Birthday...or birth week

Emilie is a year older. And she managed to drag out the festivities for over a week. It helped that Ivy Tech decided to honor her birth with a week of Spring Break.

Siberian Iris. Not at Ivy Tech, just a sign of spring.

One present that came in the mail was supposed to be opened at once. So the puppy could start wearing it immediately.

On her birthday, Emilie slept late and then opened presents. Opening presents in bed is a bit like having breakfast in bed. But without the crumbs.

There were so many gifts . . .

That Dharma had to help open some.

Then yet another present came in the mail.

It was a shirt from Derek, in Emilie's new favorite color. (And it apparently matches Dharma's eyes, too.) Is that what business people call just-in-time inventory?

Puppy in pink

The nice lady at London Dog ordered some special coats to fit dachshunds. Most doggie clothes don't fit them so well, and then their little tummies get cold. So I spent way too much money on this cute little pink, soft, fleece jacket.


The brand is TeckelKlub. Teckel is German for dachshund. No, actually, they don't call them dachshunds in German. They are sometimes called Dachels, which I think is some sort of diminuation of dachshund. Dachs means badger (not to be confused with Dach, roof.) Full-sized doxies were bred to hunt badgers. That's why they are so fierce. Would YOU want to head down a tunnel with a badger at the other end? Me neither. The mini doxies were used to hunt weasels--also not an easy job.

Dachshunds can even compete in an event called "Earthdog." They have to track down rabbits (or rabbit-scented items) in underground tunnels. I think Dharma would love that. She likes to dig and burrow. And she thinks the trellises are little doggie tunnels. Isn't it nice that we have a doggie playground in our backyard? Boy is she going to be mad when we move the trellises.

On a chilly night recently, Dharma and Emilie both wore matching pink pjs. Yep, that is totally disgusting. But, boy, were we cozy!