Bath time

My little Baby Blue just got a well-needed bath. For someone who loves to swim as much he does, it's surprising that he hates getting in the tub. However, it is not his decision to make, so in the tub he went. Now he’s a clean, blue, lovely-smelling baby. :) Alih went to the country last Friday, and he got a bath once there. So now I have 2 fabulously smelling puppies. Hihihi...

James and I are going to the country tomorrow morning where we will join up with Alih. My parents on the other hand are coming to the city for work, which means that Alih, James and I are going to enjoy some alone time for a few days. There will be lots of hugging and kissing going on... :)

By the way, we just weighed James and he weighed 29,7kg (about 65-66 pounds). I think he will weigh quite a lot by the time he is fully grown, considering how young he still is. He already looks like a little bodybuilder, not that that should come as a surprise considering how active he is - Mr. Super Active. :)

A little update on Jay's new food - he still likes it. Yeeesss!!!!

Time to watch some mucho interesto soccer right now. It is Germany - Spain in the final. Very, very exciting! :)

New Dog Food

Today, we started James on a new type of dog food. He has always been a bad eater, and a dog with his activity level definitely needs a well-balanced meal to stay happy and healthy. He has been eating Eukanuba Working & Endurance for some time now, and like everything else we have tried, he has gone tired of it already. The boy is as picky as can be; sometimes he does not even eat when I mix it with minced meat (ground beef). Alih was a picky eater when he was a young dog as well, but when he got ground beef mixed with the food, he'd eat. However, this was something he out-grew as he got older, so hopefully James will too. Carlos on the other hand never missed a meal. My big, gorgeous baby! :)

Well getting to the point, we bought this dog food called Klass Hundfoder. It is minced meat, but it contains a mixture of all kinds of meat (chicken, pig etc.). It was developed specifically for dogs to get a well-balanced meal, and this brand has actually been on the Swedish market since the 1960s. Obviously James has only had one meal so far, but he loved it. I hope he will continue to like it even after a while. I did mix it with his Eukanuba food though, and if this will work I will continue doing so. The only negative side with this food, is that it is frozen which means it takes a lot of space in the freezer and one has to remember to defrost it before every meal. But anything for the babies! =)

I’d heard about this kind of food before, but the one that introduced me to it “again”, was the owner of James brother. Atlas (Jay’s bro) eats something sort of similar called B.A.R.F (it can be found in the US too). The reason why we chose Klass Hundfoder was due to location and convenience. Anyhow, lets cross our fingers this food will work!

Next week Thursday, the World Dog Show starts. This year it will be held in Stockholm, Sweden. Its not just for show dogs, there will be agility trials and not to forget, the world championship in obedience (which is what interests me the most). Mr. L and I are planning on going on Saturday (the 5th of July). The Amstaffs will be shown that day, including brother Atlas, so we will have someone to cheer on. Jay will not be shown at this event; he will be at home with his old bro Alih and his grandparents having a fabulous time in the country. :)

Below are a couple of recent pics of Atlas - he is so cute I just want to eat him. :) One can actually see similarities between all the brothers.

Delicious Dinner

Went out to dinner last night with Mr. L, my parents, my 2 cousins (Caroline & Jackie) and their parents (my uncle and his wife). For dinner I ate a fabulous sirloin steak, and for dessert we had ice-cream. It all tasted delicious. The main event was my uncle’s birthday, but we also celebrated that my cousin Caroline recently had turned 20 (we never got a chance to meet on her b-day) and I recently finished my Swedish Master’s Degree (min ekonomiemagister). It was great fun to see them all, unfortunately we don’t see each other often enough. (My mom and my cousin Jackie took pics, so if I get any at a later point, I will add them to the post).

We had a late start today. Did not take the dogs out until after 10 A.M. Poor things, but they were tired too. We went to a recreational park that we used to go to a lot, but for some reason we have not been there in quite some time. The dogs love it there, as they can run around and play as they please. James jumped in the water at the first opportunity he got. When Mr. L told him he’d had enough, he got pissed and started bouncing around. That boy sure is special. But after a slap in the ass, from me, he calmed down. I had him lay down for quite some time, and he did not dare to budge. I guess a slap in the ass works. Maybe I should try that on Mr. L too when he misbehaves. lol.

It's study time... Ciao!

I've finally seen it...

..the Sex & the City Movie. Mr. L and I decided to go in the last minute, and no regrets. :) Great story, with a happy ending! And guess what was showing on TV when we got home? An old episode of SATC. lol. Can the evening get any better than that? :) I doubt it!

My Baby is 10 months:)

HAPPY 10-MONTHS, JAMES!

I wish all of my brothers - Happy 10-months!

With Love,

Your brother Jay :)

Back home!

