Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Bunnies Not So Hoppy on Rainy Day


Unlike the cartoon character (see right), the Erb family bunnies are stuck in their cages on this rainy day and are quite unhoppy. Chip remains in his, flopped and staring at the while. Root Beer Float and Ruby Jane remain huddled, staring out at the rain falling upon the grass. Cherry Bugg remains indignant, true to her self. And Phillip just hates water altogether. Meanwhile Mister John needs to remember not to wear Crocs when walking down wet sidewalks.

Meanwhile Mister John continues to read his Superfreakonomics book and highlight materials for this year's Super Quiz. Ah, the Academic Decathlon waits for no man or rain storm.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Vindication


OK, the second half was much much better than the first half. A new game plan, better defense, one timely interception. That's all we really needed. While 7-6 does not look like a great season by any means, it's not only better than 6-7 but we're also NOT U$C.

Chip and Cherry Bugg both united in watching the second half and by saying, "Go Bruins!" The best of all Thumpmas gifts...

Mister John Feels 90 Minutes of His Life Lost


After one half of frustrating bowl football, Mister John looked over at Cherry Bugg and asked, "Where did the last thirty minutes of my life go?" Cherry Bugg continued to eat her carrot and ignored his pained queries. Mister John should eat a carrot or two and feel better about himself as well.

UCLA basketball season is already in action or inaction as the case may be. Well, at least there's the fantasy football title game this Sunday. Go Spanish Inquisition!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Miss Jill, Mister John Ride Rampant Through Desert

Underneath the roar of engines road Miss Jill and Mr. John through the desert by Miss Jill's family home in an unincorporated area near Surprise, AZ. Miss Jill took to a quad runner and left the home, leaving everyone wondering where she went. Upon her return (she said it was "Whee fun!"), Mr. John took his turn but not without her trailing behind in her father's Jeep. No bunnies were startled in the desert but as Skip is apt to say, "Those aren't real bunnies. Those are hares with scary eyes." Like the Pardoner, for you Chaucer fans.

There might be pictures accompanying this tomorrow. Until then, Miss Jill will rue about the shoes she wants to buy but will not. Mr. John will lead the family in more board games. Whee fun!

And Chip says Hi to all the bloggers out there.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Thumpmas Stick Not Approved


Chip was given two sticks for Thumpmas: one in the box (pictured to right) and one in the cage (also pictured but to the left). Alas, Chip was not amused and repeatedly tossed it out his cage. But for the picture he reluctantly allowed it to stay inside for the requisite five seconds for photographing. But as soon as Miss Jill withdrew her camera, TOSS! Out goes the stick. Nothing like acts of indignant defiance on Thumpmas.

Chip Insulted with Gift Stick

Chip was quite unamused when Mr. John and Miss Jill brought him a desert stick for Thumpmas. He first lunged at it then tossed it outside of his cage. He didn't mention that he loved the carrot given to him earlier in the day. Or the excellent nose rub Mr. John gave him in the morning. But for now, a disdaining Thumpmas thump. No news on what RBF, Ruby Jane, Phillip, and Cherry Bugg received for Thumpmas. But one would think they would not be satisfied.

As for Miss Jill, she really likes her new boots which make her feet feel comfortable. Mr. John also received some appropriate t-shirts, board games, and books.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

All Rabbits but Chip Ignored for Thumpmas

It's the annual tradition in the Erb household. The bunnies get together and celebrate Thumpmas without Mr. John and Miss Jill who mysteriously disappear every year. But the bunnies discovered this year that their owners have scurried off to Arizona to be with Miss Jill's parents. And they also took Chip with them to show off! "The indignity of it all!" proclaimed Cherry Bugg. "That little pipsqueak doesn't know the slightest thing about Thumpmas yet they take him to show him off to all those people." Finally, after an elongated thump, "And I'm cuter too!"

Root Beer Float took a more conciliatory approach. "That's okay that they took him," said RBF in between bites of a carrot. "More food here for us anyway." That thought was seconded by her sister Ruby Jane who didn't bother to answer as she was eating a carrot as well.

