One of the tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon – instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. ~ Dale Carnegie
It’s been an odd summer in my neck of the woods. The combination of an epic wildfire (which closed many of my favorite hiking spots) and unbearable heat has meant the dogs and I have been a bit lacking in our outdoor adventures.
Not last weekend.
We hit the road and headed for the hills. The destination: somewhere I’ve wanted to hike for years.
Luka eagerly led the way while Sadie waited for me to snap the picture.
The woods eventually opened up.
Luka enjoyed exploring.
He especially liked climbing on the huge rocks.
Sadie was fond of the cool stream water.
As for me….I enjoyed the scenery.
As we neared the summit Luka (finally) started to look tired.
And Sadie appeared to take in the view.
Finally we reached the summit.
The dogs rested
and I took in the view.
When we returned to the car the dogs immediately settled in for the ride home.
By the time I stopped for a snack
the sounds of snoring were coming from the back of the car.
There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning. ~ Louis L’Amour
There has been hiking happening around here.
It’s the picture taking that’s been lacking. I finally remembered to snap some pictures yesterday.
There was running.
And sniffing.
Here they come!
Luka was kind enough to strike a pose at an overlook.
Sadie managed to smile while running.
I smiled while taking in views like this. Oh, how I love my adopted state.
When we arrived home I promptly fell asleep on the couch. Upon waking, I found that I was not alone.
Nothing’s better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you. ~ Aaron Douglas Trimble
After a chilly week the weekend dawned sunny, clear (and most importantly): warm (in the 50′s!). The dogs and I took advantage of the break in the weather to check out some new hiking trails.
There was running.
Snow eating.
More running.
Did I mention all of the running?
From all of the running it would appear that the dogs have spent the last week locked up in cages 24 hours a day. That, however, is not the case. The dogs and I have been walking three miles a day. I’m not sure where all of this energy came from but it was a lot of fun to watch.
The great thing about hiking in the winter is that I don’t have to carry water for the dogs. They just eat snow when they’re thirsty.
The views on our hike were incredible.
Sadie even struck a pose for me.
I did mention all of the running, didn’t I?
At one point Luka took a break from running and flopped down on the trail.
Soon it became clear.
Luka had found something yummy smelling to roll in.
Sadie noticed and moved closer to check it out.
She agreed with me: the boy is nuts.
I have two criteria to determine the success of a hike.
The first is how much mud is involved.
SUCCESS!!
The seconds is how tired the dogs are.
Sadie dozed off while I was snapping that picture of my muddy leg.
SUCCESS!
When we arrived home Luka climbed onto his favorite dog bed.
Soon he was comatose.
MASSIVE SUCCESS!!! (It is very, very difficult to wear out Luka.)
I don’t think any of us will have trouble sleeping tonight.
Some people never go crazy, what truly horrible lives they must live. ~ Charles Bukowski
A huge snowstorm hit here on Friday. I came home from work early (and just in time…the highway closed shortly after I arrived home). I was planning on hiding inside all afternoon (a foot of snow and 30mph winds are not my cup of tea). Luka, however, kept giving me expectant looks.
After a couple of hours of these looks I bundled up and we went out in the storm for a walk. The snow was very deep.
I nearly froze to death but I made this guy happy and that makes me happy.
Besides, how can I deny a Malamute the joy of playing in the snow?
If Sadie had her way I suspect she’d skip the frozen walks and stay on the couch.
She is a dog who treats napping as an art form.
Yesterday morning I was sitting on the couch when this happened next to me.
I was sure that once Luka realized Milo was there the moment would end (Luka loves to bug/chase Milo).
I was wrong.
Maybe my boy is finally maturing.
Being trapped in the house this weekend has had its advantages. My Fishermen’s Wool project is taking shape.
I still can’t comment on Blogger blogs that utilize word verification, but I am reading.
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. ~ Mae West
Another weekend, another day of the dogs running around like fools.
Even though the water was icy it was irresistible.
All of this playing means a quiet ride home.
Interesting pillow, Luka.
There is knitting in the house!
A new pair of socks.
And a new….something. 
I broke my yarn diet to buy this yarn. It has a purpose though, and I have started swatching. Pictures will come later when the project has been started.
Finally…the answer to a question I sometimes get: “Why do you have such a huge sectional couch when you live alone?”
