I am enjoying a few days off before I dive back into work…. Christmas was different this year, as my daughter Katie has a significant other now, and as she put it “compromises had to be
made!” [LOL] They went to his parents in the morning (after spending Christmas Eve with the Maloney side of the family- a tradition that my mother-in-law started years ago, and we all still keep), and arrived for an afternoon of gifts and turkey. Andrew didn’t want to wait till afternoon, but once he called Katie a few days earlier, he decided he could wait (he got an earful about trying to be here and there, compromises and she was doing the best she could! [G])

I got a lovely hand-painted Beardie necklace, the dogs got me fuzzy socks, a little stuffed lamb and season 1 of “Buffy”! Andrew got me season 2, so I am set for a while! I also got a beginner Yoga cd, so am excited to start that.

Pat got a hand-held Playstation system that plays games AND movies, so when we are stuck waiting all day at shows now, he will have something to do. The dogs got him a lovely green hooded sweatshirt with the BCCME logo embroidered on it.

We had a nice dinner, lots of veggie leftovers for the dogs (they love cranberry sauce too) and they had a few treats in their stocking as well.

Yesterday it was table day- all aboard! Mac and Maddie got a spritz, brush and quick massage, and Trav just had to have his turn, so he got the same. (he is much more eager to be on the table if I do the others first — jealousy works wonders [lol]) Then we went outside and
Maddie played “stick” with me.

Hope everyone had a nice day, and I send you all Peace as we go into the new year…

Val
and the kids — we love it when Mommy doesn’t work!

And it passed, that three kings, after consulting with their seers and astrologers, decided to journey to a far-off land, to follow a star. This is known. What is not known is that there was a King visiting from a land even further. A land of mountains and mist; legend and lore. A thirst for knowledge had led him this far. He insisted on accompanying the other Kings.

The journey was long and tiring. But they did not waiver in their mission. To pass the time, the visiting king told tales of his wondrous country, of great feats and the strength and honor of his
people. The other Kings told of their countries as well, but the visiting King knew his was best.

After a time, they began to see the star more clearly and a sense of anticipation started stirring among them. While rumors of a new king had been heard, they knew not what awaited them, but could sense its importance. At last, in the clear cool night, the star seemed to stop and shine over a small stable. Cattle and sheep resided peacefully together, as well as the donkey. As they approached, they could see a young couple, the wife cradling an infant in swaddling cloth. There appeared to be a glow around them and a sense of peace and wonder filled the small stable.

Tears streaming from their faces, the Kings knelt in respect and love. There was no doubt that this would be their King! The Three Kings brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, all precious and rare.

The visiting King was moved and ashamed that he had brought no gift. Just then a cold nose nudged his hand. Looking down, he saw his faithful companion looking up at him with wise, worldly eyes. He nodded and disappeared for a moment. When he came back he held a small bundle. He approached the young King and offered the tiny bundle of black and white fur. Kneeling down, he gazed at the infant and said, “I offer you a gift that is priceless as well. In my land we have a wonderful creature that is guardian, companion. counselor, and friend. They are prized above all else. Treat them well and they will never leave your side.”

With that, he set the little pup down and stood back with the three Kings. The pup slowly walked up to the New King and gazed at him sleeping. He gently gave the babe a kiss and curled up next to the manger.

Some will dispute how long the Bearded Collie has been around.

Others will just smile knowingly and nod.

Val Maloney

Finally am done with Christmas orders and can take a few days off. I am baking molasses snaps for Christmas baskets (and have my dough for the best-ever sugar cookies waiting in the fridge) and Christmas music is playing on the radio.

Earlier, I went out to shovel the stairs and a path to the gate. The dogs were out enjoying the snow. Mac was in his corner, watching the neighbors clear the driveways; Maddie was leaping and bouncing in the snow, trying to get Traveler to play, and Traveler had no clue as usual, and kept diving his face into the snow and laughing when he came back up [LOLl] (that’s the only way I can describe it).

You would think that Maddie would run outside and then rush back in, considering she has no hair! We finished clipping her down, as her operation messed up the rear and the cone messed up the front. She looks a bit like a small deer with that fawn color [g]. She loves the cold though, burying herself in the snow, running and leaping about with a smile on her face. She hates hot weather, and just waits for those first cold days of the year….

Well back to baking before I burn something. The dogs always hope for that, as they get to help “clean up”. I miss Mira especially now- she was my helper in the kitchen and loved it when it was baking day. She made sure that the floor was kept clean, and always volunteered to taste test. Hope she is baking anytime she wants now…

Merry Christmas,

Val

I have a client that takes some of my jewelry to Europe to some of the shows(along with statues, etc) . She will be doing Crufts again this year, but recently did the World Dog Show in Finland. They had an entry of 8765 dogs!!!! It was held over 2 days in a building with only 2 large halls. I can’t even imagine the noise (g).

She did well though , so guess it paid off for her.

Val

Hope everyone had fun yesterday! I have a few pictures that I will get to Karen so she can put them up for us.

The dogs all seemed to have fun, and see, I CAN fit a “Bunch O Beardies” in my house [lol].

The dogs had a good rest last night, and have been having fun in the snow today. We actually went to the mall shopping this morning. I loved it- hardly anyone there!

Val
Pat, Traveler, Mac and Maddie

OK, I know it is officially winter…I had to yell at Maddie for eating frozen poo! What is the attraction with that?!

We spend how much time? …pondering the ingredients in dog food. Which is best, which has the most nutrients, is it organic, all natural…etc. What we really need is a new dog food for picky eaters.

New from Canine Plus!! Just what your dog wants!! Flavored with sticks, used tissues, dirt, and frozen poo!! A must for those dogs that need something extra. Designed BY dogs FOR dogs! But wait! Don’t forget the new flavors…Grass and cat litter! All with extra socks for fiber.

Think it would sell?

Val

and Maddie, doing her bit for the environment…Mac and Traveler (pass the sticks please)