Not that Cold

It is not so cold outside, as it has been this week. The forecast says it will be pretty warm this weekend.

As I have grown older, Ihave come to like warmth more. I guess this has to do with age, because many old dogs seem to feel this way. Thisis not to say I am notlooking forward to a nice, thick layer of snow in the winter. It is just that I fancy warm weather more now than before. The winter will surely be cold, no matter what.

Blackface

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a scandal when running for re-election. He is accused of having worn a blackface more than once in his youth, which was not very long ago.

In the past, mostly no later than the first half of the 20th century, humans with light skin sometimes wore dark makeup to look like dark coloured humans. This has since gone out of fashion, not least because it is viewed upon as racist. If you want someone to play the part of a dark skinned human, just chose a dark skinned human to do it, the common sense logic goes nowadays.

I would not want a red Shiba to have her coat dyed black and play the part of a black and tan, when I could do this as a natural black and tan beauty.

I wonder why Justin Trudeau wore blackfaces more than once no less than twenty years ago. The racist context of it should have been known. This is all the more embarrasing for him, since he has held himself out as a champion of equal rights between people of all ethnicities. We will have to see how the election turns out.

Colder

We have had colder weather over the last few days. You can tell autumn is here. Rumour has it, snow fell in Värmland not far from us. We have not had temperatures below the freezing point, however. It has been cold enough for Daniel to turn on the heat in the house. It feels a little better indoors, now that the central heating has been active for a while. It feels good to live in a civilised house when winter is approaching.

Paula

Paula came home for a couple of hours this afternoon. What a moment of joy! I just wish I had had the chance to be with her even more, when she was here. I felt obliged, however, to give all of the other dogs their fair share of Paula.

We hope to see much more of Paula soon. She is getting steadily better.

Orange

Our dear old friend Orange is back here again. She has moved to another family and they love eachother, but her new humans had a scheduled journey overseas. During this time, Orange will stay with us again for a while. It will be fun.

It is nice catching up with Orange. She has seen some new places and met some other dogs. She likes her new life, but also enjoys the chance to come back here for a while. We also enjoy having her here. She may come back more times, if it is up to me.

Birthday

I turn fourteen years old today. Some would say it is an awesome age for a dog. I do not feel awesomely old, though.

The best thing about my birthday was meeting Paula. She has been away at the hospital for so long, but she is getting better.

I also got quite a few treats and other good things to eat. Sausage, cheese, et cetera, all of these are good things to have for a nice birthday celebration.

My brother Kiko was also celebrating. Unfortunately, our brother Jiro celebrated in Heaven and not by us down on Earth. We will all go the way he has gone, but I hope I will go later rather than sooner.

Software Update

Whenever we use modern hardware to get in touch with social media et cetera online, there is a chance that the device declares that it is time to update the software.

I do not understand why software needs to be updated so often. It cannot all be due to bug fixes. It is seldom we see that the software works better or provides new services. I am just a user of the software, not a professional, so it might just be due to my ignorance that I do not understand. Still, I cannot help but wonder what all of these software updates are for. Are all of them really necessary? I hope so, but I just do not know.

On the other paw, it might just take too long to learn what all of the updates are for.

Snow at Summer Olympic Games

The Summer Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo next year. The weather is usually hot at the time of the year when the Games will be held. The Japanese are innovative, however. They plan to let artificial snow fall over the event, in case of hot weather.

I hope that I get to see a lot of TV from these Olympic Games. As a Shiba, I have always been interested in Japan. It is nice seeing pictures and TV from Japan, even though I will probably never go there myself.

Some Days Are Boring

Hello, Karstuhl here!

Some days are boring, more boring than usual. Today was such a day, I believe. Nothing much happened. We went out like we use to, we got food like we use to, we were alone watching the house for a little time,like we use to. It is just that today seemed more like any other day, than days usually do. I cannot say why. I guess I can spice the day up with a nice colour of the text of this blog post, at least. There you go.

Electric Bicycle

Daniel often uses an electric bicycle to go to work these days. It is an ordinary bicycle, but with an electric motor that supplements the power of his legs, when he turns the pedals. The bad thing is that it needs to get charged now and then. This is not the case with ordinary bicycles. I guess Daniel still think it is worth it. He has still got his ordinary bicycle, bit rarely uses this anymore. Electricity is a good thing, I believe.

Getting Out

It is not always easy, when you have to go out later than bedtime. It happens very rarely, but whenit does, it is important. I had to ask Daniel more thanonce, before he let me out. He finally did. He is a good human this way, understanding his dogs and thinking about their needs.

Failed Moon Mission

An attempted landing of a space probe from India on the Moon failed the day before yesterday. The Indian space agency has not yet been able to analyse the data enough to tell why this happened.

It is always a sad event, when a space mission fails. It shows that space missions are still complicated, difficult things to master. Bearing this in mind,it is all the more amazing that the manned Moon missions where so successful fifty years ago.

