I just came across this draft of a blog entry that I started while we were in Paris, but never finished. Am posting it now because I fear that the blog has become too “doggy” for some.
Whenever we travel in European cities, I take away with me an overall impression of the people. In Rome, the people are beautiful and stylish in a very bold way. In London, people, in general won’t stare or look at you on the street because it’s considered rude. In Paris, people of the opposite sex will stare at you on the street because it’s sexy. The Italians love children, the Dutch tolerate them (and most other things) very well, and the British would rather you left them at home. But in general, Europeans are thin, quiet and dignified compared to Americans and every time I return to America after a trip abroad, I vow to behave in a more European manner, meaning that I will walk with poise and address strangers in a polite, formal manner and use my inside voice, even when I’m outside. When engaging with others, I will give them the coldfish eye, and not try to ingratiate myself with everyone all the time with my panting, grinning, drooling affability.
My new European self usually lasts about six hours.
You can learn a lot about a culture in the way that it takes care of its children. On the day that we took a tour with our Franco-American guide, we wandered past an ecole Maternelle – a public preschool – and through the windows I saw that several rows of low tables had been set with place settings of china plates and mugs. There were baskets of bread on the tables. It looked like a quaint restaurant for children. Our guide showed us the menu that was posted on the outside of the school doors so that the parents could see what their kids would be eating for lunch. I took a photo, but it’s very hard to read. Sorry.
Anyway, each day, the children are cooked a 2-course meal by a chef in the school. There is soup or a salad to begin, a meat dish, sometimes pasta, sauteed vegetables, fresh fruit and yogurt. All the fruits and vegetables are organic! So is the meat! The children apparently sit politely and dine on food that has been prepared for them with great care. They don’t eat off of plastic trays or out of paper bags. This was not a private school, but a city public school.
For the dog and horse people, a few photos I took in the Louvre:
And finally, baby. I must confess that the name Delilah is just not sticking. We NEVER call her that, or Lilah. Just “baby” of “puppy” Thinking we need a new name, but we all keep arguing about what it should be. Well, here’s little baby napping:
I agree with what you wrote about how children dine in Europe. Having traveled abroad it seems that dining of any kind is ‘experienced’ and not rushed as it is here in the states. We tend to shove breakfast, lunch and dinner here in the US, where as overseas, mealtime seems to be a time to relax and truly enjoy the flavors of the meal as well as the company.
My children suggested the following names for Pudge (oh they do like the name Pudge by the way):
Jelly
Scnapps
Bailey
Lola
Melampo
Ginger
Misty
Adorable puppy! How about the name Peanut, or you could just keep Baby? I also like Christine’s childrens selections. Lola is my favorite, as that is the name of my youngest and smallest canine friend.
Lily. Okay, I’ll stop now.
NEVER too much doggy news. If you have ever skimmed my blog you will see that the canines enjoy more notoriety than the people or projects! Hope I didn’t unnerve you with my “pristine” comment – it’s just the way I work – everything has to be presented perfectly! These kids work hard – the least we can do is to make certain that the presentation is tidy! (that’s better, yes?!!!)
The new puppy looks like a Rowan to me.
How about Eenie, as in Eenie Weenie?
I personally like all the doggy news….The pup looks quite content sleeping soundly!!!!
Great pics, I have never been to Europe and hope to go one day..Your descriptions make me feel like I am there…
Thank you for sharing them
Beautiful photo Ann. But I have to say that we love and adore your “panting, grinning, drooling affability”! That’s why we love you so much. Don’t change a thing.
Of course your blog would be doggy, you just got a new puppy. I was finding Delilah too long to type. lolol Yes, I’m lazy. Sometimes naming takes awhile until you find the perfect name for the personality. I still like Noel.
As for the picture of her, my how she’s grown!
Of course I just posted in response to the flurry of late night activity on ‘Daddy’s Home’, and Ann’s posted this topic. Story of my life. ;- )
Ann:
That is one cute napping time pup.. just cannot help it.
And about to finish reading David Wroblewski’s “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” and have learned all sorts of things I had no clue about raising dogs. Love the story. Intense and loving. Mr. Wroblewski can write. This is his first nobel but I have not checked him out as of yet, so I do not know what else he is doing. He is from Michigan, state where I got married, by the way.
Glad to read about Uncle Sull. He has a lovely dog too, and I bet he has some stories (and more photos) to share.
I like the pup whatever name she ends up with. And again, looking forward to watch her grow and learning what Daphne, Lulu and Coco-the-Elf do in the relationship!. It has got to be an experience to watch those guys interact.
And Ann, we love your ways. Please do not try and change a thing. Be yourself. If you MUST pick up some other way to express yourself, we would like that too.
What about Peep?
I say call her Baby until something else clicks…or maybe Baby is her fated name. I rarely call my cats by their given names (Riley and Ziva). I generally call Riley “Pooper” and Ziva “Puppy”. On bad days I call them both “You Rotten Crap Machines” as I use a backhoe to scoop their THREE litter boxes.
the blog is definitely NOT too doggy! …. and please tell us peanut’s status – adopted yet?
Thank you soo much for the description of “European” manners etc. My husband came here from Europe at the age of 17. He has alot of the described manners and I also find it so refreshing. I think it was def a big attraction for me. He would tell me things like, you do not understand, that is the American way. It is not the same in Europe, and you hit the nail on the head with it all. I have never been there, so thx u. You are so funny. The menu for the school, should def tell us something. I agree with Christine. DL is too fantastic in those pictures surrounded by those loving eyes and baby. It is funny, I call my dog Bella, Stinky, and Bocci is Bocci ball.. it will come. What does DL call her?? thx for the great, great pics, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. thx u
I usually write these blog entries quite hastily and later, as I read comments, I catch typos and grammatical errors. I just fixed something that should have been in that book, “Eats, Shoots and Leaves.” I wrote, “Anyway, each day the children are cooked, by a chef, a 2-course meal.” Poor grammar, especially since, at first glance it looks like the chef was cooking the children. Really, sometimes I think that I’m wrong to blog so frequently as any potential future editors will be absolutely appalled by my poor writing skills.
Oh Ann, we love you just the way you are! I’m reading a book of essays by Barbara Kingsolver & she comments also about the cultural difference in how children are treated. In her case, she was living in Spain and delighted to find the people welcomed her daughter as if she were their own. In the U. S., she felt she was always apologizing for having a child. As for that puppy photo, haven’t you heard? Nobody puts Baby in a corner!
Ann- love the posts/pics,, you could call her Holly – for your holiday pup? We named out kitten Sarafina because she was our Christmas angel two years ago. (her rescue shelter name was Miseltoe but it didn’t really fit.
For the record, I LOVE the dog photos and entries — they brighten my day.
Ann, you are far too hard on yourself. Your blogs are always interesting, well-written, and real. That’s what it’s all about. To all those future editors – “So what if a French chef decides to cook up a boisterous little redhead.”
Lisa, Charlotte, who rescued the pregnant Peanut, has decided to keep her, which is great, because Peanut is very happy there.
Ann – First and foremost – I can never get enough of the dog (and horse) stories and photos. So, please don’t change that.
Wonderful photos of Denis and his girls. I’ve been waiting to see a group photo. Lulu looks a little concerned about the Baby sitting on her “best friend’s” lap. And Baby has alrady gotten a lot bigger.
As far as the name goes, I have to admit I didn’t really like Delilah. I’m still going with “Josie.” Another thought is “Daisy.”
You are spot on about Europeans, and I do the same thing you do when I return from a trip – vow to act more “European.” It usually lasts about a day. I have a particular problem, especially in France, because I tend to smile a lot. French people see that as a sign of insanity. Oh well.
Please don’t be concerned about grammatical errors. One of the things that makes your blog so much fun is the spontaneity. We don’t care about dangling participles, or misplaced whatevers.
I got the most beautiful Christmas this year. I’m going to decorate it today, as soon as do the lights, which I keep putting off. My Christmas tree is the only thing in my life I get anal about. It has to be as close to perfect as a tree can be, and that’s what I strive for. Yikes! Wish me luck.
Happy Holidays, Happy Holidays,……..
Why don’t you call the puppy Babe? It’s a name she could grow into.
Linda, so funny.
Ann -
I just saw your posting that Charlotte is keeping Peanut. How wonderful for both of them! This is great news!
Linda S.
thanks for the peanut update! that’s great news… i was thinking about her a lot. as if i didn’t already think that charlotte was a hero….. sigh.
i noticed the ‘eating children’ faux pas and thought it was hysterical (the phrasing, not the actual eating of children).
