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.'

Double frames

I was happy to find these double picture frames at Goodwill the other day, and for only $1.00.  And guess what I had in mind for them?  

Yes, Otis and Riley.  These are prints that I made of my original paintings.  

My two very special boys.  And even though Riley is no longer with us, I look at his sweet little face and am reminded of all the good times we shared.   It's hard to think about one without the other ~ that's why I was happy to find a double frame like this.   

 

A mosaic garden stone

and this one is for Riley.  

I have done other mosaics in the past for the garden, too.  It's such an enjoyable craft and once I get started I want to do more and more.  You can see my welcome stone here.  Another garden stone here (a blue one).  A yellow mosaic birdhouse here.  And a mosaic bird bath here.  

I've also done mosaics on terra cotta saucers, here and here.

I made this garden stone red for Riley because when he was just a pup the breeder painted his toe nail red so she could tell the pups apart.  There were six in the liter, Otis included and he had his toe nail painted purple.  So ever since then we always bought Riley red collars, red leashes and red sweaters.  

He was always red.  And so, the red garden stone.  

Riley

Hello, my dear blogging friends.  I am so sad to be posting this, with tears in my eyes,  but I want to let you know that our beloved Riley has died.  He died on Thursday, May 2.  We had his wonderful presence for 12 years and loved him dearly.  You can't imagine how much I miss him.  

He was a good companion, he made us laugh, he was friendly and obedient and was always by his brother's (Otis) side.  They were inseparable.  Otis misses him.  

We will now cherish the wonderful memories of him in our hearts, always.  

I love you, little Riley.  

I love you and miss you.  

You will be forever in my heart. 

Welcome spring

finally...

spring has sprung and we've been basking in the warm sunshine here in the south, temps have reached into the mid 80's this week.  I am hoping the gray days of winter are now over and gone.  

My new red Jolly Clogs came in the mail last week just in time for some spring gardening.  I am loving these new clogs.  The last pair of Jollys I had lasted over ten years.  

So I've been digging in the dirt.  It's always great therapy being in the garden, something I've really been needing lately, since the last few weeks I've been feeling out of sorts...thinking post breast cancer thoughts, I guess, and not very happy, trying to stay positive and letting go of last year.  Maybe it was just the bad weather.  

Things seem better now and sunny days ahead.  Otis and Riley are loving this warm weather too!  

Sunshine, flowers and warm weather 

can do absolute wonders for the soul.  

What have I been doing?

Trying to stay warm, mostly.  It's been so cold the past few days I find myself (and Otis and Riley) sitting by a warm fire in cozy blankets.  I celebrated my birthday on Sunday and Galen bought me the most beautiful pink tulips!  They remind me of spring and I yearn for springtime weather and working in the garden.  

We had a bit of snow on the weekend and it was so pretty.  Big fat snowflakes falling from the sky.  It didn't last very long but it was nice to see.  My youngest daughter, Amy, and Bruno and Esmé (our NY family) are coming down this weekend to visit.  I can't wait to see my now five month old granddaughter, little Esmé!  I haven't held her since she was a baby.  We are all really looking forward to this.

So cleaning is on my list this week, along with some cooking and baking.  Isn't it funny how the house gets a good cleaning when visitors come.
Have a good week, everyone!

Quiet week....

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays it's nice to enjoy a peaceful quiet week at home.  I just finished reading "The Golden Cup" by Marcia Willett, and ready to start "The Way We Were".  Love cozying up by the crackling fire with Otis and Riley snuggled close to me.  

This weekend I will start preparations for our New Year's dinner.  The family is coming and I will be hosting.  Pork and sauerkraut for good luck!  

See you in 2013!  

Our December garden

You'd never know it was December by the warm weather we've been having.  

Flowers are blooming in the garden like it's still summer.  

....just enjoying the warm sunshine while we can.  

O Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree is up and decorated.  

Reds and pinks and golds....santas and bells, snowflakes and icicles.

 

  

Lots of shimmer and shine!  

I love it when the tree is all decorated.  

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  

And Otis and Riley are enjoying the holiday 

and a peaceful evening.  

The Christmas mantel

Happy December, everyone!

While travelling home from Pennsylvania over the Thanksgiving holiday Galen and I decided to take the "scenic" way home and avoid 95 as much as possible.  Travelling along the back roads we were able to enjoy all the bright Christmas lights and decorations that were on display and enjoyed the Christmas music in the car.  

I am now in the Christmas spirit and ready to decorate Mourning Dove Cottage for the holidays.  

I always start with the mantle for some reason.  Maybe it's the easiest place to start.  

  

I decided to make it simple this year with two hurricane lamps, candles and a white ceramic and gold angel.  I wrapped the greens with a light mauve and gold sheer ribbon and added some red berries.   

It gives off a warm glow at night when the candles are lit.  

I hung Otis and Riley's stockings (my two very spoiled dachshunds), and I'll be adding the granddaughter's stocking soon.  (I have to buy new ones this year.)

So, while I enjoy my coffee by the warm fire this morning, I am thinking of new ways to decorate the tree and the dining room and the kitchen and the outside and all the other nooks and crannies in the house, not to mention the outside.  

The boxes have been brought down from the attic.  

Now I just have to find a place for everything and let my creative juices flow.  

How about you?  Are you in the holiday spirit, and have you started decorating?