Fadedwords

The new house is close to several major roads.  This is great for me, as it means easy access to stores and the like.  It also means that we hear a lot of sirens, which Merlin can’t help but express himself over…

This is what happens no matter what time of the day it is, or what he was doing prior to hearing the siren.  He can be in a dead sleep, but his reaction remains the same.  He jumps up, looks out the window, and then howls long and low.  Then he’ll look out the window again, listen, and howl again if the offensive noise hasn’t dissipated.  I guess consistency is key.

Howling Good Time from Kate Moynihan on Vimeo.

Merlin truly enjoys being comfortable.  Ever since we got the daybed, he has really relished in the fact that he has a bed all to himself whenever he wants to.

He would prefer it if I was there for him to snuggle up to though.  Heaven forbid he gets cold.

I wasn’t able to get this up on Monday… life was too hectic all week in fact.  However, I wanted to be certain to share this.  Merlin loves peppermint, to the point that he recognizes the sound of the bag.  This makes my task of making peppermint bark at Christmas time somewhat interesting.

The one good thing is that he will not just take something from the counter… or anywhere else for that matter.  He waits to be given something.  The other good thing?  At least the peppermint removes teh doggy breath!

Peppermint Pup from Kate Moynihan on Vimeo.

Since we’ve moved, Merlin and I have developed a nightly routine.  Or, I suppose I should say that I have developed a nightly routine.  I go in to the bedroom about 45 minutes before I plan to go to sleep and I fold the covers over and put my body pillow up so it covers half the bed.  This leaves Merlin a spot, and covers up my spot so he won’t take it.

Or at least that’s the plan…

The conversation went as follows: **

“Oh… do you want to sleep in the bed tonight too?” asked Merlin.

“Scoot the h*ll over,” said I.

“Grrrrrrrrr,” grumbled Merlin.

“You don’t scare me.  Move it,” says me.

“GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR,” he added impressively.

“Move it or you’re not allowed to sleep here tonight,” threaten I.

“Fiiiiiine,” says Merlin.

Some nights he truly seems to think that he needs much more room than half the queen sized bed.  Prior to moving, Merlin was never allowed to sleep in bed with me.  It was a rule from when he was a puppy that I enforced pretty strictly.  Since the move though, it’s been nice to know he’s right next to me; if I hear a noise in the night I know that he’s right there ready to lay the smack down on any potential intruders (or ghosts or boogie men).  After sleeping alone in the house, I decided that it was worth the slight hassle and the occasional “argument” with him regarding who is sleeping on which side.  He gives me a great deal of peace of mind.  He’s also one heck of a foot warmer.

**I may be taking some liberty with Merlin’s quotes.  They’re 80% accurate.

Merlin really considers himself helpful.  This is how he helps me fold the laundry…

You can see all of Merlin’s helpfulness HERE

In other news it was a busy weekend.  There were birthday celebrations for my friend’s two children, as well as some picking up of furniture and unpacking.

Birthdays

House