“A Preference for Pines”

I share that!

Pine Warbler

Woot! New “Cover Snark”!

Cover Snark: Lice Check

Well, the preview looks different from the post; the link embedded as usual on the post, but on the preview, there is simply the title as a hyperlink. Either way, go there and prepare to be amazed and amused!

Clearance

I ran across this over the weekend, and emailed it to myself in case I thought I ought to post it. I’m not sure it’s a great post, but it’s cool if you turn the volume down a bit at the beginning. It’s one of those little shorts that is somehow satisfying and a little cleansing to watch. I know it’s morning, and I do not work for any pastry providers. It’s just a neat little vid.

🐕Funny Little Guy

So, things with Ollie are progressing nicely. He’s a very good boy, he’s hilarious, and he’s made a good difference here in the house. Anyway. He was a little bit broken when he came; the wonderful family who gave him to me had rescued him from a kill shelter, where he was dropped for biting. They got him in 2020, everybody was pretty sure he was not older than a year, and he’d been abused and left with one or both rear legs that get sore. So, while Corgis are naturally snappy and usually are trained out of that, Ollie’s instincts are distrust and biting. The family who gave him to me were working with him, but he bit their toddler for reasons but still, so he had to move away. They think he’s around 5 now. I’ve been working with him more on trust and behavior. He has never demonstrated thinking of biting me, nor our son who lives here, and they play hard together! It really only takes a little time and a lot of consistency. And positive attention. Turns out, Ollie knows just how to behave himself, is a superlative watchdog (so now we’re working on barking after I’ve said something’s OK,) and is fun to play with. I wouldn’t want to be a stranger who just reached out to pet him, or to break in the house, but if I’m there, he’s not going to bite unless he sees that things are not right. I do worry he’ll never enjoy riding in a car; he gets really agitated and frightened in the car; it takes him some time to get past it once we’re home.

So yesterday (I’m scheduling this for early AM posting,) we went for our morning jaunt. He’s just hilarious on walks! Even though he’s been altered most of his life, he marks. Most of our doggies continued to mark after being spayed or neutered; even Corky, who was female. Anyway, I usually call walks “taking Ollie to check and reply to his messages,” since of course that’s what it is for doggies; they sniff, then mark (or not) then along comes the next reader-sniffer. Today, we stopped at a buried fiber optic marker, and he sniffed and sniffed and sniffed. He was very thorough, like individual bits of blades of grass thorough. Suddenly, he lifted his head, and turned to look at a house behind us. Then he glanced up at me, then sniffed the same spot again, but not as long. He then turned bodily to look at that house (I have no idea if they have a dog there,) then turned and sniffed again, then zoooomm we were off to the end of the block, Ollie apparently airborne. I’m still dying to know what on earth he learned there! I know we should be careful what we wish for, but I wish he could talk.

Sassy + Happy

A couple of videos I ran across last night.

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And Now For Something Completely Different-

It’s one of the Tabs on Wonkette this AM. I have a soft spot for Chicago for reasons, and was just interested because it’s not topical, and now I’m sharing it here because maybe we could all pool our money and buy this place for us and our allies! Actually, I’m sharing it because it’s different and interesting to look at. Take a look, and dream a little!

1355 N Astor St
Chicago, IL 60610

Description

Once-in-a-life time opportunity to own one of Chicago’s iconic estates, showcasing over 25,000 Sq. Ft. of combined living spaces and situated on nearly a third of an acre on Gold Coast’s most coveted Astor street. This palatial architectural masterpiece designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw for the Goodman Family graces the market for the first time in 40 years, promising to leave you speechless. A true hallmark of Chicago’s rich history, Astor Court has long captivated passersby with its magnificent neo-classical/Georgian Revival architecture spanning an impressive 80′ feet across. This distinguished estate is centered around a one-of-a-kind tremendous courtyard, meticulously landscaped with lush gardens and flowing fountains, transporting you to the tranquil Italian countryside, creating a peaceful sanctuary in the vibrant urban setting. The main residence of the estate features over 10,000 sq. ft. of exquisitely renovated grand spaces blending timeless elegance with modern luxury. No expense was spared in creating this treasure, presenting a rare opportunity to own a coveted piece of Chicago’s history. Every inch of the home exudes sophistication and grandeur offering unparalleled living experience featuring 13′ ceilings, venetian plaster walls, incredible intricate millwork and hardwood oak flooring throughout, fireplaces with magnificent original marble mantles, and gold plated fixtures. As you enter the home, you are immediately captivated by the grand sense of space, elegant design and a sweeping curved staircase that ascends to the expansive main living areas. Every room exudes scale and sophistication offering both beauty and functionality. There are five en-suite bedrooms, each with its own style and personality. The luxurious primary suite features beautiful lake views and a grand primary spa bath adorned with exquisite Italian marble. In addition to the main residence, Astor Court showcases six gorgeous unique rental units, each with its own distinct charm and character, generating significant income. The entire estate encompasses 45 rooms, 16 bedrooms, 17 baths and 18 fireplaces offering endless opportunities to expand the main residence or transform it into a sprawling multi-generational family compound. Currently, there are two parking spaces located directly behind the property with the option to convert the coach house into a garage for additional parking. This extraordinary estate is perfectly situated just steps from Michigan Avenue, the lakefront, parks, premier shops, favorite restaurants, and world-class entertainment.

Request a tour as early as
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Home Highlights

Parking Open Parking Outdoor Patio A/C Heating & Cooling

HOA None Price/Sqft $840 Listed 145 days ago

Many more photos on the page!

An Early Monday Brain Cleanser

From ‘Himalayan fur goblin’ to ‘teacup werewolf,’ these silly videos are helping dogs find homes

(I’m sorry you’ll have to click through to see the video; either the live headline above, or the link beneath the next graf. It won’t embed. It’s worth it, I promise!)

Nashville animal shelter volunteer Adrian Budnick was looking ideas to showcase the adoptable dogs on social media. Looking for a Himalayan fur goblin or a teacup werewolf? Her silly videos have increased both adoptions and donations. (AP video/Kristin M. Hall)Published 7:06 AM CDT, March 22, 2025

https://apnews.com/video/from-himalayan-fur-goblin-to-teacup-werewolf-these-silly-videos-are-helping-dogs-find-homes-0244d1b2f4df422ebe7e62304be87671