Forever is composed of nows. ~ Emily Dickinson
The weather cooperated this weekend so we hit our favorite hiking spot again. The weather canceled a couple of our walks during the week so the dogs were in the mood to run.
At one point Sadie wandered off the trail and fell behind. I figured this was the perfect time to get a great shot of her running to catch up. She had a surprise for me, though.
She brought me a dead bird. Yuck!! (She did drop it as soon as I told her to drop it.)
Luka proved that last week’s behavior was not a fluke. He ran ahead on the trail but always waited for me to catch up.
When I stopped walking he came back to get me.
This week I noticed that Sadie waited for me whenever there was a trail junction.
Luka just picked a trail and ran ahead (and was often wrong about which way we were going), but Sadie waited for me to lead the way.
Once I showed the way the dogs went ahead of me.
As always, the highlight of the day was the water.
Despite the wonky weather (fog to sun to clouds back to sun back to clouds) it was another spectacular day (can you spot Luka in this picture?).
Finally, I don’t know when the Sleeping Olympics begin but the training around here is intense.
To climb steep hills requires slow pace at first. ~ William Shakespeare
This weekend marks six months since I fell while hiking and sprained the living hell out of my ankle. I’ve spent the past six months diligently working to first heal and then strengthen my ankle. The first couple of months were rough, but I knew that if I pushed through I would be ready when the 2011 hiking season arrived.
All of the hard work was worth it.
Yesterday the dogs and I hit the trail for our first hike of the year.
A notable difference from last year: Luka is off leash on the trail.
I’ve had him for over a year now. He’s become very obedient and seems to have bonded closely to me. I had a feeling he could handle being off leash and I was right. He always came back when I called and he never got too far away from me.
Best of all: he and Sadie had a fantastic time exploring together. (I love the big smile on her face in this picture.)
They ran around so much that they needed to rest just 30 minutes into the hike.
Then they had to rest again just a short time later.
Finally, we reached our destination (where Luka jumped right in and started swimming).
Sadie swam, too.
They also played together.
Luka explored the rocks.
When it was snack time the dogs kept a close eye on my bag of carrots. (They both love carrots.)
It was a lovely day.
Finally, Milo continues training for the Sleep Olympics.
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things ~ Robert Brault
Things have been a bit nutty around these parts lately. The knitting has slowed down a bit, but the socks are making progress.
I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned it but Sadie is a rather dorky dog. That’s why I’m especially fond of this nearly regal picture of her.
Finally, a recent sunset.
If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves. ~ Maria Edgeworth
The red sock blank is making lovely socks. They are flying off the needles. I turned the heels Saturday night.
Over the weekend Milo participated in the Sleeping Olympics.
One year ago today I spotted this at the Humane Society.
I cannot believe it’s been a year already. I’ve had so much fun getting to know Luka.
Well, most of it has been fun. That day last summer when I arrived home from work and discovered he’d shredded 15 rolls of toilet paper and 5 rolls of paper towels was definitely not fun (at least not for me).
Happy anniversary, buddy.
Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself. ~ Unknown
Once upon a time this was a knitting blog. Today I am (briefly) returning to my roots.
Many moons ago I dyed this sock blank:
I finally finished the socks on Saturday night:
I have to admit that I didn’t really like the socks when I finished them. They didn’t turn out at all how I expected. However, I wore them all day Sunday and we made peace.
I probably won’t ever love them, but I do like them. And they’re a perfect fit.
More details can be found on their Ravelry page.
On Sunday I dyed the blank for the my next pair of socks:
I cannot wait to knit these. It’s tough to see in the picture, but it’s a subtle tonal effect that I think will make gorgeous socks.
Finally, a picture of Milo. I’m not sure how this position was comfortable, but he was sound asleep.
Life is the art of drawing without an eraser. ~ John W. Gardner
Spring is on its way to this part of the world and that means more time outside.
The dogs and I went to the park this weekend. The main activity of the day was running.
There was running in the woods.
And running in the fields.
Both dogs enjoyed exploring.
I love the look on Sadie’s face in this picture.
And in this one.
Luka continued his love affair with water.
At one point he became a bit obsessed with a tennis ball.
Where was Sadie while Luka was frolicking in the stream? She was catching a quick nap in the sunshine.
All of the park activity led to Sadie’s second favorite pastime….holding down the couch.
Sometimes Luka helps Sadie hold down the couch.
Luka is clearly not as committed as Sadie is, though. He’s been busy making friends with his new brother. (Notice how Milo’s paw is ready to bat Luka if he gets too close.)
Speaking of Milo, I don’t believe I’ve adequately demonstrated just how adorable he can be.
Here’s something random I noticed the other night.
Sadie is not a dainty girl, but her paw is dwarfed by Luka’s paw.
Finally, some knitting…the current pair of socks.
Good things come to those who wait.
After three months I finally figured it out.
A person who has never owned a dog has missed a wonderful part of life. ~ Bob Barker
Three years ago today a lovable blonde entered my life.
I’ll never be the same.
Happy anniversary, Sadie!
Follow the grain in your own wood. ~Howard Thurman
We’ve had arctic cold around here lately so the dogs and I haven’t gone on any adventures. We can barely go on our daily walks. All I have to post today is a mish mash of pictures.
Sadie doing what she does best (holding down the couch).
Photogenic Luka.
Mister No Name continues the cuteness.
The cats have become friends and are now hanging out together.
Finally, a new pair of socks.
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were big things. ~ Kurt Vonnegut
The dogs and I hit the park yesterday. It wasn’t very cold, but there was a heck of a cold wind blowing. I kept my gloves on most of the time to make sure my fingers didn’t freeze. I only snapped a few pictures of the dogs.
Both dogs enjoyed the cold water. Sadie loves to take a big gulp of water and then let it trickle out of her mouth. This is very cute while outdoors (not so cute in the living room).
Luka was playing with a tennis ball and it drifted underneath the ice. He obsessively searched for it.
Sadie watched him for a bit.
Then she grew bored and settled in to wait.
This next picture isn’t the best quality but I love the expression on Sadie’s face.
And, a final thought for today:
