Just Awaiting a Few FURiends to GET THIS PARTY Started!

Molly and I decided to have a POOL PARTY for Labor Day weekend. Looks like fun, huh? The weather will be PERFECT, as it often is in NORCAL. I hope to get a BARBECUE going and maybe some lawn games.

We'll see.

In the meantime, I am waiting for a few more BAy Area PEEPS N PUPS to show up and join Phoebe, Zoey, Tiffy, Molly and me in the pool.

Any one wanna join us?


HAPPY LABOR DAY EVERYPUGGY! BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!

It is MY SECRETARY'S Fault

I know what all of you CONTEST WINNERS FROM JULY are all thinking - that NOODLES is such a flake. I win a contest and here it is almost September and NO PRIZE!

I humbly offer my apologies for this. I never intended for them to take so long to go out. I have sorted them, tagged them, laid them out, put them in a box out of the way. . . and yet THEY ARE STILL HERE!

It is all my secretary's fault. She CLAIMS she has been busy prepping for various trips. She CLAIMS she has been uber-busy at work. SHE SAYS she lost the list of winners.

BUT I have it. . . . and I will vow to send the prizes off to you SOON. Can't say when. It appears MS I-DON'T-HAVE-TIME has to work over the holiday weekend.

AS IF

Don't judge me. . . I mean well.

You Say Wednesday. . . I say Wordless. . . Wednesday Wordless. . . Wordless Wednesday

Is the Earth Moving or Do I Have the Hiccups?

A lot of you have been asking if I felt the earthquake that struck Napa, CA on Saturday. To be completely honest - no. I totally slept through it like any AUTHENTIC CALI GURL would. Plus, the epicenter was quite a ways from me - like almost 100 miles away - so by the time it reached my casita, it was not so strong (on the map it said MILD as opposed to STRONG in Napa).

I did experience am earthquake when I was much younger. It was only a 4.3 but was centered really really close to my house. It was a little unnerving because I honestly did not know if it was something happening TO me or something I had done. Hehheh.

I appreciate all the concern expressed by my FURiends here in Blogville. Although I am not at all affected, my heart goes out to our FURiends in and near Napa who DID suffer some damage and danger. So if you have the time, send a little POTP their way.

Which Way Did I GO, George?

Sorry FURiends
It seems I was MIA on Friday. I guess I forgot to tell you that I was going on a mini-vacation. I went to one of the most WONDERFUL places in CALIFORNIA


Yosemite!

view of Half Dome

Located east of the San Francisco bay area and in the Sierras, Yosemite is a magical place of soaring vistas and close-at-hand nature. We got there early and parked in one of the many day lots inside the park. Then we grabbed a hybrid bus (they have a great bus system at the park) and rode first to the village and then to some hiking spots. It was magical everywhere we turned.

We spent the day there hiking and enjoying a picnic by one of the many spots near the river. Then we left and settled into our tent cabin. That was cool since the last time I went camping I slept in a tent on the ground. This time it was in a tent cabin that was raised off the ground and had cots and electricity.

Camping IN STYLE.

RE Pets in Yosemite: Here is info from the park website.

______________________________________________________________________________
Pets

If you choose to bring your pet to Yosemite, please abide by these regulations:

Pets are allowed

in developed areas on fully paved trails and roads except trails signed as not allowing pets (pets are not allowed off the floor of Yosemite Valley, including the trail to Vernal Fall) in campgrounds (except walk-in campgrounds and in group campsites)
Additionally,
Pets must be restrained on a leash not more than six feet long or otherwise physically restrained
Leashed pets may not be left unattended
For the courtesy of other visitors, human companions are responsible for cleaning up and depositing pet feces in trash receptacles
Remember that pet food is also bear food: store pet food as if it were human food.

Pets are not allowed 

on unpaved or poorly paved trails, or trails signed as not allowing pets (however, pets are allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop) on unplowed roads covered in snow in Wilderness areas on shuttle buses in concessioner lodging areas
in all walk-in and group campgrounds/campsites in any group or horse camps.
These regulations protect both pets and wildlife from disease and each other. The National Park Service has prohibited pets on trails for many years. In particular, dogs chase wildlife, pollute water sources, and can become defensive and dangerous in unfamiliar surroundings. Pet owners have the burden to assure their pet does not damage the park values for others in those areas where pets are allowed.

DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite operates a dog kennel in Yosemite Valley from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Written proof of immunizations (rabies, distemper, parvo, and Bordetella) must be provided. Dogs must be at least 20 pounds (smaller dogs may be considered if you provide a small kennel). You can get more information about the kennel by calling 209/372-8348.

REAL HEADLINE - Noodles: Friend or foe? S. Koreans defend

I DO NOT believe what I am reading. Is someone really suggesting that I, NOODLES the pug, am potentially a FOE? And. . . what does a FOE mean anyhow?

Lemme just take a sec to GOOGLE this . . .

Hmmmm. I honestly DON'T know what to make of this. I really believe I am everyPUGGYs FURiend. And what does S. Korea have to do with me any HOOOO?

Maybe I just better read the story before I JUMP to conclusions (like I JUMP to anything, heehee)

I highlighted all references to ME - or I THINK they refer to me -

By FOSTER KLUG and JUNG-YOON CHOI, Associated Press Updated 8:54 am, Thursday, August 21, 2014

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Kim Min-koo has an easy reply to new American research that hits South Korea where it hurts — in the noodles. Drunk and hungry just after dawn, he rips the lid off a bowl of his beloved fast food, wobbling on his feet but still defiant over a report that links instant noodles to health hazards.

"There's no way any study is going to stop me from eating this," says Kim, his red face beaded with sweat as he adds hot water to his noodles in a Seoul convenience store. His mouth waters, wooden chopsticks poised above the softening strands, his glasses fogged by steam. At last, he spears a slippery heap, lets forth a mighty, noodle-cooling blast of air and starts slurping.

"This is the best moment — the first bite," Kim, a freelance film editor who indulges about five times a week, says between gulps. "The taste, the smell, the chewiness — it's just perfect."

In South Korea, it's all about speed, cost and flavor.

Thousands of convenience stores have corners devoted to noodles: Tear off the top, add hot water from a dispenser, wait a couple minutes and it's ready to eat, often at a nearby counter.

Some even skip the water, pounding on the package to break up the dry noodles, adding the seasoning, then shaking everything up.

"It's toasty, chewy, much better than most other snacks out there," Byon Sarah, 28, who owns a consulting company, says of a technique she discovered in middle school. "And the seasoning is so addictive — sweet, salty and spicy."

Cheap electric pots that boil water for instant noodles in one minute are popular with single people. Making an "instant" meal even faster, however, isn't always appreciated.

At the comic book store she runs in Seoul, Lim Eun-jung, 42, says she noticed a lot more belly fat about six months after she installed a fast-cooking instant noodle machine for customers.

"It's obvious that it's not good for my body," Lim says. "But I'm lazy, and ramyeon is the perfect fast food for lazy people."

Oh, I see. It isn't talking about me but about the EATABLE Noodles. Whew. I am quite relieved.

I guess it had NOTHING to do with me AT ALL!

It Goes Without Saying

Huh?

BEACH PARTY Y'all! and It's TRUE - Chewy.com I LOVE YOU

HEY! We heard there was a BEACH PARTY  going on to honor CHEWY.COM and we wanted to be a part of it. Mommy gave me some HOGWASH about having to work and having to go to school. . . so I rounded up the SISTERHOOD and we created our OWN BEACH PARTY.

WHY?

BECAUSE we could.

We are having an ever so lovely time at the beach with our
CHEWY.COM goodies

BACK STORY

While we were in HAWAII my AUNTIE M said that a BIG BOX FROM "some company called CHEWY.COM" had arrived. I was PERplexed, to be sure, as I had not ordered from them recently.
SURPRISE!!!! It was a box of goodies ranging from eatables to wearables and all kinds of stuff in between.

Who's a COOL Puggy?

I know you are asking why. Well, quite simply, we are part of the Chewy.com family of reviewers AND the great folk at Chewy.com treat us as. . . well family.

BUT BEFORE we were reviewers, we were customers. Let me tell you - not only do they carry everything you could want and at a price you can afford, but they are always adding new stuff. And they really CARE about pets and their 'rents so they ARE ALWAYS LOOKING OUT for healthier eats and responsible caring suppliers. When we had a little problem with an order, Mommy called customer service and it was taken care of RIGHT THEN AND THERE.

Simply put - They live by their motto

PEACE, LOVE and PET HAPPINESS

New Normal NOT

You went on Vacation

I missed you so much

You went to a weekend Fete

I missed you even more

You spent this weekend at the pool

I wanna spend more time

WITH YOU

OMP I JUST HEARD ABOUT OZ'S CONTEST!!!!

