The Preppy Puppy's 2009 Year In Review

HI!!  Spencer, aka The Preppy Pink and Green Puppy, here.  Mommy and Daddy are out to dinner so I thought I'd hijack the blog and show you some of my favorite memories of 2009.

We started off the year with my birthday.  Whoopie!

We also had a little snow, which I loved.

The spring brought lots of one on one time with Mommy.  Daddy worked in Africa a lot this year so Mommy and I had lots of time to ourselves.  We started off by visiting the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin.

We also spent lots of time in the backyard playing with my favorite tennis ball.

Then we met my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel friends at the Barrel Oak Winery (BOW) for some fun and sun at the vineyard.

Unfortunately all our good times were halted at the beginning of the summer so I could have surgery on my knee.  It was rough but the best parts were all the attention and get well presents I got.  And I also lots of visits to see my girlfriend, Dr. Kate- she loves me.

After my staples came out I started swimming on Dr. D's underwater treadmill twice a week.

Speaking of swimming, in August Mommy and Aunty Sarah took me out on the boat on Back Creek.  I wanted to go swimming so badly but I wasn't up to full speed yet.  I had to settle for looking at the delicious water.

I was back at it in the fall and attended my first baseball game.  The Nats hosted Pups in the Park and it was so fun!  There were about 70 dogs, including six Cavaliers!

In October, I got my first certification.  I am now TT- Certified Temperament Tested.  Daddy was in Africa again for the big event but Mommy's mommy, my grandmother, accompanied us to Richmond.  It was a long, but fun, day.

October also brought Halloween.  Not my favorite holiday because Mommy always dresses me in silly costumes.  But I do get lots of treats afterward.

In November, I hosted my Canadian friend Lauren for her first American Thanksgiving.  She's a vegetarian so I don't think she really got the full effect.  (Mommy was so busy that weekend that sadly, she didn't take any pictures of us together.)

My Cavalier buddies and I participated in the Scottish Walk Christmas parade again this year and it was super fun, even with the foul weather.

We now say goodbye 2009 and hello to 2010.  Twenty ten- I like the sound of that.  Thank you to everyone who reads about mine and Mommy's adventures and random tidbits.  We appreciate all of you!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

A Single Man

I played hooky from work today to see "A Single Man".  It was a fantastic movie!  Colin Firth was superb and I am in awe of Tom Ford not only producing the movie, but also directing and writing the screenplay.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about the movie all day.

Winter White Swap

I had never done a blog swap and when I saw the post on the Sweet Goodness Swaps site I immediately signed up.  I was paired with the super fun Ali from Wila's Way and I had such a great time shopping for her.  We emailed each other several times and I found we have a lot in common.  And best of all, she only lives about three miles from me.  Hopefully we'll be able to get together soon. 

The theme of the sawp was that the presents had to be white, clear or silver- what a challenge! I tried to stick to the color pallete as much as possible, which made it extra fun finding gifts.  After arriving home from vacation this weekend I was so excited to see my package from Ali.  Everything was so beautifully wrapped!  And the presents were just as lovely as the wrapping.  She gave me lots of cute Christmas goodies, including some much needed holiday dish towels.  But my favorite gift of all was the elephant ornament.  I can't wait to hang it on the tree tonight! 

As soon as Devin saw all the ribbon, he went nuts! 

Thank you so much, Ali!

Ornament Swap

I participated in an ornament swap the fabulous ladies at Deals, Steals and Heels and Mrs. Southern Belle hosted.  I was paired up with the lovely Bethany from Something' To Talk About.  She sent me a cute Christmas tin packed with three fun ornaments.  When he showed them to my husband he claimed the mittten.  Thanks so much, Bethany!

Santa, May we please postpone Christmas?

Dear Santa,

I am sure you are very busy with just one week until your big day, but I'd really appreciate if you would take my request into consideration.  Dave and I just got back from our Caribbean cruise last night and came home to quite a surprise.  Snow.  And not just a dusting, but a full fledged blizzard.  Monitoring the weather at home wasn't really a priority this week but thank goodness dear sister called yesterday and told us a storm was on it's way.  We were able to take an earlier flight and got home at 8:00 last night.  It snowed just as we brought our luggage inside and hasn't stopped since.

At first I was excited this morning and rushed outside to see if the ground was covered.  It was a little more than covered- there were seven inches at 8:30 this morning!  And tonight at 5:00 it was up to 15 inches!  Holy snow, Santa.  On one hand it's good that I am stuck inside as I have five loads of laundry to do.  But the little problem I have, and the reason I'd like to push Christmas back a few days, is that I haven't finished Christmas shopping.  I've gotten a few little things for my mother and sister but that's it.  Nothing for Dave's dad and stepmom or his brother.  And forget gifts for friends and Dave's extended family.  And worst of all, nothing at all for Dave or the Preppy Puppy and Preppy Kitties.