ETA: Many of the knitting blogs I read are hosted by Blogger. If you use Blogger please be aware that the word verification aspect of comments is not functioning. Even though I enter the correct phrase, Blogger says it’s wrong and won’t let me comment. I’m sure I’m not alone in this.
A man needs a little madness or else he never dares to cut the rope & be free. ~ Nikos Kazantazkis
When our hiking season came to a screeching halt in September I assumed it would be April or May before we were able to go hiking again. The dogs and I settled into a nice routine of hitting the dog park on the weekend and (for me) staying warm in the winter weather.
Until today.
2012 has been insanely nice around here. After a couple of weeks of warmth and sun I figured our favorite hiking trails would be free of snow and ice. This weekend we returned to our summer stomping grounds.
When I let the dogs loose on the trail Luka acted like he’d been shot out of a cannon.
From the way he was tearing around the forest you would never know that we’ve been walking three miles a day (and more on the weekends). It was like he’d been cooped up in a cage for weeks.
I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful it was to see him running these trails again. The last time we were here was the day before his surgery.
Once Luka calmed down we settled into our usual routine of him leading the way
and then waiting for me to catch up.
Sadie enjoyed exploring.
And also did her share of running.
At one point she took a quick nap along the trail.
While Sadie napped I watched the construction of a McMansion just off the hiking trail.
There was no sign of this house the last time we hiked this trail and I was rather startled to round a curve and see it. This house also proves that some people have more money than sense. The house is in a gorgeous location, but there are trees right up to the house (and hanging over the roof). This area is no stranger to wildfires (there were 3-4 last summer) and these morons really should do more to protect that pricey home. Thankfully our hiking area is a public open space so our access to this trail should not be impacted.
The only downside to our hike (besides that house) was finding the reservoir frozen and locked. Luka was not happy about this. He was so excited as we approached the water. When we reached the locked gate he kept pushing on it and trying to find a way inside.
Finally, I snapped this picture this morning. I absolutely love it.
There’s no denying it…these two are buddies.
Note: The lack of Sadie pictures is only indicative of my camera batteries dying, not her lack of adorableness.
The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul. ~ G.K. Chesterton
Goodbye, 2011.
In 2010′s year-in-review post I closed with these words: “My life has been such a roller coaster in recent years that I no longer try to imagine where each new year will take me. I have no idea where I’m going in 2011 but I’m looking forward to the journey.”
I was a wise woman a year ago.
2011 was a wild year.
When I think of 2011 I think of one word: expensive.
In June I bought a new (to me) car. I knew exactly the type of car that I wanted and more than one arrogant salesman told me I’d never find it.
Ha!
Not only did I find it, but I found it in less than one week.
The moral to this story: never underestimate a crazy dog lady.
My other major expense came in September when Luka had emergency surgery. I may grumble and gripe about how much that dog cost me but I am so very thankful he made a full recovery.
Despite Luka’s attempt at death-by-garbage, 2011 was a year where I did not experience the loss of a pet. (Long time blog readers know that such years have been rare lately.) I am so happy that everyone is here and (most importantly) healthy.
Sadie lost 4 lbs. this year for a total of 32 lbs. since I adopted her. Ideally, the vet said she should lose a couple more pounds but she’s finally at the point where she’s at a healthy weight. Her obesity left its mark (arthritis in her knees) but it doesn’t really bother her and she continues to love to run.
With the notable exception of September, it’s been a good year for Luka. The furry guy continues to surprise me (in good ways).
Just a few days ago I pulled over to let an ambulance pass. As the vehicle approached (lights flashing and siren wailing) I suddenly heard a low, mournful howl from the back of the car. Luka was wooing! It was only the second time he’s done it and it was so cool. He’s a challenging, silly boy and I’m so happy he’s okay.
As I hoped for last year, Romeo and Milo have become friends.
They play together nearly every day and while Milo sometimes gets too rough (Romeo is 15 so I’m very watchful of their playing) they also enjoy quiet moments together.
The biggest pet shocker of this year has been the taming of Luka at the hands paws of Milo. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would ever see this in my house.
Luka still has his moments of being a jerk to the cats (he loves to chase them) but these moments are now rare and usually stop with a Milo paw to the face.
This taming of Luka has led to Romeo becoming more outgoing. Romeo doesn’t have claws, but I don’t think Luka realizes that. All Romeo has to do is pick up his paw and Luka stops being a pain.
