The Return of the Turkey God

I always look forward to celebrating Christmas. Do you want to know why? Well, first of all, I get to eat lots of yummy food and I get lots of Christmas presents from Santa. But, most importantly of all, I get the honour of receiving the ‘Turkey God’.

Woo hoo! Here's the Turkey God, resting on the chopping board in all of its glory!

There was something strange about this year’s Turkey God though. He seemed a bit smaller than usual. Last year, for example, he weighed in at a whopping 24lbs/11kg. This year, however, he was a paltry (or should that be poultry – heh heh) 5kg! Don’t believe it? Well, take a look at last year’s photo of the Turkey God and you can do a comparison and decide for yourself…

Photo of Turkey God taken last year - he was MASSIVE!

This year's Turkey God.

Even though he was a little slimmer, I couldn't help staring in awe at the delicious, I mean holy, Turkey God.

Soon the yearly ritual began. I went into a trance and started chanting deliriously…

Me chanting feverishly.

Once the chanting was over, there was only one thing to do...

I decided to kiss the Turkey God's feet! Unfortunately, the Missus wasn't very impressed by my show of devotion.

The Turkey God mysteriously disappeared for a few hours, so I decided to go and check out my Christmas presents…

YAY! Look at my fabulous hoard!

I got yummy treats galore...

…as well as a tiny hippopotamus!

Out of the blue, the Turkey God suddenly reappeared.

I'm not sure how, but he had developed a golden tan and was surrounded by those other demi-gods of mine - The Brussels Sprouts, Carrots and Roasted Potatoes gods.

Oh my dog! I can't wait to get tuck in!

Got to go now folks. There’s food to be eaten.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Card Crackers

Here’s a quick update to let you know what I’ve been up to lately…

Can you guess why I'm looking so intellectual?

Well, it's because I've been busy writing out my Christmas Cards!

The first problem I had was coming up with a name list.  It's not that easy when you have as many four-legged friends as Yours Truly!

Phew! After a couple of hours, my eyes were getting tired. Here I am with my glasses perched on my head taking a well-deserved break! 

    Never mind. Before I knew it I'd completed a whole bunch of cards. I hope I haven't missed anyone out. That would be a DISASTER!

"There's Lucille in Italy - check; Amy in the Netherlands - check…"

Finally, they were all finished. You know what comes next…

…That's right, 'sleepy byes'!

Zzzzzzzz…Merry Christmas…Zzzzzzzzz

Homer’s Christmas Card Photoshoot 2013

Christmas is coming and I’ve been so busy getting ready for the festive season. For instance, I put up the tree; I worked on my Christmas shopping list and I spent hours trying to get the right pose for my Christmas Card.

The photo session was fun, albeit tiring. After posing for several hours, my jaws were locked and my smile was ‘frozen’ on my face. But the Missus didn’t care; she was more concerned with getting the right shot - What a slave driver!

Anyway, here are some of the outtakes. What do you think of them?

Title of the photo: "Strike a Pose" - I love this shot because my nose doesn't look too big and I'm not showing too much tongue and teeth. And the pose was great! Don't you think?

Title of the photo: "Homer's Profile Shot" - I love this one too! Look at my big, googly eye. Mesmerising eh?

Title of the photo: "Drool" - This could have been the 'ONE', if only I wasn't drooling. Not very glamourous and dignified.

Title of photo: "Squint" - I don't know what happened to this one. I guess I forgot to open my eyes? Gee…me bad.

Title of the photo: "Frosty Face" - By this time, I was very annoyed, frustrated and angry (the Missus forgot to give me my treats!).

Title of the photo: "Missing Hat" - Somewhere, somehow I lost my Santa hat! Yikes!

Title of the photo: "I Can't See" - The title speaks for itself.

After a long heated debate with the Missus,, we decided to choose this photo:

Title of the photo: "Love and Joy" - That's the main theme of the Christmas Card.

This is the finale result. :)

For those of you who haven't yet received the original version (and those of you who the Missus (not me) forgot to post one to), this one is especially for you.

Also, I would like to say a big thank you to those who have sent me a card. They are booti-ful and I love them all!

Woof! 

Homer

A Tribute to Nelson Mandela

The passing of Nelson Mandala yesterday was one of the most significant event in history and one which nobody could possibly ignore. An iconic anti-apartheid leader, he spent his formative years fighting hard for human rights and equality. Throughout the years of opposing the apartheid regime, he taught us valuable lessons - that no man should be penalised for the colour of his skin or for the circumstances into which he was born.

He fought not only for the people of South Africa, but also for those who struggle for freedom, justice and equality anywhere in the world. Similarly, his demise is not only a huge loss for South Africa, but for the entire world.

He was the epitome of all that is good in humanity.

I sincerely hope that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations, to put human rights and equality before political gain.

RIP Madiba.

Photos from guardian lv

Putting Up the Christmas Tree 2013

Woof everyone!

Let me tell you what I did during the weekend – I only went and put up the Christmas tree, that’s what!

Mind you, assembling the Christmas tree is not an easy task for Yours Truly.

"Look at all this mess!"

