Benny "THE TANK"... A Shih-Tzu's Perspective

Quote Of The Day 1/19/2010

2011-01-19T20:21:00.000-06:00

"God's Angel took me up, and he of hell Shouted: 'O thou from heaven, why dost thou rob me?'"

-The Divine Comedy

In Search Of Red's Treasure

2011-01-19T20:20:00.000-06:00

"Anne I told you to let the lab sniff the way! Now we're lost."

"No we're not Tank. Listen, it's calling us. Over here! Remember, a dying plant speaks the truth, but only the just can hear. Shh...Don't you hear it Tank?"

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Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 1/17/11

2011-01-16T22:33:00.001-06:00

"If forced to fight in a salt-marsh, you should have water and grass near you, and get your back to a clump of trees. So much for operations in salt-marshes."

-Sun Tzu

2011-01-16T22:26:00.001-06:00

"Red buried a package right before he went away to the pen. Lockdown was hard on him and he's just too old to travel the distance. You three must retrieve this package. If you don't....well go on!

"What do you think it is Anne?"

"No more questions. Mo' says it's around Red's old racoon hunting farm, let's get this package or...."

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 1/5/2011

2011-01-05T20:17:00.001-06:00

"Hell, if I'd jumped on all the dames I'm supposed to have jumped on, I'd have had no time to go fishing."

-Clark Gable

The Return Of Big M

2011-01-05T20:04:00.001-06:00

After returning from her trip to the coast, Big M is eager to get her crew back to work!
"Mandy, "Tank", get Anne! I got a job for you three."

"You calling boss?"

"Long flight, dry mouth, ate too many peanuts, of course I'm calling you "Tank"!"

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 12/27/10

2010-12-27T22:38:00.001-06:00

"You see things; you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?"
-George Bernard Shaw

Strange Christmas

2010-12-27T22:11:00.001-06:00

Christmas started out as usual. Stocking, toy, a few snacks, but then something strange happened.

Snow began to fall on all the merry dogs. It was I that noticed the track marks which led us to the unexplained....

"Anne, check out these strange markings!"

"I say...those are crop circles! Left by the shadows!"

"Follow those tracks Anne!"

"O holy night! What is that?"

??????????????????????????????????????????????

"Where did it go 'Tank'?"

"Some things are just meant to remain a mystery."

As Anne and "The Tank" unlock mysteries of the universe, the unsupervised "Family Members" were, well....

Enjoying the Christmas mystery of a white Christmas.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 12/20/10

2010-12-20T21:07:00.000-06:00

“When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?”

-G. K. Chesterton

A Story You Have Kinda Of, Sort Of, Heard Before.........

2010-12-20T21:06:00.000-06:00

The following is based on a true story........

"I am the ghost of Christmas future, and I have come to warn you of perils and pitfalls you will encounter if you do not change your ways.

"Tank": Don't Ghost were sheets?

"No...not future ghosts...we go all mask. Now lets take a look at some happier times, a time when you understood the true meaning of Christmas.........

"What joy and innocence you possessed. But Beware of what waits! Anger, Loneliness! Let's take a look.

Anger!

Loneliness!

"Tank": "You mean I get Charlie Bears and whiskey all to myself?"

"Tank": "Whoa, I just had the strangest dream...I suddenly have the urge to hand out fresh poultry to all, and to all a good night. Merry Christmas from:

Benny "The Tank" and "The Family"

Quote Of The Day 12/14/2010

2010-12-13T21:27:00.001-06:00

"We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly; let him rejoice."

-POPE PAUL VI, speech, Dec. 23, 1965

No Sugar Plums?

2010-12-13T20:52:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving came and Thanksgiving went,

Now Christmas shall come before I can vent.

Holiday seasons both far and away, bring not only joy but also dismay.

Many don't see the shadows at bay,

But a Shi-Tzu can sense that a fight is on the way.

Neither winter nor spring will shy these shadows away.

The words that come forth may be created in dreams,

Dreams that forewarn the chaos that shall be.

Before I awake and gather my foes,

I am blessed with a vision filled with only peace and no woes.

Water and fire, birds with loud chirps, can these earthly things bring peace to my sleep.

So take a look for yourself, deep in my dreams,

And maybe you'll see the peace that could be.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 11/14/2010

2010-11-14T21:25:00.001-06:00

"I'm six foot four, an all-American guy, and handsome and talented as well!"

-David Hasselhoff

Seeing Red!

