Pug Parade

Christina and I traveled down to the west coast of Florida to see family and attend the 10th annual Pug Parade which benefitted the Humane Society of Sarasota County. There were over 100 Pugs in the parade plus other pugs and dogs who came to just hang out. We wore matching shirts - I wore a tank top and she wore her short-sleeved shirt. We saw one human dressed as Batman and his Pug was Robin!! The costume contest winner was Lu-Jack Sparrow from Pirate Pugs of the Caribbean. He even had his own 'boat' and everything. Unfortunately we couldn't get a good picture of him. There were a ton of fairies and princesses, a Mexican Pug, a Hooters Pug, a Bumblebee, all sorts of costumes. Christina and I are planning big for the Pug Fest near Atlanta in October. If you have any costumes ideas we'd love to read them!

Things John can use in Iraq

Several people have asked what to send John and I decided posting a list on Olivia's blog is the easiest way to create an accessible list that I can update as I think of things. I keep going up and down the grocery aisles in my mind to think about what John would put into the cart and this is what I have come up with so far:

Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs
Libby Corned Beef Hash
Heinz 57 Sauce
Smoked Oysters
Saltines
Hot Sauce (Crystals is one variety he likes)
Cheetos
Chips ‘n Salsa (Yellow corn) (not too spicy)
Fritos
Protein Bars (probably something with chocolate or peanut butter)
Creamy Peanut Butter
Wasabi Peas
Ramen Noodles (Oriental and Chili Flavored are favorites)
Dried Fruit
Trail Mix
Beef Jerky
Beef/Cheese Sticks (more likely to be found in a convenience store)
Red Bulls
Propel – Kiwi Strawberry, Lemon, Mandarin Orange
Orbit Gum – green package
Butterfingers
Folgers Instant Coffee
Tuna lunches, single serving
Items that can be heated in a microwave that do not require refrigeration
Popcorn
Pudding
Cheer Powdered Laundry Detergent (very important it be detergent without optical brighteners as optical brighteners make the fabric easier to see by the insurgents through night vision goggles)
Wet wipes (w/Anti-bacterial)
Tupperware
Mach 3 Razor Blades
DVDs
Magazines

If you send more than 3 lbs. 2 oz. the flat rate boxes are the way to go. The boxes are available for free and come in two sizes: rectangular and square. The rectangular box holds about 10 canned goods. The rate is $8.10 regardless of the weight of the box.

Olivia with Tulips

I have THE best husband in the whole entire world. Despite being thousands of miles away in a combat zone he managed to find the time to send me flowers! On Tuesday I received 1 1/2 dozen Bellsong Tulips. Click on the link to see a good upclose picture of them. I have never seen tulips like them before - they are multi-colored and the edges are frilly. I can't decide if Olivia complements the flowers or the flowers complement Olivia. It only took a few minutes and some treats to get a few good photos. Note: Olivia's picture has temporarily been replaced until I can edit it to remove her contact information from her dog tag. I don't want stray dogs calling our house in the middle of the night asking to talk to her.

Olivia Visits Ft. Morris

Last weekend Olivia and I went with her godmother, her son, and the little girl she was watching to Ft. Morris in Liberty County. I call T'Challa Olivia's godmother because she and Justyce take care of Olivia on Tuesday and Thursday nights when I work late.

John and I visited Ft. Morris before but it was Olivia's first time. We all got to watch Civil War and ironworks re-enactments during our visit. Olivia didn't much care for the muskets firing but she was oblivious to the cannon firing as we kept our distance. She did see a mock 2-person tent used by soldiers and officers' tents too. Olivia had such a good time she slept most of the 45-minute car ride home.