The Fog Won't Ruin My Vacation

I was so exhausted after all the fun I had at the beach on Wednesday that I didn't want to get out of bed Thursday morning. Mom convinced me that I needed to go outside to do my business but as soon as I did, I climbed right back into bed. I even tried to get her to order me some room service because I had such a taste for a three egg omelet with ham and bacon. Despite my begging and pleading, all I got was my usual dry breakfast.

I knew Thursday was going to be a quiet day for me because Mom and Dad were going to the customer summit. I needed a day to catch up on my sleep so I welcomed the nice big bed and the quiet of the cottage. The fog was really heavy and cast a nice blanket over my sleepy day. Ahhhh.

This is the CEO of Spigit delivering the opening remarks of the summit. I'm so glad I couldn't attend because it surely would have put me asleep. I like this guy, don't get me wrong, but all that business talk goes right over my head.

Mom and Dad spent all day in the ballroom listening to this speaker and that speaker while I slept the day away. When they finally returned to the cottage to feed me I was still really sleepy but of course not too sleepy to eat. That would never happen!

The fog just wouldn't go away. And it was starting to get really cold. I heard Mom mention more than once that she usually doesn't vacation in a cold climate. Duh! She's a beach baby! As Mom and Dad dressed for the dinnner party I knew they were going to freeze their butts off because they weren't dressed for the weather.

This view of the ocean was taken from the top of the walkway at the back of the hotel. Pretty but gloomy, huh? I've never seen fog this heavy before but people tell me it's like this all the time. I bet the residents of Half Moon Bay sleep more than the residents of Mundelein because if it was foggy like this back home I would never get out of bed. It reminded me a lot of winter days where we snuggle on the sofa for days on end.

There are fire pits outside all the first floor rooms and huge firepits at the back of the hotel. They were roaring with warmth as the guests of the summit tried their best to stay warm. The nights festivities included a cocktail hour, a sit down dinner, and then dancing to a live band. I would have enjoyed the dinner but since I wasn't invited I enjoyed more sleep time instead.

The party looked like a wedding. All the lights, flower centerpieces, and white tablecloths. Lots of weddings take place at the Ritz but Mom is convinced that only brides without curly, kinky, fros can get married there. Her hair was a wreck when she got to the party and was a complete disaster when she got back to the cottage.

After freezing her butt off in the 50 degree temperatures, Mom headed back to the cottage to go to sleep. She was shivering when she walked in and immediately shut the windows. After I went out to pee, we climbed into bed and slept the night away until Dad got in at 2:30am. Sheesh!

It seemed like the we had just fallen asleep when the alarm went off Friday morning. Was it really time to get up and get going? Dad had to rush back to the 2nd day of the summit but Mom and I had other plans for the day. We were heading to San Francisco for a photo shoot with Puglet's human Amanda. How exciting!

Mom had a hard time parking in the Castro where Puglet lives. She's used to driving Cheeto or the Turtler, both of which are much smaller than Dad's car so when it came time to park she was freaking out. Thankfully, Amanda was very patient and soon we were knocking on the dog of the most famous pug in the Bay Area.

Puglet's house is very cool. There's lots of room for him and Dutch to run around and play which is what we did as Mom ate a sandwich she had brought with her. Or should I say begged for the sandwich in lieu of playing. Or both. Puglet thought Mom's sandwich was for him but he didn't know that Mom rarely shares. Today was a rare day because she gave all of us some melon that accompanied her sandwich.

Since it was so icky we didn't think we'd be able to do the photo shoot but as we ate the sun came out. Hooray! My photo shoot was really going to happen. We left Dutch behind and headed out to look for some cool locales where Amanda could bring out my good side.

Do these stairs look familiar? This is where the picture that Puglet submitted for the Hansen's soda contest was taken. He won that contest thanks to all of you who voted for him. Since the stairs were good luck for him, Amanda thought they would be a great spot to photograph me. I was a little scared of the steps and stayed close to Mom which is why I don't have any photos of the photo shoot. Amanda did take a few of me but I wasn't really cooperating. Sorry Amanda.

Since I was having a hard time standing and couldn't sit right, we headed back to Puglet's house for some more play time. Puglet admits to being a camera hog but he was cool with letting me in on the action.

Did I mention that Puglet loves Mom? It's true. At first he wasn't sure about her but when we were at his house he couldn't get enough of her. I knew he'd love her but I didn't know how much. It made Mom so happy to be loved by another pug.

Puglet always talk about how Dutch is afraid of the camera but just look at him. He's practically posing for the camera! He secretly loves the camera and just pretends to be afraid of it because he knows how much Puglet loves the spotlight. I encouraged Dutch to work it and he sure did!

Amanda was so sweet to get down on the floor and hang out with me. I love this girl! She is the coolest ever and she held me in her arms almost all day.

