Wednesday Woofs with Maxine: Pea Patrol, Gravel Gal & Windblown Wanderer

Ordered out of the strawberry box but still keeping a watchful eye. I may be benched from berry duty, but you better believe I’m still on stealth patrol—just a little farther back this time. 🍓🖤

Earlier this week, the power went out overnight (a "planned outage," whatever that means). With the outside lights off, it was basically a free-for-all for the local wildlife. And guess who waltzed into my backyard? That's right—the deer. Bold as brass, they munched the tops off the carrots and strawberries like it was a free salad bar. Rude.

Naturally, the next morning I sprang into action. I stationed myself in the pepper and tomato bed, lying low and keeping watch. And what does Mom do? She chases me out. I know. I was as shocked as you are.

I tried the strawberry box next—again, just trying to help protect the produce—but apparently "guarding with my whole body" wasn't appreciated there either. I went full stealth mode: body low, ears back, eyes locked—like a true garden ninja on patrol. And how did Mom respond to my expert guarding skills? She ordered me out of the strawberries. Seriously?

I threw her my best Who, me? Just blending in with the leaves look. Didn't work. Guess I'm still banned from berry duty.

Just out here conducting routine perimeter checks. Nope, not looking for an escape route—why would you even think that? (This face? Pure innocence. Always.)

And while I'm on the subject of sneaky behavior—yes, I've been scouting the fence line again. Just in case.

Now listen, I know the rules. I've been bamboozled by that fence before. But a girl can dream, right? Maybe there's a shortcut I missed. A loose panel. A magic spot that opens with just the right amount of nose pressure and good intentions.

I'm not trying to escape. I just want options. A discreet, dignified way in and out. One that doesn't raise suspicions or get me called out in front of the wild critters.

I'm not saying I found one. I'm just saying… the surveillance continues.

There I was, minding my own business inside the fence, when something outside caught my eye. A twitch? A rustle? Possibly an interloper. Naturally, I relocated just outside the fence for a closer look—full recon mode engaged... Cue: The Great Wind Debacle.

And now… the moment that shook me. (Not literally. But almost.)

One day this week while scouting the fence line, the wind picked up, and something about it caught my attention. It started off gentle—just a whisper moving through the trees off in the distance, right at the edge of the yard.

So I got curious.

I wandered just outside the fence, sat myself down like a big girl, and kept an eye (and a nose) on things. Everything was fine. Peaceful, even.

Until—WHOOSH. A strong gust of wind came blasting across the yard and flipped my ears completely inside out. 

I froze. Didn't panic. Just... reevaluated all my life choices.

Then I calmly got up, quickly turned around, and went right back inside the fence where the wind is less dramatic and a girl can think straight.

Fieldwork can wait—Dad and I found the motherlode! Fresh wild blueberries, straight from the bush to my snout. Just two hardworking pals, sharing snacks and sunshine. 💙

Of course, I've still been helping Dad with real work, too. We spent time at a jobsite in Bayside, where he's building a driveway for a couple getting ready to build their home. I inspected the perimeter, supervised the gravel work, and enjoyed the bonus perk: wild blueberries growing in the field. (Delicious. Would snack again.) 

Don’t worry—I've got this under control. Dad shovels, I ride shotgun in the bucket and make sure every scoop meets my exacting standards. Gravel boss? That’s me.

Back at the office yard, Dad was hand-spreading gravel—and naturally, I got involved.

I jumped into the bucket of the Bobcat skid steer to assist with every shovel full. Then I helped him spread it out, tail wagging the whole time. I take my role as site supervisor seriously.

And with all this action, I still managed to squeeze in some self-care. We made a couple of pup cup stops—cold, creamy, and completely necessary in this summer heat. Hydration is health, friends.

While Dad shovels, I handle the quality control. One sniff at a time. Office yard beautification? Paw-sitively underway. 🌱🛠️

This week's curb appeal? Brought to you by yours truly. 🌿 While Dad got to work sprucing up the office yard, I supervised the makeover of the big blue planters out front. There was soil to sniff, roots to inspect, and—of course—just the right amount of paw prints to leave behind. A little dirt, a lot of love, and now we've got blooms that say, "Welcome, but wipe your paws."

I also made it back to Chamcook Lake for a swim… or so I thought.

There were some kids playing in the water, and honestly? I got a little distracted. I trotted over, turned the charm up to full power, and was rewarded with maximum lovings. Head pats, belly rubs, giggles—the works. I regret nothing.

So yeah… this week had a little bit of everything: deer drama, veggie theft, gravel duty, field berries, heavy equipment, pup cups, wind trauma, and lakefront fame.

I may not have a cape, but I am the unsung hero of the vegetable garden, the unofficial jobsite inspector, full-time pea thief, part-time fence scout, blueberry bandit, Bobcat bucket buddy, wind-tested adventurer, and certified cuddle magnet.

Perimeter secured. Paws clocked out. Wake me if snacks arrive—or if a squirrel dares to trespass.

🐾 Maxine's Midweek Wisdom

Sometimes guarding the garden means a little stealth, a lot of curiosity, and the occasional windblown ear flop. Stay curious, be patient, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed sniff.

And when the day's missions are complete? Always make time for a good nap in a sunny spot. You've earned it. 🌞💤

🫐🍓🌱🛠️💨💦🦴
Love and muddy paws,

Maxine

Director of Pawsitivity | Pea Patrol Captain | Fence Scout (Almost Retired) | Gravel Spreader in Training | Bobcat Bucket Boss | Chamcook Charm Queen