Routines

Like a lot of people - we have our weekend routines. Saturday is for Central Park and running errands, painting floor cloths and a little non-canine social time for Mom (whatever).

I thought we should start to create a few Sunday routines as well. A neighborhood walk with Mom in the AM. Mom can pick up here iced coffee from the corner deli. This should be followed by breakfast and naptime for me. Coffee and New York Times for Mom. She puts on John Coltrane and it's a very relaxing way to wind up the weekend.

Due had an even better idea....after the quiet morning....a simple little sidewalk dining in the

Upper East Side of Manhattan.

We headed uptown to Petaluma. A lovely little neighborhood Italian cafe on First Avenue and 73rd Street.

The kind waiters brought me my own chilled "cocktails"

It seems this is a popular spot for the 4 legged residents of the area. Although this bulldog arrived in his very own stroller. Mom - can you get on that please. I need a carriage!

After lingering over lunch, we headed back. One slight problem. It's 90 degrees and I'm still wearing my winter coat! This looks like a good place to take a break.

(Yes - that is indeed the 59th Street Bridge..feelin' groovey!)

Due agrees to join me for a little downtime. The Moms can just wait until we catch our collected breath.

OK. Good to go!

I think a leisurely sidewalk cafe brunch should become a standard part of our Sundays. We got home in plenty of time for me to take a nap before dinner. Mom had enough time to get the laundry done and straighten up the apartment so we could start another week rested, relaxed and collected!

So what are your Sunday routines?

Who's Al Fresco anyway?

Tonight was another first. I joined Mom and Aunt Dana for a little sidewalk dining at our neighborhood Irish pub, Parnell's on First @ 53rd. Mom first stopped into Parnell's when she was scouting the neighborhood before we moved into our apartment. She knew she found the perfect spot when she walked in and they had the Red Sox game on.

Being a Sox fan in NYC can be trying. Trust me. During the season I proudly wear a Red Sox collar amongst all the Yankee fans - and a few Mets fans. (Yes - this past weekend was more difficult than others - let's not dwell on the sweep. - We'll see you in October)

Sidewalk seating is located on the 53rd Street side of the pub. We found a table in the back corner so I had plenty of room to stretch out without getting in the way. Besides - now I could keep my eye on all the action.

Our server took great care of me. When Mom asked for a little ice, I never imagined I'd get my own BOWL - filled to the brim with ice cubes! Of course - I would have really liked to share in one of the cheeseburgers I saw brought to our table. Mom explained to me there was no BACON involved - and this was not Central Park. Apparently my table treats are limited to our Saturday morning brunch!

Bacon or not - I'm just glad I got to join in on the evening's outing. The perfect way to relax at the end of another long day.

Saturday will be here soon - and so will another adventure....

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved

A New Friend

Just a quick post tonight. Mom's been busy with work this week. Something to do with a new Supreme Court Nominee...so she's been heading into work early....but tonight we got to meet up with my friends, Due (the boyfriend), his folks (Tom &Deborah) and my Aunt Dana.

We went to one of my favorite haunts, the 47th Street Plaza. They have a new grill - we'll have to check that out another time. Tonight I met the sweetest little girl, Matilda. I wanted to hug her as much as she hugged me! (Yep - that's Due in the background- I think he's a little jealous!)

Tomorrow morning - FARMER'S MARKET!!! Mom can't wait to get more tomatoes and basil. She's says they are the taste of summer. I'll stick with BACON, but whatever floats your boat!

Thanks to Aunt Dana for taking this picture on her blackberry. I kept telling Mom she needs to bring her camera everywhere. You never know when we'll have a "Kodak Moment".

Celebrate & Mingle!

Mom and Deborah (Due's Mom) headed to the 47th Street Plaza to celebrate al fresco style! Mom and I opened a store on Etsy.com to sell our hand painted pet place mats. We set up the store on July 3 - and sold our first mat on July 7 - so Deborah (and Due) took us out to celebrate.

The great thing about 47th Street - Mom & Deb get to have a bit of bubbly - and Due and I get to join them (not for the bubbly of course). We get to sit outside and relax - and visit with others. I made a friend right away. Her dog was at home - so I filled in the best I could.

She was so nice I decided to hang out at her table for awhile. Mom doesn't seem to mind as long as I stay close by. There was another table of 4 men I flirted with as well, but Mom was too shy to take a picture.

Of course the best part is being with my boyfriend, Due. My ears have been a little sore (too much swimming I think) - but Due likes to kiss them and make it all better.

We had a nice relaxing evening. Unfortunately the grill area caught fire early in the morning (4am) so for now - there are no burgers available at our favorite spot. Hopefully they will be able to replace it soon. In the meantime - we'll just relax. We're pretty good at that!

Due's staying with us this weekend!! SLEEPOVER AT ABBEY'S!! We have to behave in the apartment, apparently it's not a Dog Park - and we must respect the nice people who live below us. That's going to be a challenge since Mom sent the ottoman out for recovering - there's a wide open space in the living room that is just perfect for playing! Something tells me there will be photos - and since it's the weekend...CENTRAL PARK HERE WE COME!!!

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved