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.

Snoop!!!

 This is Snoop...

 This is my niece Grayce...

This is Snoop around Grayce...

Any questions?

Today at the Little Red House in the Big Woods

After I finished mowing the lawn today, 

I decided to just sit for a few minutes and enjoy the sun with my friends..

Violet

Smudge

While watching Smudge's antics underneath my hosta plant, I looked up and saw a stick bug.

I see at least one each year, however, I have never, ever, ever seen one as big as this one was and I have never, ever, ever seen one eating as this one was.  

I'm not a wussy by any means, but I have to admit, it creeped me out.

For perspective, DJ placed his hand next to the stick bug!!!

So I moved on to my next project.  DJ and I made a sitting area above the lower pond.

We cleared out some brush, raked and placed a bench where we can enjoy the view.

It's not quite done yet - I want to cut couple of maples down.  

However, before we can proceed with that, we have to get the chain saw sharpened.   

Snoop

It's alright though, Snoop has given his approval.

That's enough for me :)

Enjoy your night.

A Boy and His Dog

After a transatlantic air flight, a welcome home party and a good night's sleep, the first thing my son wanted to do this morning was...

just sit and be...

with one of his oldest and dearest friends - Snoop.

Happy Hump Day

One of the very best things I ever did...

was to purchase a little black puppy seven years ago as a present for my son :)

Not only does he bring my son happiness, he brings happiness to the entire family.

On the First Day of Fall

Yesterday was the official start of Autumn.  I know I have said it before, but it warrants reiteration - I LOVE Fall!!!

It was a typical autumn day for western New York - a little bit of rain and a little bit of sun, not too cold, not too warm :)  There was, however, a little bit of a breeze that just happened to knock down power lines and leave my household without power for approximately four hours yesterday afternoon!!!  I was fine with it though, I decided to paint my kitchen with some leftover paint I had (Olympic Belgian Waffle in a satin finish).

I washed walls, patched holes and then began the process of painting.  It took three coats, but I am very, very happy with the end result and the fact that I spent no money.  Well, except for the new valances, but I bought them last week (so it doesn't count in my book :)

It pulls my house together and makes it look bigger.  I rearranged a little.  I am going for the less is more look.

I brought my $5.00 wooden box in from the barn, cleaned it and put my favorite cookbooks in it.  I really like the way it turned out.  I also like the fact that it hides my ugly telephone jack and electrical outlet.  My rooster is pretty cute too :)

Can you tell these get used A LOT?

I decorated a little too - brought out my gourds and my pumpkin table runner.

And then I sat down with the boys, ate a couple of slices of pepperoni/sausage pizza, had a beer and watched the Buffalo Bills beat the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland!!!  I love the Bills too (no matter how they play :)

As for my dog, Snoop, he was unimpressed.
He decided getting some rays was more important:)
Have a great night :)

Spring Has Sprung

Actually, it is more like summer.  We have had absolutely gorgeous weather for the past week and a half and I have taken full advantage of it.  I have been outside gardening - this may very well be the earliest my forsythia have bloomed.

I have planted my pansies for the year :)
I chose a few different varieties this year.
Sorbet citrus is my new favorite.

It has been so warm, in fact, that Snoop has been swimming in the pond...

And, as for me...

I have been walking my arse off :)
Get out, go for a walk and have a great night!!!

Do You?

Want to go for a walk?
I think that means yes :)

When Skunks Raise Their Ugly Hind Legs

Oh, doesn't he look cute?
All black, white and fluffy.

Google image

Don't mess with him though.
Because once he raises those back legs - you're a goner.
SNOOP!!!

Don't look at me like that.
I don't care how cute you are or how much you hate baths.
You're getting a bath anyway.
We'll be bathing you today with the special Skunk Ala Gone Shampoo.
And then, you can come in the house and have your doggie bone.
Remember, don't talk or play with strangers.
For those interested in the skunk remedy recipe, please click here.
May sweet and heavenly scented dogs be with you today and everyday :)

Shall We Go For a Walk

Laddies and Lassies?
I think we shall.
We'll bring along the pups and look for glimpses of green throughout the woodland forest. 

 

Walking the pups and enjoying a bit of the green.
A perfect way to end the week.
Especially an Irish kind of week ;)

Doug

Last night as I sat on the couch contemplating some of the greater issues of society, I had an epiphany.

Now maybe it was due in part to the fact that I had just watched the movie, Up. Maybe it was due to the fact that I was wearing my new pajamas that have dogs on them. I'm not quite sure which yet. Nonetheless, I decided to test my theory.



Doug..

Snoop...

Doug...

So I summoned Doug over in my sweetest dog voice, "Here Doug. Come here Doug. Who's a good Doug?"

I swear he came right over, sat by my side and said,

Isn't it great to be Master :)

Have a great day!

Enjoying the Sunshine

The retirement party went wonderful yesterday. The food, the atmosphere, and people contributed to the party's success. It could not have turned out any better.

Today we are just resting and enjoying a bit of sun.

Hope your day was as enjoyable.