So, rather than go through all the hard work myself, I decided to take the easy option this year and just supervised the humans instead.

"Stop taking peek-tures and get on with your chores!"

The humans were far too slow and, as the minutes ticked by, I soon began to feel restless. To help pass the time, I decided to play a joke on my humans – I went hiding! Hee…hee…hee…

Ha! Can you see me? I bet you can't because I am so well-camouflaged behind the tree!

Well, eventually, the humans finished putting the tree together…

…and here I am beside the finished product.

I have to say, it looked a bit ‘bare’. So, I decided to add some Homer-panache…

Voila! Our Christmas tree in all its sparkling glory; complete with shiny baubels and flashing lights. Isn't it bootiful?

By the way, I am in the midst of sending out Christmas cards. If you would like to receive one from me, do drop me an email with your mailing address. My email is – homerbeadling@gmail.com

I wish everyone a great week ahead.

Love,
Homer

Tributes to Paco and Amber-Mae

I am very sad to announce that two of my long time blogging friends have passed away recently.

My dearest amico, Paco.

PACO

May 24, 2006 - November 11, 2013

I met Paco on several occasions when I was living in Italy. We had such wonderful times together. Paco was a lovely boy who loved his mum, Simona, with all his heart. The Missus and Dad were also smitten by him. You can read more abut our adventures together here, here and here.

Sadly, he crossed the rainbow bridge on 11 November, 2013.

~~~

Booti-ful Amber-Mae

AMBER-MAE

October 28, 2005 - November 23, 2013

Amber-Mae and her mum, Melissa, began blogging around about the same time as Yours Truly. We had been blog-pals ever since I was living in South Korea and have enjoyed ‘stalking’ each other’s blog for many years.

Amber-Mae was a very booti-ful, intelligent and gifted gal who won many prizes in Dog Shows. She also excelled in, amongst many other things, acting, performing tricks and doggy-dancing.

She passed away peacefully on 23 November, 2013.

I will miss both Paco and Amber-Mae dearly.

Run free and wild, my friends. I love you.

My Surgical Wounds are Healing Nicely

A couple of months ago, I had my Mast Cell Tumours (Gosh! I dread those words) removed. One was located on my shoulder blade and the other next to my paw pad.

This was how it looked after I came out from surgery.

The scar was ten centimetres long.

My poor little foot!

I am happy to say that my wounds are recovering nicely and there are no signs of cancer cells in the affected areas.

Here are some photos taken a couple of days ago.

Look at my shoulder now. You can hardly tell that I had an operation.

…and my foot is fine...

…I am very pleased and hope that I never have to go through that again. NEVER!

Halloween 2013

Regular readers will know that every year, without fail, the crazy Missus always comes up with some silly Halloween costume for Yours Truly. Fortunately, I mean UNFORTUNATELY (phew!), I won’t be donning any silly costume this year. As most of you are aware, we have been dealing with a couple of crises lately and the Missus’ priorities have changed to suit the circumstances.

Anywoof, I still can’t resist posting a couple of photos of me trying to look scary. Oh well, for what it’s worth…

Boo! Happy Halloween.

Look at my body! All twisted and contorted! Woooooooohhh...

OK, I admit it. I wasn't trying to look scary. I was just having a 'Homer Nap'!

I Bring Good News

Here’s a quick post to let everyone know that I’m doing fine.

It’s been a month since I had my surgery. So, we went back to the vet a few days ago, he did some aspirates and told us that he couldn’t find any traces of cancer cells in the affected areas. Yay! My surgical wounds are healing booti-fully and there are no signs of the tumours growing back. My vet was very happy with his findings and we were told to go back in three weeks time for another check-up.

Again, with all of my heart, I want to thank all of you for your concern and your well-wishes. Your support was truly appreciated.

I promise I will write a more in my next post.

Till then, take care and see you around the blog!

Love,

Homer

Post Surgery Report

It’s been two weeks since I visited my vet for the latest check-up on my Mast Cell Tumours. He took a few aspirates; discussed the variable options with my humans and surgery was decided.

Two lumps – one on my right shoulder and the other on my front left paw were removed. The surgery went smoothly without any complications.

At this moment, we can only hope that there aren’t any residual traces of Mast Cells lurking around. According to my vet, and various sources from the Internet, if there are cancer cells left behind, the tumours tend to grow back with a vengeance. So far, the signs look good. I am back on my chemo drugs for a month, after which I’ll have to go back to the vet for another check-up.

To make sure that my wounds were able to heal, my movements have been restricted since the surgery. My daily walkies have been cut short and I’m not allowed to use the stairs.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone again for all of your concern and well-wishes. I have not been given the all-clear yet so I hope you will keep me in your thoughts for a little while longer.

Fingers, paws and tails crossed. I love you all.

Homer

PS: I’ve attached some photos of my ouchie parts. Please skip this if you are squeamish.

Photo taken early this year.

Mast Cell Tumour located on my left shoulder. This photo was taken early this year.

Mast Cell Tumour located next to my paw pad. This photo was taken early this year.

This is how my paw and my shoulder look like after the surgery.