Anniversary

Paula and Daniel got married today eighteen years ago. The most important thing that happened next, was that they went to London on a honey moon and bought a book on Shibas in a book store there. This book was oroginally intended for a friend who had a Shiba, but they found the book and the breed so interesting that they bought another fopy the next day for themselves. When they were back in Sweden, they contacted the breeder of the Shiba of their friend. The rest is history.

Seventy Years Old

When a human turns seventy years old,itis something special. It is not only that she turns another decade old. She also celebrates a birthday which can be evenly divided by seven, which means it correaponds to the years of a dog’s age. In dog terms, she is ten years old.

Paula’s mother Gertrud celebrated her seventieth birthday today. This is something special. We send our biggest congratulations to her.

Resignation

The foreign minister of Sweden resigned today. She cited family reasons. I hope her family will like that she resigns. Some political opponents will probably also like it.

I would never voluntarily resign from an office. I have had many litters of pups, but I always came back in the dog show ring, my true calling. I made it back to prominence every time.

It is possible that life as a foreign minister is harder than life as a dog show star, but I doubt it. On the other paw, it must be much more boring. Given this boredom, I can understand the resignation.

Rain During Lunch

We didnot have much rain today. I say it could very well have been more, if I were to decide. Still, we did have rain as we were outside during lunch routines. We always get to go out when we have had lunch served. This is normally a good thing, but today, it happened to coincide with a rainfall. Why could there not have been more rain, just not when we went outside? Rain is best, when heard from inside the house.

Principles

Phillip Lee, who is a British Member of Parliament, has left the ruling Conservative and Unionist Party and become a member of the Liberal Democrats instead. This leaves the Conservatives short of a majority.

Changing parties is not without precedence, when it comes to Members of Parliament in Britain. Sir Winston Churchill was originally an MP for the Conservatives, then changed parties to the Liberals, whilelater switching back to the Conservatives. Eventually, he became a two time Prime Minister and as such a great hero of the Second World War.

Sir Winston Churchill famously said: ”Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others their principles for the sake of their party.” The former may be applicable for Phillip Lee.

First Woman on the Moon?

When humans went to the Moon fifty years ago, there were just men who got to go. So far, no woman has set foot on the Moon. This may change with the upcoming new American Moon programme, Artemis.

Of course, I think real progress is made when the first dog sets paw on the Moon.

Better

Daniel told us Paula is feeling better. When he visited her at the hospital, she asked about us dogs. Daniel had assured her we are feeling fine.

We think about Paula a lot. We all miss her. Life will not be complete until she is back home. May this day come soon.

Eighty Years Ago

Eighty years ago today, the Second World War started, when Germany attacked Poland. Germany was run by nazists and were supported by the Soviet Union run by communists. It was a terrible war. In the end, the nazists were defeated, but the communists stood strong in the eastern half of Europe. Nothing about the war was good for dogs.

Scarry

Paula is at the intensive care unit. Daniel wss there yesterday and is there today. He is worried this is really bad. I an also afraid it is. I do not think so much about myself, it is scarry that Paula is in such a bad state. Whatever makes bad things like this happen?

Another Visit

It was time for another visit to the veterinarian today, to tend to my wounds. It was all right. The humans there are nice people.

For a change, I got picked up after the visit by Paula’s father Nils-Olov. This was a very pleasant surprise. I really like Nils-Olov. He drove me home and then I got to spend some quality time with Fuji and Gunde. Those are nice Shiba males.

My wounds are healing and I am feeling better. It was a good day for me.

Funeral

Daniel went to his fathers funeral today. I feel with him. I know what itis like losing parents. I have lost both of mine.

Paula’s parents came along. Paula did not, however, due to her bad health. We hope she will be better soon.

Volcano Eruption

The volcano Stromboli, on a small island off the coast of Sicily, has erupted. It must be a fantastic thing to see, but dangerous to come close.

There are volcanoes in Japan as well, and in western America, where Mum was from. We do not have them in Sweden, though. Perhaps this is just as well.

Stupid Idea About Insects

There are scientists who suggest pets should eat insects. Some even say insects may be better for pets than prime steaks.

This is stupid. How many wolves feast in insects, compared to moose and deer?

I suggest those scientists can start by switching theirown steaks for insects, if they believe it is so healthy and environmental friendly. I am not interested.

Feeling Better

I am feeling better today. My wounds does not hurt so much as yesterday. I believe life will return to normal.

I also hear from Daniel that Paula is feeling better. If we are all lucky, she will come home next week. This is even more important than myown health. I love Paula so much and wish her all the best.

More Care

I got to go back to the veterinarian today. One of the wounds had burst open during the night. It is not easy being injuried. It is getting better, though.

Things Done

We always clean the house, at least somewhat, every weekend. This weekend, we did it yesterday. This felt good today, because the house was already cleaned.

Sometimes, I just wish Allram the pup were not so eager to chew on things and spread the contents across the floor.

