Chevy

Hi Dadthzs,

I am excited to introduce my final Camp project. I am confident in my ability to show strong leadership skills during the last 3 weeks at Camp.  This is where working out everyday & eating right will help me keep up and show this young kid the ropes.

Please welcome, Chevy Strobel! My new cousin!  He's a Golden, like me.  I don't even mind that he got all the attention last night - it's hard to compete with a puppy that is so stinkin' cute, even when I have the BMOC swagger going for me.  I politely introduced myself, and then I just kept an eye on the whole family the rest of the night.  I especially watched the pool to make sure Chevy didn't get too close and fall in while Ryan was swimming.  You know me Dadthzs, always protecting.

It's hard to believe you will be back in 3 weeks.  Time stood still when you left.  Suddenly, somehow, a year has passed.  I look back and read my earliest blog posts, and back then a year seemed like an eternity.  But, I rallied and adjusted to Camp life: I got a new routine, made new friends, got a job, and used God's special gifts that He gave uniquely to me to try and make a difference.  I don't want to get all misty eyed writing this today, but as I look back at this past year, I am proud of myself.  I do believe I've made a difference.  I believe I was a key part of making good memories, and I sure had a lot of great times.  Heck, I even learned to swim after all these years, and I got back to church on a regular basis.  It's only fitting that I get to wrap up Camp life by getting young Chevy off on the right paw.

You can even see my confidence in the way I ride on the boat now versus when I arrived at Camp.  No fear & no shaky legs now.  Just straight up cool guy swagger.  This was last night on the Boyts new boat:

I'll write one more time before you come home Dadthzs.  I can't wait to see you!  

Misty eyed and blaming it on the pollen,

Bru

Camp Cottonwood Cruisin'

Hi Dadthzs,

Here at Camp Cottonwood, things are a little sticky.  The whole backyard at Camp is exclusively Cottonwood trees and right now they are dropping two things as they bud:  1.  These soft fuzzy wormy looking things (no biggie); and 2.  These small almond shaped sticky things about the size of a nickel.

Guess which item LOVES my soft fur on my belly? 
     (Answer:  the sticky things)

Guess what I did pretty much the whole weekend?
     (Answer:  lay on my belly in the backyard, supervising more yard work and boat washing)

Guess who has an entire underside of matted sticky fur?
     (Answer:  ME!  And while I'm not fond of the constant picking by JuJu, I'd still rather be outside          in the yard, in the action, so I'm putting up with it)

Camp Cottonwood is not my favorite.  BUT, Camp Carnelian is!  We are finally back in action on the open water and I love it!!

Last night we had our inaugural cruise around the lake.  We got the pontoon on the water last Thursday, anticipating that my cousin Ryan would like some rides on his sleepover night Friday.  As it turns out, Ryan just wanted to sit on the boat with his fuzzy blanket and enjoy the fresh air.  So the boat stayed parked until last night when we we took Jane Marcotte on a booze cruise after dinner.  Jane is the lady who sold Camp Carnelian to Brett & JuJu, and I am very grateful for her giving them the opportunity to keep the Camp booming with activity.  Plus, Jane fawns over me quite a bit, which never gets old.

Here is a photo play-by-play of our cruise, with commentary.

Here we are, just getting started.  We still don't have the lift in, so Brett had to position the boat carefully so I could walk on without risking falling in.  The water temp is about 50.  Too cold for me! Actually, you can ask Brett what happens when 50 degree water goes over the top of your chest waders.  (Hint:  There are men who can sing soprano!)

Next, we eased into what Brett calls the "Ram Air" position.  Noses pointed up wind, catching all the spring smells.  So awesome!

Finally, about halfway around the lake I remembered how we left off last Fall.  My sea legs knew what to do and Bruiser "Danger" Bottolfson was back!  With total confidence.

I understand that I've got about a month left at Camp until you come back.  I can't wait to see you!  I overheard there might be a retirement party for me at Autumn, and I think they are also planning a party for me at Camp.  Stay tuned for more updates.

Living the Dangerous Life and Loving it,

Bruiser

Girls, Girls, Girls

Dadthzs I bet you have that Motley Crue song in your head right now after reading the title of my latest update!  You can take a kid out of the 80's, but you can't take the 80's out of the kid.

True to form, we had another action packed weekend!

Friday night:  Pizza with Stella.  (I didn't get a pic, sorry!)  One of my favorite girls for sure.

Saturday morning:  I finally met Sadie up close and personal.  I usually see her inside the house, in the window, defending her castle.  But on our early morning walk, she was out with her coat on and joined us for a little stroll with Paul (her Dadthzs).  We were also joined by Abel and her Dadthzs, Jim.

The rest of the day Saturday was yard work.  JuJu had the job of poop patrol. Six months worth.  I was an awesome Supervisor laying near the patio and watching her work.  I made sure she stayed safe and didn't get out of my eyesight.  Summer helped me supervise too. 

Saturday night we went to Tobey's house in Blaine. It was Scott's birthday so we went to celebrate with him.  Tobey isn't part of the Girls Group, but he is such a stud, like me, and I like him a lot.

Sunday we had another big day.  Started with a walk, then lots more yard work, and I continued to be an effective Supervisor.  Then we went to Sandberg's for an early dinner.  MORE GIRLS!  It was Winnie, Izzy and Maggie.  Whew!  I was exhausted - but happy to keep the role of BMOC.  The girls love me.  (that includes Miss Shelly too, who is pictured giving us treats)

Official ice out at Camp Carnelian was yesterday, May Day.  I suspect we will be launching the pontoon this weekend.  I can't wait to get back on the open water!  It's been a very long winter.

I love and miss you Dadthzs.  I can't wait to see you in about a month or so.  

Paws,

Bruiser