Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Snow

“Look at this stuff, Twiggy.”

“It’s snow, Tempeste.”

“Where has it been my whole life?”

“It only falls every few years here.”

“Look, you can pick up the chunks and eat it.”

“That makes it fun. Low calorie, too.”

“Well, some of us who are sleek and in fighting condition don’t have to worry.”

“You calling me fat?”

“Never. Big-boned, maybe.”

“Very funny. We are examples of different body styles.”

“Okay. I’m going to grab more of these pieces.”

“This tent is nice for keeping the snow off the turf.”

“Yeah, but it is much more fun out in it.”

“Makes my paws cold.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t be a wimp.”

“Okay, you go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Watch my leap. When do you think we can use the whole yard?”

“When you stop eating leaves and acorns.”

“I’m working on that. Yipee, look at me.”

“You are a sight for sure.”

 

“I love this stuff.”

“You can continue, but I must warm up a little.”

“Okay, Grandma. You just rest on the porch.”

“I’ll just do that, youngster.”

“I do think it might be time to go in.”

“This water bottle is frozen. It is definitely time to go in.”

“Maybe some hot cocoa.”

“Dogs don’t drink cocoa. It is bad for us.”

“Maybe just a smell then.”

“Ask Mom.”

149 comments

  1. Hazel's avatar

    This is fun, twiggy and tempeste. I enjoyed the leap🤭

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Hazel. I was lucky to catch it. Tempeste move so fast. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hazel's avatar

        Surely, as I’ve seen in the photo. Tempeste seems a fast runner.

        You’re most welcome, John. Have an amazing day as you are!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you, Hazel.

          Liked by 1 person

  2. Shagun's avatar

    Brilliant & funny Twiggy & Tenpeste … as always John! What a lovely read for receding winters & a wonderful new year ahead !!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much for the lovely message, Shagun. Wishing you a bountiful New Year. 😊

      Like

  3. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Great action shots. Tempeste has the right idea with snow. At least for kids. Us old folks can’t be eating winter candy without suffering later. 😁

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. The Producer made some snowballs and Tempeste feasted on them.

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        A meal for royalty.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Low cal too. 😁

          Like

  4. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Awesome. You have more snow than we do. One of mine goes crazy in the snow.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tempeste loves it more than Twiggy. Might just be an age thing.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. GP's avatar

    haha, what goes around, eh? Twiggy used to tease Lucy about her weight!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Oh I know. She used to refer to her as the Water buffalo. It does come back it seems. We still miss Lucy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. GP's avatar

        I’ll bet you do, she was a huge part of your lives. I still think of her myself.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Aw. The producer and I were talking about her last night and both agree that she was the perfect dog. She loved everything and every body.

          Liked by 1 person

  6. Darlene's avatar

    It is strange to see snow in Texas. Is this the first time Tempeste has experienced snow? My girls would hate it. They don’t even like rain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. This is Tempeste’s first time and she would hardly come inside. Like a human kid she would come in to warm up and then ask to go out again. She has so much fun.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Darlene's avatar

        That is so cute!!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It must make their paws cold, even if it is fun to play in it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah. The tent kept most of the snow away so they could run in it and then get to turf. Kept frostbite down to a minimum.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

        That tent is sure a good idea, as is the turf.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          We have really liked both. The tent has kept the leaves away (Tempeste’s favorite treat) and the sun’s heat.

          Liked by 1 person

  8. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    I get such a kick out of watching a dog in the snow for the first time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She sure had a great time.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    Looks like they have had a great time exploring in the snow… Even our Cat thinks twice about getting his paws cold in the snow John…

    Looks like your temps are really low!…. Keep warm with that hot cup of Cocoa.
    Sending warm hugs xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We have had some cold nights for sure. Last night was -1C. Days are warmer though.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

        Yes it’s been around those temps here this week.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    I’ve got the feeling Tempeste would enjoy a bigger blast of snow!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think she would like to burrow and leap. Thanks, Frank.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous · ·

    Fun post, John. I have identified with both dogs over my life span. ; )

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pat.

      Like

  12. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    Twiggy and Tempeste are so much fun! Hope you all are warm!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We are going to enjoy a 52 degree day today. Still chilly for us but way better than 28.

      Like

      1. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

        Yes, that sounds much better! Yesterday, we were at -1. It was bitterly cold. Today is at an acceptable 21. lol

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yeah but you guys are tough. I remember the winters around there. Not for the faint of heart.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

          LOL I reckon. Stay warm!

          Liked by 1 person

  13. lois's avatar

    haha! “Okay, Grandma.” Oh, Tempeste, you are a riot. Very cool moves, too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Lois. Twiggy is so stuck in the mud sometimes. Gotta keep her young. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  14. noelleg44's avatar

    I loved their reaction to the snow! What fun to watch them! And yes, eating it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tempeste had snow balls the next day too. The Producer made her some.