Miss Jill denied any wrongdoing and said, "We're just trying to spread the joy of rabbits to all!" The Erb rabbits have yet to comment on that.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

First Semester of Grad School Complete

There is no truth to the rumor that Mr. John is taking classes in Feeding Rabbits. He just finished his first two M.A. classes and feels relieved. That sort of relief that only completing a 14 page hand-written final on Chaucer can do.

Time to go pet a bunny. A nice furry bunny that fluffs up for Thumpmas.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Thumpmas, Two Weeks Away

Again the commemoration of the greatest indignity of rabbit history occurs in two weeks. On that night, Joseph and a pregnant Mary were trying to find a place to stay. There was no room in the inn so they had to stay out in a stable. But the animals all were allowed to stay... except the rabbits! They were forcefully moved out by the Shepherds. Then the Magi later came by and tried to eat them! How intolerably rude!!! Thus the rabbits on the scene were quite upset. The birth of the Baby Jesus startled them. With all the Seraphim singing and the Choirs and Hosts rejoicing, the rabbits could do only what they knew: They THUMPED. And with that thump, that startled the Baby Jesus and he cried for the very first time. Granted a few windows broke but still the upset rabbits helped create one of the seminal moments in Jesus' life. The rabbits look back on Thumpmas with mixed emotions. Yes, the great Jesus was born but they were also kicked out of their home, thus starting a tradition in many nations: the chasing of rabbits out of hutches. (Heck, Australia even has a rabbit-proof fence! Those heathens)

Make sure you leave a large carrot out on Thumpmas night. Otherwise the great Thumpmas rabbit may get upset and go potty on your sofa. Don't want that to happen!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

No Rumor that Mister John Is Running from Thumpmas

Now that Thumpmas is only a few weeks away, the pressure is on Mr. John and Miss Jill to get presents for the rabbits. While they were denying the pressure, a picture was just leaked of Mr. John supposedly running to a store to buy carrot-scented presents. While no one can actually confirm this, the number pinned to his chest confirms some sort of organized action.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

RIP: Princess Jane (2001-2009)

Princess Jane passed away this afternoon while sitting calmly on the back lawn. It was a calm peaceful Sunday as she, her husband Phillip, and the two sisters were all out hopping around the back lawn. She passed peacefully, as she was thinking about her great empire that has grown since her childhood days. Sadly, Phillip ran around looking for his dear wife but spent much of the rest of the afternoon sitting beside her and reflecting upon their life together.

Life was not always so for the two of them as they originally argued as they sat in two separate cages. But love overcame all those original spats as they lived together in the large cage for four years. Princess Jane was loved by all and no rabbit has had softer fur to pet than her. She is survived by her husband Phillip and has given much training to Root Beer Float as they often sat beside each other in the back yard on Sunday afternoons. Jane lived a long full life and will be reunited her long time nemeses Flowers and Miss Bugg.

She will always be remembered. We love you, Princess Jane. Let St. Francis pray for you, our Grey Girl, as you run wildly with your family and friends in Bunny Heaven.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Chip Likes Being Petted on the Nose

Miss Jill and Mister John were stunned to discover that little Chip loves being petted on the nose. Now he of course denies this and will always stay at least one arm's length away from people but when petted on the nose, he will happily flop beside the nose petter.

In other news, Ruby Jane is becoming more of a bed bunny as well. She flops on the bed next to Mister John and Miss Jill but then likes scratching about later (unlike Cherry Bugg who will quietly flop all night). Sooner or later she'll understand what to do.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Jane Denies Facelift

Princess Jane vehemently denies having a facelift on Saturday although there are definitive marks on her eye. She claims she had an equipment malfunction and needed excess makeup to deal with it. Mr. John and Miss Jill both deny any sort of accusation of abuse.

Meanwhile Cherry Bugg indignantly states that Princess Jane has a new facelift. "Whatever," she said.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

RBF Wonders Where Cake Is

Even though it is nowhere near her birthday, Root Beer Float was heard asking her sister Ruby Jane, "Hey, where's my birthday cake?"

