A Frozen Bean
I am a dog. My needs are simple. Food (not necessarily dog-specific food), a bed (actually three beds – one up, one down and one in the car) and exercise. In return I give total devotion and protection from the evil cat next door. Serious … it might look harmless but it’s actually extremely dangerous which is why I must attack it.
Today I want to tell you about snow. I did not ask to come to this place (which took what felt like my whole life to get to and, even though I am small, I was squishelled in the car so tightly that to move risked the whole thing bursting on the peage) but I really do like it here. I get to run around loads, I have discovered that I don’t mind getting wet and I rather like the snow.
Snow is white and it is very very sneaky. I never know that it’s occuring because I can’t see much from down here when I am in my house or in the car unless I stand on my back legs which I can do very well but I reserve the skill for getting attention and treats. Snow makes the world look completely different and is strangely inviting. Don’t be fooled though – it might look like a nice warm blanket but it’s actually very cold and when it blows across exposed places I have to close my eyes into slits which makes it tricky to see and also possibly makes even me quite unpretty.
The best sort of snow is crusty and I can walk on top of it. The worst sort is soggy and I can’t. Then I have to walk in the footsteps of my humans. His are best because his footprints are bigger and just the right size for me to jump in and out of. He’s quite often not here though so then I have to compact myself into hers.
Things smell different when it has snowed (they smell different when it has rained too – unfortunately you are only a human with a weak nose so you wouldn’t understand) and I find myself irresistibly compelled to dig in it – luckily my snout is quite gimlet-like and my paws are nice and pokey and nimble (which is why I can type) so I can make short work of digging a fine hole. It’s what I do. I am a dog.
Our cat Felix says he’d like to meet you, Bean. He likes dogs, especially of the small variety and tries to get them to climb trees with him. Unlike you, he hates the snow and is very glad we haven’t had any this year. It sounds as if you have ended up in the perfect spot for a dog.
The Bean would be delighted to make the acquaintance of Felix … she has never climbed a tree but with the right tutor, you never know! Felix is the BEST name for a cat, incidentally 🙂
I think you’re a very licky dog (I meant to type “lucky”, but I prefer this!), The Bean. A lot of dogs would give their right paw to be where you are now.
I am extremely licky – how did you know …. particularly when a human person has been eating something tasty with their paws – something I can detect with my snout at some distance. I am also very lucky. I know lots of dogs have very dull lives and some are badly mistreated or chucked out like old rubbish.
You are a marvelous dog! In A Berkshire Tale, ZuZu ( a little tabby) looks out, one morning, on her first snow. She thinks it is a lovely, warm coverlet. Her mother tells her that it is very soft and she could fall through and not be found until the spring thaw. ZuZu, unlike you, Bean, cannot run through the snow.But she loved the pictures of you enjoying your romp, even though it made her a bit jealous. (She is a cat, you know.)
I don’t generally get on well with cats but I feel I can make an exception at this distance with ZuZu – we like her stories very much … I only do happy 🙂 I am glad you recognise that I am marvelous – it is my mission to convince everyone of this fact (particularly the man on the market who sells sausages and terrines). The Bean 🙂
We are truly kindred spirits, Bean. I do love sausages! Not sure about terrines, but the word is one I would love to use in my stories. PS Does anyone in France call you L’Haricot Marveileuse? I think it sounds quite lovely. Your friend, ZuZu
Dear ZuZu, I am going to the market this morning where the lady who sells vegetables calls me l’Haricot. I will instruct her to add merveileuse as a much more fitting name 😉 Sausages are essential to well-being, I’m glad you agree and I think you would be partial to a terrine too – my favourite is made from rabbit. Amities, The Bean
Dear, L’Haricot Marveileuse, I think I would like that terrine, but I would never eat it if it was made from chicken. Some of my best friends are hens, you see. They smell quite good, but I must be loyal! A Bientot! La Petite ZuZu (Hope I spelled that right!)
