbs ever. Like Even Cowgirls Get The Blues thumbs. </div>
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Should have names her Sissy.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15131861034" title="DSCF2439 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2439" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15131861034_b6d3ee001e_z.jpg" width="359" /></a></div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-65387232571346194712014-11-09T15:58:00.000-08:002014-11-09T15:58:26.785-08:00Friends<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15566649897" title="DSCF2443 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2443" height="359" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3941/15566649897_ddb19ae01f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-1866722246599220342014-11-03T13:14:00.000-08:002014-11-03T13:14:32.607-08:00Brilliant!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I dropped the girls off last Friday I said,"Now, today is one of those days that someone might put a hat on you. Just be polite. There will be cookies, too."</div>
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Well, no hats, but a little more dog-friendly costuming. Best day care photo I have ever gotten. And that's 11 years worth of daycare holiday photos!</div>
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Just great!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0-GrzFti-hcj2wgHW4r_NKGiR6ZJEXilBKn72D_F-UDHX00TmXh-mdVlIr-rptOx6IUsaJ-PkQTtiJ4b-2HW-rS64AgFCv5I92C06tCM_5gqwMFo1ugAfwQwalxgiGZFcMemRCNSsbI/s1600/Image-4895449-227340813-2-WebLarge_0_31ddaaa7b210539fd6cc48aa86ebc910_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0-GrzFti-hcj2wgHW4r_NKGiR6ZJEXilBKn72D_F-UDHX00TmXh-mdVlIr-rptOx6IUsaJ-PkQTtiJ4b-2HW-rS64AgFCv5I92C06tCM_5gqwMFo1ugAfwQwalxgiGZFcMemRCNSsbI/s1600/Image-4895449-227340813-2-WebLarge_0_31ddaaa7b210539fd6cc48aa86ebc910_1.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo by some awesome employee at Downtown Dogs</div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-83389516653444969302014-11-03T07:59:00.001-08:002014-11-03T07:59:34.288-08:00Save the daylight<div style="text-align: center;">
Worst day for dogs. That whole “fall back” thing is pretty hard. </div>
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Feels….like…dinner… </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15075734944" title="DSC_7617 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7617" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7500/15075734944_b45041fc64_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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We actually hard rain this weekend, too! Like, real rain. The kind that gets things wet and leaves puddles. Not just the kind that puts dust spots on your car. Everything was thankful for the soak. Amazing how quickly things green up. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15697285492" title="DSC_7604 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7604" height="424" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15697285492_6ce28b886f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I haven’t been to our morning park for a daytime walk in a while. We went yesterday to avoid dealing with Levi’s Stadium traffic, which we would have to skim on the way to any normal weekend destinations. The daytime park has apparently turned into pot central. Cars full of kids smoking. Every other picnic table, kids smoking. The park is a half mile long and really only open on both ends. It is sort of protected from traffic and animal control. One of the reason there is a fair amount of off-leash play there. I guess that sort of applies to the normal police, too. Now, I could care less what you smoke and, quite frankly, I would rather deal with stoners than drunks. You want to put something in your body that makes you stupid? Knock yourself out. However, not in public! That shit smells horrible! Cigarettes are not allowed in public parks, but this OK? </div>
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Kate watching squirrels. Probably high. Who can tell? </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15075733624" title="DSC_7627 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7627" height="424" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15075733624_5d7bfb8504_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Clouds of smoke aside, it was a stunning day. Good for the girls, too. One of those bonus days when you are just going to go on a leash walk and happen upon a lost ball needing a throw. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15076341813" title="DSC_7607 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7607" height="424" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15076341813_207c0dc1eb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Excuse me, <i>Bella’s</i> lost ball.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15695684205" title="DSC_7622 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_7622" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15695684205_a1b7924c68_z.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-22833452422104013982014-10-27T10:41:00.000-07:002014-10-27T10:41:30.139-07:00NOLA sans dogs<div style="text-align: center;">
Everybody has this shot, right? Kinda like that same picture of the Golden Gate everyone and their uncle has taken? </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15423393648" title="Jackson Square by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Jackson Square" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15423393648_8ded322fe9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Loved, loved, loved New Orleans.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15423470557" title="DSCF2351 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2351" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/15423470557_3824620de5_z.jpg" width="359" /></a></div>
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I would move there in a heartbeat if there was something for me to do work-wise. Not heavy into the manufacturing there. They seem to prefer cooking over making.