      Like

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        I’m laughing at that! What an experience for a puppy! Twiggy is much wiser!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes Tempeste goes into everything full speed. Twiggy is a little more cautious.

          Liked by 1 person

  15. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Young ladies… I must say I’d rather observe YOU having a grand time in the snow then to be having a time of it myself. AND I shall think of you as I sip some cocoa!! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We did have fun, Miss Annette. Our paws got a little chilly but all in all it was great. That cocoa smells delicious.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Debbie's avatar

    John, I *knew* you’d be posting photos of the girls in the snow, and I see I’m not disappointed. What fun! At least, Tempeste seems to be enjoying the white stuff. Bet she’d have a blast up here with Monk. Twiggy? Um, she reminds me of me — it’s nice to have a spot of snow, but it’s even nicer when it all melts away!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You nailed Twiggy’s opinion exactly. Tempeste was crazy for. the snow and Twiggy not so much.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Such fun! I cracked up at the comment about smelling cocoa. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the visit, Jan. Glad to give you a chuckle.😁

      Liked by 1 person

  18. shoreacres's avatar

    Both of them did better than my neighbor’s dog, who didn’t make it out until the 5th try. He’d put his nose and front paws out, say “Nope!” and run back in. Of course, we had much more snow that you did, and it was up to his knees at his front door! This morning the birds’ water bowl wasn’t frozen, so better days are coming.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ours was about 1/4 of an inch. Just enough to look white.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. robbiesinspiration's avatar

    Hi John, this is a most entertaining post. Snow in Texas. I hope the lights stay on. ☃️❄️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes we are fine. It was all gone by the next morning (yesterday)

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    I love the thought of Twiggy on a diet…big boned. So funny. She’s just voluptuous, like many French women.

    Snow. It never occurred to me it was low calorie. Good to know, 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She carries herself like Julia Child. Yes, low calorie for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        Julia was a force remember.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Almost Iowa's avatar

    Eating snow is the best – but then so is leaves and acorns.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      With snow there is no 2:00 am barf.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Almost Iowa's avatar

        Thankfully Scooter was an outside dog. It’s where he barfed after eating grass. Funny thing is, he hated being in the house, even at -20F. He had a bed piled high with straw in the shed and loved it there.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Not mine. They are good to play outside until the temps hit 60. Then it’s cozy time indoors.

          Liked by 1 person

  22. circadianreflections's avatar

    How fun! I’m glad they got to play in it, and eat some too. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes they did all of that. Thanks Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Laura's avatar

    Ohhh they are so cute! ☺️ I bet that’s such an interesting treat for them, I can’t believe we have snow in Florida (not where I am, too far down South, but in Northern Florida, wild!) I just love their little faces and their curiosity haha! 😆

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They did have a good time. There ate still some saved snowballs in case they get bored.

      Like

  24. tokragly's avatar

    Well done John. Thanks for sharing the escapades of the pups.

    Tom

    Liked by 1 person

  25. tokragly's avatar

    Well done John. Thanks for sharing the escapades of the pups.

    Tom

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I still laugh at your alternate conversation.

      Like

      1. tokragly's avatar

        thanks !!

        Liked by 1 person

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

    It’s fun to see the children play! Love the photos and chat. Hope it warms up for you, John. Our temps have finally reached 35 degrees…but who’s watching. 🙄

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes we have a nice 50 here today but expected back down to 32 tonight. Thanks for the visit.

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Looks like they enjoy the snow, John:) Love Tempeste’s jump!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She went airborne for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Wow, John — that’s a great catch of leaping Tempeste. This morning the Scoobies got me out of bed… instead of their usual morning wrestle on my bed, they were sitting up on their back feet and boxing.

    We didn’t get snow down here, but every morning this week has been at 10 degrees. Burr. Take care and hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I would love to see the boxing match. Next time maybe a photo.

      Like

  29. Staci Troilo's avatar

    I love watching dogs frolic in the snow. Looks like the girls had fun. Such strange weather!

    Stay warm, John. Thanks for the smiles. Sending the girls belly rubs and toasty snuggles.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the rubs, Staci and yes, strange weather. Take care. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Rebecca Cuningham's avatar

    Cute frolic in the snow. Happy lives of well cared for dogs. : )

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are happy for sure. Thanks, Rebecca.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Esther Chilton's avatar

    So good to see them having fun in the snow. My cats aren’t so keen!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah I think cats know better. Thanks, Esther.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Teri Polen's avatar

    Looks like the girls had a good romp in the snow, John, lol.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They loved it Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    That was really fun!