Perfectly spelled ZuZu! I’m impressed by your loyalty … but you are right, they smell really good! L’Haricot Merveileuse 😉
Love the video ! Stewie and The Bean share in enjoying a good frolic thru the snow.. They hop so funny 😄
She shot out of the back door and nose dived in the snow, did a full flip back onto her four legs and looked at me saying ‘what? You think that was accidental? Do me a favor’ earlier today …. Creased me up. She lives snow – glad Stewie is a fan too 🙂
Bean, the snow was my Bandit’s joy in life. She lived for the winters in Tahoe. On the first snow fall of winter she would tallk non-stop until we were out in middlle of it. Great post Bean. Good job. 🙂
Hey… I Could give it a decent guess, but did they ever tell you why you were named “The Bean”?
Hi Jane …. I am glad that Bandit got to enjoy snow – I hope I might be able to go to Lake Tahoe some time because my mum’s cousin lives quite near there. My name just sort of happened. Originally I was called BB because I used to rush round really really fast and my mum used to shout ‘Beep Beep ….’ so they called me BB for short. Then for no particular reason it morphed into The Bean. I lived with 5 other dogs at the time – they were all much bigger than me and I suppose they all thought it was funny to mark me out as the small one. I don’t mind though because I am THE Bean not just Bean 😉
Bean,
A proud name. ‘The’ implies, the owner of this title shall be revered, honored and cherished. I have no doubt that you’re on the receiving end of these 24/7. Here’s a photo for your MoM. She may have seen it already. It’s worth a crooked smile. I hope it’s the right one. Too many old URLs lined up.
https://goo.gl/photos/vJoFUopR7nVNBbve9
Love that! Thank you! And you are right ‘The’ is the essential part of her name …. and for exactly the reasons you pinpoint 🙂
Hey Bean,
Rolling Stone sent these videos to me. I alreagy have them. If you want to view them or keep them, do so. If not, send to cloud heaven. It’s Bowie and Joplin.
Latest videos from RollingStones50yrs for Feb 4, 2016: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=TLCjR8ozaEf2UxMTAyMjAxNg
Thank you! We don’t have either of these and my mum is VERY pleased – I like them both too … I like pretty much everything my mum likes except fruit 🙂
LOL! Bean… did you know that California squirrels love oranges [all squirrels probably do]. They will pick and then carry an orange almost twice their size across the fence line to their dininng area. The squirrel will chew a small hole in the peel, suck and chew all of the pulp out, and then leave a perfectly round, but empty orange for us humans to pick up.
Osyth,
The thing is, I don’t know what to do, except to keep on fighting. Even when I want to stop, there’s something that won’t let me. I’m just sorry that we met during this time.
I’m not sorry at all. I wish I could do something tangible – you probably figure by now that I like to be DOING. HELPING. Keep reaching out and take care. Please. Take care xx
In real time: I’m in a Deli/Coffee House sitting 6ft from a table occupied by 5 CHP’s. They know who I am and we’re unable to acknowledge each other. This is touchy only because, no one wants to be seen with each other. If they were real men, real gentlemen, they would approach me. I’M HATING THIS…
I wrote the first comment of today to not only let you know whats been going on, but to give you an out. I’m glad you didn’t, but I have to admit I don’t understand why… TAKE CARE
Because I was always the girl who sticks her head above the trench and then wonders why it get’s blown off. But I like that girl so I stick with her 🙂
1:35P-This community of small business owners is blanketed with CHP today. So, in front of all within ear shot I asked if I could speak to one of them about a man that has a known mental disorder and a small arsenal of weapons. Condensing 1yr.+ into 5min. is no easy task. ‘Me Thinks’ this is bothering me more than I thought, because I began to speak and promptly fell apart. I learned to never respond with emotion when talking to law enforcement. Today must of been a ‘gimme’.
Bean, thank you for letting me use your blog space. I won’t abuse your kindness. Have a good dog day.
https://goo.gl/photos/zKKRDDFtBBk7LQqZ6
The Bean speaking …. you are welcome. I know you will not abuse me. I am having a very good day – the snow has melted leaving behind it some very interesting scents for me to explore 🙂 I get very yappy under stress. Be cautious
Wrong Link above. Ignore-
https://goo.gl/photos/PfcthtcvouZzyCD58
That is adorable …. just the way we like dogs to be 🙂
Dear Bean, ‘The’
Bean, please don’t take this wrong, I’m iust having a laughable moment. I’ve had a few new experiences recently that I can add to my “Done That, Been There” list. Writing to you dear sweet Bean to communicate with your MoM would be one and… it seems to work. Right? I feel a certain sense of silliness which makes my heart lighter when I communicate through you. Why fix it, if it’s not broken. Ok, I’m going to shut-up now to continue with the reason I came to your blog tonight in the first place.
