Falco Meets the Skoolie

Today George, Falco, and I drove up to my brother-in-law's house in Telford, PA, to take measurements on our new skoolie, Greyhound I. Dave had already removed most of the seats -- there is so much room inside! We will eventually have a bedroom with a queen-size bed, a full bathroom with a shower, a kitchen with table and benches, and ample space in the front for driver and passenger (and Falco of course). Over the next several weeks, we'll be cleaning and painting inside and out, installing a Pergo floor, and deciding where to place electrical outlets, water fixtures, cabinets, etc. It seems like a huge job, but we have nothing but time, so we're gonna do it right!

Falco was leary at first of the big yellow thing in the driveway. He was a trooper though, bravely climbing inside when we coaxed him. Once the door was closed, however, he became a little jumpy and tried to exit back down the stairs when the door was still closed. This of course left him trapped with his front legs on the bottom step and his back legs stuck on the top. He was too big and too long to simply turn around, so we had to help him step backwards up the steps. He finally made it to the back of the bus where he tentatively explored, even chowing down on a years-old scooby snack (yuck)! Falco's final straw was when George started the engine -- he didn't like the noise or the vibrations, and that's when we opened the door and let him escape. We're pretty sure that once Greyhound I is all decked out in luxury, Falco will change his tune and won't want to get off.

Greyhound I at Dave's house

He's the driver??!! Oh no!!!

Falco's not so sure about this skoolie thing...

Get me outta here!

Falco's Day at the Dentist

Today George and I took off work, loaded up Falco, and headed to northeast Philadelphia and NGAP (National Greyhound Adoption Program) to have his teeth and ears cleaned and his nails clipped. It was damp, cold, and raining, and maneuvering through the morning rush was awful. We made it there in one piece, however, and the staff made us feel welcome -- and of course they all remembered Falco. He was on his best behavior as they poked and prodded and coaxed him onto the scale (78.4 pounds, right where he needs to be). Then they led him away, giving us a couple of hours to ourselves. We spent about forty-five minutes hiking through the woods behind the facility in search of a lost Italian greyhound that had run away the day before. Unfortunately, we saw no signs of her and decided to head to the closest Starbucks to get out of the rain and do some work (free wi-fi). While we were gulping down the last of our skinny lattes, the vet called saying that all had gone well and Falco was recuperating.

Falco was none the worse for wear, although he was somewhat unsteady on his feet from the anesthesia and acted like he was drunk! The vet said that his teeth were in very good shape and to continue brushing them every day (yes, I have a doggie toothbrush and chicken-flavored doggie toothpaste that I use diligently on his choppers every day). His ears were so clean that she didn't need to do anything at all. And his manicure was the best I'd ever seen on him. They gave him a clean bill of health, and we headed back to Galena in the rain.

The return trip was uneventful, and we were happy to pull into our driveway. Falco went straight to his bed. We're all happy to be home.

Greyhound Racing Starting Gates

A sleepy Falco with his pearly whites

National Greyhound Adoption Program, Philadelphia

Falco's new Skoolie!

I never thought I would say this, but we just bought a school bus! George got it into his head that buying a "retired" school bus and converting it into an RV (known as a "skoolie") would be an interesting and economical way to see the country! So here it is, a 1999 flat-front pusher that we just purchased from Hagey's Bus Company in Souderton, PA!

Bob, a manager from Hagey's who showed us the bus, even took us for a little test run. It's a cream-puff -- diesel, 144K miles, new transmission, cruise control, tinted windows, heated mirrors, and pristine for being 12 years old! Hagey's couldn't have been nicer -- the facility is clean and neat, their buses are incredibly well-maintained, and they offered this bus at a price we simply couldn't refuse! Stay tuned for the amazing transformation of "Greyhound One!"

I gotta learn to drive this thing??!!??

Exploring Terrapin Park

This morning George, Falco, and I drove to Terrapin Park on Kent Island to take a walk in the woods and on the beach. It was a cool and gloomy day, but we had the place to ourselves, and it was refreshing to spend time outside after a long, cold winter. After Falco explored the beach, we found a nearby Geocache and headed home.

Are we going or what??

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is in the background.

I love my Daddy!

Falco romps on the beach.

Terrapin Park Trail

Sleepin' Through the Snow

There's no other way I can put it: Falco hates the snow. Although nothing like last winter, we've had our share of snow and ice this year so far, and we've had to majorly curtail Falco's outside time. He just wants to go out, do his business, and come back in where he can kick back and warm up! Come on, Spring!

Falco's Yuletide Festivities

Falco opens his gifts

Falco, George, and Terry had a busy and festive Christmas Day. We woke up at home, and after presents (Falco doesn't much care about the presents, but he loves ripping up all that pretty paper!), breakfast, and church, we loaded up the car and headed to Pennsylvania. We spent Christmas afternoon at Penny's house visiting with Penny, Pixie, Bev, Lindsay, and Drew. After spending the night at Mom and Tom's in Souderton, we were off to Karen and Dave's, stuffing ourselves with pizza and cookies and admiring the kids' gifts from Santa. The next day we braved the snow and winds and headed back to Maryland. We also took a beautiful walk in some quiet, snowy woods in Delaware, where Falco loved wearing his coat.

It's tough opening presents!

Gram and Pixie

Christmas Day at Gram's house

Spottie

Christmas at Karen and Dave's

Are you coming?

A walk in the snow in Delaware

Self-portrait: Terry trying out her new camera

Goblins at the Beach

Autumn is without a doubt my favorite time of year. The sweat and stink of the summer is a memory, yet the bone-chilling frigidity of winter is weeks away. Nothing but crisp, crackling, colorful leaves, jeans and jackets, and two of the best holidays of the year, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Finding ourselves on Halloween weekend sans kids and work, George, Falco, and I headed to the Lazy L Bed and Breakfast in Lewes, Delaware. The Lazy L not only allows dogs, it down right caters to them. Home-made goodies and water bowls abound -- the four-footed buggers are treated better than their credit-card bearing owners! Doggies can even come to breakfast each morning and sit at their owners' feet (although the delectable waffles, fresh fruit, and cheesy omlettes were for two-legged creatures only). We arose before the sun and headed to Slaughter Beach where Falco disappeared over the dunes until we could finally spot him at sunrise (fawn on sand is great camo). We also spent a sun-filled afternoon roaming through Cape Henlopen State Park -- not a soul in sight! The weather was perfect -- blue skies, crisp, clear air, and a breeze singing in the trees. Oh, and Falco also loved wearing George's underwear...