Category: MOST RECENT ENTRY

Today has been a cold, rainy, wet, miserable day so there wasn’t much of anything to do except rip a tire off of a Subaru. (A toy Subaru, that is.)

This week brought the first significant snow accumulation we’ve seen in this area for several years. Today’s soft flakes fell throughout the day, coating the ground with a thick, soft blanket of white.

It’s a rare thing for me to spend hours outside in subfreezing, snowy weather. What it takes for me is a dog that loves the snow. (And two layers of long underwear, jeans, two fleece jackets, a heavy coat with a hood. 3 layers of socks, winter boots, thick gloves, a warm hat, and a wool scarf.)

The snow was calling for Gracie.

So, in the afternoon, Gracie and I walked to nearby Wilson Farm Park. I typically keep her on a leash in the park (it’s a rule), but with the exception of one wacky guy out there running in shorts, we saw no other people and no other dogs. So, I let Gracie off her leash. From the moment I released her, she sprinted – to romp, race, poke, dig, sniff, and roll in the snow. We trekked all through the park, forming fresh tracks everywhere we went. Gracie was exhilarated.

By the time we arrived back home, Gracie had thick clumps of ice caked on her paws, all four of her legs. her snout, and her belly. (I used warm water to remove all of the ice.)

The noodle has a new nickname now when we’re on these jaunts: Icicle-face.

Earlier this week a huge storm brought a deluge of rain and wind to our area, causing lots of local flooding and power outages. Gracie and I weathered the storm. She spent most of the day in daycare. I was lucky to not lose power.

In the aftermath of the event, the strong winds and supersaturated ground left countless toppled trees and downed branches in its wake. Now, everywhere we go, Gracie finds a massive oversupply of STICKS. For her, that’s been like Christmas all over again.

I’m impressed with the Barking Bard Chatbot’s poem of Gracie’s New Year’s resolutions. But I think the fourth verse needs an even more personalized touch. So, I’m updating it with my own spin:

Verse 4 update:

I’ll keep my bodily functions under control,
No more passing gas, like a silent troll,
I can be much better, as you well know,
And leave all the farting to Mr. Hippo!

Since Gracie can’t actually write (at least not yet), I wanted to see how AI would craft some suitable New Year’s resolutions for her. And I thought it would be entertaining to have the prose generated in poem form. After a tiny bit of my guidance, a few AI reiterations, and my minor tweak here and there, here’s the resultant sonnet!

A Tail of New Beginnings: Gracie’s 2024 Resolutions

by the Barking Bard AI Chatbot for Gracie W.

A New Year’s here, it’s time to shine,
I’ll make some resolutions, and I’ll do them just fine,
No more naughty deeds, I’ll show restraint,
And with each verse, a new change I’ll paint!

No more couch-chewing, I’ll keep my jaws free,
No more holes, no more foam-filled glee,
I’ll find new ways to spend my days,
And leave the furniture in better ways!

I’ll stop jumping on guests who visit our home,
No more doggy pounces, no more guilt to own,
I’ll wag my tail with friendly grace,
And show them I’m a good girl in this place!

In 2024, I’ll be a better pup,
No more sneaky napkin theft, I’ll give it up.
No more stealing, that’s my vow,
I’ll find some toys to chew on now.

Counter surfing, I’ll resist the urge,
No more snatching, no more splurge.
My paws will stay where they should,
And my behavior, forever good.

I’ll keep my bodily functions under control,
No more passing gas, like a silent troll,
I’ll be a better friend to all around,
No more stinky surprises, only tail wags abound!

So here’s to the New Year, let’s make it great,
With my resolutions, I won’t hesitate,
I’ll try to be a better doggy, you’ll see,
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll forgive me.

🐾🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉🐾