Brew learns to use the Bike tow leash

That's Abba in the background barking saying "ME NEXT, I WANT TO TRY IT!"

Come see Jack-A-Roo start his show career

Jack (Abba & Jazz puppy formerly known as Roo) will be starting his show career next weekend at the Western Washington Cluster (Puyallup Fairgrounds). Come cheer him on!

Show times are:
Jan 16, Saturday 1 pm (Ring 9)
Jan 17, Sunday 8 am (Ring 14)
Jan 18, Monday 8 am (Ring 8)

Links to show programs:
Premium List
Judging Program

Some times ...

...you have to work hard to get a great shot;

this was not one of those times.

I was darned lucky. The dogs were barking at the front window. I pulled the shades which shut them up and allowed me to open the font door and snap this photo. It may be our 2010 Christmas card. Let me be the first to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Walked out early this a.m. to a lot of snow and this shot called out - I titled it Morning Glory as it is, in fact, seed pods of morning glories.

Tripp deserved as much time outside as he wanted - on his own, able to explore and frollick in the snow. He's a big, serious boy who loves his time to survey the property.

The two young trees I call Dressed to Dance for they look as they were intended to be draped in the elegance of snow.

Not the best - w/o makeup and very early plus a FLASH. What was I thinking? Oh, maybe I wasn't. Brain Freeze.

The house from near the road. Nothing could be finer. There remain a few of the tall grasses which now mark the creek's path.

Harmony and Baxter bolt out of the door and don't stop running until they are wiped out. Even in the coldness and snow they romp, play tag, and tear around the yard. We're so glad they do; cabin fever is a dangerous condition!

I can't get photos of deer because of screens and fences but the birds know I'm shooting only with a camera. In the past I've captured cardinals but this week I find myself drawn to the Flicker.

The charmingly sly fox can't hide well at a friend's house. Nancy took this terrific photo in her country yard.

Highway Girl

Over 1560 dogs and cats were transported from kill facilities to no-kill shelters, adoptive homes, or temporary foster homes by the 100% volunteer group dedicated to making certain they each have a ride from the far southwest edge of Illinois to the Chicago suburbs, city, and on into Wisconsin. Once at their final destination they often having loving and anxious people waiting to cuddle them and give them their forever homes.

When you think you can't do something, you can. If all you can do is donate old bedding - that's enough. If all you can do is give the gift of a gas card to help with transporting, thank you. If all you can do is tell someone you appreciate what they are doing, it is inspiring.

Maybe the day will come when you adopt, or drive, or tell someone else about the programs that save lives. After all, we know we're not just saving the dogs and cats. We're saving the humans too.

W.O.W.

Today was "Buy Yourself Flowers" day here. The cold weather yielded enough that we hit the double digits and that is cause enough to celebrate. While at the library signing up for the adult winter reading program, Cabin Fever - it struck me that a stop at the small town florist would be perfect. After all, it's a whole three blocks from the library which sets at the edge of town. WOW! Did that brighten the day, pick up the spirits, get the creative juices flowing. "White On White" - the photo in the banner was my next time investment. I love this horse and am lucky enough to have him as a neighbor. We don't see people outside in this weather but this big guy greets me regularly.

Just wanted to share him with the world.

January, Ode to the Scale

Twas the month after Christmas; I showed up in the kitchen
Declaring a war but found no one would listen.
The candy is gone, the cookies all eaten.
The treats and snacks, my life, they did sweeten.

But now tis the time to awake and start fresh
If ever the day comes when I hope to weigh less.
It means putting the fork down and hitting the trail
I must walk much farther than just out to get mail.
Heaving and ho’ing I swing, sway and trundle.
It’s not just a coat that creates quite a bundle.


The fridge is all packed with carrots and berries
Brought in by the elves and good Christmas fairies.
Little did I know that eating blue cheese
Would widen horizons from neck to knees.

So, away with the licking of frosting and dips.
There must be a plan for locating my hips.
The crumbs? Let ‘em fall where they may
Shout to the pounds – get away, get away!
Bring for me a small plate and a tinier spoon
And pass the cucumbers and spinach real soon.

So, January is what it is, once again, in twenty-ten
I’ll dream night after night about being thin,
Get out the loose sweater and create quite a riot,
Shouting Happy New Year to all, let’s get on with the diet!