One year of Elias

This week we celebrate our one year aniversary. It was a year ago that we rescued him from the Humaine Society. Upon reflecting on our year together, I have come to be most grateful for his dutiful cuddling and his unconditional love. Those of you who read, know that we're not the biggest fan of St. Closet. In fact, our lives are generally unhappy here - but having something that needs us so much is so fulfilling. I guess, I could even say that Elias' presence has in many ways saved us from the monotony of the bland lives we live.

Anyway, here's a quick recap of our year together. May we have many more happy years with Elias.

Stoic in the snow.

Holy Thursday good shepherd pose.


Another model pose from Elias, he could be a pro.
He hasn't grown much since we got him at 8 months. He's still a skinny thing, and maintains a very shiny and soft coat. Hmm. . . a fur coat. . .
Eli wet at the dog park.

Eli's adorable, give me some, look.

Sometimes when Eik gets out of bed, Elias isn't ready to get up yet.

We're all about afternoon cuddle sessions.

Our christmas picture.

Tomatoes under glass , Eli, and the ubiquitous feather and fan

So in an effort to keep my little tomatoes alive I have placed them all under glass. Fortunately Mason Jars are cheap and I'll need them for canning the plethora of tomatoes that will result from a dozen plants.

I have been working on a little feather and fan scarf which may end up as an icon cloth.

And here is a picture of Eli because you can never have too many. He's lounging in the chair he sleeps on.

~Eikon

I'm not readx to come in yet

Is it really morning?

Since Eik works nights, I often get up, and a certain puppy takes my place in beed. I was amused by this particular posture. Eli is making an "eli-ball" with his hind leg over his nose. Strange little beast.

Eli in my scarf

Now normally I don't dress up my puppy finding dogs in sweaters to be cruel. Pashmina is a different story. :)

Eikon

All i want is some pudding

Elias rocks the Casbah

Eli in Snow

And under my computer desk. It's messy down there.

Eli With His Uncle Redwing

Wake up, daddy!

I fell alseep while reading about the Eucharist and was woken up by this cute thing, right in my face. Flopper.

More of Eli on Ice at Sant John's and failed Pysanky

We Took Elias to Saint Johns to play on the Ice but it was making all manner of noises and so we didn't go out too far. There is a chapel at the far end of the lake that is much easier to gt too if you can walk across. Blow are some pictures of the Abbey Church which in keeping with the seventies/ eighties style of catholic curches as evidenced by the cathedral of San Francisco. They attempt to make concrete look organic. [A note from your friendly family liturgist: Although it is not clear as to whether or not Eikon has a favorable oppinion of the Abbey Church, he is inccorrect in saying that it is " in keeping with the seventies/eighties style of church architecture." In fact, this structure is pre-vatican II, offering tremendous forsight as to what would unfold at the Vatican Council. Instead of the monks facing each other, the antiphonal is set so that they curve allowing the monks to face each other, the altar, and the faithful assembly. There are no altar rails, There is a marvelous wall of stained glass that gives fantastic lighting, and an enormous organ, as well. ]

It is a rather stunning building.


A few Nights ago I decided to make pysanky using a technique I am unfamiliar with. Basically you strip away the outer layer of a shell using vinegar and pattern using the wax relief in reverse. Unfortunately it failed but I will persevere.

Tommorow begins the holiday work experience which lasts until Christmas eve in seven hour chunks at a time. Then off to Iowa and then off to PA.

~Eikon

Eli on ice.

so terribly adorable

Ok again with the dog. I know. But they are adorable cuddling together. Eli likes to lie on his back.

Distressingly Cute

So when Flopper rises in the morning I am visited in bed ny Elias. Sometimes when I get out of bed he stays. This morning he got under the covers and found the softest pillow.

~Eikon

Elias and Delila - Photo 2

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Elias and Delila - 1st Photo

Today Elias met a new friend at the dog park. Though much bigger, our pooch feared not the wrath of the oversided bitch (Great Dane).

Dog Park

Our local dog park is a lovely place full of trees and along the banks of the Mississippi.

Where Elias loves to run and chase other dogs.


This is Thor an enormous Giant Malamute. He must weigh at least 140 lbs.


We tend to take Elias almost every day for a bit and have gotten to know a few of the regulars.

He seems to appreciate it and eventuallly we may even get him to swim with us.
~Eikon

Trip to the Dog Park

One of Elias' favorite activities is our daily trip to the Saint Cloud Dog Park. He anxiously jumps in the car the second the door is opened. The dog park runs along the Mississippi River, so the dogs can play in the river and go swimming if they like. Elias likes to bounce around along the shore, and sometimes lie down in the water, but so far we haven't seen him do any swimming. Sometimes there are only 1 or 2 dogs to play with, but boy did he have a treat today. There were almost 20 pooches of various sizes and breeds. Some gorgeous ones and some really ugly ones- young, old, etc. I suggested to Eikon that we should be careful not to let them gang up on us, lest they overthrow the pack of human owners and take over the city. He had fun humping and being humped, not to mention the petting from all of the humans. He's asleep on the floor right now. He must be tired.

Flopper