Pet Retirement Homes

In Japan, it has become increasingly common with pet retirement homes. The law demands that pets’ humans take care of them, even when they are old and not so healthy anymore. While not all humans have the proper means to do this, they use retirement homes for their pets instead.

While pet retirement homes is better than old pets being neglected and not receiving proper care, I find it sad that these are needed. My humans have never considered a solution like this, and I am happy for this. The bond between dog and human is for life, not just for the healthy part of life.

Paula’s Birthday

It is Paula’s birthday today. We all wish she would be home, so all of us could celebrate with her. Daniel went to see her, though, and we said congratulations through him.

I wish, sometimes, life would be just a little bit easier. It would be, if just Paula would have her health and be home.

Rest

It has been a day when I have been able to rest, all by myself, in the bedroom. This has been good, because of my injury.

Normally, I enjoy the company of Polly, Javier, and others. It is nice to have other dogs to hang around with. This is not the case, however, now that I am still in some pain and need to heal. Having the whole bedroom for myself has been great under these circumstances.

I hope I can get well soon, so I can fully enjoy all the greatness of life again.

Falu Sausage

For what it is worth, to anyone but me and the ones closest to me, I am getting better. I get pain killers and antibiotics. Daniel is nice to me, he gives me my medicine in slices of Falu sausage.

Falu sausage is a Swedish specialty. It is a thick, soft sausage, usually served in fried slices. It was originally made from the horses who had lived and worked in the Falu copper mine. I guess any horse meat can be used these days. I like this sausage. It is not very spicy, but it is tasty, nevertheless.

I have newly cleaned sheets in the dog bed I use, too. We always have clean sheets, but there are degrees. These are top level clean, since they have just been cleaned. This is nice.

Grateful

My tail still hurts, but not as much as last night or this morning. The veterinarian did a thorough job. I am grateful for modern veterinary medicine.

My Tail Hurts

There is something wrong with my tail. It hurts, but I cannot understand why. The other dogs are not always understanding, so I get mad at them.

Daniel said he has made an appointment for me with the veterinarian tomorrow morning. Maybe this will help, I hope so.

Late Vacuuming

Daniel vacuumed the floors late this evening. They needed to be vacuumed, but the acuum cleaner is rather noisy. Itis at times like this I am glad we live in a house of our own, without neighbours close by. Nobody could be disturbed.

Some would certainly say neighbours could be disturbed by barking dogs as well. This is never the case by us. We never bark without cause.

New Manned Lunar Project

Americans will return to the Moon in 2024, if everything goes to plan. Nasa has designated a site in Alabama to work with the new Lunar landing vehicle. This is good news.

I hope that at the end of this new Lunar programme, it will not take as long as it did from the end of the Apollo project landings in 1972 until there will be even more landingson the Moon.

Even though I will likely not live to see the news of the new successful landing on the Moon, it makes me happy to read that it will probably happen.

Racoon Stuck in a Vending Machine

A racoon in Florida tried to steal snacks inside a vending machine. It did not find its way out, however. Some humans had to open the machine up and let it out.

Itis never nice to be stuck inside anything. Nevertheless, I can think of worse places to be stuck.

Tropical Storm in Japan

A tropical storm nicknamed Krosa has hit Japan. Trains and flights have been cancelled and roads closed. Almost 400,000 people have been advised to evacuate.

We seldom have so harsh weather conditions in Sweden. Even last Monday, when we had a lot of rain, there was no storm. I think this is a good thing, but it is not very exciting.

A Lot of Rain

We got a lot of rain this Monday, more than 30 millimetres in one day. This was amazing.

This was supposed to be the subject for my Monday blog post. For technical reasons, it was never published. I write this short piece about it now, instead. A rainfall of 30 mm in a day must get a comment.

Kidnapping

We sometimes hear about pups or even adult dogs being abducted and turned over to other families. This does not just happen to dogs, though. In DR Kongo, human children who were supposed to go to a summer camp were abducted and adopted to new families in Belgium. It is beyond me how people can be so cruel and hungry for money that they do things like this. I think it is awful. I hope the people responsible are brought to justice.

A Little Rain

We have received a little rain this weekend. It should have been more, the levels of water under ground is still very low.

Daniel said it rained a lot in Askersund, where he worked at the dog show. This does not help us here in Örebro, 50 kilometres from the dog show. I hhope we will get a rainy autumn.

Missed One Day

Somehow, I forgot about making a blog entry last Tuesday. I do not know why. Most of the time when I miss out on writing a blog entry – which is seldom, fortunately – I know just the reason why. I do not always reveal the reason for you, my dear readers, but I know of it. However, I realised today that I did not write any blog entry last Tuesday, and I have no clue why this is. The memory works in strange ways, sometimes. I guess I just have to make up for that missing blog entry anyway.

Am I Old?

Am I old? Well, Karstuhl and Gerstuhl think I sounded very old in my blog post yesterday. They did not really recognise my pessimism and question on whether there are dog shows in Heaven. They believe I am usually more positive than this.

Come to think of it, I realise I was more pessimistic than usual yesterday. Yes, I am getting old. We are all getting older, and I have had many years of getting older, soI am old. This does not have to mean I need to change my optimistic view of the world. I am a Shiba, this alone is a fact which makes me proud and happy. Shibas know how to enjoy life. I intend to enjoy life for as long as I have got it.

Once in a while, everyone can bea little gloomy. If you notice this with me again, I can assure you it is only temporary. I am happy about life.

Preparations

Daniel is preparing himself for a dog show this weekend. He is going to work as a ring steward in Askersund, as he usually does.

My granddaughter Gerstuhl was supposed to be shown at theshow tomorrow. She is, however, shedding hercoat and would not do herself justice, so she will stay at home.

I remember my heydays as a dog show star. Those were the best days of my life, except for the days with my pups. There must be dog shows in Heaven.

Longing

It was a long time since Paula was at home. I am longing to see her. We all are.

Paula needs to be cured from her health issues, before she gets home. I wish I could do something more than wish her well.

Other Food

Most of us got new dog food the other day. Javier got his special dog food in a new shipment today. Javier’s food is as tasty as ours, but more expensive. He needs it because he is allergic. I do not envy him. Allergies are just bad. I wish nobody had to have them.

It Is Getting Darker

It is still summer and it is warm weather. It is getting darker in the evenings, though. This means we are getting closer to autumn.

Dad loved when autumn came. He hated all the insects who fly around during the summer. I can agree with this, even though I have never been such a staunch believer in the badness of insects as Dad was.

I miss Dad. The good thing is I can understand Daniel better in his loss of his dad. The loss of a father brings another kind of darkness. I will try to be a light in this darkness.

Japanese Golf Victory

The Japanese professional golfer Hinako Shibuno has won the Women’s British Open major golf tournament. This was the first major she played and the first competition outside of Japan she played. It is an amazing feat. I presume we will hear more about Hinako Shibuno in the future.

Sorrow

Daniel is in mourning today. He received notice his father passed away about midday.

This was expected after a long time of illness and a terminal condition this week. Daniel and his brother went to see their father yesterday. Even though Daniel is sad, he thinks it was good he and his brother could see their father one last time.

I mourn with Daniel. I know what it is like losing a father. I also met Daniel’s father and I liked him.

New Food

We got a shipment of new dog food today. Daniel ordered it yesterday afternoon, and ithas already arrived. This is great service. It is especially great, considering that dog foodis the single most important thing you can buy.

It is possible to buy a dog, but you do not always have to buy a dog to get one – you can do as Paula and Daniel and breed dogs, keeping a few. Dogs are also bought just now and then, while dog food must be purchased regularly. I really must say dog food is a more important thing to buy.

Now we have dog food for the rest of this month, and then some. This is good.

Upcoming World Cup

On the 20 September this year, the Men’s Rugby World Cup will start. This time, the World Cup is hosted by Japan. This must be a good host for such a great event, Japanese people are good organisers.

The Rugby World Cup is sometimes called the third largest sports event in the world, by public interest. The FIFA Men’s Football World Cup is the largest. The Summer Olympic Games is the second largest. However, Daniel says you should not count the Olympics, since it is games containing so many different kinds of sports. If you do not count the Summer Olympic Games, the Rugby World Cup is, thus, the second largest event.

I am looking forward to watching the Rugby World Cup from Japan. There must be beautiful scenery from Japan broadcasted along with the games. This will be nice to see.

Claws

Daniel cut the claws of the Poodles and the Affenpinscher tonight. They whined about it and was generally quite silly. Having the claws cut is no big deal. It also feels better when it is done, with shorter, more convenient claws.

Then Daniel wanted to cut my claws. I do not know why. I did not have long claws. Naturally, I protested against this injustice? Why did Daniel have to pick me? This was reallyunnecessary and uncalled for.

Rain

It was raining in the morning. We did not need to care. Daniel had the day off from work, so we all slept until late.

It is nice to be able to sleep until late now and then. As a dog, I am lucky enough not to have a job away from home. This means that I can often go back to sleep after the morning walk. It is still even better to postpone the morning walk until later in the morning. I cherished this today.

Colombian Bicycle Victory

For the very first time, a competitor from Colombia, Egan Bernal, has won the prestigious bicycle competition Tour de France.

I usually do not follow bicycle competitions. Tour de France is well known to me, anyway. When a competitor from Paula’s country of birth wins, I believe it is worth noting. I wish to congratulate Egan Bernal and his fans for the victory.

Pictures from Apollo 11

The fifty year anniversary of Apollo 11 has passed, but it is still a great feat which can very well be commemorated some more. Here is a page with some beautiful and iconic photographs from the journey.

I wonder when people will walk on the Moon again. It will probably not happen in my lifetime.

