tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979935612030422212024-02-07T10:27:11.019-08:00On the PathWhatever the day bringsPen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-85290671168049667922014-02-16T13:32:00.000-08:002014-02-16T13:36:43.044-08:00A break from all that white stuff (and House of Cards)<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I admit it. I binged on "House of Cards" on Netflix. It is embarrassing to admit that I finished the entire season in two days. I'm over it now and I don't need to watch television for a long, long time. The result was a desperate need to get back to nature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's hard being stuck at home on a holiday weekend mid-winter. Others are either off on skiing vacations where everyone embraces the snow or they have donned flip flops and sunglasses and headed for the tropics where it's warm and colorful. This time last year I was watching whales and soaking up sun in <a href="http://www.allaboutcabo.com/">Cabo San Lucas, Mexico</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPwhBLxL-jAlaeo4gPiT-lerrYhyphenhyphenKqC04x-AXDdDmCt2MewMGR-P2xUsiy6AvEgqNeA1xDISqyLcXJY2KxY17e4icP8TbgCOi-kS0ksUwEfk9E31WYDA2Xap801y2750aS061L4x_wiE/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPwhBLxL-jAlaeo4gPiT-lerrYhyphenhyphenKqC04x-AXDdDmCt2MewMGR-P2xUsiy6AvEgqNeA1xDISqyLcXJY2KxY17e4icP8TbgCOi-kS0ksUwEfk9E31WYDA2Xap801y2750aS061L4x_wiE/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq85bwglcJLBlyzLxinQNfYvBH9R8jvLamDeMH0FxK7TrzjxW-HtAcgUBucUGOE-1n0BK-q-iSAlnRh7H2nhoEhbUYYPhCiJ6FMBUiiCmhPtJMHiYNGs0EEJSYUVB6O81nJMH6XC46o9I/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq85bwglcJLBlyzLxinQNfYvBH9R8jvLamDeMH0FxK7TrzjxW-HtAcgUBucUGOE-1n0BK-q-iSAlnRh7H2nhoEhbUYYPhCiJ6FMBUiiCmhPtJMHiYNGs0EEJSYUVB6O81nJMH6XC46o9I/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In lieu of beaches, whales, skiing and sunning, Washington, DC offers plenty of free museums and places to go on the weekend. In the midst of messy piles of greying, melting snow, next to the US Capitol, is an oasis known as the <a href="http://www.usbg.gov/about-us">United States Botanic Garden</a>. Envisioned by George Washington as a place to demonstrate and promote the importance of plants, the museum was established by Congress in 1820.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> On a cold but partly sunny winter's day, it is a place of wonder.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo1vQ0qaCGB2OgO0vyfKuQqFPthDG1UmjgfxQbqRD0_Mfc8IMfYXfRNKXW80-ZP9IgZQIIO6GtrnAABoaYV4kOgl6Ef7s2gnR-2nXfo82Z0b-nTCOwQ9sjnobxsdzRSh7IqMQQDRvCuY/s1600/IMG_1493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo1vQ0qaCGB2OgO0vyfKuQqFPthDG1UmjgfxQbqRD0_Mfc8IMfYXfRNKXW80-ZP9IgZQIIO6GtrnAABoaYV4kOgl6Ef7s2gnR-2nXfo82Z0b-nTCOwQ9sjnobxsdzRSh7IqMQQDRvCuY/s1600/IMG_1493.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.usbg.gov/exhibits">Orchid Symphony</a> exhibit was the first thing I noticed when I walked into the garden. Beethoven's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQTTFUtMSvQ">Fur Elise</a> (a piece all piano students learned when I was growing up) was playing and instruments made of orchids and other natural materials (like the harp strings made of Spanish moss below) were featured. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also very prominent were the fruit trees with oranges, grapefruit, lemons and kumquats. Some had blossoms with scents that reminded me of growing up in Central Florida.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best of all was the color. Everywhere we turned there were colors from petals and buds, berries and leaves. It was so nice to see green after the brown, black and white of the city and suburban landscapes of the long winter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iyqqQ4rpEdguFtifw5JqTcdoIYhpoDNzBlBMKIlMaq3mQaERXqC6fSaML5fdH5qmlevL4VHsN414rKJtHb2wtigp1LGAhiECvraQe1FVnYz_N46J4o1eamioMcjIBnt23dwFQhJGfAw/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iyqqQ4rpEdguFtifw5JqTcdoIYhpoDNzBlBMKIlMaq3mQaERXqC6fSaML5fdH5qmlevL4VHsN414rKJtHb2wtigp1LGAhiECvraQe1FVnYz_N46J4o1eamioMcjIBnt23dwFQhJGfAw/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-e3NLKJHxqWzvVFsYcVPHlKuFFeaAjy1UuUrJmi77BqHj7-wJjy-PqPAToycTMuBcOPmi8scioHMTfDcVd07NMkFLuEWHLt1G_VT4-ioce-YX82Y6XFq1Aw8X-RxUYWP-CkJj3q7prg/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-e3NLKJHxqWzvVFsYcVPHlKuFFeaAjy1UuUrJmi77BqHj7-wJjy-PqPAToycTMuBcOPmi8scioHMTfDcVd07NMkFLuEWHLt1G_VT4-ioce-YX82Y6XFq1Aw8X-RxUYWP-CkJj3q7prg/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It is a great place to let your imagination take off. Envision new Sesame Street puppets based on some of the sassy plants. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The desert room filled with succulents was pleasantly warm and dry - a great improvement over the weather we have experienced in the past week. Even in the desert the colors and shapes are so inspiring and great to look at. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Here you can find a new color scheme for your home or just enjoy a nice, warm walk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the educational exhibits listed the plant ingredients for different food items - such as Cajun Gumbo pictured below- and offered opportunities to sniff the fragrances as well as see what the spice looked like before it was ground. This is a great place for students young and old, with hands-on exhibits and plenty of room to roam. Teachers and parents can find <a href="http://www.usbg.gov/how-plants-work-guide-being-green%20">educational materials</a> on the website.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The orchids have to be my favorite. They always remind me of ballerinas and other sorts of fairy people and ladies in old fashioned dresses with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoop_skirt">hoop skirts</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This visit was just what I needed to help face the snowy and cold days still remaining in our winter repertoire. If you don't live near Washington, DC, but are tired of winter, seek out nature as a cure for the winter blues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the other Botanical Gardens in the United States include:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2013/winter-at-NYBG.php" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New York Botanical Garden</a></span></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/" style="background-color: white; color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Missouri Botanical Garden</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> i</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Louis, MO</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.lewisginter.org/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden</a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n Richmond, VA</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.fpconservatory.org/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens</a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in Columbus, OH</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.dbg.org/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Desert Botanical Garden</a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in Phoenix, AZ</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.abqbiopark.com/" style="background-color: white; color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"> </span>in Albuquerque, NM</span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">San Francisco Botanical Garden</a></span></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Atlanta Botanical Garden</a></span></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.chicagobotanic.org/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chicago Botanic Garden</a></span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fairchildgarden.org/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden</a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in Coral Gables, FL</span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.dallasarboretum.org/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden</a></span></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.memphisbotanicgarden.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 15px;">Memphis Botanic Garden</a></span></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.botanicgardens.org/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Denver Botanic Gardens</span></b></a></li>
</ul>
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Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-62711631120386094172013-08-18T17:17:00.001-07:002013-08-18T18:15:37.309-07:00#2 and Proud of it!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHqgE_aHRqAMhabFiA_qP0nAU7mrWbOgnOLotOjy5pKIN_IQo3dd_YOYzWXHrNU_96YDKQG2JKYmbeODW46glpdT9X6zC6t9PYuU1E3PkErdpLKGP5WwMGoGJ57B2tj8JmSozfVdrorA/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHqgE_aHRqAMhabFiA_qP0nAU7mrWbOgnOLotOjy5pKIN_IQo3dd_YOYzWXHrNU_96YDKQG2JKYmbeODW46glpdT9X6zC6t9PYuU1E3PkErdpLKGP5WwMGoGJ57B2tj8JmSozfVdrorA/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hi everyone it's me Mia, the adopted #2 dog. Just because I arrived second, do not think I
am not important nor assume I am a gal who lets anybody push me around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So far I only feel like #2 when Dudley body slams me to get
to a bush or patch of grass when we are on a walk, or when it is treat time and
he juxtapositions to get the first one.
I derive pleasure in knowing he has no clue what
"juxtaposition" means. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My arrival was preceded by a very long van ride in which I
had to endure a lot of barking from other orphans who would soon have
families. Unfortunately they were mostly
those little things with high-pitched barks that make big girls like me want to
put our tails in their faces. But I am
too nice for that. I just tried to go
into my little doggy Ohm meditation and deal with it until we finally got to
meet my new Mom!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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What did we do right after I got out of that truck full of
yappers but ride in the car for almost two hours. Aunt Debbie talked to me and
scratched me and that made me feel tons better.
At least it was quiet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On arriving cold on a frigid night in late February, Dudley
and I were introduced and then turned loose in the awesome back yard. There was a pond. I LOVE water. So I went swimming. That got me in some trouble and I stank like
frogs and rotting leaves, but it was great fun before I realized how cold it
was. Mom had towels so all was well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQKLLDHqnlggSYsl5atFy1scOOHGKgc_OVsuZJzoMOkkiJS5KleljNI1z4f12yW_4FO8JniHx6mtrVWBA0Xd4vy8BcDIRjVAF4dhLAZJ494BFAuZQjtP7SfTjASGDOUy00mwGe0guJGY/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQKLLDHqnlggSYsl5atFy1scOOHGKgc_OVsuZJzoMOkkiJS5KleljNI1z4f12yW_4FO8JniHx6mtrVWBA0Xd4vy8BcDIRjVAF4dhLAZJ494BFAuZQjtP7SfTjASGDOUy00mwGe0guJGY/s320/IMG_0454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mom worked from home for the first few weeks after I arrived,
so we had tons of time together and walks all around town. It took Dudley and me a while to get
comfortable with one another and he stole my bed almost immediately. It was just a power play so I acted like his
bed was better and slept in it. Really
any bed is an improvement over a cage in a truck full of yapping
height-challenged brothers and sisters.
Besides, I am taller and heavier than the Dud and he knows it. So in the end, after crawling in bed with him
to show him I knew which was mine, I won my bed back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE75KeXHz1RMT9bJ0W-jl_M-62ko-9F7eO0uI62mxU1qGLDfm8ag_4_DSHmoW9kc8TOwzNgXEYm7ew7_HmHTq6QvnVaNBhxsqAS7KrGr1jM5EW8Na__l0YpWjGLWvXzCHnAFFHVGwFz18/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE75KeXHz1RMT9bJ0W-jl_M-62ko-9F7eO0uI62mxU1qGLDfm8ag_4_DSHmoW9kc8TOwzNgXEYm7ew7_HmHTq6QvnVaNBhxsqAS7KrGr1jM5EW8Na__l0YpWjGLWvXzCHnAFFHVGwFz18/s320/IMG_0461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We sit together on the deck overlooking the garden and make
sure it is free of rabbits. We chase
birds and occasionally find a vole. When
we do, we play with it until it gives up.
A few days later it creates the most wonderful perfume that we roll in
before presenting ourselves to Mom. I've
learned that she's not as excited about our fanciness as we are, especially
when we roll around on the rugs inside before she discovers our scent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dudley is pretty easygoing and slow and I just love to annoy
him by attacking him when he is sleeping or biting his ears when he is just
walking by. Then we fight and run and
chase until he is worn out. I never get
tired. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My new best friend is Emma.
She lives next door and loves to run.
I didn't know people liked to do that too (Mom isn't a runner). Emma sometimes invites me out and we run for
miles and then I come home and get a cool down rub and extra food. Dudley has
to be kept somewhere else when the extra food comes out; he is a little chubby and
doesn't deserve extra because he does not run.
When Emma comes over I jump for joy and twist in the air when all four
feet leave the ground. I can hardly
stand my excitement and I get very impatient while she puts on my leash. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiA7Fh8c_iap3fyVu6oHgnyw2RJhuP8le_a24tC-PI0M8PRKCJDqUaxFxSLvNNs9rerFvrEI7iBbstxGc_VuRbOzsQNybjSE-fLxEIS_xpCSU1uFGS4IrOuRnrfAdQeuyxGjQBzTDxTg/s1600/photo+5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiA7Fh8c_iap3fyVu6oHgnyw2RJhuP8le_a24tC-PI0M8PRKCJDqUaxFxSLvNNs9rerFvrEI7iBbstxGc_VuRbOzsQNybjSE-fLxEIS_xpCSU1uFGS4IrOuRnrfAdQeuyxGjQBzTDxTg/s320/photo+5-1.jpg" width="240" /></a>I love walks and I always have to be in front. I admit it that I am fast and I want to be
out there. When Dudley tries to nose
ahead I have to pick up the pace. It is my job to show that girls can keep pace
or even move ahead of the dudes. Part of
the reason of course is that I don't stop to pee all over everything. That seems like such a waste of time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some things I think you might want to know if you
are thinking of adopting a second dog.
Some of them are things Mom says.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>The second dog is exponential in terms of time, money and
love. </li>
<li>Girl dogs are easier than boys. We are far more accommodating and just want
to get along. </li>
<li>Everyone else's toys always are more interesting looking
than our own. And we might tend to hoard
just a little bit...because we have been deprived.</li>
<li>It takes us about 3 months to be pretty sure you aren't
going to give us away or dump us like we have experienced in the past.</li>
<li>When we finally are comfortable that we get to stay, then we
will play and eat more and even start to bark; Mom was ecstatic when she first
heard me bark. Then she knew I was going
to be ok.</li>
<li>If you can trust us, try not to make us go in a cage. Thankfully I got a Mom who doesn't use
them. We have our beds and Dudley taught
me all about procedures. That probably
means that if you have one bad dog, you can be sure that the new dog will learn
from them (and you; lots of bad dog behavior has more to do with human
behavior). Thankfully Dudley has been a
good teacher.</li>
<li>If you teach us manners from the start we will not forget
them. I know I have to sit when we are
on the leash and Dudley stops for another bush-wetting. And most importantly, I know to sit before
crossing the street; Mom says that will save my life someday.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSsw9jyAq6WUlZtZtF8xI4bwL6vcB2lsOVDTblT9stu2fGBADD2cbWu7wnKSiPsGtbJi7YukXjjrI3fj17aOIIvgHvx4QB3mB1NiZviOqr8ZPSum16cslJGULnnUiTaMt3WHo9w5IdZk/s1600/mia+trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSsw9jyAq6WUlZtZtF8xI4bwL6vcB2lsOVDTblT9stu2fGBADD2cbWu7wnKSiPsGtbJi7YukXjjrI3fj17aOIIvgHvx4QB3mB1NiZviOqr8ZPSum16cslJGULnnUiTaMt3WHo9w5IdZk/s400/mia+trail.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">So now we are on our second half-year. Dudley has stopped acting like Eeyore and has accepted me. I know my boundaries with Dudley and Mom. My only wish is that I catch one of those brown bunnies we see in the neighbors' yards. I really want one.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2013/03/mama-mia-adopting-dog-2.html">READ ABOUT MY ADOPTION</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-never-asked-for-sister-by-dog-1.html">READ ABOUT HOW DUDLEY FELT ABOUT MY ADOPTION</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-13861954901072809542013-05-11T18:13:00.001-07:002013-05-14T08:40:19.114-07:00I Never Asked for A Sister by Dog #1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was sleeping soundly one evening when Mom came home with <a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2013/03/mama-mia-adopting-dog-2.html">Mia</a>
and called her my sister. We sniffed and
then she went for my squeaky frog.
Wouldn't you know she would claim my favorite toy. Right from the start she has been in my
business.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgfjJv-6961Nhe1KNhHrJJCrU-BiCrLFUHHeC_GJxfFzSt_uuCupcpo_QFkq76ym0V8D_3E2SBdLbd7rsmHlkf7iJs_tAI3kgG0iKegt5bCV5V9pAiv_tGO6auxh6PghMqFFpyXvbtLA/s1600/IMG_8983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgfjJv-6961Nhe1KNhHrJJCrU-BiCrLFUHHeC_GJxfFzSt_uuCupcpo_QFkq76ym0V8D_3E2SBdLbd7rsmHlkf7iJs_tAI3kgG0iKegt5bCV5V9pAiv_tGO6auxh6PghMqFFpyXvbtLA/s320/IMG_8983.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my frog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoonM_bNX0GY_Uzn0p6VV0bBu1CaQ-iwgvqlwvCSWmFBOGcpddSep0F_D-r603hOrJxi1AvIuhG5XeC5ZGwR6wswpqi6ZKPE9FnOldWQEyKXNZpt2_Nj_jDxPnWvB5BVcYszk1F6ZLx8/s1600/IMG_0582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoonM_bNX0GY_Uzn0p6VV0bBu1CaQ-iwgvqlwvCSWmFBOGcpddSep0F_D-r603hOrJxi1AvIuhG5XeC5ZGwR6wswpqi6ZKPE9FnOldWQEyKXNZpt2_Nj_jDxPnWvB5BVcYszk1F6ZLx8/s320/IMG_0582.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is Eeyore?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the first day Mom started calling me Eeyore. When she
says it she seems to be teasing and I don't get it. Sometimes she calls me Napoleon and I don't
get that either.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnbjd-bMFHkrE-aZPqqYmmWg7H1iBbplnr4cyZyfzpIW_BqvzXGeH4Hz_kOWBwANjVpJyxrpCZRQZzUjiQTB87uOhV4DwjTux6Y_Sr__1al11_X2wd49AHGBOYJFLp26dR4IO80P0D24/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnbjd-bMFHkrE-aZPqqYmmWg7H1iBbplnr4cyZyfzpIW_BqvzXGeH4Hz_kOWBwANjVpJyxrpCZRQZzUjiQTB87uOhV4DwjTux6Y_Sr__1al11_X2wd49AHGBOYJFLp26dR4IO80P0D24/s200/Image+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around the 'hood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Mia is very tall and, well, truth be told, I am vertically
challenged. But I make up for it in the
bigness of my demeanor. It is important
to let everyone know who is in charge so I always try to be there first to
guard the door, protect <a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2013/03/mama-mia-adopting-dog-2.html">Mia</a> from the black lab next door, and make sure that
the treats Mom hands out are safe to eat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She bugs me. She's
younger and less mature and she nags me to play and teases me by taking my toys,
biting my neck, and running with them.
Every now and then I like to run and chase, but not as often as she
wants.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB61GwKEJ9PK5EdQR201GL6skDeUu2b9SamL8GbOqIF3zr8adA9IAYzYr7dPaeOSXLXjVCYAlkoq9p95Rxoo5JAvs1udXVhfpcDGfsKDK9NFLkHvj5BCmJIRex8lX79m8XHFGZCMdxN8U/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB61GwKEJ9PK5EdQR201GL6skDeUu2b9SamL8GbOqIF3zr8adA9IAYzYr7dPaeOSXLXjVCYAlkoq9p95Rxoo5JAvs1udXVhfpcDGfsKDK9NFLkHvj5BCmJIRex8lX79m8XHFGZCMdxN8U/s200/Image+1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping the house safe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMTAVOBPk6DFjf6dhDd1sFmsGONVsu7DbldLICb3CzW-S0xMpMATX3-FCqFuY9qgWTdVFaJfm1ao_oGbK4JsgTPDbZtLjhNVZ8PAxryjEzydhR_062FEcfyHxiCN_b8rgsDLb_nHAjIE/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMTAVOBPk6DFjf6dhDd1sFmsGONVsu7DbldLICb3CzW-S0xMpMATX3-FCqFuY9qgWTdVFaJfm1ao_oGbK4JsgTPDbZtLjhNVZ8PAxryjEzydhR_062FEcfyHxiCN_b8rgsDLb_nHAjIE/s200/Image.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping her bowl clean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom thinks I don't realize that <a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2013/03/mama-mia-adopting-dog-2.html">Mia </a>gets more food than I
do. I see how many scoops she gets and I
know I don't get that much. But I do her
a huge favor and clean out her bowl after every meal so it is ready.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
She hoards toys. Not just a couple of them but most of them (notice I got my squeaky frog back).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7ShSh0wcDZS27aprfFtOcek6sbp7MfLwI5u7Rj1rOEMEIoUE3mdNpxNHkXLgBqXTUqSwjnn_zYbyhRB3LlhyJhC05ezZPr9v7BYn9HGm3VegnEDzv6vnKMsQrwaHP8_8Tg8qVFEn3vs/s1600/bed+buds+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7ShSh0wcDZS27aprfFtOcek6sbp7MfLwI5u7Rj1rOEMEIoUE3mdNpxNHkXLgBqXTUqSwjnn_zYbyhRB3LlhyJhC05ezZPr9v7BYn9HGm3VegnEDzv6vnKMsQrwaHP8_8Tg8qVFEn3vs/s200/bed+buds+3.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the new bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She got a new bed. I
like it and I sleep in it when I can. Sometimes she crawls in bed with me. I don't really mind because I can sleep
through most anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9dFKa-rOaTnyI44JvE2iky0DsgYR8UuFqylwYi_6lpL_arjAUgk-Si-WRJo7tMOnXpodz_TWupjjJsjd_91FO-6z2I4sq85GZ5nDeRwCdpyVDPI0Ux9Qo6gS8xXPJfAokpbThZUfXOQ/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9dFKa-rOaTnyI44JvE2iky0DsgYR8UuFqylwYi_6lpL_arjAUgk-Si-WRJo7tMOnXpodz_TWupjjJsjd_91FO-6z2I4sq85GZ5nDeRwCdpyVDPI0Ux9Qo6gS8xXPJfAokpbThZUfXOQ/s320/IMG_0583.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Miss Nosey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFyqE5e-388W7kOPFxjBhx7MZdz0DNfsa6h2U78vAnfnpaEP6Wl42wJDe6gk-PuNJqlY_PWBPk-igoKsfMLATYEeX33iRhb1iAht7tNNgRCQr25JwAtmiAjXklN31z1DtBfpG3ExkjJY/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFyqE5e-388W7kOPFxjBhx7MZdz0DNfsa6h2U78vAnfnpaEP6Wl42wJDe6gk-PuNJqlY_PWBPk-igoKsfMLATYEeX33iRhb1iAht7tNNgRCQr25JwAtmiAjXklN31z1DtBfpG3ExkjJY/s200/IMG_0506.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I definitely won this fight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If I sniff, she sniffs. Nothing gets past her. Well she stuck her nose in my business one too many times and I peed on it. She didn't seem to notice. Dumb or what? Girls are so confusing.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuPrQRXkpz-DyR0iaLMfJdQqiKfmsJkpfz4TdhTM3JvIgzUk2lRcxCrMrnphm8jovKkiU2hkaTv8ClfUvis_JYBUWElPRzXJiCk3fbOFjT5j18DYqqYVWVjD2iitbIAKqQZg8JU5XKDk/s1600/with+collar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuPrQRXkpz-DyR0iaLMfJdQqiKfmsJkpfz4TdhTM3JvIgzUk2lRcxCrMrnphm8jovKkiU2hkaTv8ClfUvis_JYBUWElPRzXJiCk3fbOFjT5j18DYqqYVWVjD2iitbIAKqQZg8JU5XKDk/s320/with+collar.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is the only one with a pinch collar - she pulls too much</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People stare at us when we walk down the street on our split
leash. Sometimes people ask if I am a
puppy and she is the mom. It's so
embarrassing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are a pretty good team when we hunt rabbits in the back
yard. It is important to note that I
caught a rabbit by myself when I was an only child; together we have never
caught one but we have fun trying at least. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She walks fast. Her
walk is a trot for me and I have to work harder. I just try to look elegant when I move along beside
her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She doesn't understand dudes. She is impatient when I mark (ok a lot) trees and bushes while we are on our walks. Because we have the split leash, she can pull me along when I am the most vulnerable. It is really annoying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtaKxlR7L005r97BpSp4lkHyCvX1n-sTOhwbGepTWzLt-lqAfDul_fTQDsnJ__V8bGA9wUCz9l1_ZIKORHzZPpDGqlIXkfjDivNNCHFE_M8WkLka-y3NajRyM4pRYgNh_a_BaDzE8gJc/s1600/Dogs+and+treats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtaKxlR7L005r97BpSp4lkHyCvX1n-sTOhwbGepTWzLt-lqAfDul_fTQDsnJ__V8bGA9wUCz9l1_ZIKORHzZPpDGqlIXkfjDivNNCHFE_M8WkLka-y3NajRyM4pRYgNh_a_BaDzE8gJc/s320/Dogs+and+treats.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here she is trying to hog the treats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I sometimes wish for a little more peace and quiet. She thinks she is part of the bark patrol and
often tunes up when I am asleep and don't always hear the mailman. I just want to note that the mailman never got past the door on my watch before and I really don't need her to try to take over my
job.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I let her spend a little time alone with Mom or the boys but
mostly I feel it is my job, my right actually, to intervene so they don't get
too close. Sometimes I miss the good old days of being an only dog.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdY3bnnMvMgwIs4hyphenhypheniQEFZbnnB3b6e5AKMOObTLK6kskeuArUHDSLv2zduvnp8iqLC-ZU9jQMm6gmqkpXa-wbAn0IvwKfAAGdtJGO9Zfh_NaatxbbMOm0P6GzGLdIiNGjeD-RhEEKhH8/s1600/IMG_9529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdY3bnnMvMgwIs4hyphenhypheniQEFZbnnB3b6e5AKMOObTLK6kskeuArUHDSLv2zduvnp8iqLC-ZU9jQMm6gmqkpXa-wbAn0IvwKfAAGdtJGO9Zfh_NaatxbbMOm0P6GzGLdIiNGjeD-RhEEKhH8/s320/IMG_9529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With MY buddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh boy did she get hollered at when she tried to dig out
part of the pond to get a bullfrog. I
kept my paws clean on that one while she was covered in mud. She didn't pay attention when I tries to warn her: "ix-nay on the ond-pay." I don't think she understood. After that, trouble.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0QljUzDsWECnu_sORGljpVzOSdobjI_u7w5dUQKlYkr2Wbm6_dOq3wbbzHMzT-8dhleVVePtiV5-C6neGlVlJDhLedoCsRttfFTHpA97XMkst-qYd6jhq1WUdK03ugKNpSfMhq7fr8Q/s1600/IMG_0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0QljUzDsWECnu_sORGljpVzOSdobjI_u7w5dUQKlYkr2Wbm6_dOq3wbbzHMzT-8dhleVVePtiV5-C6neGlVlJDhLedoCsRttfFTHpA97XMkst-qYd6jhq1WUdK03ugKNpSfMhq7fr8Q/s320/IMG_0586.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, with the headless bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok so I beheaded her favorite toy that she brought from her foster home. It was annoying and I had to get her back for taking my stuff. Now it is two toys. Most of the fluff is gone, too.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I had a choice in the matter I probably would have said
"no" to getting a sister. But
now that she is here, I guess I would miss her if she disappeared. But don't tell her that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2012/05/annual-assessment-adopted-dogs-first.html">Dudley</a> (aka #1 Dog)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
PS:<br />
<br />
I have several blogs (Mia only has one):<br />
<br />
<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-at-first-click-my-internet-best.html">Internet Best Friend (that would be me)</a><br />
<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2012/05/annual-assessment-adopted-dogs-first.html">Adopted Dog's First Year</a><br />
<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/09/quarterly-review.html">Quarterly Review</a><br />
<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-doggone-good-time.html">A Doggone Good Time</a><br />
<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/dog-party-diary-of-best-last-day.html">About Dallas, my brother who preceded me</a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-29629757631101003232013-03-18T08:41:00.002-07:002013-05-06T17:50:06.851-07:00Mama Mia: Adopting Dog #2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mia at home</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mia's journey began somewhere in Missouri when her owners
dumped her without the puppies that she was still nursing. Sadly, this sort of thing happens often all over the country. <a href="http://www.fortheloveoflabs.org/">For the Love of Labs</a> pulled her from the
shelter, had her properly vetted and spayed and placed her in the foster home
of Melinda and Wahab. She adjusted to life without her babies, crying
sometimes and feeling very sad.
She was loved and had other dog friends to play with and soon came
out of her depression and began to enjoy playing with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First photo of Mia</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before Mia was even listed as adoptable, Cathy, at <a href="http://www.fortheloveoflabs.org/">For the Love of Labs</a>, who placed <a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2012/05/annual-assessment-adopted-dogs-first.html">Dudley</a> with me two years ago, told me about her and I agreed to adopt her. After talking to her foster mom, Melinda, I knew she was a great dog and trusted that she would be happy with Dudley and that Dudley would eventually adjust to sharing his family. After all, they sent me Dudley and he is is terrific!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wahab with Mia - ready for transport</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSslm874crVBYxFyYHIjtpOO5_3dMHMtXD2ZyNKjIrsh4YI-4Z93mIBNKMdrNe7QzbGwVDBit5Sn08gMqZ_dH-_l81RV_NJapKoaLt6QAv8fBdUT1fFuZIyNNLYV_3cMWzWFnWNFtpNAM/s1600/melindaandmia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSslm874crVBYxFyYHIjtpOO5_3dMHMtXD2ZyNKjIrsh4YI-4Z93mIBNKMdrNe7QzbGwVDBit5Sn08gMqZ_dH-_l81RV_NJapKoaLt6QAv8fBdUT1fFuZIyNNLYV_3cMWzWFnWNFtpNAM/s200/melindaandmia1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melinda saying good-bye to Mia</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two weeks ago, Wahab delivered Mia to the <a href="https://alphadogtransport.com/">Alpha Dog Transport</a> vehicle for the long drive to Virginia. Melinda said good-bye at home and was very sad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A word about the wonderful rescue volunteers, Jeff and Kelly O'Brien, who own <a href="https://alphadogtransport.com/">Alpha Dog Transport </a>. Jeff and Kevin Almstrom drive the wonderfully appointed truck filled with dogs from Ohio to Missouri (where Dudley came from) and stop many places before ending in Maine. They take excellent care of the rescue dogs en route to their new homes and work very hard to make every new adoptive family feel special when they meet their dogs for the first time.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first meeting (with Kevin)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend Deborah
accompanied me on the 90-minute drive to receive Mia in a deserted Toys R Us
parking lot in Haggerstown, MD. <a href="https://alphadogtransport.com/">Alpha Dog Transport</a> took great care of Mia and they seemed very excited and happy for me, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On first glance Mia was larger than
I imagined and the color of espresso with a very happy face and loads of energy. We thanked Kevin and then headed for green grass and
relief before getting in the car. Deborah stroked Mia while she lay in her new comfy bed in the back seat on the drive home to Virginia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The introduction to Dudley happened 90 minutes later at a
neutral place. After much sniffing, they
seemed comfortable walking together and home we went.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How play begins</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two weeks into it, all is well. We've had a few little bumps here and there
and Dudley has behaved like Eeyore for about half of the time. Mia is so well-behaved and friendly and urges Dudley to move a little faster when we are on our walks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dudley on Day 2 - not thrilled</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The adjustment for me has been much like having a second
child. I have spent a lot of time worrying about Dudley's feelings and giving him extra attention. It's a little more complicated to
go places and when they both put up a fuss on a walk, it takes some strength to
get everyone cooperating again. Mia's bark is much more subdued than Dudley's (he barks like a hound) but together they make quite a racket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am very grateful to the volunteers at <a href="http://www.fortheloveoflabs.org/">For the Love of Labs</a> and <a href="https://alphadogtransport.com/">Alpha Dog Transport</a> and for foster parents Melinda and Wahab for saving Mia and taking good care of her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Diary of my first two weeks - </b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Mia</b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 1</b>: Phew that was a long time to ride in a truck. I am so glad to be home but I am a bit confused.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 2:</b> I don't think Dudley is thrilled about me and everyone is calling him Napoleon. I think he's mad because I am taller than he is (and 20 pounds heavier).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 3</b>: I eat my food fast or Dudley will eat it for me.
I make sure that if he gets to my bowl it is already
empty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 4: </b> Running around outside makes me tired and I like napping in my
new bed and yes, I am a toy-hoarder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 5:</b> I love all my new toys. That is a good thing because Dudley
ripped the head off of the bear I brought with me from Missouri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 6:</b> Togetherness
happens slowly when you come into the castle of a prince. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 7:</b> Patience has paid off. Today he let me help guard the back yard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 8: </b> I am moving up in the world! Now I get to help patrol the perimeter; squirrels and rabbits beware!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 9:</b> I love going on walks even though I am faster than Dudley. I have learned to sit before crossing the street.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 10:</b> I sort of got in trouble because I unmade the bed and buried myself in Mom's covers and I had dirty feet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 11:</b> Dudley and I really played for the first time. We tumbled all over the house and growled and sounded fierce but nobody got hurt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 12: </b> Squirrels hide
in the strangest places and I know I have seen them in the bird feeder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 13:</b> Dudley has been hogging my bed whenever he can. I learned to just crawl in with him. The blanket came from Melinda and Wahab but I let him use it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 14:</b> Pulling while I am on the leash is not allowed so I have to wear this collar that pinches me if I try to yank Mom's arm off when I see a SQUIRREL! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It feels good to be home!</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My other blogs about dogs:</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html">Love at First Click - On finding and adopting Dudley</a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2012/05/annual-assessment-adopted-dogs-first.html">Dudley's first year</a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/dog-party-diary-of-best-last-day.html">Dog Party - About losing a dog (Dallas)</a><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></h2>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A Little Extra Time in Florida</span></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfb4A3m5CbNp9wBImh9JxKbJww0plZBETJvzoMykdXfUL4Q5ABFZPZuos4_98Kkw4wdzDSon6BiidtnJmkDPUh4BdASfCVcK1pHf9uK9QlKEArZllfJSbDLEGd6HqJ_FQNVUvt87Zn6U/s1600/IMG_9694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfb4A3m5CbNp9wBImh9JxKbJww0plZBETJvzoMykdXfUL4Q5ABFZPZuos4_98Kkw4wdzDSon6BiidtnJmkDPUh4BdASfCVcK1pHf9uK9QlKEArZllfJSbDLEGd6HqJ_FQNVUvt87Zn6U/s320/IMG_9694.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dudley on the boardwalk, Inverness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlsCehmzTjIE9BS8V7-cqN0HVIq4VhLQla6zn9BvgYwTNXh7EBaxfk-VQquymJ0qZFvwNkvl3gUCUoLJNDLtynTTZxuDFsFYlfroYl4glY-4xfPYlAaZSBi3bPMYYm2YSdCCcu7t34uA/s1600/Ralph1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlsCehmzTjIE9BS8V7-cqN0HVIq4VhLQla6zn9BvgYwTNXh7EBaxfk-VQquymJ0qZFvwNkvl3gUCUoLJNDLtynTTZxuDFsFYlfroYl4glY-4xfPYlAaZSBi3bPMYYm2YSdCCcu7t34uA/s200/Ralph1.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael and friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some people come into your life for a reason and sometimes in the
most unexpected of ways. When I meet someone special, there is often a dog involved. That
happened last week in Inverness, Florida when I was detained in my return home due
to car problems. I was fortunate to meet Samantha Carter and Rafael Cabrara, friends and
partners in the rescue and adoption of dogs in Citrus County. We met most unexpectedly when Ralph's dogs
introduced themselves as I was walking my own lovable rescue, <a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-at-first-click-my-internet-best.html#uds-search-results">Dudley</a>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy613N-qhu-B_btswi8w4gPrELFu411KRyEaC3zRdepjv8Tz-XolB6AOHOs8Ck78moIKe4mYet8Qsg74W8eQtBMKcLPqEotGFjD7PCzyhQA2ts-UWn_sGwHnWu8PhC_gLdDIziICg86WU/s1600/IMG_9723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy613N-qhu-B_btswi8w4gPrELFu411KRyEaC3zRdepjv8Tz-XolB6AOHOs8Ck78moIKe4mYet8Qsg74W8eQtBMKcLPqEotGFjD7PCzyhQA2ts-UWn_sGwHnWu8PhC_gLdDIziICg86WU/s200/IMG_9723.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Orange season in Florida</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WMLcdojoeHpO8AuHu0uhcy53Y6Ou0Shb6ktw4MDoKAZCREXTY2UOux7m0ym9H-KnUcXxeckHft5HppW5mg1k6IP9KTBCHMRZzQ8ZEFtQG6tcES54wqkhD8R_6nJsxPNcXyCMP9M9K18/s1600/samcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WMLcdojoeHpO8AuHu0uhcy53Y6Ou0Shb6ktw4MDoKAZCREXTY2UOux7m0ym9H-KnUcXxeckHft5HppW5mg1k6IP9KTBCHMRZzQ8ZEFtQG6tcES54wqkhD8R_6nJsxPNcXyCMP9M9K18/s200/samcat.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Carter, cat woman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">I was so glad to have a chance to get to know this double
dog duo. Wowed by their knowledge about
dogs and passion for their well being, I spent some extra time with them during
the following days and learned about dog behavior, shelters, and the needs in
Citrus County, Florida. I vowed to myself to use some of Rafael's techniques to add a few more good behaviors to Dudley's repertoire after seeing the amazing results he had with his own dogs and those he worked with. And as always when I travel back to Florida, I was reminded that people there are exceedingly nice and more interested in who you are than what you are.</span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">About Citrus County Animal Services</span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV3Lva6ZbFUWpfy1Yc9jX3BchdPpw8i6wobCT48n9DmeV4A46xNw-aNoB3K8bqoUp0owNmqAXabq59d76jt_NEkYjsSvh0flr_bMm8ahBIFdGMhB1JDVnRLsqP_Z-ETjkzeHdD8eHRB8/s1600/IMG_9790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV3Lva6ZbFUWpfy1Yc9jX3BchdPpw8i6wobCT48n9DmeV4A46xNw-aNoB3K8bqoUp0owNmqAXabq59d76jt_NEkYjsSvh0flr_bMm8ahBIFdGMhB1JDVnRLsqP_Z-ETjkzeHdD8eHRB8/s320/IMG_9790.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteers walk and play with dogs at CCAS shelter</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rafael met me at the <a href="http://www.citruscritters.com/">Citrus County Animal Services</a> (CCAS) shelter and introduced me to their smart and caring staff and the dogs he knows so much about. Several days a week he volunteers his time to assess recent acquisitions for their adoptability. Often he also works with the dogs to help them with their manners, although much depends upon the adoptive families to take charge and work with their dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Like many shelters, Citrus County is county government-funded. As such, no animals can be refused. There are cages out front where anonymous
"donors" can leave stray or unwanted pets at any hour of the
day. Every morning there are 1-2 dogs
that have been dropped off as if they were used clothing going to the thrift
shop - except a family pet does not understand the concept of being discarded. But this anonymity encourages people to
ensure that the animals are cared for by the shelter rather than ignored.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdc3zsQ0NcEukd4AFOFOMIajgnnsWmCxXKVs6OweeWFNp4th37gb9BpoyNxNaJhwGLsduCNT55Pc-G5h7XEyEcXi7KCNkAM4hahY-tffSbdFwL9x6rImpX4CAMomr05V_9EJT84oiq0c/s1600/IMG_9771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdc3zsQ0NcEukd4AFOFOMIajgnnsWmCxXKVs6OweeWFNp4th37gb9BpoyNxNaJhwGLsduCNT55Pc-G5h7XEyEcXi7KCNkAM4hahY-tffSbdFwL9x6rImpX4CAMomr05V_9EJT84oiq0c/s320/IMG_9771.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo with a clean pup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatSjdweV0kNc3MkqZjEId9nvXg9L9hcGp4_h91GMc3fptVYFijeQf2J-238vlLFOd7CfhSekcjbbPdic3MH3ZzmScXP-3WU-ZddG0FlDEtJgfTwRhtj840oi6gDiPIkhqKehf-fcKcrM/s1600/IMG_9748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatSjdweV0kNc3MkqZjEId9nvXg9L9hcGp4_h91GMc3fptVYFijeQf2J-238vlLFOd7CfhSekcjbbPdic3MH3ZzmScXP-3WU-ZddG0FlDEtJgfTwRhtj840oi6gDiPIkhqKehf-fcKcrM/s320/IMG_9748.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo cuddles a puppy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the first people I met at the shelter was Jo
Budny. Now retired, Jo wanted to be a
vet when she was a child, but "girls weren't encouraged to be vets back
then." When her children were grown, she started volunteering as a dog
walker. "I couldn't just sit and
watch TV," she explained as she bathed one of a litter of five dirty
puppies. She cheerfully washed the
squirming pups and cuddled them in soft.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaTCM6tWLc5X35rYIHsW_738MJDAVfT4EmzoUEYFTSupYy3NUrxEF043BgkoLNdsWb5wbKlfZ3fHF5nNYecuxjaW22PBN-97k7Rhdg8xhTlVuNP55bQJxI3ypDZDyRj4x7cQeZh89LTY/s1600/IMG_9759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaTCM6tWLc5X35rYIHsW_738MJDAVfT4EmzoUEYFTSupYy3NUrxEF043BgkoLNdsWb5wbKlfZ3fHF5nNYecuxjaW22PBN-97k7Rhdg8xhTlVuNP55bQJxI3ypDZDyRj4x7cQeZh89LTY/s320/IMG_9759.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiloh</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPjx0SscYX5JUKMIrA9Nvt5TmxXCQ2YpQYDIuHaF9KiiAw9KVmEq2qd7LCIQTT9Y-OAs_5pIN6hlIXHI_h1czDgtXYhHeyB_YPqxPEocsKVPy1UufB4L97nDTdDE0kzsDA1YUciJFd_4/s1600/IMG_9735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPjx0SscYX5JUKMIrA9Nvt5TmxXCQ2YpQYDIuHaF9KiiAw9KVmEq2qd7LCIQTT9Y-OAs_5pIN6hlIXHI_h1czDgtXYhHeyB_YPqxPEocsKVPy1UufB4L97nDTdDE0kzsDA1YUciJFd_4/s320/IMG_9735.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiloh</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.friendsofccas.org/Special_Needs_Dogs_2.html">Shiloh</a> a beautiful,
friendly German shepherd, was released to the shelter by an elderly man who
was unable to care for her. She was
chained to a dog house for five years and has resulting ligament tears that
require surgery. I wanted to take her
home with me to be Dudley's companion.
Friends of Citrus County Animal Services (<a href="http://www.friendsofccas.org/">FOCCAS</a>), the nonprofit arm of
the shelter, is raising money for her surgery and to support her ongoing care. She will be ready for adoption after her
upcoming surgeries. If you are
interested in knowing more about Shiloh, contact Mike at CCAS 352-746-8400.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dogs arrive at the shelter for a variety of reasons. Many owners are surprised when they end up with puppies and kittens yet did not have their animal spayed. The shelter receives animals when financial circumstances change, owners pass away or move, and people realize they are unable to care for their animals. Stray animals are held then put up for adoption if not claimed. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjG1MBh7Eo7IZ4ZxhtQ1TZfvQSzb_RWTIWxwhlkcednI8X0jPKyBbI8Up7ogwjJmXTfLfIZ83COFw5k_aTLmueLE_zq0mU_LV6jsa0LTlQ7BxqVddFFXcOKuYuzVklVv2XQgtCpLrdLw/s1600/IMG_9828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjG1MBh7Eo7IZ4ZxhtQ1TZfvQSzb_RWTIWxwhlkcednI8X0jPKyBbI8Up7ogwjJmXTfLfIZ83COFw5k_aTLmueLE_zq0mU_LV6jsa0LTlQ7BxqVddFFXcOKuYuzVklVv2XQgtCpLrdLw/s320/IMG_9828.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Rafael and Abbey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NbME72BcFN3hWHVJQXtmufw8j0GTSxyZgbCMWQTYwHkoyHQlKvTH71PPFEsMRcZEg6Bpie39jssrRYn4DA4016ENjJjLIiU2yVhH3PQ-jIdZfeV2wPmITd644rt0cKeFhFDvpgUi90Y/s1600/IMG_9834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NbME72BcFN3hWHVJQXtmufw8j0GTSxyZgbCMWQTYwHkoyHQlKvTH71PPFEsMRcZEg6Bpie39jssrRYn4DA4016ENjJjLIiU2yVhH3PQ-jIdZfeV2wPmITd644rt0cKeFhFDvpgUi90Y/s320/IMG_9834.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbey</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">According to the ASPCA, 20% of the animals in
shelters nationwide were adopted from the shelter and returned. <a href="http://www.friendsofccas.org/">FOCCAS</a>, with Raphael's company <a href="http://www.casitabigdogrescue.com/home">Casita</a> Big Dog Rescue, attempts
to reduce recidivism with training and counseling in advance of an adoption. Ralph, Samantha and the other volunteers work hard to identify the most adoptable dogs, work
with them, ensure the future owners are properly prepared to care for the pets, and help train their owners to be in charge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tag removed from a surrender dog</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the saddest things shelter volunteers and staff face is the surrender of previously adopted pets. Abbey, a basset hound mix, was brought back to the shelter after her owner realized he couldn't properly care for the dog. She was crated more than 8 hours every day, developed behavioral issues typical of neglected dogs, and did not receive the exercise she needed. I had tears in my eyes as I saw the forlorn look on the dog's face when her owner walked away. Rafael made sure to counsel the man that he should not consider adopting another dog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cats</span> </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR9W27MO0b7-NMwkRVL8g3b0-Ce_udiKFoRFn9_nNw6APJbTUiuNVqXBfOE98KysxipFeeqxE7m_DbX2qjMFRa3EBpt3sSmaevZiNZy_T7A5mO9azDYyj3bKtE3BVVDkpgmWh5cWw5Gc/s1600/IMG_9812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR9W27MO0b7-NMwkRVL8g3b0-Ce_udiKFoRFn9_nNw6APJbTUiuNVqXBfOE98KysxipFeeqxE7m_DbX2qjMFRa3EBpt3sSmaevZiNZy_T7A5mO9azDYyj3bKtE3BVVDkpgmWh5cWw5Gc/s320/IMG_9812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael conversing with cats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Ooj8jba9w81lEi4dOEeJJplViypoFoKMuqZaKpcCd96U7XyY18uLcSx9YQBYUWYwsA_jQDEkaug12moGTIWdTek-14ymDC7CJtP4eAKBDbImo_Fw6vgYXJTPP0VT8VOT0lMwr1SdF0/s1600/IMG_9813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Ooj8jba9w81lEi4dOEeJJplViypoFoKMuqZaKpcCd96U7XyY18uLcSx9YQBYUWYwsA_jQDEkaug12moGTIWdTek-14ymDC7CJtP4eAKBDbImo_Fw6vgYXJTPP0VT8VOT0lMwr1SdF0/s200/IMG_9813.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apologies in advance to the cat people. Cats are not my focus although there are many cats at all shelters in need of adoption, including this handsome tom, at the CCAS shelter. Cats arrive at the CCAS shelter at the rate of 10 per day (not including kittens). Cats produce a lot of kittens and the county has been known to house a few hoarding owners who may contribute 15 or more cats at a time when they must be removed from the home. Riva, a 14-year volunteer, is dedicated to caring for the cats and keeps their quarters clean and all of her feline charges well fed and loved.</span></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bully Breed Dogs<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdBmFqDo1bGn8JWKQHs1ur33uYohQ2ubxey65ihsjWp_nQAenjCi_DK5pcCWcQuE0H1r8xwbncaRqf_QhLedMIspQKFw57vnUVLlajfKM2DqfzqrvAIloE3zs3xUYjaothhGc8QzfJEU/s1600/IMG_9901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdBmFqDo1bGn8JWKQHs1ur33uYohQ2ubxey65ihsjWp_nQAenjCi_DK5pcCWcQuE0H1r8xwbncaRqf_QhLedMIspQKFw57vnUVLlajfKM2DqfzqrvAIloE3zs3xUYjaothhGc8QzfJEU/s320/IMG_9901.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Lug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/breedinfo.php">Bully</a>
dogs (bulldogs, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and
mixed bully breeds usually referred to generically as "Pit Bulls")
make up about 60% of the dogs at the shelter.
Most will never be adopted because of their reputation, aggressive
tendencies, or behavioral issues. Dog
aggression is a problem with many bully dogs but they are also loyal to their
owners when trained and cared for properly.
Raphael explained that most of the problem with bully dog behavior stems
from owners' lack of understanding about how to socialize, train and live
with the dog. "Never let your guard
down with a bully dog," he said.
"Not for one minute." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RTOaJqlVordBUkwCrkn9bWvrabvaDbjBWgFjYmHgHEs5-P0-cJTbEH2RreO398OSsZKxfvhoW7a9YgM7wH6I6B9now6EdAwTSOYZBfpyIatpvgLEvImRqSGmtPz75dmfXrL3YZJ9Nak/s1600/IMG_9774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RTOaJqlVordBUkwCrkn9bWvrabvaDbjBWgFjYmHgHEs5-P0-cJTbEH2RreO398OSsZKxfvhoW7a9YgM7wH6I6B9now6EdAwTSOYZBfpyIatpvgLEvImRqSGmtPz75dmfXrL3YZJ9Nak/s200/IMG_9774.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available for adoption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rafael adopted Big Lug, a 110 pound bulldog, from the
shelter 4 years ago. I spent some time
with Big Lug, who looks gruff and a little menacing but is quite sweet and gentle with humans and loves a good scratch as much as any dog could. Rafael reminded me that pit bulls or bully
dogs are not for everyone and that potential bully dog owners should <a href="http://pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/breedinfo.php">know</a> what they are
getting into before they adopt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Adoptable Dogs</span> </h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKJ15XsgZsGuDIC-hq2ump7odbx_9JVyTgLQmkf7wnApxDF5YWkYigBcfNO2RMTZCS1cum9ckr65-amm8zeUGrS4kR2s7RPZOY7Dws1HOl6C-hy5TnTiHPaQlj4NRRpBYQRhzrzjS-oQ/s1600/IMG_9851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKJ15XsgZsGuDIC-hq2ump7odbx_9JVyTgLQmkf7wnApxDF5YWkYigBcfNO2RMTZCS1cum9ckr65-amm8zeUGrS4kR2s7RPZOY7Dws1HOl6C-hy5TnTiHPaQlj4NRRpBYQRhzrzjS-oQ/s200/IMG_9851.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evaluation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYN2MR7ObdGKbyycJVifxDDXWAMPiP-dDBu4YsUzXc-dxfV02WXmcbuhkUMCezZxmQp7Ze-oxOIbmoCxqTkm5guhyHPrYWqIuNnmDsGoqe18-LpKvTcbjm4th9HAKLrKXiXI9LgrNhfmw/s1600/IMG_9845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYN2MR7ObdGKbyycJVifxDDXWAMPiP-dDBu4YsUzXc-dxfV02WXmcbuhkUMCezZxmQp7Ze-oxOIbmoCxqTkm5guhyHPrYWqIuNnmDsGoqe18-LpKvTcbjm4th9HAKLrKXiXI9LgrNhfmw/s320/IMG_9845.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael checking Meeko's teeth </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had an opportunity to observe Raphael and Bill Rock
working with two of the shelter's residents to determine their adoptability and
appropriateness for certain situations such as living with young children. For the better part of an hour, they tested
the dog's food aggressive tendencies, child-aggressiveness (they do this by pulling,
poking and prodding the dog as a young child might do), and aggression toward
other dogs and cats. To my surprise Meeko,
the bully dog they tested, was one of the calmest, sweetest, most trainable
dogs I had ever met. He passed with
flying colors and hopefully will soon be placed in a loving home. The cat-aggression test was the most
amazing. (Dudley would have misbehaved
with the test cat.) Meeko dog paid no
attention to the cat, who was none too keen on hanging around to find out his
reaction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVjkV7feJs2R9c9k9O8KLgyLzDZgL3k8hWIorjsjPlgR-kj37OgEdrhaUrHQG34EzyXtTsMJyz7W6iz9k-gvt0MlSsbhnVEE1TORUxsYEtDfD5BHy6TvY-F68r-sbcRsJSsUH00k5Dd8/s1600/IMG_9858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVjkV7feJs2R9c9k9O8KLgyLzDZgL3k8hWIorjsjPlgR-kj37OgEdrhaUrHQG34EzyXtTsMJyz7W6iz9k-gvt0MlSsbhnVEE1TORUxsYEtDfD5BHy6TvY-F68r-sbcRsJSsUH00k5Dd8/s320/IMG_9858.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Explaining what he looks for in adoptability, Rafael
said he is concerned about a dog's behavior around children first, other dogs
second, and people in general third. If
a dog cannot be trusted around children, he does not believe it should be a pet. Bad behavior can usually be traced to
something initiated by a human. Often it
because the owner has not let the dog know he is in charge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKlxzMaSusKjnQIU8F00YRC_RVesjcSIhdBQ7q_xXai-kO1sX7yrHdmdgzHbGj_Ato-4BYChCrKGqw-CeL7hd4pqXehuzad55KQChjgbGfGYQ2j0l4OnVEvKl5KOP34HgxLs5FWwmOk0/s1600/IMG_9803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKlxzMaSusKjnQIU8F00YRC_RVesjcSIhdBQ7q_xXai-kO1sX7yrHdmdgzHbGj_Ato-4BYChCrKGqw-CeL7hd4pqXehuzad55KQChjgbGfGYQ2j0l4OnVEvKl5KOP34HgxLs5FWwmOk0/s200/IMG_9803.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adoptable rooster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A lady came to the shelter seeking a dog companion to live
on her farm where she raises chickens.
She was attracted to and bonded with several of the dogs at the shelter
including a bully. But when the dogs
were exposed to the resident roosters to test their chicken-chasing interests,
they immediately chased them. Raphael
recommended that the woman adopt a puppy that would grow up learning to respect
the chickens as siblings, not dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VpQlQrYDsQh6bVuGd6Son_8WcYrUthQp2cVK2-KjuUdpgWLp9fJNXQOJk-QskUp0mwa4JHRFeeZiCdDnW-ktBxNeX-bzrfMpTWqQSC5lAG4gUdjNk-Qm2AL6FlKGAxektp7OPts2g-M/s1600/IMG_9805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VpQlQrYDsQh6bVuGd6Son_8WcYrUthQp2cVK2-KjuUdpgWLp9fJNXQOJk-QskUp0mwa4JHRFeeZiCdDnW-ktBxNeX-bzrfMpTWqQSC5lAG4gUdjNk-Qm2AL6FlKGAxektp7OPts2g-M/s320/IMG_9805.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go HOME</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That morning, Bill placed three dogs in new homes. Watching his face when he reported
the success was half of the fun; clearly this is a man who loves dogs and values
the assurance that they have good homes.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjcghJoKyyRyfTleNoesfSYl7GdVSx8bscIqWlsqWVJJvlAK0jihLIWgSHhdKba3ZjI4njdlMcWGfyGSYSLCO90PNKo-naaKS15SnExfEWaMqE7TWkgJDtmf1mzhy1nKsNmoso1j2FZ8/s1600/IMG_9811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjcghJoKyyRyfTleNoesfSYl7GdVSx8bscIqWlsqWVJJvlAK0jihLIWgSHhdKba3ZjI4njdlMcWGfyGSYSLCO90PNKo-naaKS15SnExfEWaMqE7TWkgJDtmf1mzhy1nKsNmoso1j2FZ8/s200/IMG_9811.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Painless chip installation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
One of the adoptees was this happy Jack Russell terrier. As part of the release process, they
installed a tiny chip under his skin, between their shoulder blades. A quick scan can identify his owner, ensuring
he is more quickly returned if lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUjo2TcedDnaX3MeoHV_Kuys8fLFKvML3iT7in6nj8-bBE7F0_LBXp0lAf6tMRlEKtPm7vDI1fRPVMbrjvoCIisSYbgZEMLEez4Hdfs8TLz9TLznF3uJbc9KWJUzfrYqt61odv8trViI/s1600/IMG_9841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUjo2TcedDnaX3MeoHV_Kuys8fLFKvML3iT7in6nj8-bBE7F0_LBXp0lAf6tMRlEKtPm7vDI1fRPVMbrjvoCIisSYbgZEMLEez4Hdfs8TLz9TLznF3uJbc9KWJUzfrYqt61odv8trViI/s200/IMG_9841.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rascal chose his family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Robert and Sharon Lee dropped by the shelter with their
shelter-adopted terrier, Rascal. They
claim Rascal chose them when they came to adopt. They clearly are very pleased with their
adoption and have enrolled Rascal in the shelter's obedience classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How You Can Help <o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Volunteer</b></span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3ZSHji9ltG2fHC5FZQ9ghAGCEcuNnct_Smk5hBjgqo9Voaxjz7FwtwczY6VBeDBOOEf4fLoomg4-QY_NIpNAjrUfqSd-s2pNUNb9Y4d5pdGVE_XA_3nW_5z__ojjKY7_e3B4ykkkKIw/s1600/IMG_9800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3ZSHji9ltG2fHC5FZQ9ghAGCEcuNnct_Smk5hBjgqo9Voaxjz7FwtwczY6VBeDBOOEf4fLoomg4-QY_NIpNAjrUfqSd-s2pNUNb9Y4d5pdGVE_XA_3nW_5z__ojjKY7_e3B4ykkkKIw/s320/IMG_9800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteers are needed to walk and play with dogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The
shelter needs dog walkers to help give its temporary residents a much-needed
break every day. At Citrus County Animal
Shelter, because of the shortage of <a href="http://www.citruscritters.com/volunteer/volunteering.htm">volunteers</a>,
most dogs are only walked once per day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Adopt with care</b></span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn3qQDKvE8g6dZ9m985tzLpvXDQt6Zlss5_yxGQrZIEsGZJGmQ0810y57AtgolMc0QsMpPXECRwVbZzf7G9KaAFWCshRpo4xsKTup8esgR_qai_i_yUXv2SqD49rN3yZ0_KPN58OOCe0/s1600/IMG_9797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn3qQDKvE8g6dZ9m985tzLpvXDQt6Zlss5_yxGQrZIEsGZJGmQ0810y57AtgolMc0QsMpPXECRwVbZzf7G9KaAFWCshRpo4xsKTup8esgR_qai_i_yUXv2SqD49rN3yZ0_KPN58OOCe0/s200/IMG_9797.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogs need lots of attention</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please do consider adoption. Read about
dog and cat breeds and considerations. If
you are away for 8 or more hours each day and not able to pay a dog walker or
find a way to give a dog relief, you probably should not adopt a dog, no matter
how much you will love it. Resources for
finding pets: your local animal shelter's website, <a href="http://www.animalshelter.org/">animalshelter.org </a>and
<a href="http://www.petfinder.com/">petfinder.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Train your dog</b> </span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeJSEL2ZCbkI_Ksw0d9jqeDEO0vBLHSO-E8p0qjvNYMiASt2vWd4Wm5Iar8C88uBDhS8InbgNYchM9Dt0sljT2glmoJvDf30lUv-zVGiei1BDIjp5SPsTLBoNpHNhKDtldAwsfBKpkpE/s1600/training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeJSEL2ZCbkI_Ksw0d9jqeDEO0vBLHSO-E8p0qjvNYMiASt2vWd4Wm5Iar8C88uBDhS8InbgNYchM9Dt0sljT2glmoJvDf30lUv-zVGiei1BDIjp5SPsTLBoNpHNhKDtldAwsfBKpkpE/s320/training.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael with Meeko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Good pet and shelter public relations means having a well-behaved pet that
promotes good will in the community and encourages others to consider
adoption. If you adopt from CCAS, you
receive training, reference materials and an opportunity to return for
obedience help. Most shelters either offer dog training classes or guidance on where to get them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBRbPq1PN0_bVYfa1VRu6OG_7jfi2UCI5bX0dKuoWm2OlTNB9HIq3lCxRMCkniSupU7b_eHC3yhBX2q7iVoQd-WzzLRGJfO5veTfdPzbZQTfzKUjENcYIu_0LgvK_b669XH5nVabTwQg/s1600/IMG_9744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBRbPq1PN0_bVYfa1VRu6OG_7jfi2UCI5bX0dKuoWm2OlTNB9HIq3lCxRMCkniSupU7b_eHC3yhBX2q7iVoQd-WzzLRGJfO5veTfdPzbZQTfzKUjENcYIu_0LgvK_b669XH5nVabTwQg/s200/IMG_9744.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Be smart when you
donate</b></span></h3>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpLLqpcoA4xnuHFLwm1g7X7ImWz7tPnEAlbtndnVr9FfC_LuVqWnc6HB3aN1nlx6eu4wRY92yIqWH6zF6RRTGEfNg6TOP9xj-fSTSZ_F16eYmi8p1WZiybpRAP80-Gy8GhizwwyJ2uJA/s1600/IMG_9740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpLLqpcoA4xnuHFLwm1g7X7ImWz7tPnEAlbtndnVr9FfC_LuVqWnc6HB3aN1nlx6eu4wRY92yIqWH6zF6RRTGEfNg6TOP9xj-fSTSZ_F16eYmi8p1WZiybpRAP80-Gy8GhizwwyJ2uJA/s200/IMG_9740.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adoptable puppy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Know where your money is going when you
contribute to help animals at a shelter.
To help animals at the CCAS, donate to </span><a href="http://www.friendsofccas.org/Home.php" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Friends of Citrus County Animal
Services</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (FOCCAS), the nonprofit that supports the shelter. If you give directly to the shelter you are
making a contribution to the county to offset the budget and your contribution
is not tax-deductible. If you are
contributing to support your local shelter, find out what they do, how much is
spent in administration, and how much actually is used to help rescued
pets. To help make sure you are giving
to a reputable organization: in </span><a href="http://www.800helpfla.com/tipsgiving_text.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Florida</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> or </span><a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=518" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nationwide</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Arial;"><i>"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Arial;"><i>can be judged by the way its animals are treated" - Mahatama Gandhi</i></span></div>
</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Adios for Now<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWmcan0fWuCT4L9rLfDZqR9fPIFLiKOcs_BR7Uv0mZzLRuiKX6aYUCHmfGW8UoX8nLxcs2zRzVABaCWxdiOyNVhIk-HSphTd2bphewSsuxpB3zQ77Wb333ydUVeBm5qpZAISJ9LOvexI/s1600/IMG_9017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWmcan0fWuCT4L9rLfDZqR9fPIFLiKOcs_BR7Uv0mZzLRuiKX6aYUCHmfGW8UoX8nLxcs2zRzVABaCWxdiOyNVhIk-HSphTd2bphewSsuxpB3zQ77Wb333ydUVeBm5qpZAISJ9LOvexI/s320/IMG_9017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dudley on the road again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few days after my visit to the shelter, my Toyota chariot was running again and Dudley and I were driving north to face the cold
and snow. My life is richer because I have
new friends in Citrus County and I look forward to hearing the good news about future
adoptions of Shiloh, Meeko, Abbey, and the others. Dudley and I will miss
our daily walks on the trail in superior winter weather. We'll be back and you can be sure that Rafael, Samantha and Bill will be on our list of special people to visit. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-25909387616929408032012-07-12T14:54:00.001-07:002012-07-12T14:54:37.448-07:00I'll Take the Cake, Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmqnOiD4DbST02TdhA4YTlGNUdL6uk88vX8f6w6Se2xERMuFP27RWUquy4FDgtWzHq4TekXgfdR6W-y1CW4PSN6XhHoT0_BvSCxn9ooFIAd3qeyMUP2k2ZuhsfcaUme6_Rb37IEGc_E4/s1600/IMG_2543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmqnOiD4DbST02TdhA4YTlGNUdL6uk88vX8f6w6Se2xERMuFP27RWUquy4FDgtWzHq4TekXgfdR6W-y1CW4PSN6XhHoT0_BvSCxn9ooFIAd3qeyMUP2k2ZuhsfcaUme6_Rb37IEGc_E4/s320/IMG_2543.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Cupcakes are dumb," claimed my eldest son. Thinking he was saying that because they are girly and mostly about the effeminate decorations, I nodded and asked him to elaborate. What wisdom and food for thought he uttered. "Cupcakes are not for sharing," he added. "Cakes are about family and sitting around the table after dinner. You don't even need a plate or fork. And who eats ice-cream with cupcakes?"</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwKdwZ8yKKAZ5Z0ulXEP6E2OAFS4QQotgsTlB9HbLdQX6x4dwphBJDsO-e_NasskK-4RoAi0YF0fDi3h5GPUJvosxo0M1YNd2dHS97U5UF-zk0J8PM5Y4NttHSNYLRXqheSoscw-GxD8/s1600/IMG_2378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwKdwZ8yKKAZ5Z0ulXEP6E2OAFS4QQotgsTlB9HbLdQX6x4dwphBJDsO-e_NasskK-4RoAi0YF0fDi3h5GPUJvosxo0M1YNd2dHS97U5UF-zk0J8PM5Y4NttHSNYLRXqheSoscw-GxD8/s320/IMG_2378.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We reminisced for a few minutes about birthday cakes and the social aspects of sharing a cake. Past birthday cakes included cowboys, firetrucks, dinosaurs and bears. A big cake fan, he got glassy-eyed talking about<b><a href="http://thebakingpan.com/recipes/frosting/classic-french-chocolate-buttercream.html"> French chocolate buttercream frosting</a></b>, his favorite. After that, we discussed the flavor and texture of the cake in some detail. He prefers yellow cake, with some density; frankly, he's a bit picky about it. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPw4waCiNPciUwtWaMYivxsYv0MCVSm_mH8-px8p3028UhE8yWR8GjfbVgtrI-O-ZpaQPDXvEvcgY5Kx6vlA3sr0N9vZAxwvbmXSAA4wjI5un5yZcqdW6egxRvWfdhIRJ7BuOih8q5xQ/s1600/IMG_8722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPw4waCiNPciUwtWaMYivxsYv0MCVSm_mH8-px8p3028UhE8yWR8GjfbVgtrI-O-ZpaQPDXvEvcgY5Kx6vlA3sr0N9vZAxwvbmXSAA4wjI5un5yZcqdW6egxRvWfdhIRJ7BuOih8q5xQ/s320/IMG_8722.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Everyone is equal when you have cake," he said wisely. "We're in it together. You don't get that with cupcakes." What an interesting thought. The more I pondered this, the more I agree. It's another "all about me" thing. "It's mine and I don't have to share." You get exactly what you want. Cupcakes are bratty and sassy and choosing them over a cake just may say something about a person.</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cupcakes are in sync with people who are obsessed with their smartphones. They don't interact with anybody because there is nothing communal about a cupcake.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cupcakes are all about the decoration, which unfortunately is true of many people.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cupcakes are often less cake and more icing, the high calorie and high fat part. Nobody needs that, not to mention the outrageous and unnatural colors. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cupcakes are portion control. You feel like a pig if you eat two; with cake you just cut one big piece and no one's the wiser.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cupcakes are expensive. Many decorator cupcakes cost $4 or more. In this economy, people should hold on to their money. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcuDfogPko2pRM3M0eJUmK8BVdeSbtpFka_IXLexvtb2ReFNgMSaAATXalMg95TbjfPF3XSPatDAJBbCrNBTRGFiIfo-cWJbj6LiRiKlgVYiXCUHCaFKY3DsPziUfMCqkONcbwbBM7ds/s1600/IMG_1980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcuDfogPko2pRM3M0eJUmK8BVdeSbtpFka_IXLexvtb2ReFNgMSaAATXalMg95TbjfPF3XSPatDAJBbCrNBTRGFiIfo-cWJbj6LiRiKlgVYiXCUHCaFKY3DsPziUfMCqkONcbwbBM7ds/s320/IMG_1980.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family lore has it that four of us ate an entire angel food cake with 7-minute icing on a visit with my parents. When it was gone, this same son, then about 2 and consumer of nearly a quarter of said cake, turned up the palms of his hands and asked in a puzzled tone, "What happened?" That may have been the beginning of his love of cakes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQD_2GX3aa8gouZvsbR10b9Bpz4o0vOr1cN5e6mS-nxiG2lFCYiV3A7GKcv2TOpJFhhO4gTAEgY4tUddV7CIoMBeST9HeKMsNcBk4bA2BsTp3h8r1C8nfL_d3KFbMcA2zLANalTWyaOw/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQD_2GX3aa8gouZvsbR10b9Bpz4o0vOr1cN5e6mS-nxiG2lFCYiV3A7GKcv2TOpJFhhO4gTAEgY4tUddV7CIoMBeST9HeKMsNcBk4bA2BsTp3h8r1C8nfL_d3KFbMcA2zLANalTWyaOw/s320/IMG_2551.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-90913715181652437822012-06-05T21:11:00.003-07:002012-06-05T21:11:45.646-07:00Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZs0dzcK4R8FVQVuFeCt-aKUEKzjNSjwCL0K7JefbizelLYw8LiZwz54NYKAkAYF_ZFD8yKE9-zA86l7JyuyRZy3LfCLp7YVBlT_Wy2Iv1qxkus4s03d__UdWSY9SI265-zr3U-7szGY/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZs0dzcK4R8FVQVuFeCt-aKUEKzjNSjwCL0K7JefbizelLYw8LiZwz54NYKAkAYF_ZFD8yKE9-zA86l7JyuyRZy3LfCLp7YVBlT_Wy2Iv1qxkus4s03d__UdWSY9SI265-zr3U-7szGY/s640/IMG_2325.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kentucky</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The photos in this blog are mostly
random, because the topics are ones disinclined to produce pretty pictures.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NhZAkOvDUMSqcB7KuuBQBnNaleD18390fmwWuxrvTSbSGj4qENUu2KjiatBSlAXcfhKnHqwnoybAb7YDhvvw1_XpxuYYwCYPGe4COfCvCuB_kvWccnF-BjWFc8I3AJemp3knme1zmfI/s1600/Matt+2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NhZAkOvDUMSqcB7KuuBQBnNaleD18390fmwWuxrvTSbSGj4qENUu2KjiatBSlAXcfhKnHqwnoybAb7YDhvvw1_XpxuYYwCYPGe4COfCvCuB_kvWccnF-BjWFc8I3AJemp3knme1zmfI/s200/Matt+2002.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My firstborn turned 28 this week. He was born when I was 28, when my age did not put me at risk for
anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't like surprises. Physical changes related to age seem to be
happening more frequently. Nobody warned me about any of them. Here are three that took me by surprise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73xEf60qgzW1lH0RC6Rqi2kIxLrwb0wgSWWjZcUS6jQkzjFBLfH8Ay792_m4R_mq0KwjkaaWF7uZm2-y4AbITicus-XeyZJzRyGpihLyrlTV-DcO2RWkKncfuJgzPHUYu0b4CjR0iq0Q/s1600/IMG_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73xEf60qgzW1lH0RC6Rqi2kIxLrwb0wgSWWjZcUS6jQkzjFBLfH8Ay792_m4R_mq0KwjkaaWF7uZm2-y4AbITicus-XeyZJzRyGpihLyrlTV-DcO2RWkKncfuJgzPHUYu0b4CjR0iq0Q/s320/IMG_2326.JPG" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thyroid Disease</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73xEf60qgzW1lH0RC6Rqi2kIxLrwb0wgSWWjZcUS6jQkzjFBLfH8Ay792_m4R_mq0KwjkaaWF7uZm2-y4AbITicus-XeyZJzRyGpihLyrlTV-DcO2RWkKncfuJgzPHUYu0b4CjR0iq0Q/s1600/IMG_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My thyroid stopped producing enough hormones last year. I found out as a part of my annual
physical. I also learned that hypothyroidism is increasingly common as you age and most common for women 60
and older. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Symptoms</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The thyroid makes hormones that control the way your body
uses energy. The most common type of
hypothyroidism (under-producing thyroid) is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It causes the immune system to attack thyroid
tissue, keeping it from making enough hormones.
Untreated, it can raise your cholesterol, increase your likelihood of
having a heart attack or stroke, and in rare but serious cases, cause death. The most common symptoms can creep up on you
because they happen gradually:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coarse or thinning
hair</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dry skin</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brittle nails</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A yellowish tint to the skin</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Slow body movements</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cold skin</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inability to tolerate cold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling tired, sluggish or week</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Memory problems, depression, or problems concentrating.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Constipation</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heavy or irregular menstrual periods</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY_WQyo9OkZJLFoRdcnjY5skxdfZGiH6cYQ2MEm7gflHanrMP2TEu1qiElaFF1JKurvzfYh1O7PGgqhTHEuHqUT0eplIfIPJb_rCXo7c1I8jaSROooir4UJ2WanXaGfb0oJJ1eoALrGE/s1600/IMG_2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY_WQyo9OkZJLFoRdcnjY5skxdfZGiH6cYQ2MEm7gflHanrMP2TEu1qiElaFF1JKurvzfYh1O7PGgqhTHEuHqUT0eplIfIPJb_rCXo7c1I8jaSROooir4UJ2WanXaGfb0oJJ1eoALrGE/s320/IMG_2317.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Detection</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thyroid levels are measured with a blood test, a TSH
(thyroid stimulating hormone). It is
part of the routine annual physical for many.
My doctor considers normal levels .32 - 5.5.
For TSH, lower is better. Mine
was 8.2, enough to require treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaHkPDt1_x9VEsehOy0l1HaS1kGGemnu7DQ7ysgxhuit10AlT6Dki8p1wK_6qolVX5F6MonvYAczUODF1zdWeDoM4As8ZT0-liTaD5cWzvFHIn04d44eGPudbiA8SNEJS8C6jBK5saws/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaHkPDt1_x9VEsehOy0l1HaS1kGGemnu7DQ7ysgxhuit10AlT6Dki8p1wK_6qolVX5F6MonvYAczUODF1zdWeDoM4As8ZT0-liTaD5cWzvFHIn04d44eGPudbiA8SNEJS8C6jBK5saws/s320/IMG_0884.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inverness, Florida</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the discovery, I said to the doctor, "well I
guess that explains my alligator skin, exhaustion, need to
wear sweaters when most don't, and my problems concentrating. Now maybe I can get that weight off,
too." Note that the medication didn't make weight loss any easier!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>
Treatment</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fortunately the treatment is quite simple - an inexpensive
synthetic version of what my thyroid isn't producing enough of. I will take it once a day for the rest of my
life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the first year I had to go for blood tests regularly
until my TSH level was normal. It can
change, so it is important to have your TSH checked at least annually. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpdNEpViM8fmbSrCpAdM-5jPHvpYOhcNi26aQySgVI1iBa6TWks0R3DvQVR-ErYr5TtMFvFDfFvgxnEWwk4VIi7Xd-I0-N77uPvTiNegV28StkkMBED6qZYTLb5kFh5lEYZWdM_FubdQ/s1600/IMG_1971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpdNEpViM8fmbSrCpAdM-5jPHvpYOhcNi26aQySgVI1iBa6TWks0R3DvQVR-ErYr5TtMFvFDfFvgxnEWwk4VIi7Xd-I0-N77uPvTiNegV28StkkMBED6qZYTLb5kFh5lEYZWdM_FubdQ/s320/IMG_1971.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Causes and Risk Factors</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most common cause worldwide is an iodine deficiency,
although that is rare in the United States. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I asked my doctor what caused mine, she reassured me
that it is mostly about age and that we probably never will know the exact
cause. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the risk factors from the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <b><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/DS00353"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Mayo Clinic</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></span>and note that age is first:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Are a woman
older than age 50<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Have an
autoimmune disease<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Have a close
relative, such as a parent or grandparent, with an autoimmune disease<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Have been
treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Received
radiation to your neck or upper chest<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Have had
thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have symptoms, see your doctor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For more information the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/DS00353">Mayo Clinic</a></b> </span>website is very
helpful. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <b><a href="http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;">American Thyroid Association</span></a></b> website also has helpful information.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqYzXOQXEwKHYtOtbK0pzDxoxPdfMKhVaDT2eK-MoNtzwHxm9bFnZ8y7fBfGQjW2UtpCPYDVJgt0l1459qbaGXOOriXf4TIIdr4KLIr0ghqTB4GxS6ABABhLpfYM2oDKyR5ys-srxnyg/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqYzXOQXEwKHYtOtbK0pzDxoxPdfMKhVaDT2eK-MoNtzwHxm9bFnZ8y7fBfGQjW2UtpCPYDVJgt0l1459qbaGXOOriXf4TIIdr4KLIr0ghqTB4GxS6ABABhLpfYM2oDKyR5ys-srxnyg/s320/IMG_2029.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.marines.mil/unit/barracks/Pages/welcome.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Marine Barracks, Washington, DC</span></a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Digestion</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W-gZjLjwBbMPr3_FxBjCqfGvwwvBclldL5MTJyrm5S9EkY3n13kMdvf444jKcy0_xhGFUNBNm0SzdiA8l-oywPEwW7PmECTu8wXhQP2U1qKznD1BDe2SwVvbuZ3dRFVAWRpg7EvrdQc/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W-gZjLjwBbMPr3_FxBjCqfGvwwvBclldL5MTJyrm5S9EkY3n13kMdvf444jKcy0_xhGFUNBNm0SzdiA8l-oywPEwW7PmECTu8wXhQP2U1qKznD1BDe2SwVvbuZ3dRFVAWRpg7EvrdQc/s200/IMG_1068.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2012/02/beans-beans.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nikos Beans</span></b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There really is a reason for the term "old
fart." Older bodies are less
efficient at digestion. That leads to
bloating, gassiness and flatulence. Flatulence
can increase with stress and eating foods such as cabbage, onions and beans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the funniest school disciplinary notices I ever
received, delivered by mail on official letterhead with seriousness and
concern, was from a teacher at my son's middle school about his crime of "performing
rectal flatulence in the face of another student." I had to read it twice to figure out what she
was talking about. Who calls it rectal
flatulence? After I stopped laughing, I
photocopied the letter and mailed it to my parents, and laughed again. Farting
is just plain funny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Raising two boys, I became accustomed to the burping and flatulence contests. Now in their
late 20's, the gaseous discussions are less common, but not infrequent. I wonder if older guys are as proud of
themselves when they can't control it. <o:p></o:p>I would like to know why dogs are more flatulent in the car when the windows are up. There has to be a reason and it isn't age-related.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAt9Dc7IeB5j6O1034u3CV_x3K8ZmSwqI2OzyjBZELVv4hlgR0_yGb9CtoH2St8u2fxxH6DSDxVCgKEEt9pKsvmccIJxJMAZV_XDdLqz2XYVVH3znGVWjsswXFF8kxpqdAWi7SDsVRQM/s1600/IMG_9018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAt9Dc7IeB5j6O1034u3CV_x3K8ZmSwqI2OzyjBZELVv4hlgR0_yGb9CtoH2St8u2fxxH6DSDxVCgKEEt9pKsvmccIJxJMAZV_XDdLqz2XYVVH3znGVWjsswXFF8kxpqdAWi7SDsVRQM/s320/IMG_9018.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had fun doing a little research online, reading comments
from young people about old people and gas. Many said that "old farts don't care
anymore so they just let loose."
That wasn't scientific enough for me so I kept reading.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhselYOVSBlrBOYOZSI7iXG0Q9EopeYlfvxR9WvkVDOf5CfHC6uGkEKcgcEGNozVszGalewRNdd0cJNFnnKpJTcb7C2v6PfSsHbDWmPEkAHnWhOrJBDVyEAe4m7EkR7GUX6NKf2xihs-eg/s1600/IMG_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhselYOVSBlrBOYOZSI7iXG0Q9EopeYlfvxR9WvkVDOf5CfHC6uGkEKcgcEGNozVszGalewRNdd0cJNFnnKpJTcb7C2v6PfSsHbDWmPEkAHnWhOrJBDVyEAe4m7EkR7GUX6NKf2xihs-eg/s200/IMG_1874.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Collard Greens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found out that gas bubbles produced in the colon by the
action on food produces gas. What kind
of gas is in a human fart? Up to 50%
carbon dioxide, up to 40% hydrogen, and about 20% nitrogen. Compare that to cows and other ruminants; they
produce methane (highly flammable) and other gases from both ends. I found it particularly interesting that
almost everyone breaks wind about once an hour, producing from 200 ml to 2 liters
of gas every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An elderly gentleman often came into the
flower shop where I worked as a teenager and purchased bouquets for his wife. I found it incredibly funny that with
each step he took he "passed gas" and seemed completely unaware. Out of earshot, my friend
and I would laugh about how we would never get old and let happen to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC686EcaDurQ5Y_4dYHftsU2sSbNXOE6prJeecm9UV0lD_1PqD_RsDyBgOuWiSkCZo1vJNXZrEncJTe07Z8JkMhvlT0cviWieg55V9WINByq_cVHlzMZ7T9x3_9tGiDQUeh_1Bx5smkdw/s1600/IMG_2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC686EcaDurQ5Y_4dYHftsU2sSbNXOE6prJeecm9UV0lD_1PqD_RsDyBgOuWiSkCZo1vJNXZrEncJTe07Z8JkMhvlT0cviWieg55V9WINByq_cVHlzMZ7T9x3_9tGiDQUeh_1Bx5smkdw/s320/IMG_2398.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nobody told me that it happens to almost everyone as a natural part of the
aging process and that you don't have to act like an old fart to find yourself
breaking wind more often. My girlfriends
and I giggle about it. Thank goodness we
don't live in the Victorian era; I am sure that proper ladies were far less
well informed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to know more about why you may experience more
gas, see <b><a href="http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/digestive_health/697-1.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;">Johns Hopkins.</span></a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The American <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.gastro.org/patient-center">Gastroenterological Association</a></b> </span>is an excellent resource on all related topics, as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, you might be amused by the <b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whoopiecushion/id289189768?mt=8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;">Whoopie Cushion app</span></a></b>
for your smart phone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eye changes</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ygh9By3sJSPWHZENIh1EerUPJo-szRYIIRPiT5u7huD9n8dD77dth3-2OPUJC18WzK69k0FIauNqXf7BfhqLo3OPt0gZK2Be4nLEocw75_C6BfA1QTtkhVWW4cJgvHKKDOJMzcrBRkU/s1600/eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ygh9By3sJSPWHZENIh1EerUPJo-szRYIIRPiT5u7huD9n8dD77dth3-2OPUJC18WzK69k0FIauNqXf7BfhqLo3OPt0gZK2Be4nLEocw75_C6BfA1QTtkhVWW4cJgvHKKDOJMzcrBRkU/s320/eye.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Age-related vision deterioration is generally the result of
a problem with the cornea (the window where light enters), the lens (focusing),
the retina (light is converted to a neural signal - like film in a camera) or
the optic nerve (the carrier of the signals, the cable). Diseases we commonly hear about are macular
degeneration, affecting the retina, and glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve
from increased intraocular pressure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reading Glasses</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was quite surprised when I turned 40 and the next day the font size on newspapers and labels got smaller. Reading glasses become necessary. There
is nothing cute and a lot annoying about them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not fond of the kind of "readers" that stand
out and make it obvious that you are old and can no longer read the fine print. Many of my friends have
lovely and amusing colored ones with designs on them. Mine are the nondescript inexpensive kind you buy in packs of 5 at Costco. They are UBF, Ugly But Functional, and the
large quantity is important because like all the other old people, I lose them.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vitreous Humor</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having nothing to do with funny business, this is the clear gel occupies the back part of the eye, between the crystalline lens and the retina. It takes up about 80% of the volume of the eyeball and is 99% water. Light enters the eye through the cornea, pupil and lens and is transmitted through the vitreous to the retina.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PVD </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we age, the vitreous humor changes from a gel to a liquid and the vitreous mass shrinks and collapses, separating and falling away from the retina. This "posterior Vitreous detachment" (PVD) is normal and occurs between the ages of 40 and 70. People who are moderately to extremely nearsighted or who have had cataract surgery may experience it earlier.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently I experienced both of the signs of PVD, floaters (little dots, cobwebs and
clouds) and flashing lights in one of my eyes. I was advised to see my ophthalmologist immediately as these are also warning signs of
retinal detachment, a serious problem requiring surgery. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was told by my doctor that my symptoms are very
normal. However, PVD symptoms, combined with a shadow or curtain over the visual field,
are more serious and warning signs of retinal detachment. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>How did I miss knowing</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that this would probably happen and that it is very normal at my age? I spent one sleepless night worrying that I might lose my eyesight or have to have surgery. The doctor visit wasn't cheap, either. I've included information on retinal detachment because it is important and very serious.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Retinal Detachment </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">can
occur when vitreous humor leaks through a hole or tear in the retina and
accumulates underneath. Small retinal holes or tears can develop where the
retina has thinned due to aging or with other retinal disorders. Retinal
detachment due to a tear in the retina typically develops when there is a
sudden separation of the vitreous from the retina. Less commonly, fluid can
leak directly underneath the retina, without a tear or break.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As liquid collects underneath it, the retina can peel away
from the underlying layer of blood vessels (choroid). The areas where the
retina is detached lose their blood supply and stop functioning, so you lose
vision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Risk Factors:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aging - more
common in people older than age 40</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previous retinal detachment</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family history of retinal detachment</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Extreme nearsightedness (myopia)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previous eye surgery such as cataract removal</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previous severe eye injury or trauma</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good resources for additional information are<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.aao.org/">American Academy of Ophthalmology</a></b> </span>and <b><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/retinal-detachment/DS00254"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;">Mayo Clinic</span></a></b>. I also thought this article in <b><a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-does-eyesight-deterio"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;">Scientific American</span></a></b> was interesting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>So Aging is Risky Business</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Consider yourself warned.
With all three of these "issues" and many more, age is a key
risk factor. We need to stay on top of these things and share information. Have you had any age-related surprises lately? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-29489638214154746342012-05-22T20:16:00.001-07:002013-02-08T08:43:12.164-08:00Adopted dog's first year<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only weeks after losing our beloved </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: large;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/dog-party-diary-of-best-last-day.html">Dallas</a>,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"> </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I adopted Dudley, the
little chocolate lab mix. One year ago today
we began a new adventure and established this day as his birthday. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-SNHpKfpo-L9PNRo4rgLjMRgXPBs2jcAMrXJTR3atDwluTUbmk95clFPDaHPy4qpKt80IYJMqKfVqhAtBHZlXHNSN2bq1r6pl08i1A18Xi1e5GxtwlWdKU975r8HvHV4efg7X7VShEs/s1600/IMG_8230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-SNHpKfpo-L9PNRo4rgLjMRgXPBs2jcAMrXJTR3atDwluTUbmk95clFPDaHPy4qpKt80IYJMqKfVqhAtBHZlXHNSN2bq1r6pl08i1A18Xi1e5GxtwlWdKU975r8HvHV4efg7X7VShEs/s320/IMG_8230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First ride in Robert's truck</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beginning</span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend sent me the internet posting for
"Dudley", a small chocolate lab mix.
Because of his name, I paid extra attention. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the <a href="http://fortheloveoflabs.org/contactinfodonate.html">Love of Labs</a> </span></b>said he was mild
mannered, polite and loved belly rubs more than anything (later I found out
that he really loves food more but belly rubs are a definite
second). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dudley came from Missouri when I was still grieving over the lost of the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/dog-party-diary-of-best-last-day.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">best dog in the world</span></a>.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I trusted that everyone who encouraged me was right; I would love this dog that I had never met.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxBAzmQR1MoSXkDVvkih4XXlMW4TYFCwJGdshMDc6PjWqp5NChmKHL8Fs27nErdH1wqkAG4JIpouePOLtWSs2PpasIjl3D0ii4BK2xfxf5qgptniRe6QDupirHlYj-HoJl-HAvmxJb6o/s1600/IMG_9804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxBAzmQR1MoSXkDVvkih4XXlMW4TYFCwJGdshMDc6PjWqp5NChmKHL8Fs27nErdH1wqkAG4JIpouePOLtWSs2PpasIjl3D0ii4BK2xfxf5qgptniRe6QDupirHlYj-HoJl-HAvmxJb6o/s320/IMG_9804.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for a walk</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within
moments of meeting us, Dudley jumped in the car and was ready for another
adventure. And so began the year with the little brown bundle my son called
"Mom's internet dog".</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It takes four seasons</span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have heard people say that you need to be with someone in all
four seasons to really know them and the same is true for dogs. Dudley was nothing like he is now when I
first met him and every season brought changes and experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJa5_DIUtPu3268aKlktNQSk7fRLc9zsoYPDuTfGo2JF6brwKOSHMPLY_Tv6UWEQnl5oi_HhAupM-8y2XzoJU2jb57YQmI1hlVhvkpQCAibSlMs7D0jOMK0vAW_8By14LnCTsbl69goo/s1600/IMG_8188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJa5_DIUtPu3268aKlktNQSk7fRLc9zsoYPDuTfGo2JF6brwKOSHMPLY_Tv6UWEQnl5oi_HhAupM-8y2XzoJU2jb57YQmI1hlVhvkpQCAibSlMs7D0jOMK0vAW_8By14LnCTsbl69goo/s320/IMG_8188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dudley in his early days; not much activity</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He never misbehaved. If anything, he was strangely docile for many months. I think he was depressed. He didn't play with toys or chase balls. He rarely even chewed on sticks. At about 3 months, that changed. Suddenly he pounced on squeaky toys and
chased balls, shooting through the yard like a little brown bullet. After 6 months he really relaxed and became a
vibrant, loving, happy and well adjusted sweet dog. He started barking at the mailman and when visitors came to the door. He became the master of the house. I think it took him that long to believe he
was here to stay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI76tQNOQIqrnp5xhArwXKkzJPopyxCXt6A0N6CmU1xbXFHYLrM7yHzvuBtl159EkygBn0XOAyX3U0jglMrLyLu_GKU2Ehl2zC3zcXtUP20FjOMlEZfKF46tgRM-s6geFYjs6zSrbQIvk/s1600/IMG_9017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI76tQNOQIqrnp5xhArwXKkzJPopyxCXt6A0N6CmU1xbXFHYLrM7yHzvuBtl159EkygBn0XOAyX3U0jglMrLyLu_GKU2Ehl2zC3zcXtUP20FjOMlEZfKF46tgRM-s6geFYjs6zSrbQIvk/s320/IMG_9017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contentment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWEZkY-e9w7I19SMf-Gsm-_YgddRa5uYo_-W0dc0VMPLOvQlc3_8elD4nNEATKIQmtCO7vIv62-NMljbrpfhfwQHMkZHHNVfHsd6cTNtTfM4kfEE-tOIRmPY0MZr5MF44zvR0MwHq5kY/s1600/IMG_9563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWEZkY-e9w7I19SMf-Gsm-_YgddRa5uYo_-W0dc0VMPLOvQlc3_8elD4nNEATKIQmtCO7vIv62-NMljbrpfhfwQHMkZHHNVfHsd6cTNtTfM4kfEE-tOIRmPY0MZr5MF44zvR0MwHq5kY/s320/IMG_9563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His traveling water bowl</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dudley is a fantastic car traveler and has logged several
thousand miles in the past year. He is
happy to ride and sleep and explore new places at rest stops, marking his path
at every stop. He even gets an
occasional fast food meal (no bun for the dog).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGIO6ToLWXNmLfN1ajI3Wb-6X1cccOgllsNBwEzxcMj3j7SO6DpM10koaoPkE5vBAAu3VzMMUsiZhizgJuJCRfUIDo9yYJlQTtx7x5FK6QDsAKifXMuUdOyeThQhvTof-3VRpo5CRkVs/s1600/IMG_8182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGIO6ToLWXNmLfN1ajI3Wb-6X1cccOgllsNBwEzxcMj3j7SO6DpM10koaoPkE5vBAAu3VzMMUsiZhizgJuJCRfUIDo9yYJlQTtx7x5FK6QDsAKifXMuUdOyeThQhvTof-3VRpo5CRkVs/s320/IMG_8182.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just before Christmas we had our "Nightmare on Broad
Street" when he discovered and ate rat poison from an improperly installed
bait container in the middle of our downtown. Dudley had a rough afternoon
following treatment at the vet but recovered quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9TzmJgpobSOLaLRggYSXomnUJSXWQwGXGtQQJZQhpiVi9byXgagGGq_BMYzN12JcRHKYbHiV0HPz0Sf8TiKphwmrRE1_toamm_vGsCpEp1HnZhg03kLwSNfYdnSew_TvgzlrhGZnKk8/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9TzmJgpobSOLaLRggYSXomnUJSXWQwGXGtQQJZQhpiVi9byXgagGGq_BMYzN12JcRHKYbHiV0HPz0Sf8TiKphwmrRE1_toamm_vGsCpEp1HnZhg03kLwSNfYdnSew_TvgzlrhGZnKk8/s320/IMG_0650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning with Santa Matt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was a little confused by all the activity
but he loved his Christmas bounty of dog bones and a stuffed toy. Our winter was so mild that he didn't get to
experience a real snowfall and weather never impeded our daily walks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMhd2meyYYgAXv7of70loLssOpykDatcyRQ1JGCDeY60G_UUzh9-4LuDUSxRDcMLpluUGliKoghHuagCI_ZbmnSrgMDTPYp1j4ZjMzf54joLcr0TACAAcDwQYs-YUed7O6xUjdW092W8/s1600/IMG_9761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMhd2meyYYgAXv7of70loLssOpykDatcyRQ1JGCDeY60G_UUzh9-4LuDUSxRDcMLpluUGliKoghHuagCI_ZbmnSrgMDTPYp1j4ZjMzf54joLcr0TACAAcDwQYs-YUed7O6xUjdW092W8/s320/IMG_9761.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing a chipmunk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2aMaxcsEJqtHtq_0sOc-hvm6fc5odCx1JTaC2Q5vzqkjIjbUHSLgsPL07-Q_P3F8dOfSNW-fL0xppJq5ebSrhbZrd_vjp47el45gUT_kxfSqtP1LQsPa90cG4QT_9Wj5FKiMSM9OJrE/s1600/IMG_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2aMaxcsEJqtHtq_0sOc-hvm6fc5odCx1JTaC2Q5vzqkjIjbUHSLgsPL07-Q_P3F8dOfSNW-fL0xppJq5ebSrhbZrd_vjp47el45gUT_kxfSqtP1LQsPa90cG4QT_9Wj5FKiMSM9OJrE/s320/IMG_0228.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That chipmunk is in here somewhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring came early and was beautiful. We took long walks and enjoyed the arrival of
new life. Dudley was pleased that the
rabbits were out in force and he continues to enjoy his evening rabbit hunts in
the neighborhood.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJrpY9zRgvQHorkSZFWSVdaOZLI1Vjv1gDxDYYkOKm9tFcvvu5arI-ZopzzuNwwbCV30nqdYrflwN2ocgP8FrFJGY7H6Y7BIpT-wAwvxyshpas7FwS4uFgM6TakVlZYqLNj4lDgZxmlM/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJrpY9zRgvQHorkSZFWSVdaOZLI1Vjv1gDxDYYkOKm9tFcvvu5arI-ZopzzuNwwbCV30nqdYrflwN2ocgP8FrFJGY7H6Y7BIpT-wAwvxyshpas7FwS4uFgM6TakVlZYqLNj4lDgZxmlM/s320/IMG_0713.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dudley and his squeaky frog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, his birthday/adoption anniversary, was like most days. He inhaled his breakfast, patrolled the garden, napped, took a long walk around the neighborhood and through the woods, napped, changed locations and napped some more, patrolled the garden a few more times, inhaled his dinner, took a 30 minute walk, napped, patrolled the garden to rid it of the encroaching night creatures, and settled in for the night. His birthday gift is his contentment in knowing he has the important job of garden sentry, guardian of the home, and master of the back seat of the car. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulB_azyf6x2VY8fQRQTGiyThN0Ur2M7EHes-31GEeqL2BCt_4hPDfIIm7FzOp_YY90rds41uc0dv8AiPICkIbuFL2aU3JsnEqnJhYpS1u2GjxAwsDFYgdjprHyjvC9OPmWNntsF12ymU/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulB_azyf6x2VY8fQRQTGiyThN0Ur2M7EHes-31GEeqL2BCt_4hPDfIIm7FzOp_YY90rds41uc0dv8AiPICkIbuFL2aU3JsnEqnJhYpS1u2GjxAwsDFYgdjprHyjvC9OPmWNntsF12ymU/s320/IMG_1424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dudley and me, Tampa, Florida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In honor of his birthday, I made a contribution to <b><a href="http://fortheloveoflabs.org/contactinfodonate.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the Love of Labs.</span></a></b> I am grateful to them for saving Dudley and for giving many more dogs good forever homes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<h3 style="font-family: Times;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Year in Review: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dudley's Stats</span></h3>
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</div>
<ul style="font-family: Times;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">550 hours of walking; 1,375+ miles</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1,100 or more bags of poo collected on walks</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5,110 or more markings on bushes (average 7 per walk)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 pounds lost; 21% of body weight (now a slim & trim 45 lbs)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4,900 miles traveled by car</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$2,100 vet bills and medicine</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$250 dog chow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM5aXSKCrzeqywdD0TQ5T-4YDsQrrxrRNYRwEBvjKYEeC_ELmQ0s2ctqyjC5tdkP77OH5O5T8Ey5hJKlTHh1Z2rD1-04CMGJ6N0fIxRC3mQY2EPt7lbNd7BazR1g_HJ77J8Namoe7KrQ/s1600/IMG_8216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM5aXSKCrzeqywdD0TQ5T-4YDsQrrxrRNYRwEBvjKYEeC_ELmQ0s2ctqyjC5tdkP77OH5O5T8Ey5hJKlTHh1Z2rD1-04CMGJ6N0fIxRC3mQY2EPt7lbNd7BazR1g_HJ77J8Namoe7KrQ/s320/IMG_8216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovering frogs in the pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbxEO-FN6AAb8Gym9a0TyQ-W8CA_rWIor41ecpdS-bowGwn3YQJ1HOo8_PCG_jkk3rdNbL-VW2RnWDq3KNPBZ6R5frbJ06diwUP9uog4GCgN_UmgniPbtty34NeLXOOwZi9MB4npn-cc/s1600/IMG_8581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbxEO-FN6AAb8Gym9a0TyQ-W8CA_rWIor41ecpdS-bowGwn3YQJ1HOo8_PCG_jkk3rdNbL-VW2RnWDq3KNPBZ6R5frbJ06diwUP9uog4GCgN_UmgniPbtty34NeLXOOwZi9MB4npn-cc/s320/IMG_8581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running with Anna in Kentucky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b>Lessons Learned</b></span><br />
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cats scratch.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is great to be loved.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green beans are filling and help with weight loss.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a new discovery on every walk, every day.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mailman will not come through the door as long as you bark.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visitors bring treats and belly rubs.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're asking for trouble if you swim in the garden pond.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hanging around the kitchen during cooking time pays off.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rays of sun through the window mark the best napping spot.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of a bath is the end.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trouble is walking in the house with muddy feet.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Home is right here.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Belly rubs are sweet.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Rabbits are faster than dogs.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqX0WQHJqqoWSJPz47EWe4UG8Eo062BM8NfjlzGTbBealAYjl1v-PIa1hMU2B2gdsNfpcp6cyDb4DksBtN6pacD74PkxRezE7bMhoRkq0tuMk8LxOZX32L0GY1x9qJPMoprwTg39xy5ZY/s1600/IMG_8527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqX0WQHJqqoWSJPz47EWe4UG8Eo062BM8NfjlzGTbBealAYjl1v-PIa1hMU2B2gdsNfpcp6cyDb4DksBtN6pacD74PkxRezE7bMhoRkq0tuMk8LxOZX32L0GY1x9qJPMoprwTg39xy5ZY/s320/IMG_8527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing a frog in Kentucky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXvYkOOnOseKzmeill-McvRGSc8Rb3pQYuP1R3WaIBvD_VnwqCCCy1QpWgQnkEP9hZUN5bTfxBpWY7EjfV8ml4wm4HNXCwK1YJpANBdh_pZYtMYdQ_JFoO_1SxAN13NU5RUzf2ry5Ovg/s1600/IMG_8439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXvYkOOnOseKzmeill-McvRGSc8Rb3pQYuP1R3WaIBvD_VnwqCCCy1QpWgQnkEP9hZUN5bTfxBpWY7EjfV8ml4wm4HNXCwK1YJpANBdh_pZYtMYdQ_JFoO_1SxAN13NU5RUzf2ry5Ovg/s320/IMG_8439.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring in the woods, Kentucky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioINLPxvu1oIZr59HS75Ot6wqKCdt71L3y02VL-U8phcRy3dT45CAu923bZTzDiQEL4S1KS0NN9QL796y0NVyr_TP2HiwG36X6Xt84bdRrpAzXhJ113bF3ny0BJly_PgNJrOkz7PI-Xw4/s1600/IMG_9132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioINLPxvu1oIZr59HS75Ot6wqKCdt71L3y02VL-U8phcRy3dT45CAu923bZTzDiQEL4S1KS0NN9QL796y0NVyr_TP2HiwG36X6Xt84bdRrpAzXhJ113bF3ny0BJly_PgNJrOkz7PI-Xw4/s320/IMG_9132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stalking squirrels in Florida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Horse Creek in Tennessee with Nancy Katherine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGfmBMJrTmDyIWKKqc3-_F-b9sLW5Z8Gof8WTZnqZywg_8bmvMBws8LgI5T4N1hLhA1R8mju0rlP_b2QAALwiY4EUoyRhcsblR799YogxO5BDwA9qUkBRv-bqng32bGvMGQgsZIUqOGQ/s1600/IMG_9803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGfmBMJrTmDyIWKKqc3-_F-b9sLW5Z8Gof8WTZnqZywg_8bmvMBws8LgI5T4N1hLhA1R8mju0rlP_b2QAALwiY4EUoyRhcsblR799YogxO5BDwA9qUkBRv-bqng32bGvMGQgsZIUqOGQ/s320/IMG_9803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting chipmunks in the wood pile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuSkFS4jigKj4GWpOycaPZ0PaHedX5mIgJqKIGVy0yZP3NeLwb9MvawPqNNbPfNjRjraXYranOANQf3wwv1Y3xB8NpzGOaTX_SQBqMPiQ22o40J-X86S6btLG4rnOvTftLhy5rHmYh98/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuSkFS4jigKj4GWpOycaPZ0PaHedX5mIgJqKIGVy0yZP3NeLwb9MvawPqNNbPfNjRjraXYranOANQf3wwv1Y3xB8NpzGOaTX_SQBqMPiQ22o40J-X86S6btLG4rnOvTftLhy5rHmYh98/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping through Halloween</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObqfA4OMmm7kue7H71GQoPkOd104n89U8pyMEfeytTmqDmRj2kC16NQPF73d2G4Xxh6kwV3eEkLVzwuSWPwd4iZHEYsiydoOmzS4AsxPterx-gvNxWsxI6tCdEB40vDiT0OMFJabc1CY/s1600/IMG_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObqfA4OMmm7kue7H71GQoPkOd104n89U8pyMEfeytTmqDmRj2kC16NQPF73d2G4Xxh6kwV3eEkLVzwuSWPwd4iZHEYsiydoOmzS4AsxPterx-gvNxWsxI6tCdEB40vDiT0OMFJabc1CY/s320/IMG_0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with a captured vole (eventually it escaped)</td></tr>
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Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-16040352630351156392012-03-25T08:57:00.001-07:002012-03-26T06:42:50.953-07:00The Well-Worn Path<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjkj94t5DOyUO-eKntRAUr_OcNiWI1t0ioXtpRJGQnH27p6cD-buwJEsZ_5ML4NhY2KlcjCjLHMD6Mx2NRRBRPLrJTVyu4ZVZdUvcyZSFtobn9SkIcQfAk1xsoG1M3jDnAR30ynH99cQ/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjkj94t5DOyUO-eKntRAUr_OcNiWI1t0ioXtpRJGQnH27p6cD-buwJEsZ_5ML4NhY2KlcjCjLHMD6Mx2NRRBRPLrJTVyu4ZVZdUvcyZSFtobn9SkIcQfAk1xsoG1M3jDnAR30ynH99cQ/s640/IMG_1600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now is a good time to rejoice in the familiar yet breathtakingly fresh beauty of spring. The explosions of color after a disappointingly snow-free and warm colorless winter is cause for being outdoors on the familiar path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eYGqZ74P4QA-gq8IhXkg_5VsX-KVL_hM5uaShFVPZ91vWBzg7SKxscXFtq1P33sA7mOQ_XSVUwr1dL9B3QY9ECNeLo9vCZr6wuoSaAZ3qyyTUOcyhcJ7zidOwGcVh7YSHOPoqdle4g0/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eYGqZ74P4QA-gq8IhXkg_5VsX-KVL_hM5uaShFVPZ91vWBzg7SKxscXFtq1P33sA7mOQ_XSVUwr1dL9B3QY9ECNeLo9vCZr6wuoSaAZ3qyyTUOcyhcJ7zidOwGcVh7YSHOPoqdle4g0/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Early in the morning I took a long walk with Dudley the dog, following our regular route.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLbWRCYS-keRYmcbv6f2vmFiO_-rSohlLBCjLg36VXvhM3oUpqHixdLKJRfyRE5Gmx3bnLn3eVQzcMGdaf9NmBAZXNb_GqFPsB_TK2thTQ1Vs5JbL1qz5956Pg08pZsrIr1pYG8S2l0g/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLbWRCYS-keRYmcbv6f2vmFiO_-rSohlLBCjLg36VXvhM3oUpqHixdLKJRfyRE5Gmx3bnLn3eVQzcMGdaf9NmBAZXNb_GqFPsB_TK2thTQ1Vs5JbL1qz5956Pg08pZsrIr1pYG8S2l0g/s320/IMG_1682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I enjoy the solitude of the path by a stream and through the woods. It counteracts the noise when we pass the house with the dog that watches for us from the windowsill and barks his head off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QMRB_A5UhL_ssS2PyF_o7s-qqxU_T10_KatSuJDXRld02389SjMC65b-mRXOc-n7iMMxBQfd1uaUy37lLgD2TJUPPxA5HSaIUO95ISRvf3GFWrOVA28uxZNdxljgl_1WcJNegWhhIRM/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QMRB_A5UhL_ssS2PyF_o7s-qqxU_T10_KatSuJDXRld02389SjMC65b-mRXOc-n7iMMxBQfd1uaUy37lLgD2TJUPPxA5HSaIUO95ISRvf3GFWrOVA28uxZNdxljgl_1WcJNegWhhIRM/s320/IMG_1674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzIL59bifhj6X-habRjKVtvuZiK5ZWYNr_TwWXR9mcyIIunhr774oYOu4au7qbn3lyUKSRcuffG-AS79aG89XVlGkqkUtBEPPQvRmTWYaKsU87yYIJpziVWGUDWWcef1hmjJn9-saFjU/s1600/IMG_1694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzIL59bifhj6X-habRjKVtvuZiK5ZWYNr_TwWXR9mcyIIunhr774oYOu4au7qbn3lyUKSRcuffG-AS79aG89XVlGkqkUtBEPPQvRmTWYaKsU87yYIJpziVWGUDWWcef1hmjJn9-saFjU/s320/IMG_1694.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLtnwLyRLTcZ_dGeU9lfEixDoKV7_SEY8Bk1KmaLpRB8b77CtbrJtE6D59aSsqU-RzMb8QzOzV1AvKxtHkjq3-S-IG9J3404VtfJ6E4g73f310gURxlQyGDHF9bM0xG9VG3h7hnvULwQ/s1600/IMG_1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLtnwLyRLTcZ_dGeU9lfEixDoKV7_SEY8Bk1KmaLpRB8b77CtbrJtE6D59aSsqU-RzMb8QzOzV1AvKxtHkjq3-S-IG9J3404VtfJ6E4g73f310gURxlQyGDHF9bM0xG9VG3h7hnvULwQ/s320/IMG_1716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDKtZZ8HzRnFmXfiGZ1Bzzm2N0BlLZCzmgEBI0Z17wJhhEbPjirC5s4YbasdhQP-Eu_RhKo1MSGnRW7hIsWiZaK9O1cvLIiccfO2ncCBj6ouAzJrLJ328y3hhCPDRMrjfW-UtycTewiE/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDKtZZ8HzRnFmXfiGZ1Bzzm2N0BlLZCzmgEBI0Z17wJhhEbPjirC5s4YbasdhQP-Eu_RhKo1MSGnRW7hIsWiZaK9O1cvLIiccfO2ncCBj6ouAzJrLJ328y3hhCPDRMrjfW-UtycTewiE/s320/IMG_1726.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Although we take the same route most mornings, there is always something new.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_sdQLIUct_nIZVPN9ZTF3G4r8_BFzt3EdZ509e1nnBpyjvGpuVZBu2Jg3CBBsjrD22AiU7nc39bV7SCrG4scSD3v72G87VTfA114aUYAZnAWS006lA-VqrxfOXdn13vKUJRIPELQbSw/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_sdQLIUct_nIZVPN9ZTF3G4r8_BFzt3EdZ509e1nnBpyjvGpuVZBu2Jg3CBBsjrD22AiU7nc39bV7SCrG4scSD3v72G87VTfA114aUYAZnAWS006lA-VqrxfOXdn13vKUJRIPELQbSw/s320/IMG_1728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0qJsKO7XPxXs_QcHSAn4EuNbEg3TvRIM7ktzPXYOwpiowRhJCWQWVZ9KkayGfuatF13c6Tuui6d4eXaj2LVUPTUXlKz78t3qpsWf5P2a844X5NIFHcswSB2G86v3jj4dF1d2XZtTq54/s1600/IMG_1738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0qJsKO7XPxXs_QcHSAn4EuNbEg3TvRIM7ktzPXYOwpiowRhJCWQWVZ9KkayGfuatF13c6Tuui6d4eXaj2LVUPTUXlKz78t3qpsWf5P2a844X5NIFHcswSB2G86v3jj4dF1d2XZtTq54/s320/IMG_1738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjhIPAz0ytVabtqt58mU6VLVl7J7TaqZIJ883rp1V10CEXRm43ljELIyeNjYr0ydaFOs30qXI0JqbZIAz7x6OSYG42TZTNVY4ct2LGwOkGnbhuvL3_YpVnIq-6uOpewwW5GtJ-E5ruk0/s1600/IMG_1743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjhIPAz0ytVabtqt58mU6VLVl7J7TaqZIJ883rp1V10CEXRm43ljELIyeNjYr0ydaFOs30qXI0JqbZIAz7x6OSYG42TZTNVY4ct2LGwOkGnbhuvL3_YpVnIq-6uOpewwW5GtJ-E5ruk0/s320/IMG_1743.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbPXzWmgNz3VMoBqLCRlteZHlg1Mk-IGB-DkcUIYnNhc0upc16T0BPoj6suik6jQIwk_fOneQEDHrLkyvYF0f9H8oi_6TMN1K0Uho2F_R1_kvtTlLHEqWKTI8YGCiAGnPQbFtqJA08oo/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbPXzWmgNz3VMoBqLCRlteZHlg1Mk-IGB-DkcUIYnNhc0upc16T0BPoj6suik6jQIwk_fOneQEDHrLkyvYF0f9H8oi_6TMN1K0Uho2F_R1_kvtTlLHEqWKTI8YGCiAGnPQbFtqJA08oo/s320/IMG_1746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This time I took my camera to record some of the beautiful spring blossoms exploding along the way; two days of storms were predicted and I wanted to capture it before the flowers were town apart by the rain.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqZlvavgs90Geazi__oKW2vTsqGjRogg7zhPiMUpbznGq9ASto4VpxctdwPfBWNQnr3rw5AL5HCW6bIBiOvO9uv7wloXhQW5bvHyGnYSle8Q6eGf2GJ9zg3aE1azLKiV45_n5xeN75fI/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqZlvavgs90Geazi__oKW2vTsqGjRogg7zhPiMUpbznGq9ASto4VpxctdwPfBWNQnr3rw5AL5HCW6bIBiOvO9uv7wloXhQW5bvHyGnYSle8Q6eGf2GJ9zg3aE1azLKiV45_n5xeN75fI/s320/IMG_1260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Recently in Florida, I spent 12 days walking the same path every morning and most evenings with Dudley, enjoying the familiar sights and sounds I am accustomed to from previous trips. The trail we walk is always the same one, but the experience differs with the change of seasons and according to who or what shares the path.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSKgK2EOISVPd-zY0hyphenhyphen9WFGKTiRPeFTGnuH5nrVtXnUZfrCjqOVbtW47-spGnECOOGtHljq2MCK323ELLwkA_E2k9J5LUWgZbVG8LM8V9gwKjC5R5zFjBRt8cxDguoudwMNJwllMhrf0/s1600/IMG_1452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSKgK2EOISVPd-zY0hyphenhyphen9WFGKTiRPeFTGnuH5nrVtXnUZfrCjqOVbtW47-spGnECOOGtHljq2MCK323ELLwkA_E2k9J5LUWgZbVG8LM8V9gwKjC5R5zFjBRt8cxDguoudwMNJwllMhrf0/s320/IMG_1452.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictYaYRJ6TjTzLDDRVUMJEQVQ9O7okN2i1AVJm7BrfZY1GGGesO8vKP9kFMJDN7Fe6MthkHbN3G2tEIvGkqToDA4MpABsRv-rZKkswVshExLAgV5aZQn23vO6bHNsp8eVnsJ3lDCFkcwg/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictYaYRJ6TjTzLDDRVUMJEQVQ9O7okN2i1AVJm7BrfZY1GGGesO8vKP9kFMJDN7Fe6MthkHbN3G2tEIvGkqToDA4MpABsRv-rZKkswVshExLAgV5aZQn23vO6bHNsp8eVnsJ3lDCFkcwg/s320/IMG_1454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOGRukcln-N7VCvtxgkq3_l6ybMcZs-s1NUBj7JO3O0nj_Idh5aayFexrFxJAx9oDSIUOC62DihI5Sn81RsnunyQ-wtiqWTiSKCbg0oFjY5x_fQBCtsxuQeoO3zaVqJw3swKj1gw7omQ/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOGRukcln-N7VCvtxgkq3_l6ybMcZs-s1NUBj7JO3O0nj_Idh5aayFexrFxJAx9oDSIUOC62DihI5Sn81RsnunyQ-wtiqWTiSKCbg0oFjY5x_fQBCtsxuQeoO3zaVqJw3swKj1gw7omQ/s320/IMG_1485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhw62obuMHlOjKUL86FboCaAE50WV5hwwVOLqQ2l15PWmsWJbbE8uME7HEtptePAdfUs8EKSEGV7A2NBKtuJzrIrAzaF-on1qMj_64oNSd1FFCbpT-TvAV9WHLhE7uVGNU_TaKucr3Vg/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhw62obuMHlOjKUL86FboCaAE50WV5hwwVOLqQ2l15PWmsWJbbE8uME7HEtptePAdfUs8EKSEGV7A2NBKtuJzrIrAzaF-on1qMj_64oNSd1FFCbpT-TvAV9WHLhE7uVGNU_TaKucr3Vg/s320/IMG_1496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3Dq1BpUzv-vR5K5Y0Y99olhntleDzvwcM-MeZ1WJ9y2c5KBTPLzyaPC0SN3VxY9RYPnfLKTsnwFgLUfHTeDWvEc4vnTfTy8wmIUgs0U8PXpjy5GEVbDpv9m1rDskESvCEeuqUxhM-j8/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3Dq1BpUzv-vR5K5Y0Y99olhntleDzvwcM-MeZ1WJ9y2c5KBTPLzyaPC0SN3VxY9RYPnfLKTsnwFgLUfHTeDWvEc4vnTfTy8wmIUgs0U8PXpjy5GEVbDpv9m1rDskESvCEeuqUxhM-j8/s320/IMG_1501.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dudley was reminded that rabbits are faster than little brown dogs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAQjrH3_66Eq83sJK1OaC9uUCRRvy1TG51vETsL5z5y2oFZSPNE0JypHZkXSwgh2tid-joEZZRNsITIWEbARWwJLq2i55RRWJdgNUPRuIMZXL82lA45iDgnB_CH547_Jg9Rb9mS735gE/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAQjrH3_66Eq83sJK1OaC9uUCRRvy1TG51vETsL5z5y2oFZSPNE0JypHZkXSwgh2tid-joEZZRNsITIWEbARWwJLq2i55RRWJdgNUPRuIMZXL82lA45iDgnB_CH547_Jg9Rb9mS735gE/s400/IMG_1530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ibis hunting in the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-pIrtVLV3nSMDAq_ygrX9Sxf3O9CGGqBxhXTaxbucZK2XuYoaqP2lPnOljHdEMC4XO4WqowLjKhU6dxaZeMIedsQpU9L1eav5tW2vbiinQt2d_pIS5GuctF7Bu9labG3OG9ikp6XK8U/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-pIrtVLV3nSMDAq_ygrX9Sxf3O9CGGqBxhXTaxbucZK2XuYoaqP2lPnOljHdEMC4XO4WqowLjKhU6dxaZeMIedsQpU9L1eav5tW2vbiinQt2d_pIS5GuctF7Bu9labG3OG9ikp6XK8U/s400/IMG_1375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">morning on the lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/08/on-withlacoochee-trail-in-citrus-county.html">Rails to Trails Withlacoochee Trail</a></span> is a beautiful walk between several lakes, loaded with wildlife and blossoms, breezes, sunshine and mist on cool mornings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjKCTFmEczRDzXg1GJ4MMJAJOjOMMGHgiYrMc0auxIqiiEpl8k055FLQ2RFJyYwtxyEKumv-Bwd158Bs249kAGqd3mbl_2DHMo0gu_2u7x4m_EN5joFjciGeDoGgeItEC7MbjHc0PwKk/s1600/IMG_1203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjKCTFmEczRDzXg1GJ4MMJAJOjOMMGHgiYrMc0auxIqiiEpl8k055FLQ2RFJyYwtxyEKumv-Bwd158Bs249kAGqd3mbl_2DHMo0gu_2u7x4m_EN5joFjciGeDoGgeItEC7MbjHc0PwKk/s320/IMG_1203.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XJf6MS5rN1bfw-sU-lS_7WHDhaXfncpUgFWhqDqV03ejzPjav626FCzm6uHGJugVwxUEVCOIhhxK9ogHmu76gBTHrS8Ol-HhLwKERblI5ZEy_jGumI9i08PeOBnc03Efk1kuT2Zcly4/s1600/IMG_1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XJf6MS5rN1bfw-sU-lS_7WHDhaXfncpUgFWhqDqV03ejzPjav626FCzm6uHGJugVwxUEVCOIhhxK9ogHmu76gBTHrS8Ol-HhLwKERblI5ZEy_jGumI9i08PeOBnc03Efk1kuT2Zcly4/s320/IMG_1208.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I enjoy watching the movements of the sandhill cranes that live on one of the lakes; they fly across the lakes, making their <a href="http://www.savingcranes.org/images/stories/audio/Sandhill_Crane_Guard_Call.wav"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">honking noise</span></a> that can be heard a mile away, and then move around the neighborhood; twice during the last visit, they visited my Mother's porch, sending Dudley into a barking frenzy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsky7vGeMDA04Pewze_2YP_1o58o_wCPPO6JFcwmbr9KezivaAUXrOXeMKeHesMdfoJs4PKgUqwlPDiv8xs13HUuzLdMYjycKeU_2FhoWSgLsEuIRVYRxWrDKisbJCLrzqnnYe8uI5VI/s1600/IMG_1634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsky7vGeMDA04Pewze_2YP_1o58o_wCPPO6JFcwmbr9KezivaAUXrOXeMKeHesMdfoJs4PKgUqwlPDiv8xs13HUuzLdMYjycKeU_2FhoWSgLsEuIRVYRxWrDKisbJCLrzqnnYe8uI5VI/s320/IMG_1634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first mint sprig; ready for a glass of iced tea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_H6BvwQpe61HsYL227nmmmIrsnWEuzMWjbNqJdFIJQnZKogh0O6tz3FSqx-z-YXq19ACmcozVtjVcaAEYEY-rE1RU6KzOwlCi50GIevkTjWn-049Ndt2mHHsIml3sjOAgsSxpZsPyLo/s1600/IMG_8139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_H6BvwQpe61HsYL227nmmmIrsnWEuzMWjbNqJdFIJQnZKogh0O6tz3FSqx-z-YXq19ACmcozVtjVcaAEYEY-rE1RU6KzOwlCi50GIevkTjWn-049Ndt2mHHsIml3sjOAgsSxpZsPyLo/s320/IMG_8139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first rose</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvVJ_PDPknGAd63jPS06aunIirEktjZQaxTRP8yJYdE-oEHTi5xY7w6JSEXg8AvGUmyh4GgGx3nNXMxlpvUwOjI-WsseAOhAJGc-HtHfc6eNcX7swDF1U_wHuhlRTQv8tdDUYwYHRLTA/s1600/IMG_1713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvVJ_PDPknGAd63jPS06aunIirEktjZQaxTRP8yJYdE-oEHTi5xY7w6JSEXg8AvGUmyh4GgGx3nNXMxlpvUwOjI-WsseAOhAJGc-HtHfc6eNcX7swDF1U_wHuhlRTQv8tdDUYwYHRLTA/s320/IMG_1713.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby pine cone</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZpG1L5nIRLAluRO-VjgYAo9oHPJTocc2VugGCnJhIMD6yG3-wxERT_MQtAo4G86HY8yiKKv1kRL3BqnuFkwS-NZZXeZ9yFg1jlkCQX6MjhuIRBEucOBtD6_bxYEKF0MFHi3GdHIjroc/s1600/IMG_1741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZpG1L5nIRLAluRO-VjgYAo9oHPJTocc2VugGCnJhIMD6yG3-wxERT_MQtAo4G86HY8yiKKv1kRL3BqnuFkwS-NZZXeZ9yFg1jlkCQX6MjhuIRBEucOBtD6_bxYEKF0MFHi3GdHIjroc/s320/IMG_1741.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This year the unseasonably warm weather gave me an early opportunity to start tackling the plethora of weeds in the garden, spreading mulch, cleaning the pond, fertilizing the plants, preparing the vegetable plots, and did I mention pulling weeds? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljBIr9-H1_qIZsV5G_GNKIZA13LiojymPC6GdsAuQCZGdrvlmNkT_9syn_PdpVkaPI3KLcXS5_KTNJob2sKEw7X4HPTXBjyk1fdJUuzdKQd-te17Hg6v8TXfd2Cni-m_LIM9HAEVf7l4/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljBIr9-H1_qIZsV5G_GNKIZA13LiojymPC6GdsAuQCZGdrvlmNkT_9syn_PdpVkaPI3KLcXS5_KTNJob2sKEw7X4HPTXBjyk1fdJUuzdKQd-te17Hg6v8TXfd2Cni-m_LIM9HAEVf7l4/s320/IMG_1636.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">pond muck in the vegetable garden</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CYyblBmRMwlByo07YRUjCaqWRUADNyXKbMztUj2pqU93ax8ub1J0iQN9qfdhyDqnkR8KNPs0eSpMQnMwcZ4yujCtd_G3CzUJhbNo48XzPmia8Qkz011Pono4cCC1dkN_hjST360UmKA/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CYyblBmRMwlByo07YRUjCaqWRUADNyXKbMztUj2pqU93ax8ub1J0iQN9qfdhyDqnkR8KNPs0eSpMQnMwcZ4yujCtd_G3CzUJhbNo48XzPmia8Qkz011Pono4cCC1dkN_hjST360UmKA/s320/IMG_1642.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">future bullfrogs</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Muck from the frog pond is good fertilizer. In the process of harvesting it, a few tadpoles were netted and quickly released. More changes are expected around the pond as the water plants grow and tadpoles morph.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvqXvJF1TRBmAhd0RJ0zTrTpQN8_6mob3zOKWWr-fk8Ry-3p6BhB8H3rWWz8Kx7ufLFTUlsVUnG9R0s8o6YAOpWQhQT2eq1tIQtN8N8UORhio5jhUxOatwMhOHdIwUE8KB1nceO46Ep4/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvqXvJF1TRBmAhd0RJ0zTrTpQN8_6mob3zOKWWr-fk8Ry-3p6BhB8H3rWWz8Kx7ufLFTUlsVUnG9R0s8o6YAOpWQhQT2eq1tIQtN8N8UORhio5jhUxOatwMhOHdIwUE8KB1nceO46Ep4/s640/IMG_1249.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beavers on the lake in Florida</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Like the sandhill cranes, the beavers, rabbits ducks and other wild things, I find comfort in traveling a familiar path and find it refreshing to notice its changes. Spring is a spectacular gift from God.<o:p></o:p></div>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-7100691267438917142012-02-10T14:49:00.000-08:002012-02-10T14:52:03.653-08:00Beans, Beans<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL8FVzVAzYh6IBlx6tV3-K2PifRPbDYx3FCcCB18x5YCJSrrP2LgouhOSf9Vsf3UHF-fL5drboEXeu8XAf4EXjeok6X6BoTOzc3bOHK0IVX6woQ-GDi1BR7L1yoegOkZQVayjBFF4W2I/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL8FVzVAzYh6IBlx6tV3-K2PifRPbDYx3FCcCB18x5YCJSrrP2LgouhOSf9Vsf3UHF-fL5drboEXeu8XAf4EXjeok6X6BoTOzc3bOHK0IVX6woQ-GDi1BR7L1yoegOkZQVayjBFF4W2I/s320/IMG_1068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah the smell of garlic and herbs. Lots of garlic. Any recipe that calls for an entire head of garlic has to be wonderful, doesn't it?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was my cooking and writing day. It has been so relaxing and fun. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is nothing like singing, chopping and smiling all at the same time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My gift to you is to share the recipes!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following a chilly morning dog walk, I set everything else aside, donned my 1960's-era June Cleaver apron, started a blazing fire in the fireplace, washed my hands and got to work.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only sound was the occasional grunt from the sleeping dog in the other room until I turned on the tunes and Moody Blues, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and other wonders from my growing-up days filled the house. Perfect energy music for cooking.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My goal was to get Nikos beans in the oven, and make a new dish using kidney beans. I had soaked both bowls of beans overnight in preparation. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What are Nikos beans?</b> Using Gigante beans from Greece, this recipe was told to me by Nikos, then-owner of Nikos' Taverna in Athens, Greece, where my friends and I joined my cousin, Mary, and her husband, Dimitris, for a wonderful dinner a few years ago. It's a neighborhood favorite of theirs. Then, Nikos was the owner and his wife, Eleni, did much of the cooking. Now, he has retired and goes there sometimes; Eleni is still in the kitchen, and Mary and Demetris remain loyal customers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our delicious dinner, Nikos told me the recipe, in Greek, while Mary translated. He is such a nice man and was very willing to share. We also met Eleni who was very nice but busy preparing food. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have made the beans many times since. Gigantes are similar to limas, but richer, fatter and worth the price and extra trouble to acquire. Give the local Greek store some business if you have one; if not, you can get them on Amazon for about $7 per pound.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggfe92jTAGvM-A5aSCU_Qfl8M_ukgP6pFAjze2-SKktjMok1EVB0TvJ7Uc_2qTg5OW7Xd8XKChcJXL9vtjbXUdq8_6o5oLzFarCaxuW_3y6CuomMnMuLPu-CrwoPKab_xwP3N8vu7IZc/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggfe92jTAGvM-A5aSCU_Qfl8M_ukgP6pFAjze2-SKktjMok1EVB0TvJ7Uc_2qTg5OW7Xd8XKChcJXL9vtjbXUdq8_6o5oLzFarCaxuW_3y6CuomMnMuLPu-CrwoPKab_xwP3N8vu7IZc/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70wepqlEZXKdfapW4uNpbvR7BHCJE9i9petI4kQFCB2u8_FhkPjowe0FoYxqCdBTeEMqyMCAOUZQJhnWEJiLpwlfefb0lik_dhLxsElrQ5X7Mj0ySI91p_F49KKKWB4CHGptdeLIMw1s/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70wepqlEZXKdfapW4uNpbvR7BHCJE9i9petI4kQFCB2u8_FhkPjowe0FoYxqCdBTeEMqyMCAOUZQJhnWEJiLpwlfefb0lik_dhLxsElrQ5X7Mj0ySI91p_F49KKKWB4CHGptdeLIMw1s/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both dishes require a lot of chopping but have some crossover ingredients (onions, carrots and garlic). I sauté my carrots, onions and garlic separately, because I think it preserves the individual flavors. There is something wonderful and invigorating</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> about the smell of lots of chopped fresh parsley, an important ingredient in the dish. It's also worth the effort to grate the tomatoes, as the recipe calls for, if you can find good ones. This time of year they are anemic and I prefer to use canned chopped organic tomatoes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bake the beans for 7 hours, at a low temperature. During that time, the house fills with the aroma; right now I am thinking about how delicious my dinner will be</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I have included the recipe below. Remember what Nikos told me "Cook them until they are just right!"</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7YiuHbWKtGa2zFb3hsxf7jszvmCC0EzTZ8VdovU47znpDmk3R9MC9rpg_cBueHgoI_CbP9apq3VY9FEFHnBWkJIxbYuKXYza6gIMsFNIONPXFrpJgdrjhu1nN_xq4ZECrFQ2j1E73NA/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7YiuHbWKtGa2zFb3hsxf7jszvmCC0EzTZ8VdovU47znpDmk3R9MC9rpg_cBueHgoI_CbP9apq3VY9FEFHnBWkJIxbYuKXYza6gIMsFNIONPXFrpJgdrjhu1nN_xq4ZECrFQ2j1E73NA/s320/IMG_1064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgian Kidney Bean Stew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I got Nikos' dish in the oven, I began chopping the ingredients for the second bean dish, <b><a href="http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2012/02/07/georgian-kidney-bean-stew-herbs-and-walnuts-lobio-/">Georgian Kidney Bean Stew With Herbs and Walnuts (Lobio Nigvzit)</a></b>. The main seasonings are coriander and fenugreek, with a variety of fresh herbs, walnuts, and some garlic (not as much as the Nikos beans). This recipe only takes about an hour to make, including cooking and chopping time, so I was rewarded with a yummy bowl full for a late lunch.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c_91A1llL65_v2_ePVAIxQCawU-iIvQq7om4kpxndMlokwx7O8BgHsxTYsY4lLtECUXAwhnZUzzEr-8JbVVIiWCo22GO3yk1G6jc4upfh6XGH4_Rm4RuAzxYBFztItSZLpOlTA4T4z8/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c_91A1llL65_v2_ePVAIxQCawU-iIvQq7om4kpxndMlokwx7O8BgHsxTYsY4lLtECUXAwhnZUzzEr-8JbVVIiWCo22GO3yk1G6jc4upfh6XGH4_Rm4RuAzxYBFztItSZLpOlTA4T4z8/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I write this, I am sitting by a lovely fire, little brown dog asleep at my feet, and the smell of Nikos' beans is making my mouth water. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These recipes are perfect for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike. It's hard not to fall in love with both dishes. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Nikos' Taverna's Athenian Baked Beans </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>from Nikos and Eleni</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• 1 package dried large white beans (16 ounces or more)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Large white or yellow onion </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• 5 firm, ripe tomatoes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• 1 bunch of parsley</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• 5 carrots</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Olive oil (2/3 cup or less total)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Head of garlic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Pepper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soak beans in water for 8 hours, changing water once or twice</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven 225-degrees</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Pour off water; place beans in large sauce pan; add water to the top of the beans</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Simmer until soft for about one hour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Sautee chopped onion, parsley, carrot and garlic in 1/4 C olive oil until onions are transparent. Note: I sauté separately to preserve the individual flavors.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Mix sautéed vegetables with the beans.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Grate 2-5 tomatoes (skins and all) and add to the bean mixture.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Add a small amount of water and salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Place the mixture in a large baking dish (or multiple baking dishes) that has been wiped inside with olive oil.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Mix thoroughly. Drizzle half of the remaining olive oil over the beans.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. Cook 6-7 hours, until the water cooks off and the liquid is thick. It may be necessary to add water, in small quantities, throughout the cooking and small amounts of the remaining olive oil. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note from Nikos, "cook until just right!"</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs00v7Ie4D_ld7lLLlxCtR29Iti7YVaVXwQVXB3m8Qu7g7ZtIq9LgRE4I1bO3vivzdM3WjAadc4onwqaUTFZwYgS17e3BS_zIOyvwifsETu16X7a-0a0dBFF96CVakmkwGce7Fw_i3og/s1600/IMG_1069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs00v7Ie4D_ld7lLLlxCtR29Iti7YVaVXwQVXB3m8Qu7g7ZtIq9LgRE4I1bO3vivzdM3WjAadc4onwqaUTFZwYgS17e3BS_zIOyvwifsETu16X7a-0a0dBFF96CVakmkwGce7Fw_i3og/s320/IMG_1069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-90569427470257227472012-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:002012-01-05T11:24:39.640-08:00Waiting for Things to Happen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSiGS-7VhA_mGw5y1vlvvDsYABLMWAngg492NzMovNpchCb-8YMa-f_X96shOHQfSyE5Br-cxcvB4-Bstqsc65sDlBQbkK5ke1xOJpeq7YW2LyR8d2Mb_9-0O4ydZsfuQuR0MRHkJZro/s1600/IMG_0759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSiGS-7VhA_mGw5y1vlvvDsYABLMWAngg492NzMovNpchCb-8YMa-f_X96shOHQfSyE5Br-cxcvB4-Bstqsc65sDlBQbkK5ke1xOJpeq7YW2LyR8d2Mb_9-0O4ydZsfuQuR0MRHkJZro/s640/IMG_0759.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">paperwhites in front of stained glass window</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">January is a month of newness and there are a few things in my life I am ready to start now, or would like to begin very soon.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The problem is that nothing happens in my time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have come to understand that, and accept it with a good attitude. <i>Patience and waiting are recurring themes in my writing.</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcmwxHP007eTODSRM-NSLQ47G3IqFJIP2_WywVwOH2ERCvYsGy4h8oj0z-eLzZ1m5OBtAF_6mUH_8e_MDYYLPgpinfeWo33P7sSv1P57ez3EoKqeyb1HDpjAuBR3XU6VLHdNllcVzE38/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcmwxHP007eTODSRM-NSLQ47G3IqFJIP2_WywVwOH2ERCvYsGy4h8oj0z-eLzZ1m5OBtAF_6mUH_8e_MDYYLPgpinfeWo33P7sSv1P57ez3EoKqeyb1HDpjAuBR3XU6VLHdNllcVzE38/s320/IMG_0757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today is the anniversary of my Dad's passing. It hardly seems possible that ten years have gone by. Initially it seemed that the hurt and sadness would never go away. In time - not my time - it did. That was replaced with a warm fondness and good memories and only a lingering hint of the terrible sense of loss. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXDnVLfupoLUt8vBaHqV3lga8xX5qYkWiyAiyMajXjrHiQUbM8VViu8RWNLNBljor3rf8ryVNUWC0IIpm_HiUoceVjHRGuoZFUP2tZHWvQhqpa3s5YR4yBVCxLAdtDSs7KrIPXt11PkE/s1600/IMG_0792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXDnVLfupoLUt8vBaHqV3lga8xX5qYkWiyAiyMajXjrHiQUbM8VViu8RWNLNBljor3rf8ryVNUWC0IIpm_HiUoceVjHRGuoZFUP2tZHWvQhqpa3s5YR4yBVCxLAdtDSs7KrIPXt11PkE/s320/IMG_0792.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeSc8ajHv_19SrVq3af1nogFLlse9k4ZryMS2WTYSj7v3K5XhEyhuKIIQeTJcXkypwi11tftRN9vWPES07QrnPRW4Xzvig6wzN3CXXMoKNVSpE9ww9DZuRav5dN3pPEbuR0yED_auaz0/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeSc8ajHv_19SrVq3af1nogFLlse9k4ZryMS2WTYSj7v3K5XhEyhuKIIQeTJcXkypwi11tftRN9vWPES07QrnPRW4Xzvig6wzN3CXXMoKNVSpE9ww9DZuRav5dN3pPEbuR0yED_auaz0/s320/IMG_0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Orchid buds</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dad was not a very patient man. He talked to me about it; how outcomes were not always under our control - that ultimately it was the Lord's call on everything. But that doesn't mean he didn't spend a lot of time impatiently drumming his fingers waiting for his teenagers to be ready to go somewhere, for his wounds from surgeries to heal, or for his plants to bloom. Sometimes he overwatered and overfed the plants and they would die or droop. True to his impatience, he would buy new blooming ones.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KRBGD1_hYCLaqhy5oZy6eRhKLgduaLCmn9TSijCfWxO1ZathKoRjyKvz7o83LM0YU2gLxoccEt-U83ptvzdsUYwg-xwXUtjn2yiU73a2pchBSrAyvs7BPlHrUf15Fn7_kn7JQcXk20s/s1600/IMG_0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KRBGD1_hYCLaqhy5oZy6eRhKLgduaLCmn9TSijCfWxO1ZathKoRjyKvz7o83LM0YU2gLxoccEt-U83ptvzdsUYwg-xwXUtjn2yiU73a2pchBSrAyvs7BPlHrUf15Fn7_kn7JQcXk20s/s320/IMG_0751.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Amaryllis flower coming soon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In his later years, Dad's body slowed down and he had to be more patient. It's something that apparently happens with the aging process when you know for certain that you can't do everything and you will not live forever. Rather than hearing him clapping his hands to get everyone else moving, or expressing disappointment over the pace of things, we noticed he was a little bit slower and sometimes not the first person out the door or ready to order a meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vrx6rMjBfXjsb_-ETRRNMfX3xIrsJwyCML33d1Mh7Rq5fKQArxVX-WhT3DOO6dYFx0D8tSEECH0CqZ3NTcRGKURjComC7F8fxQnDBa9czxfG4zTDCi209OFTBr6dpKXIcQwIvh6ESEA/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vrx6rMjBfXjsb_-ETRRNMfX3xIrsJwyCML33d1Mh7Rq5fKQArxVX-WhT3DOO6dYFx0D8tSEECH0CqZ3NTcRGKURjComC7F8fxQnDBa9czxfG4zTDCi209OFTBr6dpKXIcQwIvh6ESEA/s320/IMG_0779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojxl3a0QV0srwsUNtlqac0eBM5ra1G0tsXK2TP1oWhyphenhyphenjiSNp8NGMhkWZ4yBDcltXNdwn3m5GoZHLLQrexapuE8LaGrEgMzr8HRP6ycIwxthungbUY7W1Yd7IKlzK-Efkgu0zDH5xRlA0/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">orchid buds opening</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojxl3a0QV0srwsUNtlqac0eBM5ra1G0tsXK2TP1oWhyphenhyphenjiSNp8NGMhkWZ4yBDcltXNdwn3m5GoZHLLQrexapuE8LaGrEgMzr8HRP6ycIwxthungbUY7W1Yd7IKlzK-Efkgu0zDH5xRlA0/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think Dad learned a lot of the patience he did have from the flowers he grew.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Over time he learned to wait on the blooms, anticipating the annual explosions of color in their Florida garden.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He still was inclined to replace perfectly good bloomless plants with blooming ones, and likely to give away orchids once the flowers wilted.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfraKSh0kU1OvbfQNJL7MkN_ixwNhKOxbACu58Noz3y5Sd6dkOMi3-RIcYK_19r5KYWQBTl_Y3MSOgRmzh4rYESU5nWOyD39fKgUzuH1__LQGXmInEBfYVeirJhBosQUkepApAHs0Qe1s/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfraKSh0kU1OvbfQNJL7MkN_ixwNhKOxbACu58Noz3y5Sd6dkOMi3-RIcYK_19r5KYWQBTl_Y3MSOgRmzh4rYESU5nWOyD39fKgUzuH1__LQGXmInEBfYVeirJhBosQUkepApAHs0Qe1s/s320/IMG_0768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG7Bn7K63qsihAuMDwp68FjdzaM1unwF1V-o9TdtAiRJNyiFTOjAyyvoP4DLUQiryn_ohgwy_ID_9cCpFrNXoqLrG2_7NGEuvJhdb5eN0u9lfTcMY9dt5MO4RRm5tFGJh5bCFpnj44ys/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG7Bn7K63qsihAuMDwp68FjdzaM1unwF1V-o9TdtAiRJNyiFTOjAyyvoP4DLUQiryn_ohgwy_ID_9cCpFrNXoqLrG2_7NGEuvJhdb5eN0u9lfTcMY9dt5MO4RRm5tFGJh5bCFpnj44ys/s320/IMG_0772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmEHphwl8UIF_LRqCZ2jmundS7NvU1rTdxuj1vrGK99c_TJjdwnswlZYYVvKx0P7T7004DKCGHfbFIqpaCvCHtBTRogbpzPbJJ6AyYJL01ExIAQfPfdShszawa4_LIxQa-s5rbAaZvyo/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmEHphwl8UIF_LRqCZ2jmundS7NvU1rTdxuj1vrGK99c_TJjdwnswlZYYVvKx0P7T7004DKCGHfbFIqpaCvCHtBTRogbpzPbJJ6AyYJL01ExIAQfPfdShszawa4_LIxQa-s5rbAaZvyo/s320/IMG_0774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DA8a_Ygj9kZVqka8ZH0zhrmyb4fitb9aswonzbdsd_RRtIThTh_UcHKTB2iOR5RG4T6U4goKYA86E3an1ucHrDEOnbwydWOUZb67TWiom2zVZUHT4bz5YoNg6Fjmks60lIFuMLA6ldA/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DA8a_Ygj9kZVqka8ZH0zhrmyb4fitb9aswonzbdsd_RRtIThTh_UcHKTB2iOR5RG4T6U4goKYA86E3an1ucHrDEOnbwydWOUZb67TWiom2zVZUHT4bz5YoNg6Fjmks60lIFuMLA6ldA/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">worth the wait</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So this week, in his honor, the buds on my beautiful white orchid began to open for the third time in 18 months. The first sign of these buds was in August, on a tiny stalk. Slowly it got longer and another came forth with even more tiny buds. Now there are three stalks with a dozen voluptuous buds, four already fully blooming. Dad would be impressed that I coaxed it into blooming again. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjhj8VhZSeXmuFhcfNL4AMydhxnp3GK8nweR8HImIhHD9NuwNBwYssz3k2uvgoNLaIFRbzQWJJPVDGTEswfoXfAgJ963h4ZnSOqu5NkwdkVHq_KrtlOnNyPMRnd3eO_P4bnEe5QvjtKA/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjhj8VhZSeXmuFhcfNL4AMydhxnp3GK8nweR8HImIhHD9NuwNBwYssz3k2uvgoNLaIFRbzQWJJPVDGTEswfoXfAgJ963h4ZnSOqu5NkwdkVHq_KrtlOnNyPMRnd3eO_P4bnEe5QvjtKA/s320/IMG_0655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is a tough day in a tough week when the holiday decorations are gone, sweet treats are again forbidden, the family time is behind us, the diet regimen is solidly back in place, and it is cold. The orchid blooms are a beautiful reminder of the results of patience and of my Dad's love. I may still drum my fingers like Dad, and exhibit impatience when things don't run on my schedule, but I do think that I have made progress. It appears I have some more waiting to do and I look forward to the results. Thanks for the lessons, Dad!</span><o:p></o:p></div>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-91690953679304439952011-12-11T17:39:00.000-08:002011-12-13T07:24:24.610-08:00Moonshadows<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRNOviaDpcbQD03OoXVd8Gob7sOuNrNnt-ZyHC6aUhU8duhKiJXmGJ4sijzxCTXQfoc0F1aa5jnKC9rYrzdWOfyrXt81Nhmh4RnqO7YJmMfX0y-IYeR-_vP0aswFtAingdU8_9S1Vy6c/s320/IMG_0623.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Escondido, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRNOviaDpcbQD03OoXVd8Gob7sOuNrNnt-ZyHC6aUhU8duhKiJXmGJ4sijzxCTXQfoc0F1aa5jnKC9rYrzdWOfyrXt81Nhmh4RnqO7YJmMfX0y-IYeR-_vP0aswFtAingdU8_9S1Vy6c/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the night before the moon was fullest, I took a long walk with Dudley the little brown dog in the hour before midnight. The streetlights were out on one street. There, we saw our shadows from the light of the nearly full moon, elongating our short legs (Dudley and I are both vertically challenged) and slimming our bodies. Perhaps more impressive were the spindly prints of the newly naked trees, along the sidewalk, embracing us as we walked through them. A fox crossed the road ahead, startling the dog and sending his back hairs straight up.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5rnqsM6MpLfWekzSfMWsBQ5d_M9qx6X3uyFFrcjaq68JECcDXnmFb2f_izKXft9X0RMj3qL9RQCpOPjYLtdbiXwtlC76QGOtYgeFHhJwKsZm9gZAh0vMuvmad1e7ESxNfljt8wsazfU/s320/IMG_0625.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Escondido, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5rnqsM6MpLfWekzSfMWsBQ5d_M9qx6X3uyFFrcjaq68JECcDXnmFb2f_izKXft9X0RMj3qL9RQCpOPjYLtdbiXwtlC76QGOtYgeFHhJwKsZm9gZAh0vMuvmad1e7ESxNfljt8wsazfU/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a peaceful walk. We encountered no one. I had a feeling that something was about to happen. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPxRW-2lTLNNpW2Pb8mG6iBc-nsE5gbIT8Hln24km1ek_5zmYfT6Dd5KCKhluZYin4Er-6cfaK4AsNbsrAPyAun6mMClodeww6vaTQkB0pGIzv9Uj5bvkNK-_lgAyd5Bpa2z57xtYOTY/s320/IMG_9466.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homosassa Springs, FL</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPxRW-2lTLNNpW2Pb8mG6iBc-nsE5gbIT8Hln24km1ek_5zmYfT6Dd5KCKhluZYin4Er-6cfaK4AsNbsrAPyAun6mMClodeww6vaTQkB0pGIzv9Uj5bvkNK-_lgAyd5Bpa2z57xtYOTY/s1600/IMG_9466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next morning, I heard that a dear family friend passed in the early morning of that same moon, as the shadows grew longer. Ed was of my parents' generation, bedridden for some time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlypWY91QJGCdbsQYm2Of7fL-NOgFmgOehBpScgIjqYBQ2m-kdTwDxHIqLaK1n2_xbc2iNLf0vinv-IyKi48m56kvH7DSrky8-t-LIbqAphvNqA1IJxJM3yU_oYEdqgYM7CwIICf7c5w/s320/IMG_2902.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="213" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue heron near Great Falls, MD</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9L7ncJ1CYruijcJJjudWGF7FDO8wbKAgtA8uphnRnzKXnqk_lg2zN91Gpt5mPin0peMfEKPbzzcd-r8cwy0cUcdtT_HRhA5TQweajKNc16lOL4_HTiMiC9euvCEbQ26bO4CLIpoWQ0Y/s1600/IMG_5455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He would have liked those moonshadows on his last night. A scientist and a minister, he was a teacher, a friend, and a lover of all things in nature. He personified love and grace through his tender care of living things and his ability to invoke humor at the perfect time in a conversation or awkward moment. Under a rock or in the murkiest of waters, he found living treasures. Under his guidance, plants bloomed and flourished. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75YzBanqW7qKAT6VToSJVLaaTSWiG3Fm6R8R-GEHKpSBOIKap-o9JUhFnNf2TQ1FI2iht-R3joCe-x77ZgTtgxWa12AJihJ7ikzGBvdRddaOTJbE_3EUXnhk7M21VDFBcMLl8U3OQjPw/s320/IMG_5464.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frog-catching nieces, Greeneville, Tennessee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKcp2sklft_CEAoBceXgJKqotGXAyaNiXuPOFXOCwqJLO4vXE1uVGG_Jnl5lHQQrFrS09Ql5zUzmDjoRio-clUGiZNvR5WoO6MugjzhpKt_-_tYwdP2YIIz0gHAV6xWrFvHf0IauWHtw/s320/IMG_9059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFbRI0wC__-KKQ8ZxB09-iClVwZKZCkR1qPnpKgFHVGRJfrXXQiYdaIJ6ZPW1qeDzORVWb8L1bxOnz_42Lp_bkYdmB4kQkmGqxIsAaVnHoOqUKSWaYYOO_66yDvZqyesPzi3EIC-iHmc/s1600/IMG_9063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was my friend when I was a really dorky middle schooler. I got to accompany him on some of his expeditions to find plants and creatures in lakes and ponds. He taught me a greater appreciation for living things, and for the thrill of discoveries in nature. Skinks and worms, beetles and spiders, minnows and tadpoles - they were all part of the nature safari.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE50TqPBCF377i-Iy8bHIQnnBjCPNEb9L5lPyHyE6xePEqXGr8d-9Emb1PM1PyOlbeyIzdfi3kwYBaXqKIyfG16hTL9netRcY0eLRsHxSSjmGVo1E2Ig8RL8hvqlga627CmB2L5ycd8U/s320/IMG_0824.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Diego, CA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuJhfCP5hNkks5r8Du6QUKQtxiT481DoU_Tlogmmy7h6hsS3l4PCJ2QtpqtbLKiOMnqcE3oQAkCcQi0FiytMBAR5vArSxaV8m9yMy_0F4jujN5FaJ-dZFgVl9wcmdY0lZGyvJn5aTDGo/s320/IMG_9777.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="303" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh water jellyfish, Fleming County, KY</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ed encouraged my love of the pond, and I shared photos with him when I finally had one in my own garden. I think he liked that. He bought me a beautiful pair of angel fish for my aquarium when I was about 12. I was heartbroken when my heater malfunctioned and I poached them - worse than the murders was having to tell him. He understood but recommended I stick to less fragile aquarium beauties after that.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiponH_Qwrx3wQY8v_j3o5baCAhO7Y80F4HtmyTyPJfYmOvOQKda2YusHAdB-Hqfzbbt-LMqgCIxV8FESRnmihBsbjfDKNXDE4EUDEKE5LyWCxxrdCBpLs_d40MCvTuKWE9OUSgl4KxsHA/s320/IMG_0958.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US National Arboretum Orchid Show</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeg7KVZim5nYsJhgGB00Ui5eZbR1xFyJ3a6w0gA2e_5zKOUkWuws0GX3ouppHhuq1qa7ROvfgDxl4eVxagjChJ34am5Y4BAfmc2DbaLCoL2l7ug2_BagCMtdeL7kRL2oyZT7H1zsDquc/s320/IMG_0976.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="213" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US National Arboretum Orchid Show</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeg7KVZim5nYsJhgGB00Ui5eZbR1xFyJ3a6w0gA2e_5zKOUkWuws0GX3ouppHhuq1qa7ROvfgDxl4eVxagjChJ34am5Y4BAfmc2DbaLCoL2l7ug2_BagCMtdeL7kRL2oyZT7H1zsDquc/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ed conducted the memorial service for my Dad. He told stories about their adventures; they too were good friends and fellow nature lovers. He shed a few tears at that service. I like it that I shared him with my Dad.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y3MdnXK0c07jgPbBGzn0fRJVuggnjpvUOy7ORuLyAs-XwxJm9VVoLtXcMx23T4BschRhLVHGVUMTO55LtuCNZ3UL-WpTmdx1GziQdjQQZmpq0dMQgLBJApnvRneuo7Y8IrghdUaCeaE/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y3MdnXK0c07jgPbBGzn0fRJVuggnjpvUOy7ORuLyAs-XwxJm9VVoLtXcMx23T4BschRhLVHGVUMTO55LtuCNZ3UL-WpTmdx1GziQdjQQZmpq0dMQgLBJApnvRneuo7Y8IrghdUaCeaE/s320/IMG_2860.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potomac River near Great Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lessons I learned from Ed:</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Creepy crawly things are cool.</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>You never know what you might find under a rock.</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Beauty comes in some surprising packages.</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A day by the water is a gift from God.</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Life is both fragile and magical.</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The mentoring of a grownup can change a child's life in countless ways.</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>God watches over all of his creatures and we must be good stewards, too.</i></span></li>
</ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTN_YLycpWMJBk8nYXv8dBNtLDRv0hZvs2louWALTT6nWQJWgcVhrv7QAImyvdXKvJFe1QlT658LMzX9ecS3-t1tKGnDjgwpqZx44o3C2xJf-MSyvkkqFbenKf2r5t4fY-qIY_xjT5n0/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTN_YLycpWMJBk8nYXv8dBNtLDRv0hZvs2louWALTT6nWQJWgcVhrv7QAImyvdXKvJFe1QlT658LMzX9ecS3-t1tKGnDjgwpqZx44o3C2xJf-MSyvkkqFbenKf2r5t4fY-qIY_xjT5n0/s640/IMG_0555.JPG" width="584" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummingbird in Escondido, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the night of the full moon, Ed was in heaven. He and Dad probably explored the gardens together.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcHZxx7eAfGYeqCo0RaozTIa7zWecXRVxuNQee7Z_g2_U4-FOnlf3Rz2wV6hpGA9bNsnHQq7qvJNyp4NRnGE8JKy9HW9iyCaaNaBog2_uMuzKqZZrYsi3GnVKNbh47r7T4gtZBs67bcY/s1600/IMG_5243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcHZxx7eAfGYeqCo0RaozTIa7zWecXRVxuNQee7Z_g2_U4-FOnlf3Rz2wV6hpGA9bNsnHQq7qvJNyp4NRnGE8JKy9HW9iyCaaNaBog2_uMuzKqZZrYsi3GnVKNbh47r7T4gtZBs67bcY/s320/IMG_5243.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls Church, VA</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know if Ed was a Cat Stevens fan, but this song makes me think of those days when we explored ponds and of the moonlight walk I took on the night he went to heaven.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtgXus3eiII">Cat Stevens singing Moonshadow (youtube)</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf2rcVCJrfy2F9vsQRiuNIaRJcOs_saGDXSYgpKcDB_2HkT1EqiKcTzdOqRUSQ-wBbhxuVwrMy96ZJWH2ZCFx8LB07JK4QodsyZxHCwQkuYcyQMTmiUwO_73dZ16uzb53STr3ZAEk8MA/s1600/IMG_9209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf2rcVCJrfy2F9vsQRiuNIaRJcOs_saGDXSYgpKcDB_2HkT1EqiKcTzdOqRUSQ-wBbhxuVwrMy96ZJWH2ZCFx8LB07JK4QodsyZxHCwQkuYcyQMTmiUwO_73dZ16uzb53STr3ZAEk8MA/s640/IMG_9209.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington's Birthplace, VA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-7368643042995580142011-11-08T08:31:00.000-08:002011-11-08T10:06:33.775-08:00Across the Pond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pond life is small-scale and even a dragon fly can cross mine in a matter of seconds. Change is happening as winter begins to rear its frosty head. The frogs have disappeared to the boggy bottom. The enormous goldfish swim far below the surface. Only the young reckless minnows cruise near the top, much like teenagers showing off their wheels. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYDnviK0H-THFYq_XH4DJah7kWYUIEU2-LrwFmeER0CTzt4lcN2PTbyiur_xp9Ze72PhExcoqNJPvk3rgLFNie71bna-_jynRmY0BoDfT3OHwb9El61UrNQsfWi3ShPS1-30OtPKL_Fk/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYDnviK0H-THFYq_XH4DJah7kWYUIEU2-LrwFmeER0CTzt4lcN2PTbyiur_xp9Ze72PhExcoqNJPvk3rgLFNie71bna-_jynRmY0BoDfT3OHwb9El61UrNQsfWi3ShPS1-30OtPKL_Fk/s320/IMG_0460.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sky reflected in the pond</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWrAvH2H8QEuikC-pxGfy8MXazKrJYu7_Jb1hnfxHq8nStRUEXKmQTpA8Z0MtiIVg-fc1AOoH44Ip8S4wwhp-GY60S5VeBCajsnfM6x0ZeyLH5gS9GvauWr2smtAm9mRqr_r05IkH5FI/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWrAvH2H8QEuikC-pxGfy8MXazKrJYu7_Jb1hnfxHq8nStRUEXKmQTpA8Z0MtiIVg-fc1AOoH44Ip8S4wwhp-GY60S5VeBCajsnfM6x0ZeyLH5gS9GvauWr2smtAm9mRqr_r05IkH5FI/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiri81BHBy_T9jH0jty0kqmG4MdhDCM9VIgFDd3WmAMvZfetZpiva_W6tmuDnWTykZeR9CSG1ydHKJJkbqXZT003IV878h2kAbtPzysE2Pt3x7yDDpQ5yxM6vS71ca9Y0qZx5WnC7g5qk/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiri81BHBy_T9jH0jty0kqmG4MdhDCM9VIgFDd3WmAMvZfetZpiva_W6tmuDnWTykZeR9CSG1ydHKJJkbqXZT003IV878h2kAbtPzysE2Pt3x7yDDpQ5yxM6vS71ca9Y0qZx5WnC7g5qk/s320/IMG_0459.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">netting over the pond</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the joys of pond management is keeping the leaves and pine needles out. I corral the leaves, in October and November, with a canopy of netting. Many of the pine needles fall through, but the leaves are mostly apprehended. Already the water is amber from the escapees. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVNLpK7MCvnQNNRNluym5r102Ev5NjRWR8z8ZZg_LEExUg_EiD2SQWoLJTgWgb8WfQ7KweaX09wdBDIA1PDnQ3OAtW4lZdpP-dSreJ2C1Zwl5QCqn9vGnumqBFbXXzUt47vxo5NzYWUc/s1600/IMG_0463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVNLpK7MCvnQNNRNluym5r102Ev5NjRWR8z8ZZg_LEExUg_EiD2SQWoLJTgWgb8WfQ7KweaX09wdBDIA1PDnQ3OAtW4lZdpP-dSreJ2C1Zwl5QCqn9vGnumqBFbXXzUt47vxo5NzYWUc/s320/IMG_0463.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0VFtWONnT6AmaFObjC6_ld7HSZPeemOJF3m5xQAM-Y9xkVt_vDEfgE2m8iluZOmENIQ5eo8jj3cQ90Mpwhszg12_mpi6Lo_AWulvGDGPSeCNEWe8pJ-U1K8wv_3D85DncL5dhHXv1-Y/s1600/IMG_0507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0VFtWONnT6AmaFObjC6_ld7HSZPeemOJF3m5xQAM-Y9xkVt_vDEfgE2m8iluZOmENIQ5eo8jj3cQ90Mpwhszg12_mpi6Lo_AWulvGDGPSeCNEWe8pJ-U1K8wv_3D85DncL5dhHXv1-Y/s320/IMG_0507.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">elephant ear beside the pond</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One particularly heavy pine needle dropping season, I forgot to install the netting and poisoned the water and killed all of the fish. Goldfish are pretty hard to kill (and why they make good first pets for the youngest generation). Left alone, they can live for many years in a pond that has reasonably clean water and plants. There is no filter in my pond; the pump circulates water but the rain does the replenishing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pXBN6XJglsS85m3E_5k-7IRewP7UVftgYOEcVYDeZ5hANvznh8DbZrchqjhsxCfFJw6vEbr9865pQxT0KNGzpC7k6fx9K90yVMxjiQfMSj9YgEJr_6C9QlwROzOgONCPj3MK3ksBz3c/s1600/IMG_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pXBN6XJglsS85m3E_5k-7IRewP7UVftgYOEcVYDeZ5hANvznh8DbZrchqjhsxCfFJw6vEbr9865pQxT0KNGzpC7k6fx9K90yVMxjiQfMSj9YgEJr_6C9QlwROzOgONCPj3MK3ksBz3c/s320/IMG_0466.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB45xkJx4-kKSMpJtuKgKgrCl4QshJRxj_kBoyrxYD6_TzFOoY5XThwvasPPAn0hvmLmbAGLf2OpQrn8bThYy3eoAncZe1BgE3GSEicPP_IhTg13cEmwh8tRuOkXIO3rPCz1OWfBYzbA/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB45xkJx4-kKSMpJtuKgKgrCl4QshJRxj_kBoyrxYD6_TzFOoY5XThwvasPPAn0hvmLmbAGLf2OpQrn8bThYy3eoAncZe1BgE3GSEicPP_IhTg13cEmwh8tRuOkXIO3rPCz1OWfBYzbA/s320/IMG_0490.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">minnow in net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I used the skimmer to get some of the floating pine needles out. In the process, I dipped out a few of those crazy teen minnows that were cruising the top of the pond, daring any invader to catch them. Some of them lay perfectly still in the net and were very hard to see except when the sunlight hit their shiny little bodies. I think I got them all; at least I know I got the ones that wriggled. <o:p></o:p>A warning to fish out of water - <i>wriggle if you want to be noticed</i>! </span><br />
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good advice for people</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you need attention or if you feel like you don't fit in, </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wriggle a little bit so your friends recognize you - you don't want to get thrown out with the pond refuse! </span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTgQg5othmDIdrNzmPSzMaMVTaMoHmVRgdoocSeEeWfO8Ym5IshKzbEUoKbkOYfAMsLbtfI8JkgtR8Bq92wLGhiTLEEjSeiXY5j-5LT4rbvsYLWClyN16QRK0TtgV3rjyyC-yVE5035w/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTgQg5othmDIdrNzmPSzMaMVTaMoHmVRgdoocSeEeWfO8Ym5IshKzbEUoKbkOYfAMsLbtfI8JkgtR8Bq92wLGhiTLEEjSeiXY5j-5LT4rbvsYLWClyN16QRK0TtgV3rjyyC-yVE5035w/s400/IMG_0500.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bullfrog tadpoles are waiting out the winter in the leafy bottom. This good news means that some of the bullfrogs in the pond are in fact girls. I recognize the boys because they make all the noise; bullfrogs are otherwise difficult to tell apart (the size of the ear circles and the color of their throats are the usual ways). These are the frogs that I liberated from the meat department at the international supermarket (<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/time-to-enjoy-little-things.html"><i><b>see blog story</b></i></a>). The tadpoles are indeed proof that they have adjusted to real life. I'm thrilled that I will have baby bullfrogs next spring or summer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjULfprYFdnnwSZhaX9I0K13z5yhZsm-bmU3WPEB09cffwFQKQHnoKxgYozC8_TVuelccpCDnMIY3XAmH5mHnvkjGzOFRvS9_S11KNi2i0oapj8FRESiBi5ffJrVWhuce-Vl8VDsHh5Uc/s1600/IMG_9545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjULfprYFdnnwSZhaX9I0K13z5yhZsm-bmU3WPEB09cffwFQKQHnoKxgYozC8_TVuelccpCDnMIY3XAmH5mHnvkjGzOFRvS9_S11KNi2i0oapj8FRESiBi5ffJrVWhuce-Vl8VDsHh5Uc/s640/IMG_9545.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">rain lily</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh274JmkIYrXX8ZuZ4srMAdgqyu7TfRDdEjqo-4LTPUGQXa0KXkEt3cjmtPLwRZfzL0aLvbwtjbSHXhabjT_OAukzqAfmdvhcbb4_xvzDYKjb6OBH8ZkmtZWpH-7P4a9xAoCoulCqX5w0/s1600/IMG_8158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh274JmkIYrXX8ZuZ4srMAdgqyu7TfRDdEjqo-4LTPUGQXa0KXkEt3cjmtPLwRZfzL0aLvbwtjbSHXhabjT_OAukzqAfmdvhcbb4_xvzDYKjb6OBH8ZkmtZWpH-7P4a9xAoCoulCqX5w0/s400/IMG_8158.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">bullfrog in summer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leaves have been raked away from the pond and the netting will stay up until the trees are bare and all of the pine needles have fallen. The plants are slowly dying back with the lower overnight temperatures. No frost yet, but that is coming. Tonight I will bring in the rain lily that stays partially submerged in the pond all summer and blooms while the frogs hop in and out of the pot.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVB12dSh_CzhTwEV3vZyxZnrYJSdD6cCN0v_5guIsEat_1qeGDnnSJhXscryQTymqBIa2JSBqvd0K6c3X8Un33gLqOlGkxZrGU03uzVR6rbWCXrA7bwGS7mquWLVeKw7_vw804FDK-h0/s1600/IMG_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVB12dSh_CzhTwEV3vZyxZnrYJSdD6cCN0v_5guIsEat_1qeGDnnSJhXscryQTymqBIa2JSBqvd0K6c3X8Un33gLqOlGkxZrGU03uzVR6rbWCXrA7bwGS7mquWLVeKw7_vw804FDK-h0/s400/IMG_0434.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley with his vole</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley continues his sentry duty around the perimeter, keeping the chipmunks and voles away. He caught a vole and spent hours playing with it, nudging it to make it squeak and patiently watching it waddle away before pushing it with his nose again. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK0B16EEIPtDmuJltj1wnJGYROx8NMfp7RwMvQcSBqdRO-J2KaPNVNwwEbyn23gR2owCiOKjhx_VFTLovwBKshB6btWZD5vlvIhJ-Ls8F3nXWEf-i2Uxf-mLrwmv92BCq1KcaC5JCpEI/s1600/IMG_0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK0B16EEIPtDmuJltj1wnJGYROx8NMfp7RwMvQcSBqdRO-J2KaPNVNwwEbyn23gR2owCiOKjhx_VFTLovwBKshB6btWZD5vlvIhJ-Ls8F3nXWEf-i2Uxf-mLrwmv92BCq1KcaC5JCpEI/s320/IMG_0493.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJoiOIIRJkBthByJaXvpTj-j5gj-ckFKlgUMoBzPYaqRGBv4ZH2uC7YgOJN8_G1efxac_4nQJsyuFZSilm4wruaGwA6Zn_Uj3AT4mNEHkbxzPfgylBmIze0J6ffOSkTR4k-DQmuQcqsE/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJoiOIIRJkBthByJaXvpTj-j5gj-ckFKlgUMoBzPYaqRGBv4ZH2uC7YgOJN8_G1efxac_4nQJsyuFZSilm4wruaGwA6Zn_Uj3AT4mNEHkbxzPfgylBmIze0J6ffOSkTR4k-DQmuQcqsE/s320/IMG_0509.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2E4gsZe7c9KMiGdD3FzS1ARm189zOtV3mc0KYUMwArJ3fQfLiVEr9oKIO2VdIEV-XrEEgRqjHZ7p6jeyuDmm2Z3sRSvv9ThHWHSqsT2ZWCtFO-XyMj2YwPXfpG_pZxiHVPchZYhbJx3E/s1600/IMG_8975_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2E4gsZe7c9KMiGdD3FzS1ARm189zOtV3mc0KYUMwArJ3fQfLiVEr9oKIO2VdIEV-XrEEgRqjHZ7p6jeyuDmm2Z3sRSvv9ThHWHSqsT2ZWCtFO-XyMj2YwPXfpG_pZxiHVPchZYhbJx3E/s640/IMG_8975_2.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Across my pond, life is getting quieter and the creatures are settling in for their cold winter wait. I'd love to know what the frogs are thinking while nestled five feet below the surface in the soft warmth of the decayed leaves. I wonder if they are aware of their plump little progeny, and have any sense of the neighborhood congestion that will occur once they are fully grown next summer and swimming circles around their parents. </span><o:p></o:p></div>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-25872423273544816072011-10-24T07:50:00.000-07:002011-10-24T07:50:19.764-07:00A beholder sees the beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKQFzJC9Z9i5sQmoJRc0TgbqikVGKRx-OuvQ1L6RPSorRbs5bNCDE5BV9UDE1fH9BA3A6T6Je59183ZE7EVfD6t2ewEXCL5So70zBrfgu30Gh4nbNnMqWr1NTqgQzN2Z8c51wO6YKx0I/s1600/IMG_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKQFzJC9Z9i5sQmoJRc0TgbqikVGKRx-OuvQ1L6RPSorRbs5bNCDE5BV9UDE1fH9BA3A6T6Je59183ZE7EVfD6t2ewEXCL5So70zBrfgu30Gh4nbNnMqWr1NTqgQzN2Z8c51wO6YKx0I/s640/IMG_0334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_wWdjJHb98FW7CNBTXxRHZMNDglUgtxjLN-GK4a1CreE_LyKZwX5W4PlIIYP_SVB7LYzplYdwY4cg8YECn0PZUd4w5CGqR_0KvMSCm-MDKRwjp9FmrT86YJtIVrCZJCG55vUMT-38N4/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_wWdjJHb98FW7CNBTXxRHZMNDglUgtxjLN-GK4a1CreE_LyKZwX5W4PlIIYP_SVB7LYzplYdwY4cg8YECn0PZUd4w5CGqR_0KvMSCm-MDKRwjp9FmrT86YJtIVrCZJCG55vUMT-38N4/s640/IMG_0339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I met a friend for a Sunday afternoon adventure on the Mall in Washington, DC. It is a great time of year to visit museums; the tourist traffic is low, and parking is free on Sundays.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv_EN8B3iLPdJIrxu3Y1q2Y7Hl5mFUVyHG7Qv2W0HJroVZNGpBiR0d9_hCojxT6sSX_f3ABx43RRivUXvMjyI5JrwYFnu5lAliPZrVL9M3ObCSrRAIpkdX0M72-xQjKzYyXmtm4Fs2h4/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv_EN8B3iLPdJIrxu3Y1q2Y7Hl5mFUVyHG7Qv2W0HJroVZNGpBiR0d9_hCojxT6sSX_f3ABx43RRivUXvMjyI5JrwYFnu5lAliPZrVL9M3ObCSrRAIpkdX0M72-xQjKzYyXmtm4Fs2h4/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>We found that the weather was so beautiful that it was more pleasant to be outdoors, and we spent much of our time walking or sitting in the gardens outside the Smithsonian castle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE4uYJB2qIsKyaUjuF0QE3LhEMnVFjEtFvLOi9ZUHLPdDv0OXhCDZSEOzgaIXvDmqEIXhNY6PjNO1pU_NjivXFzknjq__MMZHSJGRTA-KP6AdVwptrJlTJTmMe1XDnisEzqfffAs_-Os/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE4uYJB2qIsKyaUjuF0QE3LhEMnVFjEtFvLOi9ZUHLPdDv0OXhCDZSEOzgaIXvDmqEIXhNY6PjNO1pU_NjivXFzknjq__MMZHSJGRTA-KP6AdVwptrJlTJTmMe1XDnisEzqfffAs_-Os/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>One place we sat was a bit removed from the higher traffic area, adjacent to an overgrown perennial flower bed with many spent blossoms and plants going to seed. It was actually quite pretty and refreshing to see things in their natural fall state - exhausted plants wilting and brown, a few blossoms thrust forth in defiance of the cold and end of the summer season. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp0tp3YeOVIYFekUvGBu0s7FR_4Tyo29qE-io3yWSAr72TrKGqQlBvHWBmOEznaRydqC7jwgmcmyLivrOLVFkgBh6ni3Wes566UzZYAYqX3VIly-Bhjv3b5Pp1IRp0VgR5bFm6S6qkTA/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp0tp3YeOVIYFekUvGBu0s7FR_4Tyo29qE-io3yWSAr72TrKGqQlBvHWBmOEznaRydqC7jwgmcmyLivrOLVFkgBh6ni3Wes566UzZYAYqX3VIly-Bhjv3b5Pp1IRp0VgR5bFm6S6qkTA/s320/IMG_0312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Rather than dig them up and toss them out, the Smithsonian gardeners thoughtfully and lovingly left this flower bed in its natural state, preparing for winter and giving the perennials a chance to build up some reserves for next summer's show. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuMS8qe2pcOH5UxG8XIMQjMKYZpW2i1qHUNjPjDtjMgtyeXVjnG80cyfJUpHUKcw-WYst4VdR8waP2mMGgz1UoSj5lvAKz0eq-I3couHdMmOdaL7_hlkzwTHQzTKWao0aHjh7KcgCReA/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuMS8qe2pcOH5UxG8XIMQjMKYZpW2i1qHUNjPjDtjMgtyeXVjnG80cyfJUpHUKcw-WYst4VdR8waP2mMGgz1UoSj5lvAKz0eq-I3couHdMmOdaL7_hlkzwTHQzTKWao0aHjh7KcgCReA/s320/IMG_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QQG8sJeJkafpwG7Y4QchaOydKbH3D3N_rx8NQK6qndoO2OVkvu-9aAl7qRui-XYuof_-z0O3iZSrLFSw64WuH61UOGFgdRhefIi3znuh828KgeUcCRI7-tqXyYXN88ec86ukE_pILn8/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QQG8sJeJkafpwG7Y4QchaOydKbH3D3N_rx8NQK6qndoO2OVkvu-9aAl7qRui-XYuof_-z0O3iZSrLFSw64WuH61UOGFgdRhefIi3znuh828KgeUcCRI7-tqXyYXN88ec86ukE_pILn8/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Several parties of tourists walked by. One visitor commented "This looks ugly. Can you believe they left this," pointing to the perennial bed. Others in the party nodded in agreement. Clearly these folks are more accustomed to vacationing at theme parks where there are no natural cycles - things in decline are quickly removed from the public eye and replaced with full-bodied blooms.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfsARih0tAVmCOIaZ1hbV3BWsiDHfmgTYb0iGMn4AZGL3a7UgsuXmmj7Cp_7s6u3Ab8lXL2c1pmDRkQmok_8JJ-fabB37CfO9c9p9BEH5uFLacqaMa8-sfSRbocETXOwPLh5QU4ZP1w4/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfsARih0tAVmCOIaZ1hbV3BWsiDHfmgTYb0iGMn4AZGL3a7UgsuXmmj7Cp_7s6u3Ab8lXL2c1pmDRkQmok_8JJ-fabB37CfO9c9p9BEH5uFLacqaMa8-sfSRbocETXOwPLh5QU4ZP1w4/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm_F4IclznVkJk3oc93-F2gMCkylAf4jt5pWKWnFTnxbWYbqbQfCqchWd4aGkzxAfyxixHfDiumVg5O4jkAy1N7q7fk0BDGf4qLVlubNqgo6JBrE9103kCpjY8rbHmbsQ2T2RME4vQMM/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm_F4IclznVkJk3oc93-F2gMCkylAf4jt5pWKWnFTnxbWYbqbQfCqchWd4aGkzxAfyxixHfDiumVg5O4jkAy1N7q7fk0BDGf4qLVlubNqgo6JBrE9103kCpjY8rbHmbsQ2T2RME4vQMM/s320/IMG_0323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjockz73aKilI7TmmDQrPRY-V7DbGo90YEfgeknjbo54wUpykH7td5f9IVfLlgiorq0GiUV85IRyo8bKx6HMkol-OSfroywE1CSqG6ht-gJ-J_juArjptOxhbV6Hhe1f3YyBKcc-AesFRI/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjockz73aKilI7TmmDQrPRY-V7DbGo90YEfgeknjbo54wUpykH7td5f9IVfLlgiorq0GiUV85IRyo8bKx6HMkol-OSfroywE1CSqG6ht-gJ-J_juArjptOxhbV6Hhe1f3YyBKcc-AesFRI/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvwOQQQrAFkGctrtk7WGug7qSDYf18j9VctrZD5KuoRKj85kV2R7Wgom6d2lTfeHUQjY8k1melmJHBcSkf4jamZMuzS-1XHKSLkQ0L-I1eh8Xfeg1THzwH0LnyTXDtPk5MtbIsadDzsI/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvwOQQQrAFkGctrtk7WGug7qSDYf18j9VctrZD5KuoRKj85kV2R7Wgom6d2lTfeHUQjY8k1melmJHBcSkf4jamZMuzS-1XHKSLkQ0L-I1eh8Xfeg1THzwH0LnyTXDtPk5MtbIsadDzsI/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ePuu8dlNA55OiKSXGn8nVdVDXOQJzH8PzXi4apVomAgkhsSRy315h3Z9IZjz6yI7rhnz2CHjlGO0hsLtPb5_OpkRXlfJbXqr5XLB1uQCZsdl-Bb9rBH_2YDWtwEJaSNVWgtd5mCbfQg/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ePuu8dlNA55OiKSXGn8nVdVDXOQJzH8PzXi4apVomAgkhsSRy315h3Z9IZjz6yI7rhnz2CHjlGO0hsLtPb5_OpkRXlfJbXqr5XLB1uQCZsdl-Bb9rBH_2YDWtwEJaSNVWgtd5mCbfQg/s320/IMG_0333.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the "Ugly" garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thank you Smithsonian for not always making it picture perfect but letting nature create its own show. In a city where there are more unnatural disasters than natural ones and where reality is distorted by constituents and the elected alike, it is refreshing to see that the real truth is allowed to be seen on occasion - and that natural cycles bring beautiful things too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-24943430108936002572011-10-21T14:11:00.000-07:002011-10-21T14:11:55.234-07:00Little Fall Beauties<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIBoOhcV-DSQj2ChA437eDIPiDgnj8uEgDjzMDRWF-MIscx5rUWu1dsth-1O6WPK1LU7gq18dOrQXqq9mA2mu-V1Pkm87SYAQXfffc3dgoBBV5PGVp7mF2PPG452rT0e7ORh7m9gcloY/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIBoOhcV-DSQj2ChA437eDIPiDgnj8uEgDjzMDRWF-MIscx5rUWu1dsth-1O6WPK1LU7gq18dOrQXqq9mA2mu-V1Pkm87SYAQXfffc3dgoBBV5PGVp7mF2PPG452rT0e7ORh7m9gcloY/s640/IMG_0071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dudley and I took long walk this morning and observed
magnificent colors and the most interesting little tidbits of nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, the day was mostly bland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clouds covered an anemic sun that never broke
through for more than a few minutes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgMMNn6Fo5DV7j2WN-YEHG2-BCcB92wq11N2jSVK7f7jnkGMYjLhY3rj_k_9dHaZfHbiE2gztC_yms9CHwqAkxl8lIxWS_C98-N75KZoO03Kf8VjPaxNfM0qjuvFHrbwWaS9Qkbiss38/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgMMNn6Fo5DV7j2WN-YEHG2-BCcB92wq11N2jSVK7f7jnkGMYjLhY3rj_k_9dHaZfHbiE2gztC_yms9CHwqAkxl8lIxWS_C98-N75KZoO03Kf8VjPaxNfM0qjuvFHrbwWaS9Qkbiss38/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But on the cloudiest of days, nature's colors shine the brightest.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgqKXd10RY8TAKQZt2gxi3zP__-LbKxcCeOYxroAHG6UE06S3WJnXmOE7kcD29l4U8xsrWd7FJ8j6_h29OpCqi1VHMAbuyKR8GGhyphenhyphenomNE4G9abG_6K8YEENUKBbP14XBL8bI7arizfAs/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgqKXd10RY8TAKQZt2gxi3zP__-LbKxcCeOYxroAHG6UE06S3WJnXmOE7kcD29l4U8xsrWd7FJ8j6_h29OpCqi1VHMAbuyKR8GGhyphenhyphenomNE4G9abG_6K8YEENUKBbP14XBL8bI7arizfAs/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My own mood, up and down with the falling temperature and
fading light, was lifted and I rejoiced that I had the pleasure of a morning
walk to revel in it, and a chance to thank God for his seasonal bestowing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following is a sample of what I saw in my garden and in the woods.<span> </span>One of my favorite encounters was the tiny spider guarding the last of the pink petals - as if his life depended upon it, ready to defend of the remnants of a fading season.</span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-11012001092791082542011-09-25T15:26:00.000-07:002011-09-29T09:43:27.916-07:00Quarterly Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After three months it is time to take a close look at a new relationship. Stockholders expect a dividend. Employers measure productivity. Partners in a dating relationship make assessments too.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took a look at the first quarter of the rest of Dudley's life, and some of his characteristics, and let him offer a few comments in response. (Dudley is a rescue dog. See<a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-at-first-click-my-internet-best.html"> Love at First Click</a> for background) I hope you enjoy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Athletic ability</b>: Dudley is not much of an athlete. He loves to swim just enough to get wet. He likes to run but he doesn't do it very often. He is more of a marathon sleeper! </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley: <i>she takes me for long walks every day. She's able to keep up with me pretty well but sometimes I have to really yank that rope to make her hurry along, like when there is a RABBIT across the street.</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Looks</b>: What could be more handsome and delicious than chocolate fur and beautiful soft floppy ears?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley: <i>everything is black and white to me. I can see her and I like it when she looks in my eyes in that special way.</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Nature-loving</b>: Dudley loves long walks to hunt for neighborhood rabbits and chipmunks and he has a beautiful pointing stance when he has his eye on one. He finds toads catches bugs and loves to poke around under bushes in the garden, or dig a hole or two</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley: <i>there are definitely not enough rabbits in the neighborhood. She's pretty good about wanting to share these experiences but that rope keeps me from meeting my goals. Just when I get close, she reins me in. But every now and then one of the frogs gets out of the big water bowl in the back yard and I chase it until it jumps back in.</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Wealth</b>: Never have I seen a dog with so much love to give. He worships me, constantly aware of where I am, what I am doing and what I am eating! His eyes tell everything. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley: <i>boy am I one lucky dude. My first three years were not so great. No fancy chow, no regular Milk Bones and nobody who loved me like this. I used to worry about when I was going to be given away again; I haven't thought about that in a while.</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Enjoys relaxation</b>: This dog is one expert napper. He sleeps most of the day and all night. He peeks out of barely open eyelids, not wanting to miss a snack or a field trip. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley: <i>the Kind One never sleeps but she sure does like to sit in that chair with the lighted board in front of her. Some mornings I am ready for our walk long before she is and the waiting is intolerable. This must be how humans relax because she does an awful lot of it. My favorite time is when she scratches my belly. Belly rubs are the best way to relax!</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Protective</b>: That boy can bark! No intruder could get past the front door or any other entrance without Dudley announcing them. He is also extremely protective if he perceives danger. Normally a calm and unruffled fellow, if he thinks another dog could harm me, he defends with every ounce of his energy.</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley: <i>it's my job to make sure the house is safe and She is not in any danger. Sometimes it just feels good to let out a big bark, and another and another. But nobody is going to take Her away from me. </i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Well-traveled</b>: Dudley came here from Missouri and he has already been on two long car trips totaling almost a month and about 3,500 miles. He is a great traveler and loves the car rides and adventure (and the treats). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley: <i>when She says "want to go for a ride in the car?" of course I act enthusiastic. She sounds so happy about it and, after all, sometimes it means treats and always means spending more time with Her.</i></span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjzSERmmau-il1XtK4SBWej_slLWv0sIT9XEjh9O-xQUCmHi9zZZ96weXJGEYN99mQzZaP7Tx9-aDE-W3UVBH33ne49-ZOAawWlVZ0ZKGWuzwnY87IaUMpOHbLNYQikVMN_KEN6c4E7k/s1600/IMG_9803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjzSERmmau-il1XtK4SBWej_slLWv0sIT9XEjh9O-xQUCmHi9zZZ96weXJGEYN99mQzZaP7Tx9-aDE-W3UVBH33ne49-ZOAawWlVZ0ZKGWuzwnY87IaUMpOHbLNYQikVMN_KEN6c4E7k/s320/IMG_9803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting for chipmunks in the wood pile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Intelligent</b>: Dudley is not the world's smartest four-legged, but he has enough smarts to get along just fine. He is clueless about the danger of going in the street. While he now knows to sit at the curb until I tell him he can cross, he fails to comprehend why.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dudley: S<i>he doesn't understand that this sitting at the curb business means wasted time that could be used in chasing rabbits. But it makes her happy and if I don't do it she won't cross the street. Not smart if you ask me, but she gets along ok.</i></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Already into our second quarter, Dudley and I make a pretty good team and I feel blessed with dividends. He's good company and just the best sort of chocolate friend anyone could ask for. </span><br />
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</span>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-87861616795119952672011-09-09T12:43:00.000-07:002011-09-10T06:50:03.178-07:00After the Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPojfZ_GZ_4MNmukE1vsDexRd9H_f5pftX_lJxZHuMRApAR5FZ1ESuhVwKqCab0HjqLtMLu2ybq7xiGH9CEWisWp2pyC5w-4H1exQpl4O5LJmClaAZIjD-Qecp5cmBfDx9zWxE0vqSmY/s1600/IMG_9934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPojfZ_GZ_4MNmukE1vsDexRd9H_f5pftX_lJxZHuMRApAR5FZ1ESuhVwKqCab0HjqLtMLu2ybq7xiGH9CEWisWp2pyC5w-4H1exQpl4O5LJmClaAZIjD-Qecp5cmBfDx9zWxE0vqSmY/s640/IMG_9934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It rained in record inches for many days straight - after we had an earthquake and hurricane/tropical storm. In short, it has been a weatherman's dream week.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MUyyN21eTX_IQ3W116UICtD3u9RjAkp-Zkm42fWgggbSAWJL6smDFj0M9k0hASpxeaPLUrbNoS2jTa_IEYTaHE5DzJ31QfZ_bGQeISpCENZk-tKCBwN-XT4b_9t2mUFuw0pFvJ6h78M/s1600/IMG_9935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MUyyN21eTX_IQ3W116UICtD3u9RjAkp-Zkm42fWgggbSAWJL6smDFj0M9k0hASpxeaPLUrbNoS2jTa_IEYTaHE5DzJ31QfZ_bGQeISpCENZk-tKCBwN-XT4b_9t2mUFuw0pFvJ6h78M/s320/IMG_9935.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Basements have leaked, roads have been closed, people have been injured or killed and things have been doggone awful. In fact, it has been very hard on dogs and their humans; mine has been indignant at my insistence that we shorten our long walks during the deluge. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then it stopped. The sky got bluer and bluer and the sun emerged, timidly. No more beating noise on the roof and windows, or chugging sounds from the sump pumps. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKIcjpGKcEmycp6hPhrS7TDTMEsMbt-bsOMdxuWP0mEXiCaA0h1oU5YgL02S2qNCr3o1ITtVswHQLklcHsXonrEpBVe3TYmndx1cq-fraDK2jU1MS1tI_CgylZOQHTvc34vDq5ujBYs0/s1600/IMG_9891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKIcjpGKcEmycp6hPhrS7TDTMEsMbt-bsOMdxuWP0mEXiCaA0h1oU5YgL02S2qNCr3o1ITtVswHQLklcHsXonrEpBVe3TYmndx1cq-fraDK2jU1MS1tI_CgylZOQHTvc34vDq5ujBYs0/s640/IMG_9891.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I couldn't resist shouting loudly to my waterlogged sleeping dog, "Dudley the sun is out," and flinging open the door to the garden and going out to wallow in it. Outside, here is what we saw:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDi8PNVN1bbmu8ovfvThdlderLl2zKL4O4TrFussKAqfes5B6NiOgSv-KRkxhJhZEweytNdJl_SMFh2k7swj4jYfKKC9_vg3WIccQDphTaoMGKc_tiuW-LMxaR9mo4D_e-yqhv5cXyLI/s1600/IMG_9905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDi8PNVN1bbmu8ovfvThdlderLl2zKL4O4TrFussKAqfes5B6NiOgSv-KRkxhJhZEweytNdJl_SMFh2k7swj4jYfKKC9_vg3WIccQDphTaoMGKc_tiuW-LMxaR9mo4D_e-yqhv5cXyLI/s640/IMG_9905.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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OH HAPPY DAY!</div>
Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-57738920732927083512011-08-15T14:36:00.000-07:002011-08-16T04:42:09.381-07:00Choosing a favorite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3blbOXvTcUVNzxCDSDRtJp-fJlS4miAAZSOcdFo_eFcimH0pzefmcf5OI3iJhECPus5doUCIrtFDPg6-L90qVr8L0LedLeUiV5CXwSVkgFFgvrd2geENPfrL0ABJxyH6ww-0Aukdz6M/s1600/IMG_9698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3blbOXvTcUVNzxCDSDRtJp-fJlS4miAAZSOcdFo_eFcimH0pzefmcf5OI3iJhECPus5doUCIrtFDPg6-L90qVr8L0LedLeUiV5CXwSVkgFFgvrd2geENPfrL0ABJxyH6ww-0Aukdz6M/s320/IMG_9698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">From the cabin in rural Kentucky...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have never been good at choosing favorites. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My youngest child always said that his favorite subject was “lunch.” That same child, long grown, sometimes announces himself with “Hi Mom, it’s your favorite son.” Favorites are of course a no-no of parenting, as if it would be possible to choose anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On my fourth day of complete relaxation, as I enjoyed a third cup of coffee on the screened porch of our cabin on the lake in Kentucky, I pondered the question of favorites. “Is morning or evening my favorite time at the lake,” I thought. It occurred to me that it was a luxury to have the opportunity to have nothing better to do than ponder the best times of day. Here's why it is impossible to choose:</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>MORNING FAVORITES</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dew falls from the trees, making tinkling sounds on the tin roof long before daylight.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXs54zoS4wiFUtrgNBBr7Md_X4KnmWoIYkmBs7BxvTPPUn1-vyW5jw6qSz-xkwm4KQfGTL87W9hAsYr2UkuN129RrFrD7G2XXasQThYhvHPEsxbRjliifPgmEG_5JZtpHvK9UgVvHUlQ/s1600/IMG_9637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXs54zoS4wiFUtrgNBBr7Md_X4KnmWoIYkmBs7BxvTPPUn1-vyW5jw6qSz-xkwm4KQfGTL87W9hAsYr2UkuN129RrFrD7G2XXasQThYhvHPEsxbRjliifPgmEG_5JZtpHvK9UgVvHUlQ/s320/IMG_9637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day birds wake up and begin their socializing. Most prominent are crows, swallows and bluebirds.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4X5bvMeRukWSuJvWTPIkpQmKItQ8cBycId2Q0LPQIaNO_2z21woH8mYqwPhyphenhyphenue0tS7bvghwfNdslZ4GPcjLzIIT6CkMk2oTwkB5DRaqJ50hFksX5K8ebch4TXxoD5eS45QYo0rRKarg/s1600/IMG_9702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4X5bvMeRukWSuJvWTPIkpQmKItQ8cBycId2Q0LPQIaNO_2z21woH8mYqwPhyphenhyphenue0tS7bvghwfNdslZ4GPcjLzIIT6CkMk2oTwkB5DRaqJ50hFksX5K8ebch4TXxoD5eS45QYo0rRKarg/s320/IMG_9702.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The mist hesitates on the lake until the sun rises high enough – after 9:00 – to begin to burn it off.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8YyF2AJKRVSSG9j1zr35bd1ZzNG3i7YlD6CkP-9TxL827RZ5bT5VPYTNN161tACcdOuQwrcUERv2EqujI1AtdrTMOkyBdFsksBoNJvDzae-ldZhS-YFrS_5bD5MIVNiSOEIJl5sq28Q/s1600/IMG_9694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8YyF2AJKRVSSG9j1zr35bd1ZzNG3i7YlD6CkP-9TxL827RZ5bT5VPYTNN161tACcdOuQwrcUERv2EqujI1AtdrTMOkyBdFsksBoNJvDzae-ldZhS-YFrS_5bD5MIVNiSOEIJl5sq28Q/s320/IMG_9694.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The lake is still and clear as glass, stirring only after a breeze announces itself with the rustling of leaves.</span></li>
