Penny is one year old today!

[Kevin Poole, Penny & Ozzy]

Hi everyone

This is the first time I've posted since January 1st....Sheesh! I've been a little busy and not really had the time, my apologies, but it's Penny's first birthday today so thought I'd better step up. Besides, I promised Michele Barton I would, and I do like to keep my promises. Actually, I suppose it's Penny's second birthday as the first one was when she was born, how confusing is that?

Soooooooo, she is one year old already, where did the last 12 months go? Doesn't seem that long, but we certainly couldn't imagine life without our little curly, cuddly, always dirty little girl! She has brought so much joy to this household, although if you interviewed our middle cat Skippy, I'm sure you'd hear a completely different opinion, Skippy is definitely a dog hater, unlike our other two, Bunny and Potsy who I think actually enjoy Penny's company now. Bunny and Penny even lay next to each other on the floor and their couch, so cute!

This morning we thought we'd get some birthday girl photos, that's a laugh...ha ha ha! This pup doesn't like to pose for photos, I usually have to sneak up on her, or distract her and then click away. It rained last night (what a shock!), but it was bright this morning so we decided to take the photos outside, therefore avoiding using the flash, which makes Penny squint. First up, Jeri and Penny on the steps to the back deck. Jeri sat down at the top of the steps, tried to get Penny to sit next to her, and after a wrestling match, Penny just laid down and drooped her head over the steps. And now Jeri has banned me from showing the photos because they are not flattering to either posee. Today I will be a good boy and do what I've been told.

Then we went on to my photos with Penny. We gave up on the step shot as Penny ran into the yard and picked up one of her toys, a miniature tennis ball. So after chasing her around a bit, I got her to sit and I sort of posed with her, see below:

As you can see, she wasn't very cooperative, and I hadn't realized that she still had the ball in her mouth...Note the synchronized positioning of right leg...very in-tune!

So then I let her go and took a more natural looking photo:

Still with ball in mouth!

Then Jeri asked her to give up the ball:

That didn't fly either, she just stood and squeaked the squeaker in the ball defiantly...Muahahaha!

So she might look grown-up...ish! But she's still got a lot to learn. Not that she's always disobedient I have to say...Most of the time she's a dream, it's just those moments when you really want her to do as she's told, and all of that time spent teaching her just goes straight out of the window. No matter though, we know she's a good dog...most of the time! And wouldn't she be boring if she did what was asked of her all the time?

Last weekend, we took a trip 180 miles south of here, to Central Oregon, the area we're planning on moving too, and the next photo is of me and Pen taking a stroll by Prineville reservoir, about 20 miles from where we are house-hunting.

Regular readers of my blogs will know that we and my mom-in-law are moving in together after we've both sold our houses. Mom sold hers in 3 days and is now living in rented accommodation in Prineville near her brother and she's loving the drier climate. And of course, because hers sold so quick, ours hasn't, but it still hasn't been 3 months yet and we've just lowered the price on ours to waaay below the competition, so hopefully soon we will get a bite.

Anyway people, I have work to do, so must go. I hope all my regular readers and the rest of the DoodleKisses population are all well and didn't miss us too much this past few months. It's good to be back, and I will try and post more regularly again.

Kevin

[Lisa {Zoe's Mom]]

Happy Birthday and day late!!!! Many more happy and healthy to you Penny!!!!!

[Joy Williams]

Morgan & Maddie say happy birthday, Penny...a day late! Hope you had fun. Love the photo of you & your dad with the synchronized leg action!!!

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Great post! I can't believe how big she is!!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Happy Birthday Penny!

[Kyoko]

Happy Birthday Penny!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I did miss you and haven't even "seen" you around. Happy Birthday Penny. you have matured into a beautiful doodle. Lovely photos of you, scenery and Penny, of course. good luck with the house selling and hunting.

[cheryl & oliver]

Happy Birthday Penny from your friends here in Florida....We loved your pictures and it was good to hear from you and your Dad again....

[Yvonne N]

Happy Birthday Penny! We are all big dogs now. No more puppyhead. Ha!

[Kathy Spyker]

Happy 1st Birthday Penny!! Love your photos!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Penny, you are so beautiful, and oh how you've grown up. Looks like you're enjoying a wonderful Doodle life...as it should be. Happy Birthday from Guinness and Murphy!