Bentley's 13th Birthday December 21st

It's hard to believe it, but our baby is 13 years old today.  Born December 21, 2005 in

Boise, Idaho,  just a block down the street from us.   I knew his doggie mom and daddy

for years before Bentley was born.  He has a sister named Shorty, and a brother named

Joey.  His doggie parents were named Lady and Mr. Rags.

I knew he would be a loving puppy because he came to us from a very loving home.

Bentley has been a joy since he first joined our family.  Always such a good boy with 

a happy spirit.  Always waiting to amuse and to bring love.

He was by my side from the first day I started my blog, and often found 

himself a part of the blog action.

He always received the most amount of gifts at Christmas.  My

parents adored him and showered so much love and attention 

on him too.

The one negative about Bentley is that he has always hated to be groomed.  I don't

know why.  My groomer and I did everything possible to make it a happy

experience, but he stood his ground.  If you look closely, here he is running 

away with his hair brush!

Now Bentley makes his home with us in Texas.  He has traveled all over this

state and has been the perfect little traveler.  Here he is looking at a lovely

cottage in Fredericksburg.

Here he is in San Antonio on the Riverfront, at a dog friendly restaurant called ...

Charlie Wants a Burger

And, Bentley had a yummy burger too.

Of course he gets to stay at posh resorts with his Mama and Daddy,  and gets

to climb up on the bed pillows to get comfy.  Why?  Because we love him!!!

We are so blessed to have this little peanut in our lives.

This tribute is for you, dear Bentley, from your loving and devoted

Mama.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley, the Birthday Boy

My She Shed on Gingerbread Street

Welcome to my She Shed on Gingerbread Street!  The birds have been 

stopping by to see all of the decorations in the garden too.

This She Shed is part potting shed and also partly a creative

escape for me.  I love to get her all decorated for the seasons.

We have mail!

It's been very mild here, both yesterday and today.  It doesn't feel much

like the Christmas season should (at least for me), but I am going all

out to stay festive.

No real snow, so I had to use some from a spray can.

The rusty and vintage yard tools get decorated too.

Thank you so much for stopping by!  There will be more later, because

the inside of the shed is getting festive too.  

Metamorphosis Monday

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Lunch at the Cottage

We could have a salad, that would be the healthy choice.  However,

we could have PIE.  That would be the indulgent choice.  Your

pick.

I really can't remember when we sat down at this table.  Most of the time we

eat our meals at the breakfast bar.  However, I still enjoy creating a centerpiece,

and this little deer is a favorite of mine.

Okay, getting back to the important question ... who wants pie?

It's pecan, made in Texas, and it's really yummy!

Tablescape Thursday

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Finally ~ The Sun is Shining Once Again

Wowsa!  We had so much rain last Friday that I was beginning to worry

that we might get flooded out!  We have never been flooded here, but the

rain came down so hard and so fast that part of the patio began to look

like a pool.  I had planned to work on decorating my She Shed for 

Christmas, but there was no way I was going out in the swamp.  When

the rain finally let up, the winds started to blow and the temps dropped.

That was equally as miserable.  

Finally, today we have clear skies and the sun is warm and beautiful!

Of course, we still have a moat around our backyard, but I can live

with that until it dries out.  The toughest issue is Bentley, who likes 

the mud puddles.  He doesn't like the rain, but he joyfully gravitates

to the puddles it leaves behind.  

I have so much to do today to get caught up with my Christmas decorating plans.

I'm setting up the exterior of the She Shed Christmas Cottage, and I am also

waiting for our Christmas tree to be delivered.  I definitely need a second mug of

coffee today!  Hope your day is going well!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Creating a Cozy Christmas Cottage

Well, I was hoping to be able to decorate around the outside of the

She Shed today, but it's raining.  I think it is supposed to rain for a 

couple of days and then clear up.  I certainly do hope that will be the

case.  So I am back inside finding little spots in the house to add 

some cozy Christmas cottage charm.

This is a favorite spot in the cottage, especially on a gray and

rainy day.  Bentley loves to curl up in one of the chairs with me.

Sometimes he takes more than his share of the chair, but that's

just fine.  I am happy to indulge him.

I usually like to start my day with a mug of hot water and a slice or two

of lemon.  After that, I have a mug filled with coffee, cream, and

some kind of sweeter that isn't sugar.  Coffee in a Santa mug is

especially cozy at this time of year.

I'll be home for the rest of the day.  I am having my groceries delivered

later today.  I am loving this service.  First I started using curbside

delivery, and now I have switched to home delivery.  They pull up in

my driveway, and unload all the groceries in my back hall.  All I have

left to do is to put them away.  I feel so spoiled, but actually it is helpful

especially when I have not been feeling up to leaving the house.

I hope you have a wonderful and cozy day too!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley