Hi, Deanna -

Sorry it took so long to get back to you.  Up until about 1 1/2 wks ago, we were having major SNOW!!! We couldn't even get our 4wheel drives up our driveway.  Of course, it is pretty steep and long, so...we just parked at the bottom and hoofed it 200-250 ft or so to the house.  We had an unusually huge amount of snow for this area.  At our house we got 1 1/2 to 2 feet.  I know that isn't much compared to Montana Land, but...I guess it makes me appreciate the beauty of it all, but I am glad this much snow is a rarity here.  The snow was followed by rain and floods, and now it's FOG!!!!  We are doing okay because we are not lowlanders in the flood plane. 

More importantly, Clem and Ginger are doing just great.  They were spayed and neutered last Friday.  When we weighed them at the vet, Clem was 54.3 lbs and Ginger was 42.3 lbs.  WOW!!!  We knew they were getting up there in weight, but seeing it on the scale was a shocker.  I guess they will get up to either side of 70 lbs, but of course we don't have a problem with having a Gentle Clem and a Big Sweet Ginger Rose.  I think that they could easily pull a sled with firewood on it.  They had a great time in the snow and played all day.  They tire themselves out, come in for a short snooze, and then go back out to run around some more.  They love to chase the birds and try to chase the squirrels.  In fact, they have brought in a bird or two, but I am not sure whether they got them or our cat, and then Clem and Ginger stole the birds.  It was a little gruesome seeing bird parts so fresh, but...puppies will be puppies.  They also love to dig.  They have a great time trying to get into the mole hills, etc.  They have demolished quite a bit of cardboard, as in parts of boxes and some other destruction.  We just have to keep our eyes on them, especially when it's quiet and we haven't seen them for awhile out in the yard.  They are getting better, but the worst destruction has been the hot tub cover.  There was styrofoam everywhere!!! 

They have quite a few aliases now: Rip and Tear, Terror 1 and Terror 2, D54 and Bouncing Betty, ClemSON and Slinky Ginky.  We love them so much.  They are very smart, but they will need some training when it comes to walking on a leash, sit and stay, etc.  That will all happen over time.  They come to their special whistle very quickly, and have a regular bedtime routine that includes going to the garage, getting quickly on their cot that has a dog bed and MANY blankets, and waiting for the 'good night cookies.

I wish that you could see them up close and personal, but may be that can be arranged later this year in the Spring or Summer.  We would like to see you again. 

I have attached a few pictures that are fairly recent.  I hope that you enjoy them.

Hope your new year is starting off well.  Keep in touch.

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Hey Deanna,

Hope things are going well there on springer mt. I thought i would drop a line just to say hi and update you on Mr Marley. we have had him for a little over two years now

He is such a joy, and he is always looking for some mischief to get himself into. After two years around our swimming pool, that he has always been careful to avoid. He all of a sudden thinks he should take a dip in it each time he take a trip out back through his dog door. He has been having the time of his life!!  He is always very proud of himself , especially when he goes on his walks, He always has a very proud and sure of himself attitude. We just love him!!

Here are a few pics of his new past time .

Oh and Btw my wife was looking at the clumber babies with some interest, let me know if any are still available one page says, they still are, another says sold   

Jim & Judy

Magoo n his lil brother Mungo

Britta n Mya snoozing :)