I myself prefer doggy just ask my hubby
erm sorry couldnt resist
As far as living abroad, when we lived in Germany for two years no one talked or looked at us up until I became pregnant.
Germans love babies
They would manhandle my belly, open doors, give me seats and buy me dinner.
Once I had a baby strapped to me I felt like some sort of alien visiting and was constantly apprehended on the street in order to coo, fondle, pat, advise me how to take care of the precious bundle of joy and tell me she was too thin and I was too fat.
So funny.
I’m loving hearing all of your “innocents abroad” anecdotes. I didn’t know that about Germans, Tammy, but I love cultures that love babies so overtly. Our Devin was born right after D did his Off-Broadway show, “No Cure For Cancer.” While he was doing that show we were very broke, further increased our debt, etc, and it was extremely stressful because Jack was still a baby. Then, two weeks after Dev was born, he was offered his 1st movie part and when the baby was 6 weeks old, we were on location in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, all our debts paid off! I had a toddler and an infant and I might as well have been the Madonna herself for all the attention I received. Restaurant owners would sweep the babies from my arms so that we could dine and they’d show them off to the people who worked in the kitchen (who would then come out to congratulate me). I was given all sorts of great homespun remedies for everything from colic to asthma to dealing with stubborn toddlers (distract with food and/or song). Dev was a colicky infant who couldn’t be put down, EVER, without crying, and the Mexican women I met agreed with me that the solution was to never put her down, and I had all sorts of volunteers helping with all the holding, everywhere we went. That was a very exciting and happy time in our lives. Denis and I were trying to act all casual around the actors and crew, but we were totally blown away by the excitement of being “on location.”
Also, I almost succumbed to the peer pressure from the Mexican women to pierce Devin’s ears at age 7 weeks. It really bothered them that I would let her go around looking like a boy. It was also suggested that I shave the few wispy hairs from her head so that her hair would come in thicker.
Belle, final answer.
Tammy, it took me awhile to get your doggy-style joke! Candy, I like Belle and/or Bella, but according to Devin that’s the name of all her friends’ dogs, so no.
Okay, I know I said I would give up on naming the puppy. While I like Lily, I do think it would be a bit confusing having a Lulu and a Lily. Since you like Belle or Bella, how about Annabelle? That’s my girly’s name, and it always gets an “awww….” when people ask her name.
Hi….I always love the pictures; Paris is beautiful,but the baby is just darling !! I guess it’s a sign that I’m getting older, but I’m beginning to think that even more than children, I want to know how the country/culture treats its older population. Is it with respect and care or are they considered throw away citizens? And not just the words they use–we can all do lip service–but how they REALLY care. Sorry–guess it’s my Sunday soapbox. I’ll go back to drooling over the puppy now…
More suggestions from the family:
Honey
Pooh Bear
Simba
Cricket
Bella
Kailey
Rocky
Muffy
Scruffy
Dahlia
I still like Lola…she was a show girl…
My favorite girl names – Phoebe, Charlotte, Alice, Nell, Abigail, Celeste, Theo, Clementine. Baby looks like a Charlotte or a Theo.
Not to get all internet slangy, but WTF happened to the new book I posted in the “On The Nightstand” section? I cannot control my own blog.
Ann D? (Andy) get it. Ann and D for Denis or for Dev. Too much huh?
Ann, I agree with you about the Mexicans and children. When I was a kid our family spent 6 weeks driving throughout Mexico in a camper. My brother was 3 years old and very blond. Everywhere we went women and girls wanted to hold him, feel his hair, feed him strawberries, just touch him. He was like a celebrity.
Other observations about the few places I’ve traveled….Scots are incredibly friendly….we met some friends of friends…people we didn’t know from Adam…they made us check out of our hotel and come stay with them and drove us everywhere. I admired some pictures on their wall of Stirling Castle and they GAVE them to me! Wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Also, people in Finland are shy, polite, courteous, thin and well dressed. I could spot an American on the streets of Helsinki (although not many) in a heartbeat. Usually the guy with the potbelly, jogging suit and fanny pack!
