APPLE BALLS!!!

Late summer is, by far, Samantha's favorite time of year. That can be explained in two words: Apple balls! You see, we have an apple orchard and, as wormy as they are, we never eat them. That means they fall to the ground and are a perfect size to fit into Samantha's mouth. Meaning, there are more balls to throw for her to chase than she knows what to do with. I think Samantha's version of doggy heaven will be endless fields of apple balls and plenty of people to throw them for her.

I had her running back and forth like the energizer bunny across the yard. I'd throw one in one direction and she's go full speed after it. Then, soon as she picked it up in her mouth, I'd throw another one in the opposite direction and she's zoom another good 200 feet in order to get it. Rinse, repeat. End result, a golden retriever who has run about a half mile and who is panting like mad and a circle under the main apple trees quite denuded of apple balls since they are strewn all over the yard.

The time of apple balls means that we also have to check her mouth to make sure there is not a half rotten wormy apple that she has tried to smuggle inside the house. But it's worth it. She is sooo disappointed when all the apple balls rot away.

But here is a list of thirty of Samantha's simple pleasures in life:

1. Eating frosted mini wheats hand fed for breakfast each morning (no matter that it's bad doggy manners.... )

2. Having Grammy wound completely around her paw - hence number 1.

3. Getting to sleep in any bed she wants despite flees and shedding.

4. Tummy rubs

5. APPLE BALLS!!!

6. Sitting on top of Grandpa's head whenever there is a thunderstorm because she's scared of the lightning (plus she gets lots of petting and reassurance)

7. Two words: APPLE BALLS!!

8. Trash cans to dive in even though she knows she is not allowed.

9. Duckie 1 (so loved it is missing its stuffing)

10. Duckie 2 (has stuffing and still squeaks)

11. Long green santa squeak/throw toy

12. APPLE BALLS!!!

13. The crotches to Momma's undies (I have lost more underwear to this dog than the Doctor has fought Daleks...)

14. Socks which get carried around everywhere.

15. Toilet seats left up so she can drink at her leisure.

16. Table scraps thanks to Grammy.

17. Two cats to chase around who even... sometimes... pretend to be intimidated

18.APPLE BALLS!!!

19. Comfy couches and overstuffed chairs to lounge upon and look alluring on.

20. A big yard that she can explore (when she behaves and comes when called and... when she does not)

21. People who chase after me amusingly when I decide I don't want to go back inside.

22. APPLE BALLS!!!

23. Having folks come home at the end of the day so she can look cute and grin at them (and pee. Peeing is always good)

24. More soup bones to chew on than Momma has underwear (did I mention she EATS mine?)

25. Playing kickball in the yard in all seasons.

26. APPLE BALLS!!!

27. Romping in the snow.

28. Riding in the car to pick Grammy up from work.

29. Getting a milk bone from the bank teller each time Grammy takes her to do the drive through banking.

30. APPLE BALLS!!!