2010-11-14T20:55:00.001-06:00

After the big Halloween party, yes, it took me a couple of weeks to recuperate, I returned to Big M’s to meet the newest edition to the family. “Big Red” or as “The Family” calls him, Uncle "The Linguini" Red. Not sure how the nickname came about, but I can tell you this, he’s been away a very long time. It is evident that he is enjoying his new found freedom. After all, he still thinks its Halloween two weeks later! That was some hooch he learned to make in that far off place. But hey, he’s back and here he his to give you a snapshot of himself.

I'm a simple, country dog, not anything like these big city K-9, such as "The Tank". Well, here it goes, glad to be back and free, read below and you'll feel like you've known me your entire life.

Likes:
hooch
strong hooch
more strong hooch
Racoons- dead, live, up a tree, down a tree, don't matter I like'em anyways they come (especially with a baked sweet potato, Get's the ole' tranin a moving)

Dislikes:
Well, this for starters.....too close "Tank"!

So, the Christmas party tomorrow night?

"Remind me to keep you away from Anne and her friend Blue Moon."

"What do you get when you put a hound, a banjo, and a jug of momma's home brew in the same room?"

"That's right, a tooting, darn, good time! Billy Bob, bring me my Banjo!"

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 11/1/10

2010-11-01T22:17:00.001-05:00

"I am Patrick, a sinner, most uncultivated and least of all the faithful and despised in the eyes of many."

-Saint Patrick

The Fur-Ball

2010-11-01T21:44:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the annual Fur-Ball. Why don't you stay a while, get comfortable, and take your head off! Better put the kids and pups in bed, because we got "Dogs Gone Wild". One more thing...be sure to kiss "The Tank" on the nose before you leave...

PRE-PARTY

The excitement...how intense!

The Acutal Party

"Attention to all dogs present. I welcome you to the second annual Fur-Ball. All proceeds from the cover charge will go directly to..."The Family". Now... pay attention Mandy!

"Bones, pumpkins, bones, pumpkins.....

"Yes Sir 'Tank' "

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...Just have fun!

"So....So...Nice hair bow...Gracie....she really thinks she looks....."

"Anne thinks I can't read lips "Tank"!

"Good grief Mandy, Make them get alone."

"So that's how you kill a hand puppet!"

"Ah, I love Hallows Eve"

"Happy All Saints Day!"

"And to all a...good riddance pour, lonely souls."

"So now what...I just sit here and rot?"

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 10/29/10

2010-10-28T21:38:00.001-05:00

"I don't know that there are real ghosts and goblins, but there are always more trick-or-treaters than neighborhood kids. "

-Robert Brault

Homecoming

2010-10-28T21:06:00.001-05:00

I refuse to say it...you know, what every dog says when he returns home from a long journey. Okay, I'll say it! There's no place to pee like your own backyard! Everyone! "The Tank" is back!

"We knew you would make it back in time."

"Don't look so aloof "Tank"; Please tell me you didn't forget the annual Halloween "Fur Ball"?

"Holy peanut brittle! I did almost forget! Well there's only one thing to do when you receive good news like this...Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Uh, I wonder if I should tell someone that a giant, red hamster is walking through our yard? The poodle in me says yes, definitely I should, but the lab in me says...RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 10/24/10

2010-10-24T20:47:00.001-05:00

"An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come. "

-Victor Hugo

Back Home...

2010-10-24T20:29:00.001-05:00

"Hot tub time travel can wear a Shi-Tzu out."

Although "The Tank" found his hush he realizes one very important thing...

"Don't look at me like that...Well, it's true, I miss "The Family". I haven't seen them in some time, and even though I found my hush, there's no peace without a chaotic, dysfunctional, loving family. So, I guess its back to the hot tub.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 10/17/10

2010-10-17T20:12:00.001-05:00

"I take it that what all men are really after is some form of, perhaps only some formula of, peace."

-James Conrad

Found

2010-10-17T20:03:00.001-05:00

"And where did that hot tub transport me to? Just take a look through my eyes."

"Don't look away now it's almost here."

"I think I just found my hush."

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 10/10/10

2010-10-10T19:36:00.001-05:00

"Art has two constant, two unending concerns: It always meditates on death and thus always creates life. All great, genuine art resembles and continues the Revelation of St John."

-Boris Pasternak

So I Saw This Movie...

2010-10-10T19:20:00.001-05:00

After a long journey, "The Tank" discovers a lonely cabin.

Inside this cabin...

Jackpot! "The Tank" remembers this movie he once saw. Can this hot tub transport "The Tank" to his hush; then back home again?

And there goes "The Tank"...

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 10/03/10

2010-10-03T22:47:00.001-05:00

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.”

-Dale Carnegie quotes (American lecturer, author, 1888-1955)

Sunday Teaser

2010-10-03T22:34:00.001-05:00

Mandy finally catches up with "The Tank"!

Unbeknownst to "The Tank" Mandy observes from afar; fearing that they will never return to their world. But the dark vortex of the forest beckons Mandy to enter as it promises to return her safely home.

Enchanted by natures spell, Mandy cannot resist the temptation to obey its command. Will "The Tank" ever return, or will he remain amongst the trees and humans, forever searching for his hush?

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 9/29/10

2010-09-29T19:08:00.001-05:00

"The best in this kind are but shadows, and the worst are no worse, if imagination amend them."

-Shakespeare, William (A Midsummer Night's Dream, 5. 1)

Follow That River!

2010-09-29T18:46:00.001-05:00

After carefully reading the map "The Tank" decides to take on the dangerous rapids to reach his hush.

Wow! Just look at that white water!

The rough waters have made "The Tank" grow weary, and hungry. He just wishes that he wasn't alone.

And then...Are we ever really alone?

To be continued...

Quote Of The Day 9/22/10

2010-09-22T20:29:00.000-05:00

“Zoo animals are ambassadors for their cousins in the wild."

-Jack Hanna

To The Hush!

2010-09-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

Once "The Tank" entered the gates, he came upon a magical land, a land no other K-9 had set paw on before this very day. A talking rock beckons "The Tank's" attention.

"On my top is where you will find the way to your hush".

So "The Tank" listens and begins his ascent.

"Momma always said, Chi lar dura la vince!"

So "The Tank" says as he climbs the talking rock, but once he reaches the top, he is pleased to see that the rock had kept his word!

On top he finds a map, and what appears to part of a backpack? Creepy I say. But where will this map lead "The Tank"?...and what is that red thing in front of his head?

To be continued...

Quote Of The Day 9/20/10

2010-09-20T18:11:00.001-05:00

"As far as extra dimensions are concerned, very tiny extra dimensions wouldn't be perceived in everyday life, just as atoms aren't: we see many atoms together but we don't see atoms individually."

-Edward Witten

The Gateway

2010-09-20T17:44:00.001-05:00

Getting lost and confused on his long voyage to find his hush "The Tank" finally comes upon another K-9 who just might be able to give him some guidance.

"Ah, so you too have lost your way in this world? I will remain in this human controlled dimension, but you still have a chance. You must enter through the putrid gates, the gates in which you most despise, through the gates that you will find most displeasing, you must enter. You will know these gates when you see them. Through these gates you will enter, and there you will find the tool that will help you find your hush. You have been in this world too long, you must find your hush to return home. Godspeed!

"Man the goldenrod is really bad here!"

So, "The Tank" listens to his mysterious friend, and embarks upon the gates.

"The Tank" encounters the gateway, and it is worst than he could ever have imagined, but travel down the long road he must....

To be continued...

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 9/7/10

2010-09-07T21:07:00.001-05:00

"The devil's name is dullness. "

-Robert E. Lee

Sunny Gray Skies

2010-09-07T21:04:00.001-05:00

It's true! I admit it, I miss Benny. I sure wish he would find his hush fast. Hurry up Mandy, find him!

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 8/30/10

2010-08-30T22:42:00.001-05:00

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."

-Henry David Thoreau

Web Of Peace

2010-08-29T20:52:00.001-05:00

As Mandy continues to follow "The Tank's" trail, she too realizes that they both have entered a different time, space...world? Fearing "The Tank's" reprimand if he spots her, she observes from afar as "The Tank" discusses the search for his Hush with a new friend.

"I've seen many quests end in this world. You must beware of the humans here. Their brains are slightly larger in this world which enables them to develop many unique devices such as a tempting spray that smells just like a fresh, rain drenched pine; but comfort it gives not, only death, and pain does it provide. I've spun my web across many worlds, and have caught many glorious meals, but in this world I've only caught despair. Leave my K-9 friend, forget your Hush, it's just a myth! If you stay here too long you will become trained, and dumb, and...well, in your world I use to be a barber.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 8/22/10

2010-08-22T20:15:00.001-05:00

“For a moment of night we have a glimpse of ourselves and of our world islanded in a stream of stars - pilgrims of mortality, voyaging between horizons across the eternal seas of space and time”

-Henry Beston quotes

Letters Abroad

2010-08-22T20:13:00.001-05:00

Quote Of The Day 8-7-10

2010-08-07T09:14:00.001-05:00

"Emergencies have always been necessary to progress. It was darkness which produced the lamp. It was fog that produced the compass. It was hunger that drove us to exploration. And it took a depression to teach us the real value of a job. "

-Victor Hugo

Dying Wisdom

2010-08-07T08:39:00.001-05:00

Mandy watches from afar as a beacon of light points her and "The Tank" towards a wise spirit of the night.

