Buttercup

Sometimes there are things that can overshadow the highs of an Ironman finish.

Buttercup - In Loving Memory...

Hope you've found Wesley and Shelby - and are chasing soccer balls, finding soft pillows, enjoying head rubs, eating biscuits and "roo rooing" your happiness.

Why I Love To Run - By TRIgirl 40 Something

I love to run...

Uhmmm....

Uhmmm...

Uh....

Fezzy and Buttercup, can you come back here?

Why I Love to Run - By Buttercup

I love to run....

• To chase squirrels.
• To claim my food at meal time.
• To steal Fezzy's food if possible.
• To remember my love of soccer balls.
• To show younger dogs that I am still tough.

Braving the Big Water Dish - By Fezzy and Buttercup

There is my leash! There are our leashes, let's go, Buttercup.

Hmmm, OK, But don't jump on me, Fezzy.

There's Mommy, Buttercup! Lounging in the big water dish next door!

I know Fezzy, she spotted me first.

Buttercup, come roll in the grass with me!

Oooh, Fezz, what did you find - that smells delightful!

Why is Daddy yelling at me to put down a dead mouse, Buttercup?

I don't know, but I just got yelled at for eating poop.

Let's get closer and check out the big water dish, Buttercup.

Nah, you go ahead, Fezz, I've got some poop hunting to do.

Wowoweee, who is picking me up? Why is Mommy grabbing me and placing me on some big pillow in the water dish? It is not so easy to stand. OK. I will sit. The big pillow is moving - I am glad Mommy is near. There is Daddy! OK, maybe I will lie down. Hmmm - this is kind of nice. I feel the wind, let me sniff it. Buttercup - do you see what I am doing! Buttercup, stop rolling on the dead mouse before mom and dad yell at you!

Huh, what? Oh, there you are Fezzy. Why are you on the big pillow in the big water dish?

Here, I will come over to the edge of the dish and tell you, Buttercup. Hey, where did Mommy go?

Looks like you lost your pillow, Fezzsster, because Mommy wanted to give me a head rub. Oh no - what is going on? I did not want to be on the big pillow! Uh, uh, I am too old for this. I must lie down. Wait, this really is just like a big pillow, even though it is in a water dish. I love pillows. I can do this!

Buttercup, it is my turn! Grrrr - hey Buttercup - watch this - want some poop?

I Am Cute, Too - By Buttercup

You know, I used to be the "cute one."

And for a woman my age, I know I look pretty darn good.

But I had a hard start and a few obstacles to overcome in my life.

And now I have fear.

Fear of lightening.

Fear of flashes, which remind me of lightening.

Fear of cameras that flash, that remind me of lightening.

But every once in awhile, while being safely held by my Uncle RJ, someone like Aunt Mel, can catch my beauty and sweetness, too.

Favorite Gifts

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

For the past few years, one person or another in my immediate family has suggested scaling back for Christmas, celebrating more simply. But it has yet to really happen. A special present one year, a good year financially the next, the plans are usually thwarted before the Christmas trees are decorated. This year was no different.

But my favorite Christmas presents this year were not the most expensive ones (though I did love them, too).

Given how well I’ve treated myself during this Ironman year, between race fees and new equipment, I told my husband not to worry about me for Christmas, except for one thing. Something I didn’t even realize I wanted/needed this year until we put up the tree and I noticed the many different wire fox terrier ornaments we’d collected over the years – but alas, no bichons! I couldn’t believe it – Fezzy has been with us over a year and we did not have one ornament for him. Maybe it was because he was a surprise around Christmas time last year. Or maybe it was because we decided to not put up a tree last December.

And so, my husband listened. A week or so before Christmas, there was a package waiting on the stoop with two adorable bichon ornaments. Our tree seems much more complete and pretty with these latest additions.

On Christmas Eve, my brother and sister-in-law gave my husband and me a beautiful glass ornament honoring our sweet Wesley who crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge in May 2006. Between the hand-painted picture capturing Wesley’s spunky eyes and cute face – and a “forever in our hearts” message – I think I teared up for about 10 minutes. They also gave an ornament to my mom and dad for Shelby, another fox terrier that shared our home and memories.

