But I would like to wish very happy holidays to all my friends, readers and blog visitors, whatever festival you may be celebrating.
In our case, of course, the tenth day of Christmas would have 10 Lappies Leaping... or perhaps 10 Lappies Yapping.
Showing posts with label xmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label xmas. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 December 2013
12 dogs of xmas
Each year we receive some wonderful cards from friends and even from Infindigo dogs who very cleverly sign, stamp and post their own cards. I stopped sending cards a few years ago, and I usually donate money to charity instead. This year, although I certainly intend to donate money to charity, I haven't yet quite managed to get even that organised.
But I would like to wish very happy holidays to all my friends, readers and blog visitors, whatever festival you may be celebrating.
In our case, of course, the tenth day of Christmas would have 10 Lappies Leaping... or perhaps 10 Lappies Yapping.
But I would like to wish very happy holidays to all my friends, readers and blog visitors, whatever festival you may be celebrating.
In our case, of course, the tenth day of Christmas would have 10 Lappies Leaping... or perhaps 10 Lappies Yapping.
Friday, 21 December 2012
12 dogs of christmas
I didn't create this image, and I admit I don't know anything about the company who did create it, so by posting this I am not necessarily recommending them. However, I think it's great fun and wanted to share it with you. At the very least, these folks clearly have great senses of humour - enjoy!
Of course, we would have 10 Lappies Leaping. At least.
Of course, we would have 10 Lappies Leaping. At least.
 |
| The 12 dogs of Christmas graphic was created by Pet365 - a UK stockist of brands like Hamish McBeth who make leather dog collars. |
Thursday, 20 October 2011
finnish lapphund calendar 2012
The winning photos to feature in next year's SFLS Lappy calendar have been announced and you can see all the photos as well as order your copy here. The front cover of the calendar will feature none other than our sweet Marja, as her photo, taken by me when she was barely 4 weeks old, won the most votes overall.
We were thrilled to win the coveted cover spot! Especially as the calendar gets so many wonderful photos from all over the world entered for the public to vote on. So all the hard work trying to get that photo was worth it in the end.
Last xmas we put up a tree and I kept it there long past it's best-before date until well into the new year. In fact, it only left the premises just in the nick of time to make the last local tree recycling day. While it's true that I love having a fragrant evergreen in the house, my motives for waiting so long were a little more specific. I was determined to get some cute xmas puppy photos. I took hundreds. No really, hundreds. And of the hundreds, approximately two were calendar worthy. Who am I kidding - there was no 'approximately' about it - the calendar worthy numbered actually two. Both photos were of Marja (who was Marilyn in those days) contemplating the tree at close proximity. Here are the 2, with the calendar version top:
You might think that Marja was the only puppy I even attempted to photograph with or near the tree. But no, everyone had a go. One or two puppies could not be trusted to stay securely on the stool without trying to leap off, so there are very few photos of, for instance, Buddy. Or Sisu.
However, here are a few outtakes for your amusement.
There were set problems with poorly chosen background colours.
Sisu & Tippi (both still for once!)
Problems with lighting all round - what's atmospheric about a decorated and twinkly-lighted tree in broad daylight? Yet, the vast majority of photos are as well-lit as an operating theatre. Oops.
Ukko
Then there was the issue of getting the puppies to pose. Or just behave. Or even keep still for 2 seconds.
Bo, Marja, Kuura
Ukko, Tippi, Kuura
Buddy, Marja, Kuura
You can see I was going for a multi-coloured selection for most shots.
Is it time to start planning a photo or two to submit for the 2013 calendar? No? Phew!
We were thrilled to win the coveted cover spot! Especially as the calendar gets so many wonderful photos from all over the world entered for the public to vote on. So all the hard work trying to get that photo was worth it in the end.
Last xmas we put up a tree and I kept it there long past it's best-before date until well into the new year. In fact, it only left the premises just in the nick of time to make the last local tree recycling day. While it's true that I love having a fragrant evergreen in the house, my motives for waiting so long were a little more specific. I was determined to get some cute xmas puppy photos. I took hundreds. No really, hundreds. And of the hundreds, approximately two were calendar worthy. Who am I kidding - there was no 'approximately' about it - the calendar worthy numbered actually two. Both photos were of Marja (who was Marilyn in those days) contemplating the tree at close proximity. Here are the 2, with the calendar version top:
You might think that Marja was the only puppy I even attempted to photograph with or near the tree. But no, everyone had a go. One or two puppies could not be trusted to stay securely on the stool without trying to leap off, so there are very few photos of, for instance, Buddy. Or Sisu.
However, here are a few outtakes for your amusement.
