For my 2-year re-birthversary, a party was held in my honor! What can I say, I'm a bit spoiled.
We intended to spend the evening on a boat, drinking wine and watching the sunset - but, we ended up doing something unexpected and, in the end - perfect.
A brief aside by Mat, about how he met Simba, and how he fits into all of this.
It's Christmas folks! A wonderful time of year indeed. As such, please see inside for my wish list - don't forget about me up here!
My momma turned 26 today! She insists she's old, but she's still so young and full of life. Come, read about our Birthday adventures!
October was a busy month! Mom and I spent a lot of time out and about in the world - seeing shows, going on adventures. Have a look at my adventure log for October!
For Labor day weekend, I spent some time with friends and family in Yosemite National Park. Have a look at pictures from my trip!
I'm 5 years old today!
I never met Simba, and yet - he is still such a big part of my life.
I learn why people hate moving... the cat hated it too.
I may have been a bit skeptical at first, but it's actually pretty nice here!
It has been a full year of my new life in the spirit world. What a time it has been! I have seen quite a bit, things that I don’t understand, things I do, and some things that I’m still trying to figure out belong in which category. I thought this blog would be a fun one, because I don’t think we need anymore depression in your human world.
When I first came to this new world, I was really confused, I missed my mom, but I was not scared, I wasn’t in pain, and I was excited to explore. That is not to say I was not excited in life with my mom. I heard this new life I am in is called “Death”.
I don’t mind that I’m dead, because only my body is gone from my mom’s world. I know she is still adjusting to this new life, but since my one-year anniversary, I feel her getting stronger, and for that I am very glad. My body is gone, but as someone very smart at wise as told my mom, in this new life, I can go with her everywhere.
So, to my friends, mom, and most importantly, anyone else who feels like those you love are gone at the end, they aren’t. My mom’s memories of me are what keep me alive, the very same memories which her special partner used to bring me to life on this page. So don’t be afraid of memories, they will make you sad sometimes, they will make you cry, and that’s OK. But spread those memories, tell stories, laugh about the good times, and remember, we are never far from you.
Until next time hoomans! I will be making a better attempt at blogging more, still trying to get these keys figured out.
I feel at home now as I did when I discovered this box!
I'm watching you from up here..... don't be naughty!
My Favorite Beach
Fort Funston is the heaven of all places for me. For those who are unfamiliar, it is an OFF LEASH dog beach about an hour from my home in the Bay Area (yep, I'm a Bay Dog). I love the sights, smells, and all the adventures I have there. I thought this might be a good time to tell everyone about it since I've been MIA from my blog.
A place for dogs!
Fort Funston is not your typical dog beach my furry and non furry friends. It starts with a short walk over some sandy trails and some cool trees. I like it because for me, I like hiking, and I like the beach, so for two of these to be combined into one, well I'm one happy pup.
I like to have adventures exploring the trees and foresty areas, but my true joy is down the hill. In order to get to the beach, we go down a hill that I love, but the humans seem to have trouble with. Once there, I am free to chase the ball and waves, which are the only things I really do there.
You might think that I always loved the water, but actually that is not true. I had to learn just like humans do. I have a system in place now for beach adventures: Mom throws my orange chuck it ball, I chase it, catch it, and trot over to the waves and walk around in them, I drop the ball into the water to clean off the sand, and bring it back to my mom to start the process all over again. It's the simple things in life that make me happy.
Bath Time
I wish I could say Fort Funston beach days where filled with nothing but beach time, but no. When we are ready to go home, I fall asleep in the back seat dreaming of my mom's bed (because I do not like to sleep on my own bed). However, I wake up and realize that we are not in fact at home, but at the pet store. I, being a simple happy dog, get excited and think "Oh Boy! Another adventure!",but no, it's bath time.
I try to put the brakes on when we enter the pet store because I know what's coming. But mom is so patience and coaxes me and tells me we'll do it together, I can't help but comply. Once in, I make sure that she's also sitting on the edge of the tub with her legs in the tub so she can get wet with me. I make sure she endures some of the pain she inflicts on me. I am a little ashamed to admit I cry and scream while getting a bath, and use all my majestic German Shepherd strength to make it impossible for mom to bathe me. It's not that I want to be difficult, but any of my dog friends would know, bath time sucks .
Once the ordeal of bath time is done, I do get rewarded with a toy or treat most times, but that does nothing to repair my damaged psyche. I don't make eye contact with mom in the car until we get home, again, my damaged psyche is hurt.
All in all though, I think Fort Funston is an amazing place. I have been to many other beaches in my life on Earth, but none of them compare to Fort Funston.
It's almost over!
Tomorrow is the day! The end of my first road trip in this new life. I’ve gotten to see a lot of interesting sights, smell some pretty amazing Northwest air, and be with my mommy and her companion. I will miss it here, but I'll be back whenever I want.
