I’m bored! I know I shouldn’t be…but I am! It’s Monday, and nothing fun is planned.

Veronica took off for Yoga early, not even saying a proper goodbye. Dennis is writing and writing.

One self-centered family!

Then a miracle! (Yes, I believe in those). It must be the power of Yoga, (my thanks go to Constance), Veronica came back with great news: we’re going on a day trip!!

On a Monday no less!! Wohooo!

Apparently “Yoga wear” is not appropriate “excursion wear” and she has to change… it takes forever.

Really forever! I think Dennis is way to patient with her! He should just leave, that’ll teach her a lesson.

What? Oh me…Ok, ok, I might, or might not, linger in my bed when called upon. But that’s irrelevant in the current story!

We drive into a beautiful valley by a lake. First stop is a Picnic in a park.

Dennis could see my lingering and hungry look, and shares his sandwich with me. Now that’s what I call a partnership; we all share.

I know someone who could take a few leaves out of his book.

Veronica, who’s rather bossy as you know (It’s a family thing) decides we should go down to the lake “Perhaps Felicia will swim”.

Here she comes with the swimming…again! Enough already. Don’t get me wrong, I love water per se, just no need to swim. (“Like there’s a rule”?)

Don’t care if Little Ms. Perfect Lego did so (I still love her and miss her, but it’s infuriating that she had to be such a goody-goody all the time!).

“Look Felicia, this is going to be fun” yeah, yeah go into the water yourself and leave me alone!

“She’s probably scared”. I’m what now? Scared he said? I am so not scared! I’ll show him scared!!

I wade out, not because they want me to, oh no, only because I feel like it. And because I’m a very courageous and brave Boxer girl.

Far out..

…very far… well far enough. I proved my point, I’m no wimp.

Now here comes a very irritating and slightly embarrassing fact: This is fun, they’re right! (Oh, but don’t tell them) Wading around is so cool.

As a matter of fact, I’m becoming quite the expert on the wading front! I could even be a wading champion. Everybody knows swimming is so last season, wading is the new black.

Enough with the water activities. This is what I call a forest, nothing like home, now we’re talking.

I’m thrilled, there’s so much to explore. Veronica looks worried. “Felicia don’t go too far” What? Like there are dangerous beasts out there or something?

Ridiculous! I’m a badass, I fear no-one!

Who’s the wimp now?

“Felicia the Boxer Explorer” is on the loose. I follow all sorts of interesting trails, down hills…

…on to small, mysterious paths…

…deep into the bushes and trees.

What’s that noise? Hmmm… Well, no need to exaggerate the whole “Felicia the explorer” attitude.

I rush back to the trail, not that I’m worried about any beasts or anything. I just want to hang out with my folks at the moment.

Anyway it’s time to head back to the car because…

… Dennis has a plan. This valley happens to be known for it’s many Watch manufacturers.

Remember, he’s a California guy, and all Swiss things are highly interesting to him. Wine, cheese, trains, watches…

Therefore a Watch tour is in order.

Dennis wants pictures, featuring his favourite model: ME!

We’re causing quite a commotion. People are looking through the windows, and there’s even a guard calling in the intercom.

After an explanation about “The American husband”, “The family Boxer” and “The day trip”, we’re offered a tour of the grounds. Veronica politely declines.

“We can’t leave Felicia in the car”, well I certainly hope not!

Not too shabby. There are parks, small ponds and the mountain view. Through the windows I see more curious onlookers.

I take my most elegant Yoga pose. Yes this is Felicia von Der Andreashöhe, the family Boxer. (There just might be someone taking a pic)

I’m starting to feel a little tired, this day trip is turning out to be quite exhausting,

Especially the modelling part, it requires a lot of concentration. Yes, I want to look my best, make Veronica, Jacky and Andy proud. (Dennis doesn’t care)

I’m happy to head home.

To round out a perfect day, we enjoy a little Aperitif at the new neighbourhood wine bar.

FYI Veronica is only holding the leash tight because there are two Chihuahuas taunting me, behaving like they owned the place. Honestly, who do they think they are?

King and Queen of our village?

Feel like traveling? :

https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/le-sentier-vallee-de-joux.html

Veronica loves Tea, she’s a total Tea freak! Not the simple little Tea bag, oh no. She’s very fussy, it has to be just right.

