Monthly Archives: January 2018

Hole in our Hearts

Posted on by

20150217_141535 (2)

Carson left us today, but we believe we will see him again in Heaven.

After prolonged pain with his collapsing trachea which created difficult breathing and constant hacking, along with anxiety and stress, his suffering is over.

The decision was agonizing to make, but necessary. He is a part of us. Oddly, when I first got home from our veterinary’s office, the first thing I did was look for him.  I imagine there will be several habits related to Carson which will take time to lose.

IMG_9085 (2)

He was combination of many contrasting things: handsome, playful, independent, fun, stubborn, exasperating,  silky soft, gentle, tolerant, an eating machine, and the list goes on. He had a playful bark that sounded like a larger dog, although he didn’t bark much. He was great around our grand children-even when they were a bit rough with him.

May 16, 2013 002 (2)

He was Cheryl’s shadow and she was the best thing that ever happened to him.

20140706_142619 (2)

He became my closest buddy, especially after his health deteriorated and I spent more time with him. How could you not love this guy?

Carson's Cert of Adoption

Although we only enjoyed his presence for seven years, it seems like seventeen. The Little White Dog Rescue non-profit organization is one of many terrific groups who help place needy canines with responsible people. For a bit more information about Carson, please go to my post on December 23rd, entitled White Christmas. Thank you.

Gone, but not forgotten. We will always love you, Pupdog (one of his many nicknames).

 

 

 

Take Five

Posted on by

Poetry in Motion

Soaring to Glory

What gravity?

Take the Plunge

Bottoms Up !

These images were taken two days ago through my sliding glass door so the clarity lacks, and the darkness of the images due to the bright back light is not ideal, but I enjoyed watching and photographing these birds and many others. They emptied the feeder in a few days!

A Lot

Posted on by

Do you ever catch yourself saying something to the effect, “It was a ………. year.” ? Obviously, a fill-in-the-blank answer is needed.

Almost halfway into January of this new year, I can honestly state that I wouldn’t answer that question in the most positive of terms. Perhaps some of you can relate. At the same time, I know it is critical to answer because if I don’t acknowledge where I have been then I am doomed to have a pretty crummy start to this new year. I also risk spiraling downward into a funk of sorts which I don’t desire to do. Been there, done that.

Below is my grandson working hard to push the wagon forward with his little sister in the front. What I like about this image is the determination. And, Elliot has no concept as to what my question is about. He just does things because he feels like it or he sees a need and wants to fulfill it. Either way, I love his gumption. He is a matter-of-fact sort of person, even at age three when this photo was taken. He is now four years of age.

60D to 9-26-15 088 - Copy

So, if I were to ask Elliot what type of year he had in terms he could understand, he would probably answer like this. ” It was fun.”

May all of our days in this 2018 be fun. Smile a lot. Laugh a lot. Rejoice in other’s success a lot. Choose to have no self-pity a lot. Be thankful a lot. Share a lot. Receive graciously a lot. Risk a lot…at least some. Look outside of ourselves a lot. Thank God a lot. Give a lot. You get the idea…do something positive, daily, and do it a lot.

Wishing you the best this year…a lot  !!!

Just Hangin’ Around

Posted on by

IMG_0620 (2)

These are some of our song birds wintering here in the frigid cold (temps have been near zero degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of weeks). We have finches, sparrows, nuthatch, grosbeak, woodpecker, chickadees, titmice, an occasional cardinal couple and even a few grown blue jays.

Obviously, they like the feeder, especially because they get to eat all they want, when they want. We previously had an open feeder which allowed not only birds, but other creatures to climb the deck and eat much of the bird seeds. This feeder is critter proof.

IMG_0481 (2)

This gray squirrel is the main culprit. He can climb just about anywhere and eats just about any nut, seed or berry he comes across. However, when he steps on any of the feeder’s perches the feeder drops down due to his weight which then covers the openings to the seeds. Pretty clever device. Too bad for the squirrel, as he has to settle for crumbs. Don’t feel too sorry for these guys which outnumber the human population in our geographic area. They must have thousands of nuts buried throughout our yard and neighborhood so they won’t go hungry.

Happy New Year !