We are finally back at home, and it feels great. Jay is dead tired after 10 days in the country. While there, he does not really sleep during the day, he is busy running in and out of the house all day long. As soon as we came home today he curled up on his bed and slept. Hihihi...Alih stayed behind, but will be back home with us on Wednesday.

We had some crazy thunder and lightning last night. It must have been James’ first “thunder & lightning” experience... and he did not like it at all! He woke us up around 3 A.M. barking like crazy. However, it was really loud and the whole house actually lit up several times, so I can understand that he was wondering about what was going on. I feel sorry for my dad though who had to get up early for work; at least we could sleep in ...

Oh by the way - a certain someone will be 10 months tomorrow... :)

A Great Midsummer Eve!

We had a great Midsummer Eve in the company of some great friends, fabulous food & dessert. And for some, it even included hard liquor. :)

Thanks A & H for a great evening that continued on into the wee hours... We made it home in one piece. :)

The Host Couple

Some crazy folks.. :)

Cheers!

Mr. Gonzo - in charge of security for the evening! :)

Training at the Dog Club

Between the rain, we made a trip to the local Dog Club today (as a teenager I used to spend a lot of time there with our labradors). It's not far at all from my parents house. As soon as we got there, we took both dogs for a walk. It might have been a little bit too far for Alih because he was really tired when we got back to the club. But when Jay was practicing hurdles and agility, Alih was enjoying the view from the side. (I played around with the color on the pics again).

"I can jump, I can jump...."

"...look how good I am."

"And I am not afraid of the ladder... no problems."

Alih: "should I jump?" ...

For God's Sake - noooo!!! Would have to call the Fire Department to get him out of there. :)

Alih teaching James how to attack the tire instead of jumping through it...James is a bright and eager student. :)

"This is apparently what I am suppose to do."

"me, afraid of heights?... heck no!"

Show training, but more busy looking at a bird than focusing.

The fabulous old man - Stinky Binky. :)

Glad Midsommar!

Would like to wish everybody –

Happy Midsummer!

The midsummer pole which all the kids will dancing around.

My Summer Courses

As I already mentioned I am taking a couple of online courses this summer, which unfortunately started immediately after the spring semester ended. No summer break over here, but oh well. I am taking a course in Strategic Human Resources Management and a course called Business at the EU market. I think the teachers in the HRM course are a little bit too enthusiastic though, ‘cause boy do they have us work like crazy. We have already produced 3 (shorter) papers and the course has not even gone on for 2 weeks yet. Mr. L is taking this course too, and he has not studied at the University in several years, hence him being a bit shocked I think, at the pace they are keeping. All day today, we have been working on the next paper which is due on Sunday, and I am halfway there.

From one thing to another, Sweden so suck! Yes, of course I am talking about the soccer match against Russia last night. I seriously cannot say I am surprised over their loss. It is very typical of Sweden to fold under pressure, it does not matter what sport we’re talking about. Anyhow, right now Germany is playing Portugal… and the scores are 2-0 to Germany so far. That’s a shocker - but you go Germany!

"Little Hawaii"

Went to a lake today that they call ”Little Hawaii”. It is located far, far out in the forest. But it was really nice there, too bad the weather was not the greatest but it did not stop the dogs from enjoying themselves. We will definitely head back to this place on a nice day, and spend the whole day there. Take a look at some pics from today – I played around with the color on the first couple of pics.

Wild Jay

yeahhhhhhaaaa

Jay reminds me of a Kangaroo on this pic. :)

...and off he goes.

"Try to catch me if you can".

"What's that little thing doing now?"

"Wow.. where did that go???..."

Jodi - the doll

Got some pics from Mr. L's sister Lisa (in NYC) the other day. The pics are from her daughter Jodi's (L's niece) school graduation. Is she not adorable - she looks like a little doll.

Jodi & Lisa

Jodi & her 2nd cousin Che

I have not been in NYC in 2 years, so the last time I saw Jodi she was a whole lot smaller, not to mention Mr. Che. He was just a baby with a bottle in his hand. Time goes so fast.... I want to go to NYC nooooooow. We miss you, guys!

Missing the Baby Blue

Right now I'm missing little James like crazy. I have not seen him since Friday night. :( However, I have been told he's had a great time with my folks... he’s been to a “veteran car show”, he’s been going on long walks, he's dug a couple of holes in the lawn, and last night he slept the entire night in my parents bed. My dad and Jay all up on each other (my mom told me). :) I will see the little wild one this afternoon though, so I should survive until then.