Right temperature, (with the help of a special thermometer), right infusion time, not a minute longer, and most importantly, the right Tea: preference, green.

When traveling, she even brings along her own tea… I know, ridiculous, supposedly hotel Teas are “undrinkable”.

She drinks Tea all day:

Tea in the morning:

That’s her “alone time” and has its own ritual:

Swimming (summertime), Yoga (this is new), classical music, Green Tea, breakfast and her book.

This whole “alone time” business works well for us, that is Dennis and I, you see we love to sleep late.

Tea in the afternoon.

Tea with her friends. Tea always Tea…

This is Veronique Gallais, she’s a Tea guru, she knows EVERYTHING there is to know about tea. She has this amazing little tea paradise, a small beautiful store, in a traditional neighbourhood.

Here, and only here, is where Veronica finds her valuable substance:

At “BETJEMEN AND BARTON”

Was Veronica always a Tea lover? Oh no, she drank coffee. Tea was for when she was sick.

What happened?

A Tea tasting happened. That experience changed her life.

The actual tasting consists of sitting around a table, for four (Yes FOUR) hours. Tasting various Teas accompanied by small bites. She not only loved it but went back dragging along friends and family.

Personally, I find the whole thing weird, I mean c’mon all that time for Tea??!! Even Dennis made a comment. This until Veronica pointed out that he went to Wine tastings lasting much longer.

I have been formally invited by Veronique to visit the store. I’m part of today’s “Tea shopping experience”.

Veronique greets us, warmly. She tells me I’m beautiful. (Always worth mentioning).

It’s a small store, with HUGE amounts of Tea and other delicacies that can be savoured together.

Without warning Veronica sends me to a corner. “Felicia there are too many fragile items here”.

This was NOT part of the plan. And why do Boxers have this absolutely unfounded reputation for being wild?

Us Boxers just know how to express our deepest feelings, and perhaps, sometimes, yes, we do so a tad too energetically. But from there to too wild…that’s quite a stretch.

Marie comes to my rescue, she definitely feels sorry for me, I can see that. She cuddles with me for a long time.

Marie works with Veronique, she often helps Veronica, guiding her through the Tea jungle.

Oh but wait now, is that Veronique calling me? Oh yeah, and she’s the Boss here, after all, not Veronica!

I’m allowed to go and admire the tea containers.

Getting a little cuddle in passing.

Time to choose the tea, this is not an easy task, they’re so many varieties. Each choice has to be smelled, accompanied by long explanations and discussions.

I’ve got the feeling this will take a very long time… (I’m reminded of someone just as fussy…hmm who can that be…oh yeah Dennis buying wine.)

We move on to the back room, The Tea mug room! Mugs and Teapots all over the place. But surely she doesn’t need a new mug?

Seriously? She’s got to be kidding!

Does Dennis even know about this?

FYI She DOESN’T need a new mug! We have a rather large collection.

This is a family thing, the crazy mug obsession….

I happen to know (I have a very reliable source) that VH has been trying to eliminate a few at their house…with limited success I might add.

Dennis has given up.

This goes beyond my understanding… She can only drink out of one at the a time, right? She needs variety, so she says.

What? My toys? That’s totally different! Apple and oranges here!

Anyway, it’s time to leave, a bag full of new Tea…and no mug! HA!

Tea? I still don’t really understand the concept.

It was a fun day. I love the store, Veronique and Marie, they’re super cool and sweet.  Best of all, it’s the time spent with Veronica.

Veronique, a word: Dog tea biscuits!

Many thanks goes to Veronique and Marie, for their friendly welcome, their amazing Tea choices, and helpful guidance.

Need some Tea:

I can highly recommend the wonderful Tea tasting evenings (despite what Felicia thinks)

http://www.barton.ch

I’m on a diet! Yes, you heard me: ON A DIET!!! Can you believe that? I’m very upset and furious with them all, more precisely, with Veronica. It’s her fault!

It all started the other day. Here I was at my favourite Vet’s, minding my own business. Patiently waiting for him to arrive.