</ul></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL2muG0Y2Ly0LJZYJCmn7xty_vz2l3BR_F8JASfxa4NyZOFh_kcO_T-IwXOoDeJnTXAW9Cqc3wJdR7BboqS0edH5IZMJWxKIt9qiDITfjBMaCsehprIx4a3_V4RAeY7m0tXbsgOzCEHo/s1600/IMG_9687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL2muG0Y2Ly0LJZYJCmn7xty_vz2l3BR_F8JASfxa4NyZOFh_kcO_T-IwXOoDeJnTXAW9Cqc3wJdR7BboqS0edH5IZMJWxKIt9qiDITfjBMaCsehprIx4a3_V4RAeY7m0tXbsgOzCEHo/s320/IMG_9687.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Water birds sometimes visit – most mornings it was a great blue heron who did not like being disturbed by woman and dog; two mornings I heard the descent of a dozen <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Goose">Canada Geese</a> who nearly disappeared in the mist over the lake (they also disliked the dog).</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_buh-eqfBXMZQ8Te5LV9KG2wzj11nlAUh6e8TXYuzXqz8xWcAd-NmdplXJkytrdngjaIiLObcOeb6sxO_yIMGkhyphenhyphenuOAFD5fQXuu8kYv1kZyL0agNneir3HDn8ntuIgIbfJKFPSoQb7Dk/s1600/IMG_9631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_buh-eqfBXMZQ8Te5LV9KG2wzj11nlAUh6e8TXYuzXqz8xWcAd-NmdplXJkytrdngjaIiLObcOeb6sxO_yIMGkhyphenhyphenuOAFD5fQXuu8kYv1kZyL0agNneir3HDn8ntuIgIbfJKFPSoQb7Dk/s320/IMG_9631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Turtles climb their logs, clumsily scuttling back into the water, easily startled by the noise of gravel under feet and paws.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fish break the surface of the water near the shore, occasionally jumping and causing a big splash.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVlGAhnwFHybYJbyJB6yDDZUIghT5HiFukVpIJgPvCa6wWWcEONMGmvSklYWXbrG0nkVEdpHVcKsEmn5zXTi4ZeTQjLOz_mtZ_TkP_2W8SZgTgHycwNFY_Y4Tx2O1itL2ZYeIZkU5jhk/s1600/IMG_9599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVlGAhnwFHybYJbyJB6yDDZUIghT5HiFukVpIJgPvCa6wWWcEONMGmvSklYWXbrG0nkVEdpHVcKsEmn5zXTi4ZeTQjLOz_mtZ_TkP_2W8SZgTgHycwNFY_Y4Tx2O1itL2ZYeIZkU5jhk/s320/IMG_9599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mlw49swhvGivVKYYyyka3zvkIfHIby9ZAETpnrVGiaDEbDxuCfSTeG1uPrAn86sNwXLOcX767lPnQzoomD9QcgtUmB5iuSMNRAkiHSdUjyc9DcKITHl34dYwxd8BCIlCBFlEsNoFooI/s1600/IMG_9605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mlw49swhvGivVKYYyyka3zvkIfHIby9ZAETpnrVGiaDEbDxuCfSTeG1uPrAn86sNwXLOcX767lPnQzoomD9QcgtUmB5iuSMNRAkiHSdUjyc9DcKITHl34dYwxd8BCIlCBFlEsNoFooI/s320/IMG_9605.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnjAGcLLEmy3tnqJYe2pczMKM9bIhNRZe6nw31ooRoRdGvZWc3xnl8eqYIes1pQFSEHOZLP1hi_rCLMRkRtQso2yVAMSMaN86z3AeTKE8W6WaAv5Xgbal3jhYG6eema4qJxFAtNZP0WY/s1600/IMG_9645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnjAGcLLEmy3tnqJYe2pczMKM9bIhNRZe6nw31ooRoRdGvZWc3xnl8eqYIes1pQFSEHOZLP1hi_rCLMRkRtQso2yVAMSMaN86z3AeTKE8W6WaAv5Xgbal3jhYG6eema4qJxFAtNZP0WY/s320/IMG_9645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybcvQN7Q1xSGpVt8OLdV8hE0SjS0Z8EvCyvFOg64NPB5jLSh8q6hCGhRNUd_y0-YSXHscqtfR5o-vMBLJ-tTmWtlCHIkPAbUBMrbvv_QWqMJ8h6WlYQ-kNbLdrQK8Awhcjr9zxJ0Mm9A/s1600/IMG_9524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybcvQN7Q1xSGpVt8OLdV8hE0SjS0Z8EvCyvFOg64NPB5jLSh8q6hCGhRNUd_y0-YSXHscqtfR5o-vMBLJ-tTmWtlCHIkPAbUBMrbvv_QWqMJ8h6WlYQ-kNbLdrQK8Awhcjr9zxJ0Mm9A/s320/IMG_9524.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfiIP038SPZJ39wc3NsFj9Af3FA5AM6FflhHy64kXfWGr6Ek4QKk5PU4ZGyjAg8mM-QlIUv92p9OhO94cLgwtCS1dJXYsxXtPICvwC5ZItluXs1kS2JO1eAk5t4J8VjgYMvlPAa9rcJE/s1600/IMG_9522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></a></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sun spotlights the wildflowers and even the weeds.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSosOzsyQm31NZtI-TkAZNFjwkzCZtmPtlCanNRAgFMbXvuXgpv9D5vuN_qUZlL0ChChuCSV3aabobbIkiSlGKTCyQVNnUJayNkWztDWad4lWXWwz9SDdxi6o5c9iYY8lHGFO0HDkj0k/s1600/IMG_9526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSosOzsyQm31NZtI-TkAZNFjwkzCZtmPtlCanNRAgFMbXvuXgpv9D5vuN_qUZlL0ChChuCSV3aabobbIkiSlGKTCyQVNnUJayNkWztDWad4lWXWwz9SDdxi6o5c9iYY8lHGFO0HDkj0k/s320/IMG_9526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqikKnHG45yftVZENsP7IAnYb4D5KSOR-1KIWwdQfuBWVkQL2AY7GFg097Svr-TqWIDc1S6rtcu8OFOGq2Hicr6LfRawSJWnk9wTqxah6-rnCp9vxcJyWbI4U_BIs8YjF7paF0SSnRu4/s1600/IMG_9664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqikKnHG45yftVZENsP7IAnYb4D5KSOR-1KIWwdQfuBWVkQL2AY7GFg097Svr-TqWIDc1S6rtcu8OFOGq2Hicr6LfRawSJWnk9wTqxah6-rnCp9vxcJyWbI4U_BIs8YjF7paF0SSnRu4/s320/IMG_9664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k6Y7K5eI21RyRD5AepuDiYCMdHkPL46bH2QEfNpw1ga7Usw9_-mF51qN9GmEe_NPE_CAnWkdGZlLsAwhdKlgwcfRd2lXcbSSjBM7Zcf-0Jaw0uWeBITzvNlWeMyCDtgFzH2OvBYcrho/s1600/IMG_9757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dragon flies take off for their reconnaissance along the shore, stopping for food and continuing their erratic flight patterns, returning frequently to inspect.</span></li>
</ul><ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb-FnOaLoGolW17fzxLrVFPcLgY7loFesV_dYuEDuual4jPxrUPOdw_Et1ptwpfXFY4DDGRkRXav9kJemRFS7Ai_D2wSF7gKGCywK-KR5lSUVA__-fEjgWeuv8_W0i2Iok49GtHQEEms/s1600/IMG_9552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb-FnOaLoGolW17fzxLrVFPcLgY7loFesV_dYuEDuual4jPxrUPOdw_Et1ptwpfXFY4DDGRkRXav9kJemRFS7Ai_D2wSF7gKGCywK-KR5lSUVA__-fEjgWeuv8_W0i2Iok49GtHQEEms/s320/IMG_9552.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Box turtles begin forraging; one rehydrating in a rain puddle in the gravel road.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Insects hum and horseflies begin to bite the dog, whose responding gyrations cause him to look like a pool of melted milk chocolate.</span></li>
</ul></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpp2UnaPZGH9-B9ng0JEE-2OJOD36UopxbPjv8CJZa1HEgVxUL3nsfE_QsHb7Ni2IxOJViUeoElN7bPLMJppCcmAmWebHsLms9aaZQ2HBPJ5z2newni4Hy6hvmOekELeQUcHUh7p0M18/s1600/IMG_9751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpp2UnaPZGH9-B9ng0JEE-2OJOD36UopxbPjv8CJZa1HEgVxUL3nsfE_QsHb7Ni2IxOJViUeoElN7bPLMJppCcmAmWebHsLms9aaZQ2HBPJ5z2newni4Hy6hvmOekELeQUcHUh7p0M18/s320/IMG_9751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">A hawk begins his quest for breakfast in the back meadow where bunnies and squirrels are plentiful.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MRdbfEduG4LvyyP50hTvGtREGNqgmSAbXBz7CtLJw-sI08qtlJet5Fj3C5t_0mSXbYnmSGDA9wsXpyxhKCYe6keGHz6XWXDdCp_Lh2tkz0bLOjvK72ZK_5qxFMvfLPXOeeJJpHBPLUg/s1600/IMG_9617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MRdbfEduG4LvyyP50hTvGtREGNqgmSAbXBz7CtLJw-sI08qtlJet5Fj3C5t_0mSXbYnmSGDA9wsXpyxhKCYe6keGHz6XWXDdCp_Lh2tkz0bLOjvK72ZK_5qxFMvfLPXOeeJJpHBPLUg/s320/IMG_9617.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Toadstools look enchanting in the early glow.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWv8JyJHk6L2uToPTzqEgrfbmloLnpg3tFE0ut7zDMYsvjh7D9jS83-aW0HoS8FDR7TF5rP8mYTpmzo0nu5boAIaleM48FdVVrqKoViKSW22mVPmfO3zM3I3Zn0g5iNxvnUV_p70XjtQ/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWv8JyJHk6L2uToPTzqEgrfbmloLnpg3tFE0ut7zDMYsvjh7D9jS83-aW0HoS8FDR7TF5rP8mYTpmzo0nu5boAIaleM48FdVVrqKoViKSW22mVPmfO3zM3I3Zn0g5iNxvnUV_p70XjtQ/s320/IMG_9593.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dudley takes his first of many swims of the day, then rolls in the wet grass.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">EVENING FAVORITES<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKncXp6x2wU2QHnT82mq1XDliIcWd8fQAbeomAWeXc7x9pcHOsIvzSVJsGA2OjZ2qSkFf9b60J9KSNehGeS9jZ9ICGC4S5_BsK_JvnEN7TeLl1S1o4OLAHlTe6FwpdVVbVpGANLYzBKGA/s1600/IMG_9778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKncXp6x2wU2QHnT82mq1XDliIcWd8fQAbeomAWeXc7x9pcHOsIvzSVJsGA2OjZ2qSkFf9b60J9KSNehGeS9jZ9ICGC4S5_BsK_JvnEN7TeLl1S1o4OLAHlTe6FwpdVVbVpGANLYzBKGA/s320/IMG_9778.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4qD5a5MNl-CBdXoLXhEHrpUKJSvCgEJAPWLObkkXUbbNUcuhYG0D2zlzEOFxUXhyphenhyphenJdaajkKNQtdYjoEmi0VLsSbcksY1f9ijSIGqJxgAALZSKa4nIXZAUj6UMeHVjMLRxv8KGu3mr0Y/s1600/IMG_9520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4qD5a5MNl-CBdXoLXhEHrpUKJSvCgEJAPWLObkkXUbbNUcuhYG0D2zlzEOFxUXhyphenhyphenJdaajkKNQtdYjoEmi0VLsSbcksY1f9ijSIGqJxgAALZSKa4nIXZAUj6UMeHVjMLRxv8KGu3mr0Y/s320/IMG_9520.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBYavNowt4C1t9v0snrxewCHK4vD5svsu4MX1yrzY8sm9HAaK-UNYnQv8b2WUDgg81HPgOfLCmZJ3qZ6h3FLI0x5mFxTF1EREioeHUlM4A2oZMgBE042AszPUAC7qTubmkskUtN0brt8/s1600/IMG_8636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><ul><li>Fog begins to descend on the lake as the sun falls behind the hills.</li>
<li>Bats come from their hiding places (a few are in the eves of our roof) and begin swooping after the insects. </li>
<li>The temperature drops considerably.</li>
</ul></span><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBYavNowt4C1t9v0snrxewCHK4vD5svsu4MX1yrzY8sm9HAaK-UNYnQv8b2WUDgg81HPgOfLCmZJ3qZ6h3FLI0x5mFxTF1EREioeHUlM4A2oZMgBE042AszPUAC7qTubmkskUtN0brt8/s1600/IMG_8636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBYavNowt4C1t9v0snrxewCHK4vD5svsu4MX1yrzY8sm9HAaK-UNYnQv8b2WUDgg81HPgOfLCmZJ3qZ6h3FLI0x5mFxTF1EREioeHUlM4A2oZMgBE042AszPUAC7qTubmkskUtN0brt8/s320/IMG_8636.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><ul><li>The sky turns pink in the direction of the lowering ball of heat.</li>
<li>The last rays of sun glint and sparkle through the trees.</li>
</ul></span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrx9-1aw17fCTuzEyxNYW-5EOpJXegroPsflUt7BbLoRZdOGQWzxQxzz3ZVkDhM-Z6atPt0T-hGFRpD2naMFY0VXLFdgG9YhNvhzUrdCE31MgXWAcr4thxAyXJrZFLLdraITMo5Q7bfA/s1600/IMG_8670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrx9-1aw17fCTuzEyxNYW-5EOpJXegroPsflUt7BbLoRZdOGQWzxQxzz3ZVkDhM-Z6atPt0T-hGFRpD2naMFY0VXLFdgG9YhNvhzUrdCE31MgXWAcr4thxAyXJrZFLLdraITMo5Q7bfA/s320/IMG_8670.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-BMDQh3udKgjGG97Ir3CBXWl_VLkWdC2ni6FZMMoU8o9Tgl-tebWteVY9c_ZhHT82ZDLKbMWWduRgzmTieFLID1mhRVGH1EwfVwXLkIby1shW76UYmwXODk3AmkcWJxC_yMkVbtUdzk/s1600/IMG_9768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-BMDQh3udKgjGG97Ir3CBXWl_VLkWdC2ni6FZMMoU8o9Tgl-tebWteVY9c_ZhHT82ZDLKbMWWduRgzmTieFLID1mhRVGH1EwfVwXLkIby1shW76UYmwXODk3AmkcWJxC_yMkVbtUdzk/s320/IMG_9768.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunlight dances on the ripples of the lake, like wayward Tinkerbells beaconing to those ashore.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The moon, nearly full this week, rises above the hills behind the cabin.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Coyotes yowl in the hills beyond.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Daytime birds shout their good-nights (the crows rudely use their loudest voices).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Night birds make shrill calls in the woods behind the sulphur spring, one with a voice like a child who often gets what he wants. The <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/whip-poor-will/sounds"><b>whip-poor-will</b></a> repeats his calls over and over and over.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">A hound wails, its barking rising and falling as it runs up and down the hills beyond.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTNmHKBKp4jiMCQvBBSS5bVKb7wy58BNsRsSVITmGKRwJ6zxHxMi-IADp81EN5UG3LRwshDrhA5VSGf6tx_YxRRiv2CB3JecSRxPrmMK3V2TyJOKWKFslDJYZaW8OioXE3DQaja8SKD8/s1600/IMG_9797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTNmHKBKp4jiMCQvBBSS5bVKb7wy58BNsRsSVITmGKRwJ6zxHxMi-IADp81EN5UG3LRwshDrhA5VSGf6tx_YxRRiv2CB3JecSRxPrmMK3V2TyJOKWKFslDJYZaW8OioXE3DQaja8SKD8/s640/IMG_9797.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the nearly full moon behind us, a comical elongated shadow of woman and dog walks ahead of us.</span></li>
</ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaVc-YjI14NO8BCqjkt8cIIG_OWKNB8ghBPftPqI4Gx9so2tSPTc_Yo-SRE4BVOG6d6sMYcxs_6MxdTZCZtYx28invgKcIZqvYz6-bEioXcHpn1hlHyYkZKgYzEvgWwdxrAbKQPAC7C0/s1600/IMG_9671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaVc-YjI14NO8BCqjkt8cIIG_OWKNB8ghBPftPqI4Gx9so2tSPTc_Yo-SRE4BVOG6d6sMYcxs_6MxdTZCZtYx28invgKcIZqvYz6-bEioXcHpn1hlHyYkZKgYzEvgWwdxrAbKQPAC7C0/s320/IMG_9671.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No human noises are audible. Frogs converse, insects chirp, hum and cackle. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">A light breeze makes the trees quiver and the leaves make a sound like the lapping of a gentle tide at shore.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The dog plunges in the water in the stream, anxious for one last swim and relief from the horseflies that have yet to bed down. </span></li>
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</div></div>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-67333645080327977992011-08-13T09:23:00.000-07:002011-08-13T10:41:39.905-07:00On the Withlacoochee Trail in Citrus County. Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b><i>Dudley had his first visit to Florida. I have visited many times before and enjoyed taking him to some of my favorite walking spots. We walked the Withlacoochee Trail (by</i></b><a href="http://railstotrailsonline.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6aa84f;"><i> Rails to Trails</i></span></b></a><b><i>) every morning and evening. I noticed I had more conversation with other trail users when I had a dog in tow, or was in the tow of a dog.</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsaslAxsuYP8gLdmem03t3l7h3xsinI6igQYyxMKLXvBYo1pZn6-E7jjjkj4uDN73vw3XutaHtTaV2wbyJ5BbJiNvHjLfUhqAQQ2yHYu491lGHxp0MaUq_8hqtWd5t0-LhC9xacUoSaM/s1600/IMG_9075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsaslAxsuYP8gLdmem03t3l7h3xsinI6igQYyxMKLXvBYo1pZn6-E7jjjkj4uDN73vw3XutaHtTaV2wbyJ5BbJiNvHjLfUhqAQQ2yHYu491lGHxp0MaUq_8hqtWd5t0-LhC9xacUoSaM/s400/IMG_9075.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDcyd_IG_gQ_nVodYP2yhP_QC0FPBgxB_Qm1_7oQx8ygsKTGXYubCCaz-tD4hyphenhyphenUfy7dASaeC_eqZh4sUEO9fl4tjDw2i9fHxYrd57_JWhmc83Hpeap7kyzRNwXhm4xLfThb07-E-_Mc8/s1600/IMG_9037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDcyd_IG_gQ_nVodYP2yhP_QC0FPBgxB_Qm1_7oQx8ygsKTGXYubCCaz-tD4hyphenhyphenUfy7dASaeC_eqZh4sUEO9fl4tjDw2i9fHxYrd57_JWhmc83Hpeap7kyzRNwXhm4xLfThb07-E-_Mc8/s320/IMG_9037.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEUJf4E6lsneoeEFgSXCMqbAMfqubmi8YG228dUapFUIZISx148aIJn2poXsXKb3CpKRUjcAsY3oKxKZGqHHL9XCvCtF45Guo_cPmnklauGPKpTZCvIb79_UfT1WMsf1RnxJ-JyJlZLE/s1600/IMG_8966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEUJf4E6lsneoeEFgSXCMqbAMfqubmi8YG228dUapFUIZISx148aIJn2poXsXKb3CpKRUjcAsY3oKxKZGqHHL9XCvCtF45Guo_cPmnklauGPKpTZCvIb79_UfT1WMsf1RnxJ-JyJlZLE/s400/IMG_8966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Because there was a lot of stopping to sniff, discover and mark special places, walking with Dudley on an exciting and interesting trail took some time; it was nearly impossible to cover more than three miles in one hour. I used this time to take photographs of some of the beautiful scenery, wildflowers and wildlife along the path.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRirec7u8wkLfO7oItCRXt7_LmWDEZbSbaksw8g9ZoYuzRMBMmmlras6avhGKD8rfSzE3zohXBXk8Rh7h-Th7nJy6AeHz4AcPFA6JuoRfqiW9O7x2sjlJIdWMF11cftr4stp_qOZbSKM/s1600/IMG_9101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRirec7u8wkLfO7oItCRXt7_LmWDEZbSbaksw8g9ZoYuzRMBMmmlras6avhGKD8rfSzE3zohXBXk8Rh7h-Th7nJy6AeHz4AcPFA6JuoRfqiW9O7x2sjlJIdWMF11cftr4stp_qOZbSKM/s320/IMG_9101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyYmODsVe581gpjXSWeUDTeJ64rkLH4en2q43f-8oftiGclFdJQBVy9_TkNZDTOYUyeASDjDGgsREoTALHAI8EhKDydGCA6Fg1BiefI-H_q30oaO0sv6tgWx3lCPxnlvR8A0as_jJHoE/s1600/IMG_9122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyYmODsVe581gpjXSWeUDTeJ64rkLH4en2q43f-8oftiGclFdJQBVy9_TkNZDTOYUyeASDjDGgsREoTALHAI8EhKDydGCA6Fg1BiefI-H_q30oaO0sv6tgWx3lCPxnlvR8A0as_jJHoE/s320/IMG_9122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>People are generally very friendly in Citrus County. On the trail where I walked, they were older than I am, frequent walkers and bikers (lots of three-wheelers and low-riders) and curious about the new dog in the neighborhood. Because of Dudley, and perhaps because I did less power walking than on dog-free visits, several people spoke more than the usual "how do you do?"<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63Cm3AuNIxLikrhyepm1HaYJdXIosUX1o5oThX4ID-qXrM0H8f3ws1Qy6wY0UHDzaeQw2UXxHTcLiMqC22NcFSDRdayWFRhPpGdYDEPE7Nd7-3AjINU3SbyIFrTs17nHaZCijxReBKk8/s1600/IMG_9176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63Cm3AuNIxLikrhyepm1HaYJdXIosUX1o5oThX4ID-qXrM0H8f3ws1Qy6wY0UHDzaeQw2UXxHTcLiMqC22NcFSDRdayWFRhPpGdYDEPE7Nd7-3AjINU3SbyIFrTs17nHaZCijxReBKk8/s320/IMG_9176.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rest stop along the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR8tkgcbOjBuiBLhOsb2bryGabGfUHDJBlewcrvzp39FEdQsfSB0NTyenImxTOE0EB6dzvANygRCOV7KpiyEKFNXnvEsMt-cVBcnFEX0ezo5hj3KBlkojiETymZvEct4wO2s6vZFvAqU/s1600/IMG_9191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR8tkgcbOjBuiBLhOsb2bryGabGfUHDJBlewcrvzp39FEdQsfSB0NTyenImxTOE0EB6dzvANygRCOV7KpiyEKFNXnvEsMt-cVBcnFEX0ezo5hj3KBlkojiETymZvEct4wO2s6vZFvAqU/s320/IMG_9191.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrC_ixdG0XwP04u3MKq4OrlLkvT7vUo4CNaazYDRml7T7l_p_R0vb3QOEiyNzcGTok_ofanBrJfVA-ucgOeD6EnouPUiF3zgH9puJmhtjRe_rJHLTAGT_yft9AGJqSPx8PMNM6h7J4zk/s1600/IMG_9182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrC_ixdG0XwP04u3MKq4OrlLkvT7vUo4CNaazYDRml7T7l_p_R0vb3QOEiyNzcGTok_ofanBrJfVA-ucgOeD6EnouPUiF3zgH9puJmhtjRe_rJHLTAGT_yft9AGJqSPx8PMNM6h7J4zk/s320/IMG_9182.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">An elderly man and his grandson, fishing poles in hand, approached one early evening when Dudley was soaked from a dip in the lake. "Keep your dog away from the water this time of day," said the grandfather, nodding to the young grandson. "Evening's when the gators feed... Unless you're tired of your dog, of course." He grinned a little and they were on their way. No more evening swims; the next day we saw a gator in his swimming spot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPEjX2f8JwKx6naZK6K9QQa6JD7u4KWIXYvj4CA9U_5P7KeZdCLDJ1bFyJMmLa0LkPRR1q-3aNrnFthwEV6IrGBFs1wgaDjZTCdWHNb_HR2_QXY97v5_TeTP1sfMPOLdTerb4p9L-274/s1600/IMG_9194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPEjX2f8JwKx6naZK6K9QQa6JD7u4KWIXYvj4CA9U_5P7KeZdCLDJ1bFyJMmLa0LkPRR1q-3aNrnFthwEV6IrGBFs1wgaDjZTCdWHNb_HR2_QXY97v5_TeTP1sfMPOLdTerb4p9L-274/s320/IMG_9194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjeccGBd1duESQ5lBlbK7IgriHn_mcnwE_ntNHdBBrh3iWCh8kTD8QzamkLvOimFc-1E1AnnqmWLUuM0NbTR9SlCVJgpuS-Oa2Uk5AblSX6F0nfog7t1nIM15S0SRcXcOlka7B1yJfGg/s1600/IMG_9198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjeccGBd1duESQ5lBlbK7IgriHn_mcnwE_ntNHdBBrh3iWCh8kTD8QzamkLvOimFc-1E1AnnqmWLUuM0NbTR9SlCVJgpuS-Oa2Uk5AblSX6F0nfog7t1nIM15S0SRcXcOlka7B1yJfGg/s320/IMG_9198.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWLCMKkw65AeEAUEav33r5Ezy3ehApec5lzSub8roB5tfl0qxRNE1mrkeD5hDqY5luVYuzGExlpNj9RcJCL2ey2V4D9RKDLmCBRnf15-noOednfv1dXXy3DHlgGRQNkFwR-o7k5UoptA/s1600/IMG_9241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWLCMKkw65AeEAUEav33r5Ezy3ehApec5lzSub8roB5tfl0qxRNE1mrkeD5hDqY5luVYuzGExlpNj9RcJCL2ey2V4D9RKDLmCBRnf15-noOednfv1dXXy3DHlgGRQNkFwR-o7k5UoptA/s320/IMG_9241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOTza8qq6WK-lwJIpzBQuqyRlbc-7w-6SFKjCFrHIc_umNBwpVfYuA7R8Fw-5A8MUd64nsTZ7lDQ34FY_Zd7QbvbA72BZMl8MT4mbe18SPuchM8Df9LJeXEUhfd1PstlHNE9uAT22U4s/s1600/IMG_9208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOTza8qq6WK-lwJIpzBQuqyRlbc-7w-6SFKjCFrHIc_umNBwpVfYuA7R8Fw-5A8MUd64nsTZ7lDQ34FY_Zd7QbvbA72BZMl8MT4mbe18SPuchM8Df9LJeXEUhfd1PstlHNE9uAT22U4s/s320/IMG_9208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call this "Squirrel Park" after its residents; here we saw a hawk catch and eat one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Older ladies tended to walk in small groups in the early morning. One particularly friendly one always spoke to Dudley. After a few days she spoke to me, "Your pup is getting bigger. He's grown since yesterday." They all kept walking, talking about how fast puppies grow up. I didn't tell her that Dudley is three, has short legs and is on weight maintenance food; let's hope he didn't grow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRVfif2z49WSNirUZEMu7WcvTz-7l07S1-SJg8dsx72xFjBE_18GCLVSITH3v0hXlE4c-s0JBK3BG_MxRF881tStMZ1HvONBiN4jbfO6KucUzXkaCfoj1_ZpxfdS0CghpjSVj4F1VcCQ/s1600/IMG_9168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRVfif2z49WSNirUZEMu7WcvTz-7l07S1-SJg8dsx72xFjBE_18GCLVSITH3v0hXlE4c-s0JBK3BG_MxRF881tStMZ1HvONBiN4jbfO6KucUzXkaCfoj1_ZpxfdS0CghpjSVj4F1VcCQ/s320/IMG_9168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>On my first morning with Dudley, a lady in her 60's cheerfully asked, "How are you doing today and what's your adorable dog's name?" Nearly every morning she asked, "How's Dudley doing today?" Then she usually added a cheerful "he sure looks happy to be out this morning." One morning she was riding a bicycle with her husband lagging behind. "How's the biking," I asked? "I decided to take the easy way today," she said, with a big smile. I think she must have been a kindergarten teacher or a cruise director. She was the happiest trailgoer I encountered and I looked forward to our brief visits.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiloG-9djR7r-u6fcLzP7FsHSCV-wJp6usn_jnLpq-T8O1iJCyCNk2Di0HRhSnL8DwPlglnEnJcb1vYymlB5hWN-XvjxPmDqN9kFLPVpt74x_MXWcze_XdJ7F4OsAhMjmXjwg4aHftUA/s1600/IMG_9215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiloG-9djR7r-u6fcLzP7FsHSCV-wJp6usn_jnLpq-T8O1iJCyCNk2Di0HRhSnL8DwPlglnEnJcb1vYymlB5hWN-XvjxPmDqN9kFLPVpt74x_MXWcze_XdJ7F4OsAhMjmXjwg4aHftUA/s320/IMG_9215.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXow1Ab9rxXRSKpvb2KnLjIuLukTZJr_cB6SqWhgJ2ouXl_6yafjX76PCAO2_JFoKNPp6Tahe2Mqs92EMytiv_hDQO9EHw-5Wc5f5_PjwlyEOUQKRCFcLeldVoqSVpNeyg-codv7KpNY/s1600/IMG_8963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXow1Ab9rxXRSKpvb2KnLjIuLukTZJr_cB6SqWhgJ2ouXl_6yafjX76PCAO2_JFoKNPp6Tahe2Mqs92EMytiv_hDQO9EHw-5Wc5f5_PjwlyEOUQKRCFcLeldVoqSVpNeyg-codv7KpNY/s320/IMG_8963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>One man walked with his wife while sporting a very loud news radio station blaring in one ear. I wondered how his wife felt about that intrusion. He noticed Dudley stalking a squirrel and said "your dog must be a bird dog. Look at him point." I responded that he doesn't have much interest in birds and is more the rabbit and squirrel kind of dog.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyef8jdDaUmY3SfS0uh_LRR-RcH5ft5KJSfcs4J-u4lBFoBNvFcZ_P2antMC-As9LadrfTf_ZNpfd7okSOtR1MIbe8fjShm9dbD5rK_dDTJrQ0BBxEG1fWwW38VM7JKOg2jxo_fsiNJhg/s1600/IMG_9179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyef8jdDaUmY3SfS0uh_LRR-RcH5ft5KJSfcs4J-u4lBFoBNvFcZ_P2antMC-As9LadrfTf_ZNpfd7okSOtR1MIbe8fjShm9dbD5rK_dDTJrQ0BBxEG1fWwW38VM7JKOg2jxo_fsiNJhg/s320/IMG_9179.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zrgEHtUj43A4x4XkPdcHWhV-wMx_pCL_QeZlpReoFN_pCdbg1XZBs5aODM48nFkjN6zrib0m7q3OXmBzWo-C2GymBc7E3Lbl9f4fplmEtxkIa1Hr40_edtaYxd0SdXnIsP0b98i9BhQ/s1600/IMG_9209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zrgEHtUj43A4x4XkPdcHWhV-wMx_pCL_QeZlpReoFN_pCdbg1XZBs5aODM48nFkjN6zrib0m7q3OXmBzWo-C2GymBc7E3Lbl9f4fplmEtxkIa1Hr40_edtaYxd0SdXnIsP0b98i9BhQ/s320/IMG_9209.JPG" width="320" /></a>When we were in a crosswalk, a woman in a very old car stopped for us, poked her head out of the window and said, "I only stopped because of your dog. I love dogs. I don't like people so much. No offense." Then she drove off. Good thing I was with the dog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1205257956"></span><span id="goog_1205257957"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Don't know if my dog likes other dogs or not. Guess we'll find out," said an elderly man with a yappy little terrier. "Guess not," he said as the dog snapped and snarled at Dudley, who had no interest. We moved on but continued to see him most evenings and thereafter attempted no socializing.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfUdy6t_8GearOAswJTqEy1E_wTLGRmwzdlRyaYqWrxPJYw_bpaiL1WT1vqeCg3G08uExIqXLxIVua17138wyej16voMoeKbEowL8CCaHPkGCW2UpNcjrsWX_2jImoSzgIMIwuyNCLI8/s1600/IMG_9077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfUdy6t_8GearOAswJTqEy1E_wTLGRmwzdlRyaYqWrxPJYw_bpaiL1WT1vqeCg3G08uExIqXLxIVua17138wyej16voMoeKbEowL8CCaHPkGCW2UpNcjrsWX_2jImoSzgIMIwuyNCLI8/s320/IMG_9077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>"Sure is hot. Bet it's hotter being a dog," said a very large man on a very small bicycle as he wiped his sweaty face with a bandana.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvcpRbF-zco6ReRUgZvhTzevfkHHgAuTVppgGtnERY5K2y-PBB5CckEW3vO1wURnLZALCALbrjiVy1oQN7CG0l8VbhZhtphDH1MBPOechoI0I-2cpy-E7eMKMyVtuzhafY3Wla2PlkxM/s1600/IMG_9185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvcpRbF-zco6ReRUgZvhTzevfkHHgAuTVppgGtnERY5K2y-PBB5CckEW3vO1wURnLZALCALbrjiVy1oQN7CG0l8VbhZhtphDH1MBPOechoI0I-2cpy-E7eMKMyVtuzhafY3Wla2PlkxM/s400/IMG_9185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About dusk one evening, four bicycles were parked alongside the path and two young boys of about 9 were fishing off the bridge that takes the path over the water that connects two lakes. I asked the boys if they lost two, since there were twice as many bicycles as people. "Oh, the girls are in the water under the bridge," they replied. Sure enough, the girls were wading and throwing rocks. "I've seen a gator right about there every night this week," I said, pointing to a spot not far from them. Just as I said "week" one of the girls shouted "GATOR!" and there he was, some 6-feet of tough-skinned, shiny-toothed uglyness. There was much scrambling and screeching as they clambered up the bank. Dudley and I moved on as the drama commenced, the girls shouting "why did you want us to go down there. Alligators are dangerous. EEEWWWW! We could have been eaten." We continued to see the gator, patrolling that spot about that time every night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcTmOh6a-zep75LTn3CHX0j9OAOLRWCXr_ABE6bXUhzj9oeKqsEM2q5qz5NVVWTZktpViCCgqSkCG_D7Cn7ZcbxFyj4dM6L3_axJfAdp9wwmgSBzZmHQ0MlO_Bb1eQjFc5-Z4T8UNyro/s1600/IMG_9173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcTmOh6a-zep75LTn3CHX0j9OAOLRWCXr_ABE6bXUhzj9oeKqsEM2q5qz5NVVWTZktpViCCgqSkCG_D7Cn7ZcbxFyj4dM6L3_axJfAdp9wwmgSBzZmHQ0MlO_Bb1eQjFc5-Z4T8UNyro/s320/IMG_9173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I enjoyed my walks and getting to know a little bit about a lot of nice people. Next time I will do it all again.<br />
<br />
<i>The Withlacoochee Trail runs 46 miles from Citrus Springs to Dade City. There are lovely lakeside views and plenty of places to stop and enjoy small town fare (I like</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #38761d;"><b><i> </i></b></span><a href="http://business.intuit.com/boorah-restaurants/FL/inverness/little-italy-of-inverness-deli/E8AD447AEC.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #38761d;"><b><i>Little Italy Deli</i></b></span></a><i> in </i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: lime;"><a href="http://www.inverness-fl.gov/"><i>Inverness</i></a></span></b><i> where the owner said, "let me make the perfect salad just for you." It was. Try their homemade biscotti, too.)</i>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-39721180954782142072011-07-31T15:34:00.000-07:002011-07-31T15:36:04.075-07:00Sweet Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw7vAfdgmBeS13dlMfoigE1pEqqdyn9YAZhBhb_bv1q9zPWYzA4n0-VYRoJHABQ2Iel69r9SpVIuRK2i77Qbv0qj-0TP_enT6w8S4qLivKfe3TEk0OAwA6MS3haeEcH-6Jbfs6zv4YVY/s1600/IMG_9246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw7vAfdgmBeS13dlMfoigE1pEqqdyn9YAZhBhb_bv1q9zPWYzA4n0-VYRoJHABQ2Iel69r9SpVIuRK2i77Qbv0qj-0TP_enT6w8S4qLivKfe3TEk0OAwA6MS3haeEcH-6Jbfs6zv4YVY/s320/IMG_9246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The flavor of a treat is enhanced when it not only brings back memories but also pleases the recipient (and the cook, of course). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have been visiting my Mother and will be here a few more days. She isn’t as mobile as she used to be and doesn’t hear well so our entertainment options together are limited. I don’t watch TV and she has a hard time understanding it so even movies are out of the question (I rented movies from the library and I messed up her cable so I gave up on that after spending 45 minutes on the phone with the cable company). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love to cook so I have been enjoying fixing healthy lunches and dinners each day. We both prefer to eat less at night, so my dinner efforts have consisted of washing berries and scooping plain yogurt out of a container or making salads. Lunches have been a bit more involved, but very simple and with fresh ingredients. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maybe it is because I am from the South, but cooking has always been a special way to show love and caring. And it is a great way to make memories - because it feeds so many senses. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today was hot and humid and when thunderstorms began in the early afternoon, it was the perfect environment for a nap – or feeding the senses. I chose to keep us awake with iced coffee and bake SNICKERDOODLES. It was a way to show my Mother I love her and we could be fed by the aroma and deliciousness of these morsels of wonderfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mother made plenty of batches of sweet treats when I was a little girl. I remember so well those great smells welcoming me as I came in the door after school. Today I wanted to return the favor and feed her senses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Snickerdoodles are my special cookie, introduced by one of my Kentucky aunts when I was visiting her during my childhood. I made them for my boys and they always meet the good cookie requirements: simple preparation; available ingredients; great taste right out of the oven; and wonderful smell while baking. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mother had all of the ingredients except for shortening (I used butter instead) and I had a good time making the dough. Mother of course needed to taste it to make sure it was good. Then I made the little dough balls and rolled them in sugar and cinnamon. As soon as the first batch went in the oven, the house started to smell wonderful. Mother even commented on how aromatic they were.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I loved taking her a small plate of the first batch of my creations. She polished them all off and wandered in the kitchen for more. We didn’t do a lot of talking during those few hours of baking, but we communicated plenty. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Probably the best part of all was after the last batch was cooling on the racks, the kitchen clean, and I was sitting down to enjoy a cookie with the remainder of my iced coffee. Mother zipped into the kitchen, put some snickerdoodles in a bag and called to me as the front door was closing, “I’m taking some of your cookies to my neighbor.” That told me that she not only liked what I made but she was proud enough to share them with someone who also needed to feel special and taste something savory on a hot, stormy Sunday afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee9jSWnnMN1zn9iV_X27NqrZ1tmvpzmepu17YRlYwakaMcsGyxpSbQQ7p_n9CEDbujEBAYRFFvhzy5JWzcQTt9rLx4oCs9sQa1Byn7_zwTkO8ujE_HzhFx5O-OVQUdEYSJjcLpykf2I4/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee9jSWnnMN1zn9iV_X27NqrZ1tmvpzmepu17YRlYwakaMcsGyxpSbQQ7p_n9CEDbujEBAYRFFvhzy5JWzcQTt9rLx4oCs9sQa1Byn7_zwTkO8ujE_HzhFx5O-OVQUdEYSJjcLpykf2I4/s320/IMG_9248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Snickerdoodles</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i>from </i></b><a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/snickerdoodles/7ffc92a9-d847-4869-9ecb-99de3b751b14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;"><b><i>Betty Crocker</i></b></span></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">1 1/2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">Cups sugar<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">1/2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">Cup butter or margarine, softened<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">1/2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">Cup shortening<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">eggs<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">2 3/4<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">Cups flour<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">teaspoons cream of tartar<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">1<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">teaspoon baking soda<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">1/4<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">1/4<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">Cup sugar<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.0pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 319.0pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal">teaspoons ground cinnamon<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>DIRECTIONS</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Heat oven to 400ºF.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Mix 1 1/2 Cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs in large bowl.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Mix 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.</li>
