Wordless Wednesday – Halloween edition
Tag Archives: friends
Three dogs and a trail
Friday morning, before the 70 degree weekend melted most of the snow, Charlie and I joined 2 canine and 1 human friend for a snowy hike.
It was a fun challenge with sunny skies and new dog in the mix. Charlie and Laine, the Springer Spaniel, ran and chased their usual dance, tiring each other out. Cleo, who seemed to want no part of their chaos, aligned herself with the humans.
These photos are from a rest stop near the end of our hike. As you can see, Charlie’s puppy energy was still in high gear and Laine isn’t the least bit tired.
6 things Charlie is happy about
- Hiking off leash
- Climbing rocks to be king of the world
- Hanging out with friend Laine
- Enjoying the beautiful end of summer weather
- Sharing a stick with Laine
- Did somebody say “treat?”
Charlie – six months of fun
Charlie at six months
In the months we’ve had Charlie he has filled my heart on a continuous basis. A few examples of ways he spreads joy:
Watching him run and romp with his canine friends – full of joy and endless energy.
Complete strangers turn to jello in his presence. Just the other day, a man stopped to meet Charlie and his last words to him: “I love you and I’ll never forget you!”
The way he wants to be close, usually with a paw on me, wherever I am. He’s definitely attached.
Charlie’s a great hiking partner and gives me a good reason to explore and enjoy nature on a daily basis.
Charlie has worked hard on his training. He’s good at sit and down, getting better at come and still working on stay. Yes, there are lots of treats involved.
He’s adorable and watching him grow, learn, and explore is a never ending source of amusement.
Charlie – the good and the bad
Charlie, 10 days away from turning 6 months old, has filled our days and hearts since he arrived here in April.
As you can see from these pictures and clips, is adorable and quite an athlete. He’s able to jump, run, and turn on a dime.
He’s made friends with many dogs including Sydney, the Irish Wolfhound from across the street, Laine, a Springer Spaniel, and other doodles we’ve met. Most of the time he’s wonderful and wants to make us happy. Yesterday, when he discovered a bag of garbage tossed over the side of the road, his canine instincts took over. I was no match for the treasure he discovered. Sadly, there was nothing I could do but climb down and get him. Today we are back to training and he’s back on the leash.
Creekside hiking with Charlie
Charlie and I enjoy exploring trails and hiking along a creek is fun for both of us. Charlie loves being able to get a drink along the way. Sometimes he cools his paws in the shallow edges but when his friends go for a swim, he won’t jump in.
Today there was a log that he walked along while Bhakti swam nearby. If you use your imagination, it looked a bit like the iconic Patrick Swayze – Jennifer Gray scene from Dirty Dancing.
I wonder what movie Charlie and his friends will reenact next?
Reenactment of Lady and the Tramp
Charlie and his friend Lane enjoy running and chasing each other and it’s a never ending source of amusement for me. She happily goes in the water and Charlie is learning to navigate the creek.
They both love sticks. Today, on our hike they managed to share several different sticks and even tried to walk side-by-side while carrying the same stick! 😍
Writing Date
I don’t typically write about my own writing in my blog so indulge me, if you will.
Today a friend who is a very accomplished author with wonderful habits and rituals came for a writing date. She explained how she infuses fun in her daily life and writing process. We visited for a while and she met my new puppy, Charlie. 💗🐶💓
Then we agreed to silent, dedicated writing time sitting side-by-side. We’ve talked about how writing alone shouldn’t be hard, but sometimes the focus isn’t there.
It was a lovely morning for so many reasons. I wrote the final draft of the back matter for a picture book and revised another book based on feedback I received over the weekend. Thinking about the ritual of writing and what makes it both gratifying and successful is now something I will consider as I write. I know this will impact my productivity and my enjoyment.
My new best friend
Today we picked up our new puppy and it’s the most incredible feeling. Three hours of cuddling on the ride home and our new boy and I were falling in love. The attachment process is magical.
We stopped at the pet store to pick up a few necessities and I’d forgotten how magnetic the draw of a new puppy can be. It was like traveling with a celebrity. He rested in the cart as we checked out, because apparently being adored is exhausting!
He is adjusting well so far to his new home and is as smart as he is cute! Other than deciding on a name, I’m ready for this new adventure!
My Wish
This song has been a favorite of mine and countless other parents since it was released 12 years ago.
While our country is in the aftermath of yet another school shooting, and parents are holding their children a little bit tighter this weekend, I am celebrating my daughter’s marriage.
I know how fortunate I am to have my children and to be here surrounded by her friends and a community of people who love her.
