oscartheblog

Long time no post....

2009-05-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am still alive here. I just realized today that the last August post I made marked the beginning of a very busy 9 months for me. After coming home from Europe my boss announced her retirement. She had the end date set, a few things happened and she stayed on and worked part time for about 6 months before fully retiring. Then, I was the interim director until the firm decided to hire a new head librarian who started April 1st. It's been so incredibly busy and I haven't done anything much in the past 9 months. I definitely was not able to have any vacation when I was working as a solo librarian for 4 months.

Now that I have another librarian to share the load with I'm hoping to get back to blogging. I do have some great pictures of our trip to Duluth when we saw Andy's directorial debut at the Duluth Playhouse.

Europe Part 1

2008-08-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's been almost 2 weeks since I've been home, but I've been busy!

Brian and I had such a great time in Europe, traveling with Mandy and Andy around London, Paris, Prague and Berlin.

This is the first leg of the trip.

We went to the Tower of London. The crown jewels were amazing, and there is so much history to learn. We also went to the British Museum.

Tower Bridge:

Brian and I on the Thames -

Now Paris - we stayed very near Notre Dame, and went inside on the first day. It was cloudy outside, but the inside is so beautiful.

We went to the Rodin museum. It is housed in an old mansion and has a lovely garden. This was one of my favorite sculptures - The Burghers of Calais

And of course, we saw the Eiffel Tower. It is lovely, and so much larger than you would expect.

We also went to the Louvre, Sacre Coeur and the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, so much more to come....

San Francisco

2008-06-08T17:31:00.001-07:00

Brian and I wen to San Francisco over Memorial Day weekend. We spent a day visiting his family in Sacramento and then headed out to San Francisco for 3 days. We had a great time walking around the city, seeing the sights.

Brian in Chinatown:

The Palace of Fine Arts, near the Exploratorium:

View from a park in Haight-Ashbury:

The sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf:

Fisherman's Wharf, with Alcatraz behind me:

Sleepy and Dirty Dog

2008-05-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally started and that means longer walks for Oscar. He has been running with Brian sometimes too, which really wears him out.

Tired boy...

Exhausted dog...

And finally, the dirty dog needed a spring bath today:

He did not care for it much, but put up with it long enough for me to rinse out the soap.

Here are a few more pics from Easter up north.

Grandpa George and Keenan:

Great-grandma Annie with Jared and Dylan:

Mandy and Easter

2008-04-08T19:33:00.001-07:00

Oscar's second favorite girl was in town for Easter. He did his happy dance when she walked through the door. There were lots of kisses for Mandy all weekend long.

We drove up north for Easter weekend and surprised mom at the Elks club for yet another celebration of her birthday. She was so shocked and happy to see Mandy.

Mom and Ailee with the birthday cake. Check out Ailee's great pose!

Mandy finally got to meet Keenan face to face. - kind of....

Keenan also got to meet Great Grandma Annie for the first time.

Of course, we also had to play with the nephews.

It was a fun weekend, and we were able to surprise mom, even though dad may have told a few people about Mandy's upcoming visit.

Baby Keenan and Big sister Ailee

2008-02-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

I visited Martha & Dan's house again this weekend. Keenan is so very and Ailee too. She told me a story while I took her photo. Then she was sad because she couldn't find the princess game.

New Nephew!

2008-01-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

My sister Martha had her baby today. My new nephew Keenan is a tiny cute bundle of squirminess. Did I mention how cute he is?

Martha and Keenan:

Baby Keenan with all his hair

So tired from eating, he can only keep one eye open...

Martha kept telling us how big his feet are, so we had to check it out for ourselves...

Keenan and Martha are both doing great, though tired from the long night spent in labor. His big sister Ailee is fascinated by this tiny baby boy, though excited to be the big sister.

Barcelona

2007-11-30T03:04:00.001-08:00

Mandy and I had a wonderful short trip to Barcelona. The weather was lovely and there was so much to see and do there.

On the first day we visited Casa Batllo, which was designed by Gaudi. It was amazing to see the style of architecture and intricate design.

The second day we went to he Temple de la Sagrada Familia, which was also partially designed by Gaudi. This church has been under construction for over 100 years! It is still under construction to this day.

Here we are enjoying the weather in Park Guell, also designed by Gaudi.

Here is another shot inside the park. It is on a hill, and from the top you have a fantastic view of the whole city.

We had a good time, and got to see so much of the city.

London highlights

2007-11-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

A view of the city from St. Paul's Cathedral

Inside the V&A cast room. These are plaster casts of various things, including a huge cast of Trajen's column.

Andy & Mandy took me out for burgers and malts at the Lucky Seven

It has a very retro-type American design, and very good food.

I've been traveling around the city and seen so much that I missed on the last trip. This evening, Mandy and I went to Chinatown and had these delicious dumplings. I've also been to the Tate Britain, the Tate Modern, St. Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, the V&A, and strolled around Camden, which is near Mandy and Andy's flat. We also had a Thanksgiving feast with some of Andy's classmates with turkey, stuffing and even pumpkin pie - (a feat since canned pumpkin is nearly impossible to find!) I miss Oscar, but hear he is doing fine up in the northwoods, getting spoiled I'm sure.

Visitors

2007-10-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Henry and Oscar looking out the window.

Jared taking Ailee for a ride.

Oscar and Henry on the bed.

Jared and Ailee in her new sandbox. They were so dirty after playing in the wet sand.

Oscar and I stayed with Henry while his family was in London. We had fun, and on the weekend Grandma and Grandpa visited with Jared and Ailee. Those two played all day long!

Oscar wash

2007-09-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy month here, but not too busy for a bath! Oscar got so dirty in the mud that he needed to be washed up. He is just so good about sitting in the sink, even though he doesn't like the whole washing business.

His favorite part about a bath is rolling around on the rug after I towel him off. What a silly boy.

Safe and Sound

2007-08-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

Oscar and I are safe in Minneapolis. Thanks to everyone who called and emailed to check up on us.

Here are some pictures from our recent weekend up north. I had fun with the nephews and visiting with Bosco and his girls.

Lucas the boy scout:

Me with Emily and Dylan, trying to get him to close his eyes for a nap... it didn't work.

Jared and Oscar. Oscar really likes to herd Jared around, and Jared really likes to get Oscar to chase him around. They have fun together.

If I can figure out how to post a video, I will put on the short clip I took of Dylan swimming. He is amazing!

New Orleans

2007-07-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

I went to a conference in New Orleans recently and thought I would post a few pictures from the trip. I was very busy and didn't get many opportunities to take photos. It was also very hot and humid, and rained every day.

This first one is from a bus tour we took. It rained all afternoon that day, so pictures from the bus were not working very well.

In this one you can almost see the levees.

We were able to take a short walk in one of the many cemeteries. The tour guide told us all about how burials work in New Orleans. What a process! The vaults are either owned by families or associations. They have pretty specific rules about how many can be buried within a certain vault within a certain amount of time. It was fascinating.

The vaults were really varying. They had beautiful decorations and statues. Some are taken care of better than others.

It may sound a little weird, but walking around the cemetery made me think of my Grandma Sylvia and all the visits she took to the cemetery in town. It is a different generation that takes such care of grave sites, and I wonder if people in my generation will keep up that practice.

This last picture is what is left of a lighthouse. It was sad to see how much destruction is still left in the city, but most of the French Quarter and riverfront areas were untouched.

I had a great time, and would love to go back and explore more of the city.

I'm going to London!

2007-07-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

I just bought my tickets for Thanksgiving in London with my sister and brother-in-law! It is a few months away, but I am already excited to go and visit them again.

Here are some pictures from the last time I was up north visiting the family:

The little girl in green pants is Lily, my cousin's little girl. She has grown so much since last time I saw her.

Cute Ailee!

Dylan posing for the camera

Here is an Oscar picture for Mandy - Oscar and yellow:

NYT Librarian article

2007-07-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

I don't usually write about work stuff, but there was this great article about librarians in the New York Times.

And of course, the required Oscar picture. He loves to chew....

Tired out!

2007-06-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

sneaking around the couch

tired after running around the park

Oscar and I went to the dog park again and he was getting chased around by a tiny Jack Russel terrier. It wanted to run around with him, and he was not interested at all, he wanted to play with the big dogs.

This weekend, he had a bit of excitement. We were on our morning walk, and as he squatted down, a squirrel came up and sat about 5 feet away from him. Well, when Oscar saw the squirrel, he hurried up (as best he can) and took off after it. He was tripping over himself trying to get this thing. He came close, but the squirrel got away. But, Oscar the clown got a huge laugh out of the older gentleman sitting on the park bench watching the whole time. He was so proud of himself for chasing that pesky squirrel away.