</ul><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Makes about 36 cookies<o:p></o:p></div>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-64361462282084335122011-05-22T19:15:00.000-07:002011-09-29T09:44:07.275-07:00Love at First Click: My Internet Best Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhQ6XzangZBbafKWzIF0rEleUXM6tNUrLhyphenhyphenE1nN94A7anPIiZayl_OlxrTmhVbZi1_3-XCmLx65tGi280BIPoINSpN6fEZ5B0v5I6Z6Qy4Js6Bq8XO5a2d8ncpbKaeococxR1GHrNL4o/s1600/IMG_8182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a little help from Facebook, websites, and friends on the internet, I have a new love. Losing </span><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/dog-party-diary-of-best-last-day.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Dallas</span></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> just a month ago, I wasn't sure I wanted to look at dog adoptions right away -but rather enjoy the chance to be away from home longer, not have to take walks in the rain and so on. That lasted a few weeks. I miss the companionship, I like walks in the rain, and I love having a dog.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dudley grew up in Missouri and was rescued from a kill shelter by </span><b><a href="http://www.fortheloveoflabs.org/home.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">For the Love of Labs</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">,</span> an organization of dedicated volunteers that was started when someone saw a photo of a yellow lab that was to be euthanized at a high kill shelter the next day. The lab was taken off death row, given a forever home and a new life and the organization was born. Based in Connecticut, they have volunteers nationwide. Their rescues are listed on </span><a href="http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=CT438"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">PetFinder</span></span></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From a dedicated For the Love of Labs volunteer, Michelle, I received photos and descriptions that included Dudley. Immediately I likened this dog search by internet to dating and job hunting using the same vehicle; they all involved resume-sharing, exchanging likes and dislikes, unrealistic expectations, photos that might do more harm than good, and first meetings that could be disastrous.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After completing the application, I quickly heard from Cathy, the volunteer in Missouri who was overseeing his placement with a foster family and his ultimate adoption. Much like online dating, which I have tried and failed at, I was captured by one photo and description, but worried about the fit, the personality and the needs (this was, after all a male dog, not at all unlike male humans). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3K4CRt8KzfpB425_jkL6JwHXofTxcWrWNn5Y0DtZ9fPYPsjnix4XdewaQEpmptHzaDjiVbKEKAS9qkwoWgdCBw4L95x3ZDaGtb8GwZVmheNN6nF5HvIxLqLKsdmoTdMvVg5v3GutaMo/s1600/IMG_8188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3K4CRt8KzfpB425_jkL6JwHXofTxcWrWNn5Y0DtZ9fPYPsjnix4XdewaQEpmptHzaDjiVbKEKAS9qkwoWgdCBw4L95x3ZDaGtb8GwZVmheNN6nF5HvIxLqLKsdmoTdMvVg5v3GutaMo/s320/IMG_8188.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I almost backed out when I saw a forlorn photo of him and I thought "if he isn't a happy dog, how can we be a match?" Who wants to be the cheerleader all the time? I've had that dating experience and there isn't much in it for the cheerleader. What I hadn't considered is that this poor dog had been on death row, saved by volunteers and spent time in multiple homes since being dumped by his owner. What did he have to look happy about? Maybe what he needed was someone to love him.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRjKOsvau7D1Rw6MubgykgM6M9wgRrLDfRakoMOhtBpIZpaa63j5l3sD6bndYrLkrd1-lYr_j6csd4EyOc1T14jCUSkeUd6357a-QrbyBKJ8iwNV_RKzsOUfgjt9QtBayNxcPfi2LUyI/s1600/IMG_8216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRjKOsvau7D1Rw6MubgykgM6M9wgRrLDfRakoMOhtBpIZpaa63j5l3sD6bndYrLkrd1-lYr_j6csd4EyOc1T14jCUSkeUd6357a-QrbyBKJ8iwNV_RKzsOUfgjt9QtBayNxcPfi2LUyI/s320/IMG_8216.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dudley checks out the pond</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I meditated and prayed about it and waited for a sign. Sure enough, I got more than one. I was about to get a new best friend.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMW4R6szJlrQpunJXnSqt2rhq8Sh-wpMwThM2uRwsi2HkHobzjwHbAJ0dUVqzezl6r2xRglp93nrUneDgEVKvDQOIX7cBWTHvKjxZgMFGdmXSfeXF-Fwo4xyOmK71o-ruZdrBrkVVrnM/s1600/IMG_8185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMW4R6szJlrQpunJXnSqt2rhq8Sh-wpMwThM2uRwsi2HkHobzjwHbAJ0dUVqzezl6r2xRglp93nrUneDgEVKvDQOIX7cBWTHvKjxZgMFGdmXSfeXF-Fwo4xyOmK71o-ruZdrBrkVVrnM/s320/IMG_8185.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rescue adoptions can involve home visits, a contribution to cover transport, shots and other expenses, and answering some serious questions about how you plan to care for a dog for the rest of its life (example: "What happens to the dog if you move?"). Volunteers go to considerable time and expense to place these animals who encountered bad luck that wasn't their fault. They are fostered and carefully described on the website, cared for, given medical treatment and determined to be ready for adoption before they and their families are nurtured through the process.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cathy gave me regular progress reports and arranged transport on the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.alphadogtransport.com/Home_Page.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Alpha Dog Transport</span></span></b></a></span>, a dog transport program that safely gets rescues from a temporary situation to their new families. He was to ride from Missouri to Pennsylvania where I would meet him for the first time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did what new moms-to-be do: I hoarded stuff. Leashes, collars, a tag with name and address, food, treats, toys, a bed. I found a used dog crate, knowing I probably would never use it for my already housebroken 2-3 year old boy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meeting the transport involved a 2.5 hour drive each way, arriving at 4 am. Denise, another volunteer, kindly volunteered to wait at the pickup location starting at 3 am until I could arrive about 4 am. What a dedicated volunteer!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErnvtHLruA7Dqc3b_D8ecGay4MiX0Jp-CP4TFVpkaF_Iq0bp54sSDy6mWvXBcxEqyOGig2EYUAbAmSwLqI7ZRRyZDwnEd1Cpu5N8HUs4Y8N5pIbXI-t6HCMlAJOGCuZJmpR0RRsDtmiw/s1600/IMG_8207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErnvtHLruA7Dqc3b_D8ecGay4MiX0Jp-CP4TFVpkaF_Iq0bp54sSDy6mWvXBcxEqyOGig2EYUAbAmSwLqI7ZRRyZDwnEd1Cpu5N8HUs4Y8N5pIbXI-t6HCMlAJOGCuZJmpR0RRsDtmiw/s320/IMG_8207.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the parking lot of a gas station, I tried to get a good look at him - but it was 4 am! I confirmed he was brown and very short and his whole body wiggled when he wagged his tail. This was far better than any strange cyber date. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that he's home, he is doing a lot of sleeping, trying out all the rugs and the cool temperatures of the wood and stone floors. He has started sentry duty in the backyard, carefully marking all the spots, tolerating the much larger and more energetic black lab next door, and barking at a neighbor her sun hat and dark glasses as she approached the fence. He's enjoyed his neighborhood walks and has met lots of dogs. He is so good with other dogs, never aggressive or rude. He has marked the 'hood and sniffed it to his little heart's content. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLE20w49bxzonvF9EwOUkMlmvImdD1rNf_mN-J1OjpsHfkNS2-xDFfj-85PwOYPwi2opVlU3diCsAbzL0GveaRdsUcg2nepytNnAyiNafU9vWtUpCxdBZtXZnZ339iuJHdZpg-29pHW0/s1600/IMG_8229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLE20w49bxzonvF9EwOUkMlmvImdD1rNf_mN-J1OjpsHfkNS2-xDFfj-85PwOYPwi2opVlU3diCsAbzL0GveaRdsUcg2nepytNnAyiNafU9vWtUpCxdBZtXZnZ339iuJHdZpg-29pHW0/s320/IMG_8229.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's learning to sit (this really means he is getting a lot of yummy freeze dried duck treats courtesy of my sister...he isn't getting the "sit" thing yet). But when I ask him, leash in hand, if he wants to go for a walk, he wiggles every part of his body and barks! It's great. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm thrilled I have a companion. He's just a really flexible guy who wants to live his life in the calm. I might be able to take some lessons from my new cyberdog. He's certainly a match that was only possible because of the wonders of the internet and the willpower of a lot of dedicated volunteers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are thinking of an adoption, please consider a dog who has been rescued. They are ready to be loved, and the volunteers help ensure that the dogs are a good fit for you and your family.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Great Blue Heron above the pond</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of Dudley's new jobs is guarding the pond from the great blue heron who has been in the yard today, presumably with an eye on those juicy frogs that I liberated from the international market (see blog </span><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2010/05/lucky-frog-liberation.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b>Lucky Frog Liberation</b></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) since he has already enjoyed the fish. His other job is keeping the rabbits out of the garden. Since we lost Dallas last month, several baby bunnies have arrived, getting ready to eat all of my flowers and vegetables. They will likely be moving to the other side of the fence now that Dudley is in charge. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with any relationship, Dudley and I have a lot to learn about love and trust and comfort with one another. So far I think I've fared better with my cyberdog than internet matchmaking or job hunting via the internet. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resources:</span><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.fortheloveoflabs.org/home.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;">For the Love of Labs</span></span></span></a></b><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time a pet-loving friend has a birthday, or marks a special occasion, or you just feel like doing something nice, consider making a contribution in their honor. For the Love of Labs could use the support, and your donation will go a long way toward helping a good dog find a loving forever home!</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=CT438"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">PetFinder</span></span></span></b></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.alphadogtransport.com/Home_Page.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Alpha Dog Transport</span></span></span></b></a>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-64365817793836871942011-05-01T14:17:00.001-07:002015-09-10T17:39:48.106-07:00Dog Party: Diary of the best last day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvp80OsZ1sEMwxFE1zs-zu0FfMjgpnumKxibBlYjcGtn0uPEnXulSSVOGNMQrMQ-M7_YS3vXgooJRP5IhR_jrckLn29PHDBYRdgg5sdF_Tvw_CqykDLjEoeXoyuLxHf98w3bbPK4dHPs/s1600/2008+-+0636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvp80OsZ1sEMwxFE1zs-zu0FfMjgpnumKxibBlYjcGtn0uPEnXulSSVOGNMQrMQ-M7_YS3vXgooJRP5IhR_jrckLn29PHDBYRdgg5sdF_Tvw_CqykDLjEoeXoyuLxHf98w3bbPK4dHPs/s640/2008+-+0636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;">There were less than 24 hours to spend together after we found out that our dear Dallas, a 13 year old yellow lab, was dying and needed to be euthanized before the pain was great and he could no longer have a good best day.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;">Tearfully, we discussed it as a family, by telephone and text</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;">en route from jobs and the vet.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;">We were solemn, measured, and determined in our quest for the best dog to have his last best day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Some years ago I acquired a bowl to use for his daily chow – it pictures dogs in party hats and says “DOG PARTY!” It epitomized Dallas and his view of life and the importance of mealtime.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2FgETB71FXk3l4tj5yAiGj9wJbCoJ_vGFJMX0TFQv0olKgReLT9MZ-iAka7_kBtgGFEa5Gx0NzkRfzyybJYlbFiw3W9a8PD5ScKU3ADfvaMcIYKr9lXOiY0A-gp4RhfSQm_m_FMw8gs/s1600/IMG_4522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2FgETB71FXk3l4tj5yAiGj9wJbCoJ_vGFJMX0TFQv0olKgReLT9MZ-iAka7_kBtgGFEa5Gx0NzkRfzyybJYlbFiw3W9a8PD5ScKU3ADfvaMcIYKr9lXOiY0A-gp4RhfSQm_m_FMw8gs/s320/IMG_4522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Returning from the vet and before the sons arrived, I lay on the floor and held Dallas, cuddling his face in my hands, letting him rub his nose in the crook of my arm as he was apt to do when we were at the dinner table and he wanted attention or a share.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Dallas and I walked in the garden. I sat on the log bench by the frog pond while he lay in the cool grass after walking the perimeter of the pond to ensure that he had forced every frog to leap into the water right in front of his nose. I cried, he licked his paws, smilling in his doggy way as if he knew that a party was in the planning.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp0xgnCDzFj6Manq4tMe8G8sCEWfUdzEA8eoGE8xOgb1LTF8uYD7SdvGDN3TmPNYf414QLk65CO7cL1BGHzBu3LHyeJ16Q9yfFqft8M1Rcy1KVSibTZ5MKjcjYrDJx1ci0gqrpJ_YumU/s1600/dallas4007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp0xgnCDzFj6Manq4tMe8G8sCEWfUdzEA8eoGE8xOgb1LTF8uYD7SdvGDN3TmPNYf414QLk65CO7cL1BGHzBu3LHyeJ16Q9yfFqft8M1Rcy1KVSibTZ5MKjcjYrDJx1ci0gqrpJ_YumU/s320/dallas4007.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1998</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Son 1 arrived first, sad and heavy-hearted, bewildered that Dallas’s condition, not outwardly apparent save the swelling in his abdomen, seemed normal. We cried a bit, albeit with the reserve we first children tend to have, when we are together and unlikely to be too vulnerable by letting on the extent of the hurt. Then he took Dallas for his last ride in the truck. Perched on the front seat, Dallas looked like a hairy yellow adolescent schoolboy. As they backed out of the driveway, he stuck his head out of the window and let the wind blow in his face, ears flying. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VIHa9Am0Mi7OiqUeaOPY1gt_RDls6zbMhOkleFjt1dzIn9WmUn_3CssVH9I5qM2x4gDW2xq5OmL3lF-_yqg1lEBLaJrm2-_-9gR47fNPqoOAdHvhatcK1X2Wg6H5KuWMtjHS0_JkAEc/s1600/dallasmatt009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VIHa9Am0Mi7OiqUeaOPY1gt_RDls6zbMhOkleFjt1dzIn9WmUn_3CssVH9I5qM2x4gDW2xq5OmL3lF-_yqg1lEBLaJrm2-_-9gR47fNPqoOAdHvhatcK1X2Wg6H5KuWMtjHS0_JkAEc/s320/dallasmatt009.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1999</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">I feel sure they talked about all the things they have always discussed together, boy and his dog secrets he would soon take to his grave, and reminders of the fun they shared. They drove past the home of Velvet, his black lab friend. It was to her he would flee when someone accidentally left the garden gate open or was less than watchful when allowing him off leash. It was a special time for Dallas with the boy who trained with him and served as disciplinarian in his formative years.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2gkG0iZzu7uVg9H0nNDa3bO2A_YRjAOCkQagIFr3NSdAobe6Dw_q7ZJXOfd84WwYStGQDgkV1_XrVR5rQ7xtjDIDRJJDUl4oH-8-4TkBKclKVNo5NsPXWXatWHXDE6MeS9uXsjtYTtA/s1600/dallas3005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2gkG0iZzu7uVg9H0nNDa3bO2A_YRjAOCkQagIFr3NSdAobe6Dw_q7ZJXOfd84WwYStGQDgkV1_XrVR5rQ7xtjDIDRJJDUl4oH-8-4TkBKclKVNo5NsPXWXatWHXDE6MeS9uXsjtYTtA/s320/dallas3005.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1998</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Son 2 arrived home and called “Hey Buddy” from the front door. Dallas ran to greet him, carrying his stuffed bunny toy. This is the boy for whom I got the dog. After he stopped asking for a hedgehog at a very young age, he asked for a dog. Dallas came along when he was 8, a perfect age to get and love a dog. Young pups together, they did not bond immediately; Dallas was a hyperactive handful, as was his boy. It took time and love and eventually they became close friends. Their usual game, in the later years, was “hide the treat” when Dallas waited patiently when told to “stay” in one room, while Robert hid a special treat and then called “come get it.” It was sweet to watch them play again, recalling younger days when “stay” was a harder task for Dallas.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrp85qDDhFDMK3CdKVo4bLfzqNTCkV_GcSNGoOfH0nus7NKUM__0rqdC6DZrY2poqUQI5ntcpQm10D-zsf_HC7uMvo0DZ7ux29XqaHtvXutpWW32gjSGzPVHGG_dcw0Hf8PpWbHehkaE/s1600/dallasrobert008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrp85qDDhFDMK3CdKVo4bLfzqNTCkV_GcSNGoOfH0nus7NKUM__0rqdC6DZrY2poqUQI5ntcpQm10D-zsf_HC7uMvo0DZ7ux29XqaHtvXutpWW32gjSGzPVHGG_dcw0Hf8PpWbHehkaE/s320/dallasrobert008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1998</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">We held our family meeting, discussed the vet’s recommendations and cried. Then I pulled out a photo album from Dallas’s first year and we told stories about his growing up. “We all grew up together,” one son noted. Everyone took turns loving him and giving him treats and spending special time with him. The brothers, now with homes of their own, decided to spend the night, in case Dallas went into distress, and to maximize the time together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Before bedtime, however, they decided that the last day should include all the forbidden foods he wanted and they walked to the store to buy bacon for breakfast. After all it was to be a dog party. Reading the book series <u><a href="http://www.hankthecowdog.com/"><b>Hank the Cowdog</b></a></u> when they were very young, they learned how much dogs like bacon - it is the best of all dog treats because it is usually not allowed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">About 3 am Dallas requested to be let out in the garden and I joined him, having fallen asleep in tears and painfully aware that the day had arrived. He took his time, as if realizing it was his last pre-dawn sentry, walking the perimeter of the garden, circling the pond, following his well-worn path behind the azaleas. It was just light enough to see his body, moving more slowly than usual, weighted down by the massive tumor that was slowly killing him. He had trouble getting up the steps at the end of his tour and I got behind him and gave him the extra push he needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">I lay on the floor beside him, giving him a share of my pillow and telling him how much I love him, speaking his name aloud again and again. We both fell asleep for a time but the hard floor was more than my aging body could take. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">The boys arose early and we solemnly reviewed the plans for the day. They cooked and ate, with the help of Dallas the party dog, the whole pound of bacon. While I tried to find a vet to come to the house, we eventually realized after many tries, that traveling vets don’t perform euthanasia on dogs that are not already patients. So we made an appointment with our own vet, Dr. Schrader, at<a href="http://www.suburbananimalhospital.net/about/"> <b>Suburban Animal Hospital</b></a>, who was in fact the best choice of all. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KPbtoi6yIwhKPeAlnyfn83Okt4OohSv8LB800Odqfxsq8_UKCXUd7_qW-rK70tomBBruPsdcNTha9OUVQ1Qt5yAzNcA_6gqcrsBAG89Kqo0iVvgCmJjBb5y-GQ8mJzr0IBcjTfTbYMA/s1600/IMG_7991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KPbtoi6yIwhKPeAlnyfn83Okt4OohSv8LB800Odqfxsq8_UKCXUd7_qW-rK70tomBBruPsdcNTha9OUVQ1Qt5yAzNcA_6gqcrsBAG89Kqo0iVvgCmJjBb5y-GQ8mJzr0IBcjTfTbYMA/s320/IMG_7991.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bleeding hearts in the garden - we'll remember Dallas every year when they bloom</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">We each spent private time with Dallas, holding and loving him, giving him treats and reflecting. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHT58S4I1keXhHCVdW7fkRplZvm-gFpLL6J7cwxs0W9wDNyKq_JskXe0E-ltJn0EJhJUYWgzFP5LEq8G11cPCPEfxxc2j7HviYgS42H_RXjpcS5FWeCdFsiWyY8H9HYbTEMWeWnUWEl8/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHT58S4I1keXhHCVdW7fkRplZvm-gFpLL6J7cwxs0W9wDNyKq_JskXe0E-ltJn0EJhJUYWgzFP5LEq8G11cPCPEfxxc2j7HviYgS42H_RXjpcS5FWeCdFsiWyY8H9HYbTEMWeWnUWEl8/s320/IMG_4796.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">catching snowballs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">As a foursome, we recalled funny stories and the difficult start we had with the once-wayward addition who flunked two dog obedience classes before going to boot camp at <a href="http://www.silver-brook.com/"><b>Silverbrook Kennels</b></a> in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was a six week residential program that broke a little of his wild spirit, taught us to be his disciplinarians, and helped him reform his bad habits. In the process we learned to love him more. Trish Jagoda and her staff at the kennel became extended family who allowed him the extra time he needed to complete the program and helped us understand that it was our behavior that most influenced that of our wild and strong-willed dog. <i>The morning after his last day, Trish was one of the few people I emailed with the sad news and she responded with kind remembrances.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2noWyNHqwBKmDjdVJ3GOL6sRcgIBW_JJAqQBfz5Sf5v0oiWkyzD2oPSopz1Y_ZrbDGALbDZCmLXtGzlwOwYy7jSGAN85QtMYmRYs6VrmGTXjW7860FNnHVkvDS6PZNYu33wmEXOO0pI/s1600/IMG_8006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2noWyNHqwBKmDjdVJ3GOL6sRcgIBW_JJAqQBfz5Sf5v0oiWkyzD2oPSopz1Y_ZrbDGALbDZCmLXtGzlwOwYy7jSGAN85QtMYmRYs6VrmGTXjW7860FNnHVkvDS6PZNYu33wmEXOO0pI/s320/IMG_8006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">final resting spot, with toy on top</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">The boys selected a gravesite and began the sad and grueling task of digging his grave, among the azaleas in a shady spot where he could watch over our garden activity. In the process of digging they found one of his old toys, buried perhaps to be found on that day (it is now resting on top). Dallas and I went outside and watched their work. I believe he was tempted to help dig, but simply inspected and seemed to approve. He knew something was going on and perhaps sensed that this revered spot was to be his. We cried big tears.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4fPdeu4RAGEgG5CyYkXFlUTx16NgWPbR-9fKyxh9vDBp8gXOTxGg8KxV13pYIokiaPW_h3sH-hNvhXWUY_uURJo84sI1ZkQ4Dx_X2nXabIoqa7P5ieVuZwQMIH0iPfQDwb6CGAsWwjc/s1600/IMG_3735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4fPdeu4RAGEgG5CyYkXFlUTx16NgWPbR-9fKyxh9vDBp8gXOTxGg8KxV13pYIokiaPW_h3sH-hNvhXWUY_uURJo84sI1ZkQ4Dx_X2nXabIoqa7P5ieVuZwQMIH0iPfQDwb6CGAsWwjc/s320/IMG_3735.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Winter, 2010</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Later we all took a walk, around the neighborhood where he walked twice daily. We would always spell “W-A-L-K” because if you said the word he ran to the front door in anticipation of the act to follow. Eventually he learned to spell so we stopped calling it anything at all. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGYm6cKbKa5dhfq-TRL4zSnpFVIluMQjahE6ag8wz_Z3-mPqtiYlyp3IRVB5l-vvE9M12AXYci5lf-GgOZEg8PvGsZE2EpIL3Rz8ZWnnhMgCZwTPElhBWvMi3ZecveR3iXbkmN0nPBcs/s1600/2008+-+0634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGYm6cKbKa5dhfq-TRL4zSnpFVIluMQjahE6ag8wz_Z3-mPqtiYlyp3IRVB5l-vvE9M12AXYci5lf-GgOZEg8PvGsZE2EpIL3Rz8ZWnnhMgCZwTPElhBWvMi3ZecveR3iXbkmN0nPBcs/s320/2008+-+0634.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">On our W-A-L-K, he left his mark on all the familiar bushes and telephone poles, and took special interest in the birds and squirrels we saw along the way. He was tired but strong and seemed proud to have the family together, focused solely on his wants and needs. It was a beautiful day and we remarked that it was perfect weather for your last day. A party kind of day with the saddest of overtones.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPX79eO1oBs8ZKSBUWHDBsFgc1P107T_wQF6qlW63SaqT-WS4k2jc667u1LaB04g3_aI3PsCOlUyUu3QVrOb22EG_31Vq-Lvv6NqgWs41i2iO37ii8EyrvdXRoygdZ6vdxe6VK40P8nM/s1600/IMG_4496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPX79eO1oBs8ZKSBUWHDBsFgc1P107T_wQF6qlW63SaqT-WS4k2jc667u1LaB04g3_aI3PsCOlUyUu3QVrOb22EG_31Vq-Lvv6NqgWs41i2iO37ii8EyrvdXRoygdZ6vdxe6VK40P8nM/s320/IMG_4496.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dallas and his bunny</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">I began gathering remnants of dog ownership – the cans of food we used to encase the daily aspirin he took for joint pain; the bed he slept on in my office; the stuffed toys; the glucosamine supplements that he thought were dog treats; and his spare leash. I chose an especially soft blanket for the important job of cuddling him during his last moments, and wrapping him for the burial. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafAI2gRtvOPRrV8mJab9lqEw9ELycviKzayTXxk3r2FCVgksWnT6wn1dWW3eTZkXTeOk1AuinXCK63p0t9S8SXbxBkISREVPn6wAnEl5_-U7NjslUI3aZy4ox2096NzzLu_9vnlNzI4A/s1600/2008+-+0607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafAI2gRtvOPRrV8mJab9lqEw9ELycviKzayTXxk3r2FCVgksWnT6wn1dWW3eTZkXTeOk1AuinXCK63p0t9S8SXbxBkISREVPn6wAnEl5_-U7NjslUI3aZy4ox2096NzzLu_9vnlNzI4A/s320/2008+-+0607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">We climbed into the car with the saddest of thoughts, but trying to keep focused on making it the best possible for Dallas. I took his favorite liver treats with us, to give him while we waited and as often as he wanted. He enjoyed another ride in the car.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3ddXa2FXQ2UD6rsh8-Sx5h0sTcsenYyTB-o5nTNW8ju88w5vyZnvs0xJt_OEYmix6z4N6Qr5N8oOS_Q32mTrHr83f31bG7hxV0ARgl0p8_DNCZWkxOEuDuu1zhJwEXqCDYI0kiPqLKU/s1600/IMG_4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3ddXa2FXQ2UD6rsh8-Sx5h0sTcsenYyTB-o5nTNW8ju88w5vyZnvs0xJt_OEYmix6z4N6Qr5N8oOS_Q32mTrHr83f31bG7hxV0ARgl0p8_DNCZWkxOEuDuu1zhJwEXqCDYI0kiPqLKU/s320/IMG_4103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Popping bubble wrap - a favorite activity</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">At the vet’s office, they kindly let in through a side door and had a palate prepared on the floor. We spread out his funereal blanket and he began hyperventilating as he usually does at the vet, dreading whatever misery might await him. Little did he know.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOHyys__ssnjwAVaeLmeO8qqE4gmEvy5bG5TLDI4IbdHFwUU0rDCgL3Fut-FXm6O35dZ3Wo7cOhpznSIB5Hx0umYFlzZSLq6n8WqsrNplVXyg4g2_qs9PdVv6wFIJ7a8Q5QTjCkmj6aI/s1600/IMG_4118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOHyys__ssnjwAVaeLmeO8qqE4gmEvy5bG5TLDI4IbdHFwUU0rDCgL3Fut-FXm6O35dZ3Wo7cOhpznSIB5Hx0umYFlzZSLq6n8WqsrNplVXyg4g2_qs9PdVv6wFIJ7a8Q5QTjCkmj6aI/s320/IMG_4118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Christmas day mischief</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Dr. Schrader had an emergency so we had more time together, snuggled around Dallas on the floor, stroking his head and telling him we loved him. While suspicious of all the attention, he loved it. He had love in his eyes and he enjoyed the entire bag of liver treats. The doctor was kind and explained everything to us, and ensured that we understood that we were sparing him a very painful imminent death. While Dallas seemed almost normal, we knew that he was putting on a show for us – wanting to be his best for the party and not demonstrating vulnerability or disappointing his family.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5et0dlSIVtRMgWmJ0vtLBPKgR3Wjwg3n6humkaBkdSQKpG3mTvNzIcGZAMx_XXlTyDGEzSF6C2ureEAzo9kt04Q2Q2nbTzd198fHVGElRglmLlon67fZz9wGtLccWaIoOyzUw6Y57FHc/s1600/2008+-+0606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5et0dlSIVtRMgWmJ0vtLBPKgR3Wjwg3n6humkaBkdSQKpG3mTvNzIcGZAMx_XXlTyDGEzSF6C2ureEAzo9kt04Q2Q2nbTzd198fHVGElRglmLlon67fZz9wGtLccWaIoOyzUw6Y57FHc/s320/2008+-+0606.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">at Park Lake, Kentucky</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">The sedative relaxed him such that he could see and hear, but could not feel pain and then we whispered in his ear, “kwahari rifiki” (good-bye friend) and told him we loved him. Soon the light went out of his eyes and he stopped breathing. We knew he was in a better place and we sobbed uncontrollably, fearing the next steps in the party’s conclusion.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5JpE7HCpqrKNP6syYtfaucqbaxyyOyKqATHgpbbx6e0RZg-MZwrnTF0-Nx8Sl7Q8V2UF0sc17p3w8Lg4se34wyWO3Iufe3ux9ThL92mSDjav2o7SFBsfAUsS4eGn6WCx2lZdIDE6V5g/s1600/IMG_4709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5JpE7HCpqrKNP6syYtfaucqbaxyyOyKqATHgpbbx6e0RZg-MZwrnTF0-Nx8Sl7Q8V2UF0sc17p3w8Lg4se34wyWO3Iufe3ux9ThL92mSDjav2o7SFBsfAUsS4eGn6WCx2lZdIDE6V5g/s320/IMG_4709.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">after rolling in cow manure in Greeneville, Tennessee</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">The saddest part of the day was watching the boys carry his limp body to the car. Our single funeral procession headed home, ready to say our final good-byes. We said a prayer for him, asked God to watch over him and connect him with my Dad and others in heaven, and buried him in the hole he had approved, with his stuffed bunny and other toys. We cried, and occasionally told a Dallas story of something funny he did, while we covered his body with the rich soil. And then the party was over.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8zTV0tYnMsLlH2onMAIHiEY49mOVn-THVGM8_FbyWuFufQs_hdj5nC3-DuF2kTdLd9f0XbnsKM0CqILMRijhi1jD78b-JHdqAZWGFaqRYgJoJE1IJXtKBVJTQsIgOFH7kwXLQrX7Rhs/s1600/IMG_7931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8zTV0tYnMsLlH2onMAIHiEY49mOVn-THVGM8_FbyWuFufQs_hdj5nC3-DuF2kTdLd9f0XbnsKM0CqILMRijhi1jD78b-JHdqAZWGFaqRYgJoJE1IJXtKBVJTQsIgOFH7kwXLQrX7Rhs/s320/IMG_7931.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Easter, 2011 - begging for jelly beans</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wKGsH2ihX-tKrGr9O0dtUspZmralHi1cxCyQVNmHJcRcXjO27oWuUGSyefUeIg5wLD3IW_kkogiv54r7A6VsLHm2n2xfatN7l6Nzt4RRH-79UXF7bcXvzU9agTmz6i2NaL7XI_CINfw/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wKGsH2ihX-tKrGr9O0dtUspZmralHi1cxCyQVNmHJcRcXjO27oWuUGSyefUeIg5wLD3IW_kkogiv54r7A6VsLHm2n2xfatN7l6Nzt4RRH-79UXF7bcXvzU9agTmz6i2NaL7XI_CINfw/s320/IMG_1314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the morning sun</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Lest you think we’re all in therapy over this, we are not. It’s been a week. We’re adjusting and making adjustments. For the first couple of days, we each worried about one another, making calls during the day, checking to make sure we were ok and remembering special things about our beloved Dallas. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOHi0UGkMueA1I7TG_5mUnVQSg5DXzyNXtXJdeKdNfwGy7yuJG1qaaNxwwAmeJumMuDyFI69Hqyrru2IhlKJAoqoXJ9j92IyiuWNYOw4ZUZ4wQ_Ga5JpGRjmjtr7LTOkmhaY0dyeVGnk/s1600/dallas1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOHi0UGkMueA1I7TG_5mUnVQSg5DXzyNXtXJdeKdNfwGy7yuJG1qaaNxwwAmeJumMuDyFI69Hqyrru2IhlKJAoqoXJ9j92IyiuWNYOw4ZUZ4wQ_Ga5JpGRjmjtr7LTOkmhaY0dyeVGnk/s400/dallas1002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa7q6EPp01_FH48k6BskRVHS7EtP_IihIHSelOO34n6-BZpQIqQDeQPxFOvNGGKo0slu9tyCQHW3t_YTP6KOtTB492lpiNL3EpP6grfFpfwFzPKlmQfOQLb7EKtgVcz4vTj4nqQiuowE/s1600/dallas2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa7q6EPp01_FH48k6BskRVHS7EtP_IihIHSelOO34n6-BZpQIqQDeQPxFOvNGGKo0slu9tyCQHW3t_YTP6KOtTB492lpiNL3EpP6grfFpfwFzPKlmQfOQLb7EKtgVcz4vTj4nqQiuowE/s400/dallas2003.jpg" width="326" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;">He slowly claimed our hearts and will never leave. I don’t think any other dog will ever be as good or as special. But we definitely are all dog people now. All three of us will probably have dogs again one day, and hopefully they will know one another as siblings or cousins. I’ll probably be the first to take the plunge again. But not too soon. Meanwhile, we know we made his best day a great day and that he left this world happy and loved by us as much as he loved in return. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFox765g5liAXnJcjA6K04lNOIcBFDVhyojeX49XGUBjMDXjFwYggE2i1a2R0YnnOrF7fq_abVnPp3d2RrFx-__w3MIkx-l3qCN0eBsp3kqIjMp3HoVJovX6m_CRaWjpphaR2eQcxW9o/s1600/IMG_7976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFox765g5liAXnJcjA6K04lNOIcBFDVhyojeX49XGUBjMDXjFwYggE2i1a2R0YnnOrF7fq_abVnPp3d2RrFx-__w3MIkx-l3qCN0eBsp3kqIjMp3HoVJovX6m_CRaWjpphaR2eQcxW9o/s320/IMG_7976.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">on his last day, with his bunny</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><u>My other postings featuring Dallas the Dog</u></span></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html">Advice from an Old Dog</a></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Geneva; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i style="background-color: white;">Dudley the little brown lab joined the family just one month after the Dog Party day. He is a great companion and, while he will not replace Dallas, he has found a place in our hearts. See blogs:</i></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/09/quarterly-review.html"><b style="background-color: white;">Quarterly Review</b></a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-at-first-click-my-internet-best.html"><i><b style="background-color: white;">Love at First Click: My Internet Best Friend</b></i></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/08/choosing-favorite.html"><i><b style="background-color: white;">Choosing a Favorite</b></i></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><u><b><a href="http://observationsindailylife.blogspot.com/2011/08/on-withlacoochee-trail-in-citrus-county.html" style="background-color: white;">On the Withlacoochee Trail</a></b></u></i></span><br />
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Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-55573392723825859542011-03-24T21:22:00.000-07:002013-02-01T11:58:28.130-08:00There is a season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpzCGxzpX0iyXevoZthWrRjQ0E1QGdJSn2Ze52BvCV9WZA57JF_UMiLDOIj8YXGU86Jq7WIZFFceXsfdlLSJcncxf49D5IovvxRiV8h5ERo2RMSfXqN_r3q2uZ2i_AiadSE6ZKtGhlJc/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpzCGxzpX0iyXevoZthWrRjQ0E1QGdJSn2Ze52BvCV9WZA57JF_UMiLDOIj8YXGU86Jq7WIZFFceXsfdlLSJcncxf49D5IovvxRiV8h5ERo2RMSfXqN_r3q2uZ2i_AiadSE6ZKtGhlJc/s640/IMG_3429.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ibis on the Rainbow River</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier this month, on a trip to Florida, I was reminded that seasons in fact do occur everywhere, but not at the same time or with the same vigor. That holds true for nature as well as for life’s seasons. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZo1piNWJHq1YRGBs636EoP9ow3ZLvUbi9MVYpCJdiXTfWFlaiIhnJmcoIo0fTwV492qXPUM7Jg4xA566tbUPm0CP0w4wEubuJpVfmqdjwaxhzRHvFAnmAeWQHRxn01PLT2fawtW6-6A/s320/IMG_3663.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">azalea - Inverness, Florida</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Kxb1elb8P3r1zBU6vywU4Rrbap2yQePCUkiVAiTMWSQo4-mhIBfKMqN1pWjFOOGNeRP5xhant9IgNtOllIFfWMQswALOha1ALW2jQb6S9HfT_6rkn4VfHCLeU8HnCGc4o5D9PwPwsA/s320/IMG_3647.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">azalea - Inverness, Florida</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Kxb1elb8P3r1zBU6vywU4Rrbap2yQePCUkiVAiTMWSQo4-mhIBfKMqN1pWjFOOGNeRP5xhant9IgNtOllIFfWMQswALOha1ALW2jQb6S9HfT_6rkn4VfHCLeU8HnCGc4o5D9PwPwsA/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">red bud tree, Cedar Key, Florida</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In early March, in rural Florida, many of the spring blooms have already come and gone, with a few azaleas remaining and lots of white dogwood and red bud trees in full bloom. Azaleas bloom in Northern Virginia in early May when home is just a glorious place to be. How fortunate I am to have seen them once and to know they are coming again soon.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7IMBlIFxr4QYNIHl0A3Ikh_fGPPUsMZykcSTIXZX3qa52SnfJM8aRUpeg6GeAxkYaafjnxjzxswFXPxKHxofAXzLJpzv73FT8y0rOV05JXlCBj9LBYkQ1WVBJgNll5cFzGy9MzRMfdI/s1600/IMG_3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7IMBlIFxr4QYNIHl0A3Ikh_fGPPUsMZykcSTIXZX3qa52SnfJM8aRUpeg6GeAxkYaafjnxjzxswFXPxKHxofAXzLJpzv73FT8y0rOV05JXlCBj9LBYkQ1WVBJgNll5cFzGy9MzRMfdI/s320/IMG_3293.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cedar Key, Florida</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ULgUeB-3UyyY2gUg2NrfSIB1fAGA0fN_ZnWx2PCGWkki_2-FIbqz9cmQDptisT4o2WzE2VNeg0U3zutf_4CDS7ELtbiFbc4Aw_q7cYz28K-qj5wCqWFFMrw1ZyMbXVC_btqFBPS8kuQ/s1600/IMG_3259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ULgUeB-3UyyY2gUg2NrfSIB1fAGA0fN_ZnWx2PCGWkki_2-FIbqz9cmQDptisT4o2WzE2VNeg0U3zutf_4CDS7ELtbiFbc4Aw_q7cYz28K-qj5wCqWFFMrw1ZyMbXVC_btqFBPS8kuQ/s320/IMG_3259.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is no good season for a curmudgeon!</span></span> </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIIjRoy7zvsaWLQv1fET0QV42KfMyVG7PVldq_XxVEIeXlrzNPAyxNat8E_2VmtQAaeb-Mzh2OpQ89UR_I8LoeGlpveqOwVvaVrDJx0OETqqH-4vep0iT-UdA2-GvYJD-aj-aYMkprjI/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIIjRoy7zvsaWLQv1fET0QV42KfMyVG7PVldq_XxVEIeXlrzNPAyxNat8E_2VmtQAaeb-Mzh2OpQ89UR_I8LoeGlpveqOwVvaVrDJx0OETqqH-4vep0iT-UdA2-GvYJD-aj-aYMkprjI/s320/IMG_3110.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Enormous alligator on the Withlacoochee River</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life’s seasons come and go, sometimes mild and others stormy and full of sadness or peppered with bolts of lightening. Two friends, both beautiful daughters, lost parents who hadn’t seen quite enough seasons and will be greatly missed. A Florida relative is facing invasive breast cancer. Friends are ending difficult marriages and others struggle with unemployment. On a more positive note, blessings abound - from finding employment to births and recoveries.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrIEMmOX6ccCU56O2hNNO9Ev53dZhSTmSscknfO8SSHUGan7bKb-YIqV-uFyqsWq_i-5MJQDUWVqGvy28r1PCa_1uwaViO4Uu8ZSZ4Y345sF5U__YVKHKe_FKRF9vzICv_08g9pJKYW0/s1600/IMG_3120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrIEMmOX6ccCU56O2hNNO9Ev53dZhSTmSscknfO8SSHUGan7bKb-YIqV-uFyqsWq_i-5MJQDUWVqGvy28r1PCa_1uwaViO4Uu8ZSZ4Y345sF5U__YVKHKe_FKRF9vzICv_08g9pJKYW0/s400/IMG_3120.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sandhill cranes</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3x3px_MKcKJFGgz9qzrsjJ5gqYOX-zs-LViS4xJyoLWHX6_T9N5T2ypQAYf_7vXX4V0Jw4xT61OKP5LPxTeNtUXGXmddBnDqp8T59y-M0XTVlNvXo-1I_N-HZ1GVxHLhetk73V7R4Zc/s1600/IMG_3129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3x3px_MKcKJFGgz9qzrsjJ5gqYOX-zs-LViS4xJyoLWHX6_T9N5T2ypQAYf_7vXX4V0Jw4xT61OKP5LPxTeNtUXGXmddBnDqp8T59y-M0XTVlNvXo-1I_N-HZ1GVxHLhetk73V7R4Zc/s320/IMG_3129.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Paynes Prairie Preserve</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, Florida (a flock of sandhill cranes is barely visible in the grass)</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DpNp0VVKAiBTQO0ywxUynHXKtINsGvOdIl92K7j85v-atkZ3DeUfR85llKtXQE0hxscxPSDq0_42VCZOLe76_orFsDLQihEKCAOv8LcO81Q09EivtDCbZFmPRPoyMhq8ypTq72WX5kc/s1600/IMG_3275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DpNp0VVKAiBTQO0ywxUynHXKtINsGvOdIl92K7j85v-atkZ3DeUfR85llKtXQE0hxscxPSDq0_42VCZOLe76_orFsDLQihEKCAOv8LcO81Q09EivtDCbZFmPRPoyMhq8ypTq72WX5kc/s400/IMG_3275.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Cedar Key, Florida</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My own season of unemployment is ending temporarily as I take on a three-month full-time assignment, the most consistent work I have had in two years. I am very grateful for this spring surprise and am hopeful it is an indication of more to come.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0pYbcChyphenhyphenlip0A4F0JW5_yozdUHxwckZfJR9T-g-U85cfN0yH2jTMu_MvUyLGn7teKYdohSaOq32PE2ooa7EdlUthPDd7m7l16kSO2ujcPbi9PbSAP478J36849kPGg0gxvIFS8UShdM/s1600/IMG_3262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0pYbcChyphenhyphenlip0A4F0JW5_yozdUHxwckZfJR9T-g-U85cfN0yH2jTMu_MvUyLGn7teKYdohSaOq32PE2ooa7EdlUthPDd7m7l16kSO2ujcPbi9PbSAP478J36849kPGg0gxvIFS8UShdM/s320/IMG_3262.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cear Key, Florida</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiagw0nhsBLQbgipW5UPtoGoENg_3S6drE9dpAzgJ8DjTHs5Ehr52e3ppNMohkgpBC85aJWDbepJ0z988QIeg5p5zRXJTOTZ-YKemVTySSoY097eRLKCk2Yq3V9f9oyRIcq6tNitqZ8mw/s1600/IMG_3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiagw0nhsBLQbgipW5UPtoGoENg_3S6drE9dpAzgJ8DjTHs5Ehr52e3ppNMohkgpBC85aJWDbepJ0z988QIeg5p5zRXJTOTZ-YKemVTySSoY097eRLKCk2Yq3V9f9oyRIcq6tNitqZ8mw/s320/IMG_3180.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A real town in Florida where they grow...<br />
</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR71zwU_uGf6O0OjUj00rWywt2DlItOWtMyv7-C-8iAsTg3rMkllDbQId16v2-FU2LMNRsih9DCANSWWScaO58ckPtiSdB_p1rP9eOIN7qZisZxX4KqK3j-7kytD-kekD5QfsONXos2k4/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR71zwU_uGf6O0OjUj00rWywt2DlItOWtMyv7-C-8iAsTg3rMkllDbQId16v2-FU2LMNRsih9DCANSWWScaO58ckPtiSdB_p1rP9eOIN7qZisZxX4KqK3j-7kytD-kekD5QfsONXos2k4/s320/IMG_3198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...potatoes. Spuds, Florida</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now is a beautiful time in Northern Virginia. Daffodils, hyacinths and other bulbs are bursting and many of the trees have begun flowering. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj9e8LRS5yzKf9ulknwJ6iz3KJFA-UG-8tDVfBxdJxdWsegKZNJ0fIS9FTC_ANmbCLYDjFahD_1iIF7FQT_MeCyD3FXc3yKuaiQKZp7quaG58LtWjisHTrdMjcqbTumXMoFz9HUCupvU/s1600/2008+-+0201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj9e8LRS5yzKf9ulknwJ6iz3KJFA-UG-8tDVfBxdJxdWsegKZNJ0fIS9FTC_ANmbCLYDjFahD_1iIF7FQT_MeCyD3FXc3yKuaiQKZp7quaG58LtWjisHTrdMjcqbTumXMoFz9HUCupvU/s320/2008+-+0201.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx0r-La3m_-bxFm5gZQxAJllIJ-3fKz6gUbXH98QSYPwxV70yANgUc6C7-6UStLJ2F6O-DZQ53OdXDCpdevP2zu4s7o6tiC-Ew6wCglcXdMyc7bSEYFb9acfkt-7UopFf1ZLkGYa3r1Y/s1600/IMG_7639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx0r-La3m_-bxFm5gZQxAJllIJ-3fKz6gUbXH98QSYPwxV70yANgUc6C7-6UStLJ2F6O-DZQ53OdXDCpdevP2zu4s7o6tiC-Ew6wCglcXdMyc7bSEYFb9acfkt-7UopFf1ZLkGYa3r1Y/s320/IMG_7639.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am reminded of Pete Seeger’s song, “Turn, Turn, Turn,” written in the 60’s using </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Bible</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’s powerful words from Ecclesiastes 3. I loved that song, performed by many but most notably by Judy Collins, Seeger himself and The Byrds. Ignorant that I was, I remember hearing the minister read it in church and wondering why he changed the words to the song.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKhov2YwENrw0O4lWHzSV-V8MrOWnj2zjB5fKZ4Pl6m2ixrTr7RpX3D-49kQ9KX-9L5xnNYWC5fXGAEe1trOFBmcGt2_DiElYhsHY7Uw0tNkAfb6533ItLsYVxlZcl8wNrL4n9YATN3k/s1600/IMG_3431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKhov2YwENrw0O4lWHzSV-V8MrOWnj2zjB5fKZ4Pl6m2ixrTr7RpX3D-49kQ9KX-9L5xnNYWC5fXGAEe1trOFBmcGt2_DiElYhsHY7Uw0tNkAfb6533ItLsYVxlZcl8wNrL4n9YATN3k/s320/IMG_3431.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A blue heron shows his annoyance by shaking his backside</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkzSPFiVxXTQIfDZklvWx3Lu6Gos13KmQCDnZ811O2AE1GcfB6GiL03h-q6Jwse2NuJjy6FyQ6INwM4hpR5OU8udAjsMZssxnLs4TIgd2Kdz3IJcXz9uUw3tzgOAxpSsvvejzv43xnr0/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkzSPFiVxXTQIfDZklvWx3Lu6Gos13KmQCDnZ811O2AE1GcfB6GiL03h-q6Jwse2NuJjy6FyQ6INwM4hpR5OU8udAjsMZssxnLs4TIgd2Kdz3IJcXz9uUw3tzgOAxpSsvvejzv43xnr0/s400/IMG_3607.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blue heron (on post) waits for a handout on the Rainbow River</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy this season and may these words from Ecclesiastes serve as a special gift with extra meaning just for you. </span></div>
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1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:<o:p></o:p></div>
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2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;<o:p></o:p></div>
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3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<o:p></o:p></div>
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4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;<o:p></o:p></div>
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5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;<o:p></o:p></div>
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6 a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;<o:p></o:p></div>
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7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; <o:p></o:p></div>
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8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8<o:p></o:p></div>
Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-35985967253534777372011-03-06T11:08:00.000-08:002011-03-06T11:17:26.512-08:00Awakening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnZ-Tt24Ct38wCODDvSCFTfMKwqn8rXyBlX9x2eFoctNpB9JlVTV6zs1eXVeTSh3QPklrxSl9kuu0-fi6mKhKysgOX0kaFMFtEV-gmbxMDYQP0SGqmCDetSeEifnQkzbvloZu7fjAH6k/s1600/IMG_5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnZ-Tt24Ct38wCODDvSCFTfMKwqn8rXyBlX9x2eFoctNpB9JlVTV6zs1eXVeTSh3QPklrxSl9kuu0-fi6mKhKysgOX0kaFMFtEV-gmbxMDYQP0SGqmCDetSeEifnQkzbvloZu7fjAH6k/s640/IMG_5271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5igeT8OCSsYRf49qshpvJPCs42Qxy_8sNJ24yYZS5h0cswu4MUo5_JPLPCxLyHmOcL9sxz6OVbwa1Ei9hGoOR1gvHgI-CaA01ogXhsKvWteuX5osIhB_byaazBZ37mYJukPHdxZzXciI/s1600/IMG_3035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5igeT8OCSsYRf49qshpvJPCs42Qxy_8sNJ24yYZS5h0cswu4MUo5_JPLPCxLyHmOcL9sxz6OVbwa1Ei9hGoOR1gvHgI-CaA01ogXhsKvWteuX5osIhB_byaazBZ37mYJukPHdxZzXciI/s320/IMG_3035.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjXZ5yx8JsTTaFyH0xDHzAQbvGuHRSJBuvibGY76gVJv0HEl-U8vxUx-0b1qPDaJBvIk_LKnj_CkkII2mjTcKio31yGawIG5Y-Wx5QsSg2JbD8dVGOD65ixhdUnOaCsYsqLa8BRC0kKs/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjXZ5yx8JsTTaFyH0xDHzAQbvGuHRSJBuvibGY76gVJv0HEl-U8vxUx-0b1qPDaJBvIk_LKnj_CkkII2mjTcKio31yGawIG5Y-Wx5QsSg2JbD8dVGOD65ixhdUnOaCsYsqLa8BRC0kKs/s320/IMG_3048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV_5uOp1iUfLP15-BA-TZM_2SMvi1D8n9qaboeuSvDoS9iIOKsF4RDwOX1tHEI-oAmV1LkXy0J6-iBBjZWJWGrvph0ziODw76zpi96SD2FNpcDHyYo3QGXsUg9QnFEWVRKBptQiZf58Q/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV_5uOp1iUfLP15-BA-TZM_2SMvi1D8n9qaboeuSvDoS9iIOKsF4RDwOX1tHEI-oAmV1LkXy0J6-iBBjZWJWGrvph0ziODw76zpi96SD2FNpcDHyYo3QGXsUg9QnFEWVRKBptQiZf58Q/s320/IMG_3044.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">This week my three evergreen bonsai were removed from their winter home, inside the wire enclosure in a large garden planter box, where they spent three months covered in leaves and bark mulch. There they were protected from the extreme cold, rodents and small creatures, and the dangerous, drying wind. They emerged unscathed and have been adjusting to the climate change atop a bench on the deck, ready to begin their spring growth spurts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0gOw0P98fm8B8FbizgWMT1BdigvTQdd9hq82_UXHwgOKWKQvkV1ujOG_tSovGLq2wzF6N0j9QAnrxQb-j-bRAJbymdbEUxJ1-JpxMw2eRu3-_BGKkW8cICzg2MUH-PCrM_hiMqYC87Q/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0gOw0P98fm8B8FbizgWMT1BdigvTQdd9hq82_UXHwgOKWKQvkV1ujOG_tSovGLq2wzF6N0j9QAnrxQb-j-bRAJbymdbEUxJ1-JpxMw2eRu3-_BGKkW8cICzg2MUH-PCrM_hiMqYC87Q/s320/IMG_3059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfLqK0xGxp84XnHBUBy0rqx_gJazGlONBoXZYkaRHXrdH20jsO-EnAfM6i-yJSiD6V4_hzTxdBIUsJnLu1D9y6sHiidjmKywTuOydMIls1g50e5KnqVmuBVKA6RXFGm7JIe9tUSug8qM/s1600/IMG_3067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfLqK0xGxp84XnHBUBy0rqx_gJazGlONBoXZYkaRHXrdH20jsO-EnAfM6i-yJSiD6V4_hzTxdBIUsJnLu1D9y6sHiidjmKywTuOydMIls1g50e5KnqVmuBVKA6RXFGm7JIe9tUSug8qM/s320/IMG_3067.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p6FCpbmxPWaAx-z7-Gtwf87LTQZPJV2FebLryrFA8p8v4x_9g9moeiSZEzpyZltn-DxkzAFlNQPPKggM1Ju5pQzjwCM2LAQ72IzalP9V0pn9L1wVUglqhHqDqqD3__ixTzdGmCFIyc4/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p6FCpbmxPWaAx-z7-Gtwf87LTQZPJV2FebLryrFA8p8v4x_9g9moeiSZEzpyZltn-DxkzAFlNQPPKggM1Ju5pQzjwCM2LAQ72IzalP9V0pn9L1wVUglqhHqDqqD3__ixTzdGmCFIyc4/s320/IMG_3070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">Just as the bonsai have been awakened, so have the spring bulbs whose greens are beginning their journey above ground. Hyacinths are poking their beady cylinders toward the sunshine. Daffodils are several inches above ground-level, buds starting to emerge and thinking about flowering in a few weeks. The little crocus, like pixies playing in the grass, are popping up all over the front yard. The tulips, in the sunniest places along my morning dog walk path, will soon be showing off their brilliant yellows and oranges.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYShJD48rUcXWugbI-GXszJDyIGJjJ45shO6mPqnHctN-tU6FyxT_Loy1K3lT-7hoxaXgXou7M7KmSsggouHvk3mbeJ0OQTIj1gjmrdsiBJSUBUdbKxOo0jNocq9wh-yYZrZVpb0DoKxU/s1600/IMG_7681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYShJD48rUcXWugbI-GXszJDyIGJjJ45shO6mPqnHctN-tU6FyxT_Loy1K3lT-7hoxaXgXou7M7KmSsggouHvk3mbeJ0OQTIj1gjmrdsiBJSUBUdbKxOo0jNocq9wh-yYZrZVpb0DoKxU/s320/IMG_7681.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcb4wSbrllt6UhMuGlV0oD8cMedECxVZF_o64zJmL5WaV9swXzLhkmJVXA8uoKtKY-7eGppVLt3n0H0Q0PmGkfvYFrinJxNK6dl1bsITvQ5Y109D-u0wiXvd3IYkw8jBhscFdbtlaNAA/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcb4wSbrllt6UhMuGlV0oD8cMedECxVZF_o64zJmL5WaV9swXzLhkmJVXA8uoKtKY-7eGppVLt3n0H0Q0PmGkfvYFrinJxNK6dl1bsITvQ5Y109D-u0wiXvd3IYkw8jBhscFdbtlaNAA/s320/IMG_7704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUtzLTcKkd3AUkrfMQT3prO3lpOskGVzC4i5UNWqtLxaMMhr8ZtDkTeLw_upHwm9NJzLvNM1etjtG0qVK_ndZtaGBC1BCqwP0WgFG1FBkOTco_v_wo-yoGYaDcnTU6EyV5UL1TY6s9gw/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUtzLTcKkd3AUkrfMQT3prO3lpOskGVzC4i5UNWqtLxaMMhr8ZtDkTeLw_upHwm9NJzLvNM1etjtG0qVK_ndZtaGBC1BCqwP0WgFG1FBkOTco_v_wo-yoGYaDcnTU6EyV5UL1TY6s9gw/s320/IMG_7703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMG8R0TUmkzWbyB36daErK0K0kk37Mp4smfXGLqVaSiNoOZdNXyDnCvGhGyjT52LAE51YE5eabLoTul82ul258xje4xRwfDj3WT1x7yxcpo_FG1hyphenhyphenNHM-UQx7Yh1xBpfvRtv40Jquq90/s1600/IMG_7678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMG8R0TUmkzWbyB36daErK0K0kk37Mp4smfXGLqVaSiNoOZdNXyDnCvGhGyjT52LAE51YE5eabLoTul82ul258xje4xRwfDj3WT1x7yxcpo_FG1hyphenhyphenNHM-UQx7Yh1xBpfvRtv40Jquq90/s320/IMG_7678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">Talk of the peak blooming time for our glorious cherry blossom trees, thriving along the Tidal Basin and in parks in and around Washington, is picking up. <b><a href="http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/">National Cherry Blossom Festival </a></b>events and lots of tourists mark the annual celebration at the end of the month.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKQIoZTOP3NEBU1ri-Q8nSaabyOda00_pm89qSvn3jJnE6mH4QLlx2CEn-c44_nEiITr-42IVH5VcF6lMiihFNR6vcADXnCOpr8UJv2XQFUKyi0CrQqvx1Lru-OV9IZsqVSLsXY3KBNw/s1600/IMG_7701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKQIoZTOP3NEBU1ri-Q8nSaabyOda00_pm89qSvn3jJnE6mH4QLlx2CEn-c44_nEiITr-42IVH5VcF6lMiihFNR6vcADXnCOpr8UJv2XQFUKyi0CrQqvx1Lru-OV9IZsqVSLsXY3KBNw/s320/IMG_7701.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">In short, it is a time of awakening, and readying for the glory to come. Isn't that just like the Easter season! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MCHj0bBm2JgJIpbdVfT6yr8qkZkIxqG-0lKv7G09K2H38nDHgkcydT9rjwcvx60D0cuijaTeac_9YzKxJbqGagv74x40lAfaFkL76xWuvlPi1kPSOVrIaZgah4IWTXuWLaX6MlbrNFQ/s1600/IMG_5243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MCHj0bBm2JgJIpbdVfT6yr8qkZkIxqG-0lKv7G09K2H38nDHgkcydT9rjwcvx60D0cuijaTeac_9YzKxJbqGagv74x40lAfaFkL76xWuvlPi1kPSOVrIaZgah4IWTXuWLaX6MlbrNFQ/s320/IMG_5243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">This is my third March as an unemployed/underemployed person. I have continued part-time consulting work that is both interesting and fulfilling, but fails to be lucrative enough to be sustaining for the long haul. I rejoice that I have work, and that there seem to be continued opportunities for future full- and part-time employment. Proper identification as the perfect candidate is the obvious next step.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd7VNsLIf8ZDRXDXF53cfS3EA61c3DptL2qjTW0wwzcVa8186mX2DwyzKQHKdyeRCPyniVUBsMFeshnMS8bRv9oPhzxLbeznTDrsX98qbUANft1Z42rkg0pTn1O6lc_qEyiTlcRqk5jE/s1600/IMG_5232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd7VNsLIf8ZDRXDXF53cfS3EA61c3DptL2qjTW0wwzcVa8186mX2DwyzKQHKdyeRCPyniVUBsMFeshnMS8bRv9oPhzxLbeznTDrsX98qbUANft1Z42rkg0pTn1O6lc_qEyiTlcRqk5jE/s320/IMG_5232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">This week I was hit by a lightening bolt realization that, while overly focused more on what I have not had, I have always had enough to piece together work and keep afloat. Minimal work, bits here and there, help from family and friends, and truly divine intervention, have collectively given me what I really need. My spring awakening was realizing that. I have had enough to make several trips to see my elderly Mom, pay my bills, spend time with my amazing sons, take a few trips, establish a consulting business, pay for a crown and other dental and medical bills, replace my heating and air conditioning system, accept interesting small jobs to bring in a little extra cash, buy only what I need, take a few courses for my consulting work, allocate more time for friends, and take advantage of the numerous free opportunities in the Washington area. I haven't suffered. Realizing I could get by for a while longer, I relaxed a little bit and concentrated on doing my best in the work available to me and ensuring that full-time employment remained my objective. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsXhSUk0cI61G9nDBAMXNZHFGN95WxsnsE5jbTG5TMu5LMXgwYtzJ-IsAxMdkIaao-Y-ZfA3BQQ5blFGzxeMMpnfNbwugYebArx-HGMlFK-g3HmO14RVUHj5XbyHlCmQpXtonBqazR0E/s1600/IMG_5245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsXhSUk0cI61G9nDBAMXNZHFGN95WxsnsE5jbTG5TMu5LMXgwYtzJ-IsAxMdkIaao-Y-ZfA3BQQ5blFGzxeMMpnfNbwugYebArx-HGMlFK-g3HmO14RVUHj5XbyHlCmQpXtonBqazR0E/s320/IMG_5245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4fWOOGxbU0zLZ8LVmaywl6puNVyJfTHFSTcfcb6jBSKFdFzSuIR0Kt7F8WV6VQrYAVmZqED7uBZJoMa6qMfmqqSE9hnPjMQU4iC5Bg1pcJGXQKFJRJOITSNmhFPfaGrXvKM-eDGx_ho/s1600/IMG_5220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4fWOOGxbU0zLZ8LVmaywl6puNVyJfTHFSTcfcb6jBSKFdFzSuIR0Kt7F8WV6VQrYAVmZqED7uBZJoMa6qMfmqqSE9hnPjMQU4iC5Bg1pcJGXQKFJRJOITSNmhFPfaGrXvKM-eDGx_ho/s320/IMG_5220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">Each time life has taken a downturn, something good has come along to sooth the financial or emotional pain, and I have been sustained. A miracle? Not exactly, but a true example of God's provision and loving care.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUtzLTcKkd3AUkrfMQT3prO3lpOskGVzC4i5UNWqtLxaMMhr8ZtDkTeLw_upHwm9NJzLvNM1etjtG0qVK_ndZtaGBC1BCqwP0WgFG1FBkOTco_v_wo-yoGYaDcnTU6EyV5UL1TY6s9gw/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUtzLTcKkd3AUkrfMQT3prO3lpOskGVzC4i5UNWqtLxaMMhr8ZtDkTeLw_upHwm9NJzLvNM1etjtG0qVK_ndZtaGBC1BCqwP0WgFG1FBkOTco_v_wo-yoGYaDcnTU6EyV5UL1TY6s9gw/s320/IMG_7703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 21px;">I am much crabbier than I used to be when I hear people whining that they can’t afford this or that frivolous expense, or when they fail to impose a little deprivation on themselves to help someone else. My friends and family have been plenty generous to me, and for that I will always be grateful. Perhaps because I know how much it means, I now jump at the opportunity to help someone in need. It feels really good. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTY_Kl5gmgQESAP9xazvL5DBUA4qyeWyPCtxL-zswWzZk9nr_amoKQCImWZYJyN_6WyMMmpgyezZbVqNbastEPzELcQa26_388XjMJQYgfmzs8TyIDLAG2xZnas_xXl3Gaci0cZU-16E/s1600/IMG_7634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTY_Kl5gmgQESAP9xazvL5DBUA4qyeWyPCtxL-zswWzZk9nr_amoKQCImWZYJyN_6WyMMmpgyezZbVqNbastEPzELcQa26_388XjMJQYgfmzs8TyIDLAG2xZnas_xXl3Gaci0cZU-16E/s320/IMG_7634.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">I don't think I will be as self-absorbed and wasteful again. I have awakened, but I am still on the edge of financial disaster. The difference is that now I know that material possessions just aren’t that important. What is? That I recognize the incredible gifts life, friends and family are, and that I focus on things positive and remain grateful for what I do have. Maybe that is what this very long (and continuing) lesson has been all about.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VgjIDG3hKxQ63aCbQJ2Bj168YAIxg2TVF2HGnaUYSYB6wbDgcHewN7N8CaJzS2Gozo0jVDJbqKUkoy-HUYtHF1MlcxtD3HQ4UkSGRIWGrV8Jksnfw-W2V5e4HhuOsLp1TDPjV833o1o/s1600/IMG_7639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VgjIDG3hKxQ63aCbQJ2Bj168YAIxg2TVF2HGnaUYSYB6wbDgcHewN7N8CaJzS2Gozo0jVDJbqKUkoy-HUYtHF1MlcxtD3HQ4UkSGRIWGrV8Jksnfw-W2V5e4HhuOsLp1TDPjV833o1o/s320/IMG_7639.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">I am looking forward to my first visit to see the cherry blossoms awakening. I remain hopeful that my personal one will be followed by work! Now that I have learned my lesson, the time is ripe for a full-time job with benefits!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7BQXa-8db3I00jBHP3uDhJ0C61vA9vazKBKM0t5CfQD-gxzishyphenhyphen-o-FUcdDHkKOmEAsQLHtXXQue5c-_mW5svUGRru_icS8L4O7dGyyK_jTlXB8MDDlQRtqyngj82omo8V5m0vnFuc0/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7BQXa-8db3I00jBHP3uDhJ0C61vA9vazKBKM0t5CfQD-gxzishyphenhyphen-o-FUcdDHkKOmEAsQLHtXXQue5c-_mW5svUGRru_icS8L4O7dGyyK_jTlXB8MDDlQRtqyngj82omo8V5m0vnFuc0/s320/IMG_5269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">Happy Spring!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pen and Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03386730143570779597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397993561203042221.post-44433378697421810552011-02-22T19:04:00.000-08:002011-02-22T19:07:55.467-08:00Forsythia, this week's F-Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzz0dTko4NG3F7aoMgAtz7ZATtz2CHbNs2R5fRizu-O9Oz9kd0R90X1Tu4A-aVS4oQv-zbrXgOCiZBIat7IV9DysDSw8X1tiLdS9gGndldltllsBnuV2ddgg4uqczV7G1II4WwJeotnz4/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzz0dTko4NG3F7aoMgAtz7ZATtz2CHbNs2R5fRizu-O9Oz9kd0R90X1Tu4A-aVS4oQv-zbrXgOCiZBIat7IV9DysDSw8X1tiLdS9gGndldltllsBnuV2ddgg4uqczV7G1II4WwJeotnz4/s640/IMG_3033.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvoHeiZUsuYpgmfLTqMzcl372Pl7won__bM_9RGCDRA8BpKnY5ww7YpGTrwEB-uUhqu9KznWnjm1MqmUAUtjXKb9ZK_K2-f02oS-M1NLH0NGHxeMC-qPwXQ9bjJTes8eWYI27Kr86_KQ/s1600/IMG_2904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvoHeiZUsuYpgmfLTqMzcl372Pl7won__bM_9RGCDRA8BpKnY5ww7YpGTrwEB-uUhqu9KznWnjm1MqmUAUtjXKb9ZK_K2-f02oS-M1NLH0NGHxeMC-qPwXQ9bjJTes8eWYI27Kr86_KQ/s640/IMG_2904.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitN1ucxpYd6CttOssG54QPtb6Lnj9BB7LiUp3KjTBLTfM8lWDqwNLoUNpblHFJNl0ZhlKiO-WFBncN05n-aHyEKxhHB1JFfLBNiW8IIRrdzcRoCzLFdm0SVXcbWx1ueuuOqmqIItHwLZY/s1600/IMG_2922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitN1ucxpYd6CttOssG54QPtb6Lnj9BB7LiUp3KjTBLTfM8lWDqwNLoUNpblHFJNl0ZhlKiO-WFBncN05n-aHyEKxhHB1JFfLBNiW8IIRrdzcRoCzLFdm0SVXcbWx1ueuuOqmqIItHwLZY/s400/IMG_2922.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>When my eldest was in the first or second grade, new to riding the school bus and absorbing vocabulary words like a sponge, he arrived home proclaiming he had just learned the "F-word". "It's really bad," he said, "and I can't tell it to you." He looked very sheepish but I could tell he was anxious to try out his new word. I, on the other hand had to stifle a giggle and maintain my serious Mom-is-in-charge demeanor. "I think you should just go ahead and tell me," I prodded. "There are a lot of words that start with F." Puzzled, he replied "but this is THE F-word. The bad one." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2etT7RlGE5JAbNu5MTwsfkNPvlavRSq2zfJAYVkN5_ji3VqZILG1ssTsSP-XHDAGDZXW-Fqtd4UHRDvwDcLy1BohKBsi-c_zwj0JPbNavrlRewUWwmc7BKhSdq1J3XAlyO6f56ZpIeI/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2etT7RlGE5JAbNu5MTwsfkNPvlavRSq2zfJAYVkN5_ji3VqZILG1ssTsSP-XHDAGDZXW-Fqtd4UHRDvwDcLy1BohKBsi-c_zwj0JPbNavrlRewUWwmc7BKhSdq1J3XAlyO6f56ZpIeI/s320/IMG_2966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After some encouragement, and a promise from me that he wouldn't get in trouble for saying it, he closed his eyes, grimaced and quickly said "Fart!" "Phew," was my first thought. Then it was very hard not to laugh. A teachable moment, complete with unrealistic high hopes that there would be no other "bad one", it was important to make him understand that this F-word, however mild in my eyes, wasn't appropriate to repeat in public. Mentally I acknowledged the marker; another step toward being big. As the years passed, there were more words and consequences. <br />
<br />
More to the point...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvHSVoUzRUOQq8pO2ZSl4_HWjDf4iT7mwo3SXrO4m-62Au9oK0tpWVO4i5hkACkzGNtUVjfsXYI9aZmaoAXqvdeR89G5qCwywnRsTd99hYEbgNjEP1T0c7_9QpyvTRWykdsLCfOeJv1U/s1600/IMG_2954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvHSVoUzRUOQq8pO2ZSl4_HWjDf4iT7mwo3SXrO4m-62Au9oK0tpWVO4i5hkACkzGNtUVjfsXYI9aZmaoAXqvdeR89G5qCwywnRsTd99hYEbgNjEP1T0c7_9QpyvTRWykdsLCfOeJv1U/s320/IMG_2954.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>...I am enamored and enthralled by the F-word in my home this week, the forsythia branches I cut from the bushes in the corner of the garden. I filled two vases with twigs late last week. In only 7 days, the tiny, almost invisible, bud drops turned into voluptuous vessels, ready to deliver their beautiful bundles of joy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CRdS8PTcdgTlI1E4AjBs9FMblezwh_KMHTKVk2-H6A2FXggfNK_Uce_Or59xmNNmx0wbdQ-QKZw4-tKsmpf1tK-o8vymrx3X5772MC8_rJYWbCPr1T2eTMnQ8x3CmcV-o2IohGVsq3w/s1600/IMG_2953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CRdS8PTcdgTlI1E4AjBs9FMblezwh_KMHTKVk2-H6A2FXggfNK_Uce_Or59xmNNmx0wbdQ-QKZw4-tKsmpf1tK-o8vymrx3X5772MC8_rJYWbCPr1T2eTMnQ8x3CmcV-o2IohGVsq3w/s320/IMG_2953.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>And then slowly they began to burst open in response to the sun pouring in the windows over the unseasonably warm weekend. For several days it stayed warm enough indoors, day and night, that heat was not required - and my stunning, womb-laden sprays of forsythia were well incubated. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8J3CRQ173mT3ysR7oKcwt2GNfdEsPAYXwpBBJbVhno1InNQDw28MTv69cyVZu-jqBxlz_f4-MQ1iyASRk4fE42sQknCuljkfhk9Wi4PG8pu8fQhC-pJ0ncl2CKNQaFFl2SdaDlr9hbU/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8J3CRQ173mT3ysR7oKcwt2GNfdEsPAYXwpBBJbVhno1InNQDw28MTv69cyVZu-jqBxlz_f4-MQ1iyASRk4fE42sQknCuljkfhk9Wi4PG8pu8fQhC-pJ0ncl2CKNQaFFl2SdaDlr9hbU/s320/IMG_2997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY27HpXxQqGm2F803VxeL-A7Bm9nf83xZOeKoX5PyHCw4q8ut0kdg-pn4QFVyvCRaObkHmg4MyTuU2yDT8hesc9BrsflV8oPivCmkBDfKMLhS_hbMElN0RLj9Rwb9Ummqus-IekaMPd0/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY27HpXxQqGm2F803VxeL-A7Bm9nf83xZOeKoX5PyHCw4q8ut0kdg-pn4QFVyvCRaObkHmg4MyTuU2yDT8hesc9BrsflV8oPivCmkBDfKMLhS_hbMElN0RLj9Rwb9Ummqus-IekaMPd0/s400/IMG_2999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFehT7sDzKWa5K4kpk9Fu26sXhQjfcWJmwut6uzK7PSp-weueyrlNUhTpIAj7mGKvPUbwHBfbYJ-SIEWlzhnBsahgEp7ZIVfo15wVEuNGCYclK8pg5ist5nN3GdgiigpMgeyX5Ct_3MOk/s1600/IMG_2996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFehT7sDzKWa5K4kpk9Fu26sXhQjfcWJmwut6uzK7PSp-weueyrlNUhTpIAj7mGKvPUbwHBfbYJ-SIEWlzhnBsahgEp7ZIVfo15wVEuNGCYclK8pg5ist5nN3GdgiigpMgeyX5Ct_3MOk/s320/IMG_2996.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk8XjqWpB8IhSFX6GObNp4DWUgtZg9Bk4uVkdn5fmmZRAORqNukn1xScgvoAQ0Px7recVOOljnsM5bArLCf_be__NCjPj38cTZNYzMOZS-Xomn_gQ3XYodBUceuvBZtI193jC5FqiyFM/s1600/IMG_3017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk8XjqWpB8IhSFX6GObNp4DWUgtZg9Bk4uVkdn5fmmZRAORqNukn1xScgvoAQ0Px7recVOOljnsM5bArLCf_be__NCjPj38cTZNYzMOZS-Xomn_gQ3XYodBUceuvBZtI193jC5FqiyFM/s400/IMG_3017.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7CuQ0SLFp-BAO4I0c_MjlJyo6mAcU9MN8dpwMEOhTNHKZ5YZjLwcrhJoH1m61RIajEEZjvGYw0qbwl_uZKbGIFPOe33PXVq7jNOu3qAWFivguBfaaWZJ5B2zdI0uUmg1BsnTBWI9Mtw/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7CuQ0SLFp-BAO4I0c_MjlJyo6mAcU9MN8dpwMEOhTNHKZ5YZjLwcrhJoH1m61RIajEEZjvGYw0qbwl_uZKbGIFPOe33PXVq7jNOu3qAWFivguBfaaWZJ5B2zdI0uUmg1BsnTBWI9Mtw/s320/IMG_3005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In the dreary end of winter, sunny days combined with warmer temperatures and spring flowers provide the most amazing lift. My yellow and pink-walled dining room exudes a sort of opulence when decorated with the golden blossoms. I find myself making excuses to pass by the flowers and admire them, noting the rapid bursting into bloom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0EZEgqTuMcp4eh6USe8hZ2JFPKnm_RnWLQsKXiF7XgMIz9ET-_NlRBdOuql2HlfGbXfNdR6Uv9C91CFyXENK_L5D31iYzVkID8Wd38aIZsP4xRyOSgdLa5mxLbnzOSKzTCHqyZw7YlU/s1600/IMG_3006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0EZEgqTuMcp4eh6USe8hZ2JFPKnm_RnWLQsKXiF7XgMIz9ET-_NlRBdOuql2HlfGbXfNdR6Uv9C91CFyXENK_L5D31iYzVkID8Wd38aIZsP4xRyOSgdLa5mxLbnzOSKzTCHqyZw7YlU/s320/IMG_3006.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3BbVP9vaZTsHQRjXDoBtXoI7nsd2RgilKW9Bv1PZWNZ2dm0j9p30qq34bJqyvx1jYB3xmFhqMtewMWbYayh14d7u90oKie_pv1Ay1eFdob7astI2X-8w5enmb-bBbZrNNw7fbq4PCkY/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3BbVP9vaZTsHQRjXDoBtXoI7nsd2RgilKW9Bv1PZWNZ2dm0j9p30qq34bJqyvx1jYB3xmFhqMtewMWbYayh14d7u90oKie_pv1Ay1eFdob7astI2X-8w5enmb-bBbZrNNw7fbq4PCkY/s320/IMG_3021.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>They don't last long, but they give such a show indoors, long before the bushes outside begin to work their magic. It's a wonderful time time of year. We're still waiting for spring, and it snowed last night, but the F-word has instilled hope, and sent the pent-up spirits soaring.<br />
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