Goodbye 2011 !

Dear world,
Its time to say goodbye to 2011. For me, this year was very good and very bad. On the bad side, I lost my bro Fuzz who I miss very much. On the good side, I got to move back to the home I love and have my beach again. So now I am spending the last evening of 2011 with my sis Rosy and my niece BunnyBell. They planned a nice New Year Eve's party with very pretty decorations. I am just hoping that they remembered to order the pizza.

Happy New Year!

Love always,

Bear

My Wombat

Dear world,

Well, I didn't get a pet chinchilla. But Mom and Dad adopted a wombat for me from the World Wildlife Fund. I never heard of a wombat. No wonder, cause they live in southeastern Australia . They are vegetarians that sleep all day and stay out late at night before going home to their burrow. And their poop is square! The girls have pouches on their backs to carry their baby. I will carry my wombat in my mouth, hope it doesn't mind. (I like my wombat, but still dream of having a chinchilla.)

Love always,

Bear

Masterpieces

Dear world,

Mom believes in introducing children to art. So Mom got each of us a famous painting. Rosy got a Pupcasso, BunnyBell got an Arfy Woofhall and I got a Vincent Van Dog. These masterpieces are very inspirational. Maybe I can be an artist... Rembearant?

Love always,

Bear

Package from Chicago

Dear world,
For Christmas, my family in Chicago sent us a big box of food stuff from their town. Dad was SUPER excited about the Italian Beef sandwich kit. But I had my eye and paw on the two deep dish pizza pies. Mom and Sydne made one of the pies. They let me have a VERY small slice. OMD! So yum. SO much cheese! I never had a pizza like that before. I can't wait till Mom makes the next one. But I really do hope she is a bit more generous with my slice. After all, it was a present for the whole family, right?

Love always,

Bear

Man dogs

Dear world,
The other day, my neighbor Buddy joined us on our beachwalk. It is usually me and only girls (Rosy , Mom and sometimes Bunnybell and Sydne, my human sis.) So I like having another man dog on my walk. Then I dont have to talk about shopping, I can talk about playing ball.

Love always,

Bear

Pajama Party

Dear world,

It has been unusually cold in San Diego this past month, especially at night and in the early morning. So that got me to thinking that maybe Rosy and I need pajamas. And since Bunnybell was coming to visit, maybe she needs pajamas too. And then I realized what a perfect gift that would be for Christmas. Now we can have a pajama party! (Don't you have pizza at pajama parties?)

Love always,

Bear

Merry Christmas

Dear world,
Today is Christmas. Christmas came early for me this year when I got my wish to live in San Diego again, I hope everyone gets what they wish for, especially those dogs and kitties that are wishing for a forever home.

To all our friends around the world, warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas.

Love always,

Bear and Rosy

The Carolers

Dear world,
Since it is almost Christmas, Rosy and Bunnybell thought it would be nice to be carolers. BunnyBell suggested they sing holiday songs about food and maybe they would get some. So BunnyBell started singing "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire... " Rosy said, but I don't like chestnuts. So then Bunny skipped a few verses of We wish you a Merry Christmas and sang " Please bring me some figgy pudding and bring it right now... Rosy said, but I dont like figs! So then Bunnybell sang"Its a Marshmallow World in the winter, when the snow comes to cover the ground, its the time for play, its a whipped cream day..." Rosy said, OK. I like to play and I like whipped cream. And so they sang Marshmallow World.

Love always,

Bear

Naughty Bunnybell

Dear world,

While Mom and Dad were out of the house earlier, I decided to take a nap. When I woke up I saw a ripped bag on the floor under the Christmas tree. Uh Oh. I looked at the card and saw that it was one of my Christmas presents from Santa! Then I heard a munching sound. There was Bunnybell eating my favorite treats! Guess who's going to be on Santa's naughty list, Bunnybell!

Love always,

Bear

Visit with Santa

Dear world,

The other day, Mom and Dad took us to PetSmart. To our surprise, we got to see Santa! Rosy settled in comfortably onto Santa's big lap. I don't know why Santa didn't allow me on his lap, he did last year. I guess people change. Anyway, Rosy asked Santa for (another) new bag. I told Santa I wanted to adopt my own animal and looked longingly in the direction of the chinchilla cage. As I turned around, I saw Mom's and Dad's eyes roll in unison.

Love always,

Bear

Elves again

Dear world,
Again, Rosy and I have become elves. This time our hats come with ears. I am not sure why we need another set of ears, especially such large ones. Maybe they are supposed to enable us to hear Santa summoning us to the North Pole to help make toys. Beam me up Santa.