Puglet and Dutch got in on the floor action and soon it looked like an Amanda dog pile. She played along like a good sport. She's up for anything and that made me so happy.

It was hard to say goodbye for the day but I knew we were going to see each other again at my World Tour Meetup at Crissy Field on Saturday. Off we went, back to Half Moon Bay to rest up after our great day in the Castro. I fell asleep as soon as I walked in the cottage and didn't even hear Mom and Dad leave for dinner. I never even heard them when they arrived back at midnight because I was reliving my trip in my dreams. The trip seems like a dream, but I know it's just a dream come true.

A Long Boring Day and Then The Best Day!

I fell asleep at the hotel as soon as I hit the bed. I was so pooped from hanging out with Emmitt that even though I slept all night, I didn't want to get up the next morning. I told Mom to hit the snooze button on the alarm but she told me that we had to haul you-know-what because today was going to be our long car day. Great. Carry me to the car please!

To quote my good pal Salinger, we left Colorado at the butt crack of dawn. Since it was so cloudy when we arrived the previous day, Mom decided to finally take some mountain pictures as we continued west.

We made good time and were soon into Wyoming. Of course, Mom had to pee so we stop at a rest area. Mom checked the temperature before she got out of the car and yelled "Yikes!" It was only 54 degrees in the middle of nowhere Wyoming!

Everybody climbed out of the car to pee and I even met another traveling dog at this stop. Things were going okay until I saw this sign. You might need to biggify the picture to read the words that say "Watch For Snakes & Scorpions" What? Why did we stop here to pee if there are dangerous animals lurking around every corner? I guess I don't need to tell you that this rest area was all Mom's idea.

Since we were scheduled to be in the car for 14,863 hours this day (Mom's note: 16 hours) I decided to settle in and get caught up on my sleep. Emmitt's sweet mom Melissa made me these cool donuts that I snuggled up next too. They are good to play with or use as pillows.

Somewhere in Nevada Mom stopped to refuel. It was dinnertime so she got food for her and Dad, jumped back into the car and off we went. Hello! What about me? We had driven for at least a half hour before Mom realized that she hadn't fed me. I was so mad until Dad decided that he would give me his french fries. French fries for dinner? Delicious!

Not much happened at the end-of-the-line Nevada motel other than a lot of sleeping. Mom was way exhausted and she passed out as soon as we checked in. I rolled out of bed early the next morning and was ready to roll. "Let's go people! We need to get to Cali. Chop, chop!"

Mom drove to Cali while Dad worked in the back with me. He's loving that mobile office and he may never want to work at home again.

It was slow going as we entered Cali due to road construction. The scenery was so beautiful, lush trees resting on sloping mountains. And then we got to San Francisco. It was just as beautiful as the mountains but in a different way. The bridges, the building, and the Pacific Ocean. Oh, and the traffic.

Soon we were on a crazy winding road. We took it to another road, then turned and there was the Ritz. Dad jumped out of the car to go golfing while Mom and I checked in.

The pet friendly rooms are guest cottages 200 yards from the main hotel. I didn't care that I couldn't stay in the actual hotel building because I knew it would be much quieter away from all the action. Quiet means good sleeping so I was excited to see our cottage.

As I walked in the room I noticed that it was a little warm. The ceiling fan was whirling away but the air conditioning seemed to be off. Hmmm. Mom checked all around the room and couldn't find the air conditioning controls despite finding an air conditioning-like knob. She picked up the phone and called the front desk. I knew it was bad news when I heard "Oh. Okay." What? They said what? There's no air in the cottages? Get us the haaiilllll out of here! I can't stay in a place that doesn't have air conditioning. How is that pet friendly? Mom opened the windows and as she was deciding how to keep me cool there was a knock at the door.

Puglet's human Amanda was here! She scooped me up and gave me all kinds of kisses. Puglet and Dutch were in the car and they came to the hotel to hang out at the beach. Hooray! I was finally going to meet my man Puglet. I really felt like I already knew him but I wanted to sniff him in pugson.

Mom carried me out to Amanda's car and Puglet and Dutch came bounding out. After doing the obligatory greeting and sniffing, we headed to the beach.

The only beach I had ever been to was at the lake by our house but this was different. This beach was connected to the Pacific Ocean! I could hardly contain my excitement as we played on the beach. Puglet goes to the beach almost every day so this was old news to him but as I delicately placed my paws in the sand, I knew it was going to be a great day.

Puglet and Dutch played fetch and ran around the beach while I hung out with Mom and Amanda. I was having a hard time walking in the sand but I was perfectly happy to just watch the action. Puglet's friends Boka and Miley soon showed up with their human Laurie and then it was a real party. Boka and Miley are dalmatians just like Dutch. As soon as Laurie showed up Puglet told me their human always carries lots of treats so we both gave her the stare. It totally worked and between their human and Puglet's our tummys were happy.