To say that Milo is a joy is an understatement. He has been the perfect addition to the family and I am so glad I found him.
There wasn’t a lot of knitting this year. I finished four pairs of socks and one scarf.
One sweater is still in progress.
My yarn diet is nearly intact after two years. I only broke it this year to buy the Homespun needed for the above scarf.
The summer of 2011 was another summer of adventure. Each weekend was spent exploring the trails
and splashing in the water.
Our hiking season came to a screeching halt when Luka had surgery but as soon as the snow melts in the spring we’ll be back on the trails.
I have no idea what 2012 will bring.
I just hope it’s calm.
Idleness is not doing nothing. Idleness is being free to do anything. ~ Floyd Dell
Remember when this used to be a knitting blog? Let’s (briefly) return to those days.
This is the Purple Ass Burr Scarf.
Earlier this month I got a burr in my ass about knitting a purple Homespun scarf. I cannot explain it. It’s something I had to do. So I bought the Homespun (my first yarn purchase in nearly two years) and banged out the scarf in a couple of days.
It’s exactly what I wanted but I haven’t worn it yet. I can’t explain that, either, but it’s done so I’m happy. Full details are on its Ravelry page.
Over six months ago I dyed this sock blank.
Last night I finally finished the socks.
These socks are fraternal on purpose. I knit each sock from a different end of the sock blank. I didn’t want to lose any of the blank colors and that was the best solution. Full details on the Ravelry page.
I’m in the middle of my annual vacation from work. My workplace shuts down for 10 days at the end of the year. I added some vacation time to that so I’m enjoying 17 days at home. Like last year, I’m realizing just how much Sadie loves the couch.
She has been sharing the couch with Milo.
I love the look on her face in this picture.
Luka has been no slouch in the relaxation department.
It’s a rough vacation around here, but we’re all managing.
Determine to live life with flair and laughter. ~ Maya Angelou
After a long streak of cold weather it was nearly summer-like over the weekend. The dogs and I took advantage of it and hit the dog park.
It was warm enough for me to kick back and take in the view.
The dogs ran themselves silly. Once they calmed down Luka found a tennis ball and kept himself amused for nearly half an hour.
At one point the ball went under the ice and Luka had to work to retrieve it.
He finally found it and jumped out of the stream.
And then he nearly poked his eye out.
Sadie did a bit of splashing in the water.
But at this point she was quite tired and ready to go home.
Luka finally tired himself out and fell asleep shortly after we’d left the park.
The recent cold weather has meant a lot of sleeping around here.
The cold weather has brought out the snugly side of Milo.
Finally, Romeo let me snap a picture of his gorgeous blue eyes.
This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
It was recently pointed out to me that I have not blogged in a long time (thank, Kelli!). During this time away I updated my Blogroll (on the bottom right side of the page). This is a list of my very favorite blogs. Check them out if you’re looking for new blogs to read. They are all wonderful.
Even thought Luka was released to full activity last month the dogs and I just returned to the dog park last week. While we’ve gone twice in that time, it’s been too cold to use my camera. So, this post is a random assortment of pictures taken at home and a few lower quality pictures taken with my phone.
Last month I had my furnace serviced. When the service guy had the furnace taken apart Milo was obsessed with climbing inside. I tried to explain to him that “curiosity killed the cat” is a cliche because it’s true, but he didn’t listen. So, I put him in jail.
Now that cold weather is here Milo’s favorite afternoon perch is in the sunshine.
Once the sun goes down he resumes his sprawling.
I’m still amazed that Milo has tamed Luka. Luka used to be obsessed with chasing cats. When I brought Milo home last year I never in a million years thought I’d ever see this:
They have moments that end with Luka getting clawed across the face but for the most part they peacefully co-exist.
I’m not sure either of them would admit it, but I think they’re pretty good friends.
Luka is a pretty popular guy when the weather turns cold. Sadie discovered that his tail makes a great pillow.
And, the close up:
I love this picture of Sadie and Luka.
This portrait of Luka was achieved by holding a treat behind the camera.
The dogs and I hit the road for Thanksgiving. Sadie enjoyed hanging out with one of her cousins.
All the dogs supervised the carving of the turkey.
At the dog park this weekend I recorded this video. These eight short seconds sum up what I am most grateful for this Thanksgiving: my boy is healthy.
