Rowdy vs. Ward

Rowdy and I have a long standing fued regarding him sleeping on the furniture when I am away at work. Being human, I clearly feel that I have the advantage. I guess I underestimated my furry companion. Everyday, I set up obstacles that should keep Rowdy off the couches.....but he consistently outsmarts me. Here are just some examples of his genius.

The Set-Up

The DownfallThe Set-Up #2The Downfall #2

Finally, here is Rowdy in all is glory........basking in his genius.

Three Cheers

I took the weekend to go to StL this weekend. It was kind of a last minute trip, but my main draw was going to the Packers/Rams game on Sunday. Because I didn't plan the trip, I had to scramble to find someone to look after Rowdy. Lucky me, the Lane's were gracious enough to take him in, even though Rowdy and Annie had never met. Cassie said that they are now BFF's, which I am greatful for(although I prefer pals, commrades, or buddies......the use of BFF doesn't seem to masculine). Three cheers for the Lanes!!

I was hoping to include some pictures of the tailgating at the Rams game, but foolishly forgot my camera. It snowed 6 inches or so, but that did not stop us from getting up at 7:30 to tailgate by 9. It was downright cold, but nothing a propane heater and some good cocktails couldn't cure. The game was great........Favre broke Marino's yardage record, the Packers smoked them in the second half, and it sure seemed like there were more Packers fans that Rams fans at the game. After the game, we continued to tailgate playing a broke version of spatula baseball and pelting unsuspecting people with snowballs. All in all, a good time. Thanks to the Johnson's for putting me up for the weekend. Three cheers for Kris, John, and Shamrock.

A Relief (so far)

Yesterday marked the beginning of this horrible ice storm that was supposed to cripple Kansas City.....however, we got lucky as it stayed just above freezing all day. It just basically rained all day. The trees and powerlines have a nice glazing, but the roadways are fine. And luckily, Rowdy and I have power. In speaking with my parents tonight, they were not so lucky. They have been without power since early this morning. I know what they are going through....to some degree. Last year, most of St. Louis lost power twice. Once, after a severe wind storm blew through in the summer. And the second was a winter ice storm that coated the city. Don't start feeling bad for me yet..........on both occasions I had plans to go out of town. In the summer to Scottsdale (nice choice for a bachelor party Stewey), and to Chicago after the second power outage. So I was really spoiled there. I do remember spending a couple of hours in my house with no power last winter......I was about to go insane, no fun at all......and its cold as balls! Enjoy the frosty pics.

Icy Saturday

Well, so much for the holiday party. The weather in the area had other plans. Nothing like a thin layer of ice to ruin everyone's plans. Oh well......my friend Emily in Chicago told me she had to turn down Bulls vs. Celtics tickets for a holiday party, so things could be worse. That game will give me something to do this evening. Two of my favorite teams, KU Alums(Pollard, Pierce, Hinrich), and a fantasy stud(Garnett) = making an otherwise boring NBA game watchable. I am not sure if Rowdy likes to watch basketball with me, especially KU, because there is usually a moderate amount of screaming(although I have calmed down some). Here is Rowdy anxiously awaiting my next outburst during today's game. As you can see, he truly is a 70 lb lap dog.

The Frozen Tundra that is the backyard

Friday night with Bear

Rowdy wanted to watch his favorite TV show last night, Man vs. Wild. And since I have a big company holiday party on Saturday, I was content to stay in. I think Rowdy was happy that he did not have to be alone for the night. Personally, I think Rowdy has a man-crush on Bear Grylls. He sees all these exotic locations and fun adventures and thinks he would be a perfect side-kick for Bear. Running around the wilderness, alerting Bear of danger, maybe taking on a small bobcat. In reality, Rowdy would be the worst companion in a survival situation. What a wuss! I am pretty sure he is even scared of cats. There is no way he could convert from PV lap dog to hardened survival beast. Plus, Bear likes to show off his climbing skills in most every show, and Rowdy has not yet mastered the art of repelling. But still, a dog can dream I guess.

Postcard from a friend

Rowdy was excited today after I opened the mail because there was a holiday picture of his good friend Shamrock. He really was interested, sniffing the photo up and down. Once I said Shamrock's name, he went racing for the front door believing he had a visitor.

Lesson #233: Avoid saying the word "shamrock" unless you want to listen to whining for a half hour.

How it all started

Before this blog begins, I must first tell a story of how Rowdy got his name. You see, back in high school I became somewhat obsessed with fishing. Nash Morrison and I would venture out to farm ponds around the area, trying our hand at catching big-ass bass. The problem is often finding these ponds and getting permission to fish them. Nash's dad Robbie gave us a lead on a possible connection.......and his name was Lambert. Well, good 'ole Lambert was a weathered old farmer who looked like he spent one too many days drinkin Old Milwaukee(he had entire fridge full) and riding a tractor in the sun. When Nash and I pull up to his house we are greeted by the mangiest dog I have ever seen. I mean, the dog had just patches of miscolored fur intermingled with rashes and scars. He also had a terrible disposition and Lambert warned us to try not to pet him.........no problem. I didn't really care to contract the dog's flesh eating affliction. And as you can probably guess.....the dog's name was Rowdy. I found it hilarious....Lambert would yell "Dammit Rowdy, leave them boys alone," in his country twang. Nash and I could barely contain our laughter. But easily the most bizzare part about the whole situation was "Chicken." You see, Chicken was..............you guessed it, a chicken. But no ordinary chicken.....he was Lambert's pet chicken. This chicken hung out in the house and was treated just like a normal house pet. He and Rowdy went everywhere together, and often he would ride on Rowdy's back. You could say that they were best friends those two. I will never forget the site of that chicken clutching to the back of Rowdy as he guarded the Lambert homestead. I knew if I ever got a dog, I would have to name him Rowdy.

So there it is.........a little insight into the title of this blog. You see Rowdy left some good friends back in St. Louis(Shamrock and the Johnson's, Niermann's and the kiddos) but he is excited to be in KC now. He told me he felt that there were too many cats(Tigers) in STL, and he hates cats. But he is excited about the prospects of finding a best friend with all the chickens(Jayhawks) in KC.

Here a few pics of some of these Jayhawks after the big game last Saturday. Although we did not win, the Tigers are left wiping themselves with cotton after getting pelted with oranges today.

Tailgating with Kim and friends
Cassie and Lisa trying to "whiteout" the Tigers
Chris with a Random Tiger