Trip to Canada

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

I have been looking forward to this wildlife art workshop in Canada for months (over a year actually) with my favorite artist ever, Dan Smith. With Hallie's health problems this year, I panicked and cancelled the trip at least 3 times but when she'd get better I'd quick get my spot back...Dan has not taught in years and may not again so it was pretty much a once in a lifetime chance. I called both of Hallie's neurologists, and they both said the trip would not trigger an episode with her, I also took all her meds and the main thing was one of the students at the workshop is a vet and she was very kind to say she'd be more than willing to help out if Hallie did have any problems there. Hallie's "Grammy" (my step mom) also went with us and I took a list of vet clinics in several towns along the way of the 7 hour drive there up to a ski lodge in the mountains near Penticton. I was still scared to death to take her, she had another minor episode that tramadol helped a few days before we left and I got the flu the day before we were to leave...but we went and it was amazing and Hallie felt GREAT...we both came back feeling 1000% better.

She had me smiling all week, I have not seen her this happy in months. She'd wake me up every morning rarin' to go, we had adjoining rooms with my stepmother so she'd run in there to say hello. Then she'd run with me down the hall to the workshop room and everyone loved her, she got a lot of petting and baby talking. She was SO good, she would say hi to everyone then I'd put her in her bed in the chair next to me while I painted and she'd go upside down and snooze until the break or meal times. She got to where she wouldn't even open her eyes when people came over to rub her belly at times. But as soon as we got up to go somewhere, she was dancing and smiling with her eyes twinkling. I would say "Go find Grammy" and she'd race down the hallway and stop in front of my stepmother's door with her tail wagging. She never got too tired out even by the end of the week and I really think she misses it, she even went with us to the late evening entertainment (music, etc) and she slept through that. They dubbed her the mascot there and I think she french kissed each person at some point.

And for me, it was the workshop of my dreams, I learned so much and it will change the way I paint, it was an amazing experience to meet Dan Smith and his son Adam who is insanely talented too. I have dreamed of a workshop like this for 20 years when I first saw Dan's work...(hmmm, Adam would have been 4 at that time, I feel old!). Dan even said that Hallie was the "perfect dog". So I am an even bigger fan now.  :thumb:

It was a much needed break after the last 6 months of stress with the health issues, we both came home feeling tons better and she is feeling great still and "boofing" out her front window right now at the fireworks.

Here are some pics. First in front of the hotel our first night. Fanciest hotel I've ever been in...it's right on a beautiful lake. We were to meet the rest of the class in the morning to follow them up the mountain to the ski lodge where the workshop was being held.

Second, a view of the back of the hotel, our room was on the 2nd floor there somewhere behind her.

Third, enjoying a cold one on a warm evening with the ducks. (JUST in case...I hope everyone knows I didn't give my Hallie any beer! This was just an empty bottle sitting there, not mine!)

Fourth in the lobby, by the fireplace, it was warm out but AC inside...

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

First one, Hallie dug the room service (and so did I!)

Second one, Dans son, Adam, getting his "dog fix" (he has a boston terrier at home). Notice how well her shaved spot has finally filled in.

Third one, Hallie's typical pose during the classes

Fourth one, running down the hall to "Find Grammy"

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

First one...a bear visited every night, and one night he tore the door off the back of the kitchen and got into a big oil barrel. When he ran off he left these dark oil paw prints. He stopped at the carved wooden statue and peed on it, you can see the big pee stain on the ground next to it there. Hallie is sitting at the end of the tracks trying to convince us she made them!  :thumb:

Second, Hallie testing out a chair in the lodge common room.

Third, Hallie thanking the vet who was so nice to be there to help us if needed (she even checked her over and gave me a list of other things to rule out as her problem!)

Fourth, can you find the little Hallie girl

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

First, Hallie enjoying some of the evening entertainment

Second Hallie conked out during the evening entertainment

Third Dan Smith holding Hallie

Last, just a cute one of her in a rare non-upside down pose in her bed.

If interested in seeing Dan's art check out his site at http://www.danielsmithwildlife.com/ he is amazing.

[Roberta]

thank goodness you pair checked in I was wondering where and how you pair were. Ahhhm the upside down pose I know quite well its Amy's favourite on "if all fails lie and sleep on your bacK" and yes her spot is covering.
You all sounded as if you all had fun and chilled out  
What talented family his father must be so proud. But they are not as good as you my friend.
Going back to have another look at the photos
roberta and da gang

[Roberta]

So haillie your new song Is " French kissin in the USA (or should that be Canada)"
Roberta

[cheryl186]

Dee Dee....looks like you and Hallie had a wonderful time I am soooo happy you got to go.  I know how much you wanted to do this and see...everything turned out okay  :thumb:  Mr. Smith and his son are awesome painters but you know what?  I AGREE WITH ROBERTA...THEY ARE NOT AS GOOD AS YOU!!!!  You can actually see the gleam in Hallie's eyes....she enjoyed every minute of it.... And if you are feeling better physically...........that is what matters, because girlfriend......in my opinion, you are the utmost bestest painter there is!!!  People need to be coming to your seminars and classes....most definitely    
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: 

[DeeanDave]

Sounds like you had an awesome time!  Glad to hear from you two---I was about ready to send out the troops of Sarge & Duggie to look for Princess Hallie and you!   Dee

[Doxherding Karen]

Great trip, great piccys!

Good for you!!

Karen :apls:

[roisinmarie]

i'm so glad everything worked out for you and hallie and i wish you both all the luck in the future the pictures were great 

[Brekkesmom]

Wow - such gorgeous shots of everything, especially ze French-kissing Hallie!   An art workshop is awesome - my last one was almost 5 years ago, and I am sad to say I haven't practiced very much since then.  We are glad you reported in - the Bakersfield contingent was getting worried about you two!

[Valerie]

I am so glad you had a great trip!  You know what, I think our dogs are like us and love to go on vacation to new places!  I think its fun for them to sniff new places and meet new people!
This trip sounds like it was just what you 2 needed!

[papbouv]

I also have been worried about you and Hallie great pictures of your trip really helps us too for the ones that do not get out much to see all the wonderful trips people make.Sounds like it was what you and Hallie needed to feel better hope you are in the pink also Hallie looks like she had a blast.You are such a talented person you could also do classes every thing you do from the great photos to the super beautiful paintings cannot say enough about your work it is just wonderful you can do all of it.
Sure glad you reported in was going to ask if anyone heard anything about you two,glad you enjoyed yourself's.
Papbouv
Patches & Buddy

[Barb]

Oh DD and Hallie - what a fabulous adventure you had !!!  Thanks so much for sharing the pictures and stories and I am SO glad you had a great time with no mishaps.....  Did you have any doubts that Hallie would be the "star" ?!?!?!?!??!?!?

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thanks so much you guys, it really was what we needed. And you are being very nice :) but I'm nowhere near the caliber of Dan or his son, but it was great to at least see "how" they do it! I'm anxious to practice their techniques. And I agree totally, I think most of our puppers anyway, really enjoy and need to get out and see things. I know Hallie is now bored and wondering where all those people who fawned over her went. Mom is good but 40 new friends was really fun for her! She's asleep across my arms here now I'm going to take her into town and do some errands with me in a minute. She never made a peep on the whole trip except when I was carrying her to the lunch room and a big black dog came out of nowhere and was leaping up all over me trying to get to her, he didn't look super aggressive although he was  very intense and of course could have easily hurt her, so I was just calmly twisting my body away from him hoping he'd stop, Hallie was calm and not moving in my arms, my poor step mother is afraid of big dogs so couldnt' help me out by taking his collar (I could tell he wouldn't bite he was just young and overzealous). A kind soul came running out and grabbed the dog so we could get inside, Hallie was still calm but when we got about halfway across the room she let out one big BARK!!!!! Translation: "And DON'T come back!" Made everyone laugh...she waited to make sure the dog was long gone and couldn't hear her before she told him off.

I am somewhat sheepish to say after an ECG, holter moniter, echocardiogram, stress test, blood tests, chest xray, several pulmonary tests, being told at different points I had long qt syndrome (went to the cardiology center at the UW and they now don't think I do), diabetes (I don't have it), asthma and even using an inhaler (now they say I don't have asthma), and the last thing was a report saying I had severe loss of capillaries in my lungs (this all due to not being able to breathe for 5 months and heart going nuts not being able to eat or sleep, burning stomach, etc) and a lung CT scan, and not to mention spending hundreds of $$ on all this, I had my last appointment (I think I've been to a Dr at least 1-3 times a week since Jan) just before going to Canada with a pulmonologist who redid the bad test that showed the capillary loss and it was much better and could see nothing wrong. So now the final verdict is all these symptoms and feeling so crappy is being chalked up to anxiety over Hallie.  :verdict: Which is great news and makes sense since when she gets bad so do I. So we're both doing great at the moment...I hate to think what will happen down the road though if I got that bad with her at this point, I thought I was gonna flame out there a few times! Me thinks Hallie and I need to keep some wine/whine on hand at all times.  :thumb:

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Oh and Dee, I did check the map to see how far it was from where we turned north on 97 to go to Canada in Eastern Wa from Spokane hoping I could swing by and take some photos of the boys with you but it was more than just a short jaunt LOL!

[DeeanDave]

Oh and Dee, I did check the map to see how far it was from where we turned north on 97 to go to Canada in Eastern Wa from Spokane hoping I could swing by and take some photos of the boys with you but it was more than just a short jaunt LOL!

That would have been more than just a short jaunt from Spokane!  Dang, too bad we didn't live closer!  We would have loved to see you and Hallie! Sounds like you had a great time and I love the pictures of Miss Hallie!  Dee

[Sandishooligans]

Whew DD!  I was worried about you!  Hadn't heard from ya in a long time.  So tickled that you got to go to Canada and do what you do best......ART.  I'm thrilled that Miss Hallie got to accompany you.  As aways, she is beautifully photogenic.  Hate to admit it, but my favorite picture is with the beer bottle.  Hallie fakes being totally plastered real well.  :crazyeyes:  Looks like quite the swanky place.  I'm glad you had a good time and I'm thrilled that Miss Hallie was well received.

Sounds like things are going well for you.  Smile and enjoy! 

[sollysmom]

I loved all the pics you took, and I think it's great you had such an awesome time!!!!  Good to have you back on the board, you were very much missed.

Darcel

[Kari]

I am so glad that you went to the workshop!!! I love all the pictures!

[papbouv]

Sorry but you are wrong about your paintings they are great just as good as the one I saw on the web site you posted you still do beautiful work.

[tpoof]

Hearing of your fun trip to Canada and seeing Hallie all smiley tugs on the ol heartstrings... 
We are happy for you both! :thumb:  :apls: 

[TerriL]

What a wonderful trip and how great it is to know that you and the gorgeous Miss Hallie are doing well.  I love the pictures!  Hallie looks so happy....which of course makes her mama happy!   

[Leslie]

WOW!  You guys had a GREAT time!  And you got to hone your craft.  The weather looked perfect and yer two best friends weere with ya.  What could be more fun?  Well, a bottle of Miller lIte.
So glad you had a successful and fun trip.  Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures.
Now, shouldn't you be at your easel?

[Doxherding Karen]

What could be more fun?  Well, a bottle of Miller lIte.

Oh, yeah, Auntie Dee Dee has HER Miller lite, then makes Hallie Girl pose next to the empty bottle!  What is THAT Dee Dee's deal????

Merlin the Magician