"Hush....hush...."

"Who is that? St. Francis is that you?"

"Hush...I will soon return from whence I came, and be one with the thorn again. I sense that you search for your hush? Humility is the only way to find the inner peace that teases humanity until the end of days. When you grow old and lose your sweet scent, when all abandon you for the lack of glow that shines no more, when the bee of life passes you by for a dried up, old dandelion, that a human, nor animal would even look at twice...and I let that bee sit on my anther! That is when you truly appreciate what you once had, and what there is left to gain. That is your hush.

"Hummmm...that's very....well....not really the answer I was looking for. Good luck with becoming one with the thorn again and stuff."

Just a little rose food before you

leave...I'm returning to the thorn again...here I go...wait...wait..here it comes...I see the....

"A big, white Labradoodle? Forget the hush! Go kick some-

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 8/1/10

2010-08-01T22:30:00.001-05:00

"Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going."

-Tennessee Williams

To Truly See

2010-08-01T22:20:00.001-05:00

As Mandy follows "The Tank" on his journey to find his hush, she oberserves something very mysterious.

What is that? Could it be....

Stay tuned.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 7-29-10

2010-07-29T20:24:00.000-05:00

"Our principles are the springs of our actions. Our actions, the springs of our happiness or misery. Too much care, therefore, cannot be taken in forming our principles.”

-Red Skelton

Random Travels

2010-07-29T20:17:00.001-05:00

Things sure have become mundane around the floral shop this summer. Mr. Shadowcaster has been much too busy with "work" to give out any fresh assignments. I myself am partly to blame, with my new hobbies, painting and singing, but things are about to change. It's time to travel to nowhere. When your present grows stagnant, and your future looks bleak, you must force the energies around you to combust into one big....well, some ole' yorkie told me this, and you know how I feel about yorkies. However, no one knows I am embarking on an unknown adventure; it will be much more fun that way. Anyways, this floral business, it's a tough business, a dirty business, it's a deadly business. It's time I go off and find my hush. Yes, that's right, my hush. It feels so good to say that word, let's all say it together...hush. Travels abound! Oh yea, gotta' see Tina one last time.

Benny "The Tank"

Shh...Hush! He doesn't know I'm following him, I'm bored too...and he's right it does feel good to say it...hush.

Quote Of The Day 7/26/10

2010-07-26T20:56:00.001-05:00

"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph."

-Shirley Temple

Sing Loud!

2010-07-26T20:42:00.001-05:00

That's right, I ain't no choir boy.

Oh, so it's pronounced with a sssssss....wait, whose finger is that...because it's about to be mine!

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 7/9/10

2010-07-10T10:01:00.001-05:00

"Believe it or not, I can actually draw."

-Michelangelo

Gone Too Long

2010-07-10T09:41:00.001-05:00

I'm sure all seven followers have been wondering where I have been for the past two weeks. The top five guesses I heard are as follows:

1. A Bitch House(Poodle Brothel)
2.Under the bridge, in the river
3. Rehab with Anne
4. Mr. Shadowcaster's home planet
5. Collecting tar balls with the Hoff (shirtless Hoff), and Gary Coleman at the beach. VERY UNLIKELY!

And the answer is.....

None of the above. I needed some time off to embark on my new passion, painting! Yes I have the artist touch. My speciality is, or will be, oil paintings of former family members. However, I must figure out this easel, and paint holder thingy?

Benny "The Tank"

Is it the Fourth yet?

Quote Of The Day 6/21/10

2010-06-21T21:30:00.000-05:00

"I race cars, play tennis, and fondle women, BUT! I have weekends off, and I am my own boss."

-Dudley Moore in Arthur

Things are getting weird.............................................?

2010-06-21T21:09:00.001-05:00

Come out little man! I know how you love to tap dance on those strings, little man in the box.

Oh, there you are. Yes, things have gotten much strange around here. You see because of the economy, business is slow. Less people with stuff to...to do charity work for...So, here I sit, still trying to dry Anne out. I thought it wise to drink all the Blue Moon myself. Thus, Anne can....what is that little man, you want to play daddy a tune? Well here we go, time for some jazz.

