Happy Birthday to Me!

TUDOR - age 7 weeks

It is probably true that some birthdays are more memorable than others, but this one was spectacular in ways even I, as a consummate organizer, could have never anticipated. As our blog readers will know, recently we got to be surrogate parents as our young corgi, "I'I Lani" had four adorable puppies. During the process, we decided that we really would like to keep one...but which one?

"Mom, I can help you with these boxes."

As the puppies were fully weaned, we were able to see them safely transported on Sunday to the breeder so they could be adopted...all except for the one we chose to keep, "Tudor." He is named for Tasha Tudor who wrote and illustrated children's books featuring corgi dogs, (Corgyn) of which she had several. So, awakening on Monday (my birthday) I got up early, made coffee, and while the rest of the family (Phil and our other three corgyn) were still sleeping, I got to play with the new puppy...who had fun not only with his toys, but with the boxes and wrapping from my birthday.

of course it ain't this big...YET!

My friend, fellow artist and weeding partner, Kate arrived around 8:30 along with our dependable yard guy. As a team of four, we managed to cut of a big limb from a dying ohia tree, weed a shady area called "The Terraces" (all of our landscaping beds have names,) and plant a bunch of anthuriums, hibiscus, and a new Jacaranda tree near the sculpture described in the previous blog.

After cleaning up, we were delighted by visits from friends and then off to Pahoa Village for a late lunch. Then another unexpected thing happened. A couple blogs ago, we showed a photo of what we envisioned for a structure to go on top of the lava outcropping near the front of the property. Well, a new neighbor had a large pile of wood left over from their project and offered it to us at a good price. The best part? It is already sanded and stained -- exactly the color of the photo in our previous blog!  (Thurs, July 20th)

I got a lovely large solitaire peridot necklace from Phil, and lots of cards arrived in the mail -- some from people I've not heard from in some time. All in all, a fabulous birthday -- including homemade, tart lime bars from Penny who lives one block over, and a rousing party with the "Girlie Girls" who meet every Tuesday evening.

Tasha is Three Weeks Old

Tasha Tudor with her Corgyn

OMG!! Just look at those tiny little toes (and toenails!)

Ms. Tasha is three weeks old today and is growing fast. For 6-7 years, we have had the name "Tasha" in mind for a puppy girl -- because of our appreciation for Tasha Tudor's love of corgi dogs and her lovely illustrated children's books about gorgyn. I'I Lani (mom) is getting a little slim on milk, so we are supplementing the puppy's diet with some goat's milk.Her tiny toenails are long, eyes are open and mom and pup are doing fine. Holding a puppy first thing in the morning is SO much more rewarding than watching the news...or most anything else for that matter. What a great early Christmas present!

Introducing "Princess I'ilani"

Tasha Tudor and Corgyn

As most of our friends and ohana know, we have been a three-dog family for many years.  Now, once again, we feel our family is complete with the adoption of our newest corgi -- Princess I'ilani.  While we were initially considering a puppy at first, when we met this little girl, we fell in love. 


She is a sweet, gentle petite little girl and her given Hawaiian name means "midget from heaven."

We had the name "Tasha" on the refrigerator for years -- thinking that one day we would add a little girl to our family -- named in honor of Tasha Tudor.  (If you don't know who this grand lady was, please check out this link: Tasha Tudor and her CORGIS .)
 
I'ilani is also one of Reba's pups so she is Poko's true little sister, and already the two of them are best buddies.  Reba mom even seems a bit relieved that Poko has a youngster to play with.

(And, for those of you who wondered about our sanity as we considered the idea of an additional puppy -- we have come to our senses and decided three is quiet enough.) 

Grrrrrr Grrrr Woof Woof Hoooooooowwwwwwl

I smelled her....I SMELLED HER!  As soon as my mom got back from her visit to Honaunau.  What did they think??  That I wouldn't know, that I wouldn't suspect? I waited for over eight year EIGHT YEARS to be the only dog.  I was Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III for a long woofing time and I have enjoyed being No. #1 - a whole lot.

For many years there were two names up HIGH on the refrigerator -- two possible corgi puppy names.  The name that has been there the longest is "Tasha Tegwyn."  The Tasha part is for Tasha Tudor, the illustrator and author of Corgiville Faire and many others; and Tegwyn means beautiful or fair. The other name was "Delwyn Pawl" which means small pretty boy. 

And, will you look at that!!! She has a TAIL.  OK she IS cute.  Mom said, cute as she was, they couldn't afford the asking price.  I have mixed feelings, but having someone else around might be fun -- and I could be the boss. (to be continued.)              DEXTER