Santa, with 15 inches and counting I think I will be homebound for a few days.  That's the perfect excuse for some online shopping, but since it's already Dec. 19 I think I may have missed the shipping deadline for lots of stores.  But I will get in the holiday spirit and not stress.  Hopefully we'll be able to get out some time Monday and I will do some power shopping that evening at the mall- I just checked and Tysons is open until 11:00 p.m. this week.

And even more distressing than not having presents is not having a tree.  We had grand plans to go to the tree farm to select ours today but since we can't even get out of the driveway I don't think driving 50 miles west (where they have even more snow) is the smartest idea.  I think we may have to settle for a Norfolk Island Pine table top tree this year. ;-)

Thanks, Santa, and I hope you have a terrific Christmas!

Fondly,

Whitney

P.S. Here are a few pictures to add to your album.

P.P.S. I imagine I'll have a lot of inside time tomorrow so I'll do a few cruise posts.  I am sure you'll enjoy a little warmth. ;-)

Just a few days ago.  Why oh why did we get off the boat?!

Snowfall this morning and evening.

I actually shoveled the driveway this morning.  Too bad you can't tell.

I'm glad the Preppy Puppy is at my mother's.  The snow is deeper than he is tall.

Happy 101 Award

A big thank you to Emily at If I Can’t Wear Heels…I Don’t Want To Go,  Bethany at Maryland Pink and Green and Bama Girl at Shopaholic in Alabama for giving me the Happy 101 Award! Their blogs are very cute and I love reading them every day. I’ve enjoyed reading happy lists on other blogs this week and I’m excited I’ve also received the award. Thank you so much, ladies!

The rules for this award are:
1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day

10 Things that make me happy:
- When Spencer wags his tail and the cats purr
- Sleeping in
- Fresh cut flowers
- Pedicures
- Going to the track
- Fluffy white towels
- Toile
- Reading a great book
- Taking pictures
- When my husband works in Africa and he wakes up in the middle of the night to call me

10 blogs I tag:
- Chicago Girl Gone Mild
- Just Add Walter
- Somethin’ to Talk About
- Wila’s Way
- DC Prep
- Tales of an All American Girl
- Weasel’s Journey
- The Life of a Suburban Princes
- Magnolias and Mimosas
- Preppy Pink Crocodile

Getting to know me, Christmas style

There are a bunch of fantastic Cavalier mommies that I've come to know and love over the last five years. We regularly chat with one another on a message board and last year we did a cute round robin of our favorite Christmas things.  I dug up my answers and thought it would be fun to post them here as well.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Paper definitely, and fun fabric ribbon.

2. Real tree or artificial?
Real all the way. We go to a farm to cut ours down.

3. When do you put up the tree?
The first weekend in December. Except for this year. We leave Saturday for a cruise and I didn’t think a decorated Christmas tree would be the safest thing to leave behind for Angus and Devin (our cats) to play with. I could just imagine our pet sitter coming in one morning to find two furry tales stick out from beneath a toppled tree.

4. When do you take the tree down?
By the 28th. I get sick of it quickly.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Not at all.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Probably a tie between my Easy Bake Oven and my first TV.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My in-laws. Confession- I don’t like them (hubby's dad and step-monster) all that much and am not motivated at all to be creative when it comes to gift-giving for them. Plus they get my husband and me crappy stuff and I get in “tit for tat” mode.  I am so evil.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My sister.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
No.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. I LOVE our cards this year.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I can’t think of any but I’m sure there’ve been a few.

12. Favorite Christmas movie(s)?
Christmas Vacation and Love Actually.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Not until after Thanksgiving. And this year it will be MUCH later than that. I’ve bought only a handful of presents so David and I are in for a marathon shopping trip when we get back.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Kind of. I gave a friend a present I received at one of my bridal showers to her for Christmas. Thankfully she was not at the shower and she absolutely loved the gift (Le Cruset baking dish).

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
A little of everything but Christmas cookies and Yorkshire pudding are my kryptonite.

16. Lights on the tree?
It used to be white lights only but last year Dave threw a fit and we used multi-colored lights and ornaments. Not sure which direction will go in this year.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Blue Christmas.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
We used to have a biiiigggg celebration at my grandparent's farm but since Hop died (2006) I've done a small dinner at my house for my mom, sister, her fiance, hubby and hubby's brother.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
Not a chance.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning. Santa doesn't come until after I've gone to bed.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Trying to get out of the parking lot at Tysons.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I’ve been collecting Cavalier ornaments since I got Spencer. Each year he gets whatever tricolor gem I can find.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Our traditional dinner of prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, oven-browned potatoes and Lady Baltimore cake.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
Honestly, I can't think of anything in particular I'd like.  Whatever goodies I get I am sure will be lovely.

We had a visitor at my office today

It's Sam from Curbside Cupcakes!  I wish I could drive a pink car.

Merry SITSmas!

Merry SITSmas everyone!  What is SITS you ask?  Its a great community of woman bloggers who support each other through comments. Stop by and check out all the fantastic blogs that the women of SITS have created.  And if that wasn't reason enough to pay them a visit, the SITS girls are giving away fantastic prizes all day long.

I'd love to show you pictures of our tiny little house all decorated for Christmas but other than hanging three wreaths outside, I haven't done a thing.  Hubby and I leave for our first cruise on Sunday and I know a fully decorated tree is not something you leave behind for two cats to play with.  We'll be back the 19th and I think the first thing we'll do is visit the tree farm.  Hubs, Preppy Puppy and I have done this the last three years and now I can't imagine any other way of picking out a tree. 

In lieu of pretty holiday pictures, I'll give you a great recipe instead.  Lady Baltimore Cake is a tradition in my family.  My grandmother made this every Christmas and my sister has now taken over the duty.  The filling is very sweet and somewhat of an aquired taste.  But we love it and I can't imagine Christmas without it.

Beat the whites of six eggs. Take a cup and a half of granulated sugar, a cup of milk, nearly a cup of butter, three cups of flour, two teaspoonfuls of vanilla extract, and two teaspoonfuls of good baking powder. Sift the flour and baking powder together into the other ingredients, adding the eggs last of all. Bake in two buttered pans for fifteen or twenty minutes.

For the icing: Two cups of granulated sugar and a cup and a half of water, boil until stringly, about five minutes usually does it. Beat the whites of two eggs very light, and pour the boiling sugar slowly into it, mixing well. Take out of this enough for the top and sides of the cake, and stir into the remainder for the filling between the two layers, one cup of finely chopped figs, a cup of chopped pecans, half cup of raisins and a cup of shredded coconut. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the iced cake.  Decorate the center of the cake with a holly sprig.

Scottish Christmas Parade

Our DC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel group participated in the Scottish Christmas Walk parade for the second year in a row. It's held in Old Town Alexandria, VA and tons of groups 'march' in the parade.

My hubby, David, joined us this year and he obviously brought the foul weather. ;-)  I felt like a mailman- neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow could stop us! We were outside in our staging spot for a while waiting for the groups ahead of us to start. It was so cold and so wet and poor Spencer, and several other dogs, couldn't stop shivering. David joined many other parents and zipped the Preppy Puppy up in his jacket (so cute!) Once the parade got started, Spencer was happy to move but he had the funniest walk. He kept kicking his legs out to the side- I guess that was so his little feet could stay as dry as possible. ;-)  The snow picked up and unfortunately I didn't get as many pictures along the parade route this year as it was really hard to keep the precipitation off my lens. We had a great time and are happy to have a new holiday tradition.

Modeling his new tartan cape at home

Clowning around in the hotel courtyard

Getting ready to leave the hotel

Spencer wondering why he is outside in this weather

The CUTEST little B&T. The hair around his mouth was so funny that Dave said he looked like he had a Fu Manchu mustache.

Cavaliers in their version of the Snuggy

The big guy!

One of many groups of men in funny looking skirts and knee socks

On the move!

The best online pet stuff vendor - ever

Tomorrow, hubby, the Preppy Puppy and I are participating in the Scottish Christmas Walk parade in Old Town with our Cavalier group.  My mother joined me for the parade last year and it was so much fun!  Spencer LOVES people of all kinds and he was in heaven prancing around and visiting with all the spectators on the parade route. 

Since he simply couldn't wear the same outfit as last year I have been scrambling to find something suitable for tomorrow.  I had almost given up hope Monday night before I found Erica of Lollipup Canine Boutique.  I saw a cute tartan cape that would be perfect and emailed her to see if there was any way she could make and ship it so that I would receive it today.  Erica rocked!  She sent it express mail and I received the package yesterday.  The cape fits perfectly and Erica was so sweet she even made a matching collar.  She was a little unsure of how the strap would fit under Spencer's belly so she also included some extra velcro in case I needed to rig something together.  I really couldn't ask for a better vendor with which to work.

Photo courtesy of LollipupBoutique

Up close and personal with some of his fans last year.  I love this coat but he couldn't wear the same outfit two years in a row.  Quelle horreur!

I've asked Erica to make two collar/harness/leash sets.  One in blue seersucker and one in green toile.  I can't wait to see them!  And Spencer will be excited to add to his preppy outfit and accessory collection.