YES! It Really IS Spring!

I took this photo from the Blackwells Mills Causeway of the D&R Canal in Franklin Township, New Jersey.  ~ 3/21/15 ~

Well, it is officially spring as of yesterday, March 21st.  It was really kind of hard to believe it as my reading group and I sat and looked out the windows to view the snow falling softly at 9:15am from my table in the back corner of the classroom.  I know we usually have the occasional snowfall in March and April but it was still a little strange to get as much as we did this year on the first day of spring since we were really looking forward warmer weather!

Spring is often a time to start spending more time outside doing fun activities like visiting the park, riding bikes and hiking.  So, in the spirit of spring Freddy and I headed out this morning to spend time outside, even though the ground and trees were covered with snow.  Our first stop was the dog park.  What a fun time my best buddy had while playing with his furry friends.  Afterwards, we decided we would take a friend up on their offer to paddle on the canal under the snow-dusted branches.  It was beautiful!  I had been wanting to canoe all winter, but the canal has been frozen most of this year.  As we paddled, the snow began to melt.  By the time we returned with the canoe, most of the snow was gone which made me realize that the beginning of spring was truly here after all.

Apollo and Freddy at the dog park

Walker, Apollo and Freddy playing at the dog park

The canoe is all ready to be pushed off into the canal.

Freddy is such an adventurous dog!!  He is always up for anything.

Would you like to read more about spring?  Take a trip to the library to check out these books!

Freddy Friday #9 - Sleepy Dog

I have written about all of the adventures Freddy loves to go on and how much he loves zipping around the dog park with his friends, but have I ever told you about the thing he does most?  He just absolutely LOVES to sleep.  Yup.  He can be found most of his days curled up in a ball only taking up the slightest bit of his dog bed.  Other times he stretches out on his side, falls asleep on his paws, and sometimes even sleeps with all four paws in the air.  He has actually fallen asleep standing up a few times; no joke!  He just looks so sweet when he is sleeping, doesn't he?

ZZZZzzzzzzzzzz......

He can often be found curled up in a little ball.

Freddy LOVES sleeping in the sunshine on the balcony.

Sometimes he likes a lot of room to spread out.

Cuddling with Cousin Big Boy

Snuggled up

Enjoying sun in Virginia

What a sweet fella!

I woke this guy up when I found him in a comfy spot where he did not belong....MY BED!  Crazy pup!

Freddy Friday #8 - Toys, Toys and More Toys!

Freddy is a spoiled dog.  There, I said it!  He gets toys for almost every holiday.  He gets gifts from my mom, my sister, my friends...even my students!  Whenever I take him to PetSmart to get more dog food I let him pick out a toy or a special treat from the sale aisle.  Lately, I have been trying to clean up his overflowing toy box.  I threw his toys into the washing machine last week to get them nice and clean for him.  Some of the toys are really falling apart because they are so loved by him. Do you have a stuffed animal or a toy that is a little worn out?  Freddy has quite a few.  We have names for them too.

This is Jackie Jack-o-Lantern.  My sister gave him to Freddy as a Halloween gift two years ago.
I think he could use a little mending.  

This is Ginger Baby.  Ginger Baby used to be much fatter until Freddy took all of the squeakers and stuffing out of him.  Nonetheless, Ginger Baby is carried around with love.  My mom gave this to Freddy three Christmases ago.

This is Ellie Elephant.  Freddy picked Ellie out from the sale bin near the cash register at Pet Smart last year.
I have wanted to throw Ellie out a few times.  Freddy gets very upset when I try to take her away.

This is Allie Alligator.  Freddy actually got another alligator just like this for Christmas this year from my sister, but I have not given it to him yet.  Maybe we will name the new alligator Albert...or Alvin....or Alfredo...what do you think?

Here is Frankie.  Frankie is Freddy's absolute favorite at the moment.  Every day when I come home Freddy I take Freddy out for a walk.  After his walk, he goes to his toy bin and gets out Frankie almost every time.

Here is Frogger.  Freddy likes to toss Frogger into the air while then immediately pouncing on him.

Enjoy the Snow Day!!

The snow looks absolutely beautiful today!  I had a tricky time jumping through the snow on my walks with my best buddy.  It was piled high over my snow boots!!  As for Freddy, well, he had no trouble leaping over the mounds of snow. He is so athletic!  I hope you are enjoying your snow day!

Freddy Friday #6 -- More Snow for Freddy!!

This is our hike last week.  Check out the photo below to see what a
difference just a little more, fresh snow can add to the scenery!

The snow just keeps coming for Freddy!  He is absolutely loving it.  On our snow day this past Tuesday, he was happy to trot along a trail into the snow-dusted woods...where he proceeded to run like the wind toward the deer.  Oopsie!  Freddy IS some type of hound/hunting dog afterall!  Once he ran back to me we had a chance to really enjoy the view.  It looked like a magical winter wonderland.

"Where did that deer go?"

I heard some of the great things my students did on their snow days!  Some built snowmen and forts, had snowball fights, went sledding, went tubing and others stayed inside under a blanket to read. They all sounded like great options for a snow day!

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is my absolute favorite holiday!  It is wonderful to reflect on all of the people I love and who love me.  I received so many wonderful valentines and treats from my current and past students yesterday.  Thank you!!  I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day too!  I will be spending today with my niece, Megan.  :-)  Let the fun begin!

Freddy sends his love to you all too!

Freddy Fridays Return Next Week!

Because of a wildly hectic week, there will be no Freddy Friday today.  Think you'll be bored without it?  Come to the volleyball game tonight to cheer on the Adamsville teachers instead!!  ;-)

Freddy and I hope you take the time to rest up this long weekend!  He is already relaxing!  See?

Freddy Friday #5 - Freddy's First Pupcake

Alright, alright, I know this is called a Freddy Friday and all, but I want to talk a little about myself first today.  My name is Ms. Tricarico and I LOVE CUPCAKES.  I do not love all cupcakes but rather am quite particular about my cupcakes.  I never turn down the chance to try a new cupcake or to visit a new bakery, but this does not mean I love everything I try.  My very favorite cupcake stores surprisingly are not in New York City (although I have tried so many out there).  My favorite cupcakes come from a bakery in Princeton, New Jersey called House of Cupcakes.  I have a very hard time visiting Princeton without going home with a cupcake or a dozen to share with friends and neighbors.  

Surprisingly I have never bought one for my best buddy, Freddy.  On my last trip to House of Cupcakes, I finally chose a "pupcake" for Freddy.  A "pupcake" is a cupcake containing ingredients safe enough for a dog to eat.  I have put some doggie cookbooks at the bottom of this post in case you'd like to try to make some for your pet or for a local animal shelter.  Check out the video below to see Freddy's first pupcake experience.  Sometimes I cannot tell if he is a dog or a piggy! 

More information on House of Cupcakes can be found at: http://www.houseofcupcakes.com/ 

Here are the books I was talking about.  They can be found in the Somerset County Library System: