More offerings from my husband

My husband borrowed my camera the other day and when I opened up these photos today, I was surprised to see all of his wonderful bird shots.

He must have been outside when he took these because shooting through the glass windows of our breakfast nook seems to distort the photographs. He took these with the Quantaray 70-300 mm lens he got me for my birthday in 2007. It is not a great lens, but for a hundred bucks, it's fine for now.

At first we thought this was a little goldfinch, but what is that red mark on its head?

Same bird with a different view.

And this chubby bird that I don't know what it is has a little seed in his mouth.

There. Now you can see the seed a bit better.

Sorry. I just couldn't resist another George photo.

And now, for a word on Mr. Puppy here.

George is a frisbee catching, stick fetching maniac. Every day he and my husband play and he's becoming quite the fine-tuned athlete. However, do you notice that one side of his mouth is black? See it on this side in this photo? Well, the other side of his mouth is white and that side of his mouth is much more sensitive. George has actually developed a hard callus on his lower lip where he catches the frisbee. And my husband has been treating it with . . . well, um . . . he's been treating it with his own cherry ChapStick. When he puts it on him every evening, George's face puckers up and it's obvious this isn't his favorite flavor.

It's also funny that it's actually working to heal the callus.

Attention Newbie bloggers who have requested interviews: I still don't have e-mail addresses for all of you. Please e-mail me at katydid56@gmail.com so that I can send your questions.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

Look into my eyes

Yesterday, as I was sitting on the couch with the camera and my macro lens on, George came over and put his head on my lap. So I snapped his photo.

I'm so glad we got this dog. He's been such a pleasure to have around. And to think that I told my husband that we didn't need another dog in our lives!

What was I thinking?

He's been a great companion, not just to my husband, who's lost his job due to his health, but to me as well.

So here's to George. He's my buddy, my driving companion, the inspiration for posts like this, and one of my best friends.

I make no apologies for that link. I'd taken a pain pill and the words just spilled out.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

Frosty sunset complete with music

This YouTube selection is for your listening pleasure only.

It's Sarah McLaghlan's I'll Be Home For Christmas, one of the beautiful offerings on her Wintersong CD.

I play this CD a lot during the holidays.

These photos of a frosty sunset were taken last year during the week between Christmas and New Year at the farm where we used to live, outside of Chesapeake City, Maryland.

This was our view from our home on the hill, looking over the pond and towards another horse farm adjacent to the one we lived and where my husband worked for years.

In case you hadn't noticed, I miss it there a little bit. I certainly miss the view, I'll tell you that. But time goes on, and life situations change.

And we aren't doing too badly.

Keep safe, my friends. And warm.

And before I go, I can't resist another vintage puppy picture of my friend, George.

Until tomorrow, then. . .

All I want for Christmas

Hi. George here again.

Dad was taking photos the other day and he told me I was a good subject.

He asked me what I wanted for Christmas.

I think every day is Christmas.

I think I love frisbees. I love love love frisbee.

Mom accidentally threw my frisbee on the garage roof and forgot to tell dad.

But dad fetched it down for me.

He knows I love frisbee.

I love dad. I love mom.

Ok. Gotta go now.

c ya.

George says until tomorrow, mom's friends . . .

The dog speaks

Hello. George here. Mom is letting me do the post tonight because she says she is bogged down with filling out more paperwork for disability for my dad. And she's doing another pill chart for the week for my dad. So she's busy. And now she is watching Survivor with dad.

I think she does too much with dad and not enough with me. I think it should be all about me. I've been bringing her every single toy in my toybox and she has just been dropping them, or not throwing them far. I like it when she throws them far. I like it when she throws them and they land on the furniture and then I jump onto it and bounce off like a ball. I like bouncing all over the place. I don't need caffeine to make me excited. I was born excited. When I sleeps, I sleeps good. And when I plays, I plays really good. Well, time to go. Mom is typing this for me because well, you know why.

Luv, George.

P.S. Mom says she will be back tomorrow. And she says to say "Until tomorrow, my friends." There, I said it.

Beautiful day

I found some pictures on my camera disk tonight, and some of them are great! It looks as though my husband was outside for quite awhile today, playing with George. I haven't seen him to talk to since I left for work this morning, and I got home really late due to a hair appointment after school. AfterI got home and had a bite to eat, I sat down at the computer and looked at all the pictures he'd taken today.

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take a picture of a dog catching a frisbee in mid-air? And do you know how hard it must be to be the one doing the throwing AND the photographing?

Just looking at these pictures makes me happy. Look at this beautiful pup!

And I'm especially glad because my husband's coordination is certainly not lacking. This, in and of itself, is wonderful.

That's all I've got for tonight, my friends.

Until tomorrow, then . . .

Quiet times

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can.

That's almost $7.00 in dog money!

~ Joe Weinstein

But, seriously . . .

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.

~ Josh Billings

PS ~ Hello from George to all his fans.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone. We're just keeping it quiet here. Just George and us.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

A little song, a little dance

First off, the title of this post has absolutely nothing to do with this post. I've just had that song running in my head for a little while and had to get rid of it!

The sunset through the trees this evening was barely caught by me. I'd come home from work at 4:30 this afternoon to find my husband sitting on the porch. I kissed him hello but was sidetracked by the sunset, so I ran to get the camera. It's too early for the sun to be setting!

The picture above and the one of George, below, were both taken the other evening during a walk around the property. This is in the front of the house.

I read so many wonderful blogs and wish I could visit them all every single day. If you're interested in reading, Mental Pause Mama is hosting a book club and the first book is Twilight. Visit her site to find out more. I've just finished it and didn't think I'd like it when I first saw it advertised. Not at all. Bunch of vampires and weirdness is what I thought. But I loved it! It was beautiful.

This weekend, my friends Jeff and Karen are coming out. You've seen Karen (and daughter Adrienne) on my blog before. They've been my friends since I was about 18 and they were just getting together back then. I'm glad they're coming, but my husband is quite sure he isn't up to any company. I think we can be quiet enough to keep him content, and besides ~ it's not only him they're coming out to see. It's been difficult, but I'd rather not complain. So 'nuff said for now.

I saw a fun little meme on Willow's blog. Have you been there yet? It's magical and so well-written. I'm considering myself tagged, as she said. So here goes:

CLOTHES SHOP

I love browsing for clothing and always have. To see beautiful things makes me feel a little better. I usually always shop alone.

FURNITURE SHOP

I have enough furniture and got several pieces from Ethan Allen. The rest is a mish mash that seems to work. I'd really rather accessory shop for decorative items. I love decorating.

SWEETS

I like sweets, there's no doubt about it. When I'm sad or upset, I seem to crave them more. At the hospital recently, I ate lots of M&M peanuts from the vending machines. This was bad.

CITY

The closest big city is either Philadelphia or Baltimore. I'm between both. The city is fun to visit, but I prefer my country home. I have a son who lives in NYC and I LOVE visiting there!

DRINK

Why, yes I do. I love a good glass of wine. Bass Ale is my favorite beer, if I'm so inclined or crabs or pizza are on the menu. But whatever you have is fine.

MUSIC

I love listening to music. Current faves are Jack Johnson and Ray LaMontagne, among others.

TV

I used to watch a lot more TV, before I began blogging. I do watch Survivor every Thursday night with my husband because it's one of his favorite shows. He also likes Dancing with the Stars (don't tell him I told you!!) but he can't remember the name of it, so he calls it The Survivor Dancing Show. He liked that show called America's Greatest Dog but called it The Survivor Dog Show.

FILM

I adore movies. From old to new, I love watching them. I'll always go to the movies with a friend, if they ask. Can't wait to see Twilight later this month. And I'm looking forward to the Secret Life of Bees.

COFFEE

Can't live without it. The aroma is a panacea for my soul. That link there is for Rich.

Feel free to consider yourselves tagged as you read this post. I'd like to see your answers, too.

Well, until tomorrow, my friends . . .

Thoughts on George

Play with me.

I promise to be good.

My husband and I were out sitting in the late afternoon sunshine today. My husband was resting in the warm sun and I was reading a book that came today from Daryl (she sponsors a bookswapping site). Thanks so much, Daryl! The book is Twilight and I'm already totally engrossed in it.

As we were sitting there, tossing a rope toy back and forth for George, we remarked that even though he's only a little over a year old, he's already lived in three different places. We were hoping that he was handling everything ok. When we lived at the farm prior to here, he was told not to come up to the barn every day with my husband becaused he got all the other dogs going.

However, it was the other way around. There were a couple of dogs, one in particular, that was very aggressive and would get George going by trying to attack him.

So George had to stay in the house all morning and then all afternoon.

Well, he doesn't have to do that anymore!

George had always gone to work with my husband. When they were checking broodmares, he would wait in the truck. He's a pretty good dog. When the stallions or other horses would run the fenceline, he would calm them down somehow by sitting there and staring at them until they stopped.

I wonder sometimes if he misses the horses. But he's got plenty of squirrels around here to keep him busy. In fact, the squirrels remind me of something the nuns used to say to me (only sometimes). Kathleen (they would say), you are a Bold, Brazen Article!

And that's what these squirrels are, too!!

Have a great Saturday, all.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

A quiet existence

It was a beautiful day here in Maryland and I spent it unpacking all my linens and setting up the master bedroom to my liking. I also worked on a small project for school.

My husband got the hedge shears and trimmed the vines from the breakfast nook room. He's unbelievable sometimes, but he took it real slow and I think it made him feel good to contribute.

George spent the day chasing squirrels and let me tell you . . . he's in doggie heaven here because he's hit the jackpot for squirrelville. They're ubiquitous little fellas! And Rich, if you're reading this, I put a link just for you so's you don't have to look up that word. I know that vocabulary is your passion and, like you, I don't think a day should go by without using new words and learning their meaning. It's fun, isn't it?