"Where's OUR birthday cake?" retorted Ruby Jane, irritated that RBF forgot that they share the same birthday. Ruby Jane, our beloved Brown Bear, shrugged and hopped back under the orange tree.

Root Beer Float, as you can see here, sits a bit confused near the base of the ham radio tower. She's pining for a nice chocolate cake. Maybe all of this Halloween chatter among the rabbits led to her thinking she'd get chocolate cake. Heck, Mister John and Miss Jill would like some chocolate cake too.

Meanwhile Chip is upset that people keep blaming him for things. Poor chip.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Chip Falsely Accused of Den Mishap


According to Miss Jill, the computer went on the blink this afternoon and stopped working. She said that a particular cute bunny by the name of Chip was the culprit. Chip denied any malfeasance although he probably didn't use that particular word (he is a young bunny after all, his vocabulary hasn't expanded that far yet). About all he did say though was, "Get me out of this box!"

Mister John later fixed the rogue computer problem and all was well in Erbland. Well, I take that back. Cherry Bugg wanted inside for some apple slices. How could the owners refuse?

Princess Jane has been losing some weight again. No one is fond of her crash diets. We want her to eat a little more. It's the royal way to go.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Gidget Comes Home


For some insane reason we don't have a picture of Gidget yet (this one is just a cousin we found on the Internet). She's our new SurfWagon and Miss Jill and I adore her. She just needs to keep an even keel on her transmission and it's all good.

We'll take the rabbits for a ride some time this weekend. I'm sure they'll approve. Lots of room in the back for hopping. Go go Gidget!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Cherry Bugg Denies Calling Jane a Bowling Ball



Cherry Bugg claims that Jane would be better off using a bowling ball. However, many heard the spirited rabbit to say that she thought Princess Jane, the "grey girl," was a bowling ball. Never mind that others debated the merits of metaphor versus simile. But ultimately cooler heads prevailed.

Meanwhile Chip is lost in the den with new furniture. "THUMP," said his foot.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Oliver Visits the Back Yard


Mr. John was going out to get some food for Chip as the little boy was acting disconsolate over not having any food in his cage. On Mr. John's way out to the food bin, he opened it to hear such a clutter. Whoa! Inside was none other than Oliver who managed to get inside the food bin. How he got in the closed shed remains a mystery but it certainly startled Mr. John who nearly reached his hand in there until he heard the rattling of Oliver.

While Oliver looks like a mere babe in the back yard, Mr. John does recall having supervision duty over an angry possum in a Bombshelter trash can so long ago. "Hey you, get the broom and guard the possum!" Boy, what teeth on that thing. Oliver is still hiding in the bottom part of the shed but luckily the food bin was surreptitiously taken out so Chip could be fed. Root Beer Float and Ruby Jane were privy to the whole action and were not happy about it.

Last week Miss Jill's sister swore she spotted a rat in the backyard. I guess it was just Oliver. He means well but tomorrow he gets the hose if he hangs around any more.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Bunnies Claim Mister John Is Trying to Poison Them

Early this morning both Root Beer Float and Princess Jane were taken inside the house for medication regarding various illnesses. However, neither rabbit seemed completely sure that it was for strictly medicinal reasons even though they both sat through an extensive visit at the veterinarian on Wednesday afternoon.

"I didn't like it one bit," complained Root Beer Float who was awakened at 5:34 in the morning. "He picked me up out of cage, tried to shove a syringe into my mouth and it didn't even taste like carrots." Mister John said that this was for her recurrence of sneezing but she didn't exactly believe this. "I think this is because I am too cute."

Princess Jane thought otherwise. "This is an attempt to usurp my power. I think that troglodyte Cherry Bugg is behind this." Again Mister John assured her this was for her sore mouth and the problems caused by an inflammation of the gums. "I am a princess. Princesses do not have sore gums." She then indignantly hopped away. She was later consoled by her husband Phillip who told her to drink some water. Lots of water.

