Great Omelettes, Bill!  Goodbye, Apache and Lola!  Thank You! — Orchard Park, NY

A Keeshond Angles a Kiss from a Finnish Angler

Here is a group of photos from a Finnish Facebook friend who has keeshonden, like our Lola and Apache.

Apache just got a new yellow life-jacket and is learning to swim in the pool!

We haven’t found one that fits Lola properly yet.

Since Keeshonden are commonly known as Dutch barge dogs, it seems natural that they might take to fishermen, to boats, and to the sea.  But I think kissing, sleeping, and eating are some of their favorite things (all of which you can see in these photos).  Read more... (108 words, 1 image, estimated 26 secs reading time)

A young return guest pulled out her trombone today to treat us to a few jazz and classical selections.  Apache went crazy, coming over to check out the instrument, the music stand, and the performer.  Little Lola jumped on Joanna’s lap to join the appreciative audience.  I guess we shouldn’t have been surprised at their enthusiasm; after all, a trombone DOES have a BONE in it, right?   Maybe that’s where the Bone in B&B comes from!

Lola          Apache          Melesa’s Bone  Read more... (126 words, estimated 30 secs reading time)

Puppy Love

I LIKE THE DOGS APECH AND LOLA. I LIKE HOW THEY DO TRICKS FOR YOU AND I WILL MISS THEM. — a 9-year-old guest, Lake Oswego, OR

Thank you for your kind and generous hospitality. — her grandmother, Littleton, CO

What a paradise of tranquility and serenity you have created here!  There is also a beautiful “spiritual retreat” atmosphere, which is nourishing to one’s soul.  Thank you for creating such openness, kindness & hospitality.  May the Lord continue to bless your lives to do His work on earth.  Thank you Bill, Joanna, Apache & Lola! — (Dian Baker, Pianist, Phoenix Boys Choir) — Tempe, AZ

Yesterday I drove Apache to Waterbury, Vermont to the Ben and Jerry Ice Cream Factory to meet Maureen and John, who were bringing Lola, a 2-year-old Keeshond female show dog who didn’t care much for the ring. Maureen wanted to find a home where Lola can relax and become a companion, and we are so happy she picked us!  Read more... (291 words, estimated 1:10 mins reading time)

Apache got his first opportunity to meet and greet our flock of wild turkeys today, when 12 to 14 strutted and scratched their way across the back lawn. I had spread cracked corn in the tall grass beyond, where two of the turkeys had discovered it. The rest went for the scarcer but easier pickings under the feeders. Apache, exhilarated with his new-found sense of power to motivate flight, zig-zagged all the paths the bottom-heavy birds left behind. Happy Apache! Disconcerted turkeys!

Thanks for the hospitality and comforts of home! Your warm, open home made our stay most enjoyable! We loved Apache’s home touch as well! — Plattsburgh, NY

Apache wants to put in his bid for a fellow-Keeshond to be chosen as Premiere Pooch! We’ve heard that the Portuguese Water Dog and the Labradoodle are both being considered for the White House, and, frankly, we considered both of these as possible additions to our household, too. We think they are great dogs, but there is nothing like a Kees!

Today Apache celebrates his first birthday, sharing the day with Martin Luther King, Jr. What an honor, especially at this significant moment in American history, when only five days from now the first African-American President will be sworn in to office! We pause to pray for God’s guidance and protection for President-Elect Barack Obama, Vice President-Elect Joe Biden and their families. We pray that members of his administration and the new congress would be open to discern and listen to God’s voice during this challenging time for our country. America! America! God shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!