The Weekend

While last weekend was one of the best weekends I have had in awhile, this weekend proved to be just the opposite.  I spent a few days visiting my Mom in the hospital.  Suffice it to say, her knees are shot and the medications that they gave her for pain management caused terrible nausea.  Not good.
I love my Mom.

I did manage to get a few walks in with the dogs.  Sometimes, I just take Violet with me.  

She enjoys it so much.  She jumps, dances, runs and smiles...

Violet

However, it's only when you are not focusing the camera on her that she smiles.

I love her too :)

After all, she is my Baby Girl.

The woods are covered with snow and the temperatures have been in the teens most nights, but there are bits a green that dot the landscape.  Bits of green that promise Spring will be here before you know it.  

The days are getting longer too.  Another sure sign that Spring is on its way.  While it may feel like it takes forever, it is only a blink in time.

Kind of like lift isn't it?

Take time and enjoy the seasons of your life.  

For they too are only a blink in time.

The Weekend

I had a wonderful weekend.  One of the best weekends I have had in a very long time.

I did a little shopping, a little cooking, some antiquing and, of course, spent time with my dogs.
Playing...

Hiking...

Violet

Sadie

and helping Snoop with snow removal (note the snow on his coat :)...

Snoop

Although these may be simple things...

Isn't it the simple things that bring us the most pleasure?
Have a great night.

The Heart of Winter

We're in, what I consider to be, the heart of winter.

Temperatures are well below freezing and a haze hangs in the air...

While my dogs will go out for potty breaks...

Sadie

They prefer the warmth of a hug...

DJ and Snoop

And sun puddles...

Sadie

Over the cold any day...

Keep warm.

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!!!