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My husband heard a noise in the kitchen and found our 2-year-old lab, Baxter, trying (unsuccessfully) to hid the proof that he had been in the trash can again.

(Note: Not actually a wildebeest.)

Trash the tree in just one minute..
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

The cat will say the doggeh did it.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Watch the garland get all shredded..
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

This is what you always dreaded,
Fa la la la la…la la la la.

“Merry Christmas Cute Overload!” Submitted by Barb and Paul.

Mr. Snuggles had just about enough of a certain hedgehogs prickly disposition.

I’m Sam and I’m super afraid of walking on tile. My humans have to cover all of it with rugs so I can walk fearlessly to things like my backyard, food, and water.

This is Polar, my 1 year old male Samoyed.

No one dares to shame Bat Man, so why would they dare shame Bat Dog?

The Central Library needs volunteers for a project that has nothing to do with books and everything to do with toys. It’s seeking a “doll groomer.”

The library recently began lending American Girl dolls and the toys are getting a lot of play time. Volunteers are needed for upkeep of the dolls, including combing their hair, washing their clothes and replacing worn out parts. The position posting reads: “We need someone who enjoys working with dolls and their belongings and who is dependable.”

There would be a weekly commitment, but hours are flexible. Ideal candidates are teens or a parent/child team. Those 18 years and older must consent to a background check.

Interested volunteers should contact Barbara Dean at 703-228-7688 or put in a request online.

Below are a few other new volunteer opportunities around Arlington:

• Community Picnic Volunteers — The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing is looking for helpers at a picnic it is hosting for residents at Columbia Grove on July 15. Volunteers would help with setup and cleanup, leading games for children, face painting, cooking and distributing food and drinks. The picnic is designed to help residents meet their neighbors and build a sense of community. The event runs from 3:30-7:30 p.m., but arrangements may be made for those who can’t stay the entire time. Anyone interested in helping should contact Liz McElwee at 703-851-3635 or send an online request.
• Angel Tree Family Registration — Although it’s summertime, the Salvation Army is already looking for people to help with its Angel Tree holiday gift program. The program identifies needy children and matches each one with a sponsor who will provide holiday gifts for the child. Volunteers will register needy families for the program and help make holiday wish lists. Helpers must be available on weekdays from September 16-October 11, but the schedule is flexible. Although volunteers who are available on a recurring basis are preferred, those who are only available on a one-time basis will also be considered. To sign up, call Brittney Drakeford at 202-756-2615 or send an online request.
• Spanish Academy Teacher Assistant — Volunteer teacher assistants are needed for Edu-Futuro’s Spanish Academy — a two week (August 12-23) summer immersion camp that provides cultural and academic enrichment and Spanish language skills to rising kindergarteners through fifth graders. Volunteers will perform tasks such as assisting with student registration, helping with classroom activities and watching over students during activities and recess breaks. Applicants should have Spanish language skills (verbal and written), experience working with children and must go through a background check. To sign up, contact Eneida Alcade at 703-228-2560 or send an online request.

Photo via Facebook

Historic Four Diamond–Rated Resort with Mineral-Springs Spa

Since it first opened in 1766, The Homestead has enjoyed a reputation as one of the most luxurious resorts in the country, with a prestigious guestbook that includes more than 20 U.S. presidents. Golfing legend Sam Snead honed his game on the resident Old Course, and the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts once strolled the grand halls and gaming lawns. Today, The Homestead—set on 3,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains—is as grand as ever. An outdoor water park was recently added to the property, and in 2011 and 2012, the resort was named one of the best in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine.

The resort’s popularity has always been influenced by its proximity to natural mineral springs. Take a soak in the healing waters that Thomas Jefferson claimed to be “of the first merit” at the Jefferson Pools, where the mineral content is so high that you’ll float with ease. Other presidents, including Taft and Eisenhower, favored the resort’s golf courses. Play a round on the Old Course, which dates back to 1892 and boasts the oldest tee in continuous use in the nation.

The resort's mountain environs make it an ideal base for outdoor recreation. Catch a glimpse of waterfalls and edible plants on a guided hike along the Cascades Gorge trail, or cast your line into a stream stocked with rainbow trout during a fly-fishing adventure.

The Homestead’s 10 restaurants and bars include Sam Snead’s Tavern and the main dining room, which draws a sophisticated dinner crowd with fine dining and live music. In the morning, you can enjoy pancakes, pastries, and cooked-to-order omelets at the breakfast buffet.

Bath County, Virginia: Warm Mineral Springs amid Allegheny Mountains

Bath County—a highlands region in western Virginia—is so named for its wealth of natural thermal springs that can reach temperatures upwards of 100 degrees. Since the early 1700s, visitors such as George Washington have traveled to Bath County to soak in the hot springs, whose healing properties are said to promote mental and physical well-being.

This area is also known for its unspoiled scenery. Spend an afternoon hiking the trails that wend through forests next to freshwater streams. Or, hop in your car for a scenic drive on country roads that crest over the Allegheny Mountains.

Bath also supports a prolific arts community. Just 3 miles from the resort, at the Garth Newel Music Center, you can enjoy an intimate concert followed by a gourmet meal with the musicians. The center also hosts festivals and champagne brunches throughout the year.

No-shows will be charged total Groupon rate; no refunds, rescheduling, or rebooking allowed. Read the Fine Print for important info on offer details and other restrictions.

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After living just down the street from this amazing tree for over 6 years and enjoying it almost daily on walks through the neighborhood, I finally decided to get the full story behind it. So, this winter while shooting the "Pyrakantha" music video, I sat down with its creator, Adam Tenenbaum, to get the backstory on the Chandelier Tree.

Dixie got a little excited about cookie season

I pooped during the night (on the pee pad of course, I am a very civilized dog). I then crawled under the covers with my Auntie and left a big skid mark on her night shirt. She found it the next morning. Thanks for dog sitting me.
Banjo uses Aunties night shirt as T.P.