WAITING FOR SUMMER

Winter weary Jojo

My rabbit-chasing mouser, Jojo, the Mini-Schnauzer is bored with staying indoors. While we were vacationing in Florida she went for long strolls and saw all sorts of interesting critters such as lizards, cranes, and bugs. Now she waits for Spring and Summer like I do and can't wait to be outdoors most of the day.

She is my shadow, following me from room to room. When I am painting in my studio she snuggles up underneath the easel ( above ) and watches me. If only she could paint !

Schnauzers are dubbed " the dog with the human brain. " Jojo does everything but talk. She knows where her treats are kept and does a little dance around the cabinet there, barking to get my attention to her request.

Strangers don't usually see small dogs as a treat and rush to pet them. BIG mistake with Jojo. She's almost snapped fingers off and people gasp in disbelief at her dislike of strangers. She will defend her castle with her last breath and with her keen ears no one can even get near without her hearing them. She certainly doesn't know her size. I'm sure she thinks she's "ten feet tall and bullet proof. " I mean she's scared off a huge Great Dane before a very comical sight .

April is the teaser month, some days cold and rainy, some warm and sunny. Yesterday was a wonderful sunny day and Jojo and I spent the afternoon soaking it up. Of course I couldn't resist putzying around the garden and doing a little Spring clean-up.

We both are winter weary and can't wait for Summer ( there's no Spring in Chicago).
We're supposed to get a taste of it this weekend.