There were set problems with poorly chosen background colours.
Sisu & Tippi (both still for once!)
Problems with lighting all round - what's atmospheric about a decorated and twinkly-lighted tree in broad daylight? Yet, the vast majority of photos are as well-lit as an operating theatre. Oops.
Ukko
Then there was the issue of getting the puppies to pose. Or just behave. Or even keep still for 2 seconds.
Bo, Marja, Kuura
Ukko, Tippi, Kuura
Buddy, Marja, Kuura
You can see I was going for a multi-coloured selection for most shots.
Is it time to start planning a photo or two to submit for the 2013 calendar? No? Phew!
Saturday, 8 January 2011
whoosh
The days - and the weeks - are zipping by. I am swamped in soiled newspaper and sticky soaked puppy kibble & other stuff I'd rather not analyse. I'm suffering from sleep deprivation and I'm way behind with all my various work projects. Next week Jay will be otherwise occupied in another country leaving me to cope by myself with the 4 adult dogs and 7 babies. And work, musn't forget that. Oh, and I have a new term of puppy classes to teach starting in a few days too.
But the fat little wagging tails and puppy kisses on the nose make it all worthwhile. Well, all apart from the sleep deprivation, maybe. But that's not the puppies' fault.
They still haven't been out to see the big outdoor world, but I'm going to try to put that right very soon. If it ever stops raining.
In the meantime I've officially run out of newspaper and will now have to resort to buying some for the gang to wee on that I will then bundle up and put in the bin. I could make a joke about wasteful and frivolous frittering away of one's own money, and methods by which to do so, but I'll resist the temptation. Today I'll throw myself on the mercy of my neighbours and send a plea out for their discarded papers. But I do wonder whether this age of all the news all the time readily available online at any moment is doing away with daily newspapers. There certainly doesn't seem to be as many of them around as there used to be.
And with all that, here it is the 8th of January - well after xmas, well past 12th night, even (whenever that is, but I'm pretty sure it's past), and perilously close to the very last day our local composting group will take discarded trees. And where is our tree? Still up, still decorated - well, apart from the one casualty that came to grief thanks to a passing wagging tail. I have been determined to get some adorable-puppy-under-the-tree photos. So we try. And try some more. What chance the xmas tree will still be in situ in July? Oh, wait a minute, I have 7 eager new puppy owners who'll be knocking down my door in a few weeks so I'd better get on with the photos, then.
Oh, you want an example. Ok, but it ain't great. It might have been cute ... if it had been in focus ... and if the light had been something-or-othered.
Vee tucked into the wreath.
And a selection of adorable-puppy-not-under-the-tree, but at least in focus. Er, more in focus.
First of all, Honey meets Maija ...
... who invites her for a game ... although Honey doesn't look too impressed ...
... and after getting a whack on the head, perhaps she was right!
Meanwhile, back in the pen, the pheasant is the favoured toy-du-jour.
Budgie spots it first and after carrying it all around the pen and giving it a few good shakes to make sure it's quite dead, she settles down for a chew on its feet.
Junior is the most gentle & polite of the litter, but he eventually gets his turn when everyone else is asleep. After getting a good grip on it, he gives it a mighty whack with his paw. (Hmm, wonder where he learned that, Maija?)
Other puppies make do with other toys (while Honey has the pheasant).
But the fat little wagging tails and puppy kisses on the nose make it all worthwhile. Well, all apart from the sleep deprivation, maybe. But that's not the puppies' fault.
They still haven't been out to see the big outdoor world, but I'm going to try to put that right very soon. If it ever stops raining.
In the meantime I've officially run out of newspaper and will now have to resort to buying some for the gang to wee on that I will then bundle up and put in the bin. I could make a joke about wasteful and frivolous frittering away of one's own money, and methods by which to do so, but I'll resist the temptation. Today I'll throw myself on the mercy of my neighbours and send a plea out for their discarded papers. But I do wonder whether this age of all the news all the time readily available online at any moment is doing away with daily newspapers. There certainly doesn't seem to be as many of them around as there used to be.
And with all that, here it is the 8th of January - well after xmas, well past 12th night, even (whenever that is, but I'm pretty sure it's past), and perilously close to the very last day our local composting group will take discarded trees. And where is our tree? Still up, still decorated - well, apart from the one casualty that came to grief thanks to a passing wagging tail. I have been determined to get some adorable-puppy-under-the-tree photos. So we try. And try some more. What chance the xmas tree will still be in situ in July? Oh, wait a minute, I have 7 eager new puppy owners who'll be knocking down my door in a few weeks so I'd better get on with the photos, then.