Hopefully this problem will be rectified. However, Mister John says the medicine will last for two full weeks. But unfortunately for Princess Jane, she will have to return to the vet. Mister John tells her it's for her beauty spa.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Bunnies Unmoved by Illnesses

Supposedly a mean touch of the flu hit the home of Mister John and Miss Jill but the rabbits did not buy their excuses. They were thumping mad that in a week in which Mister John has multiple short days -- and even took a sick day! -- that they did not get to run around the back yard. "THUMP," said Ruby Jane's right back foot. Cherry Bugg did curtly add to this whole illness thing, "I thought I saw a pig tail on that Mister John. The swine flu with him!" They all giggled before ChBugg tried to bite the others on the butt.

But four of the rabbits were able to be out and about for a summer Sunday. Alas, RBF and Ruby Jane were also unhappy that they had to go up early because their masters were going to Mass. Maybe if the bunnies had more religion in their lives, they would not be so unsympathetic to such matters.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

One Man's Viewing of Ramses II

I was a traveler from an antique land
And saw a big-ass trunkless head of stone
Stand upon a museum shelf. On the stand
Half drunk, a worn-down visage lies, that frown
And herpes'd lip and sneer of cold command
Tell those ideas of what a sculptor dread
Yet still survive be it among these things,
My hand doth mock him for I know he's dead
And on his pedestal faint words appear:
'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings,
Look on my bowling, John Erb, and despair!'
Nothing around remains. Round the display
Of that olde bowling wreck ancient and bare,
I'll travel to much better lanes today.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Last Night for the Pengoon

Alas, poor Pengoon, I knew him well, Horatio.

The Academic Decathlon mascot will return to school tomorrow as the whole school year process starts all over again. While it is sad not to see the cheerful penguin in the home, it does prove problematic. Such animals like TV Turtle and Sharkey (who disappeared for a week but was finally found in Miss Jill's jewelry box, don't ask) do not like the Pengoon's presence because he eats most of their fish. The Pengoon denies it all but fish breath is hard to remove.

Only students who are in Academic Decathlon are allowed to touch the penguin. Others receive detention. Such is the power of the penguin... er, Pengoon.

Not to worry, world, the Pengoon will be back home over Christmas vacation. Hey, gotta take the carpool lane once in a while!

Princess Jane Incensed at Mockery

Mister John and Miss Jill looked all regal last week while visiting the Eagle Castle Winery in Central California (either inside or outside the border of Paso Robles). They took quite a quaint picture as they looked very royal here. Unfortunately one rabbit princess did not take kindly to this photo and called it grotesque. While the two humans tried to play it off as some sort of satire, it still did not go over well with either Jane and Phillip.

Mister John (pictured to the left) is sitting at his wife's laptop in Pismo Beach wondering whether or not the quasi-royal picture was appropriate. After a few thoughtful minutes, he decided to go with the photo.

Unfortunately for Mister John, the whole school year process begins again tomorrow. Another 11 months of teaching... the bunnies will miss him. Who will let them out during the day? Indeed.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Miss Jill Disses RBF, Chooses Baileys


Right in front of Commute Bunny, Miss Jill was offered the choice of ice cream, a dinner liquor, or a root beer float. And Miss Jill rejected the frothy drink of choice amid the Erb family rabbits. Commute Bunny and Mister John were shocked that she would eschew the namesake drink of the prominent sneezing rabbit in the household. Mister John of course chose the root beet float. Maybe Miss Jill was holding out for the rubies jubilee.

Meanwhile Commute Bunny angrily opposes being called a Pocket Monkey. More on that later.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Traversing the Central Coast


Miss Jill and Mister John have spent a few days wandering about the Central Coast. They have tasted wine, walked beaches, and survived brush-fires.

The first two days in Paso Robles were quite refreshing, nothing like escaping the big city for a little small time flavor. Actual downtown parking for free! Who would have thought of such an idea? (certainly not Santa Monica) Now we are in Pismo Beach. No, not Pepto Bismol.

