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.

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.

One thing I love about winter is that I don’t have to worry about the dogs overheating. I can let them run themselves silly.

Sadie loves to eat snow.

While Luka loves to play in the icy water.

My goal for a day at the park is always the same: tired dogs. Snoring on the way home is a bonus.

After being cooped up in the house all week the dogs were ready to run this weekend.

Before we went to the park Luka was groomed and he was happy to show off his gorgeousness. (I gasped when I saw him. I hadn’t realized how unkempt he was looking.)

It was another successful trip.

Some random (adorable) dog pictures.

So far, 2012 is very calm. I hope it stays that way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I took him to a nearby school to take advantage of their fully fenced grounds.

I set the beast free.

I think he’s happy.

It’s going to take some time before we’re back to walking three miles a day and hiking on the weekends, but we are on our way.

During the time off from our long daily walks Sadie has been following Milo’s lead and practicing for the Sleep Olympics.

This is her favorite place to sleep: snuggled up against my leg.

As cute as Sadie is, she is still not as skilled as Milo when it comes to sleeping.

I have been knitting and I finally took pictures.

The latest socks.

And a sweater.

Last night: sad cone-head.

This afternoon: happy boy.

Before:

After:

Today was an exciting day: Luka’s stitches were removed! I can now transition him back to regular food and we can go for two 15 minute walks a day. He still can’t run or go outside off leash (two more weeks before he’s released to full activity), but it’s very exciting.

I’ve put my house back together (I had to move all of the living room and bedroom furniture to accommodate the cone) and we’ve gone on our first walk. To say walking made Luka happy is an understatement:

I was able to get a picture of Luka’s cute shaved belly and his scar (the scar isn’t really jagged…it’s just how he’s positioned).

Going back a few days…Luka’s been on a chicken and rice diet. I was boiling chicken earlier this week and Luka took it upon himself to supervise the operation.

Sadie is quite bored with all of the attention I’ve showered on her little brother.

Sadie had a check up today, too, and the ulcer on her eye is fully healed.

I don’t think Milo has noticed that the cone is gone. He’s still hanging out under the table.

I didn’t realize until I brought stiches-free Luka home how stressed I’ve been about him opening his incision. I’ve spent the last two weeks hovering over him. When I was at work I worried if he was behaving at home. During the night I checked on him every time he stirred. I guess you could say I’ve been holding my breath for two weeks.

Finally, I can exhale.

He’s off all of his medicines and now the challenge is to keep him calm until the stitches come out on Saturday. He’s very, very bouncy and really wants to play/run/jump. I’m doing a lot of sitting on my butt watching TV because when I do that he’s content to sleep or just sit quietly.

Sadie is also doing well. Her eye appears to be back to normal (she’s also going to the vet on Saturday for a check up) and the Benadryl has stopped her from chewing on her feet. She also loves the daily dose of pumpkin.

I’ve gone back to work and the dogs are behaving hemselves. Not surprisingly (since I’m sure my immune system is shot from all the recent stress and worrying) I’ve been attacked by a viscous cold. This works will with my “sit on my butt” plan, though. The downtime has allowed me to go through 400+ pictures on my camera.

These are my favorites. (They were all taken before Luka’s surgery.)

I don’t think I will ever get tired of Milo and how he relaxes.

Milo is also cute when he’s not sprawled immodestly all over the furniture.

One day Milo was sitting in the window cackling at the birds playing in the water dish out on the deck. Romeo heard the commotion and checked it out.

The smug look on Romeo’s face is because he shoved Milo aside and took his spot.

Romeo is a very shy kitty. I’m always happy when I can snap a picture of him.

Milo and Luka both love to lie in front of the open screen door. Look who’s got the prime spot right in front of the door.

We’ve only missed one weekend, but I already miss our weekend adventures. It will be some time before we can resume them.

I love watching Sadie and Luka enjoy the water.

Sadie often plays so much that she has to sneak a quick nap while Luka is off playing.

Occasionally Luka becomes obsessed with playing fetch. This doesn’t happen often and so far it’s only happened at the reservoir. He won’t fetch into the water…only along the shore.

I LOVE this picture of Luka.

More than anything, Luka loves to run. (I cannot wait to watch him run again.)

Our hikes always lead to the dogs sleeping on the way home.

A nice portrait of Sadie.

And of both of them.

Finally, a once in a lifetime picture (so far). This is the only time I’ve ever seen Luka lying on his back. It didn’t last long, but at least I captured the moment.

Once his stitches come out I will try to get him to do this again to show off his scar.