Hey Everyone just got home from the hockey game…note to self it’s a freakin’hockey game not a fashion show..what a dork I am. my feet hurt,suede boots instead of the sneakers. Frozen solid had hose on not socks..dah operative word is Hockey. The sharks scored a goal and the little darling behind me spilled his snow cone down my back…I won’t go on it’s very sad. I like “Baby” it works…son says FIONA . Any way glad you are blogging again Ann, I’ve never been out of the States so European or any other culture is foreign to me (not meant as a joke.) And Tracy I still got you beat…since we all bare our souls and all sorts of other stuff… Deep Breath…I’m 49. Act 20 sometimes, but chronilogically I’m a mature person. Apache Stone sounded great btw. Need to Chow refuse to pay for a whatever it used to be for 5.00…Scary be back in a while
I can say that the Irish love children too, from first hand experience. When I was five, my mother, who was from County Donegal, brought me over to meet her brothers and sisters. We stayed at the house my mother grew up in, and the neighbors were all still in their family homes. My mother always taught me to be polite, so when the neighbors invited us over for tea, I graciously accepted a plate of sausages and potatoes. I told the “nice” lady that I loved the sausages, which I didn’t. Well, sure enough, every day after that, I could not go out of my uncle’s house without this woman dragging me into her house for a plate of sausages. It got to the point that my mother and I went out the back door, and ran down the street to avoid her. I went back there when I was in my thirties, and yes, I ate her sausages…
nicest people i ever met while traveling – new zealand, hands down!
little noodle is starting to look like a stella to me…
I say “Lana.” She looks just like Lana Turner. Okay, not exactly, but damn close.
That is too funny on the ear piercing!(12 weeks)
I was talked into it also by my german neighbor
She’s too pretty to look like a boy !
She also made me put big flowers on her head via a silly headband
When we came home everyone was horrified what I had done to her
Aislinn, that’s a classic story about the Irish relatives. So nice. And Rose, your comment is very funny, I’d love to see what you wore. Twice in one day I’ve heard your Massachusetts accent in your comments. When you said “freakin’” and I believe you said, “So didn’t I.” Will have to go back and check. Making me wicked homesick!
Now I’m remembering more stuff about our time in Mexico. I was all freaked out about the water making Jack sick (Dev was still nursing so not an issue), so I’d only give him bottled water and would boil everything that came in contact with his mouth. We left him for a few hours with this great sitter, who was from the area, and had sat for him before. When I arrived home I found her holding the garden hose for him while he played and he was drinking from it! She was surprised by my reaction, she had given him water before. He never got sick. And I did, though I tried so hard to be careful, but I managed to lose most of the baby weight, of both pregnancies, in 3 days.
LOL Ann you have me remembering too
On the water, Germans never drank tap water and after I gave birth I was dying of thirst. They brought me TEA of all things. I am dying here DYING I NEED water!! In the bathroom I started drinking out of the tap. You would have thought I had stuck my head in the toilet. Two midwives (nurses) were pulling me away kicking and screaming.
Ahh Americans…so obnoxious ..gotta love us.
I think the Mexican water sanitation system only operates on odd days. I have had some bad luck with ice in my drinks while there. For some reason, it only presented itself while I was on the flight home. My condition almost got me a free upgrade to first class. I think possibly that little Jack must have had a kryptonite stomach. I would have been mortified to see my child drinking Mexican water, but obviously it had no damaging effect on the little guy. He’d probably do well on Survivor.
Wow, a busy afternoon. Ann, I laughed out loud at your “WTF happened to the new book I posted in the “On The Nightstand” section? I cannot control my own blog.” I don’t recall seeing you swear before. lolol WTF did happen to it? It’s reverted to Miss Brodie, and I AIN’T reading that again!
Amanda, just saw you posted that you lived in Southfield. Too funny. I had occupational therapy on a broken finger last year for a couple months, and got to know the therapist quite well. Turns out he lived in Royal Oak, and was there the same time too. How bizarre that we’d end up in this same small town area 30 years later, and happen to meet?
OMG Rose, you’re ancient!!!!!!! Give me a break woman. Why on earth did you dress that way for a hockey game??? And does Mike Lombardi from RM actually play in Apache Stone? I can’t explain why I find it so hilarious that they’re a real band. They make so much fun of poor Mikey for it on the show.
Love the name Josie!
Ann,
In regards to poor grammar, I AM Guilty as charged…I’ve gotten much better with my use of double negatives. I drove the nuns to the brink of insanity. It’s my Parents’ fault. Canadian French on one side Lithuanian & Welsh on the other, I’m amazed that anyone understands me. Some of the gems were “Throw me down the stairs my sneakers”, “Open the hood and look at the noise” and finaly “Park the cars side by each”. Sorry about the blog going every which way last nite. It was snowing, got sentimental watching the snow, next thing I know hubby is snoring away on my lap. So, I went on the computer and it just snowballed from there. It was an interesting evening. As far as today’s little excursion to the big city,I have pics but not any with me in them…I hate having my picture taken. I had a black sweater with black leggings and my boots. I have no idea why I just didn’t wear jeans and sneakers with a sweatshirt. I would have been comfortable and WARM. I recorded the ceremony it was very nice, thankfully they did not play Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, I cry every shot, which is why I stayed clear of the ceremony Thursday night. BTW,all the fuss about last night didn’t amount to a piss hole in the snow. Sorry had to do it, Don’t want you to be homesick during the holidays. xoxoxo
Tracy,
Please read previous post from me. Thank you for calling me ancient…I was doing my “Cougar ” thing to pick up Hockey Men. Just kidding!! I hate hockey (sorry DL.) No he sings but they sounded pretty good and yes it’s an actual band. One of the members has a Purple metal flake guitar, oh it was sweet! Couldn’t tell you what his name is, actally the announcer called them APACHE the 2nd time around. (The band played between innings) LOL They only played 4 or 5 songs.
I HAD A Thought OMG…I think I know why Miss Brodie is back…Ann started this while on vacation in Paris…Miss Brodie was the book on the nightstand during that time. I just thought of this when I hit POST for Tracy’s comment.
Hi Ann,
How about Emma – She looks like a very soothing and quiet dog by the pictures – if she’s a raving lunatic – then perhaps Emma is not adventurous enough!!
Her name is sophie
Today’s blog gave me the biggest chuckle: Concerned that her blog is becoming too doggie-centric, Ann spends the better part of this latest entry talking about Europeans and the attitude of the French towards children. So, of course, what does nearly everyone here comment about? Dogs!!! (Okay, to be fair, one particular dog.) Ya know, I’m beginning to think that the creator of the “Puppy Channel” is an absolute genius! (In case you missed it, see http://www.puppychannel.com.)
In contrast to the dining experience at the Parisian pre-school that Ann described, perhaps someone can explain the near-obsession that young people in France have about McDonald’s. (Anyone remember the now-classic scene in Pulp Fiction where John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson discuss what Parisians call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?)
Everytime i phone home just lately people are telling me I sound American…… Am i getting louder I ask myself? Mark is soooooooo loud!!! I go home in 2 weeks so i hope I get a little of my Derbyshire accent back….. anyway love the pics, love the writing and Baby is just beautiful!
I just went to the puppy channel… Barney the Beagle &my husband Fred (yeah I know Fred N’ Barney) were twins in a previous life..they sore the same way!! Now you know why I’m on the blog at wierd hours.
Tracy, I just laughed out loud all alone at my computer over this: “It’s reverted to Miss Brodie, and I AIN’T reading that again!” SO FUNNY!
Ann, what about the name Molly?
In my travels, I found the folks in Australia super nice. When I would leave the hotel each morning the cutie-cute-cute bellman would tuck me in my taxi and say, “Have a nice day, luv.” Be still my heart!
I was raised in Alaska. Lots of snow, but no accent, no fun grammatical stuff (until Sarah Palin came along, that is), no seasons – just winter and less winter. No major sports teams to root for. Pretty boring really. Some kid in gradeschool lit up a doobie at the bus stop once, but I suppose that can happen anywhere. I did cross paths with a lot of moose though…
Finding a name for a new puppy is so hard sometimes! My suggestions for the puppy’s name are: Lucy, Molly & Ginny
Hi everyone!
I’m with Jane—Baby for the baby (AND I have a slight Patrick Swayze fixation!)
Her’s my two cents’ worth. Like many of you, I’ve been lucky enough to travel a bit, and I’m sure we all agree that individuals ALWAYS transcend their nationality, whatever it is. Having said that, some of the friendliest, nicest people I’ve ever met are—AMERICANS! (And you guys prove it—every day!
By the way, it is SOOOOO cold (even for us!) right now and we have TONS of snow….Keep warm today, okay?