Bathtime and flowers

2007-05-29T19:13:00.001-07:00

Such a sad face on Oscar. We went to the dog park with Henry and his family and Oscar decided to stick his face in the lake. So, when we returned home it was time for a bath. He fits perfectly in the kitchen sink! He is really a skinny dog under all that fur.

The flowers are peonies, my favorite.

Oscar and Mandy

2007-05-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week for Oscar. Mandy and Andy were home for a visit. Lucky dog, he got plenty of snuggles and kisses from his second favorite girl. We visited them at Andy's parents home and we all went to Eveleth for a long weekend.

The second picture is an exhausted Oscar after a party we held for Mandy and Andy on Sunday night. We had at least 20 people in our tiny condo, and Oscar was very, very good. He wandered around with a dazed look most of the night, but he didn't bark very much.

Visitors!

2007-04-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

Mandy and Andy will be home next week! Oscar doesn't really know it yet, but he will be very excited to see them. We have been busy with life, and now that it is nice outside, Oscar loves running around in the park nearby.

New Toys

2007-04-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Oscar and I both got new toys recently. I got my grandma's old record player, and a stack of old records from my parents house. I can't use it yet, it needs a new needle, but I am very excited to try it out.

Oscar got a little suffed animal to play with. It looks like a small Oscar! So cute.

We've been going for longer walks now that the snow is melted, but it has been raining, so he gets soaked. He doesn't seem to mind getting rained on, although he does not like me drying him off once we get inside.

Not much excitement here lately, we are excited that Mandy & Andy will be visiting next month, I'm sure Oscar and Mandy will have a lovefest with lots of licking and snuggling.

Tagged!

2007-02-27T20:28:00.000-08:00

My sister Mandy tagged me, so here are my answers...

A- Available or married? Available

B- Best Friend? my twin Mandy

C- Cake or Pie? Pie - but no strawberries or whipped cream

D- Drink of Choice? I'm trying to cut down on caffiene so lately its been tea

E- Essential Item? my bus pass - I love my new commute!

F- Favorite Color? Pink

G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Bears

H- Hometown? Eveleth

I- Indulgence? An occasional vanilla latte

J- January or February? January, my birthday is that month

K- Kids & names? none yet

L- Life is incomplete without? family, friends, and my dog Oscar

M- Marriage Date? -----

N- Number of Siblings? 3, a twin and 2 older sisters

O- Oranges or apples? crunchy apples

P- Phobias/Fears? My fear once was being alone, but I am enjoying being single

Q- Favorite Quote? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

R- Reason to Smile? Morning snuggles and kisses from Oscar when my alarm goes off

S- Season? Spring

T- Tag three people! Andy, Anissa and Shawna

U- Unknown fact about me: I often have dreams that come true

W- Worst habit? TV watching

Y- Your favorite food? nectarines, Mandy's peanut soup, and ice cream

Z- Zodiac? Capricorn

Up North and Snow!!!

2007-02-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Oscar and I went to visit my family in Northern Minnesota. We had fun with the boys - they have lots of energy, and Oscar gets so excited around them. We played Twister - I haven't played that in such a long time - and those boys beat me every time. As you can see in the picture, Dylan even shared his beloved blanket, yellow, with Oscar to snuggle with, what a generous boy.

I went through mom & dad's old records last weekend too. I am anxiously awaiting the record player they will bring me when it is finally fixed. I got some good music that I'm excited to hear - Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, the Rolling Stones, I passed on the Captain and Tennile and the old Finnish sing-alongs from Sylvia, but it will be fun to have Grandma's old player here soon.

This weekend, we are in the midst of a major snowstorm, and as the pictures show that the snow is pretty deep for Oscar. He has to jump to get around in the snow. He loves it though, and he is now snoozing next to me, tired out from our walks today.

Lazy Days

2007-02-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

I had the start of a cold this weekend, so Oscar and I just hung around at home. This is what he does all day, looking out the window, watching the squirrels next door and laying in the sunshine. He goes from laying on the couch next to me to laying by the window. Back and forth, all day long. It finally warmed up this weekend, and we were able to go for a longer walk today, which was very nice. Oscar ran around in the snow. He likes to hop around in the snow at the nearby park.

More destruction

2007-01-31T18:02:00.000-08:00

Oscar found a receipt today while I was at work. This is the look I get when he knows he did something bad - he's so sad. Thankfully, it was not a big mess. That only happens when he gets a stray tissue.

In other news, Oscar has been a reluctant walker in this cold weather. He only wants to go for a short walk, maybe half a block or so. Even with his booties, he just gets cold. It is nice, however, that we can now walk in the light of day when I get home at night. I don't have to bring my flashlight along to find his poo.

