View a larger version through my Flickr account.

How do you plan to ring in the new year?

To commemorate this joyous occasion, I took this photo of young Herbie frolicking in the yard this morning:

Fun facts:

• Herbie’s full name is Herbert Ashmont Mycynek. As he himself is long, fast, and red, it’s only fitting that his middle name pay homage to Boston’s Red Line. (Ashmont is an end stop on the line, which I rode frequently while living in Boston.)
• Herbie’s initials spell “HAM.” We think this is cute and moderately funny.
• His “likes” include: Learning, growing, playing, chewing, eating, sleeping, barking in his sleep, and hunting his big fluffy bed as if it were a gazelle on the Serengeti
• His “dislikes” include: Cold weather, rain, bed time, bath time, and other dogs who hang out on our lawn
• Favorite quotation: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight–it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” — Mark Twain

Last week, I visited YoungUrbanPuppy on Etsy, a great eBay-inspired shopping-cart site that allows creative types to sell their custom-made wares to consumers worldwide. If you’re into unique art, clothing, and accessories, I highly recommend shopping there.

The above outfits were part of my first Etsy purchase, and I’ve got to say I’m really pleased. The Mario costume brings me back to my childhood, while the smart trench coat and hat make Herbie, my eight-month-old miniature dachshund, look like a dapper Sherlock Holmes. Jenielle (YoungUrbanPuppy) did an excellent job on the outfits. They’re fitted with Velcro straps so that even if Herbie grows, he’ll still be able to wear them.

So here’s my shout out to Jenielle, her dog Parsnip, and all of the people who’ve made Etsy possible! Thanks, guys!