Mom took this picture to prove that I'm a beach baby just like her. She said we are going to move to the beach come hell or high water. I'm not sure what that means but I'm in!

Puglet had more energy than a pack of wolves. That dude didn't stop! Mom would throw the ball in the ocean and Puglet would retrieve it - like a million times. He almost got taken out to sea a couple times but he's really smart and knows when to go into the water and when to wait. I really wonder where he learned all these skills.

Mom still can't believe she got Dutch to look into the camera. Maybe he didn't realize that the phone had a camera in it. Whatever the case, I love this picture. These guys rock!

But no visit would be complete without a visit to my favorite restaurant, Popeyes. I even got to go inside. Can you believe it? Apparently, dogs go everywhere out here just like when Puglet goes to Planet Best Buy and Home Depot. They would never let me in a Popeyes back home. I must move out here!

We got a whole bunch of nuggets and headed to a park to have a picnic. There aren't any pictures of us eating the Popeyes because between the five of us all the nuggets were gone in minutes. We all shared and everyone got enough to eat - not! I mean we all shared but I could have eaten all the nuggets by myself. I'm not a hog so I just ate what was given to me. And then the playing started.

I stood on the sidelines while everyone got crazy. The almost all white dog is Boka and he's chasing Miley while Dutch kind of tried to get in on the action. Soon, Miley just started chasing Puglet and Puglet loved it. Watching him reminded me of how fast I used to run when I was his age. He zipped by me so fast my head was spinning. He even jumped over the ledge where I was sitting and a couple of times I thought he was going to slam right into the ledge. That guy sure can play hard.

I can't thank Puglet and his human enough for such a great day. It was all I dreamed it would be and more. It was great meeting them and Dutch, along with Boka, Miley, and their human. Puglet has organized a special Stubby World Tour Meetup for this Saturday morning so if you're in the Bay Area please stop by. We are going to rock Crissy Field like it's never been rocked before!

Rocky Mountain High

I was ready to get the heck out of Nebraska as soon as I woke up this morning. Being very low maintenance I didn't have to take a shower, fix my hair, shave, blah, blah, blah. I just wanted to hit the road because I had a big day planned and I couldn't wait to get it started.

I was a little bored during the car ride so Mom took out the iPad and let me watch Howie Pee's video. That Howie sure is hilarious!

Before I knew it we were in Colorado. Cue the John Denver music please! I couldn't see the mountains because it was very cloudy, but that didn't dampen my mood because I was on my way to see one of my best buddies.

As we pulled up to Emmitt's house I looked around thinking he would be outside waiting for me. He wasn't out there so I waited but he didn't come out of the house. Finally, I got out of the car and called out "Emmitt, it's me Stubby. I'm here little dude, all the way from Chicago!" but nothing happened. Emmitt cannot hear anymore so his lovely mom Melissa came out, scooped me up and took me in the house where Emmitt greeted me with some butt sniffs.

Emmitt showed me around his house and let me tell you it is very cool. There's pug stuff everywhere! And lots of pictures and artwork of Emmitt. It's like being in the Emmitt Langer museum!

Soon Emmitt's dad Fred came home and he immediately started giving me scratches. He scratched me behind my ears, on my back and all over my butt. I was loving it! I decided that I need a Fred back home.

But then the doorbell rang and it was Ingrid, Emmitt's masseuse. She comes over every Monday to give him an hour long massage. How cool is that? I wanted to see what this massage stuff was all about so I left Fred to check out Emmitt.

Emmitt wasn't oohing and ahhing over his massage because he was too busy eating a lamb's ear. He's constantly on the move and giving him a treat is the only way to get him to sit (or lay in his case) still.

Emmitt loved his massage and he totally loves Ingrid. I sure hope Mom was watching Ingrid closely because I would like a weekly massage. Maybe I need an Ingrid back home.

Of course we had to get some pictures of Emmitt and I with our moms. Us old guys rule!

Soon it was time to leave Emmitt's house and not a moment too soon. I fell asleep almost as soon as I walked into our hotel room. I was really beat and needed 40 winks before heading back to Emmitt's house for dinner.

We picked up some pizza for the peeps to eat but of course I knew I would get some so I waited very patiently while everyone ate. Emmitt doesn't like pizza (maybe it's because he's not from Chicago) but there was no way I was letting the peeps eat pizza without giving me some. Dad ordered pizza from a place called Double D's Sourdough Pizza and the boys got a Molto Di Carne pizza. This pizza was loaded up with marinara sauce, whole milk Mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Genoa salami, Canadian bacon, Andouille sausage, pork sausage, bacon, beef, and smoked Provolone cheese. Yikes! Talk about delicious. I think they should rename this pizza the Stubby Special. Maybe I need a Double D's back home.

Even though Emmitt doesn't like pizza doesn't mean he doesn't like dessert. He came over to me to tell me to ask for ice cream for dessert but I didn't want to look like a bad guest so I didn't do it.

We headed up to Emmitt's office to look at the pictures Fred took of us that afternoon. That Fred is so into photography. He has lots of cool programs that make even the bad pictures look good. I sure hope he can work his magic on the pictures of Mom because her hair was so frizzy. A bad fro on a good day is still a bad fro. Keep your paws crossed!

Soon it was time to leave because I was so tired. Emmitt could go all day and all night but I was dreaming about getting into bed. I had such a great time hanging out with Emmitt, Melissa and Fred today. Thank you guys for inviting us to your beautiful house and for spending the day with us. It was so awesome meeting you guys and I will never forget this day.

We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. We are going to be in the car all day as we head west toward our next destination. I will probably spend most of the day sleeping because it's going to take me a whole day to recover from today's activities. Maybe it's the altitude or maybe it's just me but now I know what John Denver was talking about.

Am I A Cornhusker?

Do you know what a cornhusker is? Me neither but Mom says I'm one because I'm in Nebraska. After sitting in the car for for about 2,395 hours today we arrived at our first destination, North, Platte, Nebraska. If I'm a cornhusker then I demand some corn!

We left the house super early this morning. I was sound asleep, dreaming about food and friends when the alarm went off. I opened one eye and rolled over to go back to sleep. There was no way I was getting up before the sun so I hung out in bed while Mom and Dad ran around the house getting all my stuff ready for the road trip.

Mom had the bright idea to bring my bed (which I never sleep in) on the trip. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Dad didn't think it was a good idea but he went along with it anyway. He put the 40 of the 60/40 backseat down and then put my bed on top of it. It really wasn't so bad because I was up high and could see out the window but I hate not touching Mom. She says I'm getting very clingy in my old age and that I have to be next to her all the time. Duh!

I had never been on Interstate 88 and thought it was really cool that there were wind turbines near the city of DeKalb, home of Northern Illinois University. Mom was too busy oohing and ahhing over them to take any pictures but as soon as we crossed the Mississippi River, out came the phone and snap, snap, snap. Whatever.

As we cruised into Iowa I decided that I was over the bed and needed to be on the seat touching Mom. I cried and cried until she took me out of the bed, put the bed on top of the snack bags, pushed up the seat, and spread my blanket out. Ahhh. Now I was comfy and could take a nap.

We had to stop for fuel around lunchtime so why not also get some lunch? I was starving but didn't get to pick the lunch place. Mom always gets to pick because she has issues. Her choice? Panera Bread. I'm okay with Panera because Dad always gets a sandwich and I get part of it. Since we were on a tight schedule, Mom and I hung out on the patio while Dad went inside to order our food to go. I love eating in the car so this was perfect for me.

Mom drove while Dad ate in the back with me but once I the food was gone I started crying again. I wanted to sit in front with Mom but the front seat was full of stuff. I just couldn't get comfy in the back with Dad so Mom's turn as driver only lasted a few hours. I took my afternoon nap once Mom was back where she belonged.

We arrived in North Platte a little ahead of schedule which was a good thing because it was past my dinnertime. I had to inspect our hotel, the LaQuinta, to make sure it was dog friendly as advertised on their website and thankfully it was. I wanted to change the sign to Pug Friendly but Mom told me that she saw other dogs at the hotel. Cool!

I'm only going to be a cornhusker until tomorrow because we have to keep moving west. We are supposedly sleeping in tomorrow morning but I'll believe it when it happens. I'm off to bed because I have a big day planned for tomorrow.

Stubby's 2010 Summer Adventure!

Summer wouldn't be complete without a road trip and I'm leaving for mine bright and early tomorrow morning. While all you guys are sound asleep dreaming about breakfast, I'll be on the road enjoying the breaking dawn from the back seat of the car. I haven't gone on a road trip since I went to Barkwells last spring so I'm super excited.

This is the ultimate destination of the road trip, the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California. Yep, we're going to California! Sing it Phantom Planet: California! California! Here we come!!!

We need to be in Half Moon Bay because Mom and Dad are attending a customer summit for Spigit. They are not customers but investors. Dad attended last year's summit while Mom and I stayed home, but this year Mom wanted to attend and the poodles didn't have any vacancy. So I talked Mom and Dad into driving to California so that I could go. I've never been to California but I've heard all about it from all my Cali friends.

I have to go to bed now because I need to get some sleep before the big trip. We will be driving west on I80 and you just never know who we might run into. Stayed tuned to read all about my travels!