Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Inside

“Ah, it looks like the sun is heading South.”

“I thought the sunset in the West.”

“It does. I was just making my own imagery of how it seems to go down.”

“Oh, I get it. It’s like when you say this game is going South.

“You have it for sure. Speaking of games, is there anything you want to play?”

“I think it’s getting close to dinner. Besides, I hear the gentle rumble of the UPS van. He is within a couple of miles.”

“I think I hear him too. This is serious stuff if he thinks he can stop here.”

“It has been a while since we taught him a lesson.”

“Are you picking up the same vibe I am?”

“You mean the going away vibe instead of the coming to vibe?”

“Exactly. How could this happen? What were we doing that we missed the coming to?”

“We were flapping our gums, that’s what. Can’t hear when we are talking.”

“Look at that. The package is even in the house. Two losers.”

“You know what? I think this sucker was delivered earlier while we were napping.”

“Let me take a sniff. Yeah, this has day-old cardboard stench all over it.”

“You mean it might have been delivered at night?”

“I do pick up the essence of the night. I think you’re right.”

“Let me up on it. I’ll give it the once over.”

“Do you get that night’s wildness finish?”

“I do. I think Mom just brought this into the house. That night’s wildness is pretty strong.”

“I’ll tell ya. I must be getting old to let a night delivery go by without throwing a barking fit could wake the dead.”

“Don’t be too tough on yourself. I missed it, too.”

“But you are a beginner. I have the Olympic medal for barking and the ability to sense even the quietest package delivery.”

“Maybe we need to hone our skills. It’s clear the UPS guy has gone to school on past deliveries.”

“You just may be right. Let’s talk after dinner.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Get New Winter Coats

“My, don’t you look nice in your new coats.”

“We are unsure of these, but thanks for the treats.”

“Tempeste, you will never get that off that way.”

“How do you get them off?”

You find a nice chair and rub it off.”

“On Mom’s new chairs. Are you nuts?”

They have covers, so no one will be the wiser.”

“I don’t know. Sounds very risky to me.”

“Give it a try. Works wonders.”

“Okay, one rub.”

“Hey. What’s the deal?”

“This coat didn’t even budge. You lied to me.”

“No, I didn’t. It worked in the past. These new ones seem pretty stubborn.”

“You can say that again.”

“That step-over roll hold was pretty impressive.”

“You want to see it again?”

“Ha ha ha. I have to say you are getting good.”

“Don’t forget I have a good teacher.”

“I guess we are not going out.”

“How about a game of tag, then. I’ll be it.”

“Give me a head start.”

“One…two….”

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?”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempest on the Hunt

“Well, it is hunting day, Ms Panther.”

“Yeah, so you told me yesterday.”

“I’ll finish my Yogi with a down dog, and we’ll be ready to go.”

“There is something in the pantry.”

“Pay attention ’cause I’m going to demonstrate on Pink Bunny.”

“You aren’t going to hurt Pink Bunny, are you?”

“Of course not. Now, come closer and watch the technique.”

“Technique? Technique of what?”

“The kill, of course.”

“Wait a minute, you said you wouldn’t hurt Pink Bunny.”

“My technique is so good she’ll not feel a thing.”

“Hold on. Pink Bunny is a good friend of mine.”

“That’s why the kill will be painless and quick.”

“No way. There will be no killing of Pink Bunny today.”

“Come on. The puma is a natural-born killer.”

“The panther says to go pick on someone your own size.”

“Fine. Pink Bunny lives to see another day.”

“Maybe we could have a lesson on a different toy.”

“How about Honey Bee?”

“Another pal. Think of someone else.”

“Fish?”

“Let me think it over.”

“Some killer panther you are.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Chilly Weather

“Wow, that was some storm last night. Look at our tent.”

“Yeah, and it is chilly out here. Hey dad. What’s the temperature.”

“Right now, it is 58 degrees (14.4C) but was 46 (7.7C).”

“Way too cold for outside play.”

“Hey, Mom, open up. A couple of freezing fur kids out here.”

“Tempeste. Dad will let us in.”

“Now, this cozy office is more like it.”

“I suppose you are right. That air was a little brisk. I need to find a toy.”

“There are a lot of choices. What’s that?”

“I have Mr. Eel. I haven’t played with him in ages.”

“Now what?”

“I’m giving Mr. Watermelon a look-see.”

“This is like watching a bee go from flower to flower.”

“Mr cheeseburger looks like he might need a friend.”

“You two okay in here?”