🐀[just found him, he’s kind of cute]… Maybe I’ll continue tomorrow, I’m tired. Osyth, everything is Ok for what it is. You are the most welcoming and kind soul I have ever known. Saying ‘Thank you’ does not express my Gratitude. Talk to you later. GOOD NIGHT BEAN-
It’s easy being helpful when you are a dog – we don’t complicate and we do things that bring levity to a situation. I’m very glad to make your heart lighter. This is one of the best compliments of my life (8 human years which is more in dog but I like to think I still have my puppy looks 😉 ) Night night, Jane. Sleep tight. My mummy was born in the year of the Rat – she is very fond of rats. They are underated and unjustly thought of. That is probably why she likes them.
Bean you don’t look a day over four. Your genes must be of a pedigree line. A friend of mine had a pet rat. All black, very silky and the size of a cat. He would wonder out to see who had the good food and then waddle back to his domain, the closet. Joe loved that rat! Hope all is well. Take care of each other and enjoy your day.
I’m actually quite a disgruntled Bean today as my mum has just informed me that she is going OUT this evening. Without me. You will understand the gravity of this error on her part, I am sure. But you have saved her by recognising that I am of finest lineage 😉 My mum says she would have loved to meet Joe the Rat …. what a fabulous rodent he must have been in his sleek dark coat. Take care of yourself too and have a good new day 🙂
Hey Bean,
No friends made today online. I spoke up [very little]. You may want to keep your distance for a minute.
Hey Bean,
I have a question for your person. Qsyth, You don’t have to answer this, l will not go ballistic, I will not debate your answer with anyone and I don’t want to break any circle confidentiality you may have. I trust you to be honest with your willingness and content. I can live without the answer, I just need/want an update on English and American relations. What are the problems The English have with Americans right now?
‘The’ Bean, I put together the last post with you and your Mom in mind. It would be a Cool trip for you. Just to get the heck out of Dodge for awhile. (Woodstock Sanctuary)
My mum has been occupied with some other things this weekend and she is just catching up with the backlog …. I am sure she will be in touch very soon 🙂
It’s all good. Take your time.
OSYTH,
LOL!!! OK 🙂
Reblogged this on Half Baked In Paradise and commented:
As I kiss au revoir to The Bean who is flying back to Boston with Two Brains as I fly to the UK to spend time with family and friends, it seemed only polite to re-post an early blog from her. Rest assured she is working hard on her transatlantic flying blog. After all when you are a jet-setting Bean it is your duty to share your wisdom with the masses ….
Woof. Woof woof woof, woof, woof arf….pant, pant, pant. Woof!
Thank you Suzanne – You speak dog beautifully. The Bean xx
Bean, I like you – one smart dog you are. Have fun in the snow! 🙂
I like you too. It’s good to be recognised as the smart girl I am 🙂
What a little love….the video was great….enjoy England and your family….xxxkat
She’s a card, Kat. I’m missing her already 🙁 xxx
Thank you for sharing your wisdom ‘Beanie’ I particularly liked your exuberant little video clip
Although I am a mere human, I think that things smell different when it snows also x
You are my sort of human, Lindy – I know you cook delicious food and you clearly have an excellent nose. The Bean xx
Love you Bean… 🙂
Bien sûr , Cam. The Bean xx
🙂
Hugs, Sweet Bean! Your travels on the frozen tundra are quite admirable! Kisses!
Thank you Lana – I even impress myself sometimes. The Bean xx
You should! You’re as cute as a button, Bean! Cuter!!
Dear Bean – nothing could ever make you look unpretty. I think the slitty eyes make you appear mysterious, inscrutable and about to utter some words of wisdom. As for short legs, not a problem, I’ve had mine sixty odd years and they are still going strong…even though I only have two. Here’s power to your snuffling, Bean.
You may now be my officially favourite human 🙂
I am deeply honoured, Bean.
🐾💞🐾