I Love My Dogs

I know that some of you may be rolling your eyes at this post and that's OK.  Regardless, I do love my dogs and I am going to reiterate why.
First of all, they're cute...

Secondly, they're happy.  I can be having a terrible day, walk in the door and there they are smiling at me.

They keep me active.  They are always ready to go for a walk and often demand it ;)  Mostly, we just walk through our woods...

They appreciate home...

But are always up for an adventure.  As was the case today - they stood by my RAV4 and waited to go for a hike.  True story.  So off we went...

 to roads less traveled...

where I stepped out of my comfort zone and just enjoyed the day.
That's what I love most about my dogs.
They have taught me to let things go and just be.
They reemphasize that life is an adventure.
That I should enjoy the ride.
And I should live it like a lucky dog :)

It's Been Awhile

So what's been going on around here?
Life.
And everything associated with it.

It's not really been black and white.

It has been shades of gray with moments of sadness...

and happiness...

However, through it all we have been surrounded by great beauty...

and things that we love...

Real life isn't always a fairy tale.  It's hard work.

But when you have yourself surrounded by those that you love...

somehow things aren't really as bad as others try and make them...

Make a conscious effort to make your life beautiful...

It's so much easier.

And so much better for you.

Sunday's Hike

Yesterday took us to Mendon Ponds Park.
Sunshine, blue skies, crystal clear water and breathtaking views were on the venue making it one of my most enjoyable hikes this summer.

Hiking is good for one's soul.
Get lost in nature and find yourself.

Gallivanting

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary gallivant is defined as, "to travel, roam or move about for pleasure."
I have been doing just that this weekend.
I have traveled from the shores of Lake Ontario to the hills of Allegany County.  I have visited farm markets, Amish baked goods stands, country stores and historic landmarks. 

I have, indeed, gallivanted.  I consider it one of the most pleasurable parts of summer.  It leaves me refreshed and full of ideas.
To summer, gallivanting, fresh ideas and pleasurable moments!!!

Memorial Day Images and Some Thoughts

I love Memorial Day weekend.  I really do.  It is the official start of summer in my area and I so look forward to it.  More often than not, I go to my local parade.
There are horses...

Old cars and men throwing candy...

Members of the community displaying their patriotism...

My favorite - dogs...
Is she not the most adorable dog you have ever seen?
She was not only dressed for the occasion, but she smiled through the entire parade!!!
Such a sweetheart :)

And who doesn't love a guy on his tractor?
I know I do...

Let's not forget the real reason that we are there.  For if it were not for the men and women that serve our country, all of the wonderful things we have (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to name a few) would just be a mere thought. 

So to all the veterans and their families (wives, husbands, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins), my family thanks you...

for the sacrifices you have made.
For the good of us all.

Sunday's Hike

Honeoye Creek Wildlife Management Area...

Get lost in nature and find yourself.

The Weekend

It was a beautiful Spring weekend and we took full advantage of the lovely weather.

Some of us hiked, some of jogged and some of us just sat and watched others jog...

DJ jogging.  Snoop watching.

I planted the pansies that I usually plant on St. Patrick's Day...

Pansies

I prepared for Easter.  I brought out my milk glass vase and filled it with daisies.  My two Easter bunnies made their annual appearance...

My new-to-me goose painting that I recently purchased has been placed on top of my refrigerator.  I absolutely love this watercolor.  It is so charming...

Meals were made and shared...

Sweet Potatoes

with family...

Asparagus

and...

Mashed Fingerling Potatoes

friends...

Self Explanatory :)

on this Spring weekend...

Lilac Tree

in April...

Snoop and Violet

at the little red house in the big woods.
And all was good.
Have a great night.

Hiking on a Saturday Afternoon

Dave and I took the dogs for a hike this afternoon.  Everyone loves to go hiking in this house.  The minute I get out Snoop's dog collar, he begins to whine and whine and whine.  He gets so excited.  Here he is with his Dad.  He is such a great dog!

Things are beginning to green up quite nicely...

The skunk cabbage is even out...

 

Give me sunshine...

blue skies...

and a hiking trail...

on any given day...

and you'll find one very happy girl.

(Not to mention a couple of happy dogs  - and sometimes a cat:)

Go for a walk and enjoy the view from wherever you are.