Tuesday, July 29, 2008

A Milestone for Grendel


Tonight Grendel was romping around in the house with a rubber jingle ball. He let me reach into his mouth and take it away from him. He made no protest and showed no resentment at all, and I didn't even have anything to trade.

Here is a picture taken just before our walk this evening. He is roaming free around the yard with no longe line.

The heat and humidity has been my ally, I think, but he has calmed down immeasurably since his arrival here.

Today's Project - Barn Owl


This is about 7 x 9", conte and oil pencil on black charcoal paper. It's a donation for Sarvey Wildlife Center.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Dad on the Stem Cell Enhancer


For those who were wondering, my Dad (age 82) started taking StemEnhance about a week ago per a conference with his doctor. Dad has a pacemaker and just wanted to make sure the supplement wouldn't interfere with that or any meds he is on.

In a week's time Dad has already noticed a big difference in his joints. The pain is gone. I know that seems fast, but it's typical for this supplement to go right to work where it's needed.

You can order StemEnhance here:
www.cliffystemcells.com

There's also a handy FAQ page on the site.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Visit to Drummond

I just got back from a few days in the North country. Sure wish I could have taken the horses. But as usual, the weather was perfect and I did get some nice photos.

It was sure weird -- the first time being up there in over 20 years without a swimmin' German shepherd dog. Fortunately I had Ripple there to walk on the beach with me and help me reminisce.



I'm not sure what kind of flowers these are.



Uncle Warren and cousin Kim took me out in their sailboat. I call this one, "Land Ho". (ha ha)


Amanda and I had fun hanging out.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Movie Review - Mamma Mia

I was lucky enough to see Mamma Mia on stage several years ago. While not nearly as exciting as the live production, the movie is lively and colorful, a perfect choice for little sis Amanda and me last Thursday. It was impossible not to sing along with all the familiar Abba tunes.

However, Pierce Brosnan, while pretty to look at, should never sing. Meryl Streep sings okay, but is not pretty to look at.

But the whole movie was worth the effort, and in fact I'd go again, just to see one number: Christine Baranski in, "Does Your Mother Know". She is simply fabulous.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Grendel


Gren is doing much better. He's walking nicely on a leash. He's calm in the house. He's less defensive and a lot happier. He's even turning out to have a sense of humor! He still needs to put on some weight but it's nice to see his attitude improving.

He has the mentality of a much younger pup. I am also beginning to suspect that he's not so much high drive, as he was desperate. Anyway, he's definitely evolving.

My Day Among the Stars

Here's an article about my day on the set for the pilot of, "The Prince of Motor City".

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Today's Equine Art - Percheron


I was inspired by this guy's dapples. This is oil pencil and conte on black charcoal paper. It's about 12 x 16". This image was taken with my digital camera but I can't get colors to match the original. It's a lot softer than it appears here.

It's listed on eBay at
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180261101091

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Grendel Progress


Here is a pic of him playing today.

I make sure to always walk away from him, fast, and we moved over a big area all around the place. I even hid on him a couple of times and he always came directly to find me. Once I went out the back door of the garage and left him inside. Instead of taking off or going out the big front garage door, he went to the door to get into the house and was waiting there when I came in.

It is pretty hot out today and he wears out easily. He is still dragging the longe line but I think he is learning that I am someone to keep up with, instead of the other way around.

When we came inside, he did come trotting up to me when I said his new name. He knows it now. He is definitely more into play and pets than food.

We were just heading out on our leash walk (after the ball game and a short rest in the house) when we met neighbor Ken up by the mailbox. Ken was in his van. He shouted "Rocky!" I let Gren go up to him, and he put his hand out but pulled back saying, "I'm afraid he'll bite me." (He was always afraid of Cajun too.)

"He won't bite you," I said. "But he might jump up on your car."

We talked about him a little bit and Ken said Eddie was really happy that I have him. I said he just needed someone to play with him. Then he said, "Look at how he is just standing there! He would never do that before!"

He pointed and sure enough, Grendel was just standing quietly next to me waiting to continue the walk. I remembered how he used to go bananas on the leash with Eddie every time a vehicle came by.

As Ken started backing out, though, Grendel started a little bit of the lunging and squealing. "Here's the old stuff," I said to Ken. But I just turned and walked away from it and he came along.

When we got back from the walk, we got to the base of my hill and I took him off the leash. He ran free all the way back to the house.