#SOL20 Day 20. Chloe Writes: The New Normal

Whaaaattt? 
They're home again? All day?
Especially Mom. It's been a long time since she's been gone all day. Even Dad doesn't leave every day.

I'm missing my naps.

Wait! She's getting dressed! Maybe she's going to leave!
Or, maybe she's taking me somewhere. Yippee! I love going in the car. It's always someplace fun when we go. Well, almost always...

Nope.
She's wrapped up in her furry blanket again.
Dang it.

Dad's up. But he's not doing anything either.

Maybe if I grab a ball and look really cute. Or my rope.
Nope. That's not working either.

What the heck are they home for if they're not going to play with me?

I better stay awake just in case.

#SOL20 Day 5. I Should Have Known

I should have known something was up!

Mom was all nice and sweet this morning. She kept brushing me and brushing me and brushing me. I wasn't really in the mood. I just got up for gosh sakes! I just wanted to lay around and take it easy this morning. Yesterday was a busy day, plus. Dad and I stayed up late. I was kinda tired this morning.

But noooooooo

I had to go see Vicki this morning and take a bath. And get a haircut. And get my toenails clipped. And the hair in my ears pulled! 

Ugh. I was not ready for ANY of that!


But, I guess I look pretty cute now :). So maybe it was worth it!

{solsc} 16/31 #sol18 . Chloe Writes: Floppy Ears Suck

I hate floppy ears. I wish my ears stuck straight up. Then they would dry out and not get all sore and red and itchy. Mom wouldn't have to clean them all the time

but I do get a pretty good treat when she's done :)

And I hate having them brushed every day. Sometimes it hurts!

but I do get a pretty good treat then too :)



 I've been shaking my head a lot. Mom was cleaning them every day (and giving me treats), but they weren't getting better. Mom and Dad say it's ear infection. So now she's putting drops in my ears that really do help (and I get treats). I'm not shaking my head so much 'cuz my ears don't hurt and itch.  The best part about all of this (besides the treats) is that after the drops and after the treat, Mom lets me sit with her and she rubs my ears for a long time. That feels really good and pretty soon they don't bug me anymore.

I do get kinda sleepy when she does that. But Mom says that's OK because naps help you get better. Right?

Until the next time Mom let's me write,
Chloe

{solsc} 12/31 #sol18 . Chloe Writes: They Left Me!

They left me again, you know. Just walked out of the house without me. Gave me a treat. Tucked me up on their bed. And left.

At first I didn't think it was a big deal 'cuz they didn't take suitcases and stuff. I really thought they'd be home by dinner time to feed me.

BUT THEY WEREN'T!!!!!

AND THERE WAS NO FOOD IN MY DISH!!!!


I couldn't believe it. They never forget to feed me. Not that I would have eaten it without them here, but still. Didn't they even think about me before they left?

Later, I went in and layed on the couch and snuggled into Mom's blanket. Do you know what I found?  A treat!  It was sooooo good and it did make me feel a little better, so I took a little nap.

But even I can only sleep so long, so I moved over to the other couch to look out the window and check on the neighbors. But they didn't even leave the curtain open so I could see out.

This day just gets worse and worse.

And then it got dark. I hate the dark. You never know what's creepin' around outside and I couldn't look out the window to even see. I just know that stupid cat was wandering around out there. I barked a little bit to scare it away just in case. But I quit 'cuz it didn't make me feel any better.



They finally came home and it was really, really late. I ate my dinner and then Mom went to bed.  Dad stayed up with me for a little while and we watched TV.  But not for very long 'uz he said he was tired too, so then he went to bed. I went to the kitchen and slept in my kennel then. But I sure wasn't very tired. I slept all day!

Chloe Writes: Winter Sucks

Let me just tell you.  This. Winter. Sucks.

For a while after the lake, it was really nice and we could still go for walks and play out in the backyard. I love to run in the backyard, and chase that dang squirrel that lives in the tree and if I could just catch that cat that likes to hang out under the deck...

Anyway.

Then it got cold. Really, really cold and my paws hurt when I have to go out and take care of business. Even when the cousins came for Christmas we couldn't stay outside very long, and, trust me, we wanted to! But even though it's too cold outside, Mom and Dad play fun games with me inside.

But this last week has been the worst one ever.

THEY ARE BOTH SICK AT THE SAME TIME!

How can that be?

Now, no one plays with me. They just lay there, wrapped in their blankets, moaning like babies. Dad wouldn't even let me up to lay in the chair with him! Mom did though. I thought if I cuddled her for a little while she would feel better (dog cuddles make everything better). Then maybe we could play. But Mom wouldn't even throw the ball. Like how hard is it to throw the dumb ball?

Geez.

So, all I've done for the last week is lay around. I keep trying to get them up, but it hasn't worked very well. Finally, yesterday, there was some activity around here. I think they might be getting better! Mom chased me up the steps a couple of times and Dad let me come up in his chair.

But it's still too cold to play outside :(

{solsc} 19/31 #sol17 Chloe Writes: Sleepover

You all know how much I like to go on adventures with Mom and Dad, so when I saw they were packing suitcases the other day, I got really excited. I wondered where we were going. Is it lake time yet?  Wherever it was, it'll be fun 'cause Mom and Dad like to go fun places and do fun things.

But, then they told me I couldn't go and would have to have a sleepover at Vicki's. She's where I go for my spa days.  I was just there a couple of weeks ago, so it wasn't time for a bath and haircut yet.  

Dad dropped me off and said good-bye. I wanted to cry, but I didn't. I'm six and a half, after all and big girls don't cry.  But then, Vicki put me in the kennel and shut the door and left!  I really didn't like that. It was not going to be a good weekend.

Vicki wasn't gone very long. though, and when she came home she let me out and I got to go upstairs and play with her and Sadie and the other dogs.  I was kind of scared at first. Sometimes, other dogs haven't been very nice to me, so I was a little nervous, but it was REALLY fun. We ran around the house and jumped over the couch. At first, I didn't want to, 'cause Mom would NEVER let me do that, but it seemed like it was OK, so then I started to play. We played and followed Vicki around all night. The other dogs were really nice! I was so busy, I forgot to eat until the middle of the night!  

Mom and Dad came and got me in the afternoon. I was so happy to see them. Mom said I almost shook my butt off when I was wagging my tail.  I gave them lots of hugs and kisses. I gave some to Vicki too so I could say thank-you.  It was such a fun sleepover!

But now, I am really tired. Mom and Dad are too, so we're just going to take it easy today.

See you soon!

Chloe

{solsc} 1/31 #sol17 Chloe Writes: Why You Shouldn't Write in March

Chloe here. I'm taking over today before Mom writes. I just have one thing to talk about today--that stupid March blogging thingamajig.

Oh, Geez. Here she goes again! Every year she has to whine about this.

DON'T DO IT.

For years my mom has written during March. I really don't care about the first year. I wasn't even born yet. But let me tell you about the last few of years. By the time I get done, you will understand why you shouldn't  even begin to write.....

Please. Don't listen to her.

First, do you realize you have to write every day??? Every day for a month. You have to find a time to write, you know. When are you going to do that?  Probably during the time you should be taking your cute little furry sons and daughters for a walk or playing with them.

Actually, I write with my students at school during Creative Writing 

or in the morning before  I go to school.

Second, you have to think of something to write about Every. Single. Day.  Think about that.  Unless you have a cute, furry, intelligent fur baby like me, you probably aren't that interesting. Just what will you write about?

I started a Pinterest board with writing ideas. 

Click here for the link. 

I found last year that this really helped. Also, don't be 

afraid to copy the style of a post you like. Slicers 

don't mind imitation!

Third, the stress. You'll always be thinking about what you are going to write next. Then you'll worry about when you are going to post. And is your post good enough to even share?  Trust me. Your mental health can't take writing for a month. Cuddle your fur baby instead.  That will keep your stress level under control.

Whoa, Chloe! No stress.  And we all write posts that aren't the best.

The important thing is we are writing. Sharing our story. 

Slicers  understand we can't always write a masterpiece!

And then, of course, you aren't done with the writing of a post. You have to COMMENT on other people's posts! Really. You are supposed to go and read what other people write and tell them how good they did. 

Now she's just being ridiculous. Yes. You should read and comment on other posts.

But it's not that big of a deal.

It's one of my favorite parts of the March challenge.

I started in 2011 and made great blogging friends. They are the first 

people  I visit each day.  And then, I try someone new.  It's fun and relaxing.