You'll also be glad, or surprised, rather, to hear that I am actually doing the cooking every night. Regular readers know that the real chef around here is my husband, but I'm letting him take it easy right now. I'm sure he'd just love to cook our meals (not really) while I play with pictures in Photoshop, but I am just such a good wife (again, not really) that I'm donning my June Cleaver apron every afternoon and whipping up gourmet meals (I won't even say it again) for my husband and our son.

Actually, I've been doing surprisingly well. Every meal this week has been met with good reviews. I've made some nice breakfasts and dinners and tonight I even julienned the carrots. Ding dang diddly! I just don't know what's gotten into me. Oh, wait. I do know. It's this kitchen! I am in love with the kitchen in this house, and it's not just because of the pink countertops. Well, really, it's despite the pink countertops and the stovetop with the mind of its own. It's just a good feeling that emanates from this room. (Another gift for Rich).

After seeing the kitchen picture, I realized that I probably should have straightened it up some but what the heck.

Saturday I will be seeing my entire family and I'm really glad about that. It's the memorial service for my father and we'll all be together. My husband will be staying home because that would just be way too much for him. His folks are coming out to spend the day with him.

So, until tomorrow, my friends . . .

My favorite colors

I took a walk this afternoon in the autumn chill. George loved it, but got hit on the tail end by a falling walnut at one point. He probably thought I did it!

I love the colors of autumn and found these leaves to share with you.

I'm still wearing the big boo boo bandage on my finger, and even though I type a lot for a living, it's amazing how my middle finger has taken over and is now in charge. If I could write poetry, I'd write an Ode to My Middle Finger. In this poem, I would lament the things for which I've used this digit in my past. Like the time the trucker in the 18-wheeler tried to run me over. He backed off after I opened the sunroof of my Volvo and used my middle finger on him. I don't do that sort of thing anymore, however.

But I would like to publicly thank this hardworking finger. It's taken over and has earned my respect.

Back to the colors of fall, however. Black and white is also one of my favorites.

Do you see that tail wagging? Oh yes, this is a happy dog.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

Into our hearts

I was just thinking that it's been a year ago since our beloved border collie, George, came to live in our home. My husband had been missing our former border, Ralph, and was thinking of getting another dog.

When Ralph passed away, my husband swore he'd never own another dog. And for a year, nothing was said about acquiring one. But then, slowly, talk about a puppy would occasionally enter the conversation.

For over a year, I threw every excuse at him. I reminded him how much trouble a puppy was going to be. And the fact that we'd need a fence. And how we wouldn't just be able to fly to Paris on a whim. And we'd have to plan our vacations and trips around the fact that we had a dog. And you know I was kidding about the Paris thing, right?

We fell in love with George right away. And even though he gave my husband a difficult time in the beginning, especially when it came to training him, they are the best of pals now.

I will add here that he never gave ME a difficult time while training.

I am so glad he is in our lives.

George gets a new toy and I get an award

I took a different route home in order to stop at the Hallmark store and I happened to drive by a pet store. I realized that I hadn't bought George a new toy for quite some time now and so many of them are getting pretty ratty, so I turned my Honda Element into the parking lot and went in. I came out a short time later with a couple of fun new toys and a new ID tag for my favorite dog. When I came home, my husband was doing the dishes. You have no idea how much I love seeing a tall, strapping man doing the dishes. And then he started getting out pots and pans to begin cooking dinner and I had to get outa there before I just got way too excited! I took George outside and let him choose one of the toys. I tossed it and he caught most of them and kept bringing them back for more. These pictures are not blog-worthy as far as I'm concerned, but they're all I got tonight! It is pretty difficult to toss and snap at the same time and there was no way I was going to disturb the dinner process by asking my husband to come out and toss while I snapped photos. Then it was walk time and George decided to bring his new toy with us, dropping it just ahead of me so that I could keep picking it up and throwing it to him. By the end of the little 20-minute walk, he was tuckered out. And as I'm writing this, it's an hour and a half later and this dog is STILL playing with this toy. He loves it!


And now on to the award. Ever since I started fooling around with the little black box, I've been getting visitors from all over the globe on both this site and my Picture A Day photography blog. And some of them are becoming regular visitors. Hello to all of you. Yes, you out there. You know who you are. One such visitor is Suzy at Soo's Stuff. She hails from Cornwall in the UK and has a couple of brand new puppies. I also must mention her vacuum. It truly has a personality of its own. Suzy has bestowed the "I Love your Blog" award to me. And I am thankful. I received another one of these last month and will add this to my collection of wonderful awards. And because I've already sent this award on to three deserving other bloggers, I have decided to be lazy and not pass on, but I will say that I love all the blogs that are on my sidebar here. To me, they all deserve this award.

Until tomorrow, my friends.