Dear Fox News,

Dear Fox News, 

I think it's great that I finally found someone who is excited by the deer as much as I am.   People tend to call me, "The crazy deer lady" and it gets a bit lonely when you are the only one who is passionate about something.  I also think it's great that you love my house and the "back 40". Isn't amazing to have this oasis in Los Angeles?  It's so serene and pretty.  I know, I think I'm really lucky too.  

 Here's the thing, maybe next time you want to come and do a "live shot" of the hillside and deer ambling by, maybe you can leave your helicopter at home?   At least once a week, I am awoken to what sounds like a Helicopter landing on top of my house.  I'm not really a morning person, and so when I stumble out to let the puppy out,  I don't really like feeling like I'm walking into a hurricane.  The puppy can't really focus on "doing her business" when she is terrified she is going to fly away, can you blame her?   

 

It makes everyone grouchy, because it's a house of non-morning people. I'm sorry that I always give you obscene gestures, it's just not my favorite way to start the day.   Plus, as Rupert's manager isn't he entitled to some Royalties from using him as your live shot for the weather?   Have your people call Rupert's people and I'm sure we can work something out.   

Sincerely, 

The Mademoiselle of the Chalet 

aka Rupert's Management

PS It's the last day to enter Quite Contrary Mary's  Faux-Prah's Favorite things giveaway.  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of my very favorite books and she is giving it away.   Yesterday, Mr. Boy and I hit our favorite store for some goodies for next week's giveaway.  I can't wait!

Grateful for Puppy Love

This little dog has me completely smitten.

 

Zoey is proving to be a sweet little addition to the family.  I swear this dog smiles in her sleep. And do you know what is better than round toddler bellies?  Deliciously plump and crazy soft puppy bellies.

Zoey often sleeps just like this.

 In the car, Zoey is either on someones lap or up front with me. 

If she is up front, she sits like this, with her nose sticking straight up to the ceiling.  It makes me laugh each and every time. 

 Her favorite chew toy...  door trim.  The Juans are not going to be too pleased. 

Since Zoey needs some attention prior to the morning rush, I'm up early again, just like during the construction.  I know I've griped about not being a morning person, but I had forgotten the serenity of those early mornings.  The deer are ambling by, the hillsides are covered with a silvery mist, and everything is calm and peaceful. 

And during those mornings walks around the property with Zoey, I give thanks for her,  For Mr. Man who insisted on her, because ultimately, he is wise and tries to do what is best for the family.  I give thanks for the children who make me laugh each day, and for the friends in our lives.  I even give thanks for the Juans who helped us create this oasis in the big city, and for the deer... yes, even Rupert.
Starting each day off with thankful heart has been the best thing, and I am grateful for this little dog, who has reminded me of the power of gratitude. 

Deer Rupert, It's not you, it's me.

 Deer Rupert,
This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do.  I think we have to break up.  It's like, I don't even know who you are anymore.
For example: 
The other night, we were hanging out with Jane, making some s'mores by the firepit. It was nice to relax, because I had been up on the hillside planting Orange Trees all afternoon.   . 

Jane's babies were up the hill a ways, she likes to rest down by our house.  I think she feels a kinship with me, because she is wrangling two kids all day long. 

Then you came along, and as always, I was excited to see you.  Rupert, you were my very favorite deer. 

I thought it was sweet that you wanted to sniff my work.  According to my "Deer Resistant Landscaping" book, you don't like citrus trees.  Well, my book lied, and you munched those trees right down to stubs, while I watched.  Were you doing it out of spite?  Have I not fed you enough Molasses Oats or Deer Chow?  Kept your watering trough clean enough?

I ran over and yelled at you, "Stop!  Knock it off!"  and you just stared at me, with a blank look in your eye. It's like you don't even care about me anymore. I did this for you, I imagined a hillside covered in fragrant orange blossoms, and sold my very best shoes to buy the best trees out there.... for you.  I did it for you... and for me, just a little bit.  

Rupert, I hope we can be friends again some day.  I really thought we had something special, but right now, I need some time.  Maybe some time, a windfall of cash to buy new trees and a new safe spot to plant them, will heal these wounds. 

 Goodbye Rupert, You will always have a special place in my heart.  Love, Mademoiselle Francais