Open Window

It is a warm night and we sleep with the window open in the bedroom. The advantage is that the temperature and air is better. The downside is that there are more noise coming in from outside. A loud motor cycle at a distance would not have bothered me with the window closed, but I heard more of it with the window open. There was no need to bark, of course, but it was a bit annoying.

No matter how great a thing is, like sleeping withan open window, there are always some downsides to it. This is because the world is sich a wonderfully complex place. Life would be boring, if everything just got better in every way.

Progress as Fewer People Eat Dogs

I was not sure about writing on this subject. It makes me sick to think of dogs being eaten, and humans eating dogs. However, there are good news. The demand for dog meat to be eaten is diminishing in South Korea. This is due to new values and the increase in having pet dogs. People who have bred dogs for the purpose of being eaten get support to find other livelihoods. This is great. Humans are taking better care of their best friend. Dogs will always take good care of their humans, when treated decently.

Visiting Paula

Our Poodle friend Momoko got to go with Daniel today, to visit Paula by the hospital. (Dogs are not allowed inside, for some reason, but Paula came outside.) Momoko was so happy, when she came back home, even though she felt the visit did not last long enough. I can understand her. I am also envious of Momoko, but I know Momoko has a certain bond with Paula and she certainly needed this visit. We all wish that Paula will come home soon.

Washing and Ironing

Daniel spent some time this evening ironing shirts. These were recently washed shirts that had to be ironed to look good enough to wear.

I am glad I have a Shiba coat that looks good almost the year round. It is just when I shed, that it may look a bit bad.

Washing is still nice. Daniel also changed the sheets in the bed tonight. It is always nice to lie down in a bed with cleaner sheets.

Indian Moon Mission

India has launched a rocket with a payload which is destined for the Moon.

I hope this mission will succeed. The Indian space agency recently aborted a mission before take off. Earlier this year, an Israeli probe failed just before it was about to land on the Moon.

When it is this difficult to land on the Moon now, the feat to land a manned mission on the Moon fifty years ago stands out even brighter. Apollo 11 will be remembered for a very long time.

Painting the Roof?

An uninvited handy-man stopped by our house this afternoon. He asked if we wanted to have our roof painted.

Daniel, who had not even considered painting the roof, thanked him for the offer, but turned it down.

I must say I have also never considered that we would paint the roof. The walls and window frames, yes, but not the roof. Perhaps it would be a good thing to do, but I have no clue that it would be. I guess we can just let it be.

Cancelled Trip

Daniel often go and see Paula at the hospital. He went Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this week. He reports back to us, of course. He was supposed to go today as well, but the trip got cancelled, since Paula was busy getting taken care of by the hospital staff. We are glad she is taken good care of, but it was a disappointment that Daniel’s visit had to be cancelled.

We all wish that she will get so well soon that she can come home. We all miss her.

Landing on the Moon

Today, fifty years ago, the Lunar lander nick named Eagle landed on the Moon. It was piloted by Neil Armstrong and Edwin ”Buzz” Aldrin. Meanwhile, the command module was still in Lunar orbit, piloted by Michael Collins.

The Apollo project, with its six successful landings on the Moon, was a stunning scientific feat. The rocks brought back from the Moon are still being analysed. The project is still awe inspiring, which is also a benefit.

Still, I cannot help but consider how much of the space crafts were just going to waste. Three rocket stages were ditched when taking off from Earth. Half of the Lunar lander was left on the Moon, the other half in Lunar orbit. The final rocket stage, for the return flight to Earth, was also ditched in space. A small capsule without engines was finally landed with parachutes on Earth. The astronauts and their load of rocks came back, of course, but not much more.

It is as if Christopher Columbus would have asked Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain for ships to go across the Atlantic Ocean to India, but saying he would return in a row boat.

The next time humans go to the Moon, I believe the project must take better care of the equipment. It would be too expensive otherwise.

I do like the Apollo project. It was ahead of its time, but perhaps too ahead of its time, which made it so wasteful, because it was the way it could be done with the technology at paw at the time.

RIP, My Dear Brother Jiro

My dear little brother Jiro, the last born in our litter of three, has passed away today after a few days of illness.

Jiro was always the calm one – a nice, friendly, and intelligent Shiba male.

Jiro was the very first dog with the Aangemaam prefix who became champion. We were both at the same dog show in Sundsvall shortly after our second birthday in September 2007, both with the required number of certificates from before this birthday. Jiro won a certificate and became champion, I did not. I had to wait until the next dog show season to win my Swedish Show Champion title.

We met now and then, mostly at dog shows, in our adult life. It was always a happy reunion. I will miss the opportunities to meet Jiro again, this side of the gate into Heaven. If I get to Heaven, I am sure I will meet Jiro there.

Requiescat in pace, my dear brother!

Arson Attack at Japanese Film Studio

An animated film studio in Kyoto, Japan, has been set on fire by an arsonist. The studio is known as Kyoto Animation, or KyoAni. At least 33 humans have died in the fire.

The reason for the attack is yet unclear. It seems like the arsonist was angry with the studio, for reasons still unknown.