Commute Bunny has traveled with us and has met many friends and has escaped the swooping bird who try to say Hello to her.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Commute Bunny Nearly Disrupts Hamlet

While Mister John was off in London on official business, he decided to drop by the Wyndham Theatre and watch a production of Shakespeare's greatest tragedy Hamlet, starring Jude Law. Mister John thought it was an excellent production as it had a much greater variety of humor than the occasionally self-congratulating and often bombastic (yet excellent) Kenneth Brannagh version. He showed up looking quite dapper as Commute Bunny hid behind Mister John's tie and promised to keep quiet and never say, "Kitty! Kitty!" to anyone. He later bribed her with cookies and cream ice cream during the intermission.

Alas, in the middle of Hamlet's great "To be or not to be" soliloquy in the third act, Commute Bunny got bored and trying to sing out, "It's bo-ring! It's bo-ring! The fat man in the front row is sno-ring!" Luckily Mister John muffled this action before this would interrupt Jude Law and the rest of the elite West End audience. Do note that the seat was dead centre, third row. Yeah, he could see the actors spit out ever 'p' word. Commute Bunny did start singing in the fourth act when Ophelia started singing about Valentine's Day and later decided to go swimming with the flowers. No, not Flowers (to the right). Poor Ophelia never had a chance. She was romantically interested in a prince who just saw his uncle kill his father and then marry his mother. Her father talked way too much and her brother Laertes was a hot headed France lover!

All in all, the play was worth the 110 pounds. Superior acting, adequate costumes (Horatio wearing rolled-up jeans, really?), impeccable timing, and solid lighting... I give it a strong 4 1/2 carrots! Now if only my traveling rabbit companion could keep her mouth shut in the Tube as well...

Friday, July 31, 2009

Rabbits Indignant Like Desert Birds in "The Second Coming"

OK, so most of you have never read "The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats (rhymes with Gates). But there are some desert birds in that poem and you know what? They are quite the indignant little beasties. Or as my Dad, TOME (The Original Mr. Erb), would call them: "mangy rascals." While I would never ostensibly call a bird -- especially indignant desert ones -- a mangy rascal, I don't ask. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the second coming. I don't think Root Beer Float and Jane (both picture to the right) care about such silly nonsense. Furthermore that whole cult belief that the world will end in December of 2012 does not amuse Princess Jane in the least. Her reign will not end (do note that the forecast for the San Gabriel Mission Fiesta is God Reigns) and she will remain the lead rabbit on Dewey Street for a very long time coming.

The Dodgers won, 5-0, today. Woot!

I just hope that my bunnies are not slouching towards Bethlehem in order to witness the new Antichrist. What, you still haven't read "The Second Coming" yet? Get your butt to http://www.potw.org/archive/potw351.html and read it already.

Questions to ponder:

1) What do the falcon and falconer symbolize?
2) Why do you think Yeats refers to the Sphinx?
3) If Yeats was so damn sure the world would end in 2000, why didn't it? (Silly Y2K)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Chip Claims He's Not on the Potty Train


Even though Chip proceeded to drink a half-bowl of water in front of Miss Jill and Mister John tonight, he claims he is not planning on going potty on any furniture. Alas, poor Chip is locked up for the time being because a nice tasty computer extension cord is in the room and sometimes he gets hungry.

Meanwhile, Cherry Bugg had the backyard all to herself today. Most of the time she flopped under trees but she did show some vivacity toward the late afternoon.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Bunnies Starve While Couple Eats Dodger Dogs!


Again more dissension within the Erb family/bunny continuum as pictures have surfaced of Miss Jill and Mister John at a Dodger game while the bunnies stayed home in their cages. While there are no facts stating that the couple had Dodger dogs at the game, Mister John did tell Miss Jill to wipe some mustard off her face as they walked in the house that night. The bunnies quietly sulked but Chip did wisely note, "When they are away, I have more time to hop around the house." Good for Chip.

