Denton Dog Show Pics

March 2007

Dear Diary

Well, another couple of months has gone by since I last posted. Sometimes it seems like such a pain to format all these pictures for the web that I get kind of behind. But, today is a rainy cold April day and I had nothing else to do. So, as I was going back over the files...I realize a lot has transpired since I last posted.

Let's start with February. Of course, the highlight of February is the Westminster dog show in New York. This year, I took my mom with me . It wasn't too dreadfully cold this year. Besides the usual touristy things, we also made a trip to New Jersey via train to visit some of my relatives. My cousin, Christie , was there along with two of her kids, Katy and Joel. Also, my cousin Carrie's daughter Maria was there. We all gathered at my once aunt's (Joanne) house . It was good time. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have seen these relatives, since they are all living up in the Yankee states....which I guess proves that genetically I could survive in such a cold and harsh land, but why test that theory. Anyway, there were all very nice and quite entertaining.

I was quite thrilled to see someone I knew at Westminster this year...you might remember the white Special poodle we met in San Antonio last year at the River Cities dog show July 2006 - San Antonio River City Dog Show and Shine's adult Trim . Her name is Remy and her handler is Chris, who Vic helped ringside in San Antonio. Anyway, I wondered if he he might be there as I had been keeping up with Remy's success in the show rings. We went thru the benching area and we found them getting ready for the breed ring . They went on to win the breed ring...then they won the group ring and went on to best in show! . Well, they didn't win Best in Show but it sure was exciting to actually know someone in the show! The trip was great. We barely got out of New York due to the ice storm that hit on Valentine's day....you might remember that was the start of Jet Blue's big trouble. I think ours was one of the few...if not only, plane that left the airport that morning...and on time. Go figure.

We have gone to a couple of dog shows as well. Shine began showing in the open class in March since she is now over 18 months old. Therefore, she is now directly competing against very mature dogs and my expectations are tempered. She placed second and third in a San Antonio show where I had Steve show her . I was happy with that. In March we went to Fort Worth for a three day show. I showed her the first two days, and we got totally dumped both of those days (meaning, we got put in last place. In fact, I felt like the judge would have put us further back if he could have). I was depressed and wondering if I should take my pet poodle home and have her spayed. On Sunday, I asked Steve's asst, Mark to show her for me. He is experienced showing dogs...but not Poodles. I like the kid and had total faith in his ability to show my poodle...plus, I figured I couldn't do anything with her so why not ask him take her in for me....and guess what!? She won Reserve Winner's Bitch! I was soooooo happy, it renewed my hope and faith. I am so thankful to Mark! He did so well with her.

Regarding the kids, great things are going on there as well. Victoria once again won a big tournament....coincidentally she won this tournament the same weekend Shine won Reserve. This is coincidental, because the last time she won a tournament Shine also won Reserve (Belton). Could this be a trend? She is doing so well at her tennis, such a little thing out there on the court but she can sure run those girls ragged. She has also been on the track team. Her performance there has been less than stellar, but she has a great attitude and has been very committed...which is more than I would have done. In fact, I think I was interested in track for about 3 days in middle school and then figured out it was too much work for something I sucked at. But, Vic has this great attitude and loves being part of the team...or maybe she loves getting out of school early for track competitions....well, who really knows. But, she was there supporting her team and doing her part.

David had a great first season of freshman high school soccer, and has been promoted to a high level soccer club team. This team is actually really good, at the level where college recruiters look for potential players. He has worked very hard. I hope to get some pictures someday...seems it is always nasty weather which doesn't make for good pics. He has practice like three times a week. He looks good out there too, such a handsome boy .

Oh, I almost forgot to mention our trip to San Diego. Tom had a conference at Hotel Del Coronado and I tagged along. It was a little chilly, but the sand was warm. I spent almost all my time on the beach reading...well, when I wasn't at the spa getting a massage and facial. Anyway, it was just beautiful there. The kids were at the lake with Nana and Dave, so it was a nice little get away. California is just beautiful.

Well, that is enough for now. Check out the pics!

Pictures