Destruction & new booties

2007-01-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

Oscar was a naughty dog today. He's been good for so long, but he just couldn't resist. He chewed my shoelaces again. It's been months since he's done any destructive chewing, but I awoke this morning to a wet chewed off lace. I think I just need to make sure there is always a bone around for chewing, so he leaves my shoes alone.

Photo 2 shows Oscar sporting his new booties from my mom. There were 4 in the package, but they would not stay on his front paws, and the snow doesn't bother them as much, so I just left on the back booties. With a 4 on he looks a like a little clown. Even with just 2 he looks silly, but they kept the snow out of his pads and we were able to go for a longer walk today.

The third photo I took one morning this week. This is what Oscar does in the morning while I am getting ready for work. Sometimes he doesn't even get off the couch when I leave, which is probably good because it means he doesn't bark in the morning. What a tired dog!

Day off!

2007-01-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

I have today off because of Martin Luther King, Jr Day and it feels like I'm skipping out on work. It is so quiet from the snow last night - it's wonderful. Oscar and I went out for a walk this morning and he was hopping around in the snow, he loves it, but his feet got cold quickly and we didn't take a long walk.

I do need to venture out though and pick up a new web cam, mine is still not working right. It works for a few minutes and then cuts out. Frustrating, but my computer is a few years old and this is the first major problem I've had with it.

Martha & Ailee came over last night to help me recover my kitchen chairs. They look great! Oscar was actually pretty well behaved, and at least he left Ailee alone while she watched a movie.

This weekend I finally made it to Penzey's with Brenda & Mike. I love that store :) I restocked my kitchen.

I spent Saturday with the girls at Karin's. I was working on my recipe book of Sylvia's old recipes. I am now at the point where I am finishing up the formatting and I'll have to decide if I want to make it on full-size paper or half-size.

Home Sweet Home

2007-01-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

We arrived back in town today and I am glad to be home. London was great fun, and it was so nice to see Andy and Mandy again, but it is always nice to come home. Oscar was very glad to see me this afternoon and he is happily sleeping next to me as I type.

I feel that I saw just a glimpse of London, and I am excited to start planning my next trip there. I feel that since I have free accomodations for now I need to make the most of the opportunity and will visit as much as possible.

On the Town

2006-12-31T04:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we spent some time on Portobello Road near Mandy's flat. It is this great place where on Saturdays there is a huge outdoor marketplace. Antiques, food, fruits & Veggies, clothes - you name it you can find it there. According to Mandy it is evern bigger most weekends, but since this is a holiday weekend it was not as full as usual. It was nice and I bought a cool t-shirt from this vendor who designs and makes his own products.

Last night Andy Mandy & I went out on the town. We were advised to try this small place near Soho square, which was nice but completely packed. It was in the basement of a small building and Andy's friend told us that we just should go in as if we had been there before. Very strange, but it worked. The doorman didn't even blink. But since it was so busy we had one drink there and moved on and found this small club that was playing rockabilly music. It wasn't live music, but the DJ's were really into it and played some great music. We danced late into the night and had a lot of fun.

London part two

2006-12-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

It has been a hectic few days of touring London. On Wednesday we went to Trafalgar Square and saw the statute of Lord Nelson. We then went inside the National Gallery - the first picture, and saw a wonderful Velasquez exhibit. After, we went on a pub tour with a classmate of Andy's - Michael. It was great fun.

On Thursday went to the Tower of London. The second picture is of the White Tower. It was interesting to hear the history of the Tower and see some of the buildings. We were not able to see the Crown Jewels because there was a huge line to get in. After that we went to the Tate Modern and saw the slide exhibit there. It was really neat and they have a great collection of Modern art.

Today we went to the British Library and the British Museum. The Library was incredible and we were able to see some illuminated manuscripts and a special exhibition of maps of London. The British Museum was amazing, but it was hard to take it all in. Every room was packed with these amazing artifacts, and it was surprising that not everything is behind glass or barriers, so you can go right up to these marble busts that are thousands of years old.

Boxing Day

2006-12-27T03:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Boxing Day here in London and many museums and tourist areas were closed. We took a boat ride on the Thames and saw many of the sites we hope to visit. We saw the London Eye, St. Paul's, the Tate Modern, and the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. It has been pretty comfortable weather but damp.

We spent the afternoon at the Globe Theater. It was very impressive and our tour guide was very knowledgeable. After that we walked across the Millenium Bridge and took a bus through town to get back to Mandy's - through a very busy Picadilly Circus and Oxford Street, by Hyde Park and on to North Kensington.

Chrsitmas Eve

2006-12-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve in London. We arrived safely around 9 AM and it took some time to get through the lines to check our passports and wait for our luggage, so it was about noon before we finally arrived at Mandy and Andy's flat.

Everyone was tired from the trip and mom and I took a little nap before lunch. After, we went to Westminster Abbey for the Christmas Eve service. By the time we arrived it was standing room only, but we got close to the altar and the choir was wonderful. We went back to the flat for dinner and Mandy, Andy & I went out to their friend Michael's home for a Christmas Eve gathering. It was a great time. There were a few other classmates of Andy's there, along with their friends. We had mulled wine and mince pies and we sang and danced into the night.

I hope you all are having a good Christmas!

Puppy love

2006-12-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

Puppy pictures! I was trying to get my webcam to work today and found these old pictures of Oscar. What a cute puppy he was. Mandy- remember when he would shake when you came over? And hide behind my legs? He was such a sweet little pup. He is a sweet dog now only with less shaking and more shedding.

Thansgiving!

2006-11-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

Oscar and I went to Eveleth for Thanksgiving this year. We had a good time with Martha's family there also. Oscar and Henry were fairly well behaved. They could not decide who was Alpha dog at Grandma's house, however and that meant both of them tried to be.

The cats, however, pretty much stayed away until Henry went home. They can only handle one dog at a time. Hobbes was a bit more brave this time, hanging around a hissing at the dogs, but never near enough for them to sniff him.

Oscar's new toy

2006-11-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

Oscar has a new toy: Uglydog. He likes to chew and lick and sleep with his uglydog. Aren't they cute?

He still has his helper monkey, but he seems to be hiding these days.Oscar drags him out every so often, but he has a secret spot for him that I haven't found yet.

New Curtains!

2006-11-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

Martha, Ailee and Dan came over this weekend to help me put up my curtains. It took a longer time than expected because I did not have the right size screws, but Dan brought some and I now have curtains. I am glad Martha & mom talked me into the rust decorative style to go along with the tan. Its nice to have a little more privacy.

Oscar was quite a troublemaker when they were over, however, and he spent most of the visit in the bathroom. He kind of freaked Ailee out, and was just too wound up and would not calm down. I think Ailee being tired and acting scared just got him going, which scared her more. We are going to have to work on his behavior more, because he is going to stay with them when I am in London, and he has to behave himself for it to work.

Traveling

2006-10-31T20:14:00.000-08:00

Oscar and I went to visit my parents last weekend. He has become so much more comfortable with them. He no longer sticks by my side, but actually jumps on the couch and snuggles with my mom! I guess he must miss snuggle time with Mandy. Here is a picture of him in our new house.

Bedtime

2006-10-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is Oscar telling me it is time for bed. It is a little early for me, but he is already sound asleep. I guess its been a hectic day with a visit from my parents, lots to bark about today, which must be tiring.

Settling in

2006-10-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Oscar has been a very tired dog lately. He and I walk 3x and day and it just takes so much out of him. He prefers sleeping on the couch or bed, but the rug will do too....We are settling into our new home and he is adjusting to his new routine. It took him a few days to get used to the leash, but now he is ready to go when I get up in the morning and when I get home from work.

Condo!

2006-10-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

I closed on my condo today. What an exciting day. I am so happy that I have been able to actually find a place that suits me and that allows dogs. I think Oscar will love the park that is nearby.

Oscar & Helper Monkey

2006-09-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

Here is the pic of Oscar & his helper monkey. He is dragging him all over the house. Surprisingly, he has not yet chewed off any limbs yet! He just gnaws on him and licks him obsessively.

Moving away

2006-09-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Oscar has been really strange this week. Mandy has left for London, and he seems to be confused as to where she has gone. I think it will take some time to adjust to a new schedule without Mandy & Andy, but he has been snuggling with his helper monkey in the meantime. I'll post a pic of Oscar and his monkey later.

Oscar is preparing to move

2006-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Oscar is getting pretty nervous around the house lately with all the moving boxes and shuffling of furniture. But, he is a resilient dog and will pull through it. He will miss Mandy time in the morning though, so I will have to give him extra love before work in the AM.

My first post!

2006-08-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Here it is, my own blog. This is for my sister who is moving far away so that she can get her Oscar fix on a regular basis. I will start with a cute puppy shot and after she leaves we will have to get more current shots.