Dance little man, dance inside that box! Just listen to those strings, it shall deliever you!

Where is that Anne?

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 6/13/10

2010-06-13T20:14:00.001-05:00

“I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.”

-Oscar Wilde

It Runs Cold

2010-06-13T20:14:00.000-05:00

As you might recall, Anne had developed somewhat of a problem...or let’s say a strong obsession with Blue Moon. So we decided to have an intervention, but first I was wise enough to consult a very wise therapist. The famous French therapist, Amelie, provided some useful information on how to cure Anne's addic...I mean obsession. I must say it took much self control to converse with a cat, but a French cat, well "The Tank" does believe in doing whatever it takes for family.

Amelie: "You must present a negative association with the Blue Moon. A cold bath, after a drunken partie, well...let me say...might wake up Anne's inner soberness."

"The Tank": French cat's think they are so much smarter than us Chinese, Italian, American dogs. Well guess what? I need some opposable thumbs! Opposable thumbs anyone? Anyone out there with a thumb I could borrow, it will just be one second, and I just need it to turn one knob labeled C! I knew I should've kept Bruno's hand....

Benny "The Tank"

Happy Anniversary! To celebrate my one year anniversary, I felt moved to compile a slideshow of my many adventures.Please read warning below!

2010-06-04T09:59:00.005-05:00

Read Before Viewing!

2010-06-03T22:38:00.005-05:00

WARNING! This movie contains many chessy pictures, transitions,and is long by some standards. If you are nursing, or taking certain medications...ENJOY!

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 6/1/2010

2010-06-01T08:04:00.001-05:00

“Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.”

-Charles M. Schulz quote

Perks Of "The Family"

2010-06-01T07:51:00.001-05:00

Performing the duties of Consigliere to "The Family" comes with many perks. As you can see, one of those perks is course a sweet ride, provided by "The Tank" himself! The rims on this baby are so sweet they make my mouth water almost as much as fresh slice of Gabagool. Sweetest of all, check the cup holder to the left, perfect seize for a Blue Moon on those breezy, southern nights.

Benny "The Tank" does not support drinking and driving, and has planned an intervention for Anne...stay tuned! But Blue Moon really is good.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 5/23/10

2010-05-24T07:50:00.000-05:00

"I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book."

-Groucho Marx

Amused, But Not Bored

2010-05-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

What do you know; it's back to business as usual. After securing the loading the dock, I thought it might be wise to stop by the silo, and pick up a few humans to escort me and a few associates to the bazarr. This thing has gotten full! Don't get too close, the humans have been said to pull you in...according to Sicilian legend of course.

All respectable assoicates of "TheFamily" have a human at the bazarr, even "Hoarse" one of my best volunteers. He just loves making children and the elderly smile, and "Hoarse" has never broken a bone, his bones of course.

Yep, looks like "PanFace" is having a good time. Human! Hold me up, or back to the silo!

I made it known, no "Yorks" this year! But they still come. Every year, they come, and stink up the entire bazarr! Very well human, carry me to the biscuit bar, or back to the silo you go, and make sure you bring a bag this time to clean up after yourself...nasty creatures.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 5/17/10

2010-05-17T22:45:00.001-05:00

"As you climb the ladder of success stay focused on your objective. Do not be distracted by that crunching sound you hear. It is only the breaking of fingers as you step on others on the ladder below you."

-Anne

...END OF STORY

2010-05-17T21:51:00.001-05:00

Gary: Of Course it would be us! Who else could finish such a story! You know what Dave?

Dave: What's that little man?

Gary: I just want to give you a big high five!

Dave: Can I take my shirt off for that?

Gary: Let's move on with this tail of tail's. So here I go...Dave, just keep keeping the hood warm, I'll handle the rest.

While Anne and "The Tank" entered a drunken stupor back at the snuggery, Big M realized that it would be she who had to go the shadows. Attempting bravery, Mandy tried to confront the mysterious subject, but only to be pacified by the cool shade it provided in the warm sun. Sneaky things they are, the shadows.

Never yeilding, Big M continued to pursue the shadow, but then the most horrific thing occured!

Oooooo watch out Gracie, what are you doing here? Well, that's one doggie that's been entranced by a shadow.

Big M watched as the shadow attempted to connect to Gracie's furry body. It was clear the shadows only wanted one thing, a body to keep them company. Not on my watch says the...

BEHOLD! The Secret Society of "TheTail". Within seconds "TheTail" presents the shadow with it's one languor... RED WINE!!!!!!!!!!

It becomes too much for the shadows. With one drink the bottle is passed and the darkness covers their cast with a menacing red obscurity.

And just like castor oil, "TheTail" had left as fast as it had entered. "The Family" still wondered who and what "TheTail" was, and Big M knew a meeting must be arranged with Mr. Shadowcaster, but until then, it was time for a good ole' heist...Of course we all mean service project, charity work, donations, etc...After all, we operate a floral business.

You know what Dave? Please don't answer. That was a darn good story, I sure could use some cookies and milk, and maybe a pinch on the cheek.

Dave: Can I take my shirt off now?

Gary: Can I get that high five? You tell me.

Benny"The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 5/13/10

2010-05-13T22:16:00.001-05:00

"A man's true character comes out when he's drunk."

-Charlie Chaplin

Wrap It Up Already!

2010-05-13T21:38:00.001-05:00

Yes, I admit, which is the first of many steps, that it was not the Blue Moon that interfered with the continuation of this drastic tail, but...Tina bring me another Limoncello! Hadn't seen her in a very long time, she had to...well, she had to drop a crump who knew too much, but that's business at present, lets continue with the Shadow Invasion! Well, maybe I should let Mandy finish the story because she is the one that...

No, I can't...the memories are still too fresh, the darkness, the chill, the...the..the stream is very, very green, I wonder where it goes? Let Gracie finish the story...

No way! This is an old picture anyways...We all know who has to finish the story...

Don't even dream it you little shi-Oh, go and clean your skull, Shi-Tzu, I was going to say don't even dream of me finishing this story you little shi-Well, Gracie makes a good point, we all know who has to fishish this story...

Benny "The Tank"

Nope...Not I!

Seriously? Did you really think it would be I?

I don't even live in the country anymore!

I was told it wasn't hot enough for me to come out and play yet, so it ain't I...Said the toad. Yes, all toads talk that way.

Quote Of The Day 5/5/10

2010-05-05T06:42:00.001-05:00

"Easy reading is damn hard writing."

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

Speechless

2010-05-05T06:03:00.001-05:00

Okay, I admit, talking about the Blue Moon sent Anne and I back on a binge, but now we're fully recovered, so let me continue with the story. Faced with confronting the shadows outside the snuggery, or drinking...well you know, I decided to take a look outside the bullet-shadow-hurricane-tornado-snow, hail, apocalypse-proof door, and saw a much-dreaded figure.

In fear of the mysterious weapon, I paid close attention as the shadow explained their reason for being here. Well, I think I understood the shadow? Not versed in speech like our great boss Mr. Shadowcaster, it communicated by shadow puppets. After realizing that a rabid rabbit was not going to take over the universe, I slowly began to understand...

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 4/21/10

2010-04-21T21:49:00.001-05:00

"The more enlightened our houses are, the more their walls ooze ghosts."

-ITALO CALVINO, The Literature Machine

And We Heard...

2010-04-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

Torn between his own kind, and "The Family" in which he now ruled, Mr. Shadowcaster contacted us by radio, and decided to inform us of what was about to occur. We listened intently as he uttered the message...

"...They're here for the bodies they were never given, they long for the companionship that only a shadow can yearn...you must..."

Did we face the shadows that stood outside the snuggery, or did we just backdown, and drink more Blue Moon?

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 4/14/10

2010-04-14T20:51:00.001-05:00

"A man is what he thinks about all day long."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shadows Deceit

2010-04-14T20:22:00.001-05:00

We greatly underestimated the shadows. Diverted in waiting for the shadows to arrive, Grandma Mo' ordered me to hide out in the snuggery with Anne, only separating "The Family", and playing into the devious plan the shadows had concocted.

...And there they were, the shadows, outside the snuggery. We didn't have time to prepare, all we had was Blue Moon beer, and-Wait! The Radio!

Once I realized my poodle like idea, I woke Anne up from her Blue Moon snooze. Really Anne? Again, this soon, really? Please excuse the haze in her eyes. She pulled it together and began to man the raido, and what she heard was...

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 4/11/10

2010-04-11T20:32:00.001-05:00

“Hold the cross high so I may see it through the flames!”