Love always,

Bear

North Pole photo from www.imaginaryworld.com

Snowman Bear

Dear world,
All the snow around the country reminds me of how I used to love to play in the snow when I lived in Memphis. So when I told Mom that I missed the snow, I thought it was a hint to take us on a trip to the Southern California mountains. I should have known better. So now I have become, Snowman Bear.

Love always,

Bear

Happy Chanukah !

Dear world,

Tonight is the first night of Chanukah. Last year I blogged about the story of Chanukah and why we light candles. It is a real fun holiday. We get to play with a dreidel (a 4-sided spinning top) and sing about it. We also recieve Hanukkah gelt (money) which is in the form of carob coins for us pups. But my fave is when we get to eat latkes (fried potato pancakes). Total yum. And we get to do all this for eight nights!

Happy Chanukah!

Love always,

Bear

Burger Wars

Dear world,
I saw the local newspaper yesterday and headline news was a story about hamburger taste testing! Do you think they got that idea from reading my blog? Anyway, they talked about three local places. I will not read the article since I do not want it to influence my opinion. I already covered SmashBurger, so now I need to try burgers at the The Counter and Chiefs Burger & Brew. This hamburger taste testing is a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.

Love always,

Bear

Soonday?

Dear world,

The doc told Mom she can play ball with me and watch how my toe is. If I am running fine and not limping afterward, I am almost ready to resume my normal activities. So each time Mom played ball with me this week. I merrily ran, fetched, gave my Mom a high toe and barked "Look Mom, toe is fine. Lets go to the beach! Each day I heard "soon". Is today Soonday?

Love always,

Bear

A Great Encounter

Dear world,

The other day Rosy and I were on a walk and encountered a giant Great Dane. I respectfully greeted him from the front trying to impress him with a European air kiss. He wasn't impressed and proceeded to check me from behind. Then Rosy tried to check him from behind but she never did reach. Then Mr. Dane turned around and tried to greet Rosy. When Rosy saw the slobber dripping from his jowls she barked "eeeeeeeeewe! and ran away. Such a princess.

Love always,

Bear

Winter wonderland

Dear world,

The other day Mom was so excited when she received a package. I had a feeling that it was an uh oh for me. Yup. Out came the matching elf attire for Rosy and me. The headgear was a bit warm for the San Diego sunshine. So as Mom's camera clicked, I imagined being an elf in a winter wonderland in the North Pole. (These are the kinds of thoughts that get me through these photo shoots.)

Love always,

Bear

Coastal Rail Trail

Dear world,
My toe is better, but not ready for the beach. So Mom wanted to take us somewhere interesting for a walk. So we went to the start of the Coastal Rail Trail in Solana Beach. Humans love to walk, jog and bike along the trail and admire all the art, especially the entrance arches. The arches tell the story of Solana Beach. Rosy and I loved the smells from all the different plants. But there was so much peemail that we need to go back soon to reply to it all.

Love always,

Bear

Happy Monkey Day!

Dear world,

Today is Monkey Day, a day to celebrate monkeys! There are over 200 different types of monkeys! I would love to be a monkey for a day to see what it would be like to hang around a troop and do monkey business! If I were a monkey, I could I pick up my ball with my hand and I could catch it with my tail. How cool would that be? Only problem is I don't like bananas.

Happy Monkey Day!

Love always,

Bear

Catcher of the Rye

Dear world,

The other day Mom and Dad came home with a rye bread. It reminded me of an old book by J.D. Salinger that I saw on the shelf . That gave me an idea. Since they haven't played ball with me in a while, I thought maybe I could play with the bread . So I brought Dad the bread and asked if he could throw it so I could be The Catcher of the Rye.

Love always,

Bear

Poinsettia Day

Dear world,
I heard that today is Poinsettia Day. So I wanted to find out more about Poinsettias. Well, they are native to Mexico. They are named after Joel Robert Poinsett, the first Ambassador to Mexico who brought the plant back to his greenhouse in South Carolina in 1825. They used to be called Cuetlaxochitl by the Aztecs. (Can you imagine trying to pronounce that?) Poinsettias are the best selling flowering potted plant in the US. And my state, California, is the top producing state. And my town, San Diego, hosts the Poinsettia Bowl! And Poinsettias do make very pretty props for pictures, don't ya think?

Happy Poinsettia Day!

Love always,

Bear

Hot Air Balloon

Dear world,
Yesterday when we were driving, I saw something in the distance that looked interesting. I asked Mom and Dad if they would take me and they obliged. (This broken toe thing really has some magic power to it). Anyway, I saw a big hot air balloon taking off. Wow. It reminded me of the ending in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy nor Toto were in the basket, but this white haired older man was. Could it have been the Wizard?

