It's A Real Zoo

We got our first Christmas card of the season on Friday.  I love getting Christmas cards, even though I haven't sent any out in years.  Every year there comes a day when I think, "Today is the day!  I'm doing Christmas cards!"  Unfortunately, the day that particular thought hits me is usually on December 23rd or after...boo!  So if you're reading this and you send me a card every year and wonder where yours is, please know that your card is appreciated and that if I were better organized at Christmastime, you'd have one back.

Sophie, Tigger, Hildy, and Daisy
(left to right)

So anyway, we got our first Christmas card.  Guess who it's from.  Go ahead, guess.  Okay, you'll probably never get it so I'll tell you.  It was from our veterinarian.  Our vet, Dr. Beacham, is an integral part of our existence.  You can't have six dachshunds and not be highly invested in your local vet.  I'm pretty sure that Dr. Beacham's children are, in good part, going to college on our dime.  Seriously, between the office visits, medication, shots, and boarding our crew with them when we go on vacation, we have spent more money on our dogs than most people spend on groceries.  It's actually a miracle that we ever get to go on vacation since it usually costs us more to board the dogs than it does for the actual trip.  I know, we have too many dogs, but you try picking one of your children to send to live somewhere else.  Okay, it's not exactly the same thing, but it's awful close.  I  absolutely love all of the people who work at our vet's office.  They are all really sweet and tremendously patient with our pack, especially with our one dog who is short a few brain cells (now him I'd be happy to get rid of).

The Goofball Dog (Mojo) & Trixie

Rather than divesting ourselves of any pets, however, we actually managed to bring another one into the household.  No, it is not a dog, but she does bark.  The Husband has a good friend in Ohio who always seems to have a great "deal" handy (thanks, Steve).  It is probably a good thing that they don't still live in the same state.  So, this last trip Steve had a great deal for The Husband and our menagerie now includes an African Grey parrot named Bella.  Imagine how thrilled I was at the thought of driving nearly 1000 miles back home with a bird in the car.  The good news is, she's a lot better behaved and a lot smarter than the dog who is short a few brain cells.  Gee, all we're missing now is a trained monkey.  I may have to start charging admission...

Miss Bella

Regarding my Christmas knitting, I am now within 25 rows of finishing the body on my Malabrigo sweater.  After that, just the sleeves to do.  I'm feeling much more optimistic about sleeves these days.  I have probably the same number of rows to complete another project and then I'm down to three sweaters and the Christmas blanket.  If I actually manage to get the sweaters done, I may throw in a couple of small projects (yeah, yeah...). 

Off to knit...

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