- Joan of Arc

A Pinkish Hue

2010-04-11T20:01:00.001-05:00

You're probably wondering a couple of things...where has "The Tank" been, and why is he standing with tulips. Well, the shadows came, and the shadows left, but what took place must be told. Oh, and the tulips, all Chinese, American Italians love to garden, everyone knows that, me, I prefer tulips. Tulips and me have an agreement, seems to be working out well. But Let me say, it is only by the graces above that we survived the invasion of the shadows, and that I am able to stand amongst the tulips. So, let me proceed with the story, and remember what you're about to be told in the next few entries can happen to anyone at anytime, again, and again, because the shadows never truly leave. By the way, I do believe "The Tank" pulls off the color pink quite well, wouldn't you say?

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 3/28/10

2010-03-28T17:13:00.001-05:00

"The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. If 'Thou shalt not covet' and 'Thou shalt not steal' were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society before it can be civilized or made free."

-John Adams, A Defense of the American Constitutions, 1787

To Sit In The Throne

2010-03-28T16:50:00.001-05:00

"Stand guard Mandy! I have grown old and weary, yet I sit and wait for our new guests to arrive for the meeting. I do not fear the darkness that trails them in the light, but it is they that shall fear the darkness we will encompass upon them. Don't let my blonde hair, and teddy bear brown eyes fool you, at the end of the day, I am, we are, "The Family". These shadows will soon learn our family motto, 'Don't ever, ever, touch our bones!' We can see in the dark, we can hunt in the dark, we can thrive in the dark, but can a shadow, who has only seen light, their light, survive one moment in darkness. I think its time for "The Tank" to educate.

Grandma Mo'

Quote Of The Day 3/24/10

2010-03-24T20:28:00.001-05:00

"A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader."

-Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, February 12, 1779

Unexplainable

2010-03-24T20:15:00.001-05:00

"They're comming", he said, but did we listen? He warned us, and warned us that they wanted what we had, and now they have come to take what will soon be theirs. "Not without a fight", says "The Tank".

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 3/18/10

2010-03-18T20:35:00.001-05:00

"They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

-Ben Franklin, 1759

A Hairy Mess

2010-03-18T20:32:00.001-05:00

Even "The Tank" is entitled to a bad hair day!

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 3/14/10

2010-03-14T21:20:00.001-05:00

"What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains. "

-Tennessee Williams (brainyquote.com)

Sounds Of A Bird

2010-03-14T21:13:00.001-05:00

Outsiders always sing like canaries, but we listen, as this bird confirms what Mr. Shadowcaster feared most.

"The shadows are comming! The shadows are comming! I say...I say... the shadows are comming!

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 3/6/10

2010-03-06T14:23:00.001-06:00

"To reach something good it is very useful to have gone astray, and thus acquire experience."

-Saint Teresa of Avila

A Shadow And A Master's Return

2010-03-06T14:11:00.001-06:00

As we continue our venture into the forrest, the winter chill is suddenly broken, and we see our master, and the shadow he took.

"I have returned home in despair. The shadows have grown restless, they yearn for a body. I have returned to prepare everyone for the...

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 3/3/10

2010-03-03T20:57:00.001-06:00

"Someone once told me that every minute a murder occurs, so I don't want to waste your time, I know you want to go back to work."

-Alfred Hitchcock

An Odd Place

2010-03-03T20:40:00.001-06:00

Mandy claims to have spotted "The Tail" near this odd landmark. Of course, "The Family" has volunteered "The Tank" to investigate.

Okay, wait a minute, those bones look awfully familiar...Uncle Dino...?

Nope, nothing here...Let's Go!

Hurry up Gracie! We got a tail to find!

"Whisp...Whisp..."

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 2/28/10

2010-02-28T16:48:00.001-06:00

"Mick Jagger is about as sexy as a pissing toad."

-Truman Capote

2/28/10

2010-02-28T16:29:00.001-06:00

The Creepy Tree gives "The Family" a tip on "The Tail's" whereabouts.

"Go deep, go far, look closely...and within the soul of the forrest, you will find your answer."

So of course, we embark into the forrest. We run a floral business, what elese are we going to do? All we can see is vast wildenress, and no sign of "The Tail".

We can only hope that Anne is standing by the radio. God forbid there is any more Blue Moon left. Before we go any further, I must do one thing.

To you it's cliché, but to us it's a way of life, the right way.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 2/26/10

2010-02-26T16:42:00.001-06:00

"I've never looked through a keyhole without finding someone was looking back."

-Judy Garland

In Search Of "The Tail" Continued...

