September 5, 2023
Over the past Labor Day weekend, I took Gracie swimming. Each day we went to a different place. Saturday it was Valley Forge Park. Sunday was The Willows. On Monday, Labor Day, we went to Lloyd’s. It seemed like splashing in the cool waters at some of her favorite spots was good way for her to enjoy a hot, end-of-summer holiday.
In the picture sequence below: Valley Forge, The Willows, Lloyd parks.
September 10, 2023
Around this time of year, every year, it’s as if an invasive species creeps into the aisles of grocery stores across the planet – or at least in the US. I’m referring to the throngs of PUMPKIN SPICE merchandise that have spread across the retail shelves! What a preposterous plethora of seasonal products ranging from especially appealing (Birch Benders Pumpkin Spice Pancake and Waffle Mix) to distasteful (Test Kitchen PUMPKIN SPICE BEEF JERKY), and even ridiculous (Pumpkin spice “dude wipes”). Among some other curious store offerings of pumpkin period items include Pumpkin Spice Twinkies, Native Pumpkin Spice Deodorant, Pumpkin Spice Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Pumpkin spice garbage bags, Pumpkin Spice Poo~Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, and – even –
Pumpkin Spice Beard Oil! Quick to cash in on the trend, too, among fast food franchise selections are, for a limited time, the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino at Starbucks, a Pumpkin Spice Pancake Combo at IHOP, and coming on September 12, the Pumpkin Spice Frosty at Wendy’s.
What does all of this have to do with my Goldendoodle? Well, it might not be any surprise that companies catering to canines have ALSO jumped on the pumpkin spice bandwagon. In the picture below, Gracie is posed with some of the pumpkin spice goods for sale this fall. Numbered items are listed below.
Shown above (as numbered clockwise starting from the top left) are:
1. GREENIES Regular Natural Dog Dental Care Chews Oral Health Dog Treats, Pumpkin Spice Flavor
2. Pet House Pumpkin Spice Natural Plant-Based Mini Candle
3. Showseason Bath & Brush Therapies Pumpkin Spice Cologne
4. Showseason Pumpkin Spice Conditioner Gallon (Obviously for your pet’s fur conditioning needs all year round!)
5. Pumpkin Spice Pet Shampoo for Dogs
6. Frisco Pumpkin Spice Personalized Dog Bandana
7. Bootique Pumpkin Spice Plush Dog Toy
8. Pooch Cake Wheat-Free Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix & Frosting Dog Treat
9. One Fur All Pet House Pumpkin Spice Car Air Freshener
The bombardment of this seasonal seasoning craze definitely makes one wonder. “What will they think of next to exploit it??” For now, I’m trying not to think about it and simply “go with the flow” while I secretly munch on my Oreo Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies.
September 17, 2023
Gracie almost camouflaged…
September 19, 2023
I have a vague recollection of a dream I had last night about untying knots. Maybe it was a premonition. When I got home from work today, I encountered this at the top of the stairs:
While I was out this morning, Gracie was busy fraying the edge of the throw rug and then using the strands to tie up Mr. Gumby. I’m not sure what Gumby did to deserve this treatment!
September 30, 2023
Gracie enjoyed a brief visit with Mom recently. Gracie loves going to the Oaks where she gets LOTS of attention!
Raising Gracie 