I had a long to-do list yesterday which included a bath for Arlo.  Fortunately, he’s a dog who enjoys his bath.  I say fortunately because he can be sensitive to some kinds of handling (nail trims, for example).  But baths–no problem.  Not sure whether that’s luck or because before there were baths, there was his pool, which he loves.  I.e., when we set up for a bath and he sees us fill the pool (maybe) he doesn’t think, ugh a bath, but yay! I get to play in my pool!

My favorite part of that clip might actually be Katie (who does not enjoy baths) quietly slinking away.  If there were a thought bubble above her head, it might say Don’t mind me.  I’ll just sit over here in the shade while you wash that other dog.  He really needs it.

Hard to argue with Katie.  I wouldn’t want to get that heavy coat wet either.  Although she did give me a heart attack once when we were walking on the beach by rushing headlong into the ocean and dropping out of site.  At that point, I had no idea whether she could swim, so of course I followed her in (wearing all of my clothes).  As it turned out, she was a great swimmer, and after a few seconds her little head popped up and there she was doggy paddling like a pro.  So for Katie, swimming in the ocean–yes, please.  But baths–no thanks. I honestly don’t know whether Arlo enjoys a bath, or doesn’t notice he’s getting one because he’s focused on splashing around in his pool.  But, here he is post bath looking pretty pleased with himself. Meanwhile in the garden:  it was a stormy week, and I appreciated the break from watering.  Two weekends ago, I did a major clean-out of the strawberry bed, which is now prepped for next year.  I actually hadn’t realized you can’t just let strawberries be.  At the end of each season, they need to be “mowed” (cut back) and thinned out.  I’m guessing my failure to do that was one reason why this year’s harvest was lighter than in previous years.  And since my clean-out I’m seeing lots of new growth.  Go strawberries! Except for peppers, which were a bust, this year’s garden has so far been really productive.  We were eating peas and snow peas until this week.  And kale and lettuce have been producing like crazy.  And raspberries.  Garlic is looking ready–maybe this week.  After that beans and potatoes.  And then tomatoes.