Alih and I came in from our morning walk a short while ago, and boy was he in a “sniff mood”. He has not missed a smell...When I let him go in the park last night, he ran around like as if he was two years old again. He looks so damn funny, this big, heavy, old man bouncing around looking like some... mmm, I don’t know what. Oops, just heard some thunder...Every now and then it’s actually nice with some rain and thunder (no rain yet though). But if we get crappy weather, it means I will rent some movies & chill with my "blue one" and my "old one" this afternoon/evening. Ahhhh, nice! :)

Great Wedding Party

We had a great time at the wedding yesterday. Since the bride is Swedish and the groom is African, there was a mix of Swedish and African traditions. The party actually started with an African woman teaching us some African dance moves. OMG, is all I have to say. :) But it sure was hilarious to look at. She, the dance instructor, was so good and so much fun to watch.... Well after having warmed up to some African rhythms it was time for some fabulous food – yummy. By this time I was freakn’ starving... hahaha... After dinner and some speeches it was time for some dancing, and boy did we dance all night long. Guess what they jump started the night with??? My favourite song – “Celebrate good times, come on”. :) The party was so on!! The groom, Mr. O, is such a great dancer; he sure showed us some of his fabulous moves... hahaha

I have to say, I met so many interesting people at the wedding who came from all over the world. Well lots of crazy funny people too, for that matter. This one guy, from Uganda (now living in Sweden), was crazy. Mr. L and I laughed our asses off at him all night. A woman from England was crazy hilarious too. When two of the groom’s friends were dancing, shakin’ it and acting all silly (asses all up in the air), this crazy English woman saw her opportunity and ran up and slapped one of them in the ass.... and we’re talking HAAAARD. I mean you could hear the "smack" over the loud music. LOL. I almost died laughing ‘cause he thought it was his buddy who did it... the look on his face – totally priceless. :)

Here are some pics from the wedding ...



The Bride & Groom exiting the church

2 hot shots :)

This was the Bride's cousin (& toast master) who decided to dress in a traditional African dress. She's getting help from the best man's wife.

All the Ladies trying to learn some African dance steps...

...and here are the guys... :)

The dance instructor was working them hard...LOL

James is a busy bee...

James has been entered into 3 more Dog Shows, 2 in July and 1 in August so far.

July 20 – Köping. The judge is Nemanja Jovanovic from Serbia
July 27 - Ransäter. The judge is Cristian Vantu from Rumania (I think this is the judge from the last show we went to, who judged the junior final).
August 10 - Askersund. The judge is Ann Rode from Sweden.

They are all International shows put on by the SKK (SKK=The Swedish Kennel Club).

Yeeeeeeeeesssssssssssss

We got VG on our master’s thesis (D-uppsatsen). :) Not sure how it is graded in other countries but in Sweden a VG is the highest score you can get. In English VG translates to “Passing with Distinction”. Folks, you do not understand how much work we have put down on this paper and it feels so got damn FABULOUS ... I cannot even express how great it feels! This will have to be celebrated. Tonight I will be dancing to “Lets Groove Tonight” and “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind and Fire. And the song I love so much, "Celebrate good times, come on" by Kool and the Gang. Hahahaha. I wish I could scream so you could hear me - I am so freakn’ happyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To Ulrika, my thesis partner – we did a remarkable job, we so ROCK dude!!!! LOL

Anyhow, today I have been out shopping for something to wear to the wedding we are going to tomorrow. It’s a friend of Mr. L who is getting married. I found a beige suit that will do just fine. In a couple of hours my little Baby Blue is going to the country with my parents. He cannot be alone for several hours when we are shaking our booties at the wedding, but we are keeping Alih though. He’s an old man who actually enjoys getting some nice and undisturbed sleep. :) On Monday Ulrika and I have to go to the University as we need to get our thesis printed and binded. The University needs 3 or 4 copies and I want to keep a copy for myself too. :) After that is all set and done, we will probably be heading to the country again.

Why don’t you folks dance with me tonight??!! Here’s Earth, Wind and Fire ... and Kool n' the Gang.... Enjoy! :)



"Let's Groove Tonight"


"Boogie Wonderland"


"Celebrate good times, come on"

A Hike & A Grand Opening

We went on an early morning hike today, deep within the forest. The trail is in a nature reserve called Kindla. It was me, Mr. L, James, our friends A & H and Gonzo. The hike started nicely but turned in to a leg killer as we had to climb up hill for a long time. At the top was a look-out tower so the view was magnificent. It was just forest, forest, forest as far as the eye could see.

In the afternoon it was actually time for us to head back to the city. The Dog Company I have taken obedience classes from, with James, had their grand opening of their first doggie day care / store / cafe today. My friend F and I went there to check it out, and it was nice. Lots of dog people and dogs... hihi... Even my parents showed up. My mom was there with a friend (who owns a tiny little Chihuahua) and my dad could not stay away when he found out both of us were there. :) At 7 P.M. a freestyle show was shown in the park, it was one of the leading Swedish competitors (in freestyle) who came and performed with her two dogs. James and I went to check it out...

