Thursday – Anything Possible – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Yard

“Looks beautiful out there.”

“Let me see.”

“See. Nice and cool and sun.”

“You are right. Let’s call the doorman and go out there.”

“Hey. The tent is back up.”

“So it is. I think that is a good thing.”

“Look at this sun. Feels good.”

“Wait, I forgot my sunscreen.”

“You don’t need it. The sun isn’t that hot.”

“There are UV rays all the same, and a girl doesn’t need sun-damaged skin.”

“I think you are overreacting, but suit yourself.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“You all better now?”

“Yes, I feel protected.”

“I’m glad. You want to play ball?”

“Sure sounds fun. This tent is supposed to keep the leaves off the turf.”

“What did you say, and where are you going?”

“I must tell Dad the tent isn’t keeping all the leaves off the turf.”

“It keeps most of them away. Why are you standing there?”

“Dad isn’t hearing me. I can’t imagine how things are supposed to work if people ignore me.”

“Of course, they have been here longer than us, so maybe they have things figured out.”

“You know why this tent and fencing had to be put up, right?”

“I heard rumors that it was to keep me from eating leaves.”

“That’s right. And these leaves were your favorites.”

“Well, I certainly have matured. Oh, look at that big juicy leaf.”

“It’s not juicy. It’s all dried up, and you should leave it alone.”

“When they are dry, they are nice and crunchy.”

“And will give you an upset tummy. Leave it alone. Where is Dad anyway?”

133 comments

  1. circadianreflections's avatar

    LOL! “Let’s call the doorman to open it up”. That was funny.

    They sure look happy to be outside while it’s not too hot or cold! The tent helps keep Twiggy from getting sunburned too. 😊

    Ah, the leaf…so maybe not quite that mature yet. 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah, I think there is growing up to do. Thanks, Deborah.

      Like

  2. Dan Antion's avatar

    “Let’s call the doorman and go out there.”

    I love that line, John. It’s what we are to them, isn’t it?

    Maddie ignored the leaves, but she’d eat every twig, no mater how small.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tempeste is into twigs as well. We ask ourselves, “Will it ever end?”

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan Antion's avatar

        Maddie gave up after she was about 2. Until then, our yard was cleaner than it ever was, before or since.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I can look forward to Tempeste turning two.

          Liked by 1 person

  3. Dan Antion's avatar

    “Let’s call the doorman and go out there.”

    I love that line, John. It’s what we are to them, isn’t it?

    Maddie ignored the leaves, but she’d eat every twig, no mater how small.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    That’s quite the setup for the dynamic duo. Doorman is a great title …. but he seems to have selective hearing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He has other duties besides being a footman to two dogs.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Darlene's avatar

    Nice to see them getting some sun. Twiggy makes sure everything is as it should be, just like any big sister. Keep the posts coming, Mr. Doorman!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. 😁 Has a WP hiccup this AM. Don’t really know why the post didn’t publish at my normal time.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. shoreacres's avatar

    Here’s the important question: does the doorman get tipped? Given the amount of work he does, I’d hope so.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He gets a box on Boxing Day. You know the normal stuff, dog biscuits, treats, yak sticks, chewy bones, and stuffed toys. Everything he would want if he were a dog.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. shoreacres's avatar

        That’s just funny – and so thoughtful!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          At least it’s not a necktie. Thanks, Linda.

          Liked by 1 person

  7. lois's avatar

    The doorman! Who knew they had names for us. And he applies sunscreen, too? Best keep him around for a while. Tempeste is really growing, isn’t she? Such long legs. Their conversations are so funny.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tempeste is long and lean. Some say she will get the stocky look of a bull dog but I think she’s going to keep her model figure.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Cute one, John. Husband, father, grandfather, retired executive, writer — and now a doorman. I suspect you can do about anything. ☺️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      With these two you have to be a Jack of all trades. Thank you, Gwen. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  9. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Calling Dad the doorman is a pride statement. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

      I’ll bet he even has a uniform, shorts with a hat maybe.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. John W. Howell's avatar

        And epaulets on his shoulders. (knobby knees on the shorts and no shoes)

        Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Sure is better than calling me late for dinner. 😁 Thanks, Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Dale's avatar

    Something tells me the doorman is only one of the titles allotted to you! They sure keep you active, don’t they?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They do. I have been batching it this week so it has been twice the fun.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Batching it? What, pray tell, is that?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          The Producer hit the road to Aspen with youngest daughter for some R&R. So I have been alone for the week. (Bachelor Yeah okay I put a T in it so it sounded like cookie )making.)

