My busy summer

My parents and I have done a lot this summer.  That's my excuse for not updating my blog as I should have.  I do need someone to help me sometimes - remember - no opposable thumbs.

First we went to Providence to see my cousin Jon graduate from Brown University.  This is my cousin Jon and my aunt and uncle

I had the opportunity to explore a new city...

 at least the lower portions of it....

Then we went to an Airstream Rally.  I always enjoy those.  I got to make a new canine friend - Missy.  Missy barked a lot.

This is me and Missy...

After the rally we did a lot of driving.  I often helped my parents with directions.

...and you can imagine how happy I was to find this exclusive area, just for me, at one of the rest stops.

 When we got to MIchigan I was delighted to see my dear friend Clancy and his parents Irene and Jerry...

Clancy and I have so much fun together...

 Aren't we cute?  Wouldn't you give us treats?????

Unfortunately Clancy had an accident with his paw and was forced to wear one of these strange collars.

But as soon as he figured out how to lick his paw even with the collar his parents took it off!  We canines are so clever!

The highlight of the trip was when my parents took me on a short ferry ride on the St. Mary's River.

Our next stop was in Syracuse to see my aunt and uncle and Grandma Emily.  Also my cousin Teddy, another very noisy canine.

He's the one with the bushy tail.

While in Syracuse I visited my dear friends Bill and Jerry who have a lovely house on a lake with a funny name - Skinny Atlas - I enjoyed lying in the sun.

Visitors

I have had a lot of visitors lately - I am a very charming and therefor a popular canine.

My Aunt Ellen and Uncle Gary stayed for about a week.  I was very happy to pose for a picture with them even though they made me squeak.

That's why you don't see my face...

I've also enjoyed several visits from my dear friends Irene and Jerry and their delightful canine Clancy.  Clancy is quickly becoming one of my closest canine companions.

What a large and noble head!

A REALLY BIG catch-up with lots of pictures!

Yes, I know I've haven't blogged for a while.  I guess I could blame it all on my Mom as people usually do, but I am an honest canine and, while it has been partially my mom's fault it has been mine too - the perils of an unexciting life...

First off let me wish everyone a Happy New Year!  I graciously took this photo with my family for them to distribute to their friends...

And my mom took this one to distribute to the fans of my new book "Belle the traveling dog follows the Lewis and Clark Trail 2013."  It is a blockbuster!

We had a lovely family holiday. My Dad helped me light my menorah and on Christmas Day I found a lovely bone in my stocking.

 When Josh and Jin came over I helped them open their presents!

Then I went on a road trip!  It was many hours of driving.  But, my tummy was full, my seat was warm and I was content!

I was so excited when we arrived at a big campground with my friends Josh, Irene, Jerry and of course my dear friend Clancy.

Clancy and I hosted several food related events....

This delicious breakfast included many of my human friends.

I also had the opportunity to take a hike with a park ranger.  All rangers love me since I am so well behaved.  This is me with ranger Dave..

After all this excitement and exercise Clancy and I often fell asleep....

Sleep is good.

Clancy again

Today I woke up and found that my dear friend Clancy and his parents had left to go back to Georgia.  How sad.

As much as I hate to admit it, I did have fun begging getting into mischief with Clancy.

At one point our parents locked up up in Clancy's trailer...

Don't we look sad???

Wouldn't you feed us??

My friend Clancy

I am so pleased that I have been able to spend some time with my dear friend Clancy.

We raided a garbage can together, begged for food and generally bonded.

Here we are bonding...

Clancy, a fine canine

At the Florida rally I was able to renew my acquaintance with my dear friend Clancy, a fine young and somewhat over active canine that lives with my friends Irene and Jerry.

This is Irene and Jerry...

Clancy even came to visit me in my Airstream while his parents were away.  Here we are waiting for Dad to give us Bully Sticks!  Clancy didn't know that bully sticks have to be chewed and savored - he tried to swallow his!  My day kept him from choking and he was fine.

I am the attractive dog on the left.  Clancy is on the right.