Lola at Home: Day 3

We're so proud of our little puppy girl. She's beginning to learn, sit, stay, fetch, release, and other simple commands. We're walking with her a little bit, in small batches: walk, play with a leaf, walk, eat some grass, walk, sniff the tree. What a joy! We had Randy, Courtney and our niece Misty over to meet Lola. Misty enjoyed some puppy kisses, played with her, and tucked her in good-night before she left. So cute!



Mommy loves her little Lola-girl. Courtney and Misty enjoying some Lola-lovin'.

Our little dishwashing helper

For some reason Lola feels like the dishwasher is one of her favorite places to snooze. On three seperate occasions over the last couple days we saw her dreaming of butterflies (or whatever little puppies dream about) near or under the dishwasher. Who'da thunk?

CJ is a little upset with us

So CJ doesn't really know what to make of the whole situation. "Is this dog-thingy here to stay? Is this a visit? Why does she bark, not hiss? Why does she act so curious but doesn't bother me?" These are all things CJ has probably thought about while religating himself to his camp-out in the garage shelves. It's sad, but he'll get over it. As least we hope he will. [crossing fingers]


"What is that thing? What is she doing? Why is she here?"

Lola at Home: Day 2

This morning we had our first Vet. visit with her new Doctor at Parkview Animal Hospital in Long Beach. Dr. Gamble was amazed that our little girl practically slept through the whole exam. Lola remained calm and took everything in stride. It was a successful visit to say the least.


Her blankie, crocodile & chew stick to keep her cozy on the exam table.

Lola at Home: Her first morning

Her first night with us was not as bad as we thought it would be. She got up at 2am, and whined to go pottie. She didn't wake up after that till about 6 am and let us sleep in a little after that playing with her toy. She had her breakfast and continued on with her first day at her new home exploring her surrounding and taking in the big world around her.


Her first breakfast at home. Lola enjoying some good-morning hugs from Daddy.

Mommy sharing some good-morning hugs and kisses with "the cutest puppy in the world".

Picking Lola up!

The day finally came when we picked Lola up from Bear Creek Springers in Big Bear Lake. Melissa was so great with her and us over the time of her birth till we finally were able to bring her home. We thank her so much for her care, love, patience and guidance. Lola was so great on the ride home. She slept most of the way, she pottied at the pit stop half-way home, and slept for the second leg of the ride. She didn't whine, yelp, or anything - so calm & relaxed. Cesar Milan would be so proud.



Melissa saying good-bye to Lola. First time on a leash, burning a little energy for the ride home.

Lola, calm and relaxed before closing the crate. A happy daddy using his newly aquired training skills.

Project: Artificial Turf

So we ponied up and had our weed patch of a lawn in the backyard turned into an "artificial grass" paradise! It looks great next to the pool, and don't have to mow, edge, de-weed, etc... Just in time for Lola to roll around in it, and for us to enjoy over the Memorial Day weekend.

Ed and Oil painting ... My new passion!

So... While Maureen and I were in Europe; and especially in Aix en Provence, South France, I became very inspired by the art, artists, and the setting of which the art was made. South France and the rolling hills are very inspiring, interesting, and aroused my "inner art inhibitions". I thought to myself, and expressed to Maureen(at least a couple times): "I can do this!". So... here's my first stab at taking on the art world. Mind you: I haven't had any formal art training, ever taken a class, or even tried painting before with any medium. Enjoy, and please reserve judgement. Thanks.

"View From the Train in South France" by E. Dugan (Oil on canvas board)

[i need to add some detail in the field, and add some more stuff. Remember, this is my first ever painting, let alone oil painting]

My second piece ever:

The artist in me is inspired by my favorite band of all time "Pearl Jam". I'm going to begin a series of work converting their lyrics into pieces of art. This is from "Present Tense" a song off the "No Code" album. My cousin Brandon really got me to listen to this song over again after he got a tattoo inspired by this song. Anyway... this is my interpretation of the song laid out in Oils.

"Present Tense" by E. Dugan (Oil on canvas board)

30th Anniversary of "Empire Strikes Back" / St. Jude charity event

Wed. May 19, 2010. What an amazing night this was. Maureen, Kathleen, and their St. Jude staff treated us to a special night of Star Wars fanfare and festivities. It was a treat to see all the Star Wars alum actors, and other celebrities in person and share the screening of the film. Seeing the film again on the "silver screen" was awe inspiring and intense. It was especially amazing to see Harrison Ford (2 rows in front of us) leaning over, watching himself, laughing and enjoying the moment on screen. Amazing!

Aiden and Liam enjoying the Goody Bag Maureen, Ed, Brian and the boys

Ed and the Martel boys using "The Force" Brian and his sons taking it all in

Billy Dee Williams with Darth Vader Various celebrities from "Clone Wars"

Billy Dee Williams and Harrison Ford Ewan McGregor with St. Jude patient

Visiting Lola 2 weeks before we pick her up!!!

So we made the 2 hour trek up to Big Bear Lake, CA to visit Lola 2 weeks before we pick her up. She's grown so much from the first time we visited her at 3 days old with Tom & Suzie. We're definitely in love with her and can't wait to bring her home.

Maureen with Lola

Ed with Lola