V.S

This is the "first" princess...Willow. She is going to be 11 in June. Fiona and Willow have gotten into it a few times since Fiona's been in the house. Well, last night, Ted (who likes to tease Fiona) took the polar bear from her, gave it to Willow, then threw it back at Fiona. Willow decided to take it, just as Fiona went for it. There was a scuffle, but we got it under control and no one got hurt. Those two girls just do not like having to share the house, the toys, or me.
Willow will jump up next to me, and then grouse at Fiona, who is watching...always. When Willow walks by Fiona to go out, or to get a drink, she grouses at her. Fiona is always quiet...but she can move like a cobra when she decides she's had enough trash talk from the "pretty" girl! Willow actually is the one that gets things stirred up...and she has an advantage because she has teeth. Fiona has broken off all of her canines, ( had to have 2 root canals last summer)...so she really doesn't have much to defend herself with. NOT that we condone fighting, but when Willow jumps Fiona, she will fight back. Never a dull moment when you live with dogs!

dog-god

Ever noticed how your dog will look you in the eyes, and seem to read your mind? Fiona has been a house dog for a few months now, and she has a very penetrating gaze. I stared her down last night when she was getting snarky with Gus...at least I tried to. She didn't blink until after I did so I guess she won.
Since she has been inside, she really took over the Queen of the house role from Willow. When Fiona leaves the room to get a drink of water, Willow will run out and grab Fi's favorite toy (a stuffed polar bear) and take it into the bedroom with her stash of toys, chewies, etc. Then when Willow goes outside, Fiona will take it back. That is the only toy that Fi really wants, and Willow knows it. Always a power play with the girls. Poor old Gus just lays down and pretends not to notice. He certainly doesn't want to be involved.
I wish that all the dogs could be house dogs...it is easier to develop deeper bonds with them when you "live" with them. As much as possible, I spend time with them, but it isn't the same as being with them inside, sleeping beside them and interacting with them as you go about your inside chores, etc. Well, that said, it's time to "saddle up the team" and get some exercise.

dog stuff

Had a good weekend at Lost Lake. Raced 6 dogs in the 7 dog class, 8.4 miles. I borrowed a couple of my son's Seppalas, Bear and Blaze. Fiona, Danya, Goose and Kirov from my team made up the rest of the 6. It was a great run on Saturday, cold, snowy (Had to wear the goggles for the 1st time) and we went out 14th, and passed everyone that took the 7 dog trail! It was fun to pass Ted, as he went out first. Heehehheee! I rounded a curve, and there was Ted and our friend Tara...of course, Ted had helped a musher who lost her team. (He got a sportsmanship award) Sunday's run was perfect in every way...o.k. a little slower, but the dogs did well, and we didn't get passed. A herd of deer jumped across the trail ahead of us, so that got up their speed for a while. Then we just settled in and enjoyed the trip! oh, and we won too.
Having the fastest Alaskan Husky teams in the U.P. running in the Jack Pine 30 helped! Thanks Brad & Stu! Anyway...enough bragging...but needless to say, I am very proud of my team!! (And Bear and Blaze, too! Bear ran in the 3 dog class with Jill's team, 4 miles each day, then ran in the 7 dog class with my team. He is a good dog, and a hard worker!) Thanks RJ!

Joe G. and his team are in my thoughts tonight. RJ too, as they are all in the UP for the UP200.
Joe had some trials during his 200+ race, and had to scratch 30 miles from the finish. I am very proud of him for getting himself and his dogs through everything intact...if anyone can do it, Joe can. RJ is handling for him, and so he gets to drive the dog truck and help with taking care of the dogs. Hope they all get home safely and soon! Can't wait to hear all of the stories and experiences from the race. RJ will be surprised that I won the 7 dog class, and will probably tell me it was because I used 2 of his dogs! (MAY be true!?!)

We have the Sweetwater Challenge this coming weekend...if we don't lose the snow that we have. I love the trails that we've run there. Am going to try to make it 24 miles each day depending on how the dogs (and me) fare on the hills. Really looking forward to this weekend, and plan to take some water & snacks for the dogs so we can take a break if needed. It will probably be me that needs a break, but I'm sure the dogs won't mind either, especially after doing a couple of those big hills! I hope to be out on the trail for the better part of the day on Saturday...not racing, just enjoying the time with the dogs.

I did it.

HA! I actually attached a photo...all by myself!

My lovely daughter took this one at Baldwin's last Wooden Nickel race. Thats my little Fiona in lead, with Ursula, Heidi, Kirov and Dan (wheel dogs). It was such a nice day to have Alaine there, and she took some awesome pics for many people in the MUSH club.

And years go by!

Wow...I don't have this blogging thing down yet, but my daughter has inspired me, so I'll take a swing at it too.
ummm...well, its been a couple years about since last time...and so much has happened but I won't bore with all that.
Should be getting stuff ready for the race this weekend. Yeah, I guess I should do that. So, bye.
(Hear that echo? no one is out there!)