In good news for all Dodgers fans, the Dodgers beat the Reds that night, 12-3.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Miss Jill Related to Greatest Player in Baseball History! (Bunnies Unmoved)

According to reliable baseball sources, my own Miss Jill is related to the greatest baseball player in history.

http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/selfless_jason_kendall

He has always amazed me in that no one in MLB swings at fewer first pitches than him. Maybe he just wishes to find the perfect pitch to bunt every at bat. Life is a series of sacrifices after all.

Alas, Ruby Jane and Root Beer Float disagree with that statement. Life should not be a series of sacrifices but rather a continuous bacchanalian fest full of carrots, grass, and roses. RBF could not be held for comment as she had food in her mouth and that it would be improper to talk.

Meanwhile, one jockey with the last name of Erb won the Kentucky Derby once. That's about it for us. Of course there is that John Erb in Virginia who thinks the big bad Pharma Wolf is out to get him. But I digress from the main topic at hand: Miss Jill is related to the greatest player in baseball history! WOOT!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Movin' on Up!


After two days in the LBC, Miss Jill and I decided to roll the dice and see where Priceline would take us again. And this time Captain Kirk beamed us to Beverly Hills! (OK, Scotty did much of the beaming but he was an engineer, not a transporter chief) Anyway, we stayed at the Residence Inn Beverly Hills even though it was technically in LA (boo!). I guess that explains the large cockroaches on the street outside of the hotel. Beverly Hills must have evicted all pests.

Commute Bunny made some more friends but that's what she does. I guess she wants to be on TV shows but I prefer if she remains grounded.

Anyway, we're back home, our furniture is all over the place, the wood floors are all polished, and Jill said no rabbits inside for twenty years (at least that's what Cherry Bugg told me). Now where oh where did the carpet/floor guys put the remote controls. Thump.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Summertime in the LBC

What an interesting twist of fate! Miss Jill and I had to leave the Westsiiiiiide because we got our bedroom carpets removed and our previously hiding wood floors uncovered and polished. While the floor will remind me of bowling (currently averaging 208 at Mar Vista Bowl, thank you very much), it poses us with a problem: we had to find a place to stay.

Miss Jill wisely got us a good deal on Priceline and I discovered it was in Long Beach. True, Long Beach is the ancestral home of the Erbs as Mom and Dad both went to high school at LB Wilson. But our hotel was located right there in the HOOD! Yeaah... booooyeeee!

Commute Bunny went hopping into the LBC Hood and made a friend (see right). Fo shizzle!


Ojai: the Venerable Valley of Ventura

Miss Jill and I have been on the move for the last few days. Due to a last minute bone marrow drive, we went to Ojai for the weekend to help register more people onto the marrow registry (long story if I never told you about her job). We hiked for 90 minutes on Saturday morning through decently mild terrain but oppressive 90+ degree heat. We were slightly under-hydrated. The slight problem was when SHOTS WERE FIRED. Yikes, like a scared Cherry Bugg, we hid... but it was just some odd dude with a rifle practice shooting (we hope).

We survived high temperatures, long hikes, psychotic sandwich makers, chatty cashiers, and a one-eyed Saab. Wasn't it Nietzche who said, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Or did he say "Dude, where's my car?" I forget. Modern philosophy makes me think too much.

Oh, last addendum: Cherry Bugg says she's never hid when scared. OK.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Miss Jill and Mister John Yearn for a Safari


2006 seems like so long ago. Miss Jill and Mr. John keep a handle on the six manic rabbits of Dewey Street but sometimes they yearn for the days of giraffes and elephants. They ventured to the San Diego Wild Animal Park a few weeks back and took pictures of some of the denizens of the African wild. Look at those lovely elephants to the right. Mother and son enjoying the sunshine of San Diego. Hopefully they don't yearn too much for the homeland.

