Rain, Rain, Go Away...

The girls want the sun to come out so they can play in the front yard like in this photo.  Otherwise it's inside all day.

Not to worry, girls.  We live in California.  It doesn't rain THAT often.

Rain Forces Bears to Higher Ground

The rain has been coming down hard for days now and that is having an effect on the local wildlife. Suddenly in the back yard of Chez Erb, there was a brown bear sighting. Indeed, a veritable brown bear was climbing onto our patio table. Maybe she wanted a good flying leap at the oranges on the tree to the right hand side but no one knows.

Good thing this picture was taken or nobody would have ever believed it.

Awaiting Mary Jane's First Professional Pictures

Ah, yes, it's that time of year. Well, I guess most people with children (or rabbits) get ready with their traditional Christmas photos for cards or whatever. But at least in our circumstance, it is also a "welcome to the family" type card. So then everyone can say, "Oh, that's so cute!" or something close to that effect. Or some unknowing friend or relative saying, "Wow, looks just like you." Hmm.

In any event, it is our second day of rain and it is supposed to rain all the way through Wednesday. That's quite alright as we need all the rain we can get here in supposedly sunny California. All this does is keep the light down for our little girl so Mary Jane doesn't have to deal with bright sunlight for a few days.

As for Miss Jill and Mister John, they both received plenty of sleep last night as MJ slept solidly with only small one hour breaks for eating and changing. I wish the bunnies would be so respectful!

Alas, poor Cherry Bugg is locked up in the bedroom cage. She's not big on pictures anyway. She claims it is all vanity. Smart rabbit, that Cherry Bugg. Such a large vocabulary: vanity, subterfuge... she'll teach Mary Jane very well.

Rainy But Tolerable

The rain has fallen intermittently the last few days. Typically in October rain is desired as the grass is mostly brown with a hint of decay. But now with the persistent heavy sweat of almost rain for the past week, the sprinklers might be held at bay for at least six months. The bunnies have mixed emotions about this. Rain keeps them in their cages (except for Root Beer Float who does not fear mud) yet the rain brings more green grass to munch. Oh, the injustices of weather...

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.

Back from Ireland!

Yes, we have returned from our ten-day sojourn in the Emerald Isle. After Jill and I have both rested for a day or so, we shall write a voluminous blog about our stay there. A few things to note:

• It's good to be on the RIGHT side of the road again
• Those roads are quite small and bumpy too
• Yes, there may be wind and rain... but it's Irish rain
• One can only drink so much tea in the morning
• Nothing like hearing natives debate the subject of Bank Holiday on the radio

That is all for now... pictures soon.

The Battle of Large Carrot

This is a rare picture of Root Beer Float (left) and Ruby Jane (right) sharing a carrot. Typically they will wrestle the carrot away from the other and vainly attempt to hide their newfound loot. Of course the other follows in immediate pursuit and then grabs the carrot back. Oh, the reciprocity of such hungry buns!!!

Currently they are running amuck in the rain not knowing any better.

The best rain anecdote is of dear Miss Bugg who thumped when rain fell on her. She was so despondent and frustrated with the situation that she kept thumping at the rain, wanting it to go away. Silly rabbit.