I am so sorry for all the victims, their families, dogs, and friends. It seems like such a waste.

On the Way

Fifty years ago, the first humans to land on the Moon were on their way there. They sat inside a little space craft, all three of them, most of the journey.

I wonder what a dog would have done, if she would have followed the humans on the trip. There was no place to go out to do what you would have to do once in a while. In the future, when dogs will follow human colonists to other celestial bodies, this problem must be taken care of.

Lift Off

Fifty years ago today, the Saturn V rocket of the Apollo 11 project started its journey from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the USA. The small lunar lander would eventually land on the Moon.

The Moon landing occured on the 20th of July 1969. History was made then. The journey started a few days earlier.

I almost wish I could have been around back then, to follow the reports. On the other paw, I am quite content with living in the present. It is fantastic to follow the anniversary, however.

Bad Timing

Hello, Karstuhl here!

Daniel came home in the afternoon, just as the rain was pouring down more than ever this day. He fed us and let us out, all in the heavy rainfall. The rain was over just a little while later.

This is what I would call bad timing. Daniel could have waited for a while. There is no use saying the rain could have held up for a little while, because the weather never does what you ask it to do. We need rain, just not when we go outside. Rain is a bad outdoor companion.

Thunder

We had thunder this afternoon and a short but intense rain fell.

Thunder is an interesting weather phenomenon. I like the occasional thunder, as long as it does not disturb me when I sleep.

There are often a lot of echoes going around, when there is thunder. If I understand correctly, from reading on line, this is due to the vacuum and changes in air pressure by lightning, which causes the sound of thunder. It is fascinating. I wish I could understand it better.

Upcoming Anniversary

It is just a few days away, the fifty years’ anniversary of the first Moon landing. On the 20 July 1969, humans set foot on the Moon for the very first time.

There are plenty of things to say about this. I suggest you read this article, it is a good start.

No Dog Show

Hello, Li`l Gertrud here!

I was supposed to go to dog shows today, tomorrow, and on Sunday. Unfortunately, we had to cancel my attendance. As long as Paula is not well, but stays at the hospital, we do not want to venture too far away from home. Even though I was eager to compete at the dog shows, it is more important to stay close to Paula. I believe I can do well on dog shows in the future instead.

Vacation

Daniel has taken the day off from work. This means he is at home more. I like this. Daniel and I spent   a lot of the afternoon just relaxing on the bed. This is something I can often do, but he cannot. I guess I could give him i spiration on how to relax.

Stolen Dog

English football player Daniel Sturridge, who lives in Hollywood, California, has had his house broken into and his dog stolen. He offers a huge reward for the return of his dog.

I cannot understand why someone would steal a dog. It is mean to both the dog and the dog’s human. You can never get the same connection to a stolen dog, as you get if you buy a pup.

Hopefully, the dog will returnhome soon and the burglars will go to prison.

Just Another Day

There are days when I feellike there is nothing special going on. Nothing special happens in our own lives, no special news are published in mass media. This is one of those days. Daniel says there are often a smaller number of interesting items in the news in the middle of the summer. I tend to agree. The summer itself is also not special this year. It is not hot, nor cold. It is not dry, nor very humid or rainy. I think I must ask you to visit my blog tomorrow instead, I think there will be something more interesting to read about then.

Dogs of Chernobyl

There are occasions when I do not want to watch certain videos. This is one such video. It is about dogs who are decendants of those pet dogs whom humans had to leave behind, when they were evacuated from the nuclear power station disaster in 1986. These dogs have lived in the area contaminated by nuclear waste from the disaster. They are now taken care of by veterinarians.

The Chernobyl disaster was created by experiments in an unsafe Soviet Union nuclear power station. This would never have happened in most other countries with nuclear power stations, such as Sweden. The communist regime did not care enough about safety. The fate of the dogs left behind, show us how long the horrible consequences of communism last, even though the regime fell in 1991.

Gold

The USA won the FIFA Ladies’ football World Cup. It was an exciting final game versus the Netherlands. While the Netherlands’ players did play well, it was fair that the Americans won. The US team played better over all. I am not just saying this, because I rooted for the USA, as the home country of Mum. I am saying this because I really think this was the case. The USA won 2-0, which is a convincing result in football. I congratulate the American players and all of the fans of this team to a great performance throughout the tournament. It was not self evident that the USA would win, even though they were favourites. They lived up to the expectations, which is good, not every favourite has done so before.

Bronze

Sweden won its final game in the World Cup, the bronze game. The Swedes beat England, 2-1.

I am very happy about this result. Those who are remembered are the medalists.

Of course, I would rather have seen Sweden in the true final tomorrow, but you cannot have it all. Now I can root for Mum’s home country, the USA, wholeheartedly. Calvin, who was born in the USA, just like Mum, will join me in rooting for the American team.

Heavy Rains in Japan

There have been heavy rains in Japan. Landslides have occurred, among other bad causes of the pouring water.

