Bulldogs vs. Titans

Illinois Wesleyan came into town unbeaten and ranked number one in D3. They're going to leave the same way. We lost 79-71 in a game where turnovers and fouls presided on the court. Combined, there were 55 fouls and 62 turnovers. Ouch! But there were reasons to cheer as well; we had five players in double figures, eight players had at least one assist, we sank eight treys, Courtney sank a three, Shada led all scorers with 16, we shot almost 50 percent in the second half, our bench scored 38 points, and Christina jumped right in and played quality minutes against the press. The second half was a better gauge of our team's character and depth. We should be hungry to start league play in a week and we look forward to the next home game vs. Chapman on January 12th.

More Winter Break Fun

I'm stepping up my excercise routine in anticipation of a New Year's resolution that I won't be able to follow through with. Yeah, it's the same with dogs as most people. But I have to be able to keep up with Thurber, so after our daily walk in the hills I took the lead in a game of fetch and tug. And then I slept for the remainder of the day...

Winter Break Fun

Ok, we're in southern California so our winter fun isn't exactly playing in the snow (at least until we make it up to Big Bear) but it did entail watching my grandkid skateboarding and playing with his new Gingerbread Man chew toy (thanks Cat), taking a long walk on the trails with Talulah and Thurber, and then a quick bath in the outside turtle tub for a cool down. Tomorrow, another sunny day ahead. Maybe we'll see about surfing...

Women's Basketball vs. Lakeland College Muskies

It's been almost a month since we've been to Currier Gym to watch our Lady Bulldogs, but they've been on the road (four straight wins!) and with finals this past week it's been quiet. I arrived early in my Santa hat to take my customary seat by the scoring table and Thurber arrived shortly thereafter to acclimatize to the sounds and people of the venue behind the Bulldog bench. Screaming fans, bouncing balls, thumping stands, and a thousand petting hands later and Thurber did great. He's definitely mascot material. This was his exam for the week and he passed. As a side note, he also passed out during the second half and slept in the bleachers. I imagine there a few students getting some needed rest these days too. The Muskies of Lakeland College were visiting from parts probably under many feet of snow and their first game out west ended with a loss the day before; their first. Still, they were 9-1, demanding respect, and they showed from the start they were here to play a fast paced game. Ali had the hot hand early as she drained three from behind the arc before the Muskies adjusted their defense. The problem with their adjustment was that it didn't take into account Courtney. Courtney was dominating on both ends of the court. She ended with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocked shots. After this 63-48 victory we're 7-2 overall and taking a few days off with family before facing the Number 1 team in Division III, Illinois-Wesleyan on December 30th. That promises to be a great game. Go Dawgs!

Thurber and Talulah

Play time at the mascot stomping grounds. Talulah and Thurber played their own version of catch this morning. Thurber is weighing in at 23 pounds these days. I imagine his sister is still one pound ahead and as feisty as ever. Talulah has taken to puppy like behavior in her absence. It means there's never a dull moment at the house.

Men's Basketball Game vs. Azusa Pacific

Thurber and I braved the wet weather (it was raining cats and dogs!) to attend the men's basketball game on Saturday night vs. the Cougars of Azusa Pacific. I hung out in my usual spot at the scoring table while Thurbs hung out with Ally and Cat across court. The Bulldogs let the Cougars out to a 10 point lead and had to play catch up the rest of the game. We got to within 6 points, but the cats kept us at bay. Our threes weren't dropping and we need to work on our free-throws!

Thurber is becoming quite the attention-monger! He was flirting with Coach Mari and rolling around with Coach Scott during half-time. I'm going to have to watch him a lot closer!

We got a update from Truffles - she sent us a picture showing off her new sweater. Notice it's appropriate Redlands colors as well. She sends us her love and informs us that she's doing well (but is feisty!) Takes after her mom!!!

End of Semester

Well I've been lounging a lot by the fire lately as the Redlands nights have dipped into the 30s for the first time this semester. Talulah and Thurber join me whenever they can. I like to think of it as good study weather. No reason to go outside, might was well study for finals - or curl up by the fire. Thurber did make it into school today and I've been told his social skills are exemplary for a pup of his age.

Men's Basketball vs. George Fox

Tonight we faced the Bruins of George Fox University in the second round of the Lee Fulmer Tournament. Down 29-13 early in the first half, we started to rally when a rather scary moment stopped the action for an extended period of time. Regardless of the outcome of the game, our thoughts go out to Breck for a speedy recovery. When the game resumed we continued our spirited come back but it took us until less than two minutes remaining to actually regain the lead. At the end of the second half the score sat tied at 69 leaving our fate to an overtime period in a packed Currier Gym. However, Thurber and I weren't able to catch the last part of the game because little T kept falling asleep on the hardwood. I decided it was better to rest him in hopes we were playing in the finals tomorrow night. I knew we were leaving the game in good hands, but fate was not kind in the overtime and the Bruins prevailed 82-79. We have another game tomorrow for third place. Come on out and support your team. Go Dawgs!

Tree Trimming

Thurber, dressed as a present, and I, snugly donning Talulah's Christmas sweater, were in the Admin Lobby to help trim the annual Christmas tree this morning. Thurber was attentive, well behaved, and awake for about a half hour and then he decided it was time to take a nap. He takes after his Grandpa. After his nap, he found the food table and hoovered all the crumbs he could find. One tradition every year is to add an angel ornament to remember beloved staff who have passed during the year. Three of these special ornaments were added with the most dear to my heart being Portia's. Numerous members of the Math Department were gathered to honor her memory.

Morning Skate

This morning I take Thurber to the Admin building for the annual tree decorating at 9:30 am. Talulah is still recuperating from her minor surgery. You can see her scar and stitches in one of the photos. She's doing well except when she's around skateboards...Thurber on the other hand loves jumping on the board. His exits are still less than graceful, but he's trying.