That’s when I hear them, or rather Veronica: “Felicia has gained weight, she’s now at 31 Kg, that’s too much!! She needs to go on a diet”

A what now?? A diet? Nothing good can come out of that!! HELLOOO I have big muscles remember? Everybody knows that!

Dr L took a much more sensible look upon the matter “Don’t worry, what with the heat it’s normal, she runs less”

Ha! Hear that?? It’s normal, listen to him….if only.

Oh no… This is Veronica we’re talking about! She is very stubborn, stupidly stubborn. In her world this is SERIOUS business.

Felicia “We have to make some changes in your daily routine”. Oh, oh, I don’t do well with changes.

Anyway, I don’t feel like listening to you anymore!

First measure: longer walks and more running. Woohoo, here comes Boxer Felicia, the fastest runner ever!

(No need to mention Indya’s running skills right now)

I come home exhausted.

Long walks through the fields,

and much more running…

deep into the beautiful flowers…

…jumping like a kangaroo…look how cool I am, “Felicia the wild jumping Boxer”, oh yeah!

and more exhaustion..

New paths through the woods. We play hide and seek, I’m the best, a real champion.

This part of the diet I can handle, as a matter of fact, I’m all for it. Bring on more! But alas there’s a downside, a dark, difficult and mean downside:

A decrease in my daily food quantity! I know! The unfairness of it!

How can she??!! I’m sure Dennis is NOT with her on this one, I need no proof, I just know it.

And Dr L? Did he even suggest this? I highly doubt it. This is all Veronica’s doing.

How can a big Boxer girl survive on such rations, I ask you? Yes, you agree with me, I can see that!

This madness has to stop!

It’s time for a plan… as of tomorrow I’m switching into revenge mode. I know precisely how that’s going to play out.

Stealing PD’s slipper. Those plastic shoes are great, I have a certain experience in the matter.

Emptying the paper recycle bag.

Playing with Veronica’s special Lululemon bag.

Stealing a bag out of the shopping basket.

Hanging out by Dennis’s seat every single meal staring at him. (I happen to know this makes him uncomfortable)

Lying patiently by the food trunk, when at Indya’s house.

Now it’s time to move on to a whole new level. Yes, I’m going for the kill:

Stealing their dinner!! I have developed a never failing technique. As they rarely eat meat, I have to take up every opportunity.

The chicken breasts.

The fairly large Hanger Steak.

Dennis was so shocked. “Felicia do you realise the amount of money you just gulped down?” Don’t care, it was delicious and totally worth it!

This must surely make them think, at least Dennis is seriously upset.

Veronica had of course blabbed about the “Diet saga” at Corinne’s (really embarrassing, this is a private matter).

Last “Thursday big dog training” Corinne and FE noticed a change, I had slimmed down, so they said.

Wow, really? Does this mean what I hope it means?

(FYI You might be wondering why I’m not playing with the other dogs. I’m NOT scared, just not in a playing mood at the moment.)

That’s exactly what it meant:  you will be happy to know, that my diet is officially OVER! (The long walks continue, of course, summer has ended!)

I have no clue what actually made the whole ordeal stop. Did my tricks do it? Did Dennis intervene in my favour? Did I actually slim down?

Oh well, who cares, I’m busy cuddling with Veronica.

I am very happy and very upset. We’re having a summer guest but I’m NOT allowed to come to the airport!

Supposedly they’re too many dogs during summer time, and I won’t be able to “handle myself” the way a well behaved Boxer girl should.

That’s very unfair! I know perfectly well how to behave! Not my fault if bad mannered dogs provoke me? Now I should pay the price?

This is Ann, she’s Veronica’s childhood friend. She’s an “Agent” whatever that is. I only know it involves Opera and Opera singers.

You know what an Opera lover Veronica is. She has travelled with Ann to many Opera houses to listen to her singers, London, New York… Me?

She even drags Dennis along. I say drag because I think she tricks him into going, poor Dennis. He’s more of a “Rock and Roll, Jazz” kind of guy.

I don’t really get this whole Opera thing? Unfortunately, I’m constantly submitted to the sound of it. What’s so great? It’s just a bunch of guys singing.

Apparently some Operas last for hours, like five hours!!! Can you believe that??? Who in their right mind can sit for that amount of time and just LISTEN??

They’re not even fun! It’s mostly dramas with unhappy love, jealousy, betrayal, and deaths of all sorts!

