Today

At the little red house in the big woods the sun is shining...

My salvia is in full bloom and beautiful...
It is also my flower of the week...

Violet's Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has kicked in...
(Full throttle I might add :)

And while Snoop enjoys the comfort of the shade...

I prefer the warmth of the sun beating down on me... 

as I enjoy the view from my Adirondack chair :)

Sunday's Hike - Wesley Hill Nature Preserve

I hike as much as I can all year long, but especially so during the summer.  Today Dave, Snoop and Violet went with me on my adventure.

I was so glad they did...

because the woods reminded me...

so much of the woods...

that are in one of my favorite, albeit scary...

 TV shows...

Grimm...
You see it too, don't you :)

A Perfectly Rainy Day

It has been a perfectly rainy day here in western New York.  The ground is saturated with well over two inches of rain and my shade garden needs weeding.

It is a day much like I imagine it to be in London, England.  A day highlighted with mist in the air and occasional fog.
A day that I stay at my little red house in the big woods and bake chocolate chip cookies...

A day that I watch Harry Potter...

and enjoy a cup of tea...
It is a day filled with magic because I have chosen to see it.
Look around you, magic is everywhere.
(Even in rain filled days).
I hope your day is divine :)

Flowers for Friday

I am going to do something new for my Friday posts.  I have decided to post photos of flowers that catch my eye.  The flowers may be either cut or wild, but to me they must be beautiful.
My choice for this week is...

the locust tree.
They are in full bloom around here right now and they are beautiful.
Enjoy your weekend.

Why Do I Blog?

I blog for three reasons:  Alexandra, DJ and me.  Originally, I began the blog as a way to keep in touch with daughter when she traveled abroad to Africa. 

She returned and we enjoyed it so much that I continued to do it just for us.   

It's moments like this that I document because they are amazing and I want to share them with them (no matter where they are in this world).

It may be something as simple as my evening walk with the dogs, but it documents a positive part of my life and something that we share together - a love of nature and fitness.

It is a common thread that keeps the communication going.

It let's them know that even though we are miles apart, I think of them throughout the day and hope their day has been enjoyable.

That's why I blog.
Have a good night.

May Apples and Turkey Eggs

Almost two inches of rain has fallen since yesterday.  The woods are saturated and lush leaving me with soaking wet sneakers.

The lower pond is full to the brim and overflowing.

And randomly laid turkey eggs...

and may apples...

dot the trails the dogs and I travel.

Mother Robin and her Brood

I had wondered how many baby robins there were in the nest on the back of DJ's basketball hoop.

Yesterday, I found out.

I spied Mother Robin with a mouth full of grubs and worms.

Sure enough she flew to her nest and three hungry babies popped their heads up. 

Animals - domestic or wild - give me so much enjoyment.
Take a look around you.
Life is everywhere and it is good.
Have a great day.