Whatever, Mom.  It's a silly challenge. I know you won't give it up,  'cause you always tell me "If you're going to be a teacher of writers, you have to write."  I don't even know what that means. You don't have to have fur to be a mom to a fur baby, why do you have to write to teach it?  Crazy.

Well, that's it for today. Don't listen to Chloe. The Slice of Life Challenge 

is fun, exercises your writing muscles, and you'll make some new friends.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go play with my spoiled dog!

{solsc} 10/31 #sol16 5 Question Challenge: Chloe Style

A few days ago Michelle at One Grateful Teacher posted a 5 Question Challenge. Chloe read it and thought she might try it. Evidently she has a few things to share.

1. What has been your one biggest struggle this school year.

Well, I don't go to school anymore (I did for a little bit when I was a puppy, but I graduated with flying colors, so I don't have to go back anymore.) But Mom is a teacher, in case you didn't know, and my biggest problem with that is she goes to school early in the morning and comes home when it's dark out. I hate that she's gone all day and doesn't come home til supper time. Dad's home more now, but he doesn't always play with me like Mom does. But she told me yesterday that next week she will be home earlier and we can start going for walks again!

2. Share two accomplishments that you are proud of this school year?

Ummmmm. What's an a --ccom--p--lish---ment?  Hmmm. Mom says it's something I should be proud of.   Hmmmmm.  I made a new friend last month when we went to visit the Wisconsin people.  His name was Freddy and I wasn't scared of him or nothing. He was kind of annoying sometimes, but he was littler than me, so instead of laying on the floor I would just stand up and look at him and then he would leave me alone.

And, let's see, I chased a rabbit earlier this winter and almost got it.  Rabbits are really fast, in case you didn't know. I'll bet when Mom and I start walking again and I get back into running shape I'll be able to catch it.

3. What are 3 things you would like to accomplish before the end of the school year?

I would really, really, really like to go to school with Mom one day. She says there are lots of kids there and that they would like me. I love kids and getting petted and stuff.  Don't you think I should be able to go.

The other two things are easy. I want to go for walks and go back to the lake house.  I love the lake house. We went to visit people a couple times, but we haven't gone to our house and I want to.  I want to see my people and run on the beach.

And walks....it's starting to get nice out. It's been kinda warm this week--well, except for yesterday--and I like to lay in the sun in the backyard. But I would sure like to get out and move!  I've got to check and see if there are any new dogs on our walks. And those dumb squirrels start taking over if I'm not checking up on them, so it's time to go!

4. Give four reasons you remain in education despite today's rough culture.

HUH???? I don't understand most of the words in this question. But Mom tells me she keeps teaching because kids need her. I try to tell her that I do too, but she says there are kids who don't have nice Moms and Dads like I do. Mom says that some of her kids don't have many people to tell them how great they are, or smile at them, or hug them, or care if they come to school. That would be horrible. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't hug Mom and Dad every day, or if they didn't care about me. She also says even if they have nice ones at home, they need a school mom and that's what she is. 

So I guess I'll share her for a couple more years anyway.  

I know this isn't four reasons, but Mom says it's so important it counts for four.

5. Which five people do you hope will take this challenge by answering these questions?

Well, I would like my friends to answer this, but they don't have blogs and Mom's who let them write, so I guess I hope some of the other blogging kids will talk their parents into writing. Do you think they will? So, I guess, if you read this you can answer some of them if you want. It would be fun to see what you say. 

Gee. This was kind of fun. I hope Mom lets me write again soon!

{solsc} 2/31 #sol16 Chloe Writes

Mom's gone.

She left me. One minute she was here and playing with me. And then she was gone!




I should have known when she got the gosh darned suitcase out last night. I should have known.  But I thought maybe she was just getting ready for the weekend. Dad wants to go some place this weekend and I heard him say I get to go. But NOOOOOO. I have to stay home.

Even Dad's not here. You don't think he went with her, do you? Do you think he will be home later? I know I'm getting older, but I still hate being home alone. There's nothing to do--no one to play with. I just lay on the bed and look out the window.  Sometimes I cry.

I'm so bored this winter. I don't even care the stupid squirrel is up in the tree or the cat lives under the deck. Everyone is sooooo busy and no one has time to play. I don't even get play dates. I just have to stay home and look out the window at the neighbors.

Wait!  I hear something.  It's DAD!!!!!!  He's home. He's home. He's home.  I'll bet he'll play with me too. I can run up and down the stairs and get hime to chase me. And then I'll get supper!  And I can sit in his chair with him! I love when my people are home.

But, I'm still mad at Mom. Do you think she'll come home tonight?

{solsc} 1/31 #sol16 And, We Begin Again

6 years.

That's how long Chloe and I have been participating in the Slice of Life March challenge.

6 years.

Last year I wasn't sure I would participate, but when that calendar page turned, here I was. Ready to write again.

This year I didn't question. I just knew I would.

I'm a writer, you see. And a writer must write.

I'm Chloe. I'm 6 years old and I'm a writer too. I complain a lot about this whole March blogging thing, but it's really kind of fun.
Well, it's fun if Mom lets me write. 






I looked back over my previous first posts and found that I said pretty much the same thing every time. I'll let you go back and see them for yourself if you want. They explain a lot about who I am and what I write about. Chloe tends to....

Hey...it's my turn to write. You don't get to tell about me!
I haven't been a big fan of Mom's blog and this whole challenge thing. It takes away from fun stuff. But I'm more grown-up this year, so I decided not to whine about it.  I'm going to let Mom write when she needs to. Maybe if I don't whine, we'll be able to play more when she's done.

I've been getting ready to write during the last week. Thanks to Michelle's advice I set up all my blog posts for the month. I can see where this will help a lot on those hectic days when I'm not sure I have time to write. I also have a Pinterest board with blogging ideas for those days when "nothing happens" and a list in my writer's notebook.  I know that I write better in the morning, so I plan to write my posts with my kids in Creative Writing. I'll probably comment after school, though. It just seems to be a better time for me to do that.

I plan on having treats. I'll do anything for a treat!

Chloe's right. Treats are good. Maybe writing with a cup of really good coffee in the morning--or if I procrastinate, a glass of wine at night.

Hey! I thought you said no whining!

Not that kind of whine, Chloe...

[#sol15] 18/31 Wanna Go for a Walk?

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for the March Slice of Life challenge.

Share your stories!

Wanna go for a walk? Huh? Huh? Wanna? Come on! I've been inside all day and I need to move!

Look. We'll just go right down the path. We don't have to go for very long.
But it's really nice out. I know it's not sunny, but it's not cold.  Come on, come on, come on!!!!!!!!

How about this. I'll hold the leash and all you have to do is follow me. OK?

That way you can just enjoy the walk. I'll do all the work!

So. Are you with me?  We have just enough time to go before Dad gets home from work!

OK. Fine. I'll come back and walk with you. But can we please go now?

{#sol15} 8/31 Chloe Writes: Out My Window

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So, Mom wrote a poem the other day about the view out her window. I thought since she's sick with a cold today and doesn't feel like writing, I'd let you in on the view out of my window.

The view I get every single day.

Every single day while they go off and get to do fun things and leave me home alone.

Every single day.

This is my favorite spot to lay during the day.  From here, I can protect my yard and my house from those pesky squirrels and neighborhood cats. It really makes me mad when I growl and bark and they don't even move. Sure wish I could open the door and go get 'em.

I can also see the mailman blocks away. I start growling and barking as soon as I see him, 'cuz I don't like him and I don't want him coming anywhere near my house.

I really like to watch the neighbor's house. They have two dogs that I wish I could be friends with and LOTS of little kids are there every day. Mom says our neighbor is a day care lady and that's why they have so many kids. Sometimes, I try to run over there if I am outside, but Mom says I scare the little kids so I hafta stay in our yard.

Mom and Dad call me Gladys sometimes. I don't really get that. My name is Chloe.  But they think it's funny and laugh a lot when I am looking out the window and trying to get someone's attention.




But my favorite thing to watch out my window is for Mom and Dad to come home.  That's the best part of my day...

{#sol15} 3/31 Chloe Writes an Apology

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Chloe Writes...

Dear Little Sparrow,

I thought you wanted to

PLAY

When you came in and 

FLEW

around on our screened in deck.

I was so excited that

SOMEONE NEW

Came to play.

Someone to 

BARK

at and someone to play

CHASE

with. 

It was 

FUN

for awhile.

I didn't know

I wasn't supposed to 

CATCH YOU.