Then, Christmas Day, the hubby and I were to be traveling I95 while most folks would still be celebrating. My crazy and wonderful family rushed around to squeeze in one more get together before the road trip back to Virginia. And in the midst of a quick meal and packing the car, my brother and sister-in-law gave us another thoughtful surprise - a frame with Fezzy and Buttercup’s pawprints pressed carefully on one side – and room for a special picture on the other. I’m already debating where to display it (after I figure out which pictures to use)!

Presents that remind me of my furkids – what could be better?

Words of Wisdom - By Buttercup

Now that Mommy is officially over 40, I believe she has earned the privilege to learn my secrets for aging gracefully. Most people don’t believe it when they hear my age – and my youthful glow is due to certain rules I’ve followed ever since being a puppy.

1. Rest your body only on the softest materials – Why should you ever expose yourself to hard surfaces? Personally, I insist on at least one pillow, even if it is already on something soft, like a bed or couch. Sometimes I am lucky enough to score two pillows. In addition to being comfortable, soft surfaces are also very good for your joints and promote restful sleep (see number 2).
2. Take naps – Beauty rest is very important. Spend at least six hours a day napping. On pillows and blankets.
3. Demand body rubs (Mommy calls these massages) – Between keeping blood circulating and reducing stress, I recommend the rub as often as possible. Preferably several times a day and preferably while resting on soft surfaces. If someone stops the rub, nudge them with your nose or swat them in the face until they start rubbing you again.
4. Give in to your cravings – Remember, if you do not occasionally give in to your cravings, you will end up becoming obsessed with your desired delicacy. For some reason, Mommy does not understand my penchant for poop. That is alright, but I must point out, I, on the other hand, am very enlightened and respect all of Mommy’s hankerings for cheese, steak – and even wine.
5. Show your independence – I’ve never understood those dogs that just blindly follow every command. Now, I know all the words Mommy uses with me. I just choose when to listen. It is important to be your own person, especially if you are a woman. Mommy recognizes my "You've got to be kidding look" when she asks me to do something I would rather not do. Especially if it involves leaving a cushy surface.
6. Exercise moderately – I have never been one for extreme exertions. That was always up to my brothers. There is no need to dart from window to window frantically chasing squirrels. For goodness sake, they are outside and can’t be caught. It is going to take a lot more for me to leave my pillow throne. Since I have never overworked my joints and muscles, I move very well now. I am bit worried that Mommy is ignoring this rule since she is training for these silly triathlons. Maybe some good new pillows would convince her otherwise.

Indulgences

In many ways, I am a major tree hugging liberal. I don't mind (too much) paying taxes. I think quality education - whether public, private or home-based - is the key to our future. (As an ex-special education teacher, I cringe when people complain about teacher salaries.) I am a strong proponent of striving to make our environment as good, if not better, for future generations.

Give me a good book and wonderful music and I'll trade you our high definition television (just don't tell my husband).

I love to be surrounded by nature, whether experiencing a gorgeous sunset, an invigorating hike through the mountains - or even a walk through the neighborhood with Fezzy and Buttercup.

Though please make sure there is bathroom with plumbing somewhere within walking distance.

And, boy oh boy, am I a sucker for a good massage or a few hours in a hot tub.

My generous and kind neighbors have just invited me over for some hot tubbing. And my plans to stay home, while the hubby is out of town, to clean my closets, have flown out the window. My only goals now are to resist the temptation to drink too much wine or to stay out past 10:00 since we have a mega workout tomorrow starting at 7:00 am.

Take it Easy – by Buttercup

Finally, it is my turn to post to Mommy’s blog.

My cardinal rule, ever since puppydom, has been to conserve energy. You see, I am a terrier, but not your typical high-strung type-A terrier. Instead, I selectively choose my exertions – for example, when squirrels or groundhogs invade the yard.

I have been trying to teach this principle to both Fezzik and Mommy.

When Mommy takes Fezzik and me for a walk, Fezzik is absolutely inefficient in his energy use. He spends way too much time circumventing around Mommy or bounding from my left to right side, trying to get my attention. I try to teach him proper strolling by ignoring his juvenile pranks, as I hold my head up high and prance about in a dignified fashion in front of Mommy. Never pulling - and only deviating from a noble stance if there is something nasty and irresistible to roll in. As I am nine years his senior, I will give him a little more time to assimilate my philosophy.

Now, Mommy should know better. Today she was supposed to do a four mile run at her easy pace of 11:30 per mile. Instead, she, TriGirl Devil Face and Molly Who? averaged a 10:30 pace for their 4 mile run.

So, I was very relieved to hear Mommy received a “talking to” after today’s run about the value of following rules, especially regarding energy conservation. Coach M emphasized the importance of practicing her easy pace so that when she starts running 15-18 miles, she will not gradually poop out, as she has been known to do during the last few miles of her half marathons.

I will be watching Mommy carefully over her next few workouts. Fezzik, on the other hand, well, I have my ways of keeping him in check.

Fezzy and Mommy’s Water Adventures – by Fezzy

Mommy’s home!

I hear the garage door open and know it means Mommy is home, since Daddy, the Butt and I are all hanging out together in the backyard. Mommy walks outside and I am so happy – I start bounding about around her feet. The Butt runs over, too, for a head rub. Then it is my turn. Mommy picks me up and I know I am about to get tons of kisses.

But Daddy tattles on me as Mommy starts sniffing the air. Though I was a very good boy and made it through the morning with a dry crate, I just couldn’t hold it long enough in the afternoon. My crate is so tiny; I accidentally stepped in the mess a few times.

Mommy leaves for a few minutes and comes back in different clothes. She picks me up and tells me I am about to have my first bath. I don’t really know what a bath is, but Mommy carries me over to the sink, right near where my treats are, so I figure it has to be good!

Mommy turns on the water. She does that when she feeds me, so I am really happy and excited now.

Suddenly, Mommy is putting ME under the water. I am not one bit happy anymore.

MOMMY

I

DON’T

LIKE

THIS!!!!

I wiggle and cry and make the most pitiful sounds I can muster. But Mommy is just laughing at me and telling me it is going to be OK.

IT IS NOT OK, I DON’T LIKE THE WATER!

I squirm and shake and Mommy tells me if I relax, it will be so much easier.

I DON’T CARE, I HATE THIS BATH THING.

Finally, Mommy turns the water off. She seems sad because I am shivering. She wraps me up in a towel. I am still traumatized, but happy that I am out of the water.

Then we go upstairs and Mommy takes out the big plastic toy she points at her hair everyday. She turns it on and starts aiming it at ME!

Suddenly it is very windy and Mommy is brushing me. This isn’t as bad as the water, but it is also not nearly as good as playing or eating.

The wind continues for a long time. When it stops, Mommy finally gives me all the kisses I’ve been waiting for and tells me how handsome I am. I start to forgive her and cuddle up around her neck as we head back downstairs.

Mommy holds me close as she sits on the couch and begins to talk to Daddy. Yawn, this bath thing has made me very tired, so I curl up in her lap, as close as I can to her warm tummy.

I hear her tell Daddy that she was in the water, too, this morning. I perk up my ears, concerned - poor Mommy! But Mommy goes on to talk about swimming in the water - and it sounds like she enjoyed it. She had something called a guppy lesson before she went to work. At first she was worried, because she had two exercise classes the day before and didn’t know if she would be too sore to move. She tells Daddy that the class went very well. When swimming was finished, her coach, Ironwoman Canada, was speaking with her and a mutual friend and said that Mommy’s stroke was “looking beautiful,” though not terribly fast yet (I believe it - because it sounds just like when Mommy strokes my fur!).

Mommy seems happy with the news. And I wonder if there is hope that I can begin liking the water – I just need to find out more about how I can have a beautiful swim stroke, too.

Yawn.