"Waka" & "Buzz" the French Bulldog in an Irish cottage

Waka's one year anniversary

2008-11-16T16:41:00.005Z

Waka is always in our mind...

ABBA day

2008-11-09T19:11:00.008Z

Hello! I am Buzz!!

Can you see my little sad face in the video?! Mummy was interrupting my sleep all day by playing ABBA songs until daddy was back from work tonight (he is not a huge fan of ABBA at all like me!).

Mummy was saying that she would go to the "ABBA themed Christmas party" with people from work in December, so I bet this will continue until then...

Me and a dog

2008-10-28T22:00:00.009Z

Hello! I am Buzz!!

Mummy was lazy again and didn't update my story for a while, but I am in a good form! Today, daddy is updating my story instead.

I was patrolling the house the other day and I saw mummy cleaning the window sill. And then, I noticed she was cleaning something small which looked like an animal. So, I decided to investigate this disturbing incident. Imagine my surprise when I saw another dog, I thought I was the top dog in Wilkinstown (where I live). I then found out the little brat was made from wood, hrmph, lucky for him, I am the only pet allowed in this house!

Animal Blessing

2008-10-04T23:08:00.008+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

I went out to Johnstown in Navan today to have a blessing from a priest! I received a bottle of holy water, too. There were many dogs as well as a little hamster called "Nibbles"! I didn't bark or didn't try to have a flight with other doggy, so mummy and daddy were so proud of me because I was a really good boy!

French bulldog in Germany

2008-09-13T10:43:00.008+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

I stayed in Northern Ireland in August for one week (where I was born). Daddy and mummy were so bored because I was away, they decided to go to Germany for their holiday, too.

In Germany, they met a couple of my friends, and Daddy took nice photos of one of them from Frankfurt!

Nice sunshine

2008-09-09T20:58:00.009+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

Last Saturday, we had good weather and all of us had a bit of lie in. Eventually, the nice sunlight beamed in and mummy took my photo, and daddy named it "Killer Buzz"!!!

I am not The "Joker" from Badman!!!

2008-09-08T19:20:00.002+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

I like having yohgurt with my meal. It is good for my stomach, but it is a bit messy when I finish having it...

The other day, after I finished my breakfast, daddy sent mummy an e-mail with the photo below, saying

" I told you he looks like The Joker from Batman!!!!!!!!!!".

What do you think!?

3 years old

2008-09-04T23:21:00.007+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

I became 3 years old the other day!! I got more chicken than usual for my dinner on my birthday, and daddy & mummy got me a new wubbly toy because I destroyed the old ones!

Walkie on back road

2008-08-10T00:03:00.001+01:00

Hello, I am Buzz!

Everybody in Ireland must be fed up with the rain! But, I am fine, because I can play in my house, so the rain doesn't really matter for me.

Yesterday, we had a bit of sunny day, and mummy and I went for a little walkie on back road. The hedges made shade and it was cool enough for me. But, I soon became out of breath, so our walkie time was only 5 minutes!!

Spot on forehead

2008-08-09T23:46:00.003+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz!!

I have got a little spot on my forehead. First it was only a little red spot, and eventually the spot has gone, but my hair has also gone. I look a bit like Waka! Such a coincidence!

First shot in the morning

2008-08-02T23:08:00.006+01:00

Good morning, I am Buzz zzzz....

This is the shot from one morning. I was after waking up just to say good-bye to mummy before she went to work. I always get up in the morning when mummy gets up. She thinks I am really good boy to always say good morning & good-bye to her, but in fact, I am just looking for an opportunity that she plays with me!

I then go back to the bed until daddy gets up to feed me & play with me!

Favourite snack

2008-07-21T00:37:00.005+01:00

Hello, I am Buzz!

My latest favourite snack is ---- strawberry!!
If I stare at mummy and daddy with my cute eyes, they always give me a piece of snack if it is something I am allowed to eat. Sometimes, I like eating a piece of apple, but some apples taste not nice, and in that case, I spit it out to let mummy and daddy know I don't want it anymore!

I am fine!

2008-07-11T00:19:00.010+01:00

Hello, I am Buzz!!

I haven't updated my latest news for the last few weeks, but I am doing fine! The weather has been really bad, but my energy level is as hyper as usual when I play!

My play time is usally 3 times a day, in the morning, in the afternoon, & in the evening! Sometimes I want to play more than 3 times, and appeal to mummy and daddy that I want to play with them. But, in this kind of case, they don't play with me. They say I need to calm down a bit before play. Mmm, sometimes it is difficult, but because I am a good boy, I can always do it!!

Buzz: Do you know what I am looking at??

Buzz: I am looking at my favourite toy, hoping it will fall!

Waiting for play time

2008-06-22T09:15:00.006+01:00

Buzz: "Are you ready to play with me?"

Buzz: "Not yet??!!"

Buzz: "Hurry up!!!!!"

Minding the house

2008-06-10T23:06:00.007+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

Last Sunday, daddy and mummy were going out after playing with me. I am a good boy and I went straight to my bed when they told me "Buzzy, mind the house". But, I was a bit sad about them leaving behind me and I just couldn't look at them when they said "see you later", and I was just lying down as you can see me in the photo above!

Yoga matress

2008-06-08T22:58:00.010+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

Do you know what I am doing on yoga matress? I am doing what I call "exercise" on this matress. Daddy and mummy bought this matress in Japan to protect my little feet from slipping on the wooden floor when I "exercise". You can see what I am exactly doing in the photo below!

Driving test

2008-06-05T23:11:00.008+01:00

Hello!! I am Buzz.

I have good news today. Mummy passed the driving test the other day! She received her full license yesterday and she was really proud that she wanted me to look at it. I would rather play with her than look at her licence. I was trying to be patient when she was taking my photo with her licence, but it took a while, and because I wanted her to finish it, I bit her licence!!!

Mummy: "Buzzkon, look at my full licence!"
Buzz: "Well done, mummy."

Mummy: "Look, look, Buzzkon."
Buzz: "(Internal voice - Can we play after this??)"

Worn out

2008-05-28T23:30:00.004+01:00

Hello!! I am Buzz.

I have been busy playing with my toy and going out with a little walkie with my daddy and mummy these days.

Look at the photo. One of my friends is completely worn out!!

Hill of Tara

2008-05-18T22:08:00.009+01:00

Hello!! I am Buzz.

My dad and mum have been very busy, and didn't have time to upload my story, but instead of spending time on internet, they were playing with me!

Today, for a long time, my dad and mum were having day off together, and they brought me to the Hill of Tara which is about 30 minutes away from my home.

I enjoyed running around the Hill of Tara, and had a rest under daddy's shade! It was lovely sunny day today, but the air was cool enough for me!

Daddy and mummy thought I would be completely tired tonight, but I didn't forget to play with them after dinner!

Toys for May

2008-05-05T07:19:00.008+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

Do you remember I was talking about the new toy in early April?? He is completely worn out as I gave him too many hugs. I asked my parents if they could get his cousin or friend somewhere. And, this time, I have got 3 of them! I chose pink one to play with first!

You can see how I give kiss and hug to this new friend in the video...

Watering

2008-04-27T22:15:00.008+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

My little nose could detect it would rain later. I wanted to tell mummy that she didn't have to water the little tree, but I didn't tell her because I asked her to play with me earlier, but she said to me "Buzzy (this is my newest nick name which daddy started calling me!), wait for a few minutes. I will play with you after watering the pots".

I eventually played with mummy, and she was disappointed when it started raining! Am I a good boy?!

Newspaper

2008-04-23T19:30:00.007+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

Mummy said to me "Buzzkon (yes, sometimes she calls me as Buzzkon, this is my new nick name...), look at this article, this is about Japanese prime minister".

Mmm, I'd rather play with a ball than read the newspaper!

After play

2008-04-17T08:28:00.000+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

I usually do my best when I play with daddy or mummy, and this is why I am so out of breath after the play like this video!

Waka's photo

2008-04-13T22:04:00.001+01:00

Hello, I am Buzz!

My mum was working busy in the kitchen all day yesterday while daddy went out to do his job, but she didn't forget to play with me as well! She told me that she was busy cleaning the kitchen and she also showed me the nice photo frame which Waka's photo is in. I don't know him very well, but I know well that mummy and daddy look after me as well as they looked after Waka.

More play

2008-04-13T21:40:00.001+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

My recent favourite toy is this "dust blower" which my dad uses for cleaning the camera lens. But, he has got the spare one, and he gave me the old one. I like the feeling of chewing it! You can see me with this dust blower in the video! My mum was trying to steal it from me!

Snow

2008-04-06T23:15:00.004+01:00

Hello! I am Buzz.

My dad and mum wanted to go for a walk with me today, but the weather was so changeable and was snowing a bit. I ended up just staying home, but I played with them and it was good fun.

I can show you the photo which my mum took when I went for a walk with her the other day. I found a chunky wood and I carefully examined it and I left my scent, so that next time I come back here, I will know it was mine!

Can you also see the blue tag hanging on my harness?? It has my name and telephone no., so that I can go home in case I am lost!

It's summer time!

2008-04-03T22:36:00.004+01:00

Hello everybody! I am Buzz.

My dad and mum told me last Sunday that the summer time had started and I needed to adjust my clock. And, I adjusted the clock in my body. Next morning, I got up at 6:00 am and scratched the bed room door to wake my mum up. She then told me that I was a really good boy because I got up at 6:00 am instead of 7:00 am! She could make it to work on time. I am a good boy!

So, my mum got me a couple of new toys to thank me. One of them is what my dad calls "crazy purple toy" - the one with me in the photo. I really like him, and I give him many kisses every day. And now, he looks a bit tired.

One Sunday morning

2008-04-03T10:03:00.005+01:00

Hello everybody! I am Buzz.

The other day, my mum came home late. And, I could smell off something nice from the shopping bag she had. The next day, she told me that she had met her friend last night and she gave mummy delicious bread. Mummy showed me cute looking "heart-shape" bread in the photo, but I couldn't taste it because mummy said dog should not eat the yeast. I didn't mind it at all, because daddy promised me to play with me as soon as he finished reading a newspaper!

Ball

2008-03-20T00:16:00.003Z

Hello, I am Buzz. My dad was out to work all day today, and I was a bit bored, but I decided to have a good sleep to save an energy for tonight. When my mum was back from work, she gave me a ball. I enjoyed chewing it first, like this video. Eventually, she was trying to steal my ball and I chased after her!

I am fine!

2008-03-17T11:35:00.003Z

Hello everybody. I am Buzz. My mum was a bit lazy and didn't upload any story about me. So, today, I am reporting my story by myself! I am always busy doing something. One of my duty is to work really hard chasing the vacuum machine, like this one!

Red hair

2008-03-03T20:20:00.002Z

Buzz has got a bit of red hair in his forehead. Cute!

One month

2008-03-01T23:26:00.003Z

Time has passed really fast and Buzz has been living with us for one month now. He has been doing very well with us.

His favourite toy at the moment is a little chew Baz bought for Buzz. A little bell is inside the chew and he is so mad about it!

(Posted & photo by Nor)

Leg position

2008-02-17T10:05:00.006Z

Buzz is asleep now. A few minutes ago, his leg position was like this.

Right now, it is like this!

(Posted & photos by Nor)

First walkie with Nor

2008-02-16T21:43:00.010Z

We had lovely sunny day today. I went out for lunch with a new Japanese friend. She was very friendly and pleasant and I had really a good time, especially chatting with her in Japanese.

When I was back from my lunch, first time ever I took Buzz out for a walk. Baz took Buzz for a walk twice already, and reported that Buzz liked a short walk. So, Buzz and I just went down the road where we have our little field and then Buzz wanted to go home. Our first walkie took 5 minutes!

(Posted & photos by Nor)

Day off

2008-02-11T13:02:00.000Z

I have a company holiday today. It was very foggy this morning, so I was happy that I didn't have to drive to work in such a terrible weather condition. Plus, I can stay with Buzz today. Waka was very active dog, whereas Buzz likes to take it easy. We play for a little while, and he is out of breath! He also needs to get used to us a little more, as he follows us everywhere we go. He is a little stalker!

(Posted & photo by Nor)

Toy dog

2008-02-09T21:59:00.000Z

We were playing Buzz with a toy dog specially made for dogs which my brother's family gave us in Japan. Buzz just loved it! Look at his eyes, he became a little hunter!

(Posted & photo by Nor)

Buzz likes hiding under the bed

2008-02-07T19:35:00.000Z

Buzz seems getting used a little more to our routine.

When I was leaving the house for work this morning, he didn't want to go into the kitchen/dining room (where he usually stays) and was hiding under the bed. Eventually he came out, but again he was hiding behind our bed room door! When I called his name a couple of times, he gave up and came out. Waka had a same kind of behaivour, but it is really cute to find out they have such a charactor!

(Posted by Nor / photo by Baz)

Getting used to the new house

2008-02-06T21:42:00.001Z

Buzz has been doing very well since he came over to our house.

He was wandering around the kitchen when I started cooking tonight, to see if it was for him! He has very good manner as well during our dinner time.

He is a really little great man!

(Posted & photos by Nor)

Hello! I am Buzz!

2008-02-05T17:15:00.000Z

Hello!

My name is Buzz.
I came to Baz & Nor's home on last Saturday.
They will update about me if they feel like to do so!
My new mum find it is a bit difficult to pronounce my name,
but I am trying to learn Japanese now, as well.

I like relaxing lying down like this!

(Posted & photos by Nor)

Waka's Birthday

2008-01-27T23:57:00.000Z

It was Waka's birthday yesterday. We thought of him a lot. This photo was taken on Bettystown beach. He was 5 months old. He just loved running around the beach, being covered with sand!

(Posted by Nor / photo by Baz)

New Mobile Phone

2008-01-20T22:20:00.001Z

Baz bought me a new mobile phone on line. The good thing about this phone is that I can use the Frenchie strap which my sister in law gave me!

(Posted / photo by Nor)

Waka & Christmas tree

2007-12-20T19:09:00.000Z

This photo was taken last year. When we brought the real tree in our house, he didn't show much strong interest, but he was just gently sniffing tip of leaves.

It's going to be a very quiet Christmas this year.

(Posted by Nor / Photo by Baz)

Waka drawn by Paul

2007-12-19T00:24:00.000Z

Our friend Paul drew Waka last Sunday. I knew Paul was brilliant at drawing as he drew Waka before. But, the above drawing made me confirm he is really brilliant as it looks exactly like Waka.

This drawing helps me a lot, as I kind of accept his death a bit after seeing this.

(Posted by Nor)

Waka has gone to the kennel in heaven

2007-12-15T21:11:00.000Z

With our great sadness, our Waka went to the kennel in heaven on 16/11/07. He was 2 years and 10 months old. He had a problem with the spine.

We miss him so much everyday.

Hoping he is running around over there with other doggy and his ancestors.

Thank you Waka for coming over to our life, we had great time with you.

(Posted by Nor / Photo by Baz)

2-year anniversary

2007-04-08T23:25:00.000+01:00

またもや、久しぶりの更新になります。

先週、４月１日でWakaが私たちの家族になって２年になりました。記念すべきこの日は、お天気も良かったので、久しぶりにタラの丘にWakaを放牧しに行ってきました。

購入して３日目のBazの新車の中に、Wakaは鼻水をいっぱいとばしながら２０分ほどでタラの丘に到着。たくさんの観光客も訪れていました。

私たちはみんなが目指す方向とは別の方向へ。丘は広大なので、人が周りにいない事を確かめて、Wakaからリードを外すと、元気よく駆け回っていました。

"We are home."

(Posted & photos by Nor)

Waka's little friend

2007-02-14T01:05:00.000Z

Wakaが我が家にやって来た時からいつも一緒に
遊んでいた羊のシーピー。一緒に遊びすぎて、
頭が少し取れかかってしまい、でも引っ越しの際に
お裁縫箱が行方不明になり、しばらく出番待ちでした。
先日、やっとちくちく直す事が出来て、
Wakaは待っている間からソワソワ。
再び遊べるようになったら、シーピーの事をよーく覚えていたのか、
ガンガン振り回して飼い主Bと遊んでいました。

(Posted & photo by Nor)

Happy Birthday

2007-02-04T10:36:00.000Z

少しご無沙汰しています。

会社でごたごたがあり、精神的にも大変な２週間でした。
そんな中でも、Wakaが先日２６日に２歳のお誕生日を迎え、
Bazも先日３１日に３０代もだいぶ後半になったり、
お祝い事が続きました。
大きな病気もせずにそれぞれ健康にお誕生日を
迎えられた事が何よりの幸せです。

(Posted by Nor / photo by Baz)

