Making a Friend
Mom: Minty, what have I told you about begging?
Minty: You said it’s rude… and a little pushy.
Mom: That’s right. So why are you begging right now?
Minty: Because people can’t resist me when I do my “sit pretty” trick. I’m guaranteed a treat—and it makes them smile!
Mom: That may be true, but I’m not sure I like you getting so many treats. I don’t want you gaining weight.
Minty: Oh, come on, Mom. You see how much I run around—do you really think a few treats will make me chubby?
Mom: Hmm… you do make a fair point.
Searching
Whenever we go on an outing, Mom reminds me to keep an eye out for ticks.
I do my best, but I never seem to spot any. She says they’re especially bad this year, so we have to be careful.
When we get home, she always checks me thoroughly to make sure I didn’t pick any up.
I don’t mind—it feels a bit like getting a nice massage.
Aqualounging
Mom: Minty, what on earth are you doing?
Minty: I’m aqualounging. Obviously.
Mom: “Aqualounging” is not a word.
Minty: It is now. I just invented it.
Mom: Oh, did you? And what does this “aqualounging” involve?
Minty: Floating, relaxing, and being fabulous in the water.
Mom: I would call that lying in the water.
Minty: Wow. That is the most boring description ever.
Mom: I prefer “accurate.”
Minty: I prefer “aqualounging.” It sounds like something fancy people do on vacation.
Mom: I’ll admit, it does sound a little glamorous.
Minty: Thank you. Also, look at these ripples—I made art.
Mom: Those are some very impressive ripples.
Minty: I know. I’m basically a water artist.
Mom: Did this “water artist” happen to notice the egret over there?
Minty: Of course. But I’m a professional bird respecter. I admire from a distance.
Mom: A professional, huh?
Minty: Absolutely. Aqualounger. Ripple artist. Bird respecter. I contain multitudes.
The Steal
The steal is a key part of the game, and I pull it off right here.
Next comes the chase—the most exciting part.
It’s crucial to keep your eyes on your opponent.
The problem is, you can’t see where you’re going.
That’s fine on the beach or in a wide-open field, but it becomes a bit of an issue in the woods.
Mom says I need some kind of bat-like radar so I don’t knock myself out.
Ball Playing
Yes, it's true.
Leo usually gets to the ball first when our people throw it into the water.
But as you will see tomorrow, I'm the one who actually brings it ashore.
Wild and Crazy Dude
Yup, that’s my buddy Leo—I thought I heard him coming.
Mom says he reminds her of Tug; I’ve heard plenty of stories about him.
Funny thing is, Leo came from the same place Tug did.
Me? I came from the same place as Della.
Must be something in the water where Leo and Tug are from…
I mean, just look at that boy—he’s a wild, crazy dude.
On The Lookout
When we go the beach I am always on the lookout for my good buddy Leo.
When he joins us it is always a wild and crazy time.
I can usually hear him because he screams out the car window all the way to the beach.
Happiness Is Racing Through The Water
It was nice the other day when Mom and I went to the beach.
We were the only ones there.
The tide was really low and I had a blast racing through the water.
Smile
I like to give out smiles.
They’re free, and with the state of the world, we could all use one.
Marilyn Monroe once said that a smile is the best makeup a girl can wear.
I don’t wear makeup, but I can smile.
Sometimes we need to be the reason someone smiles.
I hope I made you smile today.
I Believe I Can Fly
Hey everyone! Mom said we needed a spot to share all the photos she keeps taking of me—so I guess I’ve got my own gallery now.
Figured we’d kick things off with a picture of me practicing my flying skills.
Mom says it’s a good thing it wasn’t any windier at the beach… or I might’ve actually taken off over the water!
