Otis ~

I found myself on my blog today mainly because I wanted to do a posting on Otis.  This summer, July 11, 2016 to be exact, our Otis crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.  Dear sweet Otis is no longer with us and we miss him so much.  He has been the most wonderful companion, loving pet, and he made us so happy. 

And now he has crossed over to be with his brother, Riley, where he is, I am sure, happy, pain free, and playing to his heart's content. That's how I see him.

These two boys have been a big part of our lives for many years and they will be in our hearts forever. 

Love you both always and miss you terribly. 

 Otis and Riley

'There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.'

To blog or not to blog

 

 

Hello my dear friends, I'm back.  I know....it's been awhile.  I have been trying to decide whether I want to continue blogging or not to blog at all.  Ever feel that way?  I don't have very many creative projects left to share anymore as I did when I first started back in 2007, but I still like to come here and read and browse and see what all has happened in the years past.  Time changes, our lives change.  We get older.  

 



You will probably find me from time to time putting my thoughts down here and to say hello.  Otis and I are doing well. 

 

Until then... 

 

Winter nesting

 

 

Being a spring and summer kind of person, it's hard for me to get through the winter time.  Today is cold, rainy and dreary, as it has been for awhile.  I push ahead on days like this.  Feeling confined to the house, my nesting gene will usually kick in.  A little decorating, maybe rearranging my dish cupboard, watering my house plants, or baking a pie. 

 

 

 

 

Hubby and I have an ongoing scrabble game, a puzzle on the dining room table, and lots of books to read, not to mention time spent on the computer ~  Pinterest can be addicting as I check out all the home décor, gardening ideas and recipes. 

 

 

 

  Napping is a part of winter time nesting, too.  At least Otis thinks so. 

 

Looking forward to spring, how about you? 

 

 

January cold

 

Hello my friends and family.  How are you?  I realize it has been a while since my last post, and here it is, mid January already.  Not very much has been happening at Mourning Dove Cottage.  The January cold has hit us and we have been having dreary gray rainy weather...day after day after day, but this morning, there it was, the sunshine!  What a nice surprise.  The months of January and February tend to get me down and I find I would rather like to hibernate with the bears until spring comes.  I filled the bird feeders and Otis and I enjoyed the warm sunshine for awhile. 

 

I am reading "The Shoemaker's Wife" by Adriana Trigiani.  Most mornings I curl up with a good book by the fire and a nice hot cup of coffee.  I've also been cleaning out and organizing closets and cupboards, and doing some redecorating after the holidays. 

 

Maybe spring isn't too far off.  I have hyacinths starting to bloom in a pot in the garden. 

 Until next time....

 

Christmas

Christmas will soon be upon us, my friends.  There is a flurry of activity at our house as we get ready for the holiday.  What a joy to spend time with family ~ and this year, our daughter, Amy, from NY, and Bruno and the two grandchildren, Esmé and Felix will be coming south!   We don't see them very often, so this is a real treat.  And, of course, our oldest daughter, Jen, and Rob, and granddaughter Maddie, will also be here.  I couldn't ask for more!  

Our tree is decorated, most of the shopping is done, and gifts are wrapped.  The stockings are hung..... one for Esmé, one for Felix, one for Maddie, and one for Otis.  
That gives me time for cookie baking and a few more decorations here and there.  

This time of year I like to cozy up by a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the the pretty lights of our Christmas tree before the celebration.  

I hope all of you have a wonderful and joyous holiday!  And as we go about our activities and preparations, let us not forget the really true meaning of Christmas.  

  

A road trip for our anniversary

 It's our anniversary today!  Galen and I have been married for 43 years!  Yep, 43 years!  Hard to believe!    
We thought a road trip might be nice and we could take Otis with us.  Our destination:  Black Mountain

We started out early Tuesday morning and headed west driving toward the mountains on route 64.  

We passed through some wonderful little towns~ Asheboro, Lexington, Mocksville, Taylorsville, Lenoir, Statesville, and Morganton.  Tree lined streets and great little shops.  

We ate a picnic lunch under a pavilion in a church yard.  

Otis almost had my sandwich!  

Silly dog.  

 The second day we travelled through Forest City, Rutherfordton, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, and finally to Black Mountain.

 

Unique flower bed!  

Winding roads.  

At the end of each day Otis was exhausted!

 This mountain range above is called Seven Sisters (at Black Mountain). 

 The town of Black Mountain ~  

Great shops, and restaurants that are "dog friendly"!  

We enjoyed sight seeing, nice walks, shopping, museums, and good food.  It was a great way to celebrate our anniversary!  

'till next time,