Oh, you want an example. Ok, but it ain't great. It might have been cute ... if it had been in focus ... and if the light had been something-or-othered.
Vee tucked into the wreath.
And a selection of adorable-puppy-not-under-the-tree, but at least in focus. Er, more in focus.
First of all, Honey meets Maija ...
... who invites her for a game ... although Honey doesn't look too impressed ...
... and after getting a whack on the head, perhaps she was right!
Meanwhile, back in the pen, the pheasant is the favoured toy-du-jour.
Budgie spots it first and after carrying it all around the pen and giving it a few good shakes to make sure it's quite dead, she settles down for a chew on its feet.
Junior is the most gentle & polite of the litter, but he eventually gets his turn when everyone else is asleep. After getting a good grip on it, he gives it a mighty whack with his paw. (Hmm, wonder where he learned that, Maija?)
Other puppies make do with other toys (while Honey has the pheasant).
Saturday, 18 December 2010
snow xmas etc
This year we have a tree. Last year we didn't. Last year was a tough year, topped off by losing our beloved Anniebear in the autumn and then having to lay off employees at work a month before xmas. Last year we didn't feel much like celebrating.
This year, with puppies in the house, we have a tree and now we have snow to go with it. We must have been the last place the entire country to get it, but it finally arrived. Not masses, but enough to get the dogs worked up. Keskiyo was very excited when he looked out the window first thing and he stayed out there getting snowed on most of the morning.
Getting out of the house for a walk proved surprisingly tricky. Slippery underfoot? Well, yes, but that wasn't the problem. When we leave for walks these days we sneak out of the house so that Keksi, who is sequestered upstairs with her puppies and not allowed out for proper walks, doesn't hear anything and realise what she's missing out on.
Sneak out? Well that just wasn't going to happen today. As soon as the boots went on (the humans, that is), the dogs all started going mad, barking, running around, whining, jumping up. So excited. And that, in turn, would set Keksi off because she, of course, knew exactly what she was missing. Poor Keksi.
We did try to leave and got halfway down the park but the barking and howling coming from our house was too pitiful to ignore so we had to come back and try again later. The biggest challenge was tricking the dogs into going outside without getting over-excited. Sheesh!
As for the tree, well the dogs think that's pretty funny and entertaining too. You can see here the application of one of the many, many uses of vet bed. In this case, I'm using it to cover the scarred old table that the tree sits on. As far as Keskiyo is concerned, vet bed on top of a table is a dog table and he promptly claimed it for his own.
Doesn't he look like the dog that Santa forgot?
Like most daft Lappy folk, we have the requisite pair of silly reindeer antlers for the dogs to amuse themselves with. Ok, let's be honest, they are actually designed to amuse us with. If they were real reindeer antlers, then I'm sure the dogs would be much happier with them. Neka wasn't impressed with our idea of a good time and Maija just said "you must be joking." Keskiyo, though, was a good sport.
More puppies later.
This year, with puppies in the house, we have a tree and now we have snow to go with it. We must have been the last place the entire country to get it, but it finally arrived. Not masses, but enough to get the dogs worked up. Keskiyo was very excited when he looked out the window first thing and he stayed out there getting snowed on most of the morning.
Getting out of the house for a walk proved surprisingly tricky. Slippery underfoot? Well, yes, but that wasn't the problem. When we leave for walks these days we sneak out of the house so that Keksi, who is sequestered upstairs with her puppies and not allowed out for proper walks, doesn't hear anything and realise what she's missing out on.
Sneak out? Well that just wasn't going to happen today. As soon as the boots went on (the humans, that is), the dogs all started going mad, barking, running around, whining, jumping up. So excited. And that, in turn, would set Keksi off because she, of course, knew exactly what she was missing. Poor Keksi.
We did try to leave and got halfway down the park but the barking and howling coming from our house was too pitiful to ignore so we had to come back and try again later. The biggest challenge was tricking the dogs into going outside without getting over-excited. Sheesh!
As for the tree, well the dogs think that's pretty funny and entertaining too. You can see here the application of one of the many, many uses of vet bed. In this case, I'm using it to cover the scarred old table that the tree sits on. As far as Keskiyo is concerned, vet bed on top of a table is a dog table and he promptly claimed it for his own.
Doesn't he look like the dog that Santa forgot?
Like most daft Lappy folk, we have the requisite pair of silly reindeer antlers for the dogs to amuse themselves with. Ok, let's be honest, they are actually designed to amuse us with. If they were real reindeer antlers, then I'm sure the dogs would be much happier with them. Neka wasn't impressed with our idea of a good time and Maija just said "you must be joking." Keskiyo, though, was a good sport.
More puppies later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)