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.

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.

Another Beautiful Autumn Day

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere." - Vincent Van Gogh 

Enjoy your afternoon :)

A Few of My Favorite Things

Rides in the country with my Mom.
Admiring freshly cut wheat fields, amazing cumulus clouds...

and family farms...

I also like shelves that hold teacup plates and dog figurines...

Fresh from the oven homemade chocolate chip cookies...

And puppy dog eyes...

Always puppy dog eyes :)

It's That Time of Year

when all I want to do is walk, walk, walk.  I love it.  It is light until 8:00 PM and that is perfect for me.  I come home from work, eat a little something, take my puppies for a walk, watch the news, and then go for yet another walk.  This time without my puppies.
I must say that I do feel a little bad leaving this one behind...

However, I wouldn't want her chasing free range chickens would I?

Still, she is missing the gradual greening of the fields...

and seeing the many shades of green appearing on trees... 

and the smell of freshly tilled soil...

and watching the way the clouds scatter across the horizon...

 and the blossoming of the trees...

 the pretty, pretty trees...

But, as the sun sets...

she is warm and comfy at home and listening to sound of turkeys gobbling in the distance.

Do You?

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

The Face

only a sister could love:)

Can you say, "Bath tonight?"
We all still love you anyway Babygirl:)

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 ;)

If You Can't Beat Em

You might as well join em...

That's just what I did yesterday.  This winter has been relentless.  It has been a constant battle since the end of November.  I have only seen the bare ground once and it was for one day.  The next day, we were hammered with the worst snowstorm of the year.  So, yesterday I cried uncle, decided I was not going to let winter break me and I went snowshoeing with this little girl...

What a trooper she was.  She is barely one foot high at her shoulders, but she plunged through that snow like a dog three times her size.  She is a true terrier - full of personality, perseverance and gumption.  And, she is a great snowshoeing partner :)

Are You Looking At Me?

Let me clarify...

   

"Are YOU looking at me?"
Cause if you are :)

Baked Tilapia and Scavenger Scotties

What do you do with the leftover items in your refrigerator?  After a period of time, you have to throw them away.  But what if they aren't that old, there is still some nutritional value in them, and you need to eat something and they are the only items you have on hand.  You do what I do.  You improvise.

My latest and greatest improvisation (creation) was baked tilapia.  With a bunch of extra spinach, tilapia fillets, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a can of crushed tomatoes on hand, you too can have baked tilapia.  By placing the above ingredients in a 13 x 9 pan in the order listed and baking at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes (or until fish is flaky), you could have a nice, easy dinner or lunch ready in no time...

Who knows, a roving, Scavenger Scottie may even magically appear at your side and try to place you in a trance with her cute little brown eyes with the hopes that she can lick your plate clean after you are done eating...

Use what you have on hand and create some magic for those around you today.  Have a great day:)

Can You Say OCD?

It is said that when an individual chooses a pet, they tend to choose a animal that not only looks like them, but also has many of the same character traits.  Terriers are strong willed, spirited dogs, that tend to be a bit obsessive about things.  They can also be particular at times.

I am definitely not strong willed, spirited, obsessive, or particular.

Nope.  Not me.  At all. 

I have control issues, but that's it :)

Now, you get that frog,Violet.  I know you can do it!!!

Who Loves Her Sister?

I'll give you a clue...

It is someone who is also getting a bath today...

Any idea?

Violet does.

That's who :)

Getting Our Hair Done for Easter

Violet don't be bashful.
I think your haircut is really cute.
I think it is too short, Mom!!!
It will grow.
I think you are beautiful no matter how long your hair is.

Hhmmppff.

Life is all about attitude sweetheart and you have enough to go around the world twice:)

Is This Not the Sweetest Dog Ever

I took these photos in January. Violet and her friend Piggy were keeping warm by the fire. She is sooo sweet. She loves to lay by her things (me, Piggy, Santa, her baby). I just love her.

It is supposed to be near 70 degrees here today. Get outside and enjoy a walk. You may even see a robin :) Have a great day!!!

W is Her Favorite Letter

Like in Water and Walk.


Two of her favorite things :)

Sometimes You Need to Wash Off That Stink

What do you mean?
I think I am cute.
Not today you aren't!!!

Alright, alright!!!

Maybe I do look a little better.

Yes sweetheart, you do!

Go strut your stuff!!!

Thanks Mom!!

You're welcome.

Your brother DJ is next :)