CHECK IT OUT!!!

CLICK HERE

Shaved ICE and a Haircut - Two Bits

There is this phenomenon on the ISLANDS called Hawaiian Shaved Ice. It has been around for a long time but has increasingly gained in popularity. I think it might out POPULAR the macadamia nut.

The history of shaved ice is very interesting. The treat was brought to the islands by Japanese plantation workers. In Japan shaved ice is known as KAKIGORI and at one time was reserved for royalty. It is understandable why shaved ICE is so popular in Hawaii - its cool iciness is PERFECT for a warm day on the beach.

Believe it or not, the Hawaiian Shaved Ice is one of the least expensive treat at Aulani. Despite Disney's reputation for having food which is hugely overpriced, the treat is actually comparable to other Shaved Ice spots on the islands. In fact, we paid almost a dollar more for one at the Aloha Bowl Swap Meet and it was not nearly as good.

The one I had was flavored with GUAVA, MANGO and ORANGE. It was sooooooo delicious.

There was no HAIRCUT to this story - I just liked the jingle and thought is made a catch title.

OO-KOO-LAY-LAY!!!!

Aulani adventure continue

Aulani is the best for just kicking back and relaxing. I spent a lot of time at the beach, adding sunkist highlights to my FAWN FUR. It was the best. The family packed lunch, water and sunscreen and we made the short walk to the beach. Then we grabbed some beach chairs with umbrellas and we settled in for a day in the sand.

Awwww. This is relaxing! Do you see me?

We stayed there all day alternating between playing in the water and playing in the sand. Mommys and me even took some walkies along the beach. I love how the water tickled my toes.

Later, after dinner, I decided to take some UKULELE lessons (oo-KOO-lay-lay). I had always wanted to do so and here was my opportunity. The UKULELE LESSONS were FREE!!!!! We learned four chords and a bunch of songs using those same chords. It was so fun I could hardly believe it.

I didn't know these kids but they were very friendly

I ended up playing the Uke with a bunch of KEIKI (children) later that evening at the special Disney Hawaiian show.

I am telling you - everyday I woke up wondering what I was going to do. And everyday turned out to be a magical adventure.

Wordless Wednesday What WHAT?

AND WHILE WE ARE AT IT

BLOG HOP

               BLOG HOP
                           
                             BLOG HOP

My Bay Area Mourns

I want to pay tribute today to ROBIN WILLIAMS - actor extraordinaire, elite comedian, and PAWSOME PUG daddy.

Hard to tell who is Robin and who is Leonard

We at Casa de Noodles are so saddened by his death yesterday at age 63. He was too bright a star - a SUPER NOVA if you will - to lose so suddenly. Our world is certainly dimmer without him. 

Robin Williams was a fixture in the SF Bay Area. He lived here (Tiburon and San Francisco), worked here (Mrs. Doubtfire was filmed in SF), and played here (ask SJ Sharkie!). On the news today, they interviewed people from the area who knew or met him. They said he was always pleasant and down to earth.

I could see that. He had the kind of face you gravitate to. . . it oozed warmth and kindness. I loves loves loves his movies especially "Pan" and "Mrs Doubtfire" - although his performance list goes on and on and includes drama as well as comedy. He voiced commercials (Apple) and animation movies (Aladdin). . . sang. . . did stand up. . . acted on TV (yes Mork and Mindy but I liked last year's offering "The Crazy Ones" which was so underrated). A wealth of work.

But I did not know he had a pug until yesterday. I think that is sad that I did not know that because he was so familiar to ME. But it makes sense. He was definitely the kind of person who would be owned by a pug.

SO. . . as I wipe a tear from my glorious liquidy orbs . . . I want to THANK ROBIN WILLIAMS for being such a talented, wonderful person who I WISH had seen the value of his LIFE as we all do.

Hawaiian Fun and Sun

Can you find the hidden Mickey?

Hmmmm. I forgot where I left off. Let me see. . .

The quilts were lovely, huh? They also have hidden Mickeys.

Here was our room. What a great decor, huh? The resort was created by Disney imagineers who kept an eye on maintaining traditional Hawaiian style and decor. I think it is magical. Our lanai (balcony) was a really nice place to just sit and relax with a beverage and a book. I especially liked the view to the right.

