Happy 4th of July!

Dear Readers,

Today, July 4, 2015, is America's 239th birthday! 

To celebrate, my blog intern, Dizzie, gave me a bag of treats decorated with the American flag, and my boyfriend, Frank, gave me American roses.

This is a great country, where a little Poodle like me is free to have her own blog and entertain people all over the world! 

Happy Birthday America!

Love,

Lilly Faye

Memorial Day 2015

Dear Readers,

The last Monday in May is Memorial Day in the United States. It's when Americans pause to remember all those who died in service to our country. We honor the memories of those brave men and women, and thank their families for their sacrifice.

Mr. Frank: Hi, Doll.

Lilly Faye: Hello, Frank. I was just thinking about all the people who have given their lives for our country.

I was also thinking about dear friends who have passed away. SweetPea, and Busty Cat, and of course my beloved fiance, Jakey Wakey, the greatest Briard who ever lived.

Mr. Frank: I know you miss them all, Doll. 

Lilly Faye: I'm sorry, Frank. I didn't mean to be insensitive by bringing up Jake.

Mr. Frank: It's okay. I know you had a life before we got together. I did, too. Of course, it isn't quite the same for me. Crystal is still alive, so I could see her anytime I want.

Lilly Faye: Wait. What? Who?

Mr. Frank: My former girlfriend, Crystal the Basset Hound, from my old neighborhood. Didn't I ever mention her?

Lilly Faye: No, you certainly did not. That's not something I would forget!

Mr. Frank: It was just a crush. I used to tease her by pulling her long ears.

Lilly Faye: I didn't realize you prefer long ears, Frank. I could let the hair on my ears grow longer. I only had them bobbed for the summer heat.

Mr. Frank: It's nothing to get upset over, Doll. I love your cute little ears! Besides, I haven't thought of Crystal once since you and I got together. You believe me, don't you?

Lilly Faye: I suppose so. It's just a lot to take in. I could use a little time to myself, Frank.

Mr. Frank: Sure, Doll.

Mr. Frank: I gotta make it right with Doll Face.

Lilly Faye: Oh, Frank, I'm so glad you came back! I'm embarrassed about the way I acted earlier. We're not young pups. Of course you've dated other girls before me. I let the green-eyed monster get the better of me. But it's only because I love you so much.

Mr. Frank: No need to be embarrassed, Doll. You're the only girl for me! Here, I brought you some flowers. I picked them myself. My sister Ceecee had the idea to dye some of them blue.

Lilly Faye: I'm the luckiest girl in the world!

A Valentine From Frank

Dear Readers,

Frank has just given me a very special Valentine!

I hope each of you get your own special Valentine this year!

Love,

Lilly Faye

Managing Expectations

Lilly Faye: How has the new year been for you so far, Frank?

Mr. Frank: It's too cold. It's hard to busk when my lips freeze to my tuba, and people just want to hurry in and out of the stores.

Lilly Faye: Why don't you take a few weeks off?

Mr. Frank: I'm trying to earn money for a special occasion.

Lilly Faye: What about your chef's skills? Have you thought of selling baked goods instead of busking?

Mr. Frank: I've asked around at a few restaurants, but they say there's no demand for my broccoli muffins or my black bean cakes.

Lilly Faye: Black bean cakes?

Mr. Frank: They look just like chocolate cake, but they're mostly fiber, so they're better for you.

Lilly Faye: Well, maybe you don't need as much money as you think you do, Frank. Simple pleasures are the best.

Mr. Frank: Do you really mean that, Doll?

Lilly Faye: Of course I do, Frank.

Mr. Frank: Thanks, Doll Face! What a relief! I was afraid you were expecting a fancy Valentine.

Lilly Faye: Wait, you mean we're talking about Valentine's Day?

Situation Normal

Ceecee: You know Frank, lately every other day has felt like a Sunday. I'm glad January has arrived. I'm looking forward to being back on a normal schedule.

Mr. Frank: I agree. The holidays were great, but the pressure of finding the right gifts, doing the fancy baking, and all the extra celebrating really wore me out. I'm looking forward to a nice long, quiet spell, with no obligations.

Meanwhile, at the back fence...

Lilly Faye: Cali, guess what? I was just at the store, and it was full of pretty Valentines!

Cali: Oh that's right, this will be your first Valentine's Day with Frank.

Lilly Faye: And you know how romantic he is. I'm sure Frank will do it up big. I can hardly wait!

My First New Year's Eve with Frank!

Lilly Faye: It's New Year's Eve. I hope Frank hasn't forgotten our date.

Lilly Faye: Frank, you remembered! Happy New Year!

Mr. Frank: I could never forget a date with you Doll Face, especially on a romantic night like this.

Lilly Faye: Let's sit out here, so we can see the neighborhood fireworks.

Mr. Frank: We can make our own fireworks, Doll.

Lilly Faye: Giggle, giggle. Why don't you open the champagne.

Mr. Frank: Let me put on my party hat first.

Mr. Frank: There, that's better.

Mr. Frank: Sniff, sniff. Smells like a good vintage.

Mr. Frank: I'd like to propose a toast. To us, may 2015 be our best, most romantic year yet!

Lilly Faye: I know it will be a good year with you by my side, Frank.

The champagne is tickling my nose.

Lilly Faye: I bought some mistletoe for the occasion, but now I can't find it.

Mr. Frank: Was it a bunch of green stuff tied up with a red ribbon? I ate it.

Lilly Faye: Oh, no! Mistletoe is poisonous, Frank! You need to have your stomach pumped right away!

Mr. Frank: Nah, it didn't taste very good, so I hurled it up. You might want to avoid your side yard for a few days.

Lilly Faye: Good to know.

Mr. Frank: I don't need mistletoe to smooch on my girl.

Mr. Frank: Pucker up, Doll.

Lilly Faye: Oh, Frankie! Kiss, kiss.

Mr. Frank: Smooch!

Lilly Faye: You're a good kisser Frank.

Mr. Frank: I'm one lucky fella.

Lilly Faye: I wish the whole world could be as happy as we are right now.

Dear Readers,

May 2015 be your best year yet!

Happy New Year!

Love,

Lilly Faye