Anyhow, gotta watch Sweden play Greece in the European Championships right now...
Later –
l.e.w.

The view from the look-out tower.

Gonzo chillin'

Jay is ...mmmm, not sure what he's up to. :)

The Super Cool Ladies :)

The Grand Opening of Hundstyrkan's Day Care/Store/Cafe.

The hot & sticky weather continues...

Yesterday Jay and I started the day with a run. It was the first time I took him for a run, and it went great. He is used to running off leash when we’re out walking so this was not a faster pace for him than normal, and it was only 2,5 kilometres. I am very happy, because I believe I finally got an excellent running partner in Mr. James.

We went to the lake in the afternoon where Jay could swim and burn off some energy. Since it was midday and hot as an oven, we actually left Alih at home. My parents’ house is really nice and cool inside so he prefers to stay inside during the day (at least on nasty hot days like these). Later in the evening, we went to our friends A & H for some ice-cream. Left both dogs at home, and when we came back my parents where getting ready to take Alih to the lake. Mr. L and I decided to take James for a nice walk instead. There was one problem though, the freakn’ mosquitoes tried to eat us alive. It was an ongoing struggle. Half way through the forest we have to cross a road and we decided to take the road instead, but the damn mosquitoes continued following us. It turned in to a super power-walk. :)

This morning started with a long and brisk walk with Jay, stopped by the lake on our way home for him to cool off. But as usual, he never wants leave. Hihi...The Lake is right by my grandparents’ house so when we were passing their house, we found them sitting on the patio enjoying some shade. We stopped and chatted with them for awhile. James was in heaven when he got his head and chest scratched by my grandpa. My grandma kept saying how beautiful James is and that he must be the most beautiful dog in the world with his color and his head. Hihi...They love all dogs but its fun when they care for their “great grandkids” a little extra. :) When we finally got back home, I took Alih for a walk. After that it was time to do some cleaning. We had brought some mats from home that we were going to try and clean, and it worked. After some hard work with the hose and a brush, the mats looked like new again. It was perfect weather for it too since it was crazy hot but yet a hint of a breeze, so they are already dry. Took both dogs to the lake in the afternoon, James swam like the wild man he is and Alih was chillin’, walking in and out of the water, sniffing, peeing and just enjoying it.

Our friends A & H and their Rottie Gonzo came over tonight and they brought pizza. Ahhhh, right now I almost feel like puking. Man, I am stuffed. I will have to go for a run tomorrow morning again. We have the TV on, watching soccer. Germany is playing Poland in the European Championships.

That's about as interesting as it gets around here. :) Hope you've had a nice weekend too, no matter how you spent it. Take care...Ciao.

"Sweet Summer of Mine"

My Gorgeous Alih

My Crazy James

Both my babies chillin' on the lawn - it's hot for ém.

Here's the craziest one of them all... :)

Could not love the water anymore... he's a freak!

Old man found half a tree to drag around ....

...& he had to show James, that even though he's old, he's still the strongest. :)

And here they are, curled up together, dead tired after a long and hot day...

The National Day of Sweden

Today, June 6, is Sweden's National Day. Unfortunately the celebrations are pretty lame. It's kind of sad 'cause I believe it is a day to be proud of! The whole country should be celebrating!!!!

We are going to the country, where we will be reunited with old man Alih. =) We have no specific plans other than that we will BBQ tonight. It seems to be yet another hot day... so I will probably take the doggies to some lake where they can cool off and enjoy themselves.

Here's the Swedish Anthem sung by Carola:

Ready for the Sex & the City Movie?

Most Sex & the City Fans have probably already seen the trailer, and if you live in the US you've probably already seen the movie. But in Sweden, we are still waiting and waiting. In case anyone has missed the trailer - here it is! =)

By the way, I love the India Arie song "Heart of the matter" which they play in the movie. I love Fergie too and her SATC theme song "Labels or Love"...


SATC trailer


India Arie "Heart of the matter"


Fergie "Labels or Love"

Wet, Wild & Crazy

This morning we took James to the lake (Alih is in the country with my parents). James had a fabulous time, acting like his normal crazy self. This morning we were also up for a surprise treat. Well, this little family showed up a while after we had arrived... it was a mommy, a daddy and a little kid. All of a sudden I see the guy bend over and his whole crack is showing. I thought he was about to switch into another pair of swimming trunks but oh no! The shorts he was wearing came off instead... and down to the water he went. Not long after, his wife also decided to take her clothes off... oh yes, BUTT NAKED! And there they were, all happy, bouncing around like there was not a problem in the world... =)

Considering how crazy James is at the beach, he really did not care about the naked folks but Mr. L and I got somewhat distracted. LOL.

Here are some pics from this morning. You tell me - do you think Jay is a fan of water or not???? =)