They also saw a cheetah, an animal that they never did see while in Africa to begin with. The grass was too high due to an overabundant rain season that fall in Kenya. Maybe the cheetahs are camera shy. But this kitty to the right is not camera shy at all. Of course there still needs to be a fence there just in case Commute Bunny starts chirping to see a kitty.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Meet the Parents


To know the rabbits in the Bugg family, first you must know their parents. Mama Bugg, on the left, is a strong-minded mother who only looks out for the best of her family. She teaches the younger bunnies to groom at an early age and usually they reciprocate in turn. However, the bunnies do tend to rebel as they age and sometimes may even bite her on the nose when in an argument with her.

Papa Bugg, on the right, was not always on hand to raise the children and that has been a problem in their relationship. Luckily, he is done with his tour of duty as a merchant marine and now he is back to keep an eye on them. He often has to keep Cherry Bugg in line and she tends to thump and squawk when she does not get her way. Luckily he has left his merchant marine language back at the docks but he does struggle with his vices of drinking and smoking. Mama Bugg's forceful presence helps out with that. And while Root Beer Bugg is off in Europe participating in jumping shows, it is good that Mama and Papa Bugg have helped raise their grandchildren: Ruby Jane, Root Beer Float, and Chip (also known as Root Beer Junior).

But in another good sign for the parents, Cherry Bugg helps clean their bedroom as the picture on the right shows ChBu assiduously manning the broom and dust bin in case any bunny leaves a present behind. Good for you, Cherry Bugg! Mister John and Miss Jill are quite fond of rabbits who help with the chores.

Controversial Picture Shows Miss Jill Feeding Other Animal!

Miss Jill, well-known in rabbit circles, as the woman who never feeds rabbits was seen in this picture feeding a lorikeet. The rabbits became outraged when this evidence surfaced. "Miss Jill feeds green flying rats but not us?" queried an angry Ruby Jane. Oddly, Mister John has remained silent about this problem. He's trying to remain neutral as this is the first picture of Miss Jill misbehaving since she was caught hypnotizing Cherry Bugg before the rabbit election.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Bunnies Hunger Strike for Independence Day

The rabbits were collectively trying to stage a protest this morning in a sign of solidarity against the "tyrannical rule" of Mr. John and Miss Jill. They promised a hunger strike that would last until their demands were met. What these demands are remains to be seen but the rabbits remain firm in their demands.

It all started when Cherry Bugg hopped onto Miss Jill and Mr. John's bed last night to state her opposition to the ruling party. Miss Jill was unsure of when Cherry Bugg meant and as a portent sign of protest, ChBu then bit the lion on the nose. Yes, the lion which followed Mr. John home from LMU about two weeks ago. The lion hasn't stated his name yet but he does growl at the other bed animals and he does wear a shirt reading "Somebody at LMU Loves You." The lion was startled at this unbridled act of defiance. After a few loud roars from the lion which startled all in the house (Mr. John even got up from his "evil" sudoku {which truly wasn't "evil" because he finished it in 24 minutes} to see the commotion) yet Cherry Bugg remained indignant. She even charged her father, Papa Bugg, because he was not fully supportive of the rabbit plight. Papa Bugg, who previously in the night was given "smokes" by Miss Jill (she says they were just pretzels with peanut butter inside and she tricked him), appeared unmoved by his daughter's forceful rhetoric and went back to watching more of the Michael Jackson TV circus with Miss Jill, TV Turtle, and Clifford (yes, the big red dog).

This morning the bunnies vowed to maintain a strict hunger strike, only vowing to eat when they are given food by Miss Jill and Mr. John. This strategy does not exactly seem to work because Mr. John fed them this morning and the bunnies barely even paused to display hunger strike solidarity before chomping down hay and pellets. Cherry Bugg called out the other four backyard bunnies as traitors to the cause. Root Beer Float replied, "Achoo!" before going back to eating a second helping of pellets.

Cherry Bugg did pass out t-shirts reading "The Caged Bunny Always Thumps!" Even Princess Jane approved.

The rabbits have admitted that they would continue their hunger strike this afternoon, as long as Mr. John does not open their cages, put down their ramps, and allow them to run free.

