The Olympicthzs

Hi Dadthzs,

Here at Camp Carnelian, we are really into TEAM USA now that the Olympicthzs are on TV.  We are a house full of patriotic lovers of 'Merica year round, but after Shaun White got the GOLD again last night, we are a bunch of goofs hooting and hollering at the TV.  USA! USA! USA! 

It finally warmed up a little on Sunday so that we could walk on the lake again.  We took this picture because JuJu had her goofy TEAM USA sunglasses on:

Last night we walked with Karen, Kasey & Bailey - 2.35 miles!  It was hard work walking through some patches of deeper snow, but for the most part I stayed on the old snowmobile tracks.  I had to do a lot of high knees, but it was worth it.

Not much else to report Dadthzs.  Thanks for keeping an eye on things up there so we can enjoy the Olympicthzs and the athletes are safe and sound.

Proud member of Team USA,
Bruiser

When do I get a vacation?

Hi Dadthzs,

I know you're back to Greenland and settled in for the next few months.  I was so glad to see you when you came back a few weeks ago!  JuJu didn't want me to post this picture because she thought it might make you feel bad, but I am posting it anyway so you know how much I love you.

This was me, after you left Camp Carnelian 2 weeks ago:

(JuJu got tears in her eyes when she took this picture.  She's not as tough as she acts sometimes.)

Shortly after you left, Brett & JuJu went on vacation too.  What's so cool about Mexico that you guys go there every year?  I don't understand why you all come home smelling like Margaritahzs either.  It's weird. 

I went to stay with Grandpa while Brett & JuJu were gone and now I think Mother Nature has something against me going to Grandpas!  Every time I go there, it's too cold for walks!  #Growl

I got back to Camp last night and found my familiar spot on the couch.  Brett was still in relax mode:

I am now back to King of the Camp:

I'm wondering since I'm technically still working 2 jobs (Autumn & Camp Carnelian Counselor) when do you think I am eligible for a vacation?  Do you think I should choose Mexico as a destination?  I don't care for tequila, but I do like the idea of a swim-up bar.  

The weather is going to warm up Sunday so I hear we are lake walking again with Kasey and Bailey.  I'll keep you posted on the gossip around the lake when I write again.  That cool guy Ripley has started an "ice out countdown" already.  Man these people are nuts.

Paws,

Bru

Somewhere on a beach

Dadthzs,

I know you're somewhere on a beach right now, enjoying a break from the darkness and cold of your post in Thule.  I hope you are enjoying the sun and warmth.  Things have significantly warmed up here too, and we took full advantage of that this past weekend.

Saturday morning we got a weekend camper added to the roster - my friend Stella Matchey.  I first met Stella on New Years Eve this year, but JuJu didn't get a picture of her at that party.  As soon as Stella got to Camp on Saturday morning, we headed out to walk the lake with Kasey and Bailey.  We had a blast and walked 3.65 miles.  I did really well, especially considering we haven't been walking much lately in this bitter cold.  Here's all 5 of us with JuJu:

Both Summer and I had to take some Rimadyl Saturday afternoon, but it was worth it. 

Saturday night we had some Church with Stella (and Kasey too):

It's so nice when you have friends you can just be yourself with.  You know how much I love Kasey, and Stella is really a nice friend too.  She gives me just the right amount of attention and just the right amount of space.  Dadthzs, it was pretty funny all of us sleeping in JuJu and Brett's bedroom Saturday night. It was truly like camping.  Wait, kinda like Glamping actually.  We did great!

Sunday morning we were back on the lake and walked another 3 miles.  I try to introduce myself to all of the people out there as we walk by.  It feels so good to get fresh air and exercise!  

Sunday night we had friends over to watch the Vikings game.  That's all I'm going to say about that.

We are supposed to get a snow-nami today.  The weather geeks are guessing 4-12".  Summer and I stayed home from work today since Brett will be back to the home office by 12:00.  JuJu didn't want to take us out in the Brubaru if she didn't have to.  I'll keep you posted if we actually get some good snow totals.  It will make your time in the sun feel that much more special.

Love you Dadthzs,

Bru

A break from the deep freeze

Hi Dadthzs,

I finally got outside yesterday after 2 long weeks in the deep freeze!  Summer and I have had cabin fever really bad, and it felt so good to get outside.  Yesterday the temperature finally got to 20+something.  It felt like a heat wave, and I could actually take my time to go potty without freezing my noogies off.  (Oh wait, I don't have noogies anymore.  But if I had them, they would have been frozen the past 2 weeks).

Here we are, getting ready to go for our long walk on the lake:

We went for a 2 mile walk with Kasey & Bailey, and their parents, and Brett & JuJu.  Kasey's mom and dad found this awesome stuff on the internet called "Paw Wax" and it's designed for us red heads who get ice chunk build up in our paws.  Kasey shared some with me and it worked GREAT!  And way better than those embarrassing booties we tried a month ago.  I made it 2 miles and only had to stop 2-3 times to quickly pick at my paws.  Here we are on our walk:

Bailey is 4 months old now, and she has the energy to try and keep up with Summer and Kasey.  I just hang back, patient.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Halfway through the walk, Bailey slowed down and hung with me and we kept a pretty similar pace.  What a great day!

