The Middie Files
June 5th
Hi Michelle,
The last few days have been pretty cool. Brad got home a few
days ago and picked me up from Jim's house which was great.
I was so happy to see him that I ran in circles and cried a little
and jumped all over him, but he just pet me and spoiled me and
let me lick his face. It looks like I will have him pretty well
wrapped around my finger this summer. I hope I don't pick up
too many bad habits while you are away. Jim's was fun. I liked
to play with Rigby, but he is kind of old and lazy and likes to
sneak up no the squirrels instead of just running after them like
me. Oh well....
So today was nice. Brad got me a new bed which you see me
lying in here. It is really comfortable and nice and soft on this
side. The other side is fabric and not fleece which will be good
when I am wet and yucky when it rains again this fall. The
cover comes off so you guys can wash it for me as well.
I miss you and can't wait to see you soon. I hope you are
making good with the lawyers so you can get a job and make
lots of money and buy me lots toys.
Middie
The last few days have been pretty cool. Brad got home a few
days ago and picked me up from Jim's house which was great.
I was so happy to see him that I ran in circles and cried a little
and jumped all over him, but he just pet me and spoiled me and
let me lick his face. It looks like I will have him pretty well
wrapped around my finger this summer. I hope I don't pick up
too many bad habits while you are away. Jim's was fun. I liked
to play with Rigby, but he is kind of old and lazy and likes to
sneak up no the squirrels instead of just running after them like
me. Oh well....
So today was nice. Brad got me a new bed which you see me
lying in here. It is really comfortable and nice and soft on this
side. The other side is fabric and not fleece which will be good
when I am wet and yucky when it rains again this fall. The
cover comes off so you guys can wash it for me as well.
I miss you and can't wait to see you soon. I hope you are
making good with the lawyers so you can get a job and make
lots of money and buy me lots toys.
Middie
June 20th
Hi Michelle,
OK, I know, I haven't been very good about keeping you updated. Well, its
tough for me to type with the paws so give me a break. We drive to California
last night and took a long time. It was pretty warm when we started but I got to
sit on Jason's lap all the way to Grant's Pass and ride with the truck windows
down. I saw lots of sheep in one field and it was pretty exciting.
We got into camp late and sleeping in the back of the truck was new and a little
confusing for me at first. Brad kept sneezing and blowing his nose all night, but I
curled up on him anyways because he was softer than the bed of the truck. He
better make me a bed for back there next time.
So I know I am laying down and looking pretty upset in this picture, but it all
worked out just fine. Brad got the swimming pool ready for me and put me on
this nice tree so I could hang out in the shade while the guys kayaked, but then
they saw a sign about a cougar that had been spotted in the area. I am pretty
sure I would have scared away any mountain lions, but Brad was nervous and
decided to take me along to the put in of the South Fork of the Salmon River. I
am glad that he did because the truck ride was fun and we got to play a little at
the put in and take out. There was plenty of shade where he left me and the
pool helped me stay cool. It was really hot so I am glad I had the pool.
We came back to camp and everybody cooked burgers and drank some beers.
I thought it would just be another night of dry kibble for me, but Brad is so
clumsy that he dropped a burger in the dirt. This sounds bad, but it was good
because he cooked it up anyways and gave it to me. I didn't mind the dirt at all.
In fact, I had been licking pine needles earlier in the day. So I think I like this
kayaking stuff. You wouldn't believe how many new things there were to small
on my walk this morning.
Love,
Middie
OK, I know, I haven't been very good about keeping you updated. Well, its
tough for me to type with the paws so give me a break. We drive to California
last night and took a long time. It was pretty warm when we started but I got to
sit on Jason's lap all the way to Grant's Pass and ride with the truck windows
down. I saw lots of sheep in one field and it was pretty exciting.
We got into camp late and sleeping in the back of the truck was new and a little
confusing for me at first. Brad kept sneezing and blowing his nose all night, but I
curled up on him anyways because he was softer than the bed of the truck. He
better make me a bed for back there next time.
So I know I am laying down and looking pretty upset in this picture, but it all
worked out just fine. Brad got the swimming pool ready for me and put me on
this nice tree so I could hang out in the shade while the guys kayaked, but then
they saw a sign about a cougar that had been spotted in the area. I am pretty
sure I would have scared away any mountain lions, but Brad was nervous and
decided to take me along to the put in of the South Fork of the Salmon River. I
am glad that he did because the truck ride was fun and we got to play a little at
the put in and take out. There was plenty of shade where he left me and the
pool helped me stay cool. It was really hot so I am glad I had the pool.
We came back to camp and everybody cooked burgers and drank some beers.
I thought it would just be another night of dry kibble for me, but Brad is so
clumsy that he dropped a burger in the dirt. This sounds bad, but it was good
because he cooked it up anyways and gave it to me. I didn't mind the dirt at all.
In fact, I had been licking pine needles earlier in the day. So I think I like this
kayaking stuff. You wouldn't believe how many new things there were to small
on my walk this morning.
Love,
Middie
June 21st
Michelle,
Look, two days in a row I am writing to you! Last night and
today was so exciting. It rained a little when we went to bed
and the sky lit up and there were loud bangs and rumbles.
This made me really curious, but Brad just petted me and told
me that it was only a thunderstorm. Some of the bangs were
really loud, but I was fine with it and I curled up next to Brad's
head tonight where he made me a pile of kayaking cloths to
sleep on. They smelled pretty bad, but they were nice and
soft.
When we woke up another storm came and it lasted about a
half an hour, but when it ended we went for a walk. It was a
nice walk and we saw a mom deer with a tiny little fawn in the
road. I wanted to chase the baby deer, but Brad didn't think
we should play with the deer. I had plenty of fun staring at
them for and sniffing for a long time.
They brought me to the river again today and I hung out with
the truck under a big shade tree with my pool again. A few
other people came by when Brad and the guys were gone on
the river and this made me happy since I did not have to be
alone all of the time. On the ride to the river I got to ride in the
back with Jason, Jeremiah, and Steve, while Brad and Bob
and Nate road in the front. It was crowded.
After paddling we barbecued again and this time I was ready
when the hot dog fell off of the grill. Just so you know, I like
Ballpark Franks. Keep that in mind. Yum!
So here I am sleeping on top of Brad's feet in the back of the
truck again. I thought that his legs were more comfortable
than the soft cloths pile, but I ended up getting pushed into
the cloths after I got squirmy and woke Brad up a few times.
Oh well, I slept just fine. From what I have heard you have
spent a few nights camped in the truck after some great
weddings. I hope that Brad gave you a better mattress than a
pile of stinky kayaking clothes. Geez.
Well, we will have to go camping this summer and fall when
you get home. I am still pretty excited about a canoe trip even
though I don;t really like to swim all that much. I do like to
lounge around and be loved though, so get ready to let me
lay around and get hugged on whatever trip we end up doing.
OK..get back to lawyering.
Love,
Middie
Look, two days in a row I am writing to you! Last night and
today was so exciting. It rained a little when we went to bed
and the sky lit up and there were loud bangs and rumbles.
This made me really curious, but Brad just petted me and told
me that it was only a thunderstorm. Some of the bangs were
really loud, but I was fine with it and I curled up next to Brad's
head tonight where he made me a pile of kayaking cloths to
sleep on. They smelled pretty bad, but they were nice and
soft.
When we woke up another storm came and it lasted about a
half an hour, but when it ended we went for a walk. It was a
nice walk and we saw a mom deer with a tiny little fawn in the
road. I wanted to chase the baby deer, but Brad didn't think
we should play with the deer. I had plenty of fun staring at
them for and sniffing for a long time.
They brought me to the river again today and I hung out with
the truck under a big shade tree with my pool again. A few
other people came by when Brad and the guys were gone on
the river and this made me happy since I did not have to be
alone all of the time. On the ride to the river I got to ride in the
back with Jason, Jeremiah, and Steve, while Brad and Bob
and Nate road in the front. It was crowded.
After paddling we barbecued again and this time I was ready
when the hot dog fell off of the grill. Just so you know, I like
Ballpark Franks. Keep that in mind. Yum!