The virus has even spread to Veronica’s children, mostly ZC and NC. Together they sit there and cry, yes you heard me: CRY!! P L E A S E! Can they get more pathetic?!

Enough with the Opera nonsense, let’s talk about what’s really important: ANN LOVES DOGS! Yes! She has a huge Poodle called Felix.

Veronica finds him gorgeous.

I most reluctantly have to agree, he’s kind of handsome. Apparently that’s not all, he’s obedient, friendly with other dogs, fun… in other words, perfect.

That’s what Veronica thinks, she likes him a lot. We haven’t been introduced since he lives in Sweden.

Come to think of it, I keep hearing about these Swedish “fun loving” dogs. Perhaps I need to travel there, and check it out for myself…

…or not…do I really want to meet all these goodie goodie dogs?

Ann has been a very sad lately, because of Rolex.

This is him, so cute. He lived with Ann for too short a time. A wonderful adorable pup, and Felix’s best friend. At only five months old he had to leave for Fairyland.

Not sure I understood why, only that there was a problem.

Ann was devastated and Felix very sad, he’d lost his best friend. Rolex is with Lego now, I know she’ll take good care of him, she’s the best surrogate Mom ever!

Although, they really need to reconsider this whole “no visit” policy. I miss my Lego.

Ann arrives from the airport and we start our greeting ceremony. I’ve known Ann since I was a tiny pup. She likes me very much. Well, what’s not to like?

I’m beside myself with joy. I haven’t seen her in a while and I simply adore her.

Ann and Veronica chill in the garden all afternoon. Boy can these two talk…pffff. It’s a non stop babble: Opera, dogs, family and so on…

All this bla bla gets a little boring and I decide to go for a diversion, that is I sigh, several times, loudly!

Ann, who’s a dog’s true friend, gets the hint. Yes that’s right, enough talking!

We play “Chase me around the garden you’ll never catch me or take my toy”! We had a ball!

She’s the best and doesn’t mind me hanging out around the table. (Unlike somebody else I will, out of courtesy, not name…)

She even shares her food. Absolutely right, I deserve a little treat. I’m such an amazing perfect Boxer girl! Just like her Felix. Yes It’s worth mentioning!

Ann’s an early bird and goes swimming first thing in the morning. Like most people here she tries to lure me in.

It’s amazing how each family member or guest feels the urge to trick me into the pool.

Everybody listen. Loud and clear: FELICIA DOES NOT SWIM!

Most unfortunately, I was in for a big shock: Ann’s leaving, already. She’s going with Veronica to the mountains for some stupid Music festival to listen to a Soprano.

An Opera, Electra, written by some guy called Strauss. Who does he think he is, this Richard Strauss character? It’s all his fault they’re abandoning me!

What’s wrong with them? Electra can surely not be as cool as playing with a Boxer! And not any Boxer: ME!

They might have abandoned.. but at the end of the day…

…I don’t care about stupid Opera, Electra or any Soprano, I’m on the Bed watching movies with Dennis!

Thank you Ann for sharing your wonderful Opera world with me.

Want to know more about Ann and her singers? Trust me, they’re great:

http://www.braathenmanagement.com

I’ve got news for you; vacations are overrated!! Whoever said they’re fun is a liar! It’s just plain BORING!!

Let’s look more closely;

Things started off great…

…agility season ended with “The Annual Competition” and listen to this: I won second prize!! Yes ME, Felicia von der Andreashöhe!!

First? Oh, if you must know, Mylo, he’s an Aussie, so this explains that. It’s a known fact that Aussies are super fast and very focused, AND he wasn’t even that much faster.

Anyhow, I don’t care, I got really cool gifts!

Veronica was very, very happy and proud of me. When told, Dennis didn’t believe her; “Felicia second? Seriously?…Noo…Really? Felicia did you come second??”…

What??? I felt deeply hurt! I can be a champion if I want to! I can win! And now leave me alone and let me savour my victory in peace. I deserve a well earned rest and a vacation;

Doing nothing, apart from our daily morning walks!

A few days later a package arrived for Veronica. Crime novels! Her favourite kind, she devours them, sits for hours reading.