Rose, I was being sarcastic saying you were ancient! You’re only 3 years older than me for God’s sake. Your “Throw me down the stairs my sneakers” made me think of the Pennsylvania Dutch around here.
You sound like you were stylin! lolol on the reason Miss Brodie is back. You may be right.
Alan, you’re right. Ann tries to change the subject, but we just take it right back to the puppy. I’m sorry, I barely got through Pulp Fiction, so I don’t know the scene you’re referring to. I remember it ending, looking at my friend, and us both saying “WTF?????”
Bev dear, I thought you sounded so wonderfully British in your radio commercial. I always forget that you would have a British accent. So I don’t think you sound American. Wait, I think I may be offended that you think that’s a bad thing! ;- )
Lynne, the first thing I thought of when Ann mentioned Baby for the pup’s name was, the movie Dirty Dancing. Of course, I had all the songs from the movie in my head again all day just as I did with Delilah and the Tom Jones song.
Ann, how about keeping Delilah as her official name, but do call her Baby, it’s perfect?
Hi Ann,
what you wrote about the Italians is quite true. I think I can speak on the other mothers’ behalf. We LOVE the children and want to take care and feed them by ourselves. I don’t trust anybody, I bring my child everywhere during the day, even if this means to have problems, running after him in the supermarket while shouting and do not stop having a coffee with a friend. When my son is with me I feel good and happy, when I leave him somewhere with someone I feel worried and anxious. Fancy that Tommaso is 3 yrs old and is still sleeping between me and my husband! I know, it’s an exaggeration but I want to live my kid till I can do… he will be soon grown and he won’t want to cuddle his mum anymore! The family, the affection are much more important than the other things in life… that’s my opinion.
Same thing is for the food… like the French, we care about the fresh and good food for our children. The public schools here are better than the private ones, because they are controlled directly from the government. Each time I’ve been to France, I have felt like being at home. The French are very kind and spontaneous. I cannot say the same for the British, they are a little different (less spontaneous) compared to Italians, French and Spanish.
I loved Paris and Versailles, they are artistically fantastic!!!! The inner of the Louvre is heartbreaking. Les salles de le château sont superbe!!! I visited them some years ago, before having the kid! But their spaghetti are overcooked, lol! The fois gras is extremely good. The only difference between our foods is that they use too much butter for cooking like the British (not healthy) and we use olive oil on everything!
Very nice the new layout of your blog
Ylenia, welcome back, we’ve missed you!
Ylenia, you go right on cuddling Tommasso. It is so true..they grow up and all of a sudden you actually miss making those pb&j sandwiches late at night(not gourmet French, but hey); you miss that wonderful baby smell and they way they twined themselves around your legs while you tried to talk on the phone. Do you know what they do instead? Well, they move to Hollywood to “pursue their dreams”, that’s what they do. Then they text you every day with exciting stories of life all the way across the country and how totally awesome it is.
Sigh.
Ok, here are my two cents, what the heck, just go with Baby! So cute, and she is the latest in the litter of Leary little ones!
And, having travelled around the world, more than once, I can relate to assimilating into the local cultures. I still say, “right”, “quite” and “rather” from my years in London (and often with a bit of an accent), still talk in French when I get back from Paris (“au revoir, merci when leaving stores!) and often come out with phrases and words from Germany, Italy, Australia, and even Japan (I can’t visit a sushi restaurant without launching into a little Japanese, although I was taught by a lovely woman, captured her accent, and they always laugh because my Japanese sounds like a little school girl’s!). I love the locals in most countries (I will refrain from my comments on the Russians, ugh!) and am often taken for an Englishman rather than an American (must be because I never wear sneakers on holiday!). And on and on.
thanks for everyone’s stories, happy monday!
John, I have to chuckle because I thought you reminded me of Jude Law when I saw your pic on the post, maybe you have the English look about you.
Tracy…… No not a bad thing .not at all…. everyone at home thinks i now have a twang… Just sad because you feel you lose a little of yourself and your identity, .. to the Brits i sound American, to the Americans i sound British, I live in the states I love it..my hubby and one of my daughter’s are American… but I am British, I was born that way and just want to stay….. well Me….. does that make sense?
It does Bev, I just wanted you to know that I thought your voice sounded beautiful and British. The accent was a lovely surprise, even though I know you’re British. Same way I was surprised the first time I spoke to Kim on the phone, I forgot that she’d have a NY accent, which I love.
