Adopting a Dog

It was inevitable. A year and 3 months of missing Hugo and we finally and reluctantly went to look at dogs that needed to be adopted. Charlie chose us. She was sitting in her crate not making a sound at the local pet shop. All the other dogs were barking, wagging their tails, clawing at the wires, but not Charlie. She was just sitting there, quietly watching people come and go. She was four and a half months old and a tiny little thing. Big old tough guy Wally, "I don't want another dog except a German Shepherd", picked her up. She nestled up against him with her soft fur against his cheek and that was it. She moved in that afternoon. We've embarked on a raw meat diet plus lots of dog whisperer tips. We'll keep you posted. More pix for you, on http://americanmadeyes.com/bigdog.html

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RIP-Gentle Giant

Our faithful friend, our gentle giant lost the battle with cancer. He was devoted and uncomplaining to the end.

Town Halls

Used to think Town Halls with our congressmen, were places and opportunities to tell these people who work for us, whose salaries we pay, who fly home at our expense, and whose health care we pay, what we think of them. Yes, they work for us. They are not our superiors. They are supposed to be treated with respect but not to dictate to the American people, not to tell us to keep quiet and sit down if they don't like what we are saying. They work for us. We pay their salaries.

Triumphs, Failures, Bog Gardening

White astilbe is awesome right now and nearby is the decimated ligularia, one of my favorite plants destroyed almost completely by a caterpillar. Other plants which thrive in this high water table area are ferns, daylilies, hostas, and wildflowers, especially my favorite, the winterberry.

Rocks, pine needles, flowers

What I love about this one are the way the pine needles are nestled between the rocks, along with the bits of dried plant material, and the delicate petals of the flowers.

Wild Turkey Tracks in the Snow

Lots of wild turkey tracks. Saw the flock, upon our approach, as it flew up and away with a clattering of their wings.