2010-02-26T16:32:00.001-06:00

As I sit and contemplate "The Tail's" existence, I decide that "The Tail" is purely symbolic. How can a tail just be a tail...How can a tail not be connected to an end...at least the end of something? Does a tail communicate by the number of wags it deems necessary to provide an answer? What does a tail eat, if it eats at all? Pizza, dust particles, fried fish...no one's sure. These are the questions that I ask myself as I sit here, in this chair, a chair of contemplation. So I will follow Grandma' Mo's orders, and continue to search for "The Tail", but I have many doubts...

Miss Gracie

Quote Of The Day 2/15/10

2010-02-15T19:14:00.000-06:00

"I always wanted to be a pilot."

-Bo Jackson

Cold Comfort

2010-02-15T19:03:00.001-06:00

I shall only leave my shawl when the snow and cold air cease! I moved "The Family" down South for many reasons, but not for a cold tail nub, but hear my orders clearly. Find "The Tail"! Something is awry; we can all feel Mr. Shadowcaster's presence, yet he refuses to reveal his return. Go to work "Tank", lead the way, and maybe this Southern winter will cease.

Grandma Mo'

Quote Of The Day 2/12/10

2010-02-12T17:33:00.001-06:00

"Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him."

-St. Dominic Savio

A Shadow's Chill

2010-02-12T17:19:00.001-06:00

As I look up towards the heavens, I can feel his presence. I know he is watching, but I can only wonder why he has not come back home. I am sure it is him that makes this Southern winter continue, as I feel his cold breath upon the plume of my tail. I can only hope that Mr. Shadowcaster stays faithful to his promise, and returns safely with Mandy's shadow, but then I look behind my and tracks, and I see...

Could it be, is it truly him? Can A shadow even leave foot prints? The air has grown colder, I must get back to the snuggery.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 2/10/10

2010-02-10T21:00:00.001-06:00

"I do not like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things."

-Walt Disney

To Tail Drop

2010-02-10T20:32:00.001-06:00

After burying a few bodies, and dealing with an emotional Tina, I had to hide away at the snuggery for a few days, and yea I said bodies...watch'a gonna' do about it! The floral busines is a tough kind of business. So, where were we..that's right we had just tapped the phone line to "The Tail's" hide out while we await Mr. Shadowcaster and Mandy's shadow return.

Anne! Can you hear anything?

Hold on! I'm trying to listen to the radio. All I can hear is swoosh, swoosh, and whisping noise. It kind of sounds like wind, no it sounds like a squeak, not it sounds like a...Wait a minute, what am I listening to again?

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 1/31/10

2010-01-31T21:22:00.001-06:00

"When thought becomes excessively painful, action is the finest remedy."

-Salman Rushdie

Big Teeth

2010-01-31T21:12:00.001-06:00

With the continued absence of Mr. Shadowcaster, Gracie and Mandy are not able to maintain their jealousy for my time any longer. What started out as a simple argument on who would get to patrol the grounds with me, quickly turned into a...well, sometimes I just need some "Tank Time" anyways. I'll let them work it out.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 1/26/10

2010-01-26T19:52:00.001-06:00

"The Monkees are like the mafia. You're in for life. Nobody gets out."

-Davy Jones

Tap Tap Goes The Tail

2010-01-26T19:44:00.001-06:00

Earlier this morning I spotted "The Tail" taunting the world through the window of a nearby home. With my lineman disguise, that the power company was so generous to...donate? I have just secured a phone tap, and hopefully we will learn more...Mandy, why are you wearing that silly hat?

"Because we were out of hard hats."

Oh yea.

Benny "The Tank"

Quote Of The Day 01/23/10

2010-01-23T08:18:00.001-06:00

"It's a great view from here. I'm having the time of my life."

-Michael P. Anderson

To Look Above

2010-01-23T08:04:00.001-06:00

"Tank", Do you think Mr. Shadowcaster can see us from up there?" "Na, surely he has better things to do." "Mandy, "Tank", I'm getting a weird feeling that theres something were supposed to be doing?"

Benny "The Tank"

Make Mr. Shadowcaster proud and vote for "The Tank's" blog at http://www.trainpetdog.com/ just type in the voting code : wUaRX.

Quote Of The Day 1/19/10

2010-01-19T19:35:00.001-06:00

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined."

-Patrick Henry

Day One

2010-01-19T19:29:00.001-06:00

Mr.Shadowcaster's departure was a success! Today is the first day that "The Family" is left without the looming shadow that constantly watches our every move. It seems that this newfound freedom might create an interesting situation. Anne! Answer that radio!

Benny "The Tank"