I think she has this secret dream: to be a detective! Yes! She’d love to go out there, solve complicated crimes and put the bad guys away.

“You there, you didn’t follow the law! Busted!”, Yep that’s all her! Only problem, she’s too much of a wimp, yes, she would never have the guts these detective people need!

The reading is just enough excitement for her! She even sometimes finds the suspense unbearable and has to take a quick peak at the last page to see if her favourite character survives. I know, pathetic!!

So a Detective? Hell no!

I’ll hang out close to her, chill, dream and sleep.

Only resting isn’t as fun as I thought… I decided to opt for a more active home vacation.

Let’s see, let’s see…Oh the berries! They look delicious, just asking to be picked. As a matter of fact, I’ll actually be doing Veronica a favour here, taking care of her chores! She’ll thank me.

Turns out “thanking me” was not on Veronica’s mind!

“Felicia stop eating the berries immediately! They’re not for you!”! Typical!

BTW they’re delicious, I’ll just come back later.

What about chasing intruders away? Yeah, that’s always fun. (And I’m a guard dog!)

Veronica does not approve of “Intruder interventions”. She thinks all animals are “so cute” and we should “live in peace together, in the garden”! Ridiculous, like that’s ever gonna happen.

Anyway, right now she’s busy investigating crime!

I haven’t seen any cats lately. That’s because of me surely: “Felicia the Badass Boxer lives here, stay away” Ha!

There is this one Pigeon, A.K.A., “The Strutting Pigeon”, who loves to tease me. I always think if I creep up very quietly, I’ll be able to teach him a lesson or two, unfortunately he has wings.

The cheat!

These strange creatures are called lizards, I’ve been wanting to have a closer look for weeks.

Only, they’re super fast and have this extremely irritating habit of slipping in between the wood panels.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, I hear my name called… loudly…Now who could that be…you get three guesses…

“Felicia, what are you doing?? Stop this at ONCE! Leave the cute lizard alone, NOW”.  Yes that’s Veronica’s charming voice!

Seriously, she needs to relax, I JUST WANT TO HAVE A CLOSER LOOK!

I’ll just have to get on to “Front fence and gate” fun. A big plus in favour of this activity; Veronica wont interfere, she’s on the other side of the house!

Turns out we’re not the only ones on vacation!

Nobody’s walking down the road! NOBODY!!! Not even my Nemesis the “little full of himself Jack Russel”!

I’m starting to feel a little depressed…

I know what always cheers me up! Paper work! Oh yeah! I hear most people hate this, well listen guys, I’ll take care of it, just bring it over!!

I’m a true specialist!!

And I know the perfect place to get what I need.

I love this, the whole tearing apart, running round, shredding… the paper is going to the recycling, now it’ll already be in pieces!

Again, Boxer Felicia helping out.

It’s great fun, and very relaxing, you should try it!

For some obscure reason this game was not “Veronica approved”!

Seriously, can’t a sweet Boxer girl have any vacation fun these days?? Nothing escapes her eagle eye.

What’s wrong with her? Ohhh… I know what’s going on here, she want’s to play Detective! Yes, and I’m her villain! Suddenly the reading isn’t enough??

The whole crime business is getting out of control!!! Dennis, help me out here!

This vacation is not going as planned, at all!

And what about her focusing capabilities?  Let’s talk about those. She can interrupt her reading at any moment to put her nose into other people’s, or dog’s, business!!

I feel there is a double standard here. She needs to be more understanding, next time I have a fleeting moment of distraction on the “Walkway” during Agility!

The Family comes over, but look at this, they spend most of the time napping in the shade!

Even Indya sleeps in MY bed with her head on MY agility prize cushion, if you please! Supposedly she thinks it’s too hot to play.

As if that’s not enough, Veronica takes her side; “Oh look Felicia, Indya loves the cushion too”  She should have my back and give ME the cushion!

People, you want my opinion? Vacations: they’re a waste of time!!

I sulk a lot these days and I can see Veronica’s worried look…She even talks to Dennis about it, “I think Felicia is sick, I might call Dr L”.

Let her be worried… serves her right for keeping me from having fun! Between you and me, it’s just an act, yes! You see, tomorrow the whole damn business is over!

Corinne’s back!

That means one thing:

AGILITY!!!