We also spent some time outside, burning boxes, shoveling the rink, and just goofing off.  I slept like a rock last night.  The fresh air did me good.

I am really looking forward to seeing you this weekend Dadthzs!  I can't believe how fast the first half of your assignment has gone.  I know after this trip I won't see you again until June, but I think it will go pretty fast if I can stay active and busy.  There is always some action at Camp, and work is keeping me busy too.  I just miss you a bunch and can't wait to see you.

Love,

Bru

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Camp Carnelian, where it's been so cold we haven't walked in a week!  Dadthzs, I can barely go potty without freezing my paws.  Summer and I have cabin fever so bad, and so do Brett and JuJu.  We've been cooped up inside and we are all dying to get out and get some fresh air.  It looks like we have a few more days to wait.  I am hoping for some really good walks this weekend when the temps are supposed to be back above zero.

So, what do we do at Camp when it's too cold to go outside?  We EAT!  And we DRINK!  And we wear the same sweat pants for 3 days in a row.  Ew, that sounds gross doesn't it?  Nobody said Camp was glamorous.  We are in survival mode.

On New Years Eve we had some friends over for games and appetizers.  It was really fun because Stella came over (JuJu forgot to get a picture of us) so we had 3 furkids, 4 teenagers & 6 adults.  We played games all night while we snacked.  Since this is my first NYE at Camp, I had no clue that NYE is a marathon, not a sprint.  Here is the evolution of my night:

10:30pm:  Already you can see, I'm down for the count.  The Walsh girls were so great to me & gave me lots of attention.  But I couldn't keep my eyes open any more.  (PS:  the Walsh girls are Colleen's kids - remember Colleen?  She was JuJu and Jill's 3rd sister growing up)

12:18am:  Happy New Year!  I am celebrating with my eyes closed.

Monday mid-morning (New Years Day):  Clearly, I had too much tequila!!  And no one offered me a Bloody Mary, so I napped.

Monday (New Years Day) we had put a brisket on the Big Green Egg the night before and it slow cooked all night.  Pastor John Cheese coached Brett through his first attempt on his own - making a brisket outside overnight when it's minus 18 is pretty tricky.  

When the humans were done eating, Pastor John conducted a church service for me, Summer and Elli Bleu.  That brisket was really delicious!!  We hadn't been to church with Pastor John Cheese in quite a while, so it tasted extra good in my opinion. 

So we closed 2017 on a cold note, but with a lot of warmth in our hearts, as we are grateful for our friends and family who help us get through cabin fever.  As we start 2018, on an equally cold note, I am looking forward to some walks on the lake pretty soon (Kasey's mom found some paw wax we are going to try), and I am also looking forward to seeing you soon when you come home again to visit.  

Until then, I've got my nose back to the grindstone at work.  It's certainly way better than being lazy on the couch all day!  

Happy New Year!!

Bruiser

Merry Christmathzs!

Merry Christmathzs Dadthzs!

As you know, I've been at Grandpa's for a few days.  On Saturday, my day played out like an old familiar Christmas tune:  "Over the (Mississippi) River and through the woods, to Grandmothers house we go....."  I got to spend the day with Grandma Helen's family in Minneapolis.  I wore my new outfit and Collin took these portraits of me.  I felt really special.

Today, I'm back to work later in the morning, and then back to Camp Carnelian tonight.  The forecast is for bitter cold the next whole week, so I doubt we will be doing much outside.  It's looking like a week of hunkering down after work with a blanket and some popcorn.  That really doesn't sound so bad actually.

I think we're hosting a party on New Years Eve.  I'll make sure to send some pictures in my next note.

Love,
Your handsome 12 year old Bruiser

PS:  Thanks for the new sweater and plush toy for my birthday! 
PPS:  Summer says thanks for her new sweater and plush toy too!

Bruiser "Danger" Bottolfson is back! In a snow globe!

Hi Dadthzs,

Today is so awesome I had to write ASAP!

I didn't have to go to work today.  I stayed home with Summer and we helped Brett in his home office.  The best part about working from home is that we usually get a day time walk when it's most light outside.  I always feel a little safer when it's light out.

So, we took our normal walk over the lunch hour (it just started snowing again):

Then we got back and I got to walk on the lake for the first time!!  Brett went out there first to test it, but then Summer and I got to follow.  This was SO FUN Dadthzs!!  The snow is falling and it's so pretty outside. Pretty exhilarating for me! 

Collin and grandpa are coming to pick me up at the office on Friday afternoon.  I have a spa appointment Friday morning so I'm fresh for the holidays.  Then I will be at Camp Bottolfson until next Tuesday, spending both Christmas (and my birthday) there.  I hear the people talking about how cold it's going to get here on my birthday - not sure if the high temp will reach zero.  So I'm hoping Collin or grandpa makes a fire in the fireplace and let's me stay snuggly warm inside.

Before I sign off, Auntie Jill gave me an early birthday present yesterday when we stopped by on our way home from work.  She said I might need to step up my wardrobe if I'm going to apply for a new job next year when we move to Colorado Springs.  Auntie Jill said not all jobs are as laid back in their dress code as we are at Autumn.  Here's the new outfit she got for me:

Damn, I'm handsome and distinguished.

HO HO HO,

Bruiser "Danger" Bottolfson