The Ritz on Canal. Not where I stayed.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15610313842" title="Ritz-Carlton by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Ritz-Carlton" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/15610313842_d18681f219_z.jpg" width="359" /></a></div>
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Back in my yoot, oh about a hundred years ago, I drove a carriage in Chicago. Pay sucked. Weather really sucked. (Consider sitting on Michigan Ave for 10 hours in February. Brr doesn’t cover it.) However, 20+ years later and it is still the best job I have ever had. I sat in Jackson Square drinking badass coffee and contemplating whether a return to an outdoor job would be a good move. They seem to use mules there instead of horses. Not sure why. Could driving them be much different? Maybe I sort of retire at 44 and become a tourist schlepper? </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15422856299" title="Jackson Brewery by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Jackson Brewery" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15422856299_672e8d26fb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The people there are just great. It always seems to go to one extreme or the other with touristy places. Either the locals are assholes to you because you’re not from there or they are overly fake-nice like Disney-esque-no-one-is-really-that-happy nice. In New Orleans, nicely right in the middle. Friendly, happy to point you in the right direction, but not overly anything. They also love to point out that it is New Orleans…two words…not nawlins….not new orleeeeeeeens….just New Orleans. We have the same thing here. San Francisco is San Francisco. Or even just The City. Not San Fran. Certainly not Frisco. And if you want someone to know for sure that you are not from here please refer to California as Cali.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15585810176" title="Walgreens by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Walgreens" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15585810176_6c36ac8034_z.jpg" width="350" /></a> </div>
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This about sums up New Orleans. Dru Hill, SWV, Alton Brown. </div>
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Indeed. Haha. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/14988720844" title="Saenger Theater by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Saenger Theater" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/14988720844_5b95851aa6_z.jpg" width="359" /></a>
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-73485984021503896412014-09-30T08:29:00.001-07:002014-09-30T09:57:34.103-07:00Toys and the pouring motion<div style="text-align: left;">
Neither of my dogs are self-entertaining. I’m not sure how much of that is a breed trait thing or how much is just how they have been raised. I really prefer an interactive dog. I don’t get the enjoyment of standing around and watching your dog do something without you. To each their own, of course, but I don’t get wanting to have a dog that doesn't give a shit if you are there or not. Because of that, I have never really encouraged my dogs to go off and figure out their own games. I play *with* them. Bella, for sure, needs some human interaction. She doesn't see toys as something to bother with alone. She won’t even tug with Kate unless I am holding the middle of the rope. Even then, she isn't really tugging with Kate. Kate is playing a parasitic role in *our* game of tug. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15363096746" title="600_6827 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6827" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/15363096746_abcf97c040_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Kate, though, she doesn't really need human interaction. She doesn't really play with other dogs in a typical sense. At daycare last week there was a bulldog in with them. For some reason, bulldogs really seem to love pushing jolly balls around. Love it! I don’t know why that would be a breed thing, but it seems to be. Kate had the bestest time ever following that ball-pushing dog around….all…..day. She was so damn happy. It was hysterical. She doesn't want to take the ball. Doesn't get in the way. Actually makes a concerted effort to stay out of his way. Just runs alongside, barking, tail going like mad. It’s like it doesn't occur to her to do that herself. Or that wouldn't be fun. Or something. But, getting others too is a riot. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15199427750" title="Kate92814 (1) by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate92814 (1)" height="428" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15199427750_a959ee29b0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The pouring thing, how do your dogs react to this? I put some juice in a bottle I was re-using. I wasn’t sure that the seal would work and wanted to check before I let it leak all over my car. Bella, being the nosy britches she is, was standing in front of me. I tipped the bottle 90° and held it to see if it would leak. Bella blinked hard and backed up like she thought I was going to pour something on her. ‘Cause, you know, I do that all the time, just randomly pour stuff on her in the living room. *eye roll* Since the only time something is poured on her is during a bath and even then, never just over her head – how rude – I wondered where that reaction came from. I did the same thing to Kate and her reaction was to move toward the bottle like I was giving her something. Hmm. Tried on one of the other dogs in house, same reaction as Kate. A Bella phenomenon? Is she just paranoid? </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15364215442" title="600_6800 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6800" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/15364215442_852b364f33_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Perhaps.
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-13374231936201757682014-09-29T11:17:00.000-07:002014-09-29T11:17:31.736-07:00She's aging<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at the gray ears! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15361351591" title="600_6796 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6796" height="428" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15361351591_ffab911458_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Now, of course the white on the tip of her left ear had always been, but the right? When did that start getting white? And all the hair on the inside? I think the problem with Kate is that she is not so much graying as just fading. She is starting to get really light in the areas where her color meets the white. She’s blending.
Also, spending a little more time enjoying the small things. Not just ball-type small things. </div>
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Sundog. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15364524385" title="600_6801 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6801" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/15364524385_0e88f2e4e7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The photo below is just so Kate. She really wants to do what you want, but there are always limits. In this case, Kate’s complete lack of bendable anything. She also doesn’t really adapt. See, if Bella couldn’t reach with her prominent leg, she would have tried using the other one. Kate? No. I asked them to touch each other. To Kate that means touch something with your left foot. Not her problem is it is not in range. :) Had Bella been on her other side, it would have worked. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2halves/15177937048" title="600_6812 by Pia Gronvaldt, on Flickr"><img alt="600_6812" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/15177937048_6e7d8e4d5e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914346453926040919.post-91819555537992909812014-09-28T16:42:00.001-07:002014-09-28T16:42:53.404-07:00I was going to post todayBut, Comcast is an asshole and clearly doesn't want me to be the kind of productive that would require an Internet connection.<br />
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In lieu of said actual post, please enjoy Kate's Comcast face.<br />
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<br />2halveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268960093227782475noreply@blogger.com1