Love always,

Bear

Smash Lunch

Dear world,
Continuing with my hamburger taste testing, yesterday I dined at SmashBurger. I got the Classic Burger. OMD! How many ways can I say YUM! Rosy wants to keep her slim figure so she ordered the Fido style burger, which is just the patty. She thought her burger was perfect, especially since it was giant, even by my standards. Mom and Dad loved their burgers, fried pickles and sweet potato smash fries. And we all especially enjoyed the ambiance of the beautiful corner cafe location in the heart of sunny Del Mar. Oh how I love this taste testing activity!

Love always,

Bear

P.S. Thanks Trish for hosting us and preparing a delicious lunch! BearHUG!

Reindeer in-training

Dear world,
For some reason, likely wishful thinking, Rosy thought she would just be watching me in Christmas attire. She should know Mom better than that. So Rosy is officially a Reindeer in training. She is really hoping that she can at least keep her black nose.

Love always,

Bear

Reggae Santa

Dear world,
I know you all figured eventually I would be dressed as Santa. But I bet you never thought I would be a majorly cool Reggae Santa ! Lets all woof together .. Don't worry, Be Happy!

Ho Ho Ho mon!

Love always,

Bear

Pet Chinchilla

Dear world,

For one of my broken toe activities, Mom took us to PetSmart. She told us to look at things we may want as holiday presents. So we looked at the toys, and the treats and of course the bags for Rosy. But then I saw what I wanted. ..a pet Chinchilla. Just before I got to ask Mom, Rosy saw that there was another one and she wanted one too. Then she started barking at them like a crazy lady. Rosy ruined it for me. I knew at that point, there would not be a chinchilla coming to my house.

Love always,

Bear

Napping place

yDear world,

This restricted activity because of my broken toe is a real bummer. I have been doing so much napping that even napping was becoming boring. So I decided to try out a new place to nap.... Bunnybell's bed. I know it is small, but it is actually comfortable. My body overflows a bit onto Rosy's bed which makes Rosy growl. I hope Bunnybell doesn't mind. I will give it back to her when she comes for Christmas.

Love always,

Bear

Watch Dog

Dear world,

Sometimes I hear people talk about Golden Retrievers. They say we are loyal, fun loving, sweet and just the best breed. But then they say,not to get a Golden if you want a watch dog. Well, that got me to thinking. I could be a watch dog too.

Love always,

Bear

In-N-Out Again

Dear world,

Continuing with my hamburger taste test, I got to go to In-N-Out again. This time we ate at the restaurant on the outside patio. And I got a hat which made me feel very official. It is a very close call between the burgers. Mom favors In-N-Out, Dad is leaning toward Five Guys. But I am not going to make a decision yet. I decided I should expand my hamburger taste test. Next stop Smash Burger.

Love always,

Bear

Blue Eyes ?

Dear world,

I was reading about a doctor in Laguna Beach, CA that says he thinks he found a way to turn brown eyes blue. Well that got me to thinking. What would I look like if I had blue eyes? A blonde with blue eyes, I think I like it. Doc is not ready yet, so maybe I should try color contacts in the meantime. What do you think? Brown or blue?

Love always,

Bear

Its Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

Dear world,

I started noticing a lot of houses putting up Christmas decorations. And yesterday was the lighting of the National Christmas tree at the White House. So I asked Mom when we were going to start with our holiday decorating. She said we were planning on doing that next week. But then she said she sees no reason why we cant do something earlier. And there I was, the start of our holiday decor.

Love always,

Bear

Flying Leathernecks

Dear world,

Yesterday I went to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the history of the United States Marine Corps Aviation. I got to see nearly 40 vintage aircraft. SO cool! I was a bit embarrassed though. Mom made Dad carry me over the stones cause she was worried about my broken toe.

Thank you U.S. Marines Corps for all you have done and all you do.

Love always,

Bear

Nap time

Dear world,

I usually am very alert all day until I see Mom get ready to take us to the beach. Then after the beach I take a good nap until its time to eat. But now that I know I am not going to the beach, I have a lot of time on my paws. So Rosy suggested I should nap more and she will keep me company. So that is what I decided to do. At least I can dream about the beach.

Love always,

Bear

Fracture!

Dear world,

I am SO bummed. My ear was doing so well that I got to go back to the beach last week. On Friday I was jumping up and down waiting for Mom to throw my ball. I wasn't looking and I jumped back on a sand drop off and sort of tumbled over backward. I lifted my hurt paw to show Mom but then I acted like I was fine. (I knew otherwise I would have to go home.) I also got to go swimming on Saturday cause I was walking OK in the morning. But after that I couldn't disguise the pain anymore and I started to limp. So back to the vet yesterday! I have a fractured digit (a funny name for a toe). Translate to NO BEACH! actually no anything for at least two weeks until my recheck. Mom feels so bad. She is already trying to plan what to do with me to keep me and my blog readers entertained.

Love always,

Bear

Sunny and Bear

Dear world,

I have been playing with this really pretty lab at the beach lately. She likes to go swimming and play ball with me. My heart flutters a little when I see her. Her name is Sunny. So that would make us Sunny and Bear. I wish I would hear her sing "I got you Babe". But instead she is singing "I got your Ball."

Love always,

Bear

Hair extensions

Dear world,

The other day Rosy and Bunnybell were looking through magazines commenting on how many celebrities look so pretty with their hair extensions. So they asked Mom if they could try hair extensions. The next thing I know there they were. While Bunny loved hers, Rosy didnt really feel she needed them on her ears. So being helpful, I put one on her tail since the groomer cut off her pompom. Maybe she could partner with Jessica Simpson and start a new line of tail extensions! .

Love always,

Bear

Stone Crabs

Dear world,
Mom and Dad and Sydne have this Thanksgiving tradition. Instead of having turkey and all the fixings, they have stone crabs and all its fixings. It arrives in a big box from Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach. Over the years, I have heard so much about how delicious the crabs are. So this year I actually got to taste them. At first I felt bad for the crabs but then I found out their claws grow back. Well they are very yum, every bit as good as the raves from my family. But honestly, I would prefer turkey or actually pizza if I was asked.

Love always,

Bear

PS. This year my family decided to enjoy the crabs as well as go out for Thanksgiving dinner. And they say I'm spoiled.

Black Friday

Dear world,

Last night everyone was talking about the deals on Black Friday. We heard people were waiting in line overnight to be the first customers into the stores in the morning. Well that got Rosy, Bunnybell and me to thinking. Why don't we go and wait in line at Petco? So Rosy put on her pink sweater and brought her pink bag and at 10:30 pm, we all went to Petco. We were the first in line. While Rosy was all warm and settled in for the night, Bunnybell and I missed bed and snuggling with our Moms. So we all went home and went shopping online.

Love always,

Bear

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear world,
Today is Thanksgiving in the U. S. So I sat at the Canine table with my sister and niece and discussed what we have to be thankful for. We are all rescues, so we agreed we are most thankful for our wonderful forever homes. Then we each took turns. I said I am so thankful to be living back at the beach. Rosy is thankful for being totally spoiled and becoming a princess. Bunnybell is thankful to all people that drop food on the floor at the Hollywood parties she goes to. And we are all thankful for our Thanksgiving dinner. Bone Appetit.

Love always,

Bear

Five Guys

Dear world,
A few weeks ago I did a post about InNOut burgers. Comments came in that I should try Five Guys. So the other day we all went to Five Guys for a taste test. Rosy and I each had a small bacon burger. I still drool when I think about it. So Mom and Dad asked me which I liked better. I just couldn't decide. I told them that it has been awhile since I had InNOut so I need to try those burgers again. Aren't I clever?

Love always,

Bear

Back to the Beach!

Dear world,

I was SO excited. I FINALLY got to go to the beach yesterday ! We went during low tide cause Mom and Dad said I cant put my ear under water too much. So instead of swimming I ran and ran with two young pups for an hour (I'm the one jumping for joy in the middle!) . So now my ear feels fine, but my legs are sore. But that's OK. It was worth it!

Love always,

Bear

LIVE! with Kelly

Dear world,
Last Friday was Regis Phibin's last day as co-host of LIVE! with Regis and Kelly. So now they are looking to replace him. There is a lot of speculation but it seems no decision has been made so far. They will be having lots of guest hosts to see what works. So I thought maybe I could go on as a guest host. I think Kelly and I would have good chemistry. We look good together - both golden. And we both have a Golden personality - friendly, warm, fun, smart. I could even change my name to Beargis so the new name would be an easy transition. LIVE! with Beargis and Kelly.

Love always,

Bear

La Jolla

Dear world,
The other day we went to La Jolla, a beautiful town with seven miles of dramatic curving coastline . We took a walk on the bluffs seeing exactly what websites describe: peaceful bays, pounding surf, near shore tide pools, sea caves, seal rookeries, along with beautiful small beaches. My favorite part was seeing the seals on the rocks. Listening to them reminded me of Fuzz's howling bark. My least favorite part was being at the beach and not able to go swimming. Rosy's favorite part was going to a cafe in the pretty village and sharing Dad's cheeseburger.

Love always,
Bear