Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Are Glad to Be Back

“Tempest. We need to get back to work.”

“Aw, Twiggy. I’m still wanting to nap.”

“I know, but our time off has ended.”

“Just five more minutes with my cookie.”

“If I have to sit on your cookie, we must get going.”

“I guess that is a major thing for sure.”

“Mom is at the store, so we need to get active by the time she gets home.”

“By active, do you mean get ready for the greeting when she returns?”

“Exactly. You know the routine.”

“Yup. Wag the behind, and try not to jump up.  Get all wiggly. Throw the tongue out.”

“You got it. Boy, I forgot how high the couch is.”

“You jump from there, and Mama will have a heart attack.”

“Okay, we’ll wait for the garage door to open.”

“Maybe we should wait on the floor.”

“You know. You surprise me sometimes with your logic.”

“Well, it just makes sense. Also, Mom won’t pass out thinking you will jump.”

“It looks like you are growing up for sure. Okay, let’s go to the floor.”

“Right behind you.”

“We can’t see the car or garage door from here.”

“That’s okay. We still have our supersonic hearing.”

“I hear something right now.”

“It’s gotta be Mom. She’s been gone ten days.”

“She’s been gone twenty minutes, not ten days.”

“Just seems like it is all.”

“Okay, I heard the door. She’s coming.”

“I’m ready.”

 

153 comments

  1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Welcome back. 20 minutes can feel like 10 days depending on what you’re doing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. Thanks for the welcome. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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

        Welcome back, John! Love the last picture, everyone deserves a greeting like that 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I think everyone does. The produce and I are so fortunate to have those greetings. Thanks, Denise.

          Liked by 1 person

  2. coldhandboyack's avatar

    I love that dogs get so excited over small things. Probably a life lesson in there for the rest of us.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are right, Craig. The old “smell the roses” lesson. Thanks. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  3. joylennick's avatar

    A glimpse into a doggie’s world. . .How do you keep your home so clean? You must have a trio of cleaners!! Cheers. Joy x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Joy. We only have two cleaners. The Producer and me. 😂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. GP's avatar

    Nothing gets by these two!!

    Good to see you back!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, GP. It was a good rest, but good to be back. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Another great conversation through the help of the premier dog whisperer! Welcome back, John. I hope you had a wonderful trip and missed the ice and snow in Northern Arizona. 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I was in Phoenix. It was chilly but pleasant. A terrific break. Thanks, Gwen. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Dan Antion's avatar

    Welcome back, John. I love that first photo with Twiggy up high. I almost shouted, “don’t jump from there!”

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You have the same reaction we have. She always takes a look and then decides it is not worth it. Of course, we say, “Get down from there.” 😀

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Teri Polen's avatar

    I felt the same as Dan – I wanted to stop Twiggy before she jumped, lol. Glad you’re back, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She scares us, too. Thanks, Teri

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase's avatar

    “She’s been gone 20 minutes, not 10 days.” Aww! And I missed them while they were gone!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Stephanie. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  9. shoreacres's avatar

    That last photo’s a classic. And “She’s been gone 20 minutes, not ten days” is perfect. I suspect all kids experience time that way, and even adults occasionally.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. Sometimes, time moves so slowly; other times, it is a blink of the eye. Thanks, Linda.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. noelleg44's avatar

    Loved the bit about sitting on the cookie! And that last shot was fabulous. How can you resist those faces?

    Belly rubs to both of them.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Noelle. Sometimes, they are angels and other times? Well….

      Liked by 1 person

  11. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Great post, John, with lovely photos. It’s so nice that they anticipate Mom coming home and want to get ready to greet her.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is their profile when she leaves. Thanks, Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

      I was thinking that too. They are very photogenic Frenchies to be sure,

      Liked by 2 people

      1. John W. Howell's avatar

        Thank you, Susannah. 😊

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          They also seem to like being photographed. But then again, they are French. 🙂

          Liked by 2 people

        2. John W. Howell's avatar

          Mais oui. A white-hot spotlight is their jam. 😊

          Liked by 2 people

        3. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          One could say they’re always ready for their close-up. 🙂

          Liked by 2 people

        4. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes, moist lips and all.

          Liked by 1 person

        5. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          They are very happy dogs. Maybe it’s as simple as that why they preen for the camera.

          Liked by 1 person

        6. John W. Howell's avatar

          They are happy, and you may be on to something. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

        7. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          You can see how content they are. The Howell Hilton clearly is cozier than the Ritz. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

        8. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. As far as dogs are concerned, this is a resort spa.

          Liked by 1 person

        9. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

          You can tell. All that naked sunbathing…so French of course.

          Liked by 1 person

        10. John W. Howell's avatar

          Of course. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  12. Darlene's avatar

    Welcome back, we missed you guys! You sure look ready to greet your mom. 🐶🐶

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. They do seem ready.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Ha ha ha, welcome back, Twiggy and Tempeste! I missed you and your antics. On your mark, get set, jump!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Liz. We are glad to get back for sure. I just heard Mm say, “No jumping.”

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, ladies!

        Like

  14. lois's avatar

    These two are so cute. Does Twiggy ever **gasp** decide to jump? Welcome back–you’ve been gone forever!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She has never jumped. I caught her looking down, but no, she does not jump.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Harmony Kent's avatar

    These two are adorable. I love the line about it being 20 minutes! 🤗💗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Harmony. These two have no patience. 😀

      Like

  16. circadianreflections's avatar

    LOL! I bet it went just like that dialogue. 20 minutes really did feel like 10 days! They’re adorable and your dialogue never disappoints. Thanks for the laugh and smile their antics bring my Thursdays.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Deborah. 😊 Thanks

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    Love Tempeste admiring Twiggy’s logic. Well, she is the more experienced of the two, though her sister has caught on fast. When i think you and Mrs. H. were worried they wouldn’t get along. Now they’re inseparable, like the French Lucy and Ethel. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are like a French Lucy and Ethel. 😊 Great analogy.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Dale's avatar

    Welcome back! No kidding… some days 20 minutes can seem like 20 days, never mind 10!

    Best not to hang out on the top of the couch like that, Twiggy. You gave ME a heart attack!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I really don’t jump off the couch, Miss Dale. We have three sets of stairs. I just thought it would be fun to look down. Thanks. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Oh, I know you don’t jump but maybe I am just worried about you falling…

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          You are right. A fall would not be a good thing.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          And I’m sure Mom would have been worried had she seen you exploring!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          That is true, too. Of course, when she is here, we tend not to do it. 😳

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Dale's avatar

          Funny how that works. Are you trying to say Dad is more lax?

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Way more lax. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

  19. Debbie's avatar

    We missed you, John, and are glad to have you back. Hope your vacation proved enjoyable and restful! I, too, gasped when I saw the photo of Twiggy perched on the back of that sofa. Of course, she’s much too well-behaved to jump from that height. Monkey? Doubtful.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debbie. The time away was lovely. Yes,😀 Twiggy did give a start or two.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. marianallen's avatar

    I’ll admit, as much as I love my cats, I do miss the joy of a dog when they see you after five minutes and they act like it’s a longed-for reunion of many years. Tempest and Twiggy are darlings, but I wouldn’t worry about their jumping from a couch: they look like they’re made of pure muscle!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Marian. The problem is Twiggy has the grace and glide ratio of a Mosler safe. I could see her go nose-down 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. marianallen's avatar

        LOL! Now I can see Wiley Coyote standing under her as she plunges.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. Wiley looks up, and Twiggy’s shadow gets bigger as she approaches Wiley.

          Liked by 1 person

  21. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Looks like they didn’t miss a beat lol🤩🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nope, they are always on. Thank you, Cindy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        Well, glad you’re all back!! You’re welcome, John! 😇

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Awww, I’ve missed these two. Hope you enjoyed your time away, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was a great time away, Jan. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for the lovely wishes. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Joan Hall's avatar

    Such cutie pies! I’ve missed seeing them. Glad they’re back.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are glad to be back, too. Thank you, Joan 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  24. robbiesinspiration's avatar

    That last picture is adorable. It’s nice to have you all back.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Robbie. It’s nice to be in touch with you as well. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Journey. Thanks for letting me know. 😊

      Like

  25. Esther Chilton's avatar

    Great to see you and the dogs back, John. I hope you’re well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Had a great rest. The biggest problem all day was to decide on red or white for dinner. Good to be back, though. I’m heading to the seven-word challenge,

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Esther Chilton's avatar

        Decisions, decisions, John! Glad you had a good rest.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you, Esther. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  26. Rebecca Cuningham's avatar

    So cute. Together again. Love the sitting one in front of another on the couch.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They do that often. Thanks, Rebecca

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    They know their routine. Amazing how much Twiggy blends into the couch cover. … and those 2 faces at the end look so innocent.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, they do look innocent. I was explaining the Chi-Square method of detecting a type II error in data to them, and I think it was too much.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

        Maybe they need one more time through and a dedicated treat at the end.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          That should fix it for sure.

          Liked by 1 person

  28. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Great glorious greetings! Who wouldn’t enjoy this remarkable display of love and affection, especially coming from you two young ladies! xx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Annette. We give it the “Butter wouldn’t melt in our mouths” expression. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  29. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    Glad to find your post today. I guess I missed that you were taking a break. The girls are so cute at that angle up on the couch but I can see where their mom would not approve. Happy spring!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are right. Mom would not approve. Thanks, Jo.

      Like

  30. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Let the slurpy welcome begin.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, indeed. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Oh, that last photo is precious! Welcome back, Twiggy and Tempeste!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Marie. Good to be back.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    Lovely as always John… Makes you ponder on the perception of doggy time compared to ours 🙂

    One thing I sure wish we humans had.. Was their Unconditional LOVE.. Now that would make every minute here very precious ..

    Love and Hugs and have a great weekend, and hopefully no jumping from great heights to give Mom a scare. 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Sue. Yes, unconditional love in humans would go a long way in solving world problems.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

        Wouldn’t it just ❤ xx

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes, it would.

          Liked by 1 person

  33. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Haha, 10 days/20 minutes. I wish this year would slow down — maybe not quite that much though. Wow, it’s officially spring, already. The girls are very considerate of human nerves re the couch jumping. Thanks for another fun visit, John. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can’t believe it is Spring myself. Yes, couch jumping is off-limits. Thanks, Teagan.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Michele Lee's avatar

    Entertaining story with a precious ending. Welcome back! We’ve missed you but it’s nice that you had some time away.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Michele. It is good to be back. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  35. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    No need to give Mom a heart attack.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      True enough. Thanks, Mr. Pete

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

    Delighted you had a good trip John and those two are adorable and I am sure the greeting was worth the wait… hugsx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think the greeting is always worth the wait. Thanks, Sally. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Jane Dalton's avatar

    Doggy time, bless your girls. Much love to you, John, Mrs H, Twiggy and Tempeste, from us both. Xxx 🩷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      ❤️ Much love back to you and Tim, Jane.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Nothing beats your furry family welcoming you home with such excitement, joy, and love. Thanks for the smiles, John. Belly rubs and ear scratches for the girls.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The girls thank you for the belly rubs and ear scratches, Staci. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    That greeting–what’s coming next–is why dog lovers will never stop.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is so true, Jacqui. Thanks for that enhancement. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous · ·

    Cute as always, John! Have a great weekend!❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Joy

      Like

  41. equipsblog's avatar

    Those two are adorable and I bet they know it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think they do.

      Like

  42. Sorryless's avatar

    The life of your home security personnel is never dull. From sitting on cookies to gauging the height of their stakeout spot to determining where to stand when it comes time to greet mama. These girls deserve a nap!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I agree with you. A nap well earned. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Very much so.

        Liked by 1 person

  43. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Welcome back, dear John! That’s great to see the Twiggy Tempeste Resort gathered for new adventures.🍤🍤🍤🍻🥰🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Maria. It is good to be back. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Laura's avatar

    Very cute as always 😊 my Boston terrier greets me at the door after being outside for just a few minutes as if I’ve been gone for hours. They have a funny way of telling time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They just want to be with us, so maybe the time thing doesn’t count.

      Like

  45. Jennie's avatar

    So good to see the girls. Tempeste really is growing up, making sure she doesn’t give Mom a heart attack.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Jennie. Yes she is growing up (slowly)

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Resa's avatar

    OMG! Will there be a bark off?

    Or just tail wagging and happy tongues?

    Tempeste, you really are growing. Are you a teenager yet?

    Tell dad, it’s a dog’s life!

    O🐾 O🐾 O🐾

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No, Miss Resa. I’m only seven in human years. One more dog year, and I’ll be fourteen. Dad says it is a dog’s life for sure. 😊X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Ahh, so you’re still a puppy.
        😊X 😊X

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Well, some would say that. Mom says I’m an adult and should act like it. Hrrumph. 😊X 😊X

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          So… is this Tempeste talking, or dad?
          😂X 😂X

          Liked by 1 person

        3. Resa's avatar

          W🤭🤭F

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          L😀xL

          Liked by 1 person

  47. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    If looks could kill! The last pose nails it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      With kindness. 😀

      Like

      1. Ankur Mithal's avatar

        Killing me softly…

        Liked by 1 person

  48. dgkaye's avatar

    Just too cute! And supersonic ears indeed. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Fletcher.

      Like