One cold day

2007-01-12T01:24:00.000Z

今年のアイルランドの冬は、例年に比べて雨がとても多い。
でも、雨のおかげで、寒いけれども、激が付くほどの寒さの日は
今のところ数えるほどで、朝、車のフロントグラスの霜取りを
したのも、３回ぐらいだと思います。

クリスマスの翌日の、スティーブンズ•デイは、
気温が日中も上がらず、地面も木々も霜が降りて
真っ白な世界が広がった日で、夫婦二人＋一匹、
家族総出で写真撮影に近所まで出かけました。

地面にちょこんと生えている雑草にも霜が付いていて、
かわいらしい感じでした。

そんな中でも、Wakaはいつもながらに張り切って、
飼い主Bが写真撮影にいそしんでいる間、
飼い主Nと共に走り回ったり、草の匂いを嗅いだり
忙しくしていました。

写真はWakaと古い石の壁。

(Posted by Nor / Photo by Baz)

Surprise party

2007-01-06T23:33:00.000Z

昨夜はお友達のサプライズ誕生パーティがパブであったので、
９時過ぎに夫婦揃って出かけてきました。
仲良しの友達夫婦がたくさん来ていた中で、
１２月２８日に出産したシーラが途中からやって来たのには
うれしいながらにびっくり。
日本だと恐らく考えられないのではないかな、と思いつつ、
シーラらしいサイケデリック調のプリント柄のドレスに身を包み、
「今日ネイルをやってもらいに行った」と爪にも気をつけている
女性らしさを忘れていない母親になったシーラをお手本にしたいな、
と思いました。

(Posted by Nor)

Happy new year

2007-01-03T23:54:00.000Z

A Happy New Year!

昨日の１月２日より仕事始めでした。
日本人の私としては、まだお正月の三が日に働きだすなんて、
会社に行くまでは嫌々だったけれども、会社に行ったら
そんなに悪くもなく、休み前のように仕事をしてきました。
ま、冬休みが９日間あり、ゆっくり出来たので、
あまり文句もありません。

写真はお姉さんのブレンダにクリスマスプレゼントの一つとして
もらったルームソックス。裏には滑り止めのゴムが付いていて
中々実用的です。

(Posted & photo by Nor)

大掃除

2006-12-30T23:13:00.000Z

今日は朝から何故かやる気が出て、駆け込み大掃除。
今まで気になっていたのに見て見ぬふりをしていた場所を
ゴシゴシ雑巾で掃除しました。全部は出来なかったけれども、
キッチンとバスルームは終わったので、取り敢えず満足。
まだ大晦日があるので、後は窓拭きが出来ればいいかな。

掃除した後って、空気もきれいになる気がして、
気持ちがいい。でも、普段にもっと丁寧な掃除を心掛ければ、
大掃除も必要ないのに、と少し反省しました。

写真はクリスマスディナー用に作ったチョコレートケーキ。
何年も前の「暮らしの手帳」に載っていたレシピを使いました。
今回初めて使うレシピだったので、失敗しないように
クリスマス前に一度試しに作ってみました。
アイリッシュの同僚に評判が良ければ、家族の人達にも
食べてもらえるだろうと企んで、会社に持って行ったら、
みんなに美味しく食べてもらえて、一安心。
クリスマスも家族に喜んでもらえました。

(Posted & photo by Nor)

Shaker Style

2006-12-27T19:19:00.000Z

This photo was taken in March this year.
A friend of mine called this as "Waka The Shaker style".
We were just after moving into our cottage, and
the funiture was piled in the dining room.
I like the natural light coming though the patio door.

(Posted & photo by Nor)

Seamus & Marina

2006-11-27T19:52:00.000Z

我が家のフレンチブルドッグ•Wakaやアイルランドでの生活など、私•NorとhusbandのBazがそれぞれ気ままにアップロードして行く予定です。

昨日はボストンから里帰り中のシェーマスとマリーナをディナーにご招待しました。メニューは餃子と春巻き。餃子はロシア料理に少し似ているらしく、ロシア人のマリーナはレシピに興味津々。犬好きな二人にWakaも遠慮なくペロペロっといっぱいキスをしてました。マリーナに会うのは今回初めてだったけれど、写真以上に整った素敵な顔立ちで、でも性格は気さくで、ロシアなまりの英語がかわいかった。そういう私も日本語なまりの英語をシェーマスに真似されていたけれど•••。

(Posted by Nor)