There were heavy rains last season in Japan as well. The difference, from my pointof view, was that we had a terrible draught here in Scandinavia in the same summer. This year has had more average amounts of rain here, where we live. I wish more rain could fall in the deserts of Central Asia, instead.

Can More Trees Be the Answer?

A new scientific report says that planting a lot of trees may come a long way at reducing the excess amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere put there by humans burning fossil fuels.

Other scientists say this sounds too good to be true, ”probably because it is”, and say cutting emissions is paramount.

I believe you can do both. There cannot be any harm in planting more trees, can there?

Extra Time

The semifinal between Sweden and the Netherlands will have to be decided in extra time or by penalties. The result is 0-0 after full time. Both teams have been close to score, but have failed to do so.

It was an exciting game. Unfortunately, the Netherlands managed to score in extra time, which Sweden did not. Now we have to hope for a Swedish bronze medal on Saturday.

Mum Would Have Been Pleased

The USA won the semi final versus England in the World Cup. Mum would have been pleased, an American patriot as she were, since she was born and raised there. As I am half American myself, through Mum, I also rooted for the USA.

Daniel said he rooted for England. He usually roots for European teams, when they face non-European teams. I am glad the team I rooted for won, nevertheless.

There Could Have Been Rain

The forecast said it could be rain today. There was no rain, however.

With the draught last year, we need much more rain, even though we have had a fair share of rain in May and June. We will have to see if July will be as rainy. I hope there will be a lot of rain during the nights, while the Sun may shine in the days.

In Heat

Hello, Karstuhl here!

I believe I am getting old. I am in heat, it has just started. For the first time since I was very young, Paula and Daniel do not even discuss another litter of pups from me.

This may be good and bad. I have never been so keenon making pups, but I love taking care of them when they are newly born. My daughter Gertrud, who lives with us, can be a brat. She has got strong opinions, which fits a Shiba, but she will not always take no for an answer when I or her Grand Mother tells her off. Gertrud is mostly a great companion, but when she turns her stubborn personality on, I would rather have seen her moved to another family as a pup. Since I will get no more pups, there will be no other brat like Gertrud. One is quite enough, even though I love her.

Sweden Edges Forward

Sweden won the quarter final against Germany, 2-1. The Swedish team will now face the Netherlands in the semi final on Wednesday. There will also be yet another game next weekend, either the final or the bronze game.

I am happy for the result. Most informed people thought Germany would win. You can never be sure, however, and this is one of the great things about sports. It is exciting, and you know there is not always a happy end. For all of us who rooted for Sweden, there was a happy end tonight. We are already looking forward to the next game.

The USA Won

The USA won the quarter final against France, 2-1, tonight.

Norway lost to England, 0-3, yesterday night.

Mum would have been pleased. Dad would have been disappointed. I guess I have mixed feelings.

Bills to Pay

This isnot the first time I comment about the human habit of paying bills once a month. It will probably not be the last, either.

Daniel sat for a couple of hours this evening, going through paperwork and typing at the computer. It all has to do with money being paid for this and that.

This is one time, out of many, I am glad I am a dog. Humans have invented so many good things. One would wish they would also invent things you would not have to pay so much for. Perhaps they are not intelligent enough to do this, with all the intelligence they have.

Nevertheless, Daniel was satisfied, once he was done with the bills. He said there are easier ways to pay bills, like automatic payments. He does not like these, however, he want the controlover his money that he has when he pays the bills himself. Perhaps it is intelligent to spend some hours with the bills?

Japanese Box Office Hit in China

In 2001, the Japanese animated film Spirited Away was launched. It is a great film. Only now, 18 years later, it has been released in China. It has been known by Chinese people for a long time, some have seen it. It has now dominated the boxoffice in the first few days after release.

Part of the reason forthe late release in China, is the strict Chinese quota on foreign films. I am glad for the Chinese who can now see this Japanese film in China.

Japan Failed

So, late in the evening, the Netherlands defeated Japan in the final sixteen. Thus, I have no self evident favourite in the final quarter final between the Netherlands and Italy. I am greatly disappointed.

It was unfair that the Netherlands got a penalty shot by the end of the game. They got it after VAR examination. I believe thisis taking VAR too far. If it would be just about checking whether there is a goal or not, when in doubt, it would be better. You should not be able to demand VAR for next to anything.

Sweden Rolls On

Sweden continues to the quarter finals in the FIFA football World Cup. The Swedes beat Canada, 1-0.

The day before yesterday, Norway also continued to the quarter finals. Earlier tonight, the USA did, too. This means that Dad’s team, Mum’s team, and my team are all in the final eight. Now we just have to root for Japan to do the same tomorrow night.

Interestingly, if Japan does make it to the quarter finals, I can root for all of these four teams i. the next round, because none of them face each other. Norway face England, the USA face France, and Sweden face Germany. If Japan goes on, it will face the winner of Italy and China.

I hope for the best. There have been good results, so far.

Growth

Daniel mowed the lawn last Sunday. Today, he mowed it again.

We have a summer with warm temperatures, but not as hot as last year. We also have a fair amount of rain, which we certainly did not have last year. This causes a lot of growth all around our house. A well mowed lawn is necessary to keep as many ticks away as possible. It also looks better, when the lawn is mowed.

Trees and bushes also grow much more than last year. There may be cause to cut some of them. We want a nice looking garden.

Midsummer

It is Midsummer Day. Midsummer is one of the more traditional Swedish holidays, celebrated for centuries. Most of the celebrations happen on the day before, on Midsummer Eve. This is not unusual in Sweden, we do the same at Christmas, New Year, Easter, and Valborg as well. We celebrated yesterday and have had a calm and nice day off today. We were all satisfied with it.

Hydrogen Trains

In Germany, hydrogen driven trains have been operating since last year. This was the first in the world. This year, the first hydrogen driven train will be tested in the UK.

Will hydrogen trains be the trains of the future? They are much more environmentally friendly than trains run on diesel. They may not be more environmentally friendly than trains running on electricity, but you do not have to have electric power lines along the rails, which makes these trains less vulnerable for accidents. Electric trains in Sweden are often late or cancelled, because the electric power lines are damaged one way or the other.

It will be interesting to follow the further development of hydrogen trains.

Mum’s Team Won

The USA won against Sweden tonight, 2-0, in the FIFA football World Cup. Mum would have liked this, as she was from the USA. Calvin likes it too, as he is from the USA. I do not mind, either, being half American.

The USA won the group, Sweden came second. This means Sweden will face a group winner, while the USA will face a group second, in the final sixteen games. The USA will certainly have an easier game. If the Swedes want to win, however, they must beat any team in the final sixteen, so it does not matter that much.

I hope for Sweden, the USA, Norway, and Japan.

Half of the Groups

Half of the groups in the FIFA football World Cup are finished. Countries like Norway are ready for the final sixteen. This would have pleased Dad, who was born in Norway and always held his Norwegian roots high.

Japan is playing tonight. It seems like Japan will also be among the final sixteen, even though England leads the game. Japan have a sufficient amount of points anyway, as Scotland leads against Argentina. We will see what happens.

Summer and the Flying Things

It is summer. It is warm, sunny, bright nights, and mostly lovely. The bad thing is that there are many flying insects around. I would gladly do without them, they are just so annoying. If they could just stay out of a sphere close by, I would be quite satisfied.

I guess there is always something to complain about every season of the year. we have to think more about the good things. I try to, myself.

Final Sixteen

Sweden wonits second game in the FIFA World Cup and is guaranteed a place in the final sixteen. Thailand was not a hard opponent.

The next game will be against the USA. Both countries have won both of its games, the USA has scored many more goals. Sweden will only win the group, if Sweden wins this game. Mum would have rooted for the USA, as an American, so I will not be terribly sorry if the USA wins or there is a tie, so the USA will win the group.

It is exciting.

White Nights

They call it white nights in English, when we are in the middle of the summer and it never turns quite dark. It is like this now. For my part, I think nights are more white in the middle of winter, when there is snow on the ground, roofs, and trees. Io not decide what is correct English, however. Even though it was my mother’s native language, as an American dog, it is not mine. Human languages are interesting, regardless of what language it is, since they are so complex. They have many expressions like ”white nights”, which are not litteraly true, but still conveys a great meaning because they are short and widely known. I wish I knew more about human languages.

Vaccinations Regardless of Religion

In the US State of New York, the lawmakers have made it unlawful to cite religious reasons for not giving vaccines to your children. New Yorkis the fifth State to do this, while more States are in the process of doing the same.

This is a good law, I believe. You do not only cause unnecessary risks for your own children by not vaccinating them, but also for other children who have not yet had the vaccination shot.

I believe there is much truth in what one law maker said: ”I’m not aware of anything in the Torah, the Bible, the Koran or anything else that suggests you should not get vaccinated.”

I hope nobody refuses to vaccinate their dogs or pups for religious reasons. If anybody does, perhaps this new law should apply to dogs too.

Dropped Key

Daniel was devastated tonight. He realised he had dropped the car key, he could not find it. After a while, he went outside to look for it. We had to wait, but he came back happy. He had had the car key in the same pocket as the house key, and when he pulled out the house key, the car key had tagged along. It lay on the ground, a little wet from the rain earlier today, but the electronics was fully functional.

Daniel said the car key was about the worst thing to drop. Only the wallet and the house key could be worse, he said.

I am glad I let Daniel and Paula take care of such things as keys, then I never have to worry about dropping them.

Rain

It is raining tonight. It is so much rain, that we can clearly hear it when we are indoors.

It said in the forecast that there could be rain. We have not had much until tonight, though. There has been quite some rain in May and so far in June. This is great for the levels of water in the ground. I do not think there will be a heavy draught this year, as we had last year. It might be a typical, rainy Swedish summer. These summers have their charm.