I find that I tend to pick up accents very easily. Not foreign ones, but American ones if I’m around people for a few days. Once I was at Club Med in Martinque and made friends with a group of New Yorkers and northern New Jerseyans. I came home with a NY accent. lolol I slip into a southern accent really easily too.
Welcome back Ylenia!
OK, here’s my two cents about naming that precious puppy. Baby may sound cute now, but once she is full grown won’t work so well. I think she needs a proper name. My favorite is still – Josie, (Jo for short). Here are some others: Rosie (as in Rosebud), Piper, Cassie, Lacey, Willa. Also like Charlotte.
Happy Monday,
Linda S.
Screw it. I think Catherine is a great name for the puppy. You can call her Cathy now, but when she’s ready for college the more formal name will be good.
(Ha, just having some fun. I’m having a really bad day at work and needed to crack myself up.)
-Catherine
Hey all
Hey Tracy I KNOW you were kiddin….Welcome back Ylenia!!!
I vote for ROSIE for the puppy’s name… I’m not workin’ 2 day, my Lil’old man I take of was rushed out to the Hospital this A.M.not good. The old saying comes in 3′s…lost one on Thanksgiving…Now that I have depressed everyone…I think I will go make some cookies, my son and his starving entourage have a Guitar Hero jam tonight… note 2 self… need Tylenol LOL
I agree with you, we Americans could use a good dose of Manners 101 when traveling abroad. I wish I was in Italy or Switzerland right now,*sigh*.
I can relate to your habit of the name puppy! My husband (another Emerson Alumni) thinks I am a bit weird because I call dogs I don’t know “puppy”. In fact strangers looks at me a bit odd, when I use the name puppy.
Ann, I think Piper and Cricket are both very cute suggestions.
Ann:
Almondine (from Edgar and Almondine), the book I just read. Of course ‘al-mon-di-ne’ is not something that is going to slide out of anyone’s tongue with ease, specially if in a hurry or upset. (for the name idea).
I finished that book. I am still thinking about the book. The author writes ‘thick’ and sometimes wonders and then comes back in (with what I had been thinking). Pretty much he leads (leds) you into that all-encompasing paragraph that explains things. Very intense.
Now I really want a dog.
Is the book The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Guadelupe? If so, it was a huge favorite of mine and is next in line with my book club. Oh, the pressure! Hope they like it! That book, plus all the wonderful photos of “Daisy” (sorry, that has GOT to be the name) are being used in my relentless campaign to change my husband’s mind about a new puppy.
Okay everybody, the puppy has been renamed.
Wait for it…..wait for it ……
Holly.
She’s really Dev’s pup and she wanted that name all along, so, though I shared with her many of your great suggestions (we especially like Catherine’s). There were so many great name suggestions, I’m thinking of devoting a section of the blog to baby/pet name suggestions. But then, I don’t really know how to control the blog. So it won’t really work
Having said that, I might run Piper and Cricket by her. Those are great dog names that really fit her.
Holly is a great name for that little beauty. Have a holly jolly Christmas, Holly!
The conversation that greeted me Friday morning for breakfast…”Tippty toe tippty toe…hot feet hot feet…tippty toe tippty toe…hot feet hot feet” both girls.
And just so I’ve gotten my two cents in:
Our first Giant and I still love this name: Zoey. Current Giant, Izadora (Izzy). Velma…corny I know, but come on Daphne needs a Velma. Zelda. Stella.
I feel better now
!
I’m holding off on oohing and aahing over “Holly” until it’s signed off and notarized.
I’m so glad you like the name Cricket! My family laughed when I added that one in. Adam wanted to include two more names, Thalia and Annabeth. (We are both home sick today.)
We named our dog Pieper after my husbands doctor. The other doctor we named a fish after him Denny (I don’t think that would fit for you all at the Leary house). Rip Denny didn’t last that long.
How about Madagan, which is Celtic/Irish for “little dog”. I have a golden doodle and that is her name. Most times I just call her Maddy girl.
forgot to mention, Madagan is a miniature golden doodle.
My entry in the dog name contest is Dammit. My 6 year old twins saw a police dog demo at school named Bandit 18 years ago and swore his name was Dammit, we still laugh over that one. Besides, it’s hardly a cuss word anymore.
Hazel
Ashley
Cashew
Flower