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    I love the sight of Tempeste leaping and running 🙂 We got a couple of inches Tuesday night and most of it is still here. Yesterday we went for a walk in our neighborhood and it seemed like everyone had their dogs out. It was fun watching the dogs play in the snow. They really do love it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is a treat once in a while. Yes, these two enjoyed it. Thanks, Marie.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    What a treat for the girls! And it is safe to eat. The snow really made Tempeste frisky. She could have been looking for polar bears.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. She was frisky for sure. Thanks, Jo.

      Like

  36. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    oh what fun they are having. Just a lil big boned skinny… lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. They had a great time.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        Sooo awesome 😎

        Liked by 1 person

  37. Dan Antion's avatar

    It’s so much fun to see dogs playing in the snow. Great post, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Eilene Lyon's avatar

    My dogs are sorely disappointed that we have no snow here in SW Colorado. They LOVE playing in big piles of it. Sigh. Glad Twiggy and Tempeste got a taste this year!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They had so much fun, Eilene. All dogs should be given the opportunity to do it. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    “Okay, Grandma! You just rest on the porch.” 🤣🤣🤣 Nothing like a little trash talk to get things going.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. They do that from time to time. Thanks, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Michele Lee's avatar

    Love the leap! They are so cute. Thank you for the animated storytelling. 🌨️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Michele. Thanks for letting me know. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee's avatar

        You’re welcome and thank you for the snowy smiles! 🐶

        Liked by 1 person

  41. jilldennison's avatar

    Awwww … Tempeste’s first snow!!! What fun!!! The contrast between your very green grass and the white snow is stunning! Here, the grass turned brown long before our first snowfall of the year, so it’s less of a contrast. Good to see the pups out having fun!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The reason it is so green is it is artificial turf. We had no luck with a lawn so we put in permeable turf and now have a zero scape yard. No more watering, or fertilizer. Just green. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. jilldennison's avatar

        Ahhhhhhh … I should’ve guessed that! No mowing, either, eh? Makes good sense … I’d miss the clover and the bees, though. ☺️

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          The bees love our flowers and cross vine so they don’t have to do without. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  42. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    Wow you got some snow. Here in Dallas we did not get any snow but last week we did. I’ve noticed that many dogs love snow.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well ours love the snow. Tempeste more than Twiggy but they did have fun. I think the snow stayed mainly South due to the influence of the Gulf.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. thomasstigwikman's avatar

        Yes the Gulf Whatchamacallit

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes. Of course Biden did an executive order banning drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Never said anything about the Gulf of America.

          Liked by 1 person

  43. Jane Dalton's avatar

    Such fun in the snow, and Tempeste, what a leap! Much love to you, Mrs H and your girls, John. Xx 🩷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jane. Yes, the pups had fun for sure. Lovve back to you and Tim. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  44. rabirius's avatar

    Must have been fun to watch them explore the snow.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was. They had a great time.

      Like

  45. Sorryless's avatar

    Mother Nature has been pretty freaking busy this winter . . I mean, the old girl has been everywhere, it seems like.

    The girls had fun with it at least.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They certainly did. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    This is cute, John, and I love the leaping. The tent is a good idea too to keep the snow off the grass. I wish we’d get a little dusting here. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren.

      Like

  47. srbottch's avatar

    Tempeste would love my…pardon me, Lucy’s backyard. Lots of snow to enjoy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She sure would. I’ll bet it would be over her head too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. srbottch's avatar

        Just about, and more on the way between now and through March…

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Well, the joys of Northern living. I think our snow days are over. High of sixty today. 😊

          Like

  48. Jennie's avatar

    Big-boned 😅. I love the leaping in the snow. What fun for the girls!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They did have a ball for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  49. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Look at that snow! Glad you guys were able to enjoy it a bit before going back inside. You’d have a ball in our snow, Tempeste…we have lots for you to fly around. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I wish it could have stayed longer, Miss Monika, but the rents were glad to see it go. I loved eating snowballs and I’m sure diving in a big pile would be a treat. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        It’s pretty chilly for a short haired dog like you. Be careful what you wish for…🤣

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Good advice, Miss Monika. Especially since I hate my sweater and coat.

          Liked by 1 person

  50. Resa's avatar

    Brrrr!

    At least Tempeste is having fun with the white stuff discovery.

    Well, it is winter, and very cold here. Of course the furnace broke down, again. Cold and tiresome.

    Okay, get warm, even if you can’t have hot cocoa!

    OX OX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The furnace breaking down is not a good thing in your weather, Miss Resa. I hope you can stay warm. A bug hug for you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Thank you Girls (and dad)
        I am mostly worried about Misha. The poor kitty is hiding in a cold closet, and the furnace won’t be fixed tonight.
        It seems these things always happen on Sundays and holidays.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          That is how the furnace god works. 😊X

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          Unfortunately!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I know right? 😬X

          Liked by 1 person