So here I am sleeping on top of Brad's feet in the back of the
truck again. I thought that his legs were more comfortable
than the soft cloths pile, but I ended up getting pushed into
the cloths after I got squirmy and woke Brad up a few times.
Oh well, I slept just fine. From what I have heard you have
spent a few nights camped in the truck after some great
weddings. I hope that Brad gave you a better mattress than a
pile of stinky kayaking clothes. Geez.
Well, we will have to go camping this summer and fall when
you get home. I am still pretty excited about a canoe trip even
though I don;t really like to swim all that much. I do like to
lounge around and be loved though, so get ready to let me
lay around and get hugged on whatever trip we end up doing.
OK..get back to lawyering.
Love,
Middie
June 22nd
M - Shell,
Whats up yo? I had so much fun today that I ended up sleeping
for the whole 5 hours that it took to drive home. We went for a
walk in the morning and then Brad decided to go hiking with me
instead of kayaking a very cool looking river that he really
wanted to do. I think you actually probably owe him and should
let him sleep in a few times this winter when it is raining and I
want to go for a walk.
But I digress. The hike went uphill for a thousand feet and
there were great views even though the air was a little smoky
from the fires that started during the thunderstorm on Friday
night. We made it down to Wooly Creek and I went swimming
while Brad dipped his toes in and the others got in their
kayaks. I liked running around on the smooth granite ledges.
It was really hot on the walk back and we went fast. I think I
ended up brushing into a lot of poison oak because there was
a lot of it. I hope I don;t get itchy and I hope I didn't get oils
from my coat on everyone else. We'll see. Lots of little lizards
kept running across the trail and they were even way too fast
for me to catch. I even stopped trying after a while. I did an
amazing job walking on the leash as well. We saw another deer
fawn and I went bananas for a minute, but Brad calmed me
down by making me sit. I hate sitting when I am that excited.
After the hike we went down to the big river and I went for my
first real swim. I was so hot I walked all of the way in so my feet
couldn't touch the bottom. I swam back to shore quickly. The
water was really cold but it felt great. After my swim I laid on the
warm rocks on the back for an hour and played with sticks and
just relaxed. The warm sun felt great. I had so much fun, but I
was so tired. We had even played some Frisbee in the
morning and Iike I said, i was so tired I slept the whole way
home on Jeremiah's lap. I think that made the ride more
enjoyable for him since I was nice squirming all around and
standing on him.
Love you and miss you,
El Middadouchi
Whats up yo? I had so much fun today that I ended up sleeping
for the whole 5 hours that it took to drive home. We went for a
walk in the morning and then Brad decided to go hiking with me
instead of kayaking a very cool looking river that he really
wanted to do. I think you actually probably owe him and should
let him sleep in a few times this winter when it is raining and I
want to go for a walk.
But I digress. The hike went uphill for a thousand feet and
there were great views even though the air was a little smoky
from the fires that started during the thunderstorm on Friday
night. We made it down to Wooly Creek and I went swimming
while Brad dipped his toes in and the others got in their
kayaks. I liked running around on the smooth granite ledges.
It was really hot on the walk back and we went fast. I think I
ended up brushing into a lot of poison oak because there was
a lot of it. I hope I don;t get itchy and I hope I didn't get oils
from my coat on everyone else. We'll see. Lots of little lizards
kept running across the trail and they were even way too fast
for me to catch. I even stopped trying after a while. I did an
amazing job walking on the leash as well. We saw another deer
fawn and I went bananas for a minute, but Brad calmed me
down by making me sit. I hate sitting when I am that excited.
After the hike we went down to the big river and I went for my
first real swim. I was so hot I walked all of the way in so my feet
couldn't touch the bottom. I swam back to shore quickly. The
water was really cold but it felt great. After my swim I laid on the
warm rocks on the back for an hour and played with sticks and
just relaxed. The warm sun felt great. I had so much fun, but I
was so tired. We had even played some Frisbee in the
morning and Iike I said, i was so tired I slept the whole way
home on Jeremiah's lap. I think that made the ride more
enjoyable for him since I was nice squirming all around and
standing on him.
Love you and miss you,
El Middadouchi
June 25th
Michelle,
Helloooo from Oregon. Summer is finally here to stay. Sunny
and warm temperatures are great! We went for a long walk
this morning which was good because Brad went kayaking after
work and only had time to wrestle with me when he got home.
That was fun though. You should click on the link below here to
see some video footage of our wrestling. I think I could have
taken him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvUOwU7gkKs
Look at how cute I am in this picture! I still take Mr. Squirrel
with me everywhere I go. I might be getting a little neurotic
about this little fuzzy stuffed animal, but I love it and that is all
that matters. One day I will probably loose control and munch it
to pieces, but for now it is the only safe soft toy this side of the
Mississippi.
Check out this link as well. This is an old video, but you
probably remember running with me on the beach the day we
saw the seals. That was awesome and we have to go to the
beach again soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnhC2wKcut4
Love,
Middie
Helloooo from Oregon. Summer is finally here to stay. Sunny
and warm temperatures are great! We went for a long walk
this morning which was good because Brad went kayaking after
work and only had time to wrestle with me when he got home.
That was fun though. You should click on the link below here to
see some video footage of our wrestling. I think I could have
taken him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvUOwU7gkKs
Look at how cute I am in this picture! I still take Mr. Squirrel
with me everywhere I go. I might be getting a little neurotic
about this little fuzzy stuffed animal, but I love it and that is all
that matters. One day I will probably loose control and munch it
to pieces, but for now it is the only safe soft toy this side of the
Mississippi.
Check out this link as well. This is an old video, but you
probably remember running with me on the beach the day we
saw the seals. That was awesome and we have to go to the
beach again soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnhC2wKcut4
Love,
Middie
July 2nd
Michelle,
Take me to the river...drop me in the water. I am so excited that I get to go
on my very first canoe trip. I kind of wish that Brad was able to get me out
in the canoe before hitting the river, but I trust him and I am sure that I will
be just fine. My new CFD (Canine Floatation Device) fits perfectly and I
really like the color. It has padded straps and a little pocket in the back for
some of my things. My leash clips into it and there is even a handle so
Brad can pick me up like a suite case if he wants to do that for some
reason. (I hope he doesn't do that.) I am pretty sure that I will be the
coolest dog on the river. Don't worry about us. There are only two big
rapids on the river and we plan on portaging around those. We will have
to rent a raft and do some trips when you get home. I think I would like a
raft more than the canoe since can run all around it. Oh well, the canoe
will be fun for now.
I miss you sooooo much!
Love MIddie
Take me to the river...drop me in the water. I am so excited that I get to go
on my very first canoe trip. I kind of wish that Brad was able to get me out
in the canoe before hitting the river, but I trust him and I am sure that I will
be just fine. My new CFD (Canine Floatation Device) fits perfectly and I
really like the color. It has padded straps and a little pocket in the back for
some of my things. My leash clips into it and there is even a handle so
Brad can pick me up like a suite case if he wants to do that for some
reason. (I hope he doesn't do that.) I am pretty sure that I will be the
coolest dog on the river. Don't worry about us. There are only two big
rapids on the river and we plan on portaging around those. We will have
to rent a raft and do some trips when you get home. I think I would like a
raft more than the canoe since can run all around it. Oh well, the canoe
will be fun for now.
I miss you sooooo much!
Love MIddie
July 4th
Happy 4th of July Michelle,
This was pretty much one of the most exciting days I have had in a LONG
time. After driving for a long time from Eugene towards eastern Oregon
last night we finally pulled off of the interstate and camped on a hilltop
somewhere near where the Oregon Trail went a hundred years ago. It
was nice because there were lots of trees, it was cool outside, and there
were no mosquitoes. Brad slept out on the ground and I curled up near
his head. We woke up really early on the 4th of July and saw the sunrise.
Brad got up so early because he wanted to try to tire me out by playing
frisbee. We played for a long time and went for a walk and even called
you. After that everyone else got up and we went to town and I slept in the
Jeep while everyone else had omelets for breakfast. It sucked, but at least
it wasn't hot out yet.
This was pretty much one of the most exciting days I have had in a LONG
time. After driving for a long time from Eugene towards eastern Oregon
last night we finally pulled off of the interstate and camped on a hilltop
somewhere near where the Oregon Trail went a hundred years ago. It
was nice because there were lots of trees, it was cool outside, and there
were no mosquitoes. Brad slept out on the ground and I curled up near
his head. We woke up really early on the 4th of July and saw the sunrise.
Brad got up so early because he wanted to try to tire me out by playing
frisbee. We played for a long time and went for a walk and even called
you. After that everyone else got up and we went to town and I slept in the
Jeep while everyone else had omelets for breakfast. It sucked, but at least
it wasn't hot out yet.
After another hour or two in the Jeep we finally reached the
Snake River at Hells Canyon Dam. I waited at the Jeep while
everyone else unloaded boats and messed around with
bags and barrels. A few other groups were getting their rafts
ready and I was a big hit with everyone because I looked so
cool in my new life jacket. Then when the people saw Brad
come down to the river with his canoe and figured out that I
was going t o ride in that little boat with him down the river
they got really nervous and started asking Brad lots of
question. This made me nervous because Brad had said it
would be fine and now these people seemed to think
otherwise. Oh well.. It was really hot out and I even went in
the water a little to cool off.
At first I didn't really want to go in the canoe, but Brad lifted
me up like a suit case and put me inside on a padded board
he made so I wouldn't have to sit on the wet floor. This was
pretty good, but I was still nervous about being surrounded
by water. You know I don't like to be in the water when my
feet can't touch. At first I wanted to walk around from side to
side and stick my head over the side. This was new and
exciting. Whenever we came neat shore I tried to jump out
for land, but Brad was nice and patient and have gave me
treats when I sat down.
Just when I finally sat down we floated downstream for two
minutes and I saw Brad start paddling really hard. I was still
pretty scared and would only look right at Brad so I didn't
see that we were about to go through our first RAPID! There
were some big waves and the canoe bounced around and
even though Brad told me to sit I got excited and nervous
and stood up and had trouble not falling over. I am kind of
clumsy sometimes actually. This was a really new
experience and I wasn't so crazy about it. I kept trying to
jump onto Brad's lap, but he calmed me down by petting me
and saying nice things. Eventually I got used to the canoe
and learned I was better off sitting in the rapids, even
though I didn't totally get this one down, I made lots of
improvements.
Snake River at Hells Canyon Dam. I waited at the Jeep while
everyone else unloaded boats and messed around with
bags and barrels. A few other groups were getting their rafts
ready and I was a big hit with everyone because I looked so
cool in my new life jacket. Then when the people saw Brad
come down to the river with his canoe and figured out that I
was going t o ride in that little boat with him down the river
they got really nervous and started asking Brad lots of
question. This made me nervous because Brad had said it
would be fine and now these people seemed to think
otherwise. Oh well.. It was really hot out and I even went in
the water a little to cool off.
At first I didn't really want to go in the canoe, but Brad lifted
me up like a suit case and put me inside on a padded board
he made so I wouldn't have to sit on the wet floor. This was
pretty good, but I was still nervous about being surrounded
by water. You know I don't like to be in the water when my
feet can't touch. At first I wanted to walk around from side to
side and stick my head over the side. This was new and
exciting. Whenever we came neat shore I tried to jump out
for land, but Brad was nice and patient and have gave me
treats when I sat down.
Just when I finally sat down we floated downstream for two
minutes and I saw Brad start paddling really hard. I was still
pretty scared and would only look right at Brad so I didn't
see that we were about to go through our first RAPID! There
were some big waves and the canoe bounced around and
even though Brad told me to sit I got excited and nervous
and stood up and had trouble not falling over. I am kind of
clumsy sometimes actually. This was a really new
experience and I wasn't so crazy about it. I kept trying to
jump onto Brad's lap, but he calmed me down by petting me
and saying nice things. Eventually I got used to the canoe
and learned I was better off sitting in the rapids, even
though I didn't totally get this one down, I made lots of
improvements.
After about an hour or so of rapids and excitement we came
to a big rapid where the river disappeared. Brad said this
was Wild Sheep Rapid, one of the big class IV rapids on the
trip. I;m not sure what that means, but we paddled to shire
and this was great because I wanted to hot the good old land
in a big way. I jumped out too soon and fell in, but we were
close to the rocks and I climbed out of the river. It was really
slippery and Brad kept me close because he didn't want me
to play with rattlesnakes. They sound dangerous, so I guess I
would leave them alone, but Brad said they wiggle around,
and I guess I would probably try to play with them. I heard
they don;t like to play.
Well, as you can see in the next few pictures I really enjoyed
being on land. I did some quality lounging on the warm rocks.
Brad decided he would paddle part of the rapid and then line
the canoe around the steepest part with ropes. He didn't
want me in the boat when he did this so I waited with Mark
and Sarah while he did that. There is a picture of us
watching. I was happy to be up on the rocks to be honest
with you. The rocks were so slippery that Brad fell about ten
times while lining the canoe around the rapid.
to a big rapid where the river disappeared. Brad said this
was Wild Sheep Rapid, one of the big class IV rapids on the
trip. I;m not sure what that means, but we paddled to shire
and this was great because I wanted to hot the good old land
in a big way. I jumped out too soon and fell in, but we were
close to the rocks and I climbed out of the river. It was really
slippery and Brad kept me close because he didn't want me
to play with rattlesnakes. They sound dangerous, so I guess I
would leave them alone, but Brad said they wiggle around,
and I guess I would probably try to play with them. I heard
they don;t like to play.
Well, as you can see in the next few pictures I really enjoyed
being on land. I did some quality lounging on the warm rocks.
Brad decided he would paddle part of the rapid and then line
the canoe around the steepest part with ropes. He didn't
want me in the boat when he did this so I waited with Mark
and Sarah while he did that. There is a picture of us
watching. I was happy to be up on the rocks to be honest
with you. The rocks were so slippery that Brad fell about ten
times while lining the canoe around the rapid.
After Wild Sheep we went back in the boat and paddled some more
really exciting rapids. I was getting tired, but it was still all new and fun
to me. Then we pulled over again at another really big rapid. We
hopped out and looked it over and Brad decided to paddle it.
Everyone one else had already gone and they were swimming and
recovering gear so Brad tied me to a rock and said he would be back
after he went down the rapid. I was happy to not be in the canoe and I
laid down and relaxed on the rocks again.
Brad ended up filling the canoe with water and having to swim to shore
with it. He ended up way downstream, but he came back for me. I kind
of liked this because I got to run around on the rocks while we hiked
back down to the canoe. By the time we got back to the boat I didn't
mind being in the canoe as much as before.
really exciting rapids. I was getting tired, but it was still all new and fun
to me. Then we pulled over again at another really big rapid. We
hopped out and looked it over and Brad decided to paddle it.
Everyone one else had already gone and they were swimming and
recovering gear so Brad tied me to a rock and said he would be back
after he went down the rapid. I was happy to not be in the canoe and I
laid down and relaxed on the rocks again.
Brad ended up filling the canoe with water and having to swim to shore
with it. He ended up way downstream, but he came back for me. I kind
of liked this because I got to run around on the rocks while we hiked
back down to the canoe. By the time we got back to the boat I didn't
mind being in the canoe as much as before.
We finally made camp for the night and I was EXHAUSTED. This was a
big day for me. I slept all evening, except for when people ate dinner
and I begged, and when the thunderstorm came through and we ran
into the tent to stay dry and when I laid down on a Prickly Pear Cactus.
Luckily everyone pitched in and helped pull out some of the thorns. It
wasn't that bad and I was so tired all I wanted to do was sleep.
What a day!
I love you Michelle.
I'll tell you about the rest of the trip tomorrow because it was great and
by the end I actually kind of liked the canoe and everything.
big day for me. I slept all evening, except for when people ate dinner
and I begged, and when the thunderstorm came through and we ran
into the tent to stay dry and when I laid down on a Prickly Pear Cactus.
Luckily everyone pitched in and helped pull out some of the thorns. It
wasn't that bad and I was so tired all I wanted to do was sleep.
What a day!
I love you Michelle.
I'll tell you about the rest of the trip tomorrow because it was great and
by the end I actually kind of liked the canoe and everything.