Simon, Mattie, Mac and Katie at future dog park! 

Mattie, trying out our future dog park! 

Future Dog Park!

I mentioned that I had an idea that I was working on. I want to have a dog park at the park near the intersection of Tuckerman and 51st Ave. I have been in touch with Park and Planning. They looked at the spot. They tell me that the park is over used and they really didn't want to add anything else down there. However, they did say I could make a proposal and see if it would be approved. I have gotten the signatures of the people who live close to the area and all have approved, except for one person who wasn't home the two times I went by. I have called my council representative and she will bring it up at the next town meeting. I need letters from the Mayor and council saying they approve. I need letters from as many political leaders I can find saying they approve. I need the residents who have dogs to write letters that they approve. I have to get information from other dog parks regarding expenses and insurance. Then I have to put together the entire proposal and send it to park and planning and once they get all the information, they will tell me if they approve. At this point, I am looking for support from all interested parties. The dog park would be a real benefit to the town. This would be a place where people meet and chat and have fun. I'm thinking dog happy hour with or without the pooch. Could end up being something like the old bookshop where people go to meet others and chat. The area down there is lovely with lots of trees and shade. I think having a dog park will also encourage responsible dog owners. Owners could share tips on training. Dogs could be socialized to become good neighbors. Children could come to learn about pets and the responsibility that goes with it.

First Place Winner, Halloween in Riverdale Park! 

Susan and Howard, relatives of a resident! 

Halloween on Sheridan Street! 

Halloween Greetings!

Walking around the town tonight, I noticed one house had a fantastic Halloween display. I decided they should have First Place in the First Annual Riverdale Park Halloween Decorating Contest! First Place goes to a home on Sheridan Street. (I don't like to mention names or addresses in this blog, so I won't) They know who they are and they are winners! No prize, but special mention on this blog! Thanks to the creative residents who have made our day a little brighter! Or should I say our scare night a little scarier?

Here we are with Simon! 

Mattie the Cinderella Princess! 

Howl-o-ween!

Mattie and MacGregor went to Petco in Beltsville for the Pet Costume Contest today accompanied by their giant slaves (Simon and Audrey). The Humane Society was having a pet adoption going on and the place was crowded with all kinds of dogs. We walked around, checked out the treats.Checked out the toys. Introduced ourselves to several dogs. Made a couple of friends. Not the little miniature brown dog with the yapping mouth. After tooling around the store for awhile, we put on our costumes and did the registration paper work for the contest. The clerk took pictures of us. We played for awhile, ate some treats. Then the clerk said "may I have your attention". Seems that the judge who was supposed to come got tied up at Lexington Park at the grand opening and could not make it to the Belstville store. So, somehow they were going to judge from the pictures at a later time and we could go home. Who cares about a contest anyway? We had a great time. Our mom bought us toys and treats. We now have a snake that we can both pull from different ends. It has two heads that squeak. And we have a fluffy tree where squirrels hide and we get to pull them out. All the squirrels squeak. We fought about it a little when we got home. We both wanted the same toy at the same time. We like our costumes and we'll see everyone on Halloween. We hope all the neighbors remember to also have some dog treats with that candy they always have for the kids. We don't want to do any tricks, just give us the treats!

Talk of the Town.

Lots of talk in town about selling beer and wine at the grocery stores. One thing I know is true. If the grocery stores sell beer and wine they certainly will increase profits. Good for them! Now, I wonder as I so often do, about the children grocery shopping with their moms and dads and seeing the milk right next to the beer and wine and what kind of message it sends. Guess we won't know that for awhile. Anyway I think I'll stay out of that debate. Having to be inconvenienced by going to the liquor store for your spirits may be a blessing. That's all I will say. Figure it out.
With that out of the way, I have very exciting news coming up soon. Stay tuned for the Reader has been reading and the idea is incubating and work is started and....I hope soon I can make a great announcement which will make some people very happy. If this idea pans out, I will need some help and support and I will be calling on everyone in town to lend a hand. I'll keep you posted.

Get well wishes to the Riverdaleparkette. Hope her little toe bone heals up quickly and perfectly.

Larry the proud Dad, Elizabeth, Olivia and MaryGrace! 

Andrea and Craig with Aidan! 

GrandMaMa Louise with Turner! 

New Grandmothers!

Congratulations to the new Grandmothers!
Grandmother Louise, my sister, welcomes Turner Glen on September 9, 2005. Turner is her second Grandson.
Grandmother Barbara, my friend since I was 3 years old, welcomes Aidan on October 9, 2005. Aidan is her first!
Grandmother Audrey, Me!, welcomes MaryGrace on October 9, 2005. Believe it or not, but she's my fifth! Now we have 3 girls and 2 boys! We can stop there, its good.

Barb and I thought we'd do an arranged marriage, like they used to do long ago, but our sons didn't think that was a good idea. We had a good laugh though. We imagined what it would be like 30 or so years from now, sitting at the wedding talking about the lovely couple and wondering just who they were. Then, we'd look at each other and say "and who are you, by the way?" Oh, looking forward to old age!

Welcome to the world our beautiful babies!