But for now, a recap!
Yesterday I went to Pike Place Market with the gang (which now had a banana! Kayla!). I didn’t like it all that much, the crowds really made me nervous, plus kids are annoying.
So I ditched them!
I decided to stay on the water where we had a the cruise! I love the water, and being there with my mom while I walked along the boat (yes, I can walk on water) is my idea of a vacation.
New Years! Welcome to 2016.
I went to a dive bar with the gang for the new year! Mom hasn't been to many, she was a fish out of water (who drank like a fish! I kid!). It was a little awkward for me, but the hoomans got home safe, and that's what matters.
"Happy New Year" - Guy in bar we didn't know
Seattle Center
New Years day in the Seattle City Center wasn't all that great (for me at least, I'm more of an outdoorsy gentleman). Mom and the Gang had a fun time exploring the EMP museum, the Pacific Science Center, and the Space Needle.
Farewell Northwest
Tomorrow we're headed home, and I know my mom is sad she has to go back. It has been such a wonderful trip, such an adventure. I don't want to go back either.
But we have to!
So we go.
Welcome to 2016 everyone. I hope everyone has a great year ahead, remember, the past is not forgotten, we just have a chance to improve how tomorrow and the rest of the year turn out for ourselves.
Happy New Year
From Simba & Mom
Road Trip: Part 2
Hello again friends - I'm back with more stories of the adventures and fun I've been having on my road trip! Today was our first full day in Portland, Oregon, where we spent most of the day visiting the Columbia River Gorge. This place was ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS and despite the cold, wind, and rain - we had a blast.
The Columbia River Gorge
Our morning started early this time around (unlike yesterday when these lazies slept in), and we headed straight to the Columbia River Gorge. The morning rain was intense, and persisted in spurts throughout the day - which meant the windows stayed up, and my head stayed inside (I'd like to file a complaint). Despite the weather, the short drive to the Gorge paid off when we came upon our first stop:
Wahkeena Falls
The first of several waterfalls we had the pleasure of seeing today. Wahkeena is a word from the Yakama Native Americans who are indigenous to the area, translating into english as "most beautiful." Like many waterfalls in the area, the Native peoples of the region have long recognized its beauty - long before roads were laid, or dogs like me had the chance to dip a paw in its waters.
Multnomah Falls
After our mini-adventure at Wahkeena falls, I was again callously kept in the backseat - unable to feel the cold breeze on my cheeks. Once more, complaints shall be filed - and for the record, the back seat is still full of stuff. This time, we found ourselves at the foot of the beautiful Multnomah Falls. I was at once taken aback by the signs forbidding my access to the bottom of the falls. I longed to dip my toes in the water, but was allowed only to watch from afar.
Horsetail Falls
This Gorge!
Historic Highway 30
After stopping at the waterfalls, we headed back to Portland along historic Highway 30, where we climbed (briefly) into the mountain. Before long, we entered into a winter wonderland, and spent a little time taking in the sights. We got stuck in the snow briefly, but only because mom didn't know what she was doing. Luckily, her friend knew his stuff - and got us out. Onward and upward!
See you tomorrow!
I'm off to dream of balls, hedgehogs, beaches and Costco biscuits! Goodnight friends, check back tomorrow for my adventures in downtown Portland!
Hello!
Hey you! Thanks for checking out my blog. This is my first ever post, and I'm excited to be able to share with you some details of my life. You see, I'm taking a road trip for the new year! My mom and her.... friend.... are headed to Seattle, WA where we are to bring in the New Year with our friend Kayla. Read more to see about the trip so far, and stay tuned for more!
Headed North
We started out by packing way more than we needed, and crowding out all my space in the backseat. Mom.... you're on notice. Seating arrangement aside, the trip was rather long and boring at first. We started on I-5, took a few rest stops along the way, before climbing through the mountains. This is where things got interesting.
The Mountain Pass
Headed through the mountains along the California and Oregon border, i kept my face forward, and my head out the window. The air was unlike any I had experienced, as its biting cold rushed across my face, there was no moment I had felt so alive. I loved the way it rushed across my cheeks, but it would seem my mother had other thoughts as she slowly closed the window until I got the hint it was tie to pul back inside.
Although it was not snowing, the white caps of nearby mountains and the frosted trees revealed it had snowed recently. I was desperate to get a piece of the action, but we had places to be.
First Stop: Medford, Oregon
Our first stop was at Medford, OR, where we stayed for the night to rest up for another drive. Rather uneventful, but Mom had fun:
Second Stop: Portland, Oregon
We arrived today at our second destination - Portland! I should fit right in amongst this city of the weird. We're set to visit the Columbia River Gorge tomorrow, which should be quite exciting! For now, its time to sleep.