For now the rabbits remain defiant and mostly in support of the hunger strike. Root Beer Float, however, was last seen eating her t-shirt.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Chip Says Hi, Leaves Bedroom for Comfier Cage


Although Chip hopped into Mr. John and Miss Jill's bedroom tonight for a nose rub, he quickly left afterward to go back to his cage tucked into the corner of the den. Supposedly a new supply of hay and a clean potty are much better than nose rubs. Meanwhile, Mr. John looked on amusingly and went back to watching the Dodgers beat the Rockies in 13 innings.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Bunnies Have Overnight Picnic

Root Beer Float and Ruby Jane somehow managed to break out of their cage last night (Mr. John has no comment) and sit around and on the outdoor picnic table. They were awaiting some carrot sandwiches and yogurt. Miss Jill was agog at this comment. "Yogurt?" she asked. "We don't have any yogurt." At that the bunnies thumped and hopped off, not yet having their picnic.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Six Months Till Thumpmas

While many bask in the summer sun and think of vacations and relaxation, the bunnies are already planning. Thumpmas, the most important day on the rabbit calendar, is only six months away. Such important planning -- like parades, themes, costumes, carrots -- all arise in the summer season. Such innocent backyard get togethers are actually political committees. Miss Jill and Mister John have no comment as they have not attended these and if accidentally intrude upon one, are unceremoniously thumped.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Cherry Bugg Instigates Near Soccer Brawl with Phillip

Cherry Bugg, who has never actually watched a soccer game but knows that it's played on a large verdant pitch of tasty grass, antagonized Phillip this afternoon after the shocking 2-0 US soccer victory over Spain. Phillip, a Spanish prince and rabbit, was quite dismayed by the outcome and was originally hiding in the back corner of his cage. As he was seeking comfort from his mate Jane, Cherry Bugg was laying down soccer smack in a most bunny-like way. "We bit you on the butt and took all of your carrots!" Never has Phillip been that angry. Well, one time Miss Jill rearranged his furniture... and he is quite particular about his arrangements. He becomes a fussbudget even if you move a water dish.

The situation did settle down later but not without a few choice Spanish words from Phillip. Luckily, Miss Jill and I are not that well versed at Spanish bunny talk so I guess Phillip got the better of that conversation. In any event, none of the bunnies had a comment at press time although I do believe Root Beer Float was eating a plant... but more on that later after I get the complete scoop from Miss Jill. Until then I think the local vegetation better watch out.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Chip Argues with Aunt Cherry Bugg over Father's Day

Yesterday, Chip got into a bit of a row with his aunt regarding the meaning of Father's Day. Cherry Bugg wanted to go see Papa Bugg who usually resides on top of Mister John and Miss Jill's bed. Cherry Bugg asserted that her nephew could not see him until she was done talking with him. Usually, Papa Bugg tends to be cantankerous and usually asks the other rabbits if they have any "smokes." While I have never know a rabbit to smoke, Jill and I believe that Papa Bugg picked up this bad habit while in the merchant marines.

Chip was not allowed into the room and he and his aunt briefly brawled. While he was seemingly no worse for the wear, he still wanted into the room to say hello to his grandfather. Luckily Miss Jill and I later came home and assuaged the struggle.

Ironically, Papa Bugg spent most of Father's Day in the back yard with some of his other children so Cherry Bugg and Chip essentially squabbled over hanging out with Clifford, the Bunny Stopper! (see a clip from last year's blog).

Friday, June 19, 2009

Mister John Done with School, Rabbits Hungry


Now that Mr. John completed his final essay, the rabbits demand more attention. Princess Jane wants a manicure, Phillip wants a plasma TV in the corner of their cage. Root Beer Float and Ruby Jane both want a box of candies. Cherry Bugg wants a recount of her election to Jane last year; she's been watching that whole Iran saga and she feels slighted too. In fact she claims she beat Princess Jane Bunnyinehjad. Whatever. Finally, Chip just wants to be petted on the nose more. Good for Chip.

Meanwhile Mr. John has been watching too much Life After People. That might give the bunnies some ideas. One last thing... MONKEY MONKEY MONKEY!!!