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          Ahhhh!!! I was thinking what the hell? Is this a new thing?
          So enjoy the freedom 😉

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          She returns tonight.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Dale's avatar

          I’m sure you’re not sad about it 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Left with two kids to watch? No I’m very happy.

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Dale's avatar

          I’m sure you are!

          Liked by 1 person

  11. noelleg44's avatar

    Dear Doorman, I had no idea they were eating leaves! Tell them that Garfield and Samantha try to eat leaves from our indoor plants but have been spanked with a newspaper often enough that they try to sneak (and fail).

    Belly rubs to both girls!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the belly rubs. Yum. Tasty fresh leaves are the best. The fencing keeps Tempeste from puling off the leaves on the cross vine. She loves those.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    I love the sunscreen line. A girl can never be too protected when it comes to her looks. It reminds me to go put mine on. Will you three excuse me? What was that Tempeste? Oui oui? Hope that doesn’t mean you have to go. There might be a little Lysol in your Dad’s future. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Doing a oui, oui in the house is a definite Non, non, Miss Susannah. I don’t even want to imagine what would happen. I think Lysol would be the least of it. 😳

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        That made me laugh. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Always good to to that. 😁

          Like

      2. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        …and he’ll be singing.

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I am particularly concerned when Dad starts singing. (as the world should be)

          Liked by 1 person

  13. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Just like humans, she still tries to eat what’s not good for her. Now off to get fast food.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I guess like fast food the leaves taste good.

      Like

  14. Staci Troilo's avatar

    The doorman abandoned them, and the crunchy leaf snuck past the protective barriers. This has all the makings of a great thriller. Thank goodness Twiggy is on the case. Sending them belly rubs. Thanks for the smiles, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So glad you liked it, Staci. Thanks for the rubs.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Oh the never ending puppy eating. Good day Mr. doormam.. lol💓

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good day to you, Cindy. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        And to you, John! It’s always good when the dogs aren’t eating things. Although I did come home to more destroyed remotes.. NOT My fault.. lol ! blame it on my husband which is true.. 🥺

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          As far as I know dogs can’t open drawers. Just sayin’

          Like

  16. Esther Chilton's avatar

    Don’t they always want to eat things that are bad for them?! This is delightful, as ever. They’re so loved and spoiled but rightly so 😄

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      If leaves were good for them they would go untouched. Thanks, Esther.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Esther Chilton's avatar

        That’s so true!

        Liked by 1 person

  17. rabirius's avatar

    It looks like they had a lot of fun in the yard!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They do love their yard.

      Like

  18. House of Heart's avatar

    l love to see these two living life at it’s best. They are adorable, I have to agree about the sunscreen. Redhead and freckles faces aren’t the only ones at risk. I would love to have a fenced in area to keep me from wandering off. 🐾🐾 🐾🐾😎

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. It would be cheaper to get a leash.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. House of Heart's avatar

        I don’t think I’d like a leash. The pups either. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I can see that. While you are running free watch out for cars. 🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        2. House of Heart's avatar

          I’ll do my best. I get pretty excited out there in the grass and wildflowers. 🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          In the grass and wildflowers you have no fear. It is getting to the grass and wildflowers.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. House of Heart's avatar

          It’s that dayam road right? All right put us on the leash. 🐂🐂

          Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Becky.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. GP's avatar

    You sure do pamper your girls! But – I can understand that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes If you go to the dictionary and look up pamper their photos are there. 😂

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Michele Lee's avatar

    What great puppy parents you are! 😎🍂 Thank you for sharing some sunshine and these sweet stories. 🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Aw. Thanks for the lovely compliment.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee's avatar

        You’re very welcome, puppy parent John. 🐶

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          It is true, Michele that I am a puppy parent.

          Liked by 1 person

  21. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Ah, yes. Who can resist a crunchy leaf? Love these two!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Reminds her of Lays Potato Chips.

      Like

  22. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Well, young ladies… it appears that each of you might be turning over new leaves! ( I know it is bad, but hey, I fell under your spell ) xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There is a rim shot and cymbal crash in there somewhere, Miss Annette. We loved it.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    I’m guessing that you’re the “doorman,” John. 🙂 And had to laugh at the conversation about the juicy/crunchy leaf. I hope Tempeste outgrows that habit. Not yet, it seems. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah, she is still at it. Much less so though. Thanks, Diana.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    Lovely to see them both enjoying the Sun, curtesy of that kind doorman of the establishment… I hope they gave you a leafy tip.. 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Got a smile which is a great tip. Thanks, Willow.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Whoops Sorry Sue. I typed Willow by mistake.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

        That is no problem John… I have been known to do the same, as we catch up with comments.. xx ❤

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          You are the best. Thank you. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

  25. Teri Polen's avatar

    Do you get tips as a doorman? Tempeste is almost as good at sunning as Bond, lol.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I get smiles which are great tips. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Yes, Twiggy is definitely in need of reinforcements.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    Yes don’t eat the leaf, but maybe you can trade it in for something. I love photos. They are incredibly cute.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Thomas. She trades the leaf for a “Good dog.” 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  28. coldhandboyack's avatar

    We had a basset hound at one time. It was sight to see her standing on her hind legs to eat the crabapples right off the tree.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can imagine the sight. I have not heard of a dog eating crabapples.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. coldhandboyack's avatar

        This long and low pups are pretty tall when the stand like that.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes. Tempeste is a giant when she stands on her back legs.

          Liked by 1 person

  29. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Elsa: Wait, Tempeste…when did you become a vegetarian? Wait until they start dropping little bites of squirrels around, then go crazy. Leave those crunchy things for ants, ‘kay?

    Wilson: Don’t hold your breath, little one…Mums tend to frown on the dispensing squirrel parts…at least my Mum does.

    Your fur-iends,
    Elsa & Wilson 🐾

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you both for the advice. The way the trees are around here the squirrel bite fall into the neighbor’s yard for the lucky stupe that lives there. Of course out front are some yummy looking deer bits. They look like they would be delicious. My Mom forbids me to even try them. So I’m stuck with the occasional leaf. They have also fenced me out of the acorn patch which I’m dying to get into. If they are good enough for those pesky squirrels then how bad could they be? (Writer’s note – toxic) Thanks again Elsa and Wilson for your advice. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        Toxic and bad for the teeth. Your mom is doing you a favor keeping you away from acorns. And for the record, deer bits will give you a good belly ache so best avoid those little nuggets too.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ohhh. Thanks you for the warning. But they look like little chocolate balls which is forbidden too.

          Liked by 1 person

  30. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    Are these the type of dogs–where you find one, you find the other? They always seem together in the pictures. I like that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes they tend to hang together unless they are napping. Thanks, Jacqui.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    I love that they think of you as “the doorman.” 😆 You know, Wendy has a tendency to eat leaves. It’s why we cannot have plants or flowers in the house. Fortunately the worst is that she’ll throw up the leaf (hopefully on the floor, not a rug), but it’s still gross 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tempeste has done that in the past. That forced the decision on the gates and tent.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    I understand the doorman role 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thin we all do. Thanks, Denise.

      Like

  33. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Good to see someone is having fun with all the nasty weather going around in the country. We lost power for three days in the last windstorm. (Came back on last night) Two trees also came down. The neighbor’s spruce took out part of our shared fence.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Goodness. That is serious. Glad you didn’t get injured.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Sorryless's avatar

    I notice you’re the doorman when they want to go outside but Dad when they want to come back in. These girls know how to play the game.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They have me played like a jukebox.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Oh do they ever.

        Liked by 1 person

  35. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    Twiggy certainly tries to keep her sister out of trouble and teach her not to eat leaves. They would be a temptation for her. Clever of you to put a tent up to help keep them away.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jo. Twiggy does try. 😊

      Like

  36. Resa's avatar

    LOLOL!

    Tempeste thinks leaves are potato chips for dogs.

    So Twiggy, did you eat dried leaves when you were young and stupid? When will Tempeste grow out of this snacking danger?

    All I can say is; dad sure goes to a lot of work for you guys.

    🍁🍂 🍁🍂 🥬🍃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes Miss, Resa. I ate everything that I could find. You are right, Dad does a lot of work for us. 🍁🍂 🍁🍂 🥬🍃🥦

      Like

  37. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Ah, the mystery unraveled right at the end. A great post, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Robbie. 😁

      Like

  38. Jennie's avatar

    Now we know about the fence. Tempeste, you need to be an Aqua Roomer…no, Twiggy already has that covered. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. She would love to be an Aqua Roomer, Jennie. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  39. dgkaye's avatar

    Lol doorman. Love the banter between these two cuties. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debby. So glad you enjoyed it.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Black and white gang on duty! A romantic search for leaves))) Thank you for the report, dear John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My pleasure, Maria.

      Liked by 1 person