The resort you see here is the Ko'Olina. Most of the units are individually owned and people live there all year or just months at a time.

The small building on the right middle is the chapel. While we were at Aulani, there were 3 weddings. What a wonderful place to begin your new life together, huh?






We looked down on the Aulani garden where characters would do meet and greets all day. A couple of nights there was a Hawaiian show and one night a movie. We could watch from our lanai.

Itsa Ball

The July review possibilities were a little different for July. They included TOYS! Since I was deemed a LITTLE overweight by el Doctor, Mommys decided this was the way to go. I like toys, right?

So I asked Mr. Andrew for the Planet Dog ball and chucker. Looked like fun for the Dog Park. Well, they ran out. But Mr. Andrew, being the great guy he is, substituted this awesome ball, the Orbee.

Note this ball is made from recycled materials which is always a good thing. It can also hold treats, kind of like a Kong. I don't like Kongs, though. They are too frustrating for me because I want to get the treats A.S.A.P!

When the package arrived I excitedly opened it up, like I always do. But unlike usual, there was no mouth-watering smell to the box. I was puzzled until I was reminded that I do NOT get treats (until I drop the weight). 

Mommy brought out the ball and bounced it a little, rolled it some, and shoved a treat inside the opening. I batted it around a little. . . Tried half-heartedly to bat the ball to Molly and she likewise to me. We waited a few days and tried again. Ima P-U-G! It was just not my gig! That said. . . If you LIKE balls and fetch, check out the Orbee. It is an awesome product. Here is what the promo materials say about it-

Orbee-Tuff® RecycleBALL
5 out of 5 Chompers

At Planet Dog, we make toys, not waste! 

Each RecycleBALL® is made from regrind - 100% first quality Orbee-Tuff® material that would otherwise be discarded. We literally make these toys based on what color scraps we have, so colors vary and specific colors cannot be guaranteed. The colors you will see most frequently are Purple, Black, Cream and Green. We're sure your dog will love whatever color we send you!
Buoyant, bouncy, minty and non-toxic. Rinses Clean. Made in U.S.A. and 100% guaranteed. Any time. Every time.

I like everything about this ball and am proud to have it in my collection of toys. I simply am not too inclined to play with it. To sum up, I give the Orbee a full PAW up for likability. Regarding durability, well since I am NOT playing with it, which bugs Mommy, I cannot comment on durability. 

Oh, and the company behind the product - Planet Dog is such a fantastic company. They have grants for organizations that help pets. . . They contribute to pet causes. . . Their products are produced and sold with an eye on Earth's health. It is ALL good!

I was not paid for this review. Chewy.com gave me an Orbee free of charge in order to assess the product. The opinions are the sole property of this little pug and NO ONE ELSE.

Flying into the Wild Blue Yonder

All the planning and reserving finally was done. Last minute shopping was complete. All of my bags were packed, repacked, packed smaller, and so on. We were ready for our trip.

An early morning flight meant a really early wake-up call. Two hours before your flight SEEMS like a long time but I tell you- it FLIES (hehheh). So we hustled into two cars and took off for the airport and our awaiting plane. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a wee bit nervous.

Turned out all of my fears were completely unfounded. The flight was smooth and comfortable and time passed quickly. Mommys and I watched a movie on Mommy's iPad and that made the time go quickly.

When we landed in HONOLULU it was hot and muggy. Very different from the CA weather we left. Fans were blowing everywhere and once outside, the island breeze made the warm temperatures more tolerable. NOW I get why Island PUGS are not so bothered by the heat - it's all in the breeze.

We shuttled up the coast from Honolulu, past Pearl City and Pearl Harbor, and on to the Kapolei area. A little ways past this most amazing, colorful and HUGE water park was our goal - Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa.

If you know mw, you know I am a HUGE fan of the main Mouse - Mickey Mouse, that is. So hanging 10 at his Hawaiian retreat was way up on my list of TODOS.

As we exited from our shuttle and into the doors of the main lobby, were were immediately greeted with Aloha, e como mai (welcome) and a lei. What a great way to immediately feel at home.*

*In reality, pets are not allowed at Aulani. Noodles just wanted to be a part of our adventure so we arranged for her to VIRTUALLY go along.

Jet Lagged

Well I was NOT able to post all week. But I had TONS of fun. Today I am JET-LAGGED so I did almost NOTHING.
I hope to post tomorrow to tell you all about my FUN adventures.