Updates (Mostly about Dogs)
This past weekend, Billie and I went to Omaha to participate in a tracking test. The test was at the Chalco Hill Recreation Area which is an awesome 1200 acre park right up next to I80. Our hotel was right off the interstate and Chalco more or less backed up to it. There's a lake in the middle, lots of walking/biking trails but also lots and lots of natural areas--knee-high to waist-high cover, trees, and brush.
Billie and I were catalog #6 and drew track #1. It was bright and cool (30s) and sunny with very little wind. BIllie started really well. We (mostly me) had a lot of trouble on the first corner and second leg, but BIllie was awesome and kept working until I stopped being an idiot and went with her. And the last half of the track we really worked well as a team and Billie tracked down the last leg to the glove like she was on rails.
To anyone who doesn't track or hasn't seen tracking, I'm not sure I can describe how totally awesome this was. But it was. Totally Awesome.
In other dog news, I'm going to pick up the new puppy a week from today. His name is Blue (yes, I know it doesn't start with 'J'--but his registered name does). He is so so cute. I'm really looking forward to getting him. I will post pictures once he's finally here. The breeder says he is quiet, self-confident and independent, but when he's ready to go to sleep he comes over and lays down by her, which sounds excellent. I've agreed to show him in conformation (well, really, to persuade other people to show him in conformation) and we'll definitely be doing tracking, as well as obedience, rally and agility. And maybe someday therapy dog work as well, though Billie has the lying on the couch and letting people pet her franchise pretty well sown up.
In not-dog news, I got my January, 2008 issue of Asimov's a couple of days ago with my story, 'The Whale's Lover' in it. This one has rocket ships and distant planets and alien lifeforms. So I am sure it will make everyone everywhere totally happy about the future of SF and my place in it.
And in writing progress news, I am (sadly, slowly) working on 'Ghosts of Fear' and revising 'Cowboys in Space' and 'What Makes a River.'
Comments
Every time, I tell your stupid blog to remember me, and it always forgets. It doesn't like me, does it? Or maybe it doesn't like Macs...
Anyway!
Yay for good tracking days! And especially big yay for new puppy. I can't wait to see pictures. Just a couple of days--does this mean you're taking off in the middle of the work week?
Posted by: SarahP | November 10, 2007 04:28 PM
If it makes you feel any better, it doesn't remember me either.
I am indeed taking off Wednesday to pick up the puppy. It's supposed to be nice weather so it should work out pretty well.
Posted by: Deb | November 12, 2007 09:59 PM