“Yes, Dad. Twiggy is making up her mind on which toy to play with.”

“Okay, so I see you are looking at Mr. Butterfly.”

“I always enjoy playing with Mr. Butterfly.”

“Does this mean you are settled, and I can choose a toy now?”

“Oh yes. Be my guest.”

“You won’t believe me if I told you I wanted to play with Mr. Butterfly.”

“Oh yes, I would. It is like everything else I play with. You want it the minute I touch it.”

“I resemble that remark.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste and Contemplation

“Okay, girls. The sun will be up soon. What’s on the agenda today?”

“Gee, Dad. We just got here. We need some time to contemplate.”

“What has gotten into him?”

“Beats me. I guess we better put our thinking caps on.”

“Our what? What the heck is a thinking cap?”

“It’s an expression  for getting focused on a problem.”

“So, what does your thinking cap say to you?”

“It says we should figure out what to do today.”

“How about playing with some toys?”

“Yeah, here is a bumble bee. Might be fun to play keep away.”

“You usually win that game. How about another?”

“look at all those toys. Surely, we can find one that we both would enjoy.”

You are correct, but don’t call me Shirley.”

“We haven’t played with Mr. Crab for a while.”

“Please don’t make me play with Mr. Crab. We just did that yesterday.”

“Okay. You can stop the tantrum. What do you want to play with?”

“Why do I always have to decide?”

“You know, I may use you as a toy in one minute.”

“Hey. That sounds like a good idea.”

“Well, I’m licking my chops at the prospect.”

“The panther fakes being hurt to lure the puma closer.”

“The puma isn’t going to fall for it and prepares for the death strike.”

“This is great.”

“Who needs toys anyway.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste

 

“What are you doing over there, Twiggy?”

“Mom went out that door, and I’m waiting for her return.”

“I don’t know, but I think it could be a while.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Um, she took the car keys.”

“Yeah, good point. You playing with fish?”

“Yeah, I love this stupid thing.”

“How’s Frog Dog doing?”

“He’s okay. I just want to play with fish.”

“I understand. I think I’ll check out unicorn.”

“They are all in that rainbow as far as I know.”

“You’re right. I can see that they are all in place.”

“Why don’t you pull ’em out and toss ’em?”

“These guys are not as easy as they look. You have to pull them by their horn.”

“Oh, come on. Big hunter like you. Just pull ’em.”

“See that little white thing? It’s in there feet first.”

“You can do it anyway.”

“I hadn’t planned on a complex game right now.”

“Well, as soon as I’m finished eviscerating this fish, I’ll give you a hand.”

“I’ve seen you take hours on that. I’ll just rest here till you’re done.”

“More in your wheelhouse.”

“Watch it, kid.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste and Twiggy at Play (sort of)

“Well, Twiggy. Looks like another day.”

“Yes, it is. A new opportunity for fun and learning.”

“What kind of fun and learning?”

“We can start off with a jungle ruckus.”

“Great idea. The Panther strikes fast and first.”

“Hey, we didn’t say go.”

“The early bird gets the worm.”

“I’ll show you early bird and worm.”

“Whoa, that was some move.”

“I’ve got more too.”

“Okay, okay. You got me pinned.”

“So much for the early bird. More like a dirty bird.”

“I guess I’ll think first before trying a preemptive strike.”

“Might be a good idea. How about a nap?”

“Ah, this is more like it. Are you going to lay down?”

“Yes, but I must make sure everything is okay first.”

“While you’re checking, I’ll make myself more comfortable.”

“Yeah, why not. The puma sniffs the air.”

“You hear that?”

“I sure did. I think it was a UPS van a couple of miles away.”

“A couple of miles? Still time for a snooze.”

“You better be ready on my signal. Those guys can sneak up on you.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste at Play

“The panther spots the unsuspecting puma in the valley.”

“The puma senses a lurking presence.”

“The panther goes for the throat.”

“The puma wards off the attack.”

“The panther finds herself in a bit of trouble.”

“The puma gives the panther a chance to surrender.”

“The panther breaks the hold and parries with a jaw thrust.”

“The puma avoids the razor-sharp teeth.”

“The panther tries for an upper leg grip.”

“The puma shakes the grip off.”

“Well, that was fun, Twiggy. I say it is a draw.”

“It is so good to see you back to near normal.”

“I have to say it feels better, and I’m happier off the medicine.”

“You still have to take it easy but are recovered.”

“What now?”

“I hear the call of a nap.”