THE HDA TROPHY HAS ARRIVED IN ??????????????????

[Pat and Traveler]

Portland, Oregon!!!   Yipeeeee!!

The beloved, battered and once again repaired traveling trophy was life-flighted from Texas to a top-notch repair facility in Pennsylvania before winging its way back across the country to Oregon.  The reason for this detour has to do with the trophy falling apart from all the doodle lovin' it has received.

For those who might not know, the Hopeless Doodle Addict trophy and a selection of goodies from the most recent addict's region is sent from one DK member to the next and can be used to prove that you spend way too much time on DK!  I researched and added to the list started by Adina and can tell you that I am the proud 48th recipient of this illustrious award! 

Sandy (Sandy, Theo and Hattie) sent the trophy pieces to Laurie (Laurie, Fudge and Vern) because Laurie's main squeeze, John, was selected as the only person skilled enough to repair it.  And he did!  Not only is the trophy back in one piece, but Laurie and John created a nice, sturdy traveling home for it.   Details of this adventure can be found in Laurie's recent blog "The HDA trophy Resurrected!"    How's that for some super-hero doodle teamwork!?

While the trophy was in surgery, Sandy sent a much-anticipated box of Texas treasures to me.  Texas is BIG, and so is Sandy's heart!  I could hardly wait to open that box!  Remembering that there are supposed to be photos of all these happy events, I opened the box, set it on my couch, pulled out the camera, and invited Traveler to jump up and investigate the wonderful smells and shapes.

Right here is where the well-oiled machine began to go off the rails, and I felt the first small inkling of the sad fact that I might have some valuable hints to pass along to future generations of HDA recipients trying to record these memorable events.

Planning your shot:

Backlighting can provide some interesting effects, but when your dog simply sticks his head into the box, grabs the cute little sombrero and heads for the hills, you may have to give some more thought to location, shutter speed and canine training.

 

Using the 10-second camera timer:

After arranging all the goodies into an attractive layout on the hearth, putting your dog into a pretty down-stay beside them and pressing the shutter button, you should be aware that a sudden mad dash toward the scene may frighten said dog, causing him to leap to his feet and prepare to run for his life.   Note that this activity may also cause some blurring and ghosting.

 

Recognizing environmental challenges:

If at first you don't succeed, rearrange the goodies in a location with better lighting and less likelihood of traumatizing your faithful companion.  It would be wise to remember that even when your dog is exhibiting a perfect sit-stay, if you put a bouncy Texas ball between his paws and then back off to fiddle with the camera controls, the dog may be simply unable to resist grabbing the ball and launching into a fun frolic around the yard.  Go ahead and take a shot of the remaining goodies.  (The blank space in the upper left quadrant of this photo is where Traveler was supposed to be, and actually was for a short time.)

 

      

Speaking of goodies, the brilliant and inventive Sandy sent along a Southwest Texas Mini-Fiesta meal!  How cool is that!!??

No fiesta is complete without a sombrero, and we're already seen how much Trav loves that cute little hat!  (I did manage to rescue it intact!)  The Fiesta ingredients included refried beans, salsa, a traditional salsa bowl and Taste of San Antonio Mexican coffee.  (The Margarita wouldn't have traveled well...lol)  Along with all this goodness were most excellent recipes for how to pepare the perfect Fiesta meal.  You rock, Sandy!  Thank you sooooo much for giving me a chance to dine Southwest Texas style!  I'm a fan for life.

Traveler wasn't forgotten for a second.  He'd already taken off with the University of Texas ball and was loving it.  Along with the ball, Sandy sent some of her own dehydrated homemade sweet potato chews.  Wow!  Hope Theo and Hattie don't know these awesome delights left their kitchen or there would be a doodle rebellion on the home front!  Trav is such a happy chewer!  There was also a non-smelly cow's hoof in the box, a Western delight Trav had never tasted.  Yummers!!  Thanks for such a delightful tour of your home ranch, Sandy!  We both love being honorary Texans.

       ...................................

Part two of all this fun arrived today--the trophy itself!   Note the handy traveling nest and box provided by Laurie and John!

 

 

There must be plenty of good doodle scents remaining on this icon of DK history, because Trav was very interested.  I kept a close watch on him so he wouldn't grab it and run, thus reducing it to some molecular form that would require a tiny broom and dustpan to gather up enough bits to send back to John for repair.  Heh, heh--just kiddin', Laurie!   I have my orders about who not to contact if there's a trophy problem!

 

The trophy and some Oregon goodies will soon be on their way to the next victim winner.  I've loved being part of this great DK community and love thinking about all the doodles and their people who have added their fingerprints and noseprints to this little gold star. 

 

   

     

  

[Pat and Traveler]

Thanks, Donna!  I believe in learning things the hard way.  :)  Yup, the trophy is traveling first class now!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Great blog, you had me laughing but those are some valuable tips. Congratulations! I have to say the trophy is lookin mighty fine and is now travelling in comfort. :>)

[Pat and Traveler]

Laurie, thank you for getting that little star thing back across the country in good shape!  You and John are the bestest.

F, thanks!  I don't know about recognition being overdue--it just seems like I've been around forever.  LOL

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a great box if well deserved goodies. Your official recognition is long overdue. I love the "ghosting" photo. Good blog.

[Pat and Traveler]

Thanks, Bonnie!  Unfortunately, this is not too unusual for one of my photo shoots.  LOL

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Pat, You did that HDA award proud. What a great and fun blog and I enjoyed every minute of reading it. Congratulations. Sandy, You did a nice job!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh My Doodle, Pat! This was the most fun HDA trophy story yet. Love, love, love the photos. The clarity of the pics was perfect.. hahaha.. this is the kind of photography I understand!

[Pat and Traveler]

Thank you!  I feel quite honored to be a member of this club!

My daughter was going to do the pictures, but she had to work so I decided to give it try on my own.  After I while it just got to be comical, so I continued.

Sandy is one creative lady, for sure!  Laurie and John just keep the good things going.  :)

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Welcome to the club